Tag Archives: 2024

Jun1

A Glimpse of the Light

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A Glimpse of the Light

I’m beginning to see a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. After scanning photos for a month, I’m actually getting close to the end. Of course there are two bins still at my son’s and I haven’t a clue as to what’s in them. But I believe the majority of the bigger albums are almost done.

This morning I was at Kyle’s first day of kindergarten, Kimmy’s first haircut, Kyle’s fifth birthday party at the bowling alley and a vacation in San Diego. I’m not doing the albums in any type of chronological order so it’s been fun to skip around and see my kids at different ages.

And of course there are the pet albums. Kelsey and Koal had no idea that they were dogs. They were kids just like Kyle and Kimmy. Kelsey was around for a few years before Kyle was born. My kids had labelled him the geriatric dog. After he went to doggy heaven we got Koal. And he was quite a mischievous puppy and very different from Kelsey.

I really miss having a dog. But it’s bad enough that I have to deal with three different immigrations every year. I cannot fathom having to do that with a dog when constantly travelling from country to country. But if I ever do settle down, I would love to have a dog again.

In a way it’s been good that the weather has been so bad since I got to Winnipeg. When it rains every day I don’t feel so badly about holing up inside and going through photos. But I must admit that I miss that big, bright yellow ball that should be up in the sky instead of the ominous clouds.

And I’m still hoping for an ETA in Washington of mid-June.

May28

Way Too Many

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Way Too Many

For the past month I have been scanning photos. I’ve come to the conclusion that there are way too many. Why on earth did we take so many pictures? Why are there so many albums? The albums have been sitting in waterproof bins in my son’s basement for fourteen years. Has anyone even looked at them? This is 2024. Digital is the way to go.

In roughly the past ten years, I’ve had four surgeries in three different countries, sought asylum in two foreign countries during Covid and have moved from city to city in foreign countries. But none of this has been as stressful and gut-wrenching as going through these photo albums. I hope this doesn’t sound too crass but so many people in these photos are now divorced or dead.

I think I need a new project. But first I need to finish this one so I can get back to East Wenatchee. I need some normalcy in my life again. But I think I still have to wait a while for that to happen. My new ETA to the USA is now mid-June. End of May was unrealistic.

Caution to my readers. If you ever decide to do what I’m doing, you better hope that you’re in a place where it rains every single day so you don’t mind being holed up in a room with a computer and a scanner for hours on end. So far that’s been my experience this May in Winnipeg. Rain, rain and more rain.

But I’m strong and I can do this.

May21

Digging Through Buried Treasure

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Digging Through Buried Treasure

I’m taking a break from scanning photos. I feel like writing a blog post. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all the nonstop scanning I’ve been doing since I got here. While I do see friends and that breaks up the monotony of scanning, the emotional part is really starting to get to me.

There are photos of my dad and my grandparents who never got to meet my kids. There are photos of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who have passed away. The memories keep flooding back and occasionally they are not happy ones.

One of the bins contained my Achievements Binder. Wow! No wonder I have so many letters after my name! I took a lot of courses at University of Manitoba and Red River College. And then there are all the professional development courses and the crisis intervention courses. Throw in CPR and First Aid training. There are also a multitude of child abuse checks and criminal records checks.

This binder also contains pages full of letters of appreciation and cards for all the volunteer work I did throughout the years. Among them are Winnipeg School Division 1, Laidlaw School, YMCA, Grace Hospital, ASYC, YBC, Scouts Canada, Girl Guides of Canada, Manitoba Hospice and Palliative Care and many, many more organizations.

And I’m just finishing up Bin 2.

May16

Can’t Count That High

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Can’t Count That High

I’ve officially been in Winnipeg for two weeks as of today, and it’s still raining. Thunder boomer going on at the moment. Glad I brought a rain jacket. Didn’t need it in Mexico or Washington but I sure need it here. And I don’t feel too badly about holing up in my room with the computer and scanning photos. I’ve stopped counting and can’t believe how many loose photos I’ve found in addition to albums.

I spent most of today in sunny San Diego and in Waikiki. The odd Winnipeg pic showed up. But I’m going out for dinner shortly with Laura and will don my rain jacket. We’re off to Sorrentos for my favorite salad and some pizza. It will be dry inside the restaurant.

Things I’ve noticed in the pics. We dressed up on birthdays and anniversaries. No jeans. No yoga pants. For some reason we always made two or three copies of every photo. I gave up taking pics out of frames to scan. Too time consuming. And I found a lot of framed pics. We had a regular rogues’ gallery in our family room on Dunbar so way too many framed photos. My cell phone takes better pics than my ex’s expensive camera with all the zoom and different lenses. And it’s so much easier to use. We took way too many pics of some things and not enough of others. And we should have been more diligent about writing dates on photos!

I hope to finish the first of four bins on the weekend. And I have a sinking suspicion that there are more than four bins and that some bins are still hiding at Kyle’s house.

Break time is over.

May11

On To Plan B

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On To Plan B

When Plan A doesn’t work there’s always a Plan B. Plan A was working. I arrived in Winnipeg last Thursday and Laura came with me to buy a scanner on Friday. On Monday she came over and set it up and gave me a crash course in how to use it. But Plan A was already off-track as I hadn’t connected with my son and he’s been storing the photo albums. So this week has gone by and I haven’t had any photos to scan yet.

Plan B in action and I am taking the week to see friends instead. And as I visit with my friends I’m going through different chapters in my life.

Rita. We met at an auction back in 2000. We’ve gone through divorces and our kids’ marriages and a whole lot more. Before Rita sold her cabin at Hillside, I always went out there with her when I came back to Winnipeg in the summer, even after the knee surgeries. It was fun maneuvering my walker and much easier when I graduated to a cane. There were steps involved in getting up on the deck and into the cabin. This year Rita picked me up at the airport and we went straight to VJ’s for gut bombs. It was pouring rain but that didn’t stop us.

Laura. My computer guru. We met in college when I was getting my ESL certification back in 2009. She was very pregnant and her baby arrived late so she was able to write the final exams and graduate. Although I moved away in 2010 we’ve kept in touch and get together whenever I come back. She shops around for computers and whatever other technological devices I require. Then when I get to Winnipeg we get together and I buy what she has picked out. They must love us at Best Buy. Whenever the sales person asks a question I refer them to Laura. I only need to be there to tap the credit card.

Sheila. We met back in middle school and have been friends for sixty years. Yep. We’ve gone through a lot together. When we get together it’s like we’ve never been apart as we catch up on kids and grandkids. Sheila doesn’t enjoy traveling and admitted to me that she hasn’t been on a plane in nine years. That’s very different from my nomadic lifestyle. I’ve been on four planes in just the last month.

Jacque. Our kids were in the same pre-school program when we met back in 1983. Jacque was also a caterer and has shared several wonderful recipes with me, the most requested one being the peanut butter cheesecake. Our kids all went to different schools throughout the years but Jacque and I remained in touch. She moved back home to Rochester, Minnesota for a while but returned to Winnipeg a few years ago. I was already well into my nomadic lifestyle but we always get together when I come back for a visit.

Donna. In another lifetime I taught water aerobics at the YMCA in Westwood and Donna was in my class. We also share a love of music and have gone to concerts together. Donna’s husband makes amazing wine which I always enjoy when I go over there. When I was here last summer we spent a memorable afternoon at The Leaf. We were talking at lunch the other day about maybe going to the Museum of Human Rights this year.

Marilyn. After my knee surgery I went to physio at Concordia where I met Marilyn. This awesome physical therapist is one of the reasons I bounced back as quickly as I did from those surgeries. She’s retired now and travels to New Zealand to see her daughter quite often. Over lunch today we talked a lot about Mexico and she’s thinking of coming this winter.

On Sunday I will finally get to see my son and I hope I will get those photo albums so I can start scanning. It will be nice to be with my son on Mother’s Day. We haven’t done that in several years.

Today is May 10 and it’s Mother’s Day in Mexico. It’s been a while since I’ve been in that country for Mother’s Day too.

To all the mothers out there, whether you celebrate today or on Sunday, Happy Mother’s Day!

May4

I’m Here

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I’m Here

No, I’m not in Aguascalientes. No, I’m not in Washington. I’m here in Winnipeg. Except that we have Seattle weather here…..RAIN! And it’s cold. And I left my Columbia ski jacket in Washington.

Rita picked me up at the airport on Thursday and we went straight to VJ’s for lunch. Yep. VJ’s is always a must on my list when I come here. Best chili burgers anywhere!

When my kids were younger and in YBC I used to travel across town more than once a week as they bowled out of Windsor Lanes. How ironic that I’m now staying a mere five minute walk from there now. Of course my kids are no longer bowling and that alley house is no longer in existence.

Costco this morning. While I did find the granola I buy in Washington, protein bars were different. As were the cheese strings. And the yogurt. But I’m tough. It’s only for a month.

Laura, (my computer guru) and I went to Best Buy last night and I got a scanner. Now to connect with my son who is storing all the photo albums. I’m on a mission.

Here’s one from Alexa:

What’s the difference between a cat and a comma?

A cat has claws at the end of its paws and a comma is a pause at the end of a clause

Apr30

Challengers and Bluegrass

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Challengers and Bluegrass

It was a busy weekend. I should have been thinking about doing laundry and packing but there were too many other distractions. I decided to take advantage of those instead.

We went to see the movie “Challengers.” Although I’m not a huge tennis fan, I was drawn in by the twists and turns in this movie. It was well done and delivered more than one strong message. I highly recommend that you go and see it.

The Bluegrass concert in Cashmere was most enjoyable. Thunder Ridge is a band from Portland. But Saturday night they were more of a hodge-podge of musicians as a couple of the regulars weren’t able to make it. However they put on an amazing performance although they had only rehearsed for a short time earlier in the day.

Do you remember the movie “The Graduate?” Back in the 60s we all thought it was pretty awesome. But it’s 2024 now and when I watched it the other night on TV, I had a very different opinion. Boring and predictable. Lame acting. Corny. Hmmm. Do we even use the word “corny” today? My age is showing.

We’ve had rain and it’s been cold. And the weather doesn’t look too promising in Canada either. Wonder if I need to pack my Columbia ski jacket and my Sorels. But it’s May. It isn’t supposed to be winter. Maybe I’ll throw in some warmer clothes just in case. Days like this I really miss Mexico.

On that note it’s time to get out the packing cubes. My next post will be coming to you from Canada.

Have a great week!

Apr23

New To My Carry On

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New To My Carry On

When I come up here to Washington each spring, there are things I do as a matter of routine although I am not a person who does well with routine. Some people thrive on it, but I prefer flexibility and my middle name should be “Change.”

The first week back I did do something which has become a biannual routine. I did a CPR refresher. I did them in Canada when I was working in social services and then there was a lull for a few years when I lived fulltime in Mexico. Once I moved to Leavenworth CPR refreshers became routine in my volunteer work at church and in teaching fitness classes. It’s interesting how ideas change from course to course, especially with regards to the issue of providing breaths in addition to compressions.

This year the course was a combo of CPR and First Aid. And I was introduced to Naloxone, an emergency treatment in case of opioid overdose. I had read about it previously but at the course our instructor encouraged us to obtain at least one kit and to keep it handy. I went home that night, went online and ordered a kit. I opted for the nasal spray. The kit contains two single dose nasal spray devices and arrived in the mail in one week.

I did some research and it is legal to have it in my carry-on. It is also legal in Canada, my destination next month, although it is not as easily obtainable in that country. And I’m thinking it’s something that I can easily throw in my purse as well. So forget guns and pepper spray; this Washingtonian will be carrying Naloxone.

Apr20

Mindful Musing

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Mindful Musing

It’s been a relaxing couple of weeks since I’ve been back. I’ve made an effort to be more mindful and I’m actually feeling the rewards. I’m not nearly as stressed as I thought I’d be seeing as I’m still settling in and will be traveling again in less than two weeks.

For one thing, I haven’t dived back into teaching yet. I have gone to a training session and I did do a CPR refresher. But I haven’t gone back to Tai Chi classes as I’m still waiting for this sciatica to let up. And it probably will just before I have to board that next four hour flight to Minneapolis. But the long flights take a toll on my back although I make a point of getting up every now and then and walking a little. At least I’ll have a layover and will be able to walk around a little before my connecting flight to Winnipeg.

The highlight of this week was going to writers group on Wednesday. It was great to see everyone again and meet new members. The stories and poems we shared were especially amazing. I have missed the support and encouragement of my writing friends. Unfortunately it was a bit of a tease as I won’t be back now until June.

I’m looking forward to doing some volunteer work on Monday with my friend in Cashmere. Joanne is a professional volunteer in her retirement years and always has interesting things I can help her with. This time I’m helping her prepare for a kids event.

After church tomorrow, Joyce and I are going to a concert in Wenatchee. It’s a benefit for the Ukraine. One of the women in my life group will be singing and I’m sure I’ll recognize a few others in the different choral ensembles who will be performing.

I’ve started coloring again. It has been relaxing and I must admit I sleep better since I’ve cut back on the videogames and turn to my gel pens and markers instead. When I get back in June I intend to pull out my paints and pastels that are currently hidden away in my closet.

The course I’m taking online has now switched topics from nutrition and reading food labels to mindfulness. And I’m making a serious attempt to have mindfulness become my middle name.

The other day I was sitting outside waiting for a friend to pick me up when a cat sauntered by. He eyed me suspiciously through the fence. Yes. He. I’ve decided that Marmalade is a male. I gave him that name because of his coloring. And his tail has these magnificent ring-like stripes. I watched him as he nonchalantly made his way down the street.

On another day I was treated to a small procession of quail strolling across the street. Mama in front and the babies trailing behind. They were all oblivious to the traffic that had stopped for them so that they could safely proceed to their intended destination.

It’s common to see cats in the neighborhood as well as quail. But I know I looked at them differently this time. Mindful musing.

Apr9

Back in Washington

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Back in Washington

Coming back after 6 months away is always a blur of adjusting and getting organized. We’re actually going to hit 60 today which is a far cry from 87. My sciatica is complaining. But in time it will settle down. It wasn’t exactly thrilled with the 4 hour flight back from Mexico.

I’m unpacked and getting organized. I went to AT&T and got my phone number for the year. I’ve been busy texting and messaging my new number to friends. My What’s App stays on my Mexican number. Also have been dealing with credit card companies to register the new number and access my online accounts. They don’t like it when I change countries and phone numbers as often as I do.

Adjusting to an English world. The only Spanish I’ve done since I’m back is on Duolingo, although I have texted friends in Mexico in Spanish.

Only one trip to Costco so far in terms of shopping. Joyce and I are going to Dollar Tree tomorrow after lunch at the Senior Center. I don’t really miss Waldo’s in Mexico and much prefer the American version of a dollar store.

Did a Bible study with my life group on Zoom this morning. We’re planning on getting together in person later in the month. Not everyone lives in Wenatchee or East Wenatchee so it does take some planning.

I just came home from a SAIL Lunch and Learn and it was nice to reconnect with everyone after several months away. But I don’t intend to do any teaching until I get back from Canada in June. Did I say Canada? Yes I’m back on a plane in 3 weeks to head up north.

Speaking of planes, I didn’t get sucked out of my window seat on the Boeing 737 on my way back from Mexico. No blown tires, cracked windshields or missing parts of the fuselage either. Great flights that left on time and arrived early. Even Immigration welcomed me back.

Yesterday was definitely one of the highlights of my first week back. I traveled to Leavenworth to Shears for my hair appointment. Lisa always has her hands full dealing with the mess the Mexican hairstylists make and she had her hands full yesterday. But as usual she did an amazing job.

Yesterday in Leavenworth I also got to see Linda. We picked up sandwiches at Dan’s and settled in to watch the Virgin River Christmas episodes. We’re also making plans to attend the Leavenworth Summer Theater productions.

I have a CPR refresher on Thursday and then I will finally have a day to relax on Friday, if you call doing laundry and housecleaning relaxing.

Another highlight was going in person to Sage Hills Church on Sunday. So much nicer than on-line. And I got to meet some of the women from my Zoom life group in person as well.

Sunday afternoon Clairesse and I went to Blue Spoon for some delightful frozen yogurt. We had a lot to catch up on. That happens when you don’t see each other for 6 months.

Sunday night Christina and I watched a movie together. We decided that Sunday nights will be movie nights while I’m here.

I haven’t even looked at my WIP since I’ve been back. I had a lot more time for writing when I was in Mexico. But that’s okay. I still have friends to see and places to go and things to do. And I have writers’ group next week!

And my dear tree in Cashmere, I haven’t forgotten you. I promise I’ll come visit you really soon.