Sunshine in Unexpected Places

Yesterday I filed an online application for EI sick benefits. After one hour I had not completed the application but got bumped due to technical difficulties. Luckily one has a code number to get back into the application and a 24-hour period to complete it. By the end of the day I had completed my application. This morning, already, I had a call from Linda at Service Canada in B.C. She said that the B.C. offices were helping Alberta get up-to-date since AB was so far behind in processing applications. She had a few questions regarding my application. Apparently the birthdate on my application and the birthdate accompanying my original SIN application do not coincide. I have to be sure to correct that in person, with necessary ID (especially if I want to receive CPP and Old Age Security when I come of age!) I was delighted to get such an immediate response to my application and to be able to talk to a "real" person who did not let procedures and protocols interfere with "being human and showing compassion."

This n' That

Threatening, yet beautiful August sky

A familiar Caroline August view

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS:

*Edmonton Folk Festival:
1. Memorable performers included C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, The Duhks, Yves Lambert et le Bebert Orchestra, Habib Koite and Bamada, Little Miss Higgins, Joan Osbourne (Of course there would be a longer list if one could only attend every session one wanted to!!)
2. Friday night pre-festival BBQ with friends of Sonja just a few doors away from main gates
3. Spending time with Sonja: tour of Riverside Golf Course where she worked for the summer, lunch at Chianti's on Whyte Ave., shopping in Army & Navy on Whyte Ave. (for old time's sake)

*Central Alberta Music Festival: Especially enjoyed Souljah Fyah (reggae) from Edmonton, Harrison "Sweet Taste" Kennedy (blues), and Ian Tyson (voice showing signs of wear but still a wonderful performer)


*60th Wedding Anniversay Celebration for Lloyd and Mildred Bjorgum in Camrose. Enjoyed visiting with them and their family as well as numerous other friends from Kingman and Camrose including Lloyd and Aurora, Sharon, Wildie, Ioan, Vernon, Mary and Ovel Jr., and Orville and Harold. Following the celebration, Helge and I visited Orville and Joy in their beautiful new home. We were given the grand tour and treated to wonderful refreshments including fresh fruit salad. We really enjoyed the day!!

August 15th Aina and Madison returned to Red Deer. Aina is articling as a C.A. for Meyers Norris Penney. Madison is attending Mattie McCullough School in SE Red Deer. Trevor joined them in September. He is working in a supervisory capacity for Spectre Energy at Content Bridge. Madison has spent a night or two here. In fact, she is here at the moment. She is a great helper in the garden. She takes the initiative to pick peas herself - no prompting from Grandma.


*Jarl spent a couple of nights here as he was working on a subdivision project in Caroline area. Spencer was at his other grandparents' home. He and Jarl had brunch with us on August 24th before returning to Peace River. Jarl started his own survey business in July - Geospark Surveys. "Spark" is named after his and Rebecca's two sons, Spencer and Parker.

*Routine Maintenance: diagnosed with breast cancer on August 22nd; teeth cleaned and checked and molar pulled on August 26th; eyes checked and new glasses ordered on August 26th; appointment with lawyer Kyla on August 26th working on our will

*Farewell Party for Fay at Barb's on August 26th: always a fun time with colleagues.



*Supper at Moxie's in Red Deer with Aunty Bea and Uncle Norm, Helge, Aina, Madison, and Sonja. Uncle Norm sold his truck to an Afghan family in Calgary. They were treated like royalty with fine food and overnight accommodation. They used their time in AB to visit family and friends. They said it is hard to make a living truckin' these days with increasing fuel and brokerage costs.

*Last Day of Work was September 5th: My employer has granted me 8 months' leave which can be extended to 1 year

*Caroline Centennial: 100 years since the first post office was opened by the Langley family whose daughter was named Caroline; enjoyed sitting outdoors on Sunday afternoon with the warm sun on my back, surrounded by gentle breezes, and watching the Native Drummers and Dancers


*September 17th: first day of chemo (see posting)

*Afternoon snacks with colleagues Evlyn, Pat, and Judy at Mountainview in Innisfail. Had an enjoyable time and hated to say goodbye. Will keep regular contact as long as I am able. Studies show that cancer patients with support groups have more success than those without.

*Latest Musical Inspiration: Watched the last few minutes of "The View" the other day and heard Dave Stewart and his Orchestra. Where have I been? I checked his website and was amazed by his bio. My wish list now includes The Dave Stewart Songbook, the Eurythmics, and a recent Annie Lennox.

* Puppies everywhere, 10 of them, cute little German Shepherds ready for sale

The Beginning of a New Challenge

I had my first chemo treatment today at the Cancer Center in Red Deer. Sitting next to me was a man probably about 80 years, Jack Rockwell from Olds. He is a true survivor and a real inspiration. He lost his wife a few years ago. He nearly died in a car accident in 1967. More recently he has had a hip replacement, a pacemaker, cataract surgery and fallen lens sewn into place by Dr. Gimble. He is a diabetic and is undergoing chemo every 2 weeks to try to shrink tumours on his liver before he has surgery. His attitude was basically "you gotta do what you gotta do." As for myself I felt caught between a rock and a hard place. My tumour appeared to be growing and getting harder. Although I have fears re chemo I was more afraid of the tumour spreading if I didn't take radical action. I will do my best to support the treatment with the three pillars: exercise, rest, and nutrition. Once a month "Look Good, Feel Good" comes to the Cancer Center with complementary make-up. They bring wigs for you to try on, as well as various hats. I look forward to learning how to tie on a turban. It is on tomorrow but I am lying low for a few days. Hope to go in October. There are also cancer support groups I can participate in. Yesterday I had a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) inserted just above my elbow. This is like a tap to my vein. This saves being poked frequently in hard-to-find veins. I have to keep this clean and go to Sundre once a week to have it flushed out and re-dressed. The day before my next chem I have blood work done. If my white blood cell count is too low they will postpone the next treatment. My next scheduled treatment is October 8th. If everything goes as planned my third treatment will be on my wedding anniversary, October 29th, and my final treatment on December 31st. I look forward to putting 2008 behind me!!