Day 160 - Awh! I Missed You Guys!

Today was the first day of treatment. It was so wonderful to see everyone! Big hugs & smiles all around as I surprised all the girls! Karla, Rossy, Mika, Emily, Maria, Nora & even Adrian got hugs! It was great to have such a warm welcome! It is wonderful to be remembered - how many patients do they see come & go? It was a great feeling!

I had blood work done first thing in the morning & then settled in for my first IV treatment. I had to fast for the blood work, so I'd ran to the smoothie shop for a fresh smoothie before I caught the shuttle. It was a good little walk for Valentina too!

The clinic is quite busy. We were all Albertan's & BCer's, but for a few Americans. I didn't recognize anyone. A few faces looked familiar, but there wasn't any connection. 

I met a beautiful family from Edmonton. The Mom was Polish & absolutely stunning. She was taking cancer treatments. Dad was also taking treatments, not for any particular illness, but just to keep his system in good condition. Their boy was pretty excited for his upcoming trip to Disneyland! (I can't blame him! I'm still excited to go!) :o)

Sadly, they were finishing their last treatment tomorrow! The same went for another couple from Airdrie, another couple from Lloydminster, Grande Prairie & Dawson Creek! Yeesh! I'd be on my own! 

I found out from the couple from Lloydminster that another friend had passed away. I was really shocked, as I had just spoken to him a short while ago & he seemed like he was on his way to full health. I don't know the details, but it was rather upsetting to hear.

I hopped on the shuttle after my treatment & was back to the hotel about 1330. I was wiped from the previous late night, but I also had no groceries to keep me going. Sleep or food? I passed out shortly after I got back & didn't get up until 1730! Guess I needed the zzz's! I woke up to the RIDICULOUSLY LOUD ring of the phone. (I've since turned it down!) It was Jaco! Great to hear his voice! We talked for a bit & then I thought I should head over to the little food mart & get a few groceries. 

Valentina & I took another walk & I think I played her little legs out! I let her nap in the room while I grabbed a baked potato & veggies from Coco's restaurant. I read my book while I dined & I must say, I was happy to get to bed! Again!

Sorry, not a very exciting day, but sometimes no drama is nice!!! :o)

Maria & Valentina

xxxxxx

Hasta Manana!

Just leaving the grocery store.

I love a good palm tree in March.

Pretty skies

Mama's girl

Mama's girl having a snooze.

Day 159 - The Next Next Chapter

Back to where it all began. Well, the blog anyways! Yup, today Lil’ Miss V & I boarded a big ol’ aero-plane bound for San Diego.

I had a particularly crappy night’s sleep, probably because I was so worried about today’s flights & getting to the airport on time always stresses me out. (No just because I’m generally always late, but also because my luggage is usually too heavy & today I was flying on my own with Valentina.

My day started off with a call from Roxy. Then Collet. Then Granny. Then Jaco. Then Laura. I will certainly say, I am so sad to be saying goodbye to all my wonderful & dear friends. They have been there for me through thick & thin & I will be quite lonely without my daily calls to at least one of them! I know I will have Skype & Facebook for awhile & then email, but it’s just not the same. Don’t kid yourself, today saw a lot of tears fall from my eyes!

Mom took me to the airport & we also had a teary goodbye. We’ve had a rocky few months, but I’m happy to say that we parted on proper Mother/Daughter terms & not disgruntled roommate terms! :o)

Security was a nightmare. The queue was ridiculously long & they didn’t even have enough bins to put your stuff in! I put my shoes, belt, jacket, (1/2 my clothing) in one bin, with my liquids. My laptop in one bin & then I had my carryon case, purse & of course, Valentina’s carrier. Apparently one person can’t have 5 ‘scans’, so they made me chuff the bag full of Valentina’s food & treats into my existing luggage. They swabbed ALL of my bags & clothing & even made me put my hands in my pockets & swabbed them! Thank the Good Lord I didn’t have to do the full body scan! It was there, but I didn’t notice anyone in it.

Getting on the plane was just as bad. I had just bought a tea from Starbucks when the started boarding. Having my hands full, I awkwardly made my way down the passage. When I approached the plane, the ‘friendly’ stewardess tells me I can’t bring my carry on case onto the plane. Yeah, right. It’s the one that has my laptop, hard drives & cameras in it. Like I’m going to let those out of my sight! Thank goodness I’d used my bowling bag of a purse, so I could fit my cameras in it & I just carried my laptop onboard.

I sat next to a beautiful Mom from California. She had her 3 month old son with her & we chit chatted our way through most of the flight. Her Grandma stays in the same Assisted Living Home my Granny used to live in! Her little guy had the cutest dimples & was all smiles until we started to descend. With half an hour to go, he got quite fussy, understandably so, and I started a game of peek-a-boo with the in-air shopping magazine. When peek-a-boo didn’t cut it any longer, I tore a page out of the magazine & crinkled it. MAGIC!! He was completely enthralled! It sounded just like those little crinkle book toys you get for babies, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ I went through about 5 pages – they lose their crinkliness after awhile – so sadly, if anyone wants to order the ‘Caveman/Yeti’ for their garden or the hair growth powder, I’m afraid I’ve ruined their chances! The little fellow fell asleep shortly before we landed.

After a brief wait in the San Francisco airport, they announced it was boarding time. I had my luggage prepared like they had asked me to on the previous flight, so when I fumbled my way up to the attendant checking us in, he took one look at me & said 'You're going to have to check one of those bags. You've got 4 bags & you're only allowed 2. You'll have to put a 3rd one inside one of the other bags.'


I looked at him in disbelief. 'You're kidding me, right? This is what they made me do on the last flight & it was fine. One bag is my carry-on, which is too big, so I put it a la carte & take out my camera gear & laptop. Another bag is my purse & the third bag is my dog's carrier.'


He considered the LIVE ANIMAL a bag. Are you kidding me? After I notify the airline & no one tells me this will count towards my carry-on total... I don't think so! I was furious! I rammed my laptop into my purse & asked if he was happy. I was so frustrated getting on that plane! Then, to my surprise, I see these HUGE overhead bins! I could have left everything as it was & been fine! I really wish these airlines would get their act together. And Mr. Jeremy Smith should be a little more helpful when it comes to his paying customers! Yes, United Airlines will be getting an email from me!


I sat next to a Swedish Pole Vaulter. What? You haven't met a Swedish Pole Vaulter before? You need to get out more! Ha ha. I thought this was about the most random combination I could have possibly met! He was a sweet young chap, on his way to San Diego for 5 weeks of training. 


I was met by Alexandra, who turned out to be Dr. Castillo's daughter! I was tickled pink when I saw the sign reading:
'JILL & VALENTINA'


Awh! How cute! They even included Valentina in the welcome sign! Alexandra drove us to the hotel & helped with the luggage. On our drive there, I asked what she did. It turns out she is a Psychologist & she helps people with addictions, eating disorders, and hey! Did I ever have some questions for her! She helped me understand the reasons behind my 'closet eating' & well, I just love it when things like that happen! Little serendipity moments make life beautiful!


Exhausted, I crashed at about 0200. Morning is going to come early! Sleep well & see you in Tijuana!


xxxxx
Maria & Valentina

Tweet Pea & Nonna enjoying a ride in NeverLate

Nonna says goodbye to Valentina

Last minute stuffing before we leave Canada!

The Gorgeous Alexandra who fetched us at the airport

Day 158 - Holy Cow! What A Day!

Phew! Today was a LONG day! I had planned on heading out early, but as usual, the morning got away from me... Then dear ol' Contemplate wouldn't start! My last day to drive my lovely car for many months to come & it was no go. Mom was already gone with NeverLate, so I was left with the truck. I don't mind driving the truck, but it's a gas hog & a bit of a tank to drive in the city. Regardless, I headed out around 1100 for Cochrane.


First up was the TD bank for the $25 Barbados Import Permit. $25 Barbados dollars is equal to about $13 Canadian. It cost $50 (!) to post to Barbados. Ouch! 


I stopped in to see Jenn on her first day of her new job. She looked like a supermodel!!! Wow!!! I couldn't help but stare! She is such a beautiful woman! With those big eyes & perfect smile, no wonder Mike was so swiftly enamoured with this gorgeous Canadian gal! :o) I hope the job goes well for her.


I will admit. Today was a weepy day. I cried on my way to Cochrane, I cried on my way to Calgary & I cried on my way home from the city. I cried at songs on the radio, I cried when  I couldn't find the courts office... Yeah, I was a bit of a wreck. I'm sad to be leaving all my friends & Mom & happy to be leaving to get healthy. I'm sad I'm not already healthy, I miss my husband & I'm sad we're not already living somewhere together... And pretty much anything else made me cry.


I stopped at GAP Adventures to say goodbye to Michael - he was busy as usual! Then it was downtown to sort out the speeding ticket I got in September. I was caught doing 102 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. I was 3 hours late leaving for the wedding weekend, with a million things on my mind. It is my first speeding ticket in Alberta. Grrr. Anyhow, it had gone to trial so I had to see a Prosecutor about it. I phoned & was given the wrong directions. I went to 5 different places & couldn't find the right floor when I finally found the right building. Needless to say, I was getting close to losing it! I ended up having to buy a Jugo Juice just to get more change & pay for parking. My luck I'd get a parking ticket while paying for my speeding ticket! Hmpf!


The Prosecutor was actually human! He was very much unlike the Judge I visited in January - thank goodness! He reduced my ticket & I received 2 demerits instead of 3. 


I motored over to Meyers Norris Penny with minutes to spare on the parking meter. I paid my last payment & hugged my Bankruptcy Consultant goodbye. I was very excited to have made my last payment... Just another 3 weeks of receipts to submit & I am free & clear! Yahoo!


I boogied through the rest of the afternoon trying to get the rest of my to-do list accomplished. Community Natural Foods, then I tried to get a roll of slide film cross-processed. I was rejected at Vistek, Costco & Black's. I'll just take it to California with me & have it done there. I stopped at PetSmart, the Luggage Shop, Chapters, Jugo Juice (again), and then I stopped at Mom2's. She'd been away all weekend & I was quite worried, as I didn't know she was gone & I couldn't get ahold of her! She hadn't checked her email recently, so she didn't know I was leaving - for 4 months! 


It was nearly 2000 & I was pretty pooped. I decided to pick up some veggies for Mom & head home. Hungry as a horse, I decided to have some sushi. I chose a chai tea & sushi over a burger & fries. I thought that was a wise choice! Sushi Ginza was delish!


It had been quite windy all day & I swear in a matter of minutes, the temperature dropped by 10 degrees! It was freezing cold!!! Yuck! Of course, I arrived home to find a lovely blanket of fresh snow! Oh the joys of living in the mountains! 


Tomorrow it the last chance to pack & hit the skies enroute for health & happiness... Sleep well & I'll see you soon! 
xxxxxx
Maria & Valentina

Jenn on her first day!

Yahoo! Last payment!

Great Sushi!

Great service!

Great times!

Day 157 - Go Potty! Pee Pee! Poo Poo! Deposita! (Per Favore!) (!!!!!)

A large chunk of the day was spent in an attempt to train Valentina to go potty in a 4x4 box of wood shavings. Yesterday was much the same, but Mom let her outside in the evening (& morning) by 'accident' & of course, she did her business elsewhere. 


She clearly had to go. (Valentina, not Mom) Every time I would walk near the porch, she would run to the door & look at me. Okay, I'd put on my shoes & take her outside. I'd plop her down in the shavings & say the commands: 'Poo poo, pee pee, deposita, go potty!' And she'd just stare blankly at me. I put the wire corral around it & left her out there for awhile. Nope. Nothing. I fed her some canned food. Nothing. Water? Nothing. I could feel her little belly wanting to burst every time I picked her up. I put grass in the shavings. Nothing. Some of her earlier 'deposits'. Nothing. Feeling exasperated I asked Mom, 'What do you think would happen if I pee'd in a cup & put in on the shavings?' She laughed at me. I did it. STILL NOTHING!!! Come on!!! Then Mom said to take out some shavings so the grass would be available. Maybe I had too much shavings. Okay, we shovel off the shavings (with gloves, of course, now that I contaminated it!). I put her into the grassy patches. Nothing. 


Mom's next idea was to let her go on the grass, but put shavings underneath her when she went so she would realize it was okay to go on the shavings. Okay, worth a try! I had Valentina's leash & was ready to say the command. I told Mom to get ready with the shavings, because I was betting it wouldn't take long! Not a split second onto the grass & Valentina let 'er rip. Mom was gawking somewhere else, so I harped, 'HURRY UP! Get the shavings under there before she's done!' Poor Valentina had no clue what we were trying to do. Of course, I told Mom to grab another handful quickly, as #2 was in hot pursuit! Mom's lucky she didn't wait a second more, it would've been nasty! I was laughing so hard I couldn't see what was happening for the tears in my eyes & running down my cheeks! 


So, Valentina went on the shavings, just not in the spot I'd prefer. I took her out later this evening, & nothing. Again. Oh please let it happen! Her poor little kidneys will be suffering! 


The packing drama is nearly complete. I think one case is SLIGHTLY overweight, but I've tried my best. Tomorrow I'll be running around like a chicken with my head off, but hopefully I'll manage to get it all done! I've hardly packed any clothes, as I'm so overweight, not much fits! Frustrating as it is, you'd think that would free up some space in the luggage! Not so! 


Mom made homemade Caesar dressing tonight, so despite the fact I'm no longer on DMSO, I still smell pretty funky! Here's hoping it's gone by tomorrow morning! 


Speaking of meds, I've managed to pack my pills into my luggage. I hope Customs isn't too suspicious! I have nothing to hide, but I hate it when they rifle through my stuff. I've got enough vials, needles & pills to open up my own Health Food Store! 


Alrighty, enough potty talk for one day... I'm off to bed... Hope your day was a grand one & I'll see you soon!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo
Maria & Valentina

She loves her red ball!

Let's play Mama!

Day 156 - Confession.

So today started as a fairly regular day. I was going to round up some stuff & try to start packing & preparing for Mexico. I had a list your arm's length long of things to do, people to call & things to sort out. I think I had 5 pages worth of stuff to do! 


I had planned on heading to Cochrane to the bank & then into Calgary to sort out a few things. I was going to stop at Jenn & Mike's to visit for a bit & then Jenn was going to come with me into the city.


Before I left, I phoned Nicole to talk to her about the workshop in San Diego this coming June. I wanted to tell her I had spoken with Jaco & decided to attend. While I was talking to Nicole, we somehow came across the topic of diet. I divulged that I had been struggling off & on with a healthy diet for quite some time. I eat healthy when I am in the public eye, but as soon as I am on my own, especially when I drive, I 'closet eat'. Yes, I ate McDonald's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, you name it, I ate it.


I started to tell her about my problem & she asked me what it was about - I thought maybe it was self-worth or self-esteem. But when I told her a particularly pathetic story of fast food cravings that would rival the desperation of a crack addict, she commented, saying that it wasn't about self-worth. It was punishment. 


I was speechless.


I hadn't thought of it too much before. Yes, I felt guilty & yes, I was mad at myself for doing it & why couldn't I control what I shoved in my mouth? Lord knows of all the things in my life out of control, I would jump at the chance to control at least something!


Needless to say, I was left with a lot to think about. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief with the realization of something I knew was affecting my life on so many levels.


Moving along, I headed to Cochrane & had a wonderful visit with Jenn & Mike. Little Heidi has changed so much already! It's amazing! And of course, Harrison was charming as ever. We left for the city about 1930, but silly me. Saturday night, not much was open! We ended up picking up a new carrier for Valentina & having a plate of nacho's at Montana's. (I didn't eat the forbidden tomatoes - I'm trying!) It was so fantastic to sit & visit with a girlfriend. Just the two of us. It was great! I had a good cry on my way home, as I'm really going to miss my girlfriends. They keep me going & have been such a big source of inspiration & support since I've been back in Canada these past few years.


I drove Mom's new car to Cochrane - it's a Camry, like mine, although it's only 4 years newer, it's a whole different car! It even had a stereo! I was so distracted driving, I couldn't find a decent radio station, until I finally decided on some station playing reggae music. I got to thinkin' - Calgary needs a 'Caribbean' bar where people can listen to reggae music, eat authentic island foods, learn how to dance caribbean style... I carried on with my imagination - the bar could be nice & hot & humid. Wear your flip flops & bikini & oh yes, tanning lights so you can work on your tan while you have fun - maybe we could do the healthier lights that give you your dose of Vitamin D... Just a thought. I would like to go there! Sand on the floor & palm trees...


Anyhow, back to the car... Jenn asked what we were going to name it. (She's so good with names! She always remembers the car's names, & is the only one who calls my lump Frank) The car prior to Contemplate was a Honda Civic named Meditate because it also lacked a stereo. We talked about different names & I thought I should keep the -ate theme going. It took me awhile, but I've since decided on 'NeverLate'. My Mom is notorious for running behind & I'm certainly no better. Maybe with a name like NeverLate the punctuality in the family will improve! :o)


So that's the update for today... Sorry for the delay & I'll do my best to keep up to speed! I'll be sure to update you on the food thing... Just another bump in the road. 


Love & hugs,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxxo

Harrison Jumps!

I think this was 'touch your toes'

Heidi learning to roll over & Harrison being a great big brother!

Day 155 - Wrong Side of the Bed.

Today was just one of those days where I should have stayed in bed. I woke up with a sore throat & a killer headache. The headache is still here, despite several attempts to eliminate it. 


It didn't seem to matter what I tried to do, it fell apart. I'd pick one thing up & three things would fall. This was just not my day. 


I also, ahem, did my first coffee enema. Finally. It wasn't so bad. No, it wasn't French Vanilla! :o) I also used my neti pot for the first time today too. It was a really weird feeling. Yes, more weird than the enema. It was certainly a strong sensation of 'water up my nose'! The funniest part was an hour later, I would bend over & there would still be water running out of my nose! 


I pulled things out of the closets & did my best to start the packing routine. I was grumbling to a friend about the difficulties of trying to pack for Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska & a dog in only three bags. She said if I was looking for pity, I wouldn't get it from her, seeing as I was lucky enough to be headed to all those places! Okay, fair enough!


I spoke to a fellow friend who is battling cancer & I'm pleased to say that Joanne, many of you have prayed for her, is doing great! She sounds like she's found a routine that is working for her! That is fantastic news, considering she's already 2 months past her 'deadline' (pun intended!) & she's doing fantastic!


Anyhow, short post for today... I'm beat & my head is still pounding! See you tomorrow!
xxxxx
Maria & Valentina

Snow White

Cinderella

Sleeping Beauty

Day 154 - Speedy Gonzalez AKA Contemplate

After an exceptionally short night, I found myself somewhat coherent about 0900. I got up to let Valentina out & by the time I came back in Collet was up too. We chit chatted for a bit & then Ezra woke up. He was not too happy to be up - until he saw 'Nini'! 


They played & played & played all morning. It was fun to see the two of them getting along so well! I was amazed at Ezra's growth. When I saw him 2 weeks ago, he was saying words. Now he's saying sentences! My goodness they grow quickly!


Collet took me for a tour of True Hope. Dave's family has this incredible history of helping people with illnesses of all sorts. What began as a solution for bi-polar has evolved into, well, how about you just check it out... http://www.truehope.com I take several of their products to give my body the nutritional support it needs & I've heard so many amazing stories of the products helping people with depression, Parkinson's, MS, cancer, Cerebral Palsy... It's incredible!


I was shocked at the size of the office. Completely not what I expected, but it's always nice to have your expectations exceeded! My only disappointment... No Mac computers. Sigh. If they only knew that ALL of GAP Adventures computers are Macs & they have 5 concept stores in 3 different countries plus head office! Once you go Mac, you never go back. :o) (Just a little dig for the IT boys at True Hope!) Everyone who worked there was friendly & fun. I guess it feels good to know that you are making a big impact in so many people's lives, health & vitality! Bring it on!!!


We returned to the house & I packed up the car. I woefully hugged the family goodbye & made my way towards Calgary. (3 hours late!) I had called the Oncologist's office & told them I was running behind & could I squeak in at the end of the day. She told me to get there as quickly as I could. I left at 1500 & by 1633 I was entering the south end of the city. It took me well over 1/2 an hour to get to Tom Baker. Crowchild was at a stand still. So much for making good time! Luckily the Doctor was still there when I ran in! 


He told me to have a seat & wait. Wow. 3 hours late & I still get to wait! Imagine what the parking bill would have been had I been on time! :o) 


Well, I must say, he drives a hard bargain. I brought up the comments made from the previous week with the other Oncologist...

• Q:If I do 1 month of chemo & the tumors are gone, why am I still doing 5 more months of chemo?
• A:Well, we have to be sure we get it all & sometimes these cells lie dormant.
• Q: If you do a scan at 3 or 4 months & it's clean, why do I still need another 2 months?
• A: (see above)
• Q: The other Doc mentioned they are doing studies &/or tests to see if they can shorten the time/amount of chemo given. Can I get in on those studies?
• A: Well, we don't have any studies being conducted here, but I tell you what. You can do 6 months of chemo (no variation in the dosage) OR you can do 3 months of chemo followed by 3 months of radiation. We'll do radiation on your chest, underarms & both sides of your neck. 
• Q: Do I look stupid?
• A: (Don't worry, I didn't really ask that question, I just thought it REALLY LOUD in my head!)

The Doc also said the last 2 months of chemo are usually the toughest with the worst side effects. I'm thinking to myself... 'Duh! That's because there isn't any cancer left to kill! You're killing healthy cells!!!!'

Sigh. I then proceeded to tell him that I wanted to see my husband before I started chemo. Either I go see him or I wait until he can come to see me. The Doc proceeds to tell me that it's time to put me first. The cruise lines can find another Doctor to fill his spot. What the Doc doesn't quite understand is that Jaco would have to sign off own will, pay to fly to SA, get a visa, pay to fly to Canada & have no income while he was here & obviously nor would I! So the Doc says, give me his name & date of birth, I'll write up a letter & we'll send it to the Canadian Embassy in South Africa requesting an expedited Visitor Visa so he can come here. (!!??)

Next he says, 'Is money an issue?' We can put you in touch with a Social Worker who can put you on disability & get you some income to help out.  I'm beginning to think, 'Is there anything this Doctor can't do?'

Anyhow, he knows I'm stubborn & I want to think things through, so I politely tell him I need time to think about things. He tells me he wouldn't expect anything different, but that he wants me in treatment by the end of April. Oh please God let me find something that works between now & April 30th!

I leave the hospital at 1800 & pay my parking ($3.75 - not bad!) upstairs. As I drive past my Filipino friend from the previous weeks, I honk at him & offer a friendly wave. It's his lucky week, he doesn't have to put up with my coin purse this week! :o)

Exhausted from driving, I motor home. It is prayers tonight, but I don't have the energy to go. I am happy to be home, as is Valentina. I see Laura has called! She's back from Mexico! I can't wait to talk to her & see how things went... Did the girls have fun? Did Henk enjoy his time away from his 'other girls' (the cows)? How did treatments go? OMGOSH! The best news I've heard all year - SHE'S IN REMISSION!!!!!!!! AMEN!!!!! AWESOME NEWS!!!!!!! She doesn't have to go back for 1 year! Way to go Girl!!!! I'm thrilled to bits for her! She found out on her 8th Wedding Anniversary. I sure hope I don't have to wait until my 8th anniversary to hear those words!!! :o) 

Talk about a long day... Up & down & all around... Life is a roller coaster! Holy cow! I am about to crash when Mom asks me if I'll drive to Mossleigh tomorrow morning to pick her up. She needs to take Jeff her truck. Crap timing that is! I told her to ask me in the morning after I've had a good night's sleep.

Lekker slaap,

Maria & Valentina

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Best buds, enjoying breakfast!

Hangin' out at True Hope!

The True Hope IT boys. I guess there's always 'hope' one day they'll see the light & switch to Macs. :o)

Awh! What a gorgeous family & look at little Ezra's smile! Too cute for words!

Where would I be without my amazing friend? Lost.

Just a few questions for the Doc.

Day 153 - Loooooong Day! Loooooong Drive!

This morning I was woken up by a cold nose & paws on my cheek. Thanks Tweet Pea. I got up & packed up my things. Dad & I had some lunch & cancelled the ride, as it was FREEZING cold outside! Brrr! What a wind! It certainly didn't feel like Spring time out there!


We hopped over to Glen & Lynette's after dinner & found Glenn in the barn pulling a calf. Of course, I spent the first 5 minutes trying to keep their 4 lab puppies outside of the barn. It was a challenge! With the baby calf on the ground & soon up sucking from Mama, we left the 2 to bond & headed to the house for some tea & coffee. 


Glenn is the kind of person who won't take no for an answer. You eat there & even if you say 'No thank you', you're bound to have a 2nd burger, 2nd cup of tea or what have you. You never go hungry/thirsty at their house! Hospitality is definitely their forte! 


We visited long enough for their daughter, Delaine, to arrive home from school. Oh my goodness. I feel old. She is in grade 9 & gorgeous! I babysat her when she was about 1 or 2!!! CRAZY!!! We chit chatted about school & who the teachers were... Some are still the same as when I was there, but most are new. Again. Old. 


We finished up the tea & coffee & it was time for me to leave. I hugged Dad goodbye & sped off for Medicine Hat. I was stopping in to see Stella on my way to Lethbridge. It was so wonderful to see her! We had a great visit & again, several cups of tea! We talked about a lot of different topics & I sure do wish I lived closer. I'd swing by for tea all the time! Stella has a heart of gold & I hope I can get back to see her again this summer.


I left for Lethbridge & started down the old familiar highway. I used to live in Lethbridge (twice) & also drove to Cranbrook to see my first 'serious' boyfriend when I was in College.  In fact, I also drove the opposite direction a fair bit when I worked as a surveyor's helper for one summer. I'll never forget the early morning drive to 'The Hat' from Lethbridge. Another old flame I was seeing called me early to tell me to watch the road on my way to work. Confused & thinking he was crazy, I was looking & looking & looking, when finally I saw it. There on the middle of the busy highway were the words:
Ryan
-
-
Loves
-
-
Jill
Awh. I felt a little like a bit of Jeff Foxworthy's 'Redneck' lyrics, as no one had ever used spray paint to declare their feelings towards me, but looking back, it was pretty sweet. Certainly made the drive more enjoyable! :o)


Anyhow, enough of ex's. I was just about to Coaldale when this black Acura sped up & drove alongside me. The car swerved close to my car & then sped ahead. I watched it for awhile & noticed it crossing the centre line a little too much. When it carried on with this behaviour for a little too long, I called 911. The car eventually turned off the main road & I didn't follow it. I left that in the hands of the trusty RCMP. It felt good to report it! I didn't tell them I'd been speeding the whole time though! :o)


I pulled into Dave & Collet's about 2330. Ezra was up & patiently awaiting the arrival of 'Nini'. He was so excited! They played & played & played until they were both tuckered out! I was tuckered out too, but Collet & I stayed up & had a little chat. 


Bedtime came way too late, but the end is in sight! Have a great sleep & see you soon!
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Valentina's 'bed head' ears.

She loves mornings as much as her Mama!

Sleeping on Mama's knee to get close to the heat vent

Day 152 - No Guts, No Glory

*******WARNING: SOME IMAGES MAY BE EXTREMELY DISTURBING TO SOME VIEWERS. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.*******


So this morning I was up early to let little Miss V out & then went back to bed. The phone rang a few times, but I knew it would not be for me! :o) I finally woke up mid-morning & lazily got ready for the day. 


I researched a few more IPT Doctors in the States & Canada, but with little success. I did find one place in Arizona that sounded wonderful. So wonderful it costs $6500/wk & you need to attend for a minimum of 6 weeks! I mean, I know my life is priceless, but really, who has that kind of money when they have a serious illness?! I was reading about their philosophy & it said something along the lines of avoiding 'cooked foods, dairy, egg & meats'. Of course, I'm eating a toasted egg, mushroom & cheese sandwich as I read! Whoops! Guess I'll cancel that one for awhile! 


I went out with Dad in the afternoon to tag some newborn calves. It was fun to remind myself that I used to be of assistance with things like this. Now, I'm not so sure, but at least I enjoyed myself! We separated the Mamas & babies from the other cows that didn't have calves & then Dad roped the calves, tagged them & weighed them. After we finished with that, they were loaded into the trailer & we took them out to the Cabbage Patch to be with the rest of the herd. 


On the way out, Dad asked if I wanted to shoot some gophers. Now, before you have a hairy canary, these little rodents are SLIGHTLY over populated along side the road & when you are moving cattle via horse, the holes the gophers dig can be enough to take down a horse, break its leg & possibly worse with you on its back. I've never killed anything other than a gopher, unless you count that one little 6" fish I caught. I hadn't shot gophers for a LONG time, but I thought, ah, what the heck. Why not? So, I line up my sight & BANG! Wow! Got 'im! I hopped out of the truck & took Valentina over to see the aftermath. She sniffed a little bit, but wasn't too interested. I took a photo of the headless gopher. I'll put it last in the line of photos from today for those of you with weak stomachs & soft hearts.


Okay, so the next few shots, my aim sucked, but eventually I got the hang of it. We let the cows & calves out of the trailer & Dad caught & tagged another new one that had been born out at the Cabbage Patch last night. 


We came back to the house & Dad made supper. The healthy options of the previous night weren't so apparent tonight, as he made burgers with sweet potato fries. I had some leftover eggplant/mushroom stuff & a burger. Dad doesn't know it, but I don't really like hamburgers, so when he wasn't looking, I slipped bite size pieces into Valentina's bowl. I think I only had three little bites & she got the rest. She loved it!


We were supposed to go over to Glen & Lynette's, our neighbours, but we ended up at the other neighbours, Bev & Blair's. We were only going to stay a short while & then head over to Glen & Lynette's. We left Bev & Blair's at 2325! Whoopsie! They have been good friends since the day our family moved to Maple Creek back in 1989! In fact, not so long ago, I was admiring Bev & her ability to sit down & have a conversation with an 11 year old (me) all the way through to 20 years later! And we can still have a great visit! 


I'll be sure to stop in at Glen & Lynette's tomorrow before I go! So many visits, so little time! Tonight is my last night at 'home', tomorrow I'll make my way to Lethbridge and then home on Thursday. I'm pretty pooped & looking very forward to a solid night's sleep back in Bragg Creek!


See you back in Alberta tomorrow night!
Maria & Valentina,
xxxxxxxx

Calf #1 about to be weighed & tagged.

The doting Mom's

Piercings are fashionable in the cattle world too! :o)

Dad makes it look so easy.

Dad teaching Valentina Cowdog 101.

*****WARNING:OFFENSIVE PHOTO BELOW******

What's left of Mr. Gopher. It was my first shot! Don't mess with me! :o)

*****WARNING:OFFENSIVE PHOTO ABOVE*****

Valentina thinks she knows what to do now - 'Can I get out & help?'

Just another day.

Dad has good aim. Don't mess with him either!

And then there's the random boot we found in the middle of the pasture. It's not Dad's, so he figures it was baled up in the hay. Somewhere there's a 1/2 barefoot cowboy running around.

New Mom mothers up.

This little guy was so new, she was still wobbly on her feet!

Leaving the Cabbage Patch

Nothing like a big beautiful sky.

Day 151 - Driving...

Why is it that I can always find the snooze button before I gain consciousness? I hit the snooze button at 0740 (consciously) & the next time I heard the snooze button, it was 0805. Where did those 25 minutes go when my snooze beeps every 5 minutes?


Needless to say, I was late getting going this morning, but managed to get out the door & arrive at Jessica's right on time! We had a great session - how can I have a bad session? She makes me laugh for an hour & I get to lie on this really warm bed. Oh yeah, I get healthy too! Bonus!


Mom & I left for SK, but only after a stop at the insurance place & Planet Organic for a bit of lunch. She drove to Brooks & I drove the rest of the way. We had a good chat & were serenaded by Valentina & her squeaky toy. She still hasn't decided on the puppy, but I guess I'm optimistic she'll make the RIGHT choice & I'll meet Annie next time I'm home. 


We arrived at the junction at 1600. Mom was picking up a used car from my Uncle Darryl & he had left it at the junction for her. Phew. It reeked of cigarette smoke! I sprinkled lavender oil all over the seats & dash to try & eliminate the smell of smoke. We said goodbye & she headed for home.


I headed for my former home - Dad's place. It is always strange to go home & see what has changed & what hasn't. Buildings, businesses, family farms, and all the faces that I hardly recognize anymore. I politely visit & then when we're out the door, I ask Dad, 'Who was that again?' 


Dad had to take a few cows to town & his dog needed some shots, so we stopped at the vet clinic. Dad's dog, Mac, a border collie, is quite the character. He's a little large for a lap dog, but he'd sure like to be one! His tongue was out the whole time & he was happy as a pig in mud! 


We took a drive out to the 'Cabbage Patch' when we got back home & checked on the cows & calves. Valentina started to give her little 'woof' from the cab of the truck. Yeah, she is catching 'Little Dog Syndrome'. I'll bet she'd crawl right up my leg if I put her out with the cows!


Once back at the house, Dad made supper for us. (I survived my own cooking, but barely!) He made brown rice, asparagus, salmon & a garden salad. We followed supper with a pot of Rooibos tea. Quite the entertainer he is! I remember the days of microwaved perogies, so he's come a LONG way! Remind me one day to tell the toilet paper/microwave story...


We visited about a wide variety of topics & then Dad's eyelids began to get heavy. He can be mid-sentence & fall asleep. I knew it was time to hit the hay. I'm pretty wiped too! Here's to a fun filled day tomorrow...


Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxooxoo

Having a nice lie-in.

My rear view helper. (When she's conscious!)

Sleeping on the road again.

The big trees in the yard where I grew up. We used to have some swings in the trees.

Mac & Dad. Mac is the happiest dog in the world. Dad is cleaning the trail mix out of his teeth.

Grandad's Herd

My Cowdog-In-Training