When I went into Pleasantview this afternoon, Willy was watching/listening to a young woman who I had come across before. I had asked her if she'd be interested to come to Carrington House to entertain the residents. Her reply was curt and annoyed. "I am not an entertainer," she said and went on to say she was a Voice Therapist.
Not being acquainted with what a Voice therapist is/does, I just asked if she had a business card which of course I have mislaid/lost.
She had about twenty residents in a circle and during her singing of many folk and easy to take songs, she maneuvered her chair on wheels towards each one of those twenty people and spoke to them by name! She asked them what friendship meant and did they have a word for it. She had simple songs in that theme where they, even in their distressed state could come in to repeat key words. They tapped toes to the rhym. She gave some a basic instrument - drum, castanet or rattle and they kept to the tune.
She had a rich pure voice and played the guitar softly, softly, keeping the people interested and quiet. So I'm going to ask if she'll come here some time.
The handle of my purse came apart again and as I was trying to fix it I heard Willy say, "Can I help you?" and he took the whole time trying to figure out the puzzle just as he did in the old days even though now he didn't understand why the zippers weren't connected to the strap.
Another thing was, I caught him looking at me like he used to when he loved me.
So it was a good visit.
I'm going to write a letter to authorities about this lady Sharon (manager at Pleasantview)and how they have to offer her a place in the new building because she's one in a million and how can they discard her when everyone loves her and she makes the place work so well? The world and Unions surely can`t be that hard that they can`t compromise on this matter.
Willy moves there on the 13th April. signed letter-writing Doris
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Willy
Brenda called me at 4:30 last night and offered to take me to see Willy.
I was no sooner in the door of his room when he beckoned for me to go close to him in a nervous voice. "I've got to have a ticket" he said. Something about having to go up North and not paying for the motel.
I tried and tried to figure out what he was worried about and what ticket to where but it was no use, I couldn't.
Then he said his money was running out - how could he be using his money for staying there and yet it wasn't running out. He got very upset. I tried to tell him he was perfectly fine with paying his rent and he was safe where he was and he didn't need a ticket. And he said "You've got to believe me!" and I nearly lost it. I was thinking how bad for him to have these hopeless feelings and think that no one understands what he's worried about. My throat closed in and it was hard not to cry.
He told me to wheel him to the dining room even though it was too soon and he continued to try to make me understand what I could not understand so then he got angry with me so I could not stay any more. I should say I WILL not stay when he gets angry, it's too hurtful.
Yes - yes I know it's not his fault but that is how I protect myself - when it gets bad I will leave.
Maybe I should ask them to give him medicine to calm him down. But I think once again, if I miss a few days, even if I've made sure he knows I won't come if it snows, he gets frightened.
I read my typed piece I am to read on 26th March and it's awful. It is stunted and I think I might be being careful about coming across as too simple. I seem to be only good when I'm writing about my average day which is the strangest thing because my average day is just that, nothing else.
signed average Doris
I was no sooner in the door of his room when he beckoned for me to go close to him in a nervous voice. "I've got to have a ticket" he said. Something about having to go up North and not paying for the motel.
I tried and tried to figure out what he was worried about and what ticket to where but it was no use, I couldn't.
Then he said his money was running out - how could he be using his money for staying there and yet it wasn't running out. He got very upset. I tried to tell him he was perfectly fine with paying his rent and he was safe where he was and he didn't need a ticket. And he said "You've got to believe me!" and I nearly lost it. I was thinking how bad for him to have these hopeless feelings and think that no one understands what he's worried about. My throat closed in and it was hard not to cry.
He told me to wheel him to the dining room even though it was too soon and he continued to try to make me understand what I could not understand so then he got angry with me so I could not stay any more. I should say I WILL not stay when he gets angry, it's too hurtful.
Yes - yes I know it's not his fault but that is how I protect myself - when it gets bad I will leave.
Maybe I should ask them to give him medicine to calm him down. But I think once again, if I miss a few days, even if I've made sure he knows I won't come if it snows, he gets frightened.
I read my typed piece I am to read on 26th March and it's awful. It is stunted and I think I might be being careful about coming across as too simple. I seem to be only good when I'm writing about my average day which is the strangest thing because my average day is just that, nothing else.
signed average Doris
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
books
Just finished reading "The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot.
It took ten years of research for her to write the book. It involves this black lady being treated for cervical cancer and the Surgeon taking cells from her without her or her family's knowledge and they proved to be immortal and still live today. Cells usually die quickly so these have proved invaluable for the world to find cures for different diseases.
However, the family never benefitted financially and remain in poverty.
My daughter Laura sent me this book and today another arrived from her in the mail from Amazon. The life of Charles Dickens. It will have to stay quietly for a while until I have read Olivia Chow's story.
I took it to lunch today and it felt like I was having lunch with Olivia right beside me because the writing flows along, carrying you with her.
I still didn't get to see Willy - I'll be consumed with guilt if when I see him he will have deteriorated. It's happened before. But the snow is melting and the temperature is up to 6 degrees so tomorrow will be safer for me (the roads are perfectly clear now though.)
Heard from friend Joyce who had the same experience as me with going deaf due to ear-wax and different doctors not wanting to flush the wax out. She eventually got it done and can hear now.
Why don't they take lessons how to do it properly? What's the hold-up? Guess it's like that one doc. who burst the ear-drum of a lady while doing the procedure but they learn how to do surgery so why not include this job?
Signed Joining the book-worms - Doris
It took ten years of research for her to write the book. It involves this black lady being treated for cervical cancer and the Surgeon taking cells from her without her or her family's knowledge and they proved to be immortal and still live today. Cells usually die quickly so these have proved invaluable for the world to find cures for different diseases.
However, the family never benefitted financially and remain in poverty.
My daughter Laura sent me this book and today another arrived from her in the mail from Amazon. The life of Charles Dickens. It will have to stay quietly for a while until I have read Olivia Chow's story.
I took it to lunch today and it felt like I was having lunch with Olivia right beside me because the writing flows along, carrying you with her.
I still didn't get to see Willy - I'll be consumed with guilt if when I see him he will have deteriorated. It's happened before. But the snow is melting and the temperature is up to 6 degrees so tomorrow will be safer for me (the roads are perfectly clear now though.)
Heard from friend Joyce who had the same experience as me with going deaf due to ear-wax and different doctors not wanting to flush the wax out. She eventually got it done and can hear now.
Why don't they take lessons how to do it properly? What's the hold-up? Guess it's like that one doc. who burst the ear-drum of a lady while doing the procedure but they learn how to do surgery so why not include this job?
Signed Joining the book-worms - Doris
Monday, February 24, 2014
Another day of - you guessed it
Another day of the white stuff and I'm fretting at not seeing Willy. If he'd only agree to have a phone at least we'd say "Hello - how are you?"
He never liked phones. I don't know what he did before he used the one I paid for. He got one when he bought his first apartment and he must have had one when he worked on the mainland. But you never know about him.
I had to make the phone calls to his stock broker for him because they couldn't understand him with his accent and he couldn't hear them. Came the time when they wouldn't accept me speaking for him so I had to write a letter for special permission to act as a go-between. All that time he thought he didn't have to pay administration charges (about 15,000.00 a year) because it was never on the statements (Government doesn't require it) and he thought he was administering it because it was us making the phone calls.
His work friend from year one (Danish) would phone on his birthday and at Christmas and the friend would say "Happy Christmas" and Willy would hand me the phone! He'd say the friend only wanted to talk to me anyway.
The performance to phone his brother or his niece in Sweden had to be early morning and I had to do the dialing. They'd talk for five minutes and when they were finished I'd ask what was new and he'd say "Nothing." He'd figure out the number of minutes used and leave the cash money up to the penny on the table for me.
Paul was phoning last night and said suddenly "Oh my God!"
"What is it? What is it?" I asked ready for anything.
"Ella (his nine year old daughter)has just come through the door dressed up in her mother's wedding dress and veil." he said.
Guess he didn't realize she'd grown up so quickly.
He too was waiting to see if the snow was sticking because he volunteers to snow plow the driveways of an assisted living place and a church - so he can't go to sleep until he knows stick or not stick !
Joy just called to say she went to visit Dario in Nanaimo for the weekend. He's got a pipe-fitting big job and can't get on with it because they have to shovel the snow instead. They were so glad to see each other it was like a honeymoon.
I went to slice up the Olivia Chow book to take to lunch (to read not to eat) and glanced at the beginning. I nearly missed going to lunch because this lady is a natural and her writing flows so well. I'm going to end up loving this woman for the way she writes. "Honesty" comes to mind and as that is the term used to describe both my writing and painting - her work clicks with me immediately.
But I must finish the book on Henrietta Lacks for my evening reading.
signed Disciplined Doris.
He never liked phones. I don't know what he did before he used the one I paid for. He got one when he bought his first apartment and he must have had one when he worked on the mainland. But you never know about him.
I had to make the phone calls to his stock broker for him because they couldn't understand him with his accent and he couldn't hear them. Came the time when they wouldn't accept me speaking for him so I had to write a letter for special permission to act as a go-between. All that time he thought he didn't have to pay administration charges (about 15,000.00 a year) because it was never on the statements (Government doesn't require it) and he thought he was administering it because it was us making the phone calls.
His work friend from year one (Danish) would phone on his birthday and at Christmas and the friend would say "Happy Christmas" and Willy would hand me the phone! He'd say the friend only wanted to talk to me anyway.
The performance to phone his brother or his niece in Sweden had to be early morning and I had to do the dialing. They'd talk for five minutes and when they were finished I'd ask what was new and he'd say "Nothing." He'd figure out the number of minutes used and leave the cash money up to the penny on the table for me.
Paul was phoning last night and said suddenly "Oh my God!"
"What is it? What is it?" I asked ready for anything.
"Ella (his nine year old daughter)has just come through the door dressed up in her mother's wedding dress and veil." he said.
Guess he didn't realize she'd grown up so quickly.
He too was waiting to see if the snow was sticking because he volunteers to snow plow the driveways of an assisted living place and a church - so he can't go to sleep until he knows stick or not stick !
Joy just called to say she went to visit Dario in Nanaimo for the weekend. He's got a pipe-fitting big job and can't get on with it because they have to shovel the snow instead. They were so glad to see each other it was like a honeymoon.
I went to slice up the Olivia Chow book to take to lunch (to read not to eat) and glanced at the beginning. I nearly missed going to lunch because this lady is a natural and her writing flows so well. I'm going to end up loving this woman for the way she writes. "Honesty" comes to mind and as that is the term used to describe both my writing and painting - her work clicks with me immediately.
But I must finish the book on Henrietta Lacks for my evening reading.
signed Disciplined Doris.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Two years here
Two years ago today I arrived here in Carrington House, assisted living. No stairs to climb. No groceries to get. No home taxes or maintenance payments. No Hydro, life-line or cleaning bills.
With a lot of help from Brenda and Kim (who cleaned my other address) I transferred to a place where I could get meals made for me and not have the responsibility of owning an apartment.
I don't go to the entertainments because they're too noisy and people talk all the time through the session.
I tried several table sittings and found the early sitting for lunch fills all my needs. I still drive so can get different selections if I get bored with the standard ones.
There's far too much offered for me as there is juice, soup, entrée and dessert for lunch and also for dinner. (It's a wonder we're not all Blimps!)
I buy my own juice because I have to watch my potassium, sugar, salt and calories.
Now I go for 11:30 lunch and sit at a one seat table and read a book and I like it fine.
I never fail to come into the door of my suite and not sigh with a good feeling. It is all I want and I love it. I always wear my life-line so help will come immediately if I need it.
So Canada won the hockey game against Sweden! Good for them. Haven't had a good look at the closing ceremony but the Russians sure are proud of their culture; said that before but it needs emphasising.
I remember when we went to Japan and they sang us their folk songs and asked us to sing ours and we couldn't think of one..... let alone come up with a Canadian DANCE!
Kept coughing last night and figured I may have the same thing that Brenda's going through so will be careful with extra washing hands.
Saw on T.V. that Government officials were standing on a bridge observing the snow coming down. If the snow started to stick to the ground they were to call out the snow-clearing equipment. Only in B.C. !! Nice job if you can get it.
I try to think what I've accomplished since moving in here and it's quite good really, so I haven't let it stop me from producing. signed producing Doris
With a lot of help from Brenda and Kim (who cleaned my other address) I transferred to a place where I could get meals made for me and not have the responsibility of owning an apartment.
I don't go to the entertainments because they're too noisy and people talk all the time through the session.
I tried several table sittings and found the early sitting for lunch fills all my needs. I still drive so can get different selections if I get bored with the standard ones.
There's far too much offered for me as there is juice, soup, entrée and dessert for lunch and also for dinner. (It's a wonder we're not all Blimps!)
I buy my own juice because I have to watch my potassium, sugar, salt and calories.
Now I go for 11:30 lunch and sit at a one seat table and read a book and I like it fine.
I never fail to come into the door of my suite and not sigh with a good feeling. It is all I want and I love it. I always wear my life-line so help will come immediately if I need it.
So Canada won the hockey game against Sweden! Good for them. Haven't had a good look at the closing ceremony but the Russians sure are proud of their culture; said that before but it needs emphasising.
I remember when we went to Japan and they sang us their folk songs and asked us to sing ours and we couldn't think of one..... let alone come up with a Canadian DANCE!
Kept coughing last night and figured I may have the same thing that Brenda's going through so will be careful with extra washing hands.
Saw on T.V. that Government officials were standing on a bridge observing the snow coming down. If the snow started to stick to the ground they were to call out the snow-clearing equipment. Only in B.C. !! Nice job if you can get it.
I try to think what I've accomplished since moving in here and it's quite good really, so I haven't let it stop me from producing. signed producing Doris
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Snow in L La land
Here we are on the 22d.February, thinking we've escaped the white stuff and it snowed today. I try to explain to the family in Winnipeg that it's like a dusting of icing sugar on a cake but of course for British Columbians, it is hard to navigate in it because they don't get snow enough to get the experience of driving in it.
Pat phoned to say he's done nothing else since he got home but to plow the snow over and over. Both Pat AND Pauline say they've had enough!
I remember reading about a storm which overtook some travellers in the very old days in a coach with four horses. It came so quickly and fell so fast that when the authorities found them, the horses were frozen in full gallop and the snow covered the coach with the people sitting upright in it. At least we haven't had that sort of thing in recent years unless you count the avalanches.
We've got avalanches on the Cocohalla Highway at this moment but then it's up in higher country.
I told Willy I will not come if it snows but if it hangs around I'll get a taxi.
The Globe and Mail didn't come till later - which I don't mind but when it stopped coming once before the delivery man told me off because I should have phoned right away. I'm glad it appeared because that is my Saturday treat.
Everyone is excited about the hockey game tomorrow between Canada and Sweden at 4 a.m. I might even get up for it but no champagne for me. I've enjoyed the whole thing except when the Canadian women tipped upside down on the ice run and I thought they'd lose their heads!
signed still got my head - Doris
Pat phoned to say he's done nothing else since he got home but to plow the snow over and over. Both Pat AND Pauline say they've had enough!
I remember reading about a storm which overtook some travellers in the very old days in a coach with four horses. It came so quickly and fell so fast that when the authorities found them, the horses were frozen in full gallop and the snow covered the coach with the people sitting upright in it. At least we haven't had that sort of thing in recent years unless you count the avalanches.
We've got avalanches on the Cocohalla Highway at this moment but then it's up in higher country.
I told Willy I will not come if it snows but if it hangs around I'll get a taxi.
The Globe and Mail didn't come till later - which I don't mind but when it stopped coming once before the delivery man told me off because I should have phoned right away. I'm glad it appeared because that is my Saturday treat.
Everyone is excited about the hockey game tomorrow between Canada and Sweden at 4 a.m. I might even get up for it but no champagne for me. I've enjoyed the whole thing except when the Canadian women tipped upside down on the ice run and I thought they'd lose their heads!
signed still got my head - Doris
Friday, February 21, 2014
Olympics
They must have heard me complain about the Canadians always coming in fourth in the later Olympics because now they've shown their spirit and are gathering the medals.
I loved the women's hockey game and the men's too.
I met Rex (Brenda's husband) in the Medical Lab today and he said he'd stayed up all night to watch everything.
Yes I did the blood test and guess I'll hear from the doc. on Monday. I'm having digestive problems too. Reminds me of my former husband's ulcers and all the milk and cream stuff he was prescribed. He had to have a separate diet to the children and me. Now we hear it couldn't be cured that way after all because it's a virus.
When I go to the doc. I'll ask him for a form to get a disabled parking ticket. Two people have said "You silly Billy - you're going to use it to visit your husband who will be a long walk away from the new building aren't you? So you need it, right?" So I don't have to lie to get one.
Norman sent attachments about the University of Chicago's museum with Persia and older countries and their artifacts. One day I'm going to get a biography of Lord Elgin and how he managed to get the Elgin Marbles over to Britain - it's quite a story and now it is politely requested for them to be returned to Greece. Maybe they've already done it but Britain has certainly made duplicates of the best ones.
I finished the Dowager Empress book - would like to keep it but I can't because I haven't the room but tomorrow I'll send it (cut in slices) to my daughter Laura, the English teacher in Rainy River Ontario.
Signed getting a ticket Doris
I loved the women's hockey game and the men's too.
I met Rex (Brenda's husband) in the Medical Lab today and he said he'd stayed up all night to watch everything.
Yes I did the blood test and guess I'll hear from the doc. on Monday. I'm having digestive problems too. Reminds me of my former husband's ulcers and all the milk and cream stuff he was prescribed. He had to have a separate diet to the children and me. Now we hear it couldn't be cured that way after all because it's a virus.
When I go to the doc. I'll ask him for a form to get a disabled parking ticket. Two people have said "You silly Billy - you're going to use it to visit your husband who will be a long walk away from the new building aren't you? So you need it, right?" So I don't have to lie to get one.
Norman sent attachments about the University of Chicago's museum with Persia and older countries and their artifacts. One day I'm going to get a biography of Lord Elgin and how he managed to get the Elgin Marbles over to Britain - it's quite a story and now it is politely requested for them to be returned to Greece. Maybe they've already done it but Britain has certainly made duplicates of the best ones.
I finished the Dowager Empress book - would like to keep it but I can't because I haven't the room but tomorrow I'll send it (cut in slices) to my daughter Laura, the English teacher in Rainy River Ontario.
Signed getting a ticket Doris
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Meeting for Willy's move
Went for a meeting about Willy's move.
Form says - about changing cable-vision - he doesn't have any.
phone hook-up he doesn't have any
magazine subscriptions - he doesn't have any
newspaper he doesn't have any
passport the same
change of address of friends and relatives - he never writes (can't)
I asked next time just phone me and I won't need to make another visit but I do want to take a tour of the new place.
I must get a disabled parking ticket because I think I'll need it when I visit in the new place.
Willy wanted to know who were the people who were picking potatoes in a field when he fell and they came to help him? It was a so-real dream that are really hallucinations. At least I could make out what he was saying this time.
Went to get some cosmetics and was asking the staff person about something when this woman carrying a dog pushed between us to show the girl the dog saying "Isn't he cute?" I told the woman she was interrupting my conversation and to wait. The staff person came to HER defense instead of mine and kept on "She wasn't doing any harm." "She just wanted to show me the dog" Holy Smokes! These young staff people don't know etiquette at all. And I'm not going to let these things pass because it happens often if one has white hair and is on in years.
Patrick said he got back to Winnipeg at1:30 a.m. and had to snow-plow the driveway, in the morning snow-plow again and in the evening more snow came and his workplace had to be plowed and it is sickening.
signed not going to take it - Doris
Form says - about changing cable-vision - he doesn't have any.
phone hook-up he doesn't have any
magazine subscriptions - he doesn't have any
newspaper he doesn't have any
passport the same
change of address of friends and relatives - he never writes (can't)
I asked next time just phone me and I won't need to make another visit but I do want to take a tour of the new place.
I must get a disabled parking ticket because I think I'll need it when I visit in the new place.
Willy wanted to know who were the people who were picking potatoes in a field when he fell and they came to help him? It was a so-real dream that are really hallucinations. At least I could make out what he was saying this time.
Went to get some cosmetics and was asking the staff person about something when this woman carrying a dog pushed between us to show the girl the dog saying "Isn't he cute?" I told the woman she was interrupting my conversation and to wait. The staff person came to HER defense instead of mine and kept on "She wasn't doing any harm." "She just wanted to show me the dog" Holy Smokes! These young staff people don't know etiquette at all. And I'm not going to let these things pass because it happens often if one has white hair and is on in years.
Patrick said he got back to Winnipeg at1:30 a.m. and had to snow-plow the driveway, in the morning snow-plow again and in the evening more snow came and his workplace had to be plowed and it is sickening.
signed not going to take it - Doris
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Canada versus Latvia
As the guy said on T.V. "And you didn't even know where Latvia was on the map did you?
I'm going to look it up myself.
They could have won the hockey game but apparently no one's seen such a good goalie as they had and that's why it was so tough for Canada.
And what a shock about poor old Russia losing their game!
I'm glad we got a gold for the Bob-sled and surely we will win Ladies curling anyway. Jennifer Jones is Soooo good. It was all looking dead after the first spurt of medals for us and every time I looked, Canada was coming fourth - fourth and fourth. I could hardly take it.
We had Eggs Benedict for lunch and my stomach felt queasy so I didn't venture out today.
The MCC fellows brought the chest of drawers all right and put it in my bedroom. No more murderer's chest!
The Dowager Empress book is so convoluted as this time of her life - I've always wanted to know the full story of the Boxer Rebellion and the massacres of Missionaries and others and now it's more understandable. Japan was always after a chunk or more of China. When I lived in Hong Kong, there were only two Japanese shops and they were vandalized over and over again. So much hate between the two countries but I couldn't help liking the delicate grace of articles in those shops.
Some Chinese shops had photographs of such gory things you could hardly believe them but there was always such a fascination of gore. Even in street theatre they stabbed actors with fake knives which sent out massive spurts of blood and crowds just loved it.
No gore for me thank you - Doris
I'm going to look it up myself.
They could have won the hockey game but apparently no one's seen such a good goalie as they had and that's why it was so tough for Canada.
And what a shock about poor old Russia losing their game!
I'm glad we got a gold for the Bob-sled and surely we will win Ladies curling anyway. Jennifer Jones is Soooo good. It was all looking dead after the first spurt of medals for us and every time I looked, Canada was coming fourth - fourth and fourth. I could hardly take it.
We had Eggs Benedict for lunch and my stomach felt queasy so I didn't venture out today.
The MCC fellows brought the chest of drawers all right and put it in my bedroom. No more murderer's chest!
The Dowager Empress book is so convoluted as this time of her life - I've always wanted to know the full story of the Boxer Rebellion and the massacres of Missionaries and others and now it's more understandable. Japan was always after a chunk or more of China. When I lived in Hong Kong, there were only two Japanese shops and they were vandalized over and over again. So much hate between the two countries but I couldn't help liking the delicate grace of articles in those shops.
Some Chinese shops had photographs of such gory things you could hardly believe them but there was always such a fascination of gore. Even in street theatre they stabbed actors with fake knives which sent out massive spurts of blood and crowds just loved it.
No gore for me thank you - Doris
Catching up
I'm waiting for the delivery of the chest of drawers from MCC. I've just moved my power chair and bedroom chair so they can squeeze it in the corner of the bedroom.
It feels great not to have the murderer's chest next to my bed and the new chest of drawers can accommodate more than the other so that's good.
Sometime I'll have to get a new chesterfield but there's no hurry.
On the 23rd. Feb. I' sorry someone's at the door.
It feels great not to have the murderer's chest next to my bed and the new chest of drawers can accommodate more than the other so that's good.
Sometime I'll have to get a new chesterfield but there's no hurry.
On the 23rd. Feb. I' sorry someone's at the door.
Monday, February 17, 2014
A day with my son
I'm only going to write a small amount because I'm tired.
Patrick did all the things which have been bothering me today - one of them was the car. There were still drips coming from the car onto the cardboard I put under it. So Pat followed me while I drove my buddy (the Tercel) to Canadian Tire, they weren't busy so I told them to let us know what was dripping and to give me an estimate. It was the water cooler and would be $400.00 so I said "Fix it".
This is the trouble with a car that's so old - how much more money are you going to put into it? So I made the decision. Another time when it will cost more than this, I will give it to my grandson and get newer one.
I picked it up and they remembered how many kilometers I had on it (82,000) and laughed.
It is fine again.
People tell me Pat looks like me which is a compliment. But he's not feeling well and I don't think he'll be able to make the move to British Columbia if he doesn't get better soon.
Talk to you soon signed loving my children Doris
Patrick did all the things which have been bothering me today - one of them was the car. There were still drips coming from the car onto the cardboard I put under it. So Pat followed me while I drove my buddy (the Tercel) to Canadian Tire, they weren't busy so I told them to let us know what was dripping and to give me an estimate. It was the water cooler and would be $400.00 so I said "Fix it".
This is the trouble with a car that's so old - how much more money are you going to put into it? So I made the decision. Another time when it will cost more than this, I will give it to my grandson and get newer one.
I picked it up and they remembered how many kilometers I had on it (82,000) and laughed.
It is fine again.
People tell me Pat looks like me which is a compliment. But he's not feeling well and I don't think he'll be able to make the move to British Columbia if he doesn't get better soon.
Talk to you soon signed loving my children Doris
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Black swan
Spookie! Remember I told you about the "Black Swan" ? Well I turned the channels on T.V. last night and what was on for a movie ? Yes - the Black Swan. Imagine that!
Spooked Doris
Spooked Doris
Patrick
Patrick came today and how lovely to have him around.
Some people have a calming effect and he has it. He says he will NOT spend another winter in Winnipeg the one they have still on-going is too cruel. His fingers go numb as the cold affects them and there's always the wind. He's done nothing else but plow the snow away from his driveway only to have it come back with the wind. The stacks on the edge of the driveway are too high for the snow plow to blow over it so he has to lift it with the snow shovel. His arms ache with muscle tiredness.
I would love if he came to live on the mainland but he wants to go to the island. I showed him a picture of a small house with five acres priced very cheap and only fifteen minutes from Mission but of course I don't know where exactly it is so there's probably a downer somewhere.
His plane was a bit late but we're lucky it isn't in the U.S. or Canada's east which is having another wallop of storms and snow.
We had a turkey dinner here and now he's gone over to visit Brenda. Hope he has a good rest because he's very tired. He couldn't sleep last night and got up early to come, then there's two hours difference in our time slots.
signed loving mother Doris
Some people have a calming effect and he has it. He says he will NOT spend another winter in Winnipeg the one they have still on-going is too cruel. His fingers go numb as the cold affects them and there's always the wind. He's done nothing else but plow the snow away from his driveway only to have it come back with the wind. The stacks on the edge of the driveway are too high for the snow plow to blow over it so he has to lift it with the snow shovel. His arms ache with muscle tiredness.
I would love if he came to live on the mainland but he wants to go to the island. I showed him a picture of a small house with five acres priced very cheap and only fifteen minutes from Mission but of course I don't know where exactly it is so there's probably a downer somewhere.
His plane was a bit late but we're lucky it isn't in the U.S. or Canada's east which is having another wallop of storms and snow.
We had a turkey dinner here and now he's gone over to visit Brenda. Hope he has a good rest because he's very tired. He couldn't sleep last night and got up early to come, then there's two hours difference in our time slots.
signed loving mother Doris
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Patrick Chan
I feel badly for Patrick Chan. The interviewers keep harping at him to answer "How do you feel about losing the gold medal?" I want to yell at them to stop giving the impression he has failed. He won the silver.
That's life - and there's always a young one ready to take over your spot just as he took over someone else's spot. I thought Chan showed maturity and a strength that the Japanese gold medalist didn't have. They both stumbled but otherwise skated in top form.
I was reminded of the movie called "The Black swan"
Did you hear about the Russians who were accused of heating up the pipes underground in the luge when Canadians or Americans were to do their turns? That way the ice turned slushy so the participants were slowed down. I'm sure it wasn't true.
I haven't heard anyone congratulate the Russians on the colourful murals used as back-drops. Abstract designs. What a joy to see them. They are so supportive of their culture.
Went to get batteries for my hearing aids but they were closed. Called in to Safeway and got some rice because Brenda told me it may help my problem. When I came out the whole parking lot was a mass of rain pouring down and a wind stirring up a storm. I e-mailed Pat to tell him to bring some warm clothes as it was a cold dampness.
See in the local paper that the Municipality is selling Pleasantview. That's so much part of Willy and my life. So many changes are going on in Mission.
Mission is going to host the Winter Games starting on the 20th Feb. The schedule is in the paper and I see not only Abbotsford but maple ridge are using their facilities for it as well.
signed Cheering the Olympics Doris
That's life - and there's always a young one ready to take over your spot just as he took over someone else's spot. I thought Chan showed maturity and a strength that the Japanese gold medalist didn't have. They both stumbled but otherwise skated in top form.
I was reminded of the movie called "The Black swan"
Did you hear about the Russians who were accused of heating up the pipes underground in the luge when Canadians or Americans were to do their turns? That way the ice turned slushy so the participants were slowed down. I'm sure it wasn't true.
I haven't heard anyone congratulate the Russians on the colourful murals used as back-drops. Abstract designs. What a joy to see them. They are so supportive of their culture.
Went to get batteries for my hearing aids but they were closed. Called in to Safeway and got some rice because Brenda told me it may help my problem. When I came out the whole parking lot was a mass of rain pouring down and a wind stirring up a storm. I e-mailed Pat to tell him to bring some warm clothes as it was a cold dampness.
See in the local paper that the Municipality is selling Pleasantview. That's so much part of Willy and my life. So many changes are going on in Mission.
Mission is going to host the Winter Games starting on the 20th Feb. The schedule is in the paper and I see not only Abbotsford but maple ridge are using their facilities for it as well.
signed Cheering the Olympics Doris
Friday, February 14, 2014
Snow for Sochi
Did you hear how Sochi had enough snow for the games even though temperatures were 20 degrees above? The year before the games, they dug massive pits, made fake snow, trucked it to the pits, covered them with tarpaulins and had it available for the snow required now.
The machinery that makes the snow is beyond anything they've had up to now. It's not like the real stuff - more like hard tiny balls of icy snow but works perfectly well for the games.
What forward thinking and organization!
May is back home from her hospital occasion. It was a fracture and not a complete break. She's able to walk but is in pain. She has a walker - those wonderful things.
I got a bill from Telus with two months charge on it. I thought I'd put it on the form for the credit union to pay those bills but now it's done and I don't have to worry if I'm sick and can't make it to the bank to pay it. I love dealing with the credit union.
Willy was slightly better today but he asked "What is this place we're in?"
I wheeled him to the big window where he can see people (and the cat) come in and out and the sun came out and we basked in the warm rays so it went better to visit. I guess I'm getting the idea of how to deal with his reluctance to interact. Of course he doesn't know it's Valentine's day and I remembered before I knew him, I stood among all the Valentine cards and chocolate boxes and felt lonely without anyone to give a card to. So when we got together it was a joy to give him a card and the standard heart-shaped box of chocolates. He said it was nonsense but I know he liked it too.
Signed Still a valentine Doris.
The machinery that makes the snow is beyond anything they've had up to now. It's not like the real stuff - more like hard tiny balls of icy snow but works perfectly well for the games.
What forward thinking and organization!
May is back home from her hospital occasion. It was a fracture and not a complete break. She's able to walk but is in pain. She has a walker - those wonderful things.
I got a bill from Telus with two months charge on it. I thought I'd put it on the form for the credit union to pay those bills but now it's done and I don't have to worry if I'm sick and can't make it to the bank to pay it. I love dealing with the credit union.
Willy was slightly better today but he asked "What is this place we're in?"
I wheeled him to the big window where he can see people (and the cat) come in and out and the sun came out and we basked in the warm rays so it went better to visit. I guess I'm getting the idea of how to deal with his reluctance to interact. Of course he doesn't know it's Valentine's day and I remembered before I knew him, I stood among all the Valentine cards and chocolate boxes and felt lonely without anyone to give a card to. So when we got together it was a joy to give him a card and the standard heart-shaped box of chocolates. He said it was nonsense but I know he liked it too.
Signed Still a valentine Doris.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
May
Phone call this morning shook me up - Rosalie called to say that last night at 1 a.m. May went to hospital and worse - she's broken her hip!
She lives right next door to me and I didn't hear the ambulance people at all.
None of us can believe that she was recovering so well from her big surgery, doing all the right things and this had to happen. I sent flowers and when they asked what I wanted written on the card to May I said "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"
Just finished a long phone call from Victoria and it felt I was in the same room with my son.
We cover such a vast number of subjects.
Olympics were sparse today - tuned in to a US station and it looked as though they were the top of the heap. But those Norwegians are a tough lot aren't they? Kept Canada on its toes in the hockey game.
It's late - must go to bed and remember to chastise May from falling when I talk to her
signed sorry Doris
She lives right next door to me and I didn't hear the ambulance people at all.
None of us can believe that she was recovering so well from her big surgery, doing all the right things and this had to happen. I sent flowers and when they asked what I wanted written on the card to May I said "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"
Just finished a long phone call from Victoria and it felt I was in the same room with my son.
We cover such a vast number of subjects.
Olympics were sparse today - tuned in to a US station and it looked as though they were the top of the heap. But those Norwegians are a tough lot aren't they? Kept Canada on its toes in the hockey game.
It's late - must go to bed and remember to chastise May from falling when I talk to her
signed sorry Doris
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Learning to deal with things.
I have to learn how to visit with Willy because he's in another world from me now. His voice is pretty good but he imagines things and can't answer questions. As soon as I ask him a question his eyes go to the ceiling and turn blank.
But then he'll come out with a complete sentence like "Where's my car?" or "You haven't got enough experience to drive, I worry about you."
Then he'll make no sense at all.
He looks healthy and he had on the nice sweater I bought him so he looked nicely dressed.
I always have to pick up jackets from under his hanging clothes because he must pull them down. I see a large cardboard box on the shelf which I imagine is for the move in April and they'll just put everything in it at the time.
What does one do when you visit someone in his condition? I know they sense that you're there with them but for me it's difficult to stare into space and not have conversation. Maybe I should learn to sing songs.
I couldn't get the ear vacuum but they had an 'ear popper' same price of $150.00. London Drug staff said we can return it if it isn't doing the job so I bought it. The Pharmacist took time to find something for Brenda's Bronchitis, not suppressing the cough but making it easier for her.
She is looking as if she is getting over it and using lots of Kleenex. Made me remember Loretta (Ted's mother) how she had to contend with three members of her family with tuberculosis. When they came back home from the San and had colds she pinned a paper bag to the mattress so it was handy to put the soiled Kleenex in.
Muffin, their small dog wants to express her love so much she wouldn't stop nudging me in the side and kissing me. She's a great friend for Brenda.
They had a sale in the dress shop because they were clearing out winter things to bring in the spring line. I'll be glad to see colours again.
I thought the car was leaking as I saw some shiny stuff from the driver's seat but it was packing tape on the cardboard I put in the parking spot so it would catch any leak.
Up and down with Willy Doris
But then he'll come out with a complete sentence like "Where's my car?" or "You haven't got enough experience to drive, I worry about you."
Then he'll make no sense at all.
He looks healthy and he had on the nice sweater I bought him so he looked nicely dressed.
I always have to pick up jackets from under his hanging clothes because he must pull them down. I see a large cardboard box on the shelf which I imagine is for the move in April and they'll just put everything in it at the time.
What does one do when you visit someone in his condition? I know they sense that you're there with them but for me it's difficult to stare into space and not have conversation. Maybe I should learn to sing songs.
I couldn't get the ear vacuum but they had an 'ear popper' same price of $150.00. London Drug staff said we can return it if it isn't doing the job so I bought it. The Pharmacist took time to find something for Brenda's Bronchitis, not suppressing the cough but making it easier for her.
She is looking as if she is getting over it and using lots of Kleenex. Made me remember Loretta (Ted's mother) how she had to contend with three members of her family with tuberculosis. When they came back home from the San and had colds she pinned a paper bag to the mattress so it was handy to put the soiled Kleenex in.
Muffin, their small dog wants to express her love so much she wouldn't stop nudging me in the side and kissing me. She's a great friend for Brenda.
They had a sale in the dress shop because they were clearing out winter things to bring in the spring line. I'll be glad to see colours again.
I thought the car was leaking as I saw some shiny stuff from the driver's seat but it was packing tape on the cardboard I put in the parking spot so it would catch any leak.
Up and down with Willy Doris
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Sochi
I'm glad I saw the travelogue of Sochi otherwise I would not have known there was a nice town as well as the Olympic part.
Looks like it pays to support our athletes and it helped for some to use the venues left from Vancouver's time. I was wondering how it benefits the country and decided it really does because we have to interact with others and it helps youngsters to appreciate hard work and exercise.
I'm impressed with the parents always being there for the aspiring off-spring.
When I watch the competitions my stomach knots up in a ball and I hold my breath until our guys finish their turn. It's lovely that we're doing so well.
Brenda came home with Bronchitis and is worn out.
I love the winter flowers that Shirley planted in her garden from my plant. Such lovely white flowers. They drooped when temperature went below zero but today they struggled to stand upright and continue to show their petals.
Did some sewing of hems today and threw out anything from my closet that didn't fit well or I'm not going to wear. It feels good.
A "shoe-man" was here in Carrington and I've ordered a pair of Velcro-closing shoes which would do for slippers. My big toe would be completely free of restriction in them. They don't have backs and I've never worn shoes without backs (like the Dutch people wear.) I'll try them on tomorrow.
Lots of forms for Income Tax and finances for Will and me - I'm to put them in an envelope with health receipts etc. and hand them in to the bank who forwards them to Vancouver. I'd prefer someone local so I could hand deliver them and talk to the person involved. Next year I will do that.
There's a Valentine party at my friends on Sunday but Pat will be here and so I can't go.
It's going to be warmer so I won't have to worry about driving anymore - thank goodness.
Signed - waiting for Forsythia to bloom and for Spring to come, Doris
Looks like it pays to support our athletes and it helped for some to use the venues left from Vancouver's time. I was wondering how it benefits the country and decided it really does because we have to interact with others and it helps youngsters to appreciate hard work and exercise.
I'm impressed with the parents always being there for the aspiring off-spring.
When I watch the competitions my stomach knots up in a ball and I hold my breath until our guys finish their turn. It's lovely that we're doing so well.
Brenda came home with Bronchitis and is worn out.
I love the winter flowers that Shirley planted in her garden from my plant. Such lovely white flowers. They drooped when temperature went below zero but today they struggled to stand upright and continue to show their petals.
Did some sewing of hems today and threw out anything from my closet that didn't fit well or I'm not going to wear. It feels good.
A "shoe-man" was here in Carrington and I've ordered a pair of Velcro-closing shoes which would do for slippers. My big toe would be completely free of restriction in them. They don't have backs and I've never worn shoes without backs (like the Dutch people wear.) I'll try them on tomorrow.
Lots of forms for Income Tax and finances for Will and me - I'm to put them in an envelope with health receipts etc. and hand them in to the bank who forwards them to Vancouver. I'd prefer someone local so I could hand deliver them and talk to the person involved. Next year I will do that.
There's a Valentine party at my friends on Sunday but Pat will be here and so I can't go.
It's going to be warmer so I won't have to worry about driving anymore - thank goodness.
Signed - waiting for Forsythia to bloom and for Spring to come, Doris
Monday, February 10, 2014
Where are you Willy?
Ruth looked out of the dining room window and said "It's frozen rain out there and it's icy cold" making me nervous to drive to visit Willy but it was just light rain and no freezing.
When I got to Pleasantview I wanted to say "Where are you Willy?" as I sat on his bed looking at him in his wheelchair slumped over, dribbling and his mouth falling to the left side.
First of all I couldn't get in the room because he had his wheelchair stuck on the other side of it. I had to thump the door continually to get it to move.
His eyes opened but with no recognition in them that I was there. (First time it happened.)
He closed his eyes and went to sleep. He looked as though he wanted to lay down, he was sitting in an uncomfortable way.
They hadn't put bars on his bed as they said they would do because of him falling out of bed but they'd fixed a contraption at the head of it. When I raised my self from sitting, the alarms went off and the care-aid came. I told her I thought he wanted to sleep. She said she'd come back in ten minutes and put him on the bed (they have to use the machine.)
I went to ask the Pharmacist about these ear vacuums for Brenda. He found the place on the shelf where they had had two but none there. He called the manager of the store and he told us they had cost $150.00 each so thieves has taken them !!!!
He gave me some medicine for sinus trouble, saying it may help relieve the pressure in her head.
I took it to Rex who said she was still sleeping to get over the trip home.
signed a sorry Doris who Willy doesn't know.
It was as if he was drugged but the care aid said he had eaten his lunch all right.
I mainly went because I can get a parking spot closer to the building if I go at that time.
When I got to Pleasantview I wanted to say "Where are you Willy?" as I sat on his bed looking at him in his wheelchair slumped over, dribbling and his mouth falling to the left side.
First of all I couldn't get in the room because he had his wheelchair stuck on the other side of it. I had to thump the door continually to get it to move.
His eyes opened but with no recognition in them that I was there. (First time it happened.)
He closed his eyes and went to sleep. He looked as though he wanted to lay down, he was sitting in an uncomfortable way.
They hadn't put bars on his bed as they said they would do because of him falling out of bed but they'd fixed a contraption at the head of it. When I raised my self from sitting, the alarms went off and the care-aid came. I told her I thought he wanted to sleep. She said she'd come back in ten minutes and put him on the bed (they have to use the machine.)
I went to ask the Pharmacist about these ear vacuums for Brenda. He found the place on the shelf where they had had two but none there. He called the manager of the store and he told us they had cost $150.00 each so thieves has taken them !!!!
He gave me some medicine for sinus trouble, saying it may help relieve the pressure in her head.
I took it to Rex who said she was still sleeping to get over the trip home.
signed a sorry Doris who Willy doesn't know.
It was as if he was drugged but the care aid said he had eaten his lunch all right.
I mainly went because I can get a parking spot closer to the building if I go at that time.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Writers of Maple Ridge
It didn't snow after all today so joy came to drive me to a Valentine's party for the writer's group in Maple Ridge.
I thought members would be dressed up in red but I was the only one so attired. There were about fifteen people there at Debbie's house and they had brought all manner of food for lunch and her husband made a darn good Chili.
It was most interesting as I remembered the group we used to have in Mission.
Some didn't get a chance to read a piece of their writing but didn't make a fuss about it. Not like me who would have rebelled at not getting my work heard.
I was impressed with one member who had not been confident when she first joined the group. The members praised her for having gained her voice now. The group has been good for her. They are patient and kind all around. Some tender loving people.
The Poet had a strong voice when he recited an excellent Beat-nik poem.
I loved every minute of the afternoon, finding I like all to do with writing as long as I can be free to just "tell it like it is" without pausing to worry about the finer intricacies of literature. I absolutely cannot be a 'clever' writer.
Dario and Joy drove us to the Blackberry kitchen restaurant in our marvelous Mission Heritage Park and we all enjoyed our dinner there. Dario had Pasta (he's Italian) Joy had chicken and lots of veggies and I had squash soup (yummy) and Hummus with grain crackers.
Coming home we heard Brenda's voice on the answering machine and my heart was glad even though she has a bad cold. She made the holiday! Said she had lots of laughs but was pleased to come home to Jolly old Canada. I'm glad she's home too and tomorrow will try to find one of those Ear Vacuums they advertise on T.V. Her ears are suffering from long hours on the plane. They couldn't land on time in San Francisco because of icy fog.
Got to watch the Olympics and Masterpiece Theatre.
Signed:- Doing fine for eighty-nine Doris
I thought members would be dressed up in red but I was the only one so attired. There were about fifteen people there at Debbie's house and they had brought all manner of food for lunch and her husband made a darn good Chili.
It was most interesting as I remembered the group we used to have in Mission.
Some didn't get a chance to read a piece of their writing but didn't make a fuss about it. Not like me who would have rebelled at not getting my work heard.
I was impressed with one member who had not been confident when she first joined the group. The members praised her for having gained her voice now. The group has been good for her. They are patient and kind all around. Some tender loving people.
The Poet had a strong voice when he recited an excellent Beat-nik poem.
I loved every minute of the afternoon, finding I like all to do with writing as long as I can be free to just "tell it like it is" without pausing to worry about the finer intricacies of literature. I absolutely cannot be a 'clever' writer.
Dario and Joy drove us to the Blackberry kitchen restaurant in our marvelous Mission Heritage Park and we all enjoyed our dinner there. Dario had Pasta (he's Italian) Joy had chicken and lots of veggies and I had squash soup (yummy) and Hummus with grain crackers.
Coming home we heard Brenda's voice on the answering machine and my heart was glad even though she has a bad cold. She made the holiday! Said she had lots of laughs but was pleased to come home to Jolly old Canada. I'm glad she's home too and tomorrow will try to find one of those Ear Vacuums they advertise on T.V. Her ears are suffering from long hours on the plane. They couldn't land on time in San Francisco because of icy fog.
Got to watch the Olympics and Masterpiece Theatre.
Signed:- Doing fine for eighty-nine Doris
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Middlemarch and Jane collides
This Saturday's Globe and Mail has a whole page on George Elliot's "Middlemarch" and talks about Jane Austen's writing. Strange things happen in the land of Doris.
I have a few pages left to end "The Real Jane Austen" written very well by Paula Byrne. I think she brought a good picture of the culture of the times. Clothing, the army and navy, the manors and how the wealthy interacted with each other.
However my eye strays to my next treasure -
"Empress Dowager CIXI" by Jung Chang. Leafing through this book makes you gasp with wonder how this concubine woman can manage an Empire while bringing in so many changes to modernize the vast country. Beautiful cover of the Empress - long, long fingernails. I remember seeing some older Chinese men in Hong Kong with finger-nails so long they curled around and around and were tobacco coloured with age.
(My fingernails don't break as much now because I have a tablespoon of coconut oil with my breakfast which is at the moment Quinoa - wheat and gluten free.)
Saw Alice Walker's story on PBS last night. (The colour purple) - what a stunning film that was.
She had to live through so much criticism and to top it off, her daughter wrote books and articles condemning her as a mother, like "Mother dearest" with Joan Crawford.
Women who want to "belong to the world" should know they must face this abuse when they have children. There's no way out of it.
So she was a Lesbian in the days when no one talked about it. But she was a real heroine for Black women to tell it like it is. I don't have to worry about that I just tell about fingernails!.
Jane Austen's book reminded me of my brother-in-law's mother.
She came from Royalty - don't ask me the lineage but she showed me once the large icon of her family. She lived with her father and sister in this Dowton Abby looking manor, her mother had died. When the father died, the law at that time would not allow females to inherit the estate, which was massive and as there wasn't any male offspring they were hard pressed to find a male with at least some connection to the family. He was anointed heir and Den's mother and sister were sent away from the estate.
They were set up in a house but it was a miserable time for them. Den's mother married a Veterinarian who was well known around the country and they had six sons (I guess making up for not having had males before. After her husband died she lived on this ancient farm in Ashorne where she bred Shetland ponies and exotic chicken.
Things have changed since then, now females can inherit.
signed
I have a few pages left to end "The Real Jane Austen" written very well by Paula Byrne. I think she brought a good picture of the culture of the times. Clothing, the army and navy, the manors and how the wealthy interacted with each other.
However my eye strays to my next treasure -
"Empress Dowager CIXI" by Jung Chang. Leafing through this book makes you gasp with wonder how this concubine woman can manage an Empire while bringing in so many changes to modernize the vast country. Beautiful cover of the Empress - long, long fingernails. I remember seeing some older Chinese men in Hong Kong with finger-nails so long they curled around and around and were tobacco coloured with age.
(My fingernails don't break as much now because I have a tablespoon of coconut oil with my breakfast which is at the moment Quinoa - wheat and gluten free.)
Saw Alice Walker's story on PBS last night. (The colour purple) - what a stunning film that was.
She had to live through so much criticism and to top it off, her daughter wrote books and articles condemning her as a mother, like "Mother dearest" with Joan Crawford.
Women who want to "belong to the world" should know they must face this abuse when they have children. There's no way out of it.
So she was a Lesbian in the days when no one talked about it. But she was a real heroine for Black women to tell it like it is. I don't have to worry about that I just tell about fingernails!.
Jane Austen's book reminded me of my brother-in-law's mother.
She came from Royalty - don't ask me the lineage but she showed me once the large icon of her family. She lived with her father and sister in this Dowton Abby looking manor, her mother had died. When the father died, the law at that time would not allow females to inherit the estate, which was massive and as there wasn't any male offspring they were hard pressed to find a male with at least some connection to the family. He was anointed heir and Den's mother and sister were sent away from the estate.
They were set up in a house but it was a miserable time for them. Den's mother married a Veterinarian who was well known around the country and they had six sons (I guess making up for not having had males before. After her husband died she lived on this ancient farm in Ashorne where she bred Shetland ponies and exotic chicken.
Things have changed since then, now females can inherit.
signed
Friday, February 7, 2014
Sochi Olympics
Well - It'll be hard to beat the opening of he Sochi Olympics. Russia has SO much culture. There were many lovely moments and so many people involved in the entertainment. The swans were in an original form.
Tolstoy - Always Tolstoy! I read his biography by the man who spent much of the time with him and then became Tolstoy's wife's enemy after he died. She was always suspicious of him. But the Russian Jews were marvelous, strong artists and changed our thinking.
I liked the idea that some countries had rainbow colours in their uniforms. Paraguay had only one athlete and some other countries only had two or three but good for them. I liked when Canada came on the scene the narrator said it was "A sea of red" There were 221 athletes. They've projected 9 gold medals and in all 30 medals.
I absolutely loved the beautiful slim women in white who were chosen to lead in the countries and the outfit they had - lovely crowns and the Islam lady had her head covered and a long gown whereas the others had short skirts and long white socks to their knees. Lovely.
"The real Jane Austen" picked up steam a bit. I got to where she died, then
the book reverted to connecting the novels to her life and that sort of thing which I found interesting because she writes around the slave question and the British (and her brothers in the navy) benefiting from the tons of Opium shipped to China.
I also watched last night the documentary on Charles Bedaux and his "Champagne Safari". It's the second time I've seen it but it is supremely interesting and almost unbelievable.
A younger resident here was taking his small dog for a walk and two teenagers jumped on his back and he fell to the ground. His head is all bruised up. It's the latest craze going around in the U.S. to hit someone with a force to knock them to the ground, leaving them unconscious sometimes.
I got to see Willy and yes it was cold but the sun was out and the wind wasn't too bad.
He told me about losing his key to his car and a man was trying to help him and he told the man to get the car to the repair place and go to me to get some money because he didn't have any.
When I got to his room he was leaning dangerously over on one side of his wheelchair. he wanted to get some clothes ready for his bath tomorrow and put the bag into the cupboard. I held my breath until I saw he could return to sitting position. He was able to speak quite well and I could understand him but he doesn't like to be asked questions because he can't figure out what they mean.
We went for snack time and he managed to put most of his cup-cake into his mouth by himself so that was good to see. They gave me a cup of tea even though they're not supposed to do it.
A visitor said he'd seen me in a magazine. I asked him which magazine and he said "Something to do with Vampires". Found out he meant the magazine "What's on in Mission". He was excited he knew someone who was in a magazine!
Sign - Linked with the Vampires Doris
Tolstoy - Always Tolstoy! I read his biography by the man who spent much of the time with him and then became Tolstoy's wife's enemy after he died. She was always suspicious of him. But the Russian Jews were marvelous, strong artists and changed our thinking.
I liked the idea that some countries had rainbow colours in their uniforms. Paraguay had only one athlete and some other countries only had two or three but good for them. I liked when Canada came on the scene the narrator said it was "A sea of red" There were 221 athletes. They've projected 9 gold medals and in all 30 medals.
I absolutely loved the beautiful slim women in white who were chosen to lead in the countries and the outfit they had - lovely crowns and the Islam lady had her head covered and a long gown whereas the others had short skirts and long white socks to their knees. Lovely.
"The real Jane Austen" picked up steam a bit. I got to where she died, then
the book reverted to connecting the novels to her life and that sort of thing which I found interesting because she writes around the slave question and the British (and her brothers in the navy) benefiting from the tons of Opium shipped to China.
I also watched last night the documentary on Charles Bedaux and his "Champagne Safari". It's the second time I've seen it but it is supremely interesting and almost unbelievable.
A younger resident here was taking his small dog for a walk and two teenagers jumped on his back and he fell to the ground. His head is all bruised up. It's the latest craze going around in the U.S. to hit someone with a force to knock them to the ground, leaving them unconscious sometimes.
I got to see Willy and yes it was cold but the sun was out and the wind wasn't too bad.
He told me about losing his key to his car and a man was trying to help him and he told the man to get the car to the repair place and go to me to get some money because he didn't have any.
When I got to his room he was leaning dangerously over on one side of his wheelchair. he wanted to get some clothes ready for his bath tomorrow and put the bag into the cupboard. I held my breath until I saw he could return to sitting position. He was able to speak quite well and I could understand him but he doesn't like to be asked questions because he can't figure out what they mean.
We went for snack time and he managed to put most of his cup-cake into his mouth by himself so that was good to see. They gave me a cup of tea even though they're not supposed to do it.
A visitor said he'd seen me in a magazine. I asked him which magazine and he said "Something to do with Vampires". Found out he meant the magazine "What's on in Mission". He was excited he knew someone who was in a magazine!
Sign - Linked with the Vampires Doris
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Learning
My friend came to talk about some items on my mind. The poster in the elevator said there was a travel episode in the social lounge at 2 p.m. so we called in to see how it was.
Joan McLatchy was showing her travels to Russia (Sochi) and other countries ending up in Greece.
She's a wonder because she culls her pictures and allows them to stay the right time on the screen and talks about incidentals in the countries which we would not have known.
There are Palm trees in Sochi. Tourist are not allowed to shop in tourist shops unless you have a special Visa.
I love these episodes and Joan has a good voice. Just as well because there was a racket in the other end of the lounge with people playing cards. I was embarrassed.
Only two other people plus me were in the audience who lived in Carrington and three from somewhere else. It's like dragging people out of a tarred road to get them to come for anything like that here but we're all different. My friend and I enjoyed every minute.
Saw a commercial on the Television I think from the Government saying "Bring back Play!" It's hilarious. Could you ever imagine anyone saying that in the old days? It was the natural thing to do for kids.
How are you going to manage to bring it back when we've lost them to the other world of play on I-pods?
My friend is so sensible and such a good volunteer. I was glad that the Municipality gave her recognition. She's involved with finding women who will enter politics and isn't that wonderful?
Just had an e-mail from Joy. Snow is expected on Sunday so my treat might be cancelled. Mustn't drive any distance if there are bad roads. She would have to come from Maple Ridge to get me and then take me home when it was dark. Too bad.
It's been cold again today and no visit to Willy so I'll take a cab tomorrow if it's the same.
Jane Austen book is getting a bit dry now. It's certainly changed my idea of a young woman sheltered in a religious society. Her life was always busy with traveling around the country and attending balls, hob-nobbing with the Hoi Poloi and living in Bath where it was like a marriage market and where you met anybody who was anybody.
I learned that Mrs.Austen did as other wives did and farmed out their babies to be nursed and looked after until they were toddlers then at eleven or twelve children were sent to boarding school (did I tell you that already?) and to top it off Jane's father the minister took in boys to board at their house and set up a school.
If I'm repeating myself it's because I daren't stop writing to look up the last epistle to check because I'm afraid I'm going to lose my blog again.
signed Always learning Doris
Joan McLatchy was showing her travels to Russia (Sochi) and other countries ending up in Greece.
She's a wonder because she culls her pictures and allows them to stay the right time on the screen and talks about incidentals in the countries which we would not have known.
There are Palm trees in Sochi. Tourist are not allowed to shop in tourist shops unless you have a special Visa.
I love these episodes and Joan has a good voice. Just as well because there was a racket in the other end of the lounge with people playing cards. I was embarrassed.
Only two other people plus me were in the audience who lived in Carrington and three from somewhere else. It's like dragging people out of a tarred road to get them to come for anything like that here but we're all different. My friend and I enjoyed every minute.
Saw a commercial on the Television I think from the Government saying "Bring back Play!" It's hilarious. Could you ever imagine anyone saying that in the old days? It was the natural thing to do for kids.
How are you going to manage to bring it back when we've lost them to the other world of play on I-pods?
My friend is so sensible and such a good volunteer. I was glad that the Municipality gave her recognition. She's involved with finding women who will enter politics and isn't that wonderful?
Just had an e-mail from Joy. Snow is expected on Sunday so my treat might be cancelled. Mustn't drive any distance if there are bad roads. She would have to come from Maple Ridge to get me and then take me home when it was dark. Too bad.
It's been cold again today and no visit to Willy so I'll take a cab tomorrow if it's the same.
Jane Austen book is getting a bit dry now. It's certainly changed my idea of a young woman sheltered in a religious society. Her life was always busy with traveling around the country and attending balls, hob-nobbing with the Hoi Poloi and living in Bath where it was like a marriage market and where you met anybody who was anybody.
I learned that Mrs.Austen did as other wives did and farmed out their babies to be nursed and looked after until they were toddlers then at eleven or twelve children were sent to boarding school (did I tell you that already?) and to top it off Jane's father the minister took in boys to board at their house and set up a school.
If I'm repeating myself it's because I daren't stop writing to look up the last epistle to check because I'm afraid I'm going to lose my blog again.
signed Always learning Doris
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Writer's party
Today it was 6 below zero for a while and the people who came in from outside said it was bitter cold and the wind bit their cheeks.
There's some walking to do from the parking lot when I go to see Willy so I told him if it was either snowing or too cold, I would not go to visit him. Two years ago I got stuck halfway from the parking lot to the building and I couldn't get my feet out from the snow to take the next step. I had to wait until two people came to my rescue and somehow got me going again. It was then that I told Willy, I'm getting older and snow clearing is slow to clear around there. I feel all at odds about missing a day though. I feel guilty and troubled because he never had friends and he'd rather not socialize. On the other hand he knew scads of people and they knew him - but that's not what we women call friends.
I'm getting T4s and 5s and you have to tear off a copy for your records but they don't say which is the copy on some of them. I have to have 2 plastic boxes - one for the ones for income tax and one for the copies. How can they say this is a paperless society?
I signed with my bank to have Visa bills and phone bill to be automatically paid but am left wondering if they really paid it or not. I'm aware they want me to do everything on line but I'm holding back on that one.
An attachment on e-mail told of all the things which will disappear in the future and cheques are one and Post Office is another.
Joy just phoned. She has joined a writer's club in Maple Ridge and they're having a Valentine's party and can bring their loved one with them and would I like to come. We are to be in lady's house. The theme is "Romance" so I am to bring a short piece to read - Hooray!
I told Joy that my other two daughters started me writing and now my youngest is connecting me again.
I had a worry-time last night when I woke at 3 a.m. I thought of how stupid I must have seemed about not recognising my friend's wife and cutting him short when he wanted to talk. I don't know how I can make it up to him. Isn't it pathetic when you get those worry times? You churn away in your mind and when morning comes it doesn't seem like that big a deal.
It's my eldest daughter's birthday today. I think she's sixty-six. Impossible! - imagine that. I e-mailed her to say that her birth was so important to us and to me especially because I felt we were more like a family and more like a Canadian then.
I knew nothing about babies. She cried a lot and we eventually found out that she was not getting enough nourishment from me as I nursed her and actually she was almost starving. Once on a formula she was just fine.
All my children had sterilized glass bottles and cloth diapers. One of my sons worked out how many diapers I had washed with the ten children. Can't remember the number but it was a LOT!
signed Mother of a senior citizen. Doris
There's some walking to do from the parking lot when I go to see Willy so I told him if it was either snowing or too cold, I would not go to visit him. Two years ago I got stuck halfway from the parking lot to the building and I couldn't get my feet out from the snow to take the next step. I had to wait until two people came to my rescue and somehow got me going again. It was then that I told Willy, I'm getting older and snow clearing is slow to clear around there. I feel all at odds about missing a day though. I feel guilty and troubled because he never had friends and he'd rather not socialize. On the other hand he knew scads of people and they knew him - but that's not what we women call friends.
I'm getting T4s and 5s and you have to tear off a copy for your records but they don't say which is the copy on some of them. I have to have 2 plastic boxes - one for the ones for income tax and one for the copies. How can they say this is a paperless society?
I signed with my bank to have Visa bills and phone bill to be automatically paid but am left wondering if they really paid it or not. I'm aware they want me to do everything on line but I'm holding back on that one.
An attachment on e-mail told of all the things which will disappear in the future and cheques are one and Post Office is another.
Joy just phoned. She has joined a writer's club in Maple Ridge and they're having a Valentine's party and can bring their loved one with them and would I like to come. We are to be in lady's house. The theme is "Romance" so I am to bring a short piece to read - Hooray!
I told Joy that my other two daughters started me writing and now my youngest is connecting me again.
I had a worry-time last night when I woke at 3 a.m. I thought of how stupid I must have seemed about not recognising my friend's wife and cutting him short when he wanted to talk. I don't know how I can make it up to him. Isn't it pathetic when you get those worry times? You churn away in your mind and when morning comes it doesn't seem like that big a deal.
It's my eldest daughter's birthday today. I think she's sixty-six. Impossible! - imagine that. I e-mailed her to say that her birth was so important to us and to me especially because I felt we were more like a family and more like a Canadian then.
I knew nothing about babies. She cried a lot and we eventually found out that she was not getting enough nourishment from me as I nursed her and actually she was almost starving. Once on a formula she was just fine.
All my children had sterilized glass bottles and cloth diapers. One of my sons worked out how many diapers I had washed with the ten children. Can't remember the number but it was a LOT!
signed Mother of a senior citizen. Doris
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Another phase of my life
My friend came to take my acrylic paints. You can see I meant what I said about giving up painting in the larger format. If I don't have the paints I can't relent.
I'll have more space in "The closet" referring to the room sized closet off the studio which is getting clogged with all manner of things. A lot of it to do with Willy's affairs.
Painting occupies a lot of room and another thing is that the manner in which I paint is to stand by the table, lean over the paper and paint. My back complains with the leaning and recently I can only keep going for five minutes before I just can't continue. So I have to look after myself.
I will do small work but not make a commitment with it. I don't take today lightly. 3rd February 2014 she lay down the tools of her art and deeply felt the loss.
A phone call woke me at 8 a.m. from Pleasantview. Willy had fallen out of bed for the tenth time and they will put bars on the sides of his bed at night.
It's hard to know what he's attempting to do. The other day it was obvious he wanted to leave his wheelchair and go to lay down on his bed to sleep and that made sense. Today he obviously wanted to get out of his bed but to do what I'd like to know. He can't stand up and if he wants something he can ring his bell which is always close to him.
I know he's going to lead the staff a merry time if he's contained behind bars. Willy has to be free of constraints.
I watched the Carrington crew play Pool against the Cedar Brook Chateau fellows and it was heart-warming to see the contest heating up and they enjoyed it very much. Some have Parkinson's disease and the cues shake in their hands but they manage to pot the balls well.
I started to play when I first came here. They had a Ladies day and served wine but I stood waiting for my opponent to partake of her wine and make conversation on the side-lines before she'd re-join the game every time. The ladies wouldn't play with me because "I took it too seriously" and it petered out.
I had a coach. He was patient and we enjoyed our games but one day he woke up and didn't know where he was.
Then my son visited and played a game with me. Actually I hardly played because he PLAYED BY PHYSICS and the ball did everything like there was mental telepathy!
How could I compete with that?
My son-in-w has a high class pool table, expensive cues and opalescent balls ( Pool balls) and he played a game with me with such speed and power and so well, I gave up.
Signed - Saying farewell to what has been my love since I was a small child - Doris - nearly 90.
I'll have more space in "The closet" referring to the room sized closet off the studio which is getting clogged with all manner of things. A lot of it to do with Willy's affairs.
Painting occupies a lot of room and another thing is that the manner in which I paint is to stand by the table, lean over the paper and paint. My back complains with the leaning and recently I can only keep going for five minutes before I just can't continue. So I have to look after myself.
I will do small work but not make a commitment with it. I don't take today lightly. 3rd February 2014 she lay down the tools of her art and deeply felt the loss.
A phone call woke me at 8 a.m. from Pleasantview. Willy had fallen out of bed for the tenth time and they will put bars on the sides of his bed at night.
It's hard to know what he's attempting to do. The other day it was obvious he wanted to leave his wheelchair and go to lay down on his bed to sleep and that made sense. Today he obviously wanted to get out of his bed but to do what I'd like to know. He can't stand up and if he wants something he can ring his bell which is always close to him.
I know he's going to lead the staff a merry time if he's contained behind bars. Willy has to be free of constraints.
I watched the Carrington crew play Pool against the Cedar Brook Chateau fellows and it was heart-warming to see the contest heating up and they enjoyed it very much. Some have Parkinson's disease and the cues shake in their hands but they manage to pot the balls well.
I started to play when I first came here. They had a Ladies day and served wine but I stood waiting for my opponent to partake of her wine and make conversation on the side-lines before she'd re-join the game every time. The ladies wouldn't play with me because "I took it too seriously" and it petered out.
I had a coach. He was patient and we enjoyed our games but one day he woke up and didn't know where he was.
Then my son visited and played a game with me. Actually I hardly played because he PLAYED BY PHYSICS and the ball did everything like there was mental telepathy!
How could I compete with that?
My son-in-w has a high class pool table, expensive cues and opalescent balls ( Pool balls) and he played a game with me with such speed and power and so well, I gave up.
Signed - Saying farewell to what has been my love since I was a small child - Doris - nearly 90.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Kidneys
Saw the doctor this afternoon. He says he's still worried about the function of my kidneys. Apparently blood pressure medication helps the kidneys so this is what he told me to do.
I'm to take my B.P. first thing in the morning. If it's 140 or higher I'm to take two of the 2.5 ml Ramaprills. If it's around 120s or 130s I'm to take just the 2.5 mg.
I will see him in two weeks time and evaluate the results.
Meanwhile I'll try to drink more water.
I called in to the Hurd Pharmacy to pick up some of the ointment the foot lady suggested for diabetics. Named Atrac-Tain and used especially on dry and cracked heels.
As I was walking around I picked up a walking cane with four feet to it. I've seen the other ones that stick out and can trip other people but this one had more contained feet so I bought it after Diane adjusted the height.
Next I saw slippers for Willy which I've been looking for years. With these you pull the Velcro panels to one side and the person just puts his foot on the sole part - no forcing the arch of the foot through the space. Close the flaps and they're very comfortable, light and warm.
Of course, the pair I bought was too small so I changed them for a size 10.
Our life together from the beginning is dotted with occasions where I buy something for Willy and he gets angry and refuses to look at the purchase and berates me for buying what he doesn't need. So we go through the procedure and then I ask him which shoes does he want to wear - and he chooses the new slippers. Good!
I walked too fast from the parking lot to Pleasantview and was glad I had been checked out by the doctor because I was very out-of-breath.
Had a long phone call from Mark and the boys have a good idea to expand and John (the friend, soup and sandwich man) will be moving his little shop within their business area and it will be like a drive through.
The 96 year old lady here who I enjoy talking with is back having her meals in the dining room. I was so glad to see her again.
Signed Pleasing Willy the hard way - Doris
I'm to take my B.P. first thing in the morning. If it's 140 or higher I'm to take two of the 2.5 ml Ramaprills. If it's around 120s or 130s I'm to take just the 2.5 mg.
I will see him in two weeks time and evaluate the results.
Meanwhile I'll try to drink more water.
I called in to the Hurd Pharmacy to pick up some of the ointment the foot lady suggested for diabetics. Named Atrac-Tain and used especially on dry and cracked heels.
As I was walking around I picked up a walking cane with four feet to it. I've seen the other ones that stick out and can trip other people but this one had more contained feet so I bought it after Diane adjusted the height.
Next I saw slippers for Willy which I've been looking for years. With these you pull the Velcro panels to one side and the person just puts his foot on the sole part - no forcing the arch of the foot through the space. Close the flaps and they're very comfortable, light and warm.
Of course, the pair I bought was too small so I changed them for a size 10.
Our life together from the beginning is dotted with occasions where I buy something for Willy and he gets angry and refuses to look at the purchase and berates me for buying what he doesn't need. So we go through the procedure and then I ask him which shoes does he want to wear - and he chooses the new slippers. Good!
I walked too fast from the parking lot to Pleasantview and was glad I had been checked out by the doctor because I was very out-of-breath.
Had a long phone call from Mark and the boys have a good idea to expand and John (the friend, soup and sandwich man) will be moving his little shop within their business area and it will be like a drive through.
The 96 year old lady here who I enjoy talking with is back having her meals in the dining room. I was so glad to see her again.
Signed Pleasing Willy the hard way - Doris
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Watching the paint dry
Yes - I'm waiting for the acrylic paint to dry and as it's a heavy application, it's going to take some time so I'm writing on the blog.
This is the last canvas and maybe I've said it's a Chinese red colour and "The year of the Horse" keeps coming to me and as it IS the year of the horse, that will be its title.
It's tempting to put in a symbol of the horse but the black marks from dipping in paint my steel ruler and printing it on the canvas will have to stand for the horse. I can just visualize an audience trying to find where the horse is in the painting!
I also wanted to insert a bit of gold for the Chinese new year but fortunately I have just thrown out my gold paint because simple is the game!
(There was a bang just behind me and I thought it was the canvas with still wet black paint falling on the carpet but it's okay, it was the plastic box which is waiting to be filled with funeral information) These strange things are supposed to be meaningful happenings but I fail to understand this one.
I remember seeing a documentary of Lauren Harris painting in his living room, using oil paint and standing on the off-white carpet. That's my kind of man - you can feel what is the right spot to do your painting and you can't fiddle-faddle around worrying about getting told off if you choose someone else's precious space.
I watched Pavarotti's life on PBS last night. I saw him on television before anyone had heard about him, he was teaching young hopeful opera singers how to project their voices. I held my breath with hearing the sounds from his throat because it was so rich and powerful. I was disappointed in him divorcing his wife but the other night when I watched Steven Hawkin's wife on T.V. I learned that I should not have blamed him when he did the same. The wife said she had to look after the family and that was her life whereas Hawkin's life belonged to the world and it had to be separate.
I got ten copies of two photographs yesterday. One that Brenda took when Willy and I first got together. We're laughing and look so young and happy. The other is the most recent one of him in the wheelchair and me at the back of it. I'm thinking the two pictures could go in the plastic box for the blurb they make at funerals.
I read Paul St.Pierre's book at lunch-time but picked up Jane Austen's biography at 9 p.m. when it's time to put other things away and have "my time". It's wonderful to read how her life was and isn't it earth shaking to know her father who was a clergyman sent new babies to someone else's house for them to be nursed until they were toddlers. And then when they were eleven or twelve they went to boarding schools. He took in boy pupils and had a sort of boarding school for a long time. How would you feel if you were one of his children? It would have been hard to understand.
I think the black paint is dry enough now for me to pick up the "Year of the Horse" and paint the edge of the canvas. I do this so I can put in screw-eyes at each side with wire to hang it and not have to frame it.
I must say I don't understand why these last three have such a rough look to them but hope I can leave them the way they want to be.
I have one painting I did before these and know must get it out to study and bring it to life because it needs it. I'll name them all, make a list of titles, medium and price then stack them carefully for June 28th. signed "Year of the Horse" Doris
This is the last canvas and maybe I've said it's a Chinese red colour and "The year of the Horse" keeps coming to me and as it IS the year of the horse, that will be its title.
It's tempting to put in a symbol of the horse but the black marks from dipping in paint my steel ruler and printing it on the canvas will have to stand for the horse. I can just visualize an audience trying to find where the horse is in the painting!
I also wanted to insert a bit of gold for the Chinese new year but fortunately I have just thrown out my gold paint because simple is the game!
(There was a bang just behind me and I thought it was the canvas with still wet black paint falling on the carpet but it's okay, it was the plastic box which is waiting to be filled with funeral information) These strange things are supposed to be meaningful happenings but I fail to understand this one.
I remember seeing a documentary of Lauren Harris painting in his living room, using oil paint and standing on the off-white carpet. That's my kind of man - you can feel what is the right spot to do your painting and you can't fiddle-faddle around worrying about getting told off if you choose someone else's precious space.
I watched Pavarotti's life on PBS last night. I saw him on television before anyone had heard about him, he was teaching young hopeful opera singers how to project their voices. I held my breath with hearing the sounds from his throat because it was so rich and powerful. I was disappointed in him divorcing his wife but the other night when I watched Steven Hawkin's wife on T.V. I learned that I should not have blamed him when he did the same. The wife said she had to look after the family and that was her life whereas Hawkin's life belonged to the world and it had to be separate.
I got ten copies of two photographs yesterday. One that Brenda took when Willy and I first got together. We're laughing and look so young and happy. The other is the most recent one of him in the wheelchair and me at the back of it. I'm thinking the two pictures could go in the plastic box for the blurb they make at funerals.
I read Paul St.Pierre's book at lunch-time but picked up Jane Austen's biography at 9 p.m. when it's time to put other things away and have "my time". It's wonderful to read how her life was and isn't it earth shaking to know her father who was a clergyman sent new babies to someone else's house for them to be nursed until they were toddlers. And then when they were eleven or twelve they went to boarding schools. He took in boy pupils and had a sort of boarding school for a long time. How would you feel if you were one of his children? It would have been hard to understand.
I think the black paint is dry enough now for me to pick up the "Year of the Horse" and paint the edge of the canvas. I do this so I can put in screw-eyes at each side with wire to hang it and not have to frame it.
I must say I don't understand why these last three have such a rough look to them but hope I can leave them the way they want to be.
I have one painting I did before these and know must get it out to study and bring it to life because it needs it. I'll name them all, make a list of titles, medium and price then stack them carefully for June 28th. signed "Year of the Horse" Doris
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Books
Yes - I picked up the books I wanted at the book-store in what they call "The Junction" mall in Mission.
The Junction is situated on flats which had been flooded in the old days. The Fraser River is close by so they built up some barrier banks to prevent it from happening again and it has held up to now.
When I first arrived in Mission this area was all scrub bush, small trees and blackberry bushes galore. Homeless men and drunks would gravitate towards this jungle, sleep on old bags and drink themselves to sleep.
Willy would walk amongst it all. picking up bottles and cans to get some coins for them and as he said "clean up the environment."
One afternoon he took me there on one of our walks and when I returned home I wrote a poem.
The bottle trees.
Willy knows
where there's wood for our fire-place.
We go in the truck behind the industrial site.
I get out to walk
where cars have worn down a rough road
amongst the brush.
It's late winter cold and
trash is everywhere.
I shiver
and am repulsed, not wanting to know
the why of it.
The track widens
and suddenly
it's a fantasy route
and I smile.
Trees are boasting hundreds of up-ended, sea-green wine bottles
on the bare branches.
Late afternoon sun brings out
the emerald colour. They look like lanterns.
Looking closely, I see
the bottles act like terrariums.
Leaves sprout in the small greenhouses.
Willy says
this is where the drunks come at night
to drown reality.
Even so, I think they leave their mark
like Christo the artist who wraps
part of nature in miles of cloth
so we will be more aware of it.
The wine drinkers
have made their artistic statement
and the green bottles sway
in their lonely galleries.
The Mall was developed on those flats and sucked the downtown of Mission dry. Parking is plentiful and Save-On, Canadian Tire and London Drugs are there. And I know not where the drunks go now.
signed knowing art is everywhere - Doris
The Junction is situated on flats which had been flooded in the old days. The Fraser River is close by so they built up some barrier banks to prevent it from happening again and it has held up to now.
When I first arrived in Mission this area was all scrub bush, small trees and blackberry bushes galore. Homeless men and drunks would gravitate towards this jungle, sleep on old bags and drink themselves to sleep.
Willy would walk amongst it all. picking up bottles and cans to get some coins for them and as he said "clean up the environment."
One afternoon he took me there on one of our walks and when I returned home I wrote a poem.
The bottle trees.
Willy knows
where there's wood for our fire-place.
We go in the truck behind the industrial site.
I get out to walk
where cars have worn down a rough road
amongst the brush.
It's late winter cold and
trash is everywhere.
I shiver
and am repulsed, not wanting to know
the why of it.
The track widens
and suddenly
it's a fantasy route
and I smile.
Trees are boasting hundreds of up-ended, sea-green wine bottles
on the bare branches.
Late afternoon sun brings out
the emerald colour. They look like lanterns.
Looking closely, I see
the bottles act like terrariums.
Leaves sprout in the small greenhouses.
Willy says
this is where the drunks come at night
to drown reality.
Even so, I think they leave their mark
like Christo the artist who wraps
part of nature in miles of cloth
so we will be more aware of it.
The wine drinkers
have made their artistic statement
and the green bottles sway
in their lonely galleries.
The Mall was developed on those flats and sucked the downtown of Mission dry. Parking is plentiful and Save-On, Canadian Tire and London Drugs are there. And I know not where the drunks go now.
signed knowing art is everywhere - Doris
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