Tag Archives: Birthdays

Happy Birthday Kyle!

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Happy Birthday Kyle!

Today is Sunday, November 23, 2025. But I’m thinking back to this date a few years ago, actually a few decades ago. Sunday November 23, 1980. Grey Cup Day in Canada. But for me it was Labor Day.

That’s right. Forty-five years ago today I spent the day in a labor and delivery room. The hospital where I delivered my first baby had not yet embraced the concept of birthing rooms. I recall a starkly furnished and sterile room with bright lights. The only calming thing about it was that I had an amazing doctor who stayed with me the entire time, encouraging me as the nurses’ shifts constantly changed. My husband was glued to the TV in the lounge watching the football game although periodically he came to check on me. Once the game ended he had more of a presence in the labor and delivery room but in all honesty wasn’t the greatest labor coach. He did much better when my daughter was born.

My son finally decided to enter the world on Monday November 24th. My due date was November 26th and I was grateful that he came early, even if only by two days. If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know how anxious you are to have that baby come out when you’ve gone full term. Kyle was also born on the day of my parents’ wedding anniversary, although my dad had passed away years before. Now we had something new to celebrate on that date.

Hard to believe you’re turning 45 tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday you were born.

Happy Birthday Kyle!

Writing Prompts

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Writing Prompts

Here on WordPress, writing prompts are suggested for those days when you want to write and are struggling to come up with a topic of your own. I scrolled through a few today and I’m not inspired to write using even one of the suggested prompts. And I think back to that creative writing course I took back in college. The prof’s advice….Write about what you know.

Having been around for more than a few decades, I think I know a lot. Yet I also believe that there is still a great deal for me to learn in my lifetime. After all, you can never know too much.

Or can you?

I have gingerly gone back to reading daily newsfeeds. Locally, the news is all about the ongoing manhunt for a father accused of murdering his three daughters. Nationally, the headlines deal with the political situation. Globally, all eyes are poised on a potential World War lll.

On a happier note, I attended a luncheon the other day for a woman in my book club who was celebrating her 99th birthday. She is moving to the other side (a Washingtonian knows this means to the other side of the mountains) this week. We’ll all have to travel next year if we want to attend the 100th.

I’ve learned a lot about American history in the past few months. Book club has focused on historical fiction. The current read is all about Patsy Jefferson, daughter of Thomas Jefferson. I find it to be lengthy and long-winded, although a few others find it most interesting and a delight to read. However, I must admit that I do find American history to be much more colorful than Canadian history.

I wonder what the history books will say twenty or thirty years from now. It will depend if they’re written by a Democrat or a Republican; or in the case of Canada, a Liberal or a Conservative. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine the world I’m living in now. Enough about that.

Back to happy. Come to Cashmere this Saturday for a Founders Day celebration. I’ll be volunteering at a book sale organized by Friends of the Cashmere Library. Other events include a classic car show, a parade, games for kids and entertainment.

I decided to end this post with a Johnny joke, because we can all use some humor in our lives.

Teacher: “If I gave you 2 cats and another 2 cats and another 2, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven.” Teacher: “No, listen carefully… If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven.” Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Six.” Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven!” Teacher: “Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!” Johnny: “Because I’ve already got a freaking cat!”

Groan………..

Here Comes Seventy-Four

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Here Comes Seventy-Four

I had another one of those special days on Friday. It was my birthday. While it was nice celebrating with my friends, I long for even just one more minute of my birthday last year when I was in Winnipeg celebrating with my son. It was the first time in several years since we had done that and I have no idea when we’ll ever do it again.

I’ve celebrated my birthday in several places with many different people — Culiacan, Mazatlan, Guadalajara and Aguascalientes in Mexico. Leavenworth, Cashmere, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee in Washington. Winnipeg, Toronto and London in Canada. And every year I wonder where I’ll be and who I will be with on that day in the following year.

A few minutes ago I caught up on What’s App messages and am drooling at the pics Ricardo posted of the food he cooked the other day. Very different from what I eat here in Washington. But I couldn’t bring Ricardo home in my suitcase. Today is one of those rare Sundays where I didn’t go out to eat after church. Instead I made myself an omelet.

Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning. That is one movie you absolutely have to see on the big screen. The stunts and special effects are amazing. I was riveted from the start.

There were two vocal concerts I wrote about in my blog post last week. This week the concerts were ukulele. My friend Joyce is in a group and they performed at the Senior Center and at Avamere on Thursday. Two events in one day again.

I was excited to return to my writers group again. I didn’t read this week but I enjoyed listening to the contributions of others. There is always such a variety of genres. We are all from different backgrounds and have amazing stories to tell.

It’s taken two weeks but I’m finally completely unpacked. I’ve organized my closet and my drawers. I’ve sifted through documents and dusted knick-knacks. I’ve even gone through my craft supplies. So today I can finally get into that book I’ve been eager to read.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day here in the USA. I hope you have a relaxing day. Safe travels if you’re on the road.

February Finale

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February Finale

February might be the shortest month of the year but it’s been one of the busiest for me. While the focus this winter has been on writing, other activities fill my days as well. Church online. Bible Study on Zoom. Writing Webinars. Conversation Club. Tutoring. Friends. And finally this month I did some traveling.

I went to visit my friend Angie in Pachuca. It’s been three years since we last saw each other but we just picked up where we left off. Time was of no consequence. We first met in December 2010 on El Chepe up in the Copper Canyon. We hit it off as we were both teaching English at the time. Angie is Mexican and was a superb translator for me because back then my Spanish language skills were practically non-existent!

This week my daughter is competing in the CPU Nationals in Canada. I must admit that it’s a little unnerving watching her bench press more than her weight but I’m also so very proud of her and what she has accomplished. Last year I got to see it in person. This time I’m watching online.

My granddaughter Madeline turns seven tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday I flew to Ontario shortly after she was born. Video calls will have to suffice until I see her again in person this summer. I predict that she will be as tall as Grandma by then.

I’m attending a program on Zoom later this week that deals with publishing. I’m looking forward to it as I hope to publish a book this spring and the writing world has changed since I first published back in 2009. My genre has also changed and my next book is fiction.

I enjoyed my break from reading all the newsfeeds. And I ignored the podcasts. Now back to reality where people are still trying to hack into my Facebook and Microsoft accounts. Back to reading about more airline mishaps. Back to reading about The United States of Democrats and The United States of Republicans. Back to reading about the gong show going on in Canada. I think I need another break.

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.

Last Post From Aguascalientes

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Last Post From Aguascalientes

The winter flew by fast. But my six months is up. I’m taking a break from packing. It’s easier packing to leave than to come here. Everything goes and nothing is left behind. But it’s still not a task I enjoy. I do love my packing cubes, so that definitely helps.

It’s been a week of goodbyes with friends—one last torta, one last desayuno, one last hamburguesa, one last cerveza together until October. That’s the hard part about leaving.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Last year I went to Sage Hills in Wenatchee. This year I’ll be at one of the Catholic churches nearby. I wonder where I’ll be for Easter next year.

I will miss my lackadaisical days of writing when I feel like it. My life is a lot more structured up north. My April calendar is already filling up and I’m not even back yet. But I must admit I’m looking forward to my hair appointment at Shears. Every year I try out different stylists in Mexico but they can never quite seem to get it right.

I spoke to my daughter yesterday. I can’t believe my baby turned forty. Wasn’t it just yesterday I gave birth to her? Okay, I’ve embarrassed her enough if she’s reading this.

My journey home begins tomorrow at midnight when I take ETN to Puerto Vallarta. I opted for only one day there on the way back. Semana Santa is pretty crazy there. On Tuesday it’s Alaska to Wenatchee via Sea-Tac. And I refuse to check the weather forecast because I know it won’t be in the eighties and sunny.

To all who celebrate, have a blessed Easter. He is risen!

Happy Birthday

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Happy Birthday

Yesterday morning at 7:30 am I was lying in bed debating whether or not to get up and make coffee. Really hard to do with a Keurig lol. And I’m happy I procrastinated or I would have missed a video call from my granddaughter Madeline. Yesterday was my birthday and she wanted to talk to me before she left for daycare. Despite the fact that I had no caffeine in my system yet, I was surprisingly coherent. And it was a great way to start my day.

Birthdays. I have several decades of them. I’ve celebrated them in Winnipeg, Minneapolis, Fargo, Oak Bluff, London, Culiacan, Guadalajara, Mazatlan, Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. I’ve celebrated in different ways with numerous family and friends in a great variety of homes and restaurants. And I have also stopped thinking about where I’ll be or who I’ll be with when the next one rolls around.

My most traumatic birthday was when I turned twenty. Oh My God! I was no longer a teenager!

As the years go by, I tend to celebrate every single day as being a special day. And I am blessed with great kids and amazing friends I can do this with. It’s a year long celebration rather than just one specific day.

This is my perspective on birthdays. What is yours?

Have a great Wednesday!

I’m Just A Little On Edge

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I’m Just A Little On Edge

A month from today I’ll be back in East Wenatchee. I’ve warned everyone that they snow better be gone. I don’t expect it to be 85 like it is here, but I don’t want to see any of that white stuff either.

Charlotte arrived in Calgary the other day to -37 and her car buried under snow. Sharon arrived in Portland after a detour to Seattle because there was too much snow in Portland and the runways were a mess. In the news all I read about is the cold and snow up north and as ready as I am to head home, I don’t want to experience another winter up there.

Yesterday was Koal’s birthday. It’s hard to believe he’s been gone for over fourteen years. I would love to have a dog again but it’s bad enough that I deal with three different Immigrations every year and I can’t fathom doing it with an animal. Of course I do have seven chihuahuas waiting for me in Washington lol.

Today is Madeline’s fifth birthday. It seems like yesterday that I flew to Ontario when she was born. As I recall an ice storm greeted me there. Happy Birthday Madeline! Grandma loves you and we’ll party when I come to visit you in Kelowna this summer.

I’ve been on Zoom a lot this week. The Writer’s Workshop was most informative. The bible study I do with Church of the Rock focused on forgiveness this week, very thought provoking.

Of course in person is still better. I’m looking forward to the next SAIL training in April in Wenatchee. I really miss teaching those classes when I’m here in Mexico for the winter. It’s much more enjoyable to be with other people.

I’ve been listening to a lot of country music while I’ve been writing this week, mainly from the 60s and 70s. I alternate between Spotify, You Tube and of course Alexa. That genre seems to go well with the stage of my main character’s life right now. Of course it also inspired me to revamp the chapter I’m working on.

Have A Great Sunday!

2022 Part 1

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2022 Part 1

I have decided to divide the year end review into two parts. Part 1 will cover the first six months of the year.

I woke up January 1st in Jilotsingo where I had celebrated New Years Eve with fifty-nine others. The next day I went back to Angie’s home in Pachuca. I returned to Aguascalientes after King’s Day. The rest of the month was spent getting together with friends and writing blog posts. I also had a SAIL training session on Zoom.

February was an exciting month. My characters started talking to me again and I was finally inspired to continue working on my book of fiction. My granddaughter in Kelowna also celebrated her fourth birthday. And I went to Culiacan to spend time with my Mexican family before heading back up north for the warmer months.

On March 1st I crossed the border at Nogales and headed for Tucson, where I spent a few relaxing days by a pool at a hotel. Then came the rather unusual but interesting Greyhound bus trip to Seattle where I was finally able to pick up an Amtrak into Leavenworth. One of the first things I did was get a Covid booster. I moved around a lot staying in Leavenworth and Dryden and did some pet sitting before finally settling down in East Wenatchee. It was wonderful to be at Sage Hills in person again and to resume teaching SAIL classes.

April was a fun month of garage sales, different from the usual tienguis in Mexico. Life Group resumed and a series of library programs began on Zoom. My characters continued to chatter so it was also a great writing month.

May was a little on the stressful side. The results of a biopsy were not what I’d hoped for and I needed to have a growth removed. On a more positive note I celebrated a birthday and had a delightful day in Lake Chelan. And I also received great news that while the growth indeed had been malignant, there was only healthy tissue left and no further sign of cancer. So no need for more treatment.

I had training in the A Matter Of Balance program during the month of June and I’m looking forward to coaching it when I return to Washington in the spring. And towards the end of the month I found myself on a plane headed for Winnipeg for the first time in five years.

I’m taking a break from blogging so no post this coming Sunday. 2022 Part 2 will be on December 28th.

Merry Christmas!

And Another Month Comes To An End

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And Another Month Comes To An End

November ends today. That means there’s only one month left in 2022. I need to start working on my year end blog post. This past year was packed with activity.

Here in Mexico Christmas decorations are already visible. Displays in department stores and shopping malls are being set up. Santa is on his way too.

My friend Karen posted a beautiful video of the snowfall in Leavenworth. Almost makes me wish I was back there right now. Almost.

On a sad note, I had two friends pass away in November: Joan in Winnipeg and Adele in Leavenworth.

On a much happier note, my son Kyle celebrated his 42nd birthday in November. And I actually spoke to him rather than just leaving the usual voicemail.

I’m enjoying my courses online and have a new one this month. It’s an Advent bible study with Church of the Rock in Winnipeg.

I’ve been the world’s worst correspondent lately. While I do have a long distance plan, I’ve been using What’s App and Messenger a lot and texting instead of talking. I encourage people to read my blog and check my Facebook posts instead.

I’ve been spending most of my time writing. The perfect ending as well as an amazing title for my book are what’s occupied my time lately. And that’s all you get for now.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!