What we've been up to

The boys have been here a week already. I can't believe how time has flown. We have been so busy. I had to work the first 4 days they were here, but we have been making up for lost time.

On my swing day which was Saturday, we decided to go to our favourite swimming hole....Rosewall Creek. I have pictures of Rosewall on my sidebar. What we weren't prepared for was the effects the long winter had on the creek. I gather the creeks water level must have been high and fast as there was lots of erosion...the tree that we use to use to walk along to get to our favourite spot had moved down stream and the path had eroded away. This of course did not discourage us....we found another way and lo and behold we were able to enjoy the creek as always. The boys did manage to venture in....it was mighty cold being fresh mountain run off.....

The water looks calm and shallow in this picture....but not far down stream it moves rather quickly.....I decided to get on the air mattress and see if it would carry me down stream....well my goodness...good thing hubby was to busy saving me our I am sure he would have gotten a few photos...the creek took me down stream a fair ways, and then the current got faster...and it wasn't that easy to maneuver on the mattress hence I ended up floating right into the roots of a huge fallen tree...I was tangled in the trees and in almost freezing temperature waters....I was holding on to a root with one hand and the mattress with the other and trying and shivering at the same time....well hubby came to the rescue once again....oh and of course their were other people watching this whole episode from the path above....but you know....I got back on that thing and did it again....and redirected myself...and I did it....

We had bought the boys water boards(skimmers) the other day so Monday came and that was the day to try them out. The sun was shinning and conditions were perfect to try this new sport. The boys had never tried it but it seems to becoming all the rage...I can remember it when I was a kid..it used to be consider the poor mans surfboard. So off to Rathtrevor we went... the tide can go out for miles...and even when it comes in it is very shallow and hence making it ideal conditions for boarding....youngest son was first to try....there is a lot of falling that goes on while you are just learning....

Then it was eldest sons turn to try....the idea is to throw the board chase after it and then jump on it and see how far you can skim on it.....

Believe me there was a lot of falling going on...but a lot of fun as well....and of course I had to give it a try.....I got up once....did a lot of face planting.....once again there are no photos of me participating....camera was left on the beach so I could go out and be with the boys....

The boys going out for another try.

June was youngest sons birthday, but seeing as we couldn't be there with him to celebrate..we decided to celebrate here. Tuesday was going to be his special day. That meant no chores for the Birthday boy. I put up Birthday banners and balloons...dad went and bought an ice cream cake(we couldn't have asked for anything more perfect as temperatures have been soaring) We made a special dinner and grandma and grandpa came for dinner.

With the temperatures soaring, finding a shady place seemed like a good idea....youngest son and our trusty dog Bert.....

Now doesn't that look yummy.....that's all ice cream...well not all, the piping around the cake is whipping cream...and chocolate chunks...a good time was had by all.

Today youngest son went to his friends place and spent the day....dad went to work...that left eldest son and I to hang out together....and that we did. We decided to go to a place called Little Qualicum Falls....they have swimming holes there and we thought that would be a perfect place to cool off.

We arrived only to be told that swimming was prohibited. DARN! But we decided that we would go walk to the falls and just enjoy the sights. We walked and talked for almost 4 hours, when we found a calm spot in the water we stopped to cool off.

And here is my trusty walking companion.......

So there you have it our week in review. I hope you have enjoyed it.....cheers all and hope life is treating you all well!!!!

Happy Friday....

Well as I mentioned in my previous post, the boys arrived the other day. It was such a happy moment greeting them at the airport. Smiles and hugs were abundant. Once we had gathered their belongings we made our trip home. As I mentioned it was a long day for all of us....the boys were a bit done in.....their dad couldn't help but take a few pictures of this rare moment when they were both actually quiet......

There's something about looking at your children sleeping...there is something so angelic about it don't you think? We arrived home just before 3pm, all exhausted...we headed for our beds for a good nap.

On another note......our resident woodpeckers are back.....we have a few very large Pileated woodpeckers but they are very camera shy.....but here is one small woodpecker who seemed to enjoy having his picture taken....

Then of course we have the resident deer....they are beautiful animals aren't they?

Well there you have it....hope you all have a fantastic day....off to work I must go...cheers all!

Happy 4th of July......

To all my American Blogging friends I want to wish you a wonderful Happy 4th of July.....my you enjoy your day...be safe and be happy.....Cheers to you all!!!

Well tomorrow is going to be a very happy day for us. As most of my American blogging friends will be celebrating 4th of July, our boys will be arriving and we couldn't be happier.

We will have to get an early start. The alarm will be set for 0315 we have to catch a 0500 ferry to the mainland in order to be at the airport for the boys arrival at 0830. We haven't seen them since Spring break and then we only had them for 5 days...so this is going to be great. They will be with us for 5 weeks...again not long enough but we will take what we can get. The boys themselves will have a long day up early to catch their flight which leaves Toronto at 0630 with the time change and all they will be getting here almost the same time they left....well not exactly but there is 3 hrs time difference. Once they arrive we will high tail it back to the ferry. We tried to make a reservation for the trip back but reservations are full....ouch...who would have thought on a Wednesday....mind you it is the summer. Anyhow, hubby has tied in a little business while we will be on the mainland. Picking up two slabs of granite for a job he is doing. Don't mind making the stop but what that means is that we will be over height on the ferry and that is where it gets tricky....we could end up waiting a ferry trip or two....I hope not....but I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

Who would have thought preparing for a 14 year old and 12 year old would be so much work. I am exhausted from all the housework I did....funny thing...I know they won't notice or give a hoot....but I do. I busied myself with cleaning out cupboards making room for them to store their clothes which then always leads to me trying to dispose of things...of course the dust gets to me so I have one huge sneezing fit....I vacuum the windowsills, the bookshelf....dust the headboards and lamps.....and speaking of which...I bought myself two new stand up reading lamps....one for my bedroom.....well wouldn't you know it...I had already cleaned and dusted and vacuumed my room when I decided to put the lamp together.....of course the lamp is packed in a large amount of Styrofoam. You ever worked with Styrofoam.....it breaks flies everywhere and I mean everywhere and when it decides to land it sticks to whatever it lands on....even my cheek....oh it was a bit funny....anyhow, I got the lamp together and set up...re vacuumed my room...and made my way downstairs for more cleaning.....dear god does it ever end. I mean it's not as though I don't clean...I do....but I am always amazed at the dust accumulation and the dog hair....I dust and vacuum almost daily...but it never ceases to amaze me....anyhow it's done.

Now what's for dinner.....I don't know.... the thought of preparing dinner leads me to another task....I bought some wonderful strawberries the other day they are scrumtious but there are a lot of them.... I need to use them up...so I made a lovely fruit salad...but I still have strawberries left...so I decided to clean them and freeze them....when I get a chance I will make some rhubarb and strawberry jam and or pie...yum.

Cheers all!

My boys.....

Random things about me......

My friend Shelby tagged me for this meme.....I am suppose to tell you 8 random things about me.....now are there 8 things.......let me think....

1. I really need my skim milk latte with cinnamon sprinkles in the morning...and even if I am on a diet I need my piece of toast to go along with it....

2. I always wanted to sing opera.....I love the duet with Sarah Brighton and Andre Bocelli singing...."time to say goodbye" I close my eyes and sing imaging myself up on the stage singing.

3. I like things that make me push my personal envelope....like public speaking or singing.....difficult to do ...but when I have done it I have felt so proud of myself.

4. I am trying to let my grey come in. I have always dyed my hair and have kept it short...but with my last hair cut I noticed that there is a lot of grey in there...and well I just wonder what I would look like without Clairol #365......

5. I love to dance....I mean really love to dance.....when I was in high school I did an aptitude test to find out what were some of the things I would be best suited for as a career...it told me amongst other things that I should be a choreographer.....I wish I had followed that.....

6. I am terrified of failure. So much so that rather than failing I just don't do...which is really a shame because I know that has held me back from doing a lot of things in my life.

7. I am outspoken and stand by my principles sometimes to my detriment. My husband has this saying about me when I talk to him about an injustice I have seen or experienced he says to me....."don't you feel a letter coming on"....meaning that I have a reputation that when I get mad about something I write letters to the local paper or the Member of Parliament or local politician...can't help it I just do.....

8. I am terrified of dogs even though I have one. When I was younger I was attacked by a dog...it jumped on top off me and pushed me over right in the middle of a street, I was laying on the ground with this dog on top of me...thank goodness for some kind strangers who got it off of me....that had lasting effects on me so much so that it has curtailed where I go for runs. There are a lot of dogs where I live.

So there you have it....8 random things about me. I am not going to tag anyone...but if you like to play please do and just let me know you did so I can come and check out what you have to say....

There is one other thing.....I really want to learn how to add headers, change font and improve the width of my sidebar and do some of the funky stuff a lot of you do...but I have read and reread the instructions...and this thick brain of mine just doesn't get it....I spent hours yesterday learning how to upload from Picassa and editing...it was very painful....just wish there was an easier way.....I learn much easier through demonstration rather than the written word.....So there are 9 random things about me.....

A little while ago I participated in a Scavenger hunt, called Lithia Scavenger Hunt.We had to gather 7 items and mail the package to a person who was randomly picked by the organizer of the hunt. The 7 items were:

1. Wind movement item

2. Something blue or blue in it.

3. Your local sale ads paper.

4. Some triangle shape or 3 sided

5. Flower stickers

6. A rock

7. A frame picture taken from close by your're home areas looking toward the south.

Then once it has been dertermined it is we exchange with we gather the items on the list mail it to them and once it arrives we share.It just so happens that I got the organizer of the hunt that would be

Peppylady and here is what I got....

You know what I found neat about this.... I love the ad flyer, there were two things in there that you would never see advertised in a Canadian flyer.....you know what it was.....guess..........ok, I will tell you.....Liquor and Guns. You see we don't sell liquor in our grocery stores you have to go to a government store or government agent to get liquor....and although you might see the odd ad for let's say Jim's gun shop...you would never see guns adverstised. The wind ornament I have already put up and the tea towel will be put to use very soon.....thank you Dora aka Peppylady for the lovely items.....cheers....

By the Light of the Silvery Moon.......

The other evening while I was laying in bed I noticed how bright the night sky was. I looked out the window and saw the moon. It shown so brightly through my window that it was like having a night light on. It was such a photographic moment. Hubby got out the camera and these are just a few of the shots he was able to get......

A picture says a thousand words....and I know what songs and poems come to my mind when I look at these photos...does anything come to mind for you?

Cheers all, and have a great day!!

Happy Canada Day!!!!

July 1st Canada Day!!! Yahoo.....here's to all my Canadian Bloggers....wishing you and your families a wonderful day!

Hubby and I are off to take in some of the festivities today....the clouds have rolled in. I am trying to be optimistic that the rain will hold off until the parade is over.

I've always enjoyed Canada Day. It holds a very special place in my heart for my family. Canada Day July 1st 1953 was the year my parents arrived in Canada. I have always been in awe at how my parents managed to do what they did. How does a family just up and leave everyone and everything they know and decide to immigrate to a new country? That is exactly what they did.
Finding steady employment in England was difficult at the time. My father did everything and anything to put food on the table. He wasn't afraid of hard work. My mom's brother was living and working in Vancouver at the time and convinced my mom that Vancouver was the place to be. So after discussion with my father they sold everything they had...packed up their personal belongings and boarded the ship with 5 children in tow and made the journey to a new country.

After a few days on the ship they made port in Montreal where there they made their way out west via a train. 5 days on the train. Can you imagine caring for 5 children one of them only 3 months old on a train for 5 days. The train made many stops. One such stop was in Winnipeg. There they were to meet a couple who would turn out to be their longest and dearest friends. To the children they became our Aunty and Uncle. The train eventually pulls into the train station in Vancouver. It was Canada Day July st 1953. A day that will always hold special for our family. A day of new beginnings.

I don't know how my parents found the strength to be optimistic with only $35 in my fathers pocket they struggled. Through the kindness of others they managed to find housing and eventually set up home. Although I am sure my parents thought their journey had come to an end. Little did they realize that their journey had only just begun.

Happy Canada Day to you all!

Saturday Photo Scavanger Hunt

This weeks theme is "Sweet" Now sweet can come in all shape, sizes and description, here are some things I find "Sweet"

A butterfly enjoying the sweet nectar from the flower

The joy of being with friends.....how "sweet" it is!!!

And then of course the delight one gets from a "Sweet" dessert.

For the "Sweet" tooth

Happy Hunting all!

Canada Day Weekend

This is a big weekend for Canadians. For most it is the beginning of the summer vacation. It's a time when vacationers pack up the car, truck or van, the kids and the dog... maybe not in that order and head on out to their vacation destination.

This was evident as I was driving to work last evening. The main highway was busy with holiday travellers. Motorhomes, trailers and the likes with the trusty drivers behind the wheel had taken to the roads, destination anywhere.

This weekend Canadians celebrate Canada Day. On July 1, 1867 Canada was established as a kingdom in its own right. Canada Day marks the creation of the Dominion of Canada through the British North America Act, uniting three British colonies—the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Canada. It is also recognized as a day off of work and is considered Canada's main holiday, if you are interested you can find out more about our Canadian holiday here.

Yes tomorrow most communities will have parades and celebrations and when the sun goes down there will be fireworks displays galour. I am thinking hubby and I are going to taken in some of these festivities, unfortunately they are not predicting very nice weather for the weekend, but I am sure we will make do.

I use to love to do things with my girls for Canada Day....we use to do all kinds of crafts....make flags....wind chimes.....window ornaments.....anyhow, I was searching the net and found this site for kids and crafts....for any of you parents out there that want to do an easy craft with your kids for Canada day here is a site that is loaded with fun stuff to do and things to make with your kids.

So I would like to wish all my Canadian Blogger friends A Happy Canada Day weekend from my computer to your computer!!!!

The life of others

What do you fear the most? For me I thought it would be to die from drowning. After my past two day shifts I think that has changed. I truly believe it is fire. The thought of being burnt brings all kinds of fearful thoughts to mind.

My past two day shifts I have nursed a patient who was the victim of a heinous crime. Her ex-boyfriend threw lighter fluid on her and set her on fire. I can't imagine, what that would have been like for her. To have someone that you trusted, someone who you cared for and thought cared for you, turned on you and to did something so cruel and unbelievably brutal.

The other morning when I came on shift I listened to report. They briefly outlined what happened but seemed to focus more on her behaviours than the care she required. My initial thought was....ok, I am up for a challenge. So I chose to nurse her. I really had no idea what I was in for. My morning started off rather hectic, and I wasn't able to really pay her much attention at first. She patiently waited only calling a couple of times. I explained what was going on and that I would be with her shortly.

Through report I was told that she had long history of drug and alcohol abuse, the circumstances to which she arrived at the hospital were very unusual. A bystander found her face down on the ground....picked her up and brought her to our ER. The driver advised the ER staff that while on route to the hospital she consumed a mickey of alcohol. I was told that her behaviour in ER was aggressive and abusive and required restraining.

What I was finding disturbing about all of this was that she was being labelled, as a problem patient with many psychosocial issues. Yes she had a past, yes she was intoxicated, yes she had mental issues, but she did not deserve to have what happened to her.

When I was able to spend time with her, I explained what I saw as the plan for the day. I told her that she could be assured that she would get her medications when she needed them and especially when it came time for the dressing changes.

When it did come time to change the dressings, I wasn't prepared for what I was going to see. Once I took down the old dressing and she was exposed I initially gasp inside....she wanted to see and requested a mirror....she looked, she cried...I cried inside along with her. I then asked if she would like to listen to some music while I did the dressing.....Sara Brighton was the choice...so soothing....I carefully cleansed and sponged the areas, applied the creams and dressings. I just couldn't help wonder what she must being thinking. It got me thinking about my husband and his burns and what he endured...the only difference is that hers were caused by someone doing this to her deliberately. Intentionally wanting to disfigure her.

I made it through my first day with her. Today, I am exhausted. She emotionally drained me. I so wanted to be there for her...but I knew I had to detach myself perform my tasks but also at the same time be her advocate and assure her that while she was in our care her safety and well being was of utmost importance, and my job was to ensure she had a safe and healthy environment and that I ensured she was comfortable.

Her emotional needs were more than I was ready for. At times I had to cut her short as others also required my attention. This caused her to retreat. I felt bad about that ..but there was nothing I could have done. As soon as time permitted I was there for her. I felt at times she needed more than I could give her. I wanted to take not so much her physical pain away but her emotional pain. I realize I couldn't do that....but I still wanted to. By the end of my 12 hour shift I was done. I knew that there was no more to give. I had sat with her and chatted....brushed her hair ....talked to counsellors.....spoke with the ministry for family and children.....spoke with victims assistance.....fielded telephone calls.....explained the situation to visitors......I am spent.

My long drive home gave me an opportunity to reflex on my day....could I have done things differently....what truly where her life's dynamics...that I am sure I will never know.....then my thoughts would float to my husband and how his whole life was altered because of his burns.

By the time I arrived home I was quiet. My husband even commented on my silence. I couldn't say much at first.... but eventually I started to open up....I wanted to cry..... I was angry, upset and in disbelief as to how one human being can be so cruel. The sad thing was that I knew that she was not alone, that many others endure terrible senseless crimes and it was beyond my control. All that I could control was my surroundings and those of my patient. Yes I was saddened and spent...but then I realized....there is tomorrow.....tomorrow I have a chance to make a difference.....tomorrow I will be rejuvenated and will do what I can...there are so many questions.....so many things I don't understand.......so much cruelty.....so much pain .......I wish her comfort. I wish her a bright tomorrow.

What Colour Green Are You....

Today as I was surfing the blog world I came across a little quiz at Mike's Place titled "How Weirdo Are You" so being the curious person I am I had to find out. Turns out I am 44% weirdo...not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing...but there you have it. I enjoy these little tests....some I find are right on...and others...well they are just darn entertaining and time wasters. Anyhow, this lead me to take another test/quiz. It was titled "What Colour Green are You" The timing for is perfect and such a coincidence. As of late, I have been purchasing uniforms in varying shades of green, many of my colleagues and patients have commented on how green looks nice on me. I have also found myself being drawn to certain shades of green.... I generally wouldn't be drawn to green but it seems I am...hence I was curious to see what this had to say about me.....

You Are Olive Green

You are the most real of all the green shades. You're always true to yourself. For you, authenticity and honesty are very important... both in others and yourself. You are grounded and secure. It takes a lot to shake you. People see you as dependable, probably the most dependable person they know.

What Color Green Are You?

I am not sure that I agree with all it has to say...but I am dependable, I am honest, brutally at times, especially to myself...the one I am not sure about is the grounded...sometimes I feel I am...other times I feel like I am floundering. What about you...what shade are you....and do the answers reflect who you are?

Thinking Blogger Award II

I can't believe it, I was award yet again for the "Thinking Blogger" Award. I was shocked this first time I received it and now to be honoured yet again I am speechless. My dear friend TomCat from Politics Plus nominated me for this award. For those of you that know TC you know that his blog deals primarily with the political environment both in the US and the world around us. His content often gets you thinking about what really is going on behind those close doors and then some. So thanks TC. Now I must past this forward and award this to 5 other bloggers. And that is not an easy task.


Ipanema Under the Canopy shares with us her tales and experiences, issues and travesties that are going on in the world around us that gets very little media attention, she tells what has been done and wonders what else could be done. Always so insightful.


Nurse Ratched from Nurse Ratched's Place. Keeps me in stitches, but through her humour she paints a very clear picture of what nursing and healthcare is faced with everyday. She is an avid reader and often uses book titles or pictures to introduce her topics...she has the most wonderful way of telling us as it is without being offensive. Always a pleasure to read and make me think about the nursing profession where we've come and where we are now...and maybe where we are headed.

Leslie from The Pedalogue often has such insight warm and kind things to say. She loves the arts and Jazz and introduces me to things I never thought I would like but turns out I do. She gets me thinking about life and yes bad things happened but one can always find the silver lining if we just take the time to look.

Shelby at Time with Shelby is one of my newest blog friends. Shelby is a mom wanting to finish her law degree and has been waffling back and forth. She loves the educational environment she loves everything about it...but there are decisions she has to make in her life...and that is what she shares with the reader. In doing this she gets me thinking about my life and the choices I have made...the career path I chose. She also loves music and she often starts her posts with a list of music she is has been listening too....thanks Shelby.

JMB at Nobody Important. Now first off I have always meant to tell her, I didn't think her header name did her justice...she is so important....to her family and friends and now those bloggers who visit her blog on a regular basis. She has made an impact on my life. Through her wisdom and life's experiences she gets me thinking all the time. One of her latest posts she talked about her preparation and presentation she made to the city council..I was so impress that this woman did all that...lady you have it and then some. Her travels to Italy and her home stays....she introduces me to a world out there that I might not otherwise get an opportunity to get to know. Just an absolute pleasure to read her blog.

Thank you, to all of you for allowing me into your lives you have no idea the impact some of your blogs have on me. You are all intelligent and rich with wisdom and I thank you for sharing your wisdom with me. Cheers to you all....and thank you TC again for voting me for this award again!

So winners please take the logo and paste it on your blog...if there are blogs out there that have touched you and have made you think then pass this on to them.

Nip and Tuck

As of late I have being watching my share of medical programs. Most of the programs have to do with how medicine and surgery(mostly surgery) can change a persons life. These procedures range from gastric bypass for the morbidly obese, reconstructive surgery for people born with debilitating birth defects, and then life saving procedures to remove tumors and the likes. The program on the obesity focused primarily on two people one woman who was 657lbs and the "Half Ton Man" Yes he actually weighted just over a 1000lbs!!! Now that is a story in itself and I would like to talk about it, but I think I will save that for another day.

Then there have been the programs on plastic surgeries the latest one was on the reconstruction of sexual organs. Yes, I was astounded. Woman actually going in and having their sexual organs reconstructed because they didn't like the way it look. Then of course there were the men who were having penile implants and reconstructive surgery to improve the length or girth of their penis. Of course everything else under the sun was discussed in this program, it seemed like anything was possible.

It got me thinking, has medicine gone to far? Have we gone to far? Why can't we be happy with the way we are? Why do we have to reshape, reconstruct, lift, tuck and remove parts of our bodies. One of of the plastic surgeons made an interesting comment. He said that most women who have breast augmentation do it to impress other woman not men. Now that surprised me, and I had to ask myself why? Why would women take the chance go under general anaesthetic and allow someone to change their appearance? I remember when a dear friend of mine went and had a breast enlargement ...we talked about it for days....I begged her not to do it....I told her she was beautiful just the way she was.....her bubbly personality, her spice for life and sense of adventure should be enough for anyone especially her. But that wasn't good enough for her...she wanted cleavage. She said she would feel better....but I never did get a straight answer from her about better in what way. She skirted around the issue of her doing it to attract men.

So why, why do we allow ourselves to be dictated to in such a way that we convince ourselves that the only way to be better is to gone under the knife of the skilled surgeon.

Again I wonder have we gone to far. I have heard of reconstructive surgeries for women who come from cultures that perform female circumcision and have been mutilated. I wonder if through doctors performing these surgeries they saw an opportunity to fill the lining of their pockets.

I have heard plastic surgeons say that they won't do a surgery unless the patient can give them a clear answer as to why they want the surgery. This one surgeon said that if they can't give him a clear answer then he wouldn't preform the procedure. I wonder. I guess he wasn't the surgeon who worked on Micheal Jackson or the Catwoman. How many of you have seen people that have been nipped and tucked to the point that they look like they are some kind of creature from another planet? Or women that have been through so much Botox that you see their lips coming through the door before the rest of them. I found these staggering figures on butt implants
here.

Why can't we leave well enough alone. Are there things about my body I would like to change. You bet. Smaller breasts, tighter butt and fewer wrinkles. There are things that I can change through exercise and I continue to work on. But nature plays a huge role. We all age. We all wrinkle, droop and sag. It's life's natural process. Why do we feel we should alter ourselves? Why can't we be happy in our own skin?

There is a place for plastic surgery. My daughter was the recipient of that.....when she had a tumor removed from her hand the plastic surgeon did an amazing job of reconstructing her hand. But plastic surgery for the sake of altering one's appearance I will never understand.

And that's all I have to say about that......

What were you doing 25 years ago......

A dear blogging friend Silverneurotic will be celebrating her "25th" Birthday on June 24th. She recognized that turning 25 can be a milestone in a persons life. As she puts it she will be a "Quarter of a Century" old. That does sound old when you say it that way. So in light of this auspicious occasion she decided that she wanted to celebrate her birthday by doing a Carnival and asking people to write about what they were doing 25 years ago. Other stories can be read by clicking her name.

So Happy Birthday Silver.....

What I was doing 25 years ago........

June 1982......I had just gotten engaged. My then fiancee and I had just returned from a two week holiday in Hawaii where he had proposed to me. Well if you can call it that. We had been dating for over 2 years when we decided to take this trip. I was hoping he was going to propose over the course of the holiday. Days went by.....and no proposal. The vacation was coming to and end...and still no proposal. On this particular day we had come home from the beach. I was a little disappointed that he hadn't popped the question. I wanted to be able to go home and tell my family that I was getting married. I showered and cleaned up and prepared for going out for dinner. I wasn't very talkative. He could tell something was wrong, but didn't want to ask. So I started making conversation, I honestly don't recall what brought us to the topic...but I finally told him. I said I thought and hoped that he was going to ask me to marry him while we were on this vacation. He said he had thought about it a few times......and I said well why didn't you....he said he didn't know....he was waiting for the right time....right time? I said....when is the right time? Are you going to marry me or not.....he said yes.....I said what....is this your proposal......I guess so....so then I said ok....now you can ask me.....and he did. You know what we did next......we went out and played packman and ate popcorn at a pub.....yup....that was my proposal. No bells or whistles....no candle lights and soft music....no airplanes printing my name in the sky and asking me to marry....Nope it was me asking him.....We decided we didn't want a long engagement, so 12 weeks later we were married.

Now 25 years later, I am divorced and happily remarried.

Rockin' Girl Bloggers.....

Well my dear friend Skittles voted me for the Rockin' Girl Blogger award. What a sweetie....she says I'm a Rockin' Girl Blogger because of all the daring things I do. Well I don't know about that, but it was sure nice that she thought of me.

So I think I am going to award five Rockin Girl Blogger's that I know.......Now this is hard...because I think you all rock! You all bring something to this table of life......Anyhow without out further adieu here are my five....

Josie......this lovely lady has a flare for the arts and culture. She introduces her readers to painters, musicians, and writers through her love for the arts. Being what I would call an accomplished artist herself she shares with us her early experiences and introduction to the arts through her fathers eyes. I think she is a Rockin' Artist.

Grandmocha......my dear friend....I think she is the Rockin' Grandma extraordinaire....I love how she shares with her readers her life, love and joys of being with her grandchildren.

Janet......A woman who loves the great outdoors. She shares her surroundings by using her camera....I was first drawn to Janet's blog from one of her bird photos....I enjoy how we both have a love for birding. Janet The Rockin outdoors woman and photographer.

Quiltnut...... Now this lady can craft.....she is amazing, what is also amazing is how she finds the time to be a mom, wife and crafter, but she does.....I have seen so many of her quilts and cards.....I truly think she should have her own little gift shop......she is The Rockin' Crafter.

Jeni......her love for genealogy is amazing....he patience in doing her research....her perseverance when her computer goes down....her passion for research and sharing history about her town....yup she certainly is the Rockin' Researcher.

So ladies, grab that badge at the top of this post and use it on your blog...and I hope that you pass it on to other Rockin' Girl Bloggers.

Have a grand day!

To drive or not to drive......

Last week, I spoke about a patient and her ailing husband. I referenced the fact that he still was driving. What I don't think I shared with you was what I experienced and observed when I wheeled him out to his vehicle. The fact that I even use the word "Wheeled" should make antennas go up for some. Here I was wheeling this 90 year old man out to his car, so he could get into it and drive home.....hmmmmm. I maneuvered the wheelchair as close to his vehicle as possible. It was now time for him to get up and be on his way. Well, it became quickly apparent that he required assistance even standing up. I gave aid and he finally stood although requiring the use of his cane to mobilize. With one hand on his car and the other on his cane he made his way to the door of his car. He gingerly moved his way into the drivers seat closed the door and started the engine. While all of this is going on I am thinking to myself, gosh should he even be driving? This was reinforced to me when an observer sitting on a bench having a cigarette said to me...."is he going to drive?" Yes was my response....the bystander then feels it was his duty to tell me that I could be held liable for allowing him to drive. I was taken aback....."Yeah" he said....it's like giving keys to a drunk and telling him to go drive. There was a part of me that couldn't argue with him.

So today I thought I would see what our Motor Vehicle Branch has to say about that.....and this is what I found...."Class 5 to 8 drivers are required to have a Driver's Medical Exam at age 80 and every 2 years thereafter because this is an age where medical conditions affecting driving are more common. Even though you may be in good health, and believe it is unnecessary, the Driver's Medical Exam form must be completed and sent to us. The form is mailed out about 6 months before the 80th birthday, then every 2 years after that. For further information concerning this requirement, please carefully read the instructions on the back of the form you've received."

So basically, what they are telling me is that this guy is ok to drive. He obviously passed his medical test within the past 2 years. What also amazes me with the Motor Vehicle Branch is that they say you can "mail it in" so they don't even have to see you. I know if they saw this man they would revoke his licence on the spot. But you see this is the loop hole. If you have a sympathetic GP he might respond vaguly on the form thus giving the individual the green light, the individual then mails in the medical form and voila his licence is renewed for another two years. This bothers me. I personally don't think this man should have been driving. I don't think his reaction time was good. Should he have had the misfortune of having to deal with a situation immediately I don't think he could have. I did feel bad about assisting him to his car and letting him drive. If that was my father, I wouldn't have let him drive. It truly did seem to me like I was letting a drunk get behind a wheel. But he wasn't breaking any laws. What was I legally allowed to do in this situation? I personally think his licence should be rescinded. But then that opens up a whole new ball game for them. What would they do then for transportation? In that little town there aren't any regular buses, taxis are rare and expensive they don't have any family around. So how do they then get out and about and to appointments? Oh it all seems just so complicated.

What would you have done in this situation?

Hope you all are having a great day! Cheers!