Day 267 - Hoedown.

Well, today the Stephans left for Ponoka. I was supposed to meet Dad for lunch, but a 'Personal Crisis' had him back in Saskatchewan. Good thing I didn't leave early! 


I left the house around 1300, got fuel in Bragg Creek & said goodbye to Dave, Collet & Ezra at the Husky. I headed for Cochrane to purchase my business license/register my business. Yes, I'm finally doing something! Don't hold your breath. It will be awhile in the making!! :o) I'll leave it at that! 


I had quite the chuckle at the Registry. Some Chinese fellow was doing something with his license. The gal behind the desk needed him to do an eye exam. He couldn't understand English. She asked him to read a line & he would spout off letters & letters & letters until she would interrupt him & tell him there were actually only 6 letters in the line! He couldn't figure out where to put his head, after she told him three times - on the bar in front of you... Oh dear, as funny as it was, how on Earth with this chap know how to read road signs & drive safely?!?! Not cool!!!


I stopped in at Jenn & Mike's for a quick chat - Jenn was sleeping, as was Harrison. As soon as Harrison woke up & saw me, he asked for Tina! Too cute! Jenn woke up a little later & we had a quick chat before I dashed off to the city. I stopped at Winners to return something & when I was there, the lady came up to me, looking all flustered & said, 'I just have to tell you, you look like you just walked out of Cosmo magazine!' Wow! That totally made my day! Heck, it made my week! Thanks Stranger!


I stopped at Stampede to see Mom's friend, Gena LaCoste, who had an exhibit in the Artist's Pavilion. I sat & talked with her for awhile & she told me her son was in the city on a brief break from Training. He's a soldier in Afghanistan. He was doing some hectic training in the wee hours of the morning on the Red Deer River. It sounded pretty crazy. But I think she was pretty excited to see her son, if only for a little while. He's away a lot. Gena is a VERY talented watercolour artist. You should check out her work! Wow!


I also stopped to see Shawna Whiteside again. We had another little chat about health & cancer & chemo. She offered some wonderful tips to make the journey that much easier... I'm grateful for people like her who have traveled down the path & come out smilin' & swingin'! 


I visited the South African/Canadian couple again - I'm excited to keep in touch with them... If you want to check out their stuff - Casa by Meg - it's pretty fun stuff & they also help local children back in SA... Even better!


Another long day, I was looking forward to my bed & a nice relaxing day tomorrow... No more stampeding for me... My feet are killing me & this Cosmo girl is headed straight to bed... Yee-Awn.


And I forgot to mention - I called this post 'Hoedown', as I wore a different pair of boots to Stampede today & I think I pulled a groin muscle. This Hoe is Down for the count. No more Stampede for this chick!!!


Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxox

Gena's booth - showing off her artistic talents!

Day 258 - SuperNanny Flies Again!

With a headache still slowing me down, I visited on the phone with a few friends this morning, while Mom panicked about the grease in the BBQ. Hint - If you visit & use the BBQ, be sure to clean it up! She was a wee bit cranky! Add to the fact that there was a MOUSE in the bottom of the BBQ & I was squealing like a stuck piggy! Eeeew! I do not like rodents!!!! I promptly grabbed Adios & put him on the little table where the BBQ sits. He didn't even bat an eyelash. Hmpf. Too bad he could perform at EVIC & not here! Apparently Adios had caught a few mice earlier in the morning, so I guess he had reached his quota for the day! In any case, it got my heart pumping quickly!

I was supposed to be heading up to Cochrane to hang out with Harrison & Heidi for a couple of days, but this head was not allowing me much enjoyment whatsoever! I laid down mid-afternoon & finally decided I was fit enough to get ready & go. I took a few things & headed out towards Cochrane with Valentina by my side. Harrison loves 'Tina', as he calls her, and the past few times when I've stopped in I haven't had her with me. The disappointment on his face breaks my heart! So, now I make sure 'Tina' is always there too!

The children were already sound asleep by the time I got there (about 2100). I visited with Jenn & Mike for a bit & then we decided to watch The Prince of Persia. Hmm... We only watched half of it, as it was a late start & tomorrow was an early morning... I will look forward to the end of it tomorrow! It was a slow start, but by the time we pressed 'pause', I was well into it! 

Wish me luck with the tiny tots! Sleep well & see you tomorrow! 

xxxx

Maria & Valentina

Photobooth Goodnight!

Day 249 - I Drove All Night...

First off - did I mention my dog is experiencing a false pregnancy? Yup. Lactating & all. Nesting, collecting toys, whining, depressed. Guess who is getting spayed as soon as this is over?!? Are you kidding me?!? Who would have thought...


Second, I heard the wolf again tonight! Sweet! Only once. I ran for my camera/video, but I haven't heard a peep since. I've been sleeping with the fan on lately, so maybe he's been here for awhile.


Today was my CT scan. I was 1/2 an hour late. I didn't think Canmore was that far. Yeah, it's been awhile & I usually just keep plugging on to Banff. I had to drive Mom's car because, lo & behold, my battery was dead! Mom's car was a bit freaky to drive, as the steering isn't quite right. It's really stiff & hurky jerky. 


When I approached the Diagnostic Imaging desk, I had to fill out a consent form. Before I filled it out, I asked how much radiation I would be receiving. It was like I'd slapped them across the face. They all sat there for a moment, deer in the headlights look, and I thought, 'Oh boy. Here we go.' To my delight, they were WONDERFUL!!! They called around & found out as much information as they could & sent me home with some googling to do. 


The gal who helped me out was really sweet. She's getting married next March, either in Panama or Cuba. She was asking me about different islands in the Caribbean, so of course, I babbled incessantly about my favourite islands. She was really good at her job too. She was very explanatory & was gentle with the IV. Also, in the past, when they inject the contract dye, it is a big flush & you get that I-just-peed-my-pants feeling. (You don't actually, it just feels that way. Weird, I know.) The gal was re (just hear the wolf again! AWESOME!) She was really gentle with the injection, so it wasn't a mad, overwhelming rush of heat & flush. Much appreciated! 


As I left the Imaging area, I dropped off a note with Kim Ing's details. When the gal mentioned Cuba, I remember Kim having shot a wedding in Cuba & perhaps they could work something out... You just never know! 


The hospital had wonderful artwork decorating the halls - most of it was for sale. The piece in the Imaging waiting area was donated by EVIC's Boss' Boss! Hah! Small world! I will say, if I had to be hospitalized, I would prefer to stay at Canmore. The view is spectacular! You're surrounded by mountains - Wow!


I stopped at the Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. as mentioned by Dave yesterday. It was so good, I nearly did a yooee (UE, u-ee, U-turn?) on the #1! It's been a long time since I had a bagel that light & fluffy & delish!


I motored to Calgary to return/pick up a few last minute things, then boogied back home. I slept for 1/2 an hour & then motored back into Bragg Creek for dinner with Karen!


Karen is a Teacher in Pincher Creek & today was a field trip to Calaway Park, so we agreed to meet afterwards for a quick visit. Karen was my roommate several summers in Waterton. She also introduced me to hiking & sparked the adventurous explorer in me. We had a great meal at Infusion (again!) & I enjoyed hearing about her plans for the summer & her BIG trip around South America! Including the Galapagos! I wish I was tagging along! I can't wait to hear ALL about it!!! It was so great to see her & catch up before she gets caught up in busy summer plans!


After we said goodbye, I raced back home. I was supposed to meet Mom at Infusion at 1830 & we were going to go to Cochrane together. I pulled into the yard at 1827 & no truck. But the inside door wasn't shut. And there were no dogs. What's going on? I called her cell. No answer. I called again. And again. x5. Finally she calls me back. She was down in the field helping Jim. His Arctic Cat quad was stuck. Quite bad too. Mom said the front wheels were 2 feet off the ground! He'd pounded a crowbar into the ground & was trying to use that to winch himself out of the mess. Jim is 83 or 84 & is quite the character. He doesn't get upset or angry. He always calm & finds something to chuckle about! Needless to say, Mom was a bit late leaving for her meeting. I dropped her off & headed over to Mike & Jenn's. They were using Mom's truck to pick up a mattress & box springs some people had been storing for them, but were unable to do so any longer. 


My heart nearly broke when I pulled up I could see Harrison sliding open the patio door calling, 'Tina? Tina? Tina?' I had left Valentina at home, with Oceana while Mom & I were gone. He was so sad that she wasn't there to play with! Poor fella! He had a hair cut & I am pleased to say that we'll look like twins after Saturday night! Although I think he looks much cuter in a buzz cut than I will!


Jenn & I had a good visit while Mike ran to get the mattresses. I am so happy they are here. They are wonderful friends & such good people. I've enjoyed spending time with their children & seeing some fantastic examples of good parenting! I'll know who to call when the totsicles are finally here! :o)


Mom & I drove home & were in the house by 2200. Both of us exhausted, we had a bite to eat, played with our dogs until we were crying from laughing so hard & then it was bed time. Oceana was really funny tonight. She jumped up & put her front paws on Mom's leg. When that didn't work to get her attention, she starts digging on Mom's leg. She digs so fast - it's a flurry of paws & claws! When that didn't work, she give one big leap into the air. Then another leap! Mom was giving me a play-by-play of how it usually goes down & Oceana acted right on cue. Priceless! Then Mom got up to grab a tissue & both dogs came over & jumped up. Mom jumped, the dogs jumped, again & again... About 4 times in a row! Crazy dogs!


Anyhow, enjoy your day tomorrow... I hope it's a good one!
xxxxx
Maria, Valentina, Kim, & Oceana

The artwork donated generously by...

My old Boss' Boss!

The view from the front entrance of the Canmore Hospital

Sometimes I make words/abbreviations up with license plates. I thought this one was 'Tom Baker Centre' & my immediate afterthought was 'BAH!' That's when I saw the next plate...

I'm not sure if the spelling is right, but this word means 'poo' in Afrikaans. Struck me funny that it was the next plate I saw!

Karen & I

Mom was miffed the cops didn't stop the old cars from holding up traffic, but made her call a tow truck & not drive any further!

Day 246 - Contemplate Is Contemplatin' Quittin'

Hmm, today was a day that perhaps needed a little refreshing before I should have woke up to it. I can't seem to sleep much past 0630 & when I go to bed late, that doesn't set me up very well. Add the sun, the dogs & Mom stomping around, it's a bit of a gong show. Perhaps I'll invest in one of those 'noise' or sleep machines. 


When I did make it out of bed, I made a few phone calls - my first of the week & it's Friday! Mom & I had a nice banter about space & control issues and then I got ready to head out. I had to hit the post office, the insurance agency & then off to Cochrane to have the other 2 tires replaced. 


That would have worked fabulous if only the car would start. Mom boosted me twice before I left home. The gal at the insurance agency boosted me again. I left it running while I was at the post office & then realized that I needed fuel! So, I headed over to the Husky & put some fuel in. The gas jockey pushed the car forward & boosted me. Again. Oh dear. 


I drove to Cochrane without any major issues, but when I arrived, they only had 1 of the 2 tires I needed! Argh! Looks like I'll be back tomorrow! Luckily the car started fine after this. I headed over to the Burnett's for a visit - if they were home! Jenn & the kids were home, so I enjoyed an afternoon visit. Valentina & Harrison played, while Heidi smiled & cooed. It was a great afternoon! 


I also managed to set up the Magic Jack's, so I'll just need to send one to South Africa with Jaco & we'll be all set to visit for next to nothing!! 


I motored home about 1900 & spent the evening trying to find my desk. Ugh. What a mess! I hole punched all my medical papers & other bits & pieces lying around, so it will be out of the way & (somewhat) organized! I tried a few friends on the phone, but clearly the summer weather has everyone outside enjoying it! 


Valentina was not herself today. I'm not sure if it's this pseudo-pregnancy or what, but she is acting quite bizarre. She just mopes around & sleeps a lot. She snooped around my room, which she doesn't normally do. I hope it passes soon, as I miss my happy-go-lucky pooch!


Anyhow, that's the best of today... Enjoy your weekend! xxxx Maria & Valentina

She's really not herself when she's sleeping on the back seat!

Poor Tweet Pea... Not lovin' it!

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 149 - Recycling, A Baby Boy & A PUPPY!!!!

OMGOSH!!!!


Today was a fairly exciting day when I stop to think about it! Of course I slept late after last night's 'bar scene' & the tummy ache. I am pleased to report that the chills, aches & belly ache are long gone! 


I was disappointed to have missed Jaco's call in the morning. I turn the ringers off at night because some of Mom's friends & family call VERY EARLY in the morning. I was a little bit paranoid that I was going to sleep too late & miss my ultrasound date!


I checked my emails & luckily there was an email from UC Baby notifying me of the password & username. I had one hour to go! I was so excited! I got a little breakfast ready & then prepped the computer for the show. I set up my little camera to record the video cast & Oh My Gosh! There it was! I could hear Ross & Krystle talking and I recognized her sister & her Mom's voices. It was so amazing to see the little baby moving about! Krystle had eaten a chocolate bar shortly before, so the baby was pretty wired! It was moving all over the place, waving it's arms around, sucking it's thumb, smiling, kicking, rolling around - it was brilliant! Ross' family lives in the UK, so it was pretty special that they could be a part of the pregnancy from so far away! The technician waited until everyone was online & we had all had a good look at the baby before he told us... IT'S A BABY BOY!!! I was crying like a baby! I was so excited for them! They are the most wonderful couple & I am so thrilled at the happiness they have found in each other!


The other exciting news was that her sister is having a baby too! Only 2 months after Krystle is due! How fun! A playmate already! Krystle & Ross are off to Mexico for 2 weeks for a 'Babymoon' - they haven't officially had a honeymoon yet, but now they're expecting, so a Babymoon it is.


Krystle & Ross met on ships & I'm a sap for a happy ending. They married last summer & it was by far the picture perfect wedding I've ever been to! Down to the tiniest detail, it was spectacular! Ross & Krystle are both photographers & Krystle shoots weddings when she's not busy being the most creative person I know! http://www.krystleimages.com shows a little of her creativity! I can't wait to meet the little fellow!


I had no sooner left the 3D ultrasound when the phone rang. It was Janis & they were on their way home from Banff. I made arrangements to meet them in Bragg Creek for a cup of tea. 


We met at the Cinnamon Spoon for juice & smoothies & conversation. They had been snowboarding in Banff for a few days & I was fortunate enough to catch a visit. Dustin entertained Caleb & their dogs while Janis & I had a quick chat. We always have a great time, but man, the world is small & it is crazy. 


Janis starts telling me about Dustin's friend from Calgary who has tickets to the World Cup in South Africa this summer. He's going by himself, but he has extra tickets & is wanting to trade them for accommodations. Since Janis knows I have a few links to South Africa, she wanted to know if I would be willing to help Dustin's friend out. Of course I would! But the funny thing is, the gal I met last night, Bronwyn, told me how she REALLY wanted to go to South Africa for the World Cup, but didn't have anyone to go with & didn't really feel comfortable going alone. I couldn't help but smile and the mysterious & marvelous way the world works! Unfortunately Bronwyn hadn't given me her details, so I had to do a little Facebook sleuthing, NOT stalking, to find her... We'll see if I get a P.S. bar or Grenadilla Twist this summer or not! :o)


I said goodbye to Janis, Dustin & Caleb & headed home to pick up the recycling. I thought I would stop by Jenn & Mike's for a quick visit while I picked up groceries & did my bit to help Mother Earth. I pulled into the recycling depot just as the fellow was closing the gate. THANK GOODNESS he let me in! One cardboard paper cut later, I was on my way to the Burnett's. 


Jenn has begun training for her first triathlon & I heard her make mention of a particular book she was interested in to help her out. I was in Costco on Thursday, saw the book & thought it would be good encouragement for her. I also wanted to share my yoga DVD's with her, as she was inquiring about those too. She was thrilled to receive her very own copy of Jillian Michaels 'Master Your Metabolism'! Yay! I'm so proud of Jenn for taking action to make this dream a reality! Her triathlon is August 8th & I'll do my best to be there to cheer her across the finish line!


Harrison played with Valentina again & I tried my best to get Mike & Jenn pumped about a trip to the Mediterranean for next year! Jenn has always dreamed of Italy & seeing as it's my favourite country, I take it on as my personal mission to see her in Italy! :o) 


I left them just before supper & came home to another missed call from Jaco! Darn! If only I could call him back! I had also missed a call from Roxie, the lady I got Valentina from. I called her back & I asked her a little bit about the puppies. I had decided if the puppy wasn't TOO expensive, I'd try to find a way to make it happen. Roxie told me the one pup would be perfect for Mom, as she's cuddly & very pretty. She's not dappled, but black & tan. Okay, so far so good. I ask the price & Roxie tells me 'Your Mom can have her'. I am thinking, 'Have her for what? How much?' Roxie tells me, 'For free.' 'WHAT?! Are you serious?' 


Roxie told me that she was so happy that Valentina ended up in such a good home, she would love to see this puppy end up in the same loving hands. WOW! I was so excited! Wait until Mom hears this! I told Roxie I'd call her back tomorrow after I had a chance to talk to Mom & make arrangements to collect the puppy! Little Annie was coming home!


How much did my bubble burst when Mom wasn't elated!? She didn't know what she'd do with her when she had a photo shoot all day. Hello, excuse please? You take her with you & put her in a big kennel in the back of the truck or you leave her at home with pee pads for her. Problem solved! How many ALL DAY shoots do you have a year? 3? Just think of the unconditional love you'll get! Every single day! Without falter! Annie will never wake up & be mad at you! She'll always love you! No matter how bad your breath stinks or how crazy your hair looks or how much you burnt dinner (not that my Mother does any of these, just for example! Seriously!) So little effort for so much in return. Everyone should experience the unconditional love of a Dachshund. Mom wanted to think about it overnight, so here's hoping she wakes up in the morning with a warm heart & a desire for a cold nose.


What a day it has been! Babies, puppies, triathlons, I can't take much more action! I'm tired just thinking about what tomorrow will bring! :o) Not really, I'm excited!


Love & hugs,
Maria & Valentina & hopefully ANNIE!
xxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxx

Janis, Dustin & Caleb on their way back from the Snow Trip!

Day 141 - Wow! Blessings Abound!

I just have to say, I'm very much enjoying having the house to myself! So much so, that I'm going away tomorrow & I was away for most of this afternoon/evening!


As usual, I took my time waking up, talked on the phone & walked on the treadmill (while talking on the phone!). I tried to clean up the house a little, but decided to head to Cochrane instead. 


My beloved friend, Jenn, whom I blogged about earlier (Day 116) has had the grace of the Good Lord shine upon her & her family! I'm pleased to report that prayers have been answered! Her best friend, Cindy, arranged a heap of help & blessings through her Bible Study Group to help Jenn & Mike relocate to Cochrane. 


They have put Jenn & Mike in a duplex, supplied them with everything they could possibly need & more! It was so awesome to see them in their own space & able to see outside of the deep dark place of 'will it ever end'. I had picked up some baby clothes from Kerry & needed to drop them off for Jenn before Heidi outgrew them! While I was there visiting, a member of the church came by with a hot meal, salad, desert & fresh baking. Oh yes, also a box of baby wipes & 2 boxes of diapers! Wow! Later on another member of the church came by with card plum full of gift cards for the grocery store! Wow! It was so amazing to see the community pull together to help Jenn & Mike out in this time of need. It is also awesome to know that the people helping are feeling good about what they are doing! It feels so good to give, doesn't it?


We had a wonderful visit. It is such a blessing for me to be able to hop in the car & visit Jenn whenever I choose. Well, whenever she's home! Their little girl, Heidi, is growing like a weed & Harrison, their son, is absolutely adorable!!! Him & Valentina had a blast playing fetch, but I'm not sure who did the most fetching! :o)


I motored home around 2000 & did a little laundry & tried my best to pack for tomorrow's road trip. Oh, when I got home, I had a lovely email from the bankruptcy company telling me that all I had to do was write a letter stating that before I was sent home ill, my income was based on Photography & after I'm healthy, my income will again be based on Photography. Done! Oh please let me keep my gear!


I'll be dreaming of shooting for National Geographic or Conde Nast... 
Maria & Valentina
xxxxxx

What a cutie puh-tootie!

Handsome Harrison!

Mike is only smiling because Jenn is threatening me with the fork! Thank goodness her aim  isn't spot on! :o) 

Heidi, the newest blue-eyed addition to the Burnett family!