A WEEK TO REMEMBER!!

What a week! I lost my car keys last Sunday afternoon. We were ready early to go to Red Deer to hear the bluegrass band, The Lonesome River Band. We searched for half an hour for my keys before we finally gave up and looked for a spare set. We made it to the concert just in time and had a great evening. The band gave a very professional performance with excellent instrumental work and vocals. The band had their misfortune, too. All their music was tied up in Customs so they had nothing for sale. I for once had remembered to bring cash to purchase a CD. Oh well! I used my cash to update my membership in the Waskasoo Bluegrass Society. I know I won't attend every event but I do believe in supporting live music.

I used my spare set of keys all week. It was a busy week so I didn't want to take time to search for the set I had lost. During the day I was totally engaged within the classroom. My classes are full of young energetic men who are working hard to achieve their goals. I am kept busy with one-to-one tutorials, marking, planning, record-keeping, and report writing. The days absolutely fly by. ( I am so looking forward to two shutdown days, tomorrow and Tuesday, for some catchup time!!) After hours I was preoccupied with organizing photos, books and card for Evlyn's retirement party on Friday night as well as tickets for a celtic concert in Bearberry next weekend.

When I got on the road to work on Friday morning I realized I had left my purse at home. I had remembered my lunch, extra clothing, shoes, jewelry, books, card, Barb's poem, and tickets......BUT I forgot my purse!! It was too late for me to go back home for my purse.

We began Ev's retirement party with a buffet dinner at The Flames. Judy and Barb paid me for their Bearberry tickets so I had money for my meal. After dinner we headed to Pat's for the rest of our festivities. We began the evening with a staff recitation of Ode to Evlyn written by the multi-talented, humorous, and creative Barb. Barb then presented Evlyn with the staff gift, a copy of the first edition, unabridged Dorothy Parker and an album of staff photos dating back to when Ev first began working for Excalibur seventeen years ago. Ev was then presented with a basket of mostly recycled books organized by Judy. Ev was visibly touched by the staff performance and her gifts. She thanked us all in a most eloquent and gracious manner. Then it was time for dessert. Pat had ordered a beautiful cake in the shape of a book from the local Co-op store. She had also prepared a refreshing punch, coffee, and had Diet Coke for Ev.

In my usual form, I was last to leave. I had one last coffee for the road. Ev had forgotten her Diet Coke so I offered to drop it off on my way home. I did this, spoke briefly with Ev, then took off for home. Heading west of Innisfail I noticed the flashing lights of a police car in my rearview mirror. I pulled over. It turns out that I had been speeding in town, 78 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. I must have been totally 'zoned out' as I don't recall speeding. I am usually very careful with my speed in residential areas. I was rather embarrassed. It is about twenty years since I last had a speeding ticket! Fortunately the very pleasant police officer did not give me a ticket for not having my driver's license. (It was at home in my purse!!) He advised me not to forget it again. I told him that I would try but that remembering was an issue for me. He wished me better luck.

Helge checked out the cost of a new set of keys. It would be $130.00. I didn't need this expense on top of my $166.00 speeding ticket. Thus I began another search for my keys yesterday. I got excited when I saw my red bib apron, as I realized that I had probably been wearing it while I was scurrying around cleaning last Sunday. I checked the pocket. Sure enough, my keys were there. Whew!

Moral of Story: It is okay to be busy but don't compromise your rest. One's head is so much clearer when one has had enough rest!!

Quebec: Day 2/3

Theatre: Les Miserables was showing.

This angel is a real person.

Part of the wall

Grain elevators

Chateau Frontenac in background

Murals

We loved the white hydrangeas we saw everywhere in Quebec.

Alice at harbor, first stop

Alice and our friendly bus driver

City Hall

Sunday breakfast at Saint-Bernard

Sunday, August 2nd: After our lengthy travels the day before, both Alice and I were ready for a rest. We had no food in our fridge so we went out for breakfast at Saint Bernard Resto-Pub, Mont Ste. Anne. This particular restaurant serves breakfast only on weekends. We enjoyed our meal and were happy we had taken the advice of Johanne the very lovely resort tour guide. Later in the day we bought a few groceries (eggs, bread, muesli, yogurt, milk, coffee, fruit) so that we could start each day with a good breakfast and have some food for snacking on hand. Was this the day we went to a presentation by Joanne on what to do in the area?

Monday, August 3rd: We boarded a small bus at our resort and went to Quebec for a tour of the old part of the city. We had a delightful bus driver who not only was knowledgeable about the area but also had a good sense of humour. Our first stop was below the wall where we had a great view of the Chateau Frontenac as well as the grain elevators on the St. Lawrence. Next we made another stop below the wall in an area of restaurants and shops. We were given a short period of time to check out the area. We went inside Quebec City's oldest church, admired murals painted on outside building walls, and enjoyed getting the feel of Old Quebec. After this we went back to the bus and were taken inside the wall. We stopped at a vantage point where we had a good view of the St. Lawrence and could also see the Citadel. We later drove inside the walls of the Citadel. It was interesting to hear that although Montcalm and the French built the fort to defend themselves from the British they went outside the walls to battle the Brits. It seems they took the battle away from the city in order to protect the people living there. Both Wolfe and Montcalm were killed in battle and both lost about the same number of men. In negotiation, the British were declared winners. Later the Citadel was effective in protecting the British when they were attacked by American forces. Today the famous Quebec Vingt-deuxs reside within the walls of the Citadel. We were dropped off in front of City Hall and had two to three hours to explore on foot and have lunch. During this time we ate lunch at a crepery, had a ride on the Funiculaire (chair lift) from above the wall to below the wall and back, and took in some live street entertainment. Old Quebec City was enchanting and we certainly could have spent all of our holiday in that city. Another interesting note: Laval University was originally in Old Quebec City, not far from the Chateau Frontenac. It was later moved except for the Faculty of Architecture which remains in Old Quebec as there are so many examples of French and English architecture.

Note to Crystal K.: Your comments are appreciated. Thank you! I tried emailing you with your address from your blog but got the reply 'invalid address.'

Quebec: Day 1

View from our accommodation
Alice in our kitchen/living area

On Saturday, August 1st, Alice and her friend Cara picked me up at Laurel's house in Leduc, and we headed for the International Airport close by. (Helge had taken me to Laurel's the night before. Laurel had invited us and Lee and Marian for Friday night supper. It was great to have some quality visiting time with them. I was sorry to hear about cousin John's health issues.) We left the airport at 10:00 a.m. and arrived in Montreal at 3:45 p.m. Our travelling companion was a very pleasant teen who was returning home to St. Saveur after having visited his father in Edmonton.

Alice had arranged a Hertz rent-a-car through AMA to be picked up at the airport. The shocker was that the price was more than double what AMA had quoted. About 30% was tax: GST, PST, municipal tax, airport tax. Insurance was a huge chunk, about $400. Since we had not rented in eons we did not realize that we could have arranged insurance for a rental through our regular provider or that some credit card companies cover rental insurance. (We will have to look into this.)

Our rental vehicle was a small but cute blue Toyota Yaris. I took the wheel, whilst Alice navigated. (We had played these roles many times in the past, so this felt comfortable for both of us.) Our first challenge was getting out of Montreal. It took a bit of running around in circles, but we eventually made it. We headed east on Highway 40 on the northern side of the St. Lawrence. It was a beautiful drive. One of the exits along this highway was to Trois Riviere. We decided not to stop anywhere as we might have trouble getting back to the #40 and we wanted to reach our destination before dark. We arrived at Beaupre just as darkness was falling. The exit we were to take to Mont St. Anne to our accommodation was blocked by construction. We went straight through the intersection and turned around, taking the exit from the opposite direction. We arrived safely at our destination between 8 and 9 in the evening. After checking in, we ordered a late supper at the on site restaurant. Our pizza had too much cheese but it was good to eat after so many hours without any food or water.

Four Month Review

REVIEW IN PICTURES

Peace River: Shaking hands after adult's games is what the kids love best!
Parker, future hockey great - love soother/stick combo!

Spencer at Kindergarten Grad: Look at that focus!

Madison at Danish Canadian National Museum grounds

Three generations: Jonas, Melanie, and Alice at Vanessa's Baby Shower
Nadine and Makai at V's Baby Shower

Madison and Vanessa at V's Baby Shower

Genesis with Grandma Alice at V's Baby Shower

Vanessa's son Zech at her baby shower

Love my begonias

Judie and Barb at Innisfail Historical Village

Elaine and Inez Kimber on steam train

Marlene, Nola, Neil, Auntie Janet

Beautiful U of A Campus

Helge and Madison for Helge's 66th Birthday

Elaine, Joyce, Connie, and Cathy at Compassion House

Sonja and Elaine at Festival Place, Sherwood Park

Belgravia Books and Treasures

REVIEW IN TEXT

April Highlights (last half):

1. A most enjoyable visit from John Stone - artist, neighbour, and friend. John shared many of his past memories. He told us of a pet heifer he had as a child. Times were tough and the family needed to sell some cattle. Sadly the pet was the one the buyer desired. John always had a way with horses. As a young child he often sat on the plough behind the horses. When finished his work for the day he would be covered in dirt. In the early eighties John had about a hundred Arabian horses. Hard times meant having to sell. The amount of money he got for his horses was a mere fraction of what he had anticipated. John told of a horse that did tricks including standing on his hind legs. That horse was eventually sold. John later visited the horse at its new owners in B.C. It had become tired of performing tricks. The horse recognized John immediately and was more than happy to perform for him!!

2. Grand re-opening of Ravenwood Meats. This was an enjoyable day with good food, visiting friends (Maxine from Lazy M), and listening to music especially Allen Christie.

3. Dancing in the new James River Hall to the music of Allen Christie and Friends. Allen is a very talented local singer-songwriter.

May Highlights:

I had 20 days of radiation treatment at the Cross Cancer Center in Edmonton. Treatment was on weekdays only so I was able to go home a couple of weekends. During my time in Edmonton I stayed with Kai and Sonja at Kai's place. The exception was the one week that I stayed at Compassion House.

1. Visits with Auntie Janet, Nola, Neil, Marlene, Nadine, Franco, Aolani, Makai, and Theresa.

2. Compassion House: I enjoyed my stay at Compassion House, especially visiting with other people in a similar situation to my own. I did some beading with a Wellness Group that meets at the house once a week. I received beautiful gifts that had been donated to Compassion House: a raspberry prayer shawl and a mauve fan-and-feathers afghan. I had a fun evening of karaoke with Sayler Reins' daughter.

3. Belgravia Books and Treasures: The Cross Cancer Center was within walking distance of Compassion House so I enjoyed walking to the center whilst staying at the house. My most exciting find on this walking journey was this wonderful secondhand bookshop.

4. Checked out two beading/craft stores: Bedrock Supply recommended by Jackie Cooper and DeSerres at West Ed recommended by my niece, Vanessa. Crimpz Bead Boutique at Sherwood Park is on my 'to do' list.

5. Spent a day with my colleagues at the Excalibur Conference at Lister Hall. I also enjoyed a walk around the U of A (my alma mater) campus.

6. Celebrating Helge's 66th birthday. I tried a new recipe from Canadian Living we enjoyed: a lemon coconut cake.


June Highlights:

I laid low in the month of June. About a week-and-a-half after I had completed radiation I experienced some unpleasant side effects, including mucus discharge and large areas of exposed skin. My chemo oncologist, Dr. Tarakandirwa prescribed an antibiotic for me. This helped the healing process immensely.

1. We enjoyed a trip to Peace River and spending time with Jarl, Rebecca, grandsons Spencer and Parker.

2. I enjoyed a trip with the Caroline Red Hatters on the steam train from Stettler to Big Valley. We had a superb home-cooked meal at the Hall in Big Valley and had a small amount of time to look around. I purchased some homemade fudge and bread. I was impressed by the little antique shop in Big Valley and would like to return to spend more time there. I would also like to get a picture of the blue church.

3. Helge, Madison, and I enjoyed a tour of Sanctum Retreat given by Kristoph Dobrowolksi. Sanctum Retreat was founded by Kristoph and his wife Mariette, Catholic theologians and classically-trained musicians. It is located 4km west of Caroline and offers retreats for women, men, 12-step participants, clergy, etc. (See http://www.sanctumretreat.ca/) Sanctum Retreat is looking at the possibility of building senior accommodations on their property. Seniors thrive in an environment where they are connected and feel useful. They could help out at Sanctum by watering plants, baking or helping in whatever area they have interest.

Kristoph was a delightful host. We were invited to stay for supper in the Solarium dining room. Madison played outdoors with K&M's son who is close in age to her. Kristoph gave me a CD "Lilies of the Field," a presentation of scriptures set to music. He produced it for his Mother who also had breast cancer. (I was surprised to discover that a few Caroline locals had been working at Sanctum for some time, including Carmen Kanten, the wonderful cook. Carmen was one of the first people I met when I moved to Caroline. She is a neighbour, married to Oscar Kanten. She is originally from Puerto Rico and is a beautiful person inside and out. She lost her lower leg to cancer at the age of 15. This has not held her back in any way. She radiates beauty and joy!!)

July Highlights:

1. Madison, our granddaughter spending weekdays with us.

2. Canada Day: Pancake breakfast and parade in Spruce View. Visit to the Wildlife Museum in Sundre (recommended by John Stone.) Beef-on-a-bun and anniversary cake for supper followed by live entertainment (magician and comedian) to celebrate 100 years since opening of Sundre Post Office.

3. BBQ/Potluck at Carolyn and Charles Reum's. Charles' brother was visiting from the U.S. It was great to see Jana, Leilani, and Malia who were home for the occasion.

4. Helge, Madison and I enjoyed Aeblskiver Days at the Danish Canadian National Museum near Spruce View.

5. I enjoyed Friday afternoon tea (July 10th) with Pat, Judy, and Barb at the Innisfail Historical Society.

6. Helge, Madison and I enjoyed Fred Eaglesmith at the Grandview Stage Resort. Opening act was by the very enjoyable Ginn Sisters who also sing back-up for Fred.

7. My friend Judie and I attended performance of the Australian Group Jetty Road at Grandview Stage Resort. I did not enjoy this concert as much as I enjoyed Fred Eaglesmith. The sound mixing was not well done so it was often difficult to hear the voices. In addition, the two female singers were twins so there was little variation in vocal sound. Nevertheless, all were skilled musicians as well as vocalists.

8. Aina, Madison, and I attended a baby shower for niece Vanessa and new baby Genesis Faith, held at niece Melanie's home in Edmonton.

9. Kingman 100-year Reunion: My sister Alice reunited with a former boyfriend, Bill Hafner. It is exciting to share in her joy!! Alfie Myrhe, recalling the influence of the Baptist Bible Camp on his youth, played some old-time gosped tunes on his violin at the Sunday morning service. He also played "Danny Boy" in tribute to my Dad. I was not the only one wiping tears from my eyes!!

10. On a sad note, my Uncle Des passed away in July. He was a gentle spirit with a delightful sense of humour. He was widely read and could converse on a large range of topics.


August Highlights:


1. Two weeks in Quebec with sister Alice and her friend Linda. Another posting for this....

2. Madison spending last two weeks of August with us. She did a week of swimming lessons in Sundre last week (level 3.) She did not pass this level yet but hopefully gained confidence.

3. An afternoon visit from Grandson Spencer who was spending a week or so at the Lenz's, maternal grandparents.

4. Shilo School 100-year Anniversary. Excellent potluck and campfire music with Frank, Dick, and Jo Foesier, Bob Hall, and Merv Taylor.

5. Arrival of replica of Viking ship and Viking reenactment of dress and battles at Danish Canadian Museum in Spruce View.

6. Awareness (through CKUA) of music of Willy DeVille who recently passed.

NOTE: I would have like to have arranged my photos creatively throughout the text but am having difficulty with that process. I cannot get my 'cut and paste' to function in the blogger, and am not sure why. I've done it successfully before. Have I forgotten the process or do I need a new computer?!!

Over Three Months Later.....

The vacation I have been looking forward to for so long is now only two sleeps away!! Alice and I are flying from Edmonton at 10:00 a.m. Saturday to Montreal. We will be spending two weeks in Quebec, the first week near Quebec City and the second near Montreal. Alice's friend Linda Rae will be joining us the second week. Helge is taking me to Red Deer tomorrow for my Herceptin treatment at the Cancer Center. Afterwards he is taking me to Laurel's where I will spend the night. Laurel has asked Leroy and Marian and us for supper so I am looking forward to that, too!

Kingman Centennial: Last Friday evening Madison and I spent the night with her Mom in Red Deer. We left Red Deer early Saturday morning, picked up Alice at Laurel's place in Leduc, and headed for Kingman. We were there in time for the parade at 10:30 a.m. We found a shady spot on the south side of the street, along with Joy and Orville, and enjoyed watching the parade. Madison was kept busy collecting candies that were thrown to the children. After the parade I was talking to my old school friend, Vern Peterson. Madison became impatient so Alice said she would go on ahead with Madison and I could catch up. Vern asked me to join him for coffee in the Museum. Alice and Madison came back to the museum to find us. We ended up spending a couple of hours in the Museum. We enjoyed visiting with old friends of my parents, Quong Mah and his wife. I was happy to meet an old school friend, Seem Mah, for the first time in about 50 years. My cousin Fern Bjorgum and her husband Paul came along so we had a good visit with them. (Fern has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.) Jane Ross was visiting with Bill Hafner, whom I didn't recognize at first. She pulled up a chair for me and I joined in . Then I invited Alice over as Bill was an old friend of hers..............

TREATMENT UPDATE

Lots of snow between cabin and tent

The snow is retreating.

Beautiful spray of roses. Thanks, Marilyn!

Has anyone been more spoiled than I? I had an appointment at the Red Deer Cancer Center this morning at 10:00 a.m. for a Herceptin treatment. After my treatment I met my friend Marilyn Martin in the hospital cafeteria for lunch. She treated me to a beautiful rainbow spray of roses as well as lunch. We had an enjoyable though short visit. I feel so fortunate to have had ongoing support throughout my treatment for breast cancer!!

Anna at the Cancer Center printed off my schedule for radiation treatment. It begins on April 29th and ends on May 28th. Treatment is at the Cancer Center in Edmonton. I will probably stay with Kai during that time. Central AB Imaging called today also. I have an appointment for a MUGA scan for May 1st in Red Deer. Dr. Tarakandirwa, my oncologist, ordered the scan. As Herceptin can affect the heart, I am being closely monitored.

After lunch today I went to Carstar to have the right rear-view mirror replaced on my car. The remainder of the body work is booked for June 10th. I'm glad this fits in with my treatment schedule so I won't have to adjust any appointments.

Driving home from Red Deer today I enjoyed listening to an interview with and music by Tom Philips (Men of Constant Sorrow.) It has been a beautiful, sunny day. The temperature at this moment (5:20 p.m.) is +9.

CANMORE, EDMONTON, AND EASTER

THE CANMORE EXPERIENCE:

Alice, Laurel, and Kayli arrived at my place on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 31st to pick me up en route to Canmore where Alice had booked a five-day holiday at the Elkhorn Lodges. Before we left I made a large pot of coffee to fill all the travel mugs, and we all had a snack/lunch. It was a good thing that Laurel was driving her van as some of us do not travel light!! With Laurel's massage table and my clothing and activities for any possible event, the van was almost fully loaded. After leaving my home we travelled straight to Canmore with no stops.

Upon arrival in Canmore we went directly to the Elkhorn Lodges and checked in. We were all impressed by our small but cosy and practically-designed accommodation. Alice and I shared a bedroom with queen-sized bed, ensuite bathroom, and TV. Laurel and Kayli shared a room with twin beds, and a bathroom across the hallway. The kitchen, dining, and living room formed an open area. The living room had a TV and fireplace, as well as a door opening on to a patio.

After we unpacked and got settled in, we headed for Main Street. None of us felt like cooking so ate supper that first evening at Murrietta's. This restaurant is large and on the second floor of the building, at the top of a wide, beautifully tiled staircase. There are large overhead beams and large windows on two sides with mountain views. There are many eating areas including lounge, bar tables by the window, and low tables with chequered tablecloths by the window or not. That first evening my sisters and I ordered the roasted half chicken with maple-roasted yam stuffing and garlic mashed potatoes. It was so delicious and so amply-sized that it provided lunch for the next day.

Day 2, Wednesday: Kayli brought coffee to Alice and I in bed. After our coffee we had oatmeal porridge made by Laurel with Alice's organic oats. Mmmm... Eventually we got ourselves ready for the outdoor heated pool and hot tub which we so enjoyed. After a leftover lunch we headed to town for some shopping. We had afternoon coffee at Continen-tea and bought tickets for the evening's live performance. After that it was more shopping. We ran out of time to return to our rooms to cook supper and freshen up for our evening outing. Thus we had a quick supper at A&W, then returned to Continen-tea. We found a table adjacent to the stage, and enjoyed performances by Ben Sures, and also the Painted Birds. I ordered a chai latte and let my sisters and Kayli sample. Kayli enjoyed it so much that it took some cajoling to get her to return my drink!!

Day 3, Thursday: I tried my hand at some cooking. I made spinach frittatas for breakfast with eggs from our chickens. In the evening I made a bison stew with Helge's root vegies and bison from the Lee family. Again we enjoyed the outdoor pool and hot tub. Laurel had purchased a ball so we enjoyed playing ball games in the water. It was a good way for me to exercise my left arm. When we were indoors we played scrabble online and off, did some origami, and watched TV. Alice especially enjoys her home shows. Again on Thursday, we made time for shopping.

Day 4, Friday: Did we miss our swimming? We went shopping again, and had an awesome lunch at the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company. My sisters and I ordered the soup/flatbread pizza special. The soup was made from maple roasted yam(or squash?) The pizza was baked in a stone oven and was a delightful combination of pesto, spinach, tomato, etc. This restaurant uses organic ingredients for the most part so Alice made a good contact for potential buyer for her organic wheat and oats. Here are a couple of quotes from the wall of this restaurant:

"Choose your farmer with the same care as your pastor, lawyer, doctor, or any other professional." Tom Willey
"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." Harriet Van Horne

After returning to our room to freshen up, we met Fred Majocha and his new wife Val at Murrietta's for supper. (Fred was married to my first cousin Marie who sadly lost her battle with breast cancer three years ago.) Again it was dining at its best. Val and I enjoyed the Bouillabaise. After supper, Fred and Val returned with us to our accommodation where we enjoyed more great visiting. Fred brought his digital photo frame and showed us some pictures of his and Val's travels.

Day 5, Saturday: Alice's friend, Linda (formerly Linda Flemming from Kingman) arrived from Calgary to visit. We all enjoyed the hot tub and swimming pool together. Alice and Linda went to Continen-tea for lunch. Linda said that their chai lattes were the best she had ever tasted!! Laurel, Kayli and I enjoyed leftovers (flatbread pizza, etc.) After Alice returned and Linda said goodbye we once again headed for town. One of our enjoyable activities was wine tasting at the Canmore Wine Merchants. Saturday evening Laurel made a great supper with spaghetti and homemade sauce, steamed vegies, and salad. We enjoyed our meal with wine and fresh bread. Dessert was chocolate-dipped strawberries and Haagen Dazs ice cream.

Sunday, April 5th: Our holiday came to an end all too quickly. We checked out between 10 and 11 in the morning. Then, once again, we headed for Main Street. We had booked the Quarry for breakfast. This restaurant had a contemporary feel. We sat by the window, enjoying the mountain view as well as the bouquet of pussy willows, fresh lilies, and branch with berries. Laurel and Alice said their omelets were the best they had every had. Kayli had sweet french toast made with the restaurant's own homemade challah bread. It was beautiful presented in layers with whipped cream and berries. Kayli was happy she had made such a good choice. I had the chorizo sausage bowl. It consisted of a hash with chunks of potato, peas, tomatoes, spinach, and sausage. This was topped by two poached eggs. The hash combination was not one I would have ever thought of but was phenomenal. Our egg dishes were accompanied by an excellent multigrain toast. Like the challah bread, the multigrain bread was also made by the restaurant. This restaurant was committed to using mostly organic products.

After our breakfast, we did some last minute shopping. Then we went to a book sale at the Canmore public library. We came away with six grocery bags full of books, and craftily managed to fit them into Laurel's van. We then headed for home. It was about 5 in the afternoon when Laurel dropped me off at my home.

It was great to spend some quality time with my sisters Alice and Laurel, and my niece Kayli. The setting was perfect. The holiday was a real treat after several months of treatment for breast cancer, and a winter that is in no great hurry to leave. I indulged in shopping, and enjoyed every moment especially after lying low for so long!! I found a pair of dress pants and a denim suit on sale at Toccata's. I also purchased an overtop (pink/black/white), a dressy t-shirt, a white silk scarf, and a turquoise handbag at Toccata's. At the book shop I found a beautiful lavender cashmere and silk pashmina and more origami books for my collection. Alice and I bought silver pendants handcrafted by Christine Phillipe at one of the local galleries. We also found some treasures on sale at Mementoes. The owner is selling out and heading to Vancouver to study esthetics. The Rocky Mountain Soap Company, the Quilt Shop, and Two Wolves Trading Company were other favorite stops. With so many fun places to shop, and excellent dining, it is a good thing our holiday was so short!!

EDMONTON:
After I arrived home I repacked my bags and watered my plants before leaving for Edmonton. Helge was at Caroline's Rhythm and Rhyme. I was hoping to see him before I left. I left at 7:00 p.m. Talking to him via phone later that evening I learned that I had missed him by minutes. About 15 minutes away from home heading east on Hwy 54 I hit a deer. I saw it in time to swerve to the left so I did not hit it head on. It hit the right rear-view mirror and bounced off the right side of my vehicle. The car was still operational and I was fine so I continued on my journey to Edmonton. I stayed with Kai, Jocelyn, and Sonja while I was there.

I was up just after 5 on Monday morning to allow myself enough time to get ready and to get to the Cancer Center by 8:30 p.m. Although I had not been there before, I found it without difficulty and was, in fact, early. I had a brief exam by Dr. Nijjar, the radiation oncologist. Then I headed to the mould room. There were two mould therapists, Lucille and Diana, as well as a student, Winter. The sink contained a plaster-of-paris mixture. The therapists took strips of fabric about 5 by 20 inches, soaked them in the plaster-of-paris, and covered my chest from waist to chin. The first layer was applied carefully, fitting into every little nook and making sure there were no bubbles. A second layer was added for strength. They scratched my name onto the mould. After about 5 minutes of drying, the mould was removed. I sat up and looked at a very familiar, fine-looking mould sitting on the counter!!

After my appointment, I headed for Whyte Ave. to do some exploring. I discovered an interesting little shop called Arti Facts just north of the Strathcona Hotel. They import exotic jewelry, clothing, furniture, etc. I told the owner David and assistant Tina that I was looking for a source of origami paper. David showed me how to make a flapping bird from a waterbomb base. (The usual one is made from a crane base.) Tina told me that she had a Korean man who doesn't speak any English coming to teach origami to a small group of adults in her home. She took my name and phone number. At another shop, I discovered Troll Beads. Making a charm bracelet with Pandora Beads is on my wish list. I was delighted to discover Troll as well. Both originate in Denmark and have online websites. I guess it is no surprise that I am drawn to Scandinavian design. I went to Chianti's for lunch and who do you suppose I ran in to? My lifelong friend from my Sunday School and school days, Sharon Winder-Nelson. What a coincidence, considering this was only my second visit to Chianti's. She introduced me to Diane Simonson, the daughter of Gladys who was my grade 3/4 teacher. After Whyte Ave. I checked out Southgate Mall. I found a nice deep blue cotton pullover as well as a fuschia/black/white overtop. (After my mastectomy I am looking for necklines that are not too low.) I feel well prepared for summer now except for some casual sandals. Where is Summer?!! Or how about Spring?

I enjoyed a relaxed Tuesday morning. That meant sleeping in, making my own breakfast, talking to Helge on the phone, calling the Innisfail RCMP, and watching Regis and Kelly. In the afternoon I went to visit Auntie Janet. She had her picture window in the living room replaced that morning. We visited and had coffee at her place. Later on, she took me to supper at the new Sawmill Restaurant at Capilano. It was steak night. We both ordered the 5 oz top sirloin. The toppers were free. Auntie Janet ordered peppercorn sauce. I ordered the neptune topper with lobster, scallop, shrimp and hollandaise sauce. We both had baked potatoes and fresh vegies. The dessert of angel food, whipped cream, and berries was included. It was an excellent meal, and one of the rare times I have ordered steak. After our meal we enjoyed a lovely visit with Auntie Janet's friends, Evelyn and Norman Jensen. Evelyn recently underwent a mastectomy also. Auntie Janet had prepared some vegetable barley soup to take to her. When I return to Edmonton for five weeks of radiation therapy, Auntie Janet says she expects to see me every week. I look forward to that as we always enjoy each other's company. I returned to Kai's about 9:30 p.m. Sonja, Courtney, and I then went to the theatre for the late show. They went to their pick. I enjoyed Duplicity with Clive Owen and Julia Roberts.

Wednesday, it was back to the Cancer Center. The first stop was the mould room. The plaster-of-paris mould was used to create a plastic shield. The shield was fitted to my chest. Four pieces of plastic were used to attach the shield to the plastic beneath my back. Each of the four pieces was approximately 2 by 10 inches. A propane torch was used to heat each piece of plastic and then a right angle was made at one end of each of the four pieces. A drill was then used to drill screw holes into the short folded ended of each piece. Each of these pieces was then attached by screws to the piece of plastic I was laying on. The other end of each of these four pieces was attached with chloroform to the shield. The next step was a CT scan with the shield in place. This scan will help Dr. Nijjar plan my treatment. After the scan, I had radiation education with one of the radiation therapists. Throughout this entire procedure, I was treated very well. I always had excellent guidance on what to expect, and where to go next. I am to be notified by April 22nd regarding the start date of my radiation treatment. After my appointment, I met my cousin Marlene at Earl's on the University Campus. Neither of us had had lunch so she treated me. We had a wonderful visit. I enjoyed hearing of her plans for Guyana in July and Open Studies in September.

Thursday morning I left Edmonton. Helge had made an appointment for me at Carstar in Red Deer to have an estimate of the damage done to my vehicle when I hit the deer. (The estimate total was $6079. Approximately $1500 of this estimate is parts; the remainder is labour cost.) Next was lunch, picking up a Recreation Program guide at the Rec Center, and a few groceries at Superstore. Then it was off to Innisfail to file an accident report at the Innisfail RCMP. After that was completed, I bought some more groceries at the Co-op, had some supper, then headed home. When I arrived home, the cabin was empty as I knew it would be. Helge was at the annual REA meeting in Leslieville. By time he arrived home I had unpacked the car, put away groceries, and had some down time. It was so good to be home again.

EASTER WEEKEND:

Easter lilies - what a beautiful fragrance!

On Good Friday, Helge and I enjoyed a quiet day at home. Saturday morning my friend, Judie Doran from Rocky Mtn House, called and asked if I wanted to go with her to the CCHA National Cutting Horse Competition at the Olds arena. This was my introduction to the sport of cutting. I was glad to gain some insight, and hope to watch Judie when she competes at one of the Central AB competitions this spring/summer. Judie treated me to a homemade burger at the arena concession, and to a latte and snack at the Coffee Binge in Sundre on our way home. Another fun day!!

On Easter Sunday we had a lovely Easter dinner with Aina, Madison, and Sonja at Aina's home in Red Deer. (Trevor was in Saskatchewan visiting his sons and mother. Kai and Jocelyn were not there as Kai was on IV three times daily for an infection in his elbow. Jarl and Rebecca and family will be down from Peace River later this month as Jarl has a conference in Banff.) Aina cooked a delicious dinner with ham, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, and grilled asparagas and zucchini. We enjoyed two sparkling white wines. Aina had one by Jacob's Creek, and I brought Bimbadgen, a South Australian wine that I had purchased in Canmore. Appetizers included raw vegies and dip as well as nachos and salsa. Low-fat desserts included a coffee cheesecake, strawberry pie with whipped cream, angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries, and chocolate eggs and jelly belly beans. It was a beautiful, sunny day. We ate our meal at the outside table on the deck. We also enjoyed a fire in the firepit. Later in the day, we enjoyed watching the movie Pursuit of Happyness. I had always wanted to see it so was glad to find it on satellite TV.

Now I'm having a reality adjustment after so much spoiling. That means laundry, meal preparation, washing and drying dishes, etc. Nevertheless, I am happy to have time at home. It snowed last night and this morning. Now the sun is shining and the temperature is +2. The snow is rapidly disappearing. Surprisingly I have not gained any weight with all the good life. I am looking forward to being more active with the good weather. That means lots of walking and some swimming, too. I have an appointment in Red Deer on Thursday for another Herceptin treatment and am looking forward to meeting my friend Marilyn Martin afterwards for lunch.
How blessed I am!!

P.S. I did not take any pictures at Canmore. My battery went a few days before we left for Canmore. I didn't remember that the battery with my digital camera was rechargable, or even that I had used the recharger. I was stuck in a time warp thinking I had to buy a new battery like I did with my old 35mm. What is wrong with my head? Hopefully I can get a few pictures later on from Alice to add to my blog.