BBQ and Firemen!

Well, not a whole lot has gone on these past two weeks. Which is nice at times!

Last Saturday (the 17th), we went to The Grands picnic. This was the casino Brian used to work for for many years. Nice to run into old friends and of course my cousin was there and I hadn't seen her in 2 years. She looks fabulous! Some of the gang hadn't seen me in a few years, so had to explain the story and got some very welcome support.

Last week I was interviewed for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundations for their fundraising letter which thy send out before Christmas. This year, the story will be my story and my picture. I think it is kinda cool. I have gone over a few drafts of it so far. Will be nice to see the final letter once all the powers that be, have a look over it. I am also looking forward to doing some speaking on behalf of the foundation

This Friday was a chemo Friday. Now you know, that I normally take someone with me. Well - this time I didn't - whoops! I had had to fast for 12 hours for a glucose sugar test as my numbers were a wee bit hit. Well, then they give you this horrid stuff to drink - sweet and very carbonated. On an empty stomach. Then they tell you to drink more. So went down to have my chemo, but the nurse suggested holding off as the anti-nausea meds have a lot of sugar in them so that wouldn't help my test. So we waited an extra hour before doing the chemo. Got the chemo done, ate my yogurt and banana and went home. That is when things sort of went down hill. I felt horrid. At one point felt as if I was going to blank out - and there is no real spots to pull over on this particular section of the highway. But made it into Port Moody and pulled into a side street and puked and puked and puked. I phoned Brian to let him know I would be home in a few minutes. Duh- stupid move on my art - should never go to chemo alone - just for reasons like this! I lay down for a couple of hours and just ate some plain noodles for dinner. Even Saturday didn't feel that great, but was ok for Sunday. So, yes, I have my drivers booked for the next two Fridays that I need to go to chemo.

Sunday - our annual bbq - and what a great time we all had. Had a short visit from Samantha and her Mom, Cathy was great to see them both - Samantha is such an amazing young woman and her Mom is keeps the house organized and straight as well as keeping track of where Sam has to be all the time! Including the firemen! How to make your bbq smokin!!!! The little kids loved it, they got to sit in the truck and play with the bells and whistles and horns. Tried on the fireman's uniforms - they were so tiny in the outfits! We didn't have as many people this year which was unfortunate, but there is alawys next year for sure. Think we had, including kids about 55. So down a wee bit but still a lot of fun! And tons of great food - thanks everyone for all the yummy dishes that were brought. And thank you Mike, for the funky bottle of wine from Tunusia - Brian and I can't wait to try it for sure! The kids were in and out of the pool though more just splashing. It will be there for when any of them come over again or when Gammie wants to wiggle her toes in some cool water.

I did have a visit from my home care nurse earlier this week - and she got after me for not managing my pain management. So I did go and see my family doctor she changed some of the meds and it does seem to have helped. I was supposed to have had a visit today from the OT, but so far, she has not appeared. My home Care nurse wants me to have a safety bar put into the bath and she figures she can get it put for free, if there is a recommendation from the OT. And for those of you who hae seen how I have to get into my tub, it could be a a done deal. When I as talking with Jackie my home care nurse, she said that normally you only get put on the palliative care program if you have less than 6 months 0 her comments was, yeah right, you ain't gonna be gone that soon!

My friend Heather had surgery this week, so we are praying that she gets good results and that they can get on with their lives and building a family.

And hoping that Shannon's foot is feeling much better, not a fun place to get a cut - barnacles on a clam shell ripped her foot apart - owie! Sent her home with a bug bag of Epsom salts and hope that made her feel a little bit better!

Well, time to add in some pictures here and then go and have a wee nap!
More in two weeks unless something exciting happens!

It has been an interesting two weeks!

Summer has at long last arrived, a little late, but that is OK, she is here now and almost everyone is happy - I know I am!


Lot of strange flowers coming up in the garden – a huge 6ft free lily – she is beautiful and smells great too. We also have this other HUGE purple flower growing in the back garden. It is large as well – blossom is bigger than my hand and has a think trunk. We are thinking another lily –but who knows and there are a few pictures of her here.



Had a visit with the gals from work two weeks ago - Deb was up from Florida and NJ was about to start her holidays. We had a wonderful visit and lunch at Rogue - which is in Waterfront Station. Beautiful reno for sure!

Sunday, I landed at Lions Gate Emergency department to have my hip checked. Seems I have sciatica. I had been talking with the palliative care nurses over the weekend and they thought I might have a fractured or broken hip. I would think that would be extremely painful. But the pain I had was enough to call Meghan and have her drive me to the hospital. Now in case you are wondering why we drove there and not to my usual Surrey Memorial Hospital, I had a bone scan done on the Wednesday before so figured might as well get it checked there. The young doctor I had wasn’t the friendliest but he got the job done. Sent me for an xray of the right hip and leg. He said it looked good and then I mentioned the bone scan and he took a look at it and said it was OK – meaning no cracks or breaks. He sent me home with an Rx for an anti-inflammatory. The home care nurse came to see me on Tuesday and did a check of me and had a lot of paperwork filled out that hadn’t been done originally. She had a form for me to take to the Red Cross to get crutches and a raised toilet seat. I am slowly figuring out the crutches – sometimes I think they are more of a pain than anything else, but if it helps take the pressure off the hip, then they will have done their job.

Wednesday was my group support day and we had a good day – two new ladies joined us, not sure if they will be around long, as one didn’t have metastatic cancer and the other is 84. But all the power to the two gals!! I then went to a new support facility – Friends for Life. It is a not-for-profit facility – and you can get all sorts of treatments done – i.e. reiki, massage, therapeutic touch, yoga, counseling, hypnotherapy, art therapy and so many other alternative therapies. I will be signing up for a few of them this week. It is in a beautiful heritage home in the West End – a bit of a drive – but worth it I think if I take 2 things in a day. And the view is stunning. They offer brunch two days a week and a family dinner on Sunday.

I saw Dr. Klimo on Thursday after my blood work. He checked me out a little more thoroughly than normal but that is OK. Told him I had been to see emergency on the Sunday. He took me back to his office and together we checked the one scan – there are three spots that have him a little concerned. Not sure if they are breast cancer spots of if they are bone cancer spots. One is on my hip, knee and one on my breast bone which is bothering me a little. When I told him about the sciatica, he said he would refer me to a neurologist and book and MRI. I know I will be seeing Dr. Cameron and should hear from him this week. I feel pretty good for the most part but do have my tired days and I know enough to go and lay down and have a rest.

Friday was my chemo day and nothing exciting happened. Down another couple of pounds which I am happy about and they don't seem to concerned at the clinic, though they are watching it. Got my needles for my injections which I start on Sunday - right, that is today!! And at chemo ran into one of the women I met at the Relay.

I have stepped down from the CCS Relay for Life Steering Committee – time for some new blood in there. I will be doing some volunteer work with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and meet with them on Wednesday afternoon to see where I can fit it. I am looking forward to the new challenge that lies ahead of me – sounds like a lot of fun!

Speaking of the Relay for Life – our total raised according to Division was $685,000 – that is only $25k off of our original total! So thanks to all of those who donated to my team and to all of the other teams. I am still short donations from a couple of people.

We will be having our annual bbq on July 25 and that should be a lot of fun – especially seeing as we are having the Port Coquitlam Fire Department in attendance –wahhhho

Well, that is about it for now – nothing too exciting but not too dull either!

Roni

All good news!

Now how is that to start the blog for a change!

A lot has happened the last two weeks. Went to see Dr. Klimo to get the results of my ct scan, saw him June 21. He asked how I was doing and if in any pain and I said yes, and he said in your right leg! How did he know! 50/50 chance he said. But I also said it was bothering my hip and walking. Patrick and I then went back to his office to actually see the results. He went through my file and asked when I had the last bone scan – February I think it was. He then pulled my x-ray and ct up on the screen. This is the first time I have ever seen them – was never shown them at the cancer clinic. He said there were no malignancies in my abdomen, liver looked good and kidneys were looking ok, as well, the pelvic area looked clean. There were no masses showing in my lungs which there had been previously– what a relief – just lots of “freckles” as he called the small tumours – and from the x-ray, could see that there were a lot of them. But the big ones had gone. He asked how I was tolerating the drugs and said not too bad actually and that I had gotten used to injecting myself. I have a feeling he is going to increase the dosage with doing as well as I am. My bone scan is booked for June 30th and will get the results on the 8th of July.

For Mother’s Day, my three wonderful kids had given me two gift cards to my favourite spa for an hour relaxation massage treatment and for a manicure. What a perfect time for it – just before Matt and Britt’s wedding. Massage was on Wednesday. I had Soo and she was so good. Got a 15 minute steam bath I decided to have mine after the massage – it was awesome! Then off to the waiting room – lemon water as well as cucumber water. The cucumber water was really good today – really fresh and cold. I need I think, to have a massage once a month – sounds like a wonderful plan to me.

My friend Tiberius came for a visit Wednesday – was so great to see him. He was in town only a short while getting his passport updated and lots of other paperwork he needed. He flew off Thursday back to Romania.

Chemo day – went off without a hitch – getting a little boring I think! I lost 3.3 lbs in two week, which they are a little concerned, but I was happy! Gabbie asked if I was trying to drop the weight or if it was because of the chemo and drugs, I said the latter. Other than I had to be there two hours before chemo to get the blood work, the time flew by. I managed to find a purse for the wedding in the hospital gift shop of all places and got it discounted as well. $18 for a stunning evening purse that will get lots of use. Actual time in the chemo chair was about 45 minutes – the chemo itself took 10 minutes to get into my system – they push this one quickly. Getting the pre-meds took longer! Got my needles for my five days of injections. But I was glad to be out and will be back in two weeks.

Then it was time for the rehearsal for Matt and Britt’s wedding. Was short and it will go off so well the day of the wedding. And then the rehearsal dinner, which was held at friend’s of Britt’s family out in Pitt Meadows. It was such a beautiful setting. Great food and friends – was a good evening, though when that sun went down, it was a tad chilly. So the bonfire was lit and it felt so good!

Saturday morning - well, had all the guys here for breakfast at 8am – pancakes and sausages. We sat out on the deck and relaxed and then off the guys went o pick up the vehicles and decorate the hall. I, on the other hand, went for my manicure with Veronica! I went for a totally different look for me on nail colour. I would be wearing a darker blue dress, so I went for a medium blue nail polish with some embellishments on two of the fingers. Looks odd at night time though! Veronica does such a great arm massage – almost as good as her pedicures! So, then it was home again – guys (and gal – Matt had one young lady in his wedding party) back from decorating the hall and the cars. Then it was time to get dressed! Lindsey in the bedroom, the guys in the living room. I ran downstairs and quickly got dressed – and the bathroom time upstairs was a hoot. The guys took more time fixing their hair then Lindsey and I did doing our makeup!!!

Brian left in one of the vehicles to go and get the bride and her maids. Russ drove the other vehicle with the guys. Patrick and I went in my car. Little bit of chaos getting organized at the firs bit, but then things started to roll along smoothly. The bride’s car arrived and they were told to go away that they were about 20 minutes early. So, Brian drove them up to Bunsen Lake and back. And when Britt got out of the vehicle – she looked so beautiful!

Brian and I walked down to the beach – long way in 3.5” heels!!! And of course we landed on the wrong side of the family – we stood with the bride’s family but that was ok, we were in front and got some beautiful pictures. The wee ones were all so cute – they almost stole the show. But once Britt arrived on the arm of her Dad, Ken – all eyes were on her! The ceremony was short and sweet – and the sun shone on them both – it was so beautiful. Then up the hill for family photos and once those were done, they bridal party left to take pictures elsewhere and the rest of us went inside for drinks and appies. Bridal party arrived back and a wonderful meal followed – one of the best I have had at a wedding for sure. It was a long day, but so worth it.

So, told you, it was all good news! This is all for now. Another report in two weeks.

Relay, Birthday Party, CT and Chemo – what a busy two weeks

It has been a very busy two weeks since my last chemo. And it has just flown by. They say as you get older time goes by quicker – dang, they are right!!

19th Annual Coquitlam Relay for Life was held on June 6. $658,000 raised – pretty good! Best relay in Canada again!!!! And my team, the Country Dancing Boobies did such an awesome job – thank you to each and every one of the team – you helped raise $5700 – proud of the effort by all the team members. And what a beautiful day we had weather-wise. At one point it was 25c – perfect weather for relaying! And a very special thank you being sent to my “pink angel” Bonnie for the beautiful and amazing luminary she had sent down from Prince George for me. It brought me to tears! And we did a lap together via phone as she was doing the Kelowna Relay. Next year, she is coming down to do the relay here. Meghan commented that for 4 relays she has either been pregnant or had a baby at the track. This year with a three year old and a 7month old. We had fantastic music – especially the Crayons – it was their 18th appearance and we hope they keep coming back. And I made the front page of our local paper – ok – I made the banner on the top of the page - . I had my hair shaved off – for me and in honour of Samantha! It feels great!

And of course, the next day – as it has for the previous two years – Ryan’s birthday party. Forgot what the noise level can get when you have 6 or so little kids – they all had fun and that was what was important. Ryan was so cute – one of his first gifts was the big book on Thomas the Train – he sat down and just read the book – could have cared less on the other gifts he got. Though think he clued in later in the day. Meghan and Corey decided that next year – birthday party at a kid’s party place – kids can run around and make noise and not bother anyone! Unfortunately his Grandma wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t make it, but Daddy and Ryan went to see her the next day. And Grampa and Nana were on a business trip in Malaysia. Auntie Shannon and Uncle Dwayne got him a noisy toy – as did Uncle Patrick – but all learning toys!!!

Now, last week we got some sad news about my friend Samantha – she is an amazing young lady I met as a roommate when I went in the hospital for my first infection. The doctors at the cancer clinic gave her two months to live. This hit all of us hard. But this gal is not ready to give up and the cancer clinic should not give up on her. She was in the hospital this week for her chemo and we are hoping for some good results from her next scan. I suggested she go and see Dr. Klimo – she has life to gain. Now this gal is battling cancer and is also working hard to raise $30,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation (she has the same cancer that Terry Fox had). I am so honoured to call Samantha my friend! And same goes for her Mom, Cathy – so very glad to have them in my life. Rae and I went to visit Sam in the hospital and let Cathy get a wee break – she is an awesome Mom. By the way, did I mention that she is 19 years old.


Went yesterday (June 10) for my CT scan and met with the other oncologist as Dr. Klimo was out of town. Sasha is young and he is very nice but unfortunately he was running an hour late so my appointment was a little rushed as I had to get to my CT scan. He has ordered the scan from SMH so they can do a comparison. But man, did they ever make me drink water – three 12 oz glasses of water – two of which they didn’t say to sip – I downed them! And then a large bag of saline! I told the one technician that they only had one chance to get the needle in – she went and got an IV tech – told her the same thing – and she did it – thankfully! More pictures were taken than what I normally have had, but, if it shows shrinkage, I don’t mind. And I am thinking positive thoughts! Will do an update if I get the CT results earlier than the 25th.

Today was chemo day. Donna L came with me – what a hoot and what a lot of fun we had. My Neuts are down to 2.37, so will continue the neupogen shots. If they drop again, they may increase the shots to 6 or 7 rather than the 5. Julia was my nurse today – tried to get a picture but she was camera shy. And everything went so smoothly – first time for any of my chemos over the past two years! Wahooooo. Will have to change the time for my next chemo on the 25th and see if I can get it in the morning, as we have a wedding rehearsal to be at, at 4pm. Donna and I were in an out of the chemo room in just over an hour – very impressive. Then we went for a bite to eat at White Spot and just talked and had a good time. Thank you Donna for being my driver and for being a wonderful friend.

Our weather has been wacky – and so hard on the flowers. My lily garden is starting to blossom and the peony plant is bursting into bloom. Hopefully we will get some steady warm weather and then the rest of the flowers will come to life. The rain has been so hard on my roses – they are water logged – poor things! And I want to get out and sit in my garden and soak in the warmth of the sun!

So, that is about all I have to say at the moment! Time to go and have a glass of wine and just relax. Looking forward to your comments. Want to hear how your gardens are doing, your health, your kids, grandkids, pets or just how your life is in general!

Roni

Chemo, Cookies, Ribbons and more....

Hello everyone - from the very soggy West Coast!

Just need to get a vent out. To the person who thought it was amusing to post porn on my blog yesterday - it was not appreciated at all. You insulted me and hurt me as well as it would have hurt others had I not deleted it this morning. This blog is about my cancer journey through life - love, laughter, support, silly stuff, visits with friends from around the world. Do not spoil it!

Ok, now that is out of the way.

Had my chemo yesterday and had Gabbie as my nurse, she is a sweetie. Katya came with me and Patrick did too, so we had a gang. Got the blood work done and then we went down to Londsdale Quay for a while and meandered around there, and yes Shannon, we went into the cook store - Patrick found lots of stuff he liked and so did I - will be visiting there again!!! And then back to Lions Gate. Stood on the scale - down 2.6 lbs from two weeks ago, so they will be watching that a bit. I didn't mind it though! Gabbie came over and chatted and asked if I had brought my Granisetron which I had, and i took my first one then - it is an anti-nausea preventative which I will take for two days. She said that my numbers were a bit low so I would have to stay on the Geupogen till the end of my chemo, so had to call over to the pharmacy and reorder it - $1700 - thanks goodness for drug plans. She the ran saline through me to get me hydrated, then stared their bag of anti-nausea medications - takes about 20 minutes, and finally she started the vinorelbine. Once that was done, got my drugs from the pharmacy and made our way home. Of course there was issues with GWL again, but will deal with that on Monday.

It is cookie baking day today - Meghan, Tamara and Megan are helping make cookies for the Relay for Life next week - butterflies, and flowers. It was a lot of fun. I made the dough earlier in the day so it was perfect by the time th gals got here. Tamara picked out a perfect recipe for both the cookies and the icing! Lots of fun was had - and lots of broken pieces to nibble on (some broken on purpose!!!) And we really didn't eat that many of the cookies, really, we didn't!!! We also got the last of the daffodils cut out and Meghan finished off the ribbons. Just a couple more things to get ready for the relay next week and will do those on Monday and Tuesday. We have at this point 20 team members and I thank each and every one of them for joining - means a great deal to me.


Little Miss Madelynn

Little Miss Alexus


Also picked up more ceramics - the ones that Patrick and I did a couple of weeks back - he is a cool looking monkey and mine is a funky frog - they look great. I want to go back and start picking out Christmas decorations to paint and give to friends and to the nurses. They have so much nice stuff at the store - and not overly priced actually. And the staff are great - for those of you in the area, it is called Club Colour and is on the Fraser Hwy in Langley.

Well, that is about all for now. Will post after the Relay next weekend - there might be some surprises for you!

Hugz
Roni

Balls, chemos, needles and fun shows!

Great introduction huh!

The past few weeks have been a little crazy to say the least. Went to Club Colour with Patrick and we painted some ceramics – mine is a stoned frog and Patrick’s was a monkey. They are fired and now ready for pick up. Great way to spend a few hours with someone and at a relatively inexpensive way.

On the 8th, we went to the 65th Garrison Military Ball held at the Hotel Vancouver. For the most part, it was a wonderful evening. Lots of fun getting to dress up in my ball gown and very sexy heels!!! It was the 100th anniversary of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada as well as the Royal Canadian Navy. We had a great evening, even if it was a bit long. And it is always fun to stay at a hotel downtown and just have a nice time.

I got the results of the CT scan which was one of the last things that I had done through the BC Cancer Agency. They sure weren’t what I was expecting. There are a lot of new spots and the ones that were there had grown. You know it is not good when your doctor calls you on your cell to tell you the news. I told Gary that I would not be coming back to the clinic and that I was going to see Dr. Klimo. I have had two chemo treatments so far with him and am pleased with how things are going. Other than with the insurance company, but that is a whole different ball game. When I went for chemo on Friday, my RBC was low, so I was immediately put on an immune system booster – damn expensive stuff I might add! $1000 for 5 little vials. Thankfully my insurance does cover 70% of it and the Victory Program covers the other 30%. I had a great nurse, Karen and she was a lot of fun and so helpful in explaining new drugs. I am booked till mid August for my chemos, so hopefully between now and then will have had a few CT scans and get good results. Even a small amount of shrinkage will be a welcome bit of news! The hospital (Lions Gate) changed my nausea meds and has me on new meds to be taken the day of the chemo and for two days afterwards. And my family doctor put me on new pain meds which work like a charm. Really happy with that.

This weekend has been busy. Saw Stars on Ice (Canadian version) on Friday night, with Patrick. And then Saturday, on a boat cruise with Shannon for the Canadian Cancer Society Volunteer Appreciation. The weather was perfect – sunny and warm. Then a wee meander through the public market on Granville Island for some cheeses and meat for Shannon’s dinner. Then last night Brian and I went to see Celtic Women – awesome performance. They sing like angels.

Starting to get donations for the silent auction for the Relay for Life on Jun 5. Chantal made and donated a beautiful afghan. Cooks ‘n Corks are donating a gift basket as she has in the past. And Just Fine Wines is also donating a gift basket. We are slowly getting our team together – we have one full team of 15 and working on the 2nd team. Can’t wait – it will be a lot of fun. This will be my last year working on the steering committee for the relay – time for some new blood to come in and take over from the group that has been together for at least 6 years.

My garden is starting to look pretty – some of the flowers are huge this year, as you can see from some of the pictures. I think I am winning the battle with the clover in the front garden – try and go out every couple of days and yank some of it out. I think in the fall, we will pull up all the bulbs and then work the soil and get rid of the clover. Then replant the bulbs along with some that didn’t quite make it into the garden last year and hopefully have a stunning garden again next year.

Well, that is about it I think. Thought there was more, but guess not! Hope to see lots of comments from my friends and I will try and reply back to them all.

A dragonfly, shoes and roses

Hello friends

I know it has been a while since I wrote on the blog last, but lots has been going on and as well, I have not had the feeling that the blog was being read or was of any interest to people.

I have met with Dr. Klimo and he put me on the capsitabine (the oral drug) and will be on it two weeks on and two weeks off. I also had my first shot of faslodix which is the anti-hormonal drug that I will be getting once a month – it slows down the production of estrogen – not that I have much left – LOL! And by the way, the needles for this sucker is about 2 inches long and I am not kidding! If you remember, I was on capsitabine through the Cancer Agency, but at a much higher dosage. I am now on for the first three days 1000mg and then after that 2000mg per day. This is in comparison to 4000mg right off the bat with the agency. I have had mild side effects with this drug – mostly the hands burning a bit and drying out. The feet are just fine! Last Friday, I started the Vinorelbine at Lions Gate Hospital – via IV – doesn’t take long to get it into my system – think getting the anti-nausea meds first took longer! Had some issues with the insurance company and the drug pharmacy that provides the drug to the hospital – had three phone calls during my treatment! Was funny in one way, but stressful in other ways.

The side effects from this drug are nasty – far worse than some of the other chemos –but at least for only a short time. Was sick from Friday until Sunday, so I can handle that – not the greatest way to drop pounds but I lost 7 over the weekend. Gives you an idea how bad the side effects were!

Meghan and Madelynn came with me to the hospital. The nurses loved Madelynn and she was such a good baby the entire time we were there. We found out that she loves to play with napkins and shred them into pieces – it was actually quite fun to watch her!

Next week will be busy for me medically! Supposed to see Dr. P on Tuesday, but I think I am going to cancel the appointment and just get my paperwork from the last month – which will show the results of my CT scan which I had last week. I also see my family doctor for my injection, Dr. Klimo on Thursday to see how I am doing and get blood work done and then on Friday have my IV chemo! See, I told you I would be busy!

Ok, now that we have the medical stuff out of the way! Onto the fun stuff. Shannon took me to a place called Club Colour – a place in Langley where you can paint ceramics. They have just about anything you can think of from frogs to horses, monkeys to lizards, travel mugs and regular mugs, cookware, Christmas ornaments, dragons and castles. It is amazing. And so much fun and inexpensive! I can’t say what Shannon was working on as it is not finished and could be a gift for someone or she might keep it for herself! I went small and painted a dragonfly. Now when you paint your ceramics, you have to put on three thick coats of paint, use the blow dryer on the item. It may sound easy, but the small pieces can be a bit of a pain! And when you finish them, they don’t look that great, but once fired, they look wonderful – as you can see by the picture here. Now, I had so much fun the first time that Patrick and I went today and I painted a stoner frog – you will see him in a few weeks and well, can’t say what Patrick painted as his is a gift for someone! It is an inexpensive way to have fun and just be a kid again. I will be going back a whole lot more!

Now, for those of you who live in the Vancouver area, you know about the annual Army & Navy shoe sale. I have never been! That has now changed. Though I didn’t go opening day – that gets a little crazy. But Shannon and I went to the one in Langley the same day we did our painting. And I got the sexiest shoes for the Military Ball Brian and I are going to this Saturday! 3.5” spike heels with some bling on the toe – they look fantastic – and yes, there will be pictures after the ball! And Shannon bought me some cute little mules – orange and black – they are so cute and so comfy.


Been working in the garden a bit – well more Brian than me, but I will get there. I have been using the weed puller getting rid of the dang dandelions. Brian got his veggie garden going and I got the seeds planted and some of them are starting to sprout. The roses in front of the house are starting to bloom – yes, I said roses!

Getting ready for the Relay for Life. My personal goal is $2,000 and I am just $76 shy of it. The team goal of $10,000 – well, at this point in time, we are a long way off – about $7,000. Hopefully, once we get some more team members, we will raise our goal – I want our team, the Country Dancing Boobies to be in the top 20 teams this year. Have also been busy with the steering committee, my partner Mary and I are getting things ready for the Survivor Tent – not must breakfast, but some fun activities which I think all survivors will enjoy. I know she and I will enjoy them! Also, my friend Rae came over along with Patrick’s girlfriend Lisa, and we cut out about 100 daffodils which will be used at the Relay. We will have to get together again and finish off the last 100 and make some other items which we will sell at the Relay and maybe beforehand.

This Saturday, is the 65th Garrison Military Ball and is being held at the Hotel Vancouver. I love going to this ball – it is very formal and elegant. Men in their dress reds and blues or tuxes and ladies in full length ball gowns. It looks amazing. This year is very special. It is the 100th Anniversary of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy, the 65th Anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and the 65th Anniversary of VE Day. So a lot of pomp and pageantry. The Lt Gov of British Columbia will be there as well as the Dutch Ambassador and his wife from the Netherlands. Lots of military bands will be there. The band that is always there is the 15th Field Regimental Band along with the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders, the British Columbia Regiment Pipe Band and hopefully the Naden Band from CFB Esquimalt. There will be lots of pictures for you all to see in my next blog.

Almost forgot - bad me - but we also went to a wedding a couple of weeks ago - the first of 4 this year. Cam and Kyara got married on the 25th. Cam is Corey's twin. Kyara looked so beautiful and Cam cleaned up very nicely! And Ryan was the cutest little ring bearer, even if he did steal the show at some points! We had a great time and wish the newlyweds a liftime of love and happiness.

Well, that is about it – I am done and time for me to head to bed. Ok, after I attach some pictures here and then bed! Hope to hear from more friends on the blog –I do love to hear from you and it means a great deal to me!
Hugz and love
Roni