| Nibbs Posted on Monday, June 09, 2008 - 04:37 pm: |   
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More rain and a storm coming in off the Pacific. High winds (70 kmh) expected. It's a good thing Wayne used his NEW weed whacker yesterday! He's very happy with it. Of course I don't know the details, but I do know he doesn't have to mix the fuel anymore.
We still have snow on the Beaufort, fresh snow on Mt. Arrowsmith and it snowed on Mt. Washington. I just don't understand this. (Really .. I do not understand how the world's weather is changing, where some places are so much colder. I don't understand world economy either. And, for the most part, I don't understand people.)
I do understand that my freezer needs to be cleaned, so I'm off to do that. All inside jobs today! |
| Nibbs Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 03:36 am: |
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Danielle and Nigel ... What a beautiful bride, and Mom, on the left is so proud, so beautiful too. Nigel .. in every photo I've seen so far, you can just see love in his eyes. Sandy, on the right, is our oldest daughter. (And we are so proud of her!)
The wedding took place in the interior of the province, at a winery. I have a photo where the wedding couple are dancing, with big oak kegs lining the wall. It just looks like it was so much fun. A wonderful occasion for everyone.
.. Okay, now I must get some sleep. I think the winds missed the west coast of the Island, but the east coast had some nasty weather. I'm looking forward the temperature going up a little .. not too much. And a day without rain would be nice.
Night all ... |
| Nibbs Posted on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 05:08 pm: |
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I'm having trouble writing this today.
Time for change.
No, I'm not leaving gardenbuddies. I like it here. I love it here. It's one of the best places I can come to, especially when I need to relax and just enjoy some 'down' time.
Trouble is, I'm having 'down' time but not the good kind. And I need to make some changes.
So I'm going to stop coming to this journal. It's just too painful. Wayne and I ... cannot fix what is wrong (we don't understand any of it) and it's just about to become more painful. And Wayne is not well. This is a scary time for both of us. He'll be in the hospital Thursday and we should have a better idea of what the next step is sometime that day. And I am hobbling around on crutches, dealing with more pain now than ever. My Mom is still in hospital, slowing fading. But Wayne's Mom is still in hospital too. It's been 7 months now that she's being treated for a leg infection and she's down to 81 pounds. Wayne's step Dad is waiting for hip replacement surgery, and his Dad is not well either. I know this is so common for many of us at this age, dealing with aging parents. Wayne's fishing partner is 94 and has just been diagnosed with cancer, and he and his wife are moving to a smaller place so they know each would be able to continue living independently if/when the other dies.
You know, it goes on. Some things I can cope with well. Others, not so good.
I need to deal with what I can to lower the stress. And I've given this a lot of thought. It would soon be obvious what is going on and I don't want to create a situation where there would be any judging. There's been enough of that already. I just want to move on, even if it means in a different way than before.
I've archived my journal so it will not go off into cyberspace. I've kept a written journal since 1961, and have kept them all. Don't ask me why. I've read over some of them ... One thing about recording time is that both the good and the bad remain alive in our memories.
Anyway, this is my plan. Just thought I'd let you know.
The garden's good. The weather is fine.
Just taking care of myself. |
I am very sorry to hear this. I wish you were all feeling better. I can't even imagine so many people being ill all at the same time in the same family. I will miss your journal. I read every time you post. I am glad that you will not be leaving GB. We are all family here, IMO. Just remember, we all feel bad when one of our GBs feels bad.
(((  DIANE)))
(I am sorry this is such a short note to you... I am trying to beat the thunderstorm.) |
| Valia Posted on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 07:04 pm: |
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| Flowerfreak Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 08:38 am: |
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((Diane)) I will miss your posts here, but understand why you need to step away for awhile. Yes, take care of yourself & your family. Hopefully all will be better soon. Can't wait to see you back posting in your journal. Take care.  |
| Periwinkle Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 12:11 am: |
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Diane, if you read this tonight, I'll be calling you tomorrow sometime. |
| Nibbs Posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 11:50 pm: |
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Two weeks later and so much has changed.
First and foremost, we know why Wayne is not well, and will soon have the whole picture and will know exactly what we're dealing with and what the plan is. Meanwhile there has been so much support. At times I feel like time has slowed right down, but I think that's because we're much more focused.
Wayne flew up to northern B.C. today to spend some time with his Mom and step-Dad.
We were talking in the car on the way to the airport (it's about an hour's drive from here) and I was thinking about how much our lives have changed since he retired. We usually do a lot of things together, but we have our own interests and often go different directions.
Lately, though, we have usually shopped together. I hadn't realized just how much Wayne has been paying at the till while I push the cart. At the airport today Wayne handed me the car keys (no point in him carting them on the plane) and we both headed off to the washrooms. When I opened my purse to drop the keys in, a moth flew out!!
Well, we had a good laugh!
And so, the babies have come ..
Such good news. I will come back tomorrow with more, but am exhausted tonight. Must get some rest and will feel better tomorrow.
Night |
| Nibbs Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 12:06 am: |
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Two of great-grandson, Liam
I love this profile ..
And a much more recent one. He is 'conditioning' his hair with potatoes!
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ROFL! (((( )))) |
| Valia Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 09:07 am: |
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Shhhh ... don't tell anyone until his patent application has been filed.
Anne |
| Nibbs Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 10:49 am: |
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I was up early to work in the veggie garden before it warmed up too much. I let all kinds of things get in the way, but will get out there for an hour or so. We will be in the 30ºC+ again today, but then it should cool down some. We actually have showers in the forecast. I'll believe that when I see it! The hot weather is just too much for the cats too.
I had a nice call from Wayne's fishing partner and his wife last night. What a couple! They are moving into a one bedroom condo, downsizing from a two bedroom, and this one is absolutely complete. The best of everything and it was sold with the cupboards and drawers still filled. For Joe and his wife it's like Christmas. They are amazed at what they're finding. (The condo was just a vacation spot for the owners and they suffered a family tragedy so the remaining owner just wanted to take the personal stuff.) Joe is almost 95 and Margaret is almost 91 - they're the ones who disclose their ages this way - and so they are having a blast!! I'll see them at the pool today.
And I had a call from our oldest last night. She is slowly feeling better but at that stage where it still hurts to laugh. With a grandson in the house she's having a tough time with that.
Okay, must move on. It's already a hazy day and I have some deadheading to do too. |
| Flowerfreak Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 01:27 pm: |
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Good to see you back here...love the pictures  |
| Nibbs Posted on Friday, July 04, 2008 - 12:34 pm: |
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It''s overcast today, and what a relief! I'm enjoying the cooler temperature. Perhaps I can get more done outside today.
Yesterday started off so good! I felt great and had a plan, always keeping in mind that putting one step in front of the other will eventually get everything done.
However ... a few phone calls later, and my plans changed. Went to my sisters' for coffee and then her hubby helped me with a couple of things that I couldn't do by myself. I tried to figure out how I could do them alone ... He was great, and actually thought through the problem better than me and the fix was perfect!
By mid afternoon I was finished for the day. And glad to bring the cats in for their dinner and close the door.
My neighbour came over for a visit. She is the mother of twins (identical) herself and was tickled to see the photos of Val's babies. She positively gushed with excitement!!
And Wayne called. HIs Mom is looking much better than he expected and has started to gain weight. A very good sign! Wayne sounded tired. It's been hotter up there than down here! (And I'll be so glad to have him back home, even though I'm glad he's visiting his folks.)
I was pleased to share some great news with him about his job and I'm sure it made his day!
And today I've had a visit from another neighbour already. He was walking his dog and stopped in for a chat. I was vacuuming and still wearing pjs. Same ones I was wearing when my other neighbour stopped for the visit. We live in the country, in a very quiet neighbourhood. If it seems eccentric to visit while in pjs then so be it!
Okay, back to work. I think I'll scrap the idea of going to the pool today and focus on the garden and actually getting to the grocery store! I changed my mind about that yesterday but did manage to fill the gas tank in my car just before the price went up again!
And Wayne told me where the mail box key is! So I can pick up the mail today!
I went outside to shoo an eagle away and the garbage people came! We usually have pick up on Tuesday (but that was Canada Day) so I just left it out. They are the greatest guys though. If I hadn't had it out, they would have come down the driveway to get it! |
| Nibbs Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 01:06 am: |
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Life suddenly became very busy!! We had grandgirls here .. by myself at first, and then we picked up Wayne at the airport in Comox. It was great to have company on the drive. We stopped at the market in Coombs for dinner and the girls saw one of the goats right on the corner of the roof!
I have some photo updates, but will wait until tomorrow to post. I have two fairly free days and then a family funeral.
Wayne had his last test on Thursday and so we have another 'window', but don't expect to wait long for the next appointment.
It's been hot, hot, hot ... and tomorrow I really need to tie up the tomatoes some more. Wayne can help take down the deer/Diane fence. And he'll be another set of eyes to watch out for the bear. (I'm hoping she's not looking for cherries!! Our trees are absolutely loaded this year!)
Must go to bed ..
'Night |
| Nibbs Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 01:25 pm: |
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Am taking a couple of minutes before we load up the car and head off to the memorial service down Island. I'm quite sure there will be much laughter! Aunt Jean was so much fun!
Boni and I have been going through albums and talking about the experiences we had with this dear aunt. She was our Mom's youngest sister, and so we have been looking at many, many photos of Mom as well. It's been a very nostalgic time.
The focus on death has been somewhat disconcerting and I've found some stressors just too much to deal with. I've approached a hospice center here to see what they have for support groups. I'm thinking I need more contact with those who have had a cancer experience.
Anyway, the trays are made up, the card is written, I've figured out what to wear, the car is gassed up and we can pick up the flowers any time now. And, yet, I'm going to be so glad to be home again.
I must take a photo of my beans. They look very odd. Nice vines growing up the wire ... no leaves. Mama Deer and her little one come in the early morning and tidy the vines up! Guess we're growing the beans for them. They're not touching anything else in the garden ... yet. I wish they're learn to eat weeds!! |
| Stormdancer Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 04:14 pm: |
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Hi Diane,
Got an idea for your deer that has worked so far for my Hibiscus...cut a few strips of white cloth and tie them about three feet off the ground around your garden...the white flag is a danger sign for them...so far it has kept the deer away from my Hibiscus and possibly even a rabbit.
The American Cancer Society has loads of info on support groups...the Oncologist office should also have brochures available...the Social Worker was very helpful when my sisters both were undergoing treatment and their oncologist as well. Just ask and they will give you what they have and turn you on to people who have more.
Karen |
| Nibbs Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 01:03 am: |
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Thanks, Karen! It's certainly worth a try. I've had some suggestions that have worked for a while and then the deer seem to get wise, but I'll certainly do this.
I wrote to a woman I've met with before at our hospice center and she sent me back a really nice note, offering to meet with me either there or here (she'll come to my house) and we can see what would suit my needs. She's been so supportive and definitely understands what friends and family go through when there is a critical illness or trauma in the family. I had come back from my aunt's memorial service, feeling good about it all. I was feeling a little overwhelmed even though I only ordered the flowers and picked them up .. they were gorgeous. I had a gal who owns the shop do it up and asked for soft colors. Beautiful! And put two trays of food out, and had a little prepared talk about this humorous aunt (in front of everyone, with a mike) ... it was a nice get together, but we've had way too many of these in the last few years. The only time the family gets together is for funerals and memorial services. Even though there is a plan for a big family get together next year so much can happen between now and then. Yes, it was good .. but upsetting too.
And then Wayne's fishing partner's wife phoned to say Joe's tests results came back, his bone scan. He's been waiting for a biopsy for his prostate cancer, but now he has cancer in his bones. Joe's 95. We know what this means.
And I'm kind of fried at this point. I was an absolute slug today. We had a visit with Joe and Margaret tonight and I ran out of energy. Just wanted to come home and close myself off.
But tomorrow I'll go swimming. I'm so glad Wayne refused to pack his pager tonight. We were out and about today and he did his darndest to leave his hat behind somewhere and he finally accomplished that tonight! Then he ended up feeling 'naked'. Well, I had to laugh. Seems we're both preoccupied with the latest news.
So I will phone my hospice lady friend tomorrow and arrange a get together next week.
We pulled in to the parking lot along the river so we could make a u-turn to park in front of Joe and Margaret's condo and I could see a bear swimming half way across the river. He had been on the same side as the condo and was returning to the forested side of the river. I knew they crossed the river regularly, but assumed they waited for low tide and crossed where the river is fairly shallow. So I was surprised. And right above the river, in a tall fir tree, an eagle sat and watched it all.
We stopped at Boni's for coffee before coming home and the moon is shining in a clear dark blue sky, with Jupiter just on the horizon (?). Breathtaking!
Glad to be home. The house is now cool. Dishwasher is on .. day is done.
Am off to the tub with my latest book.
Tomorrow will come soon enough. For now, it's nice to relax. |
