Tag Archives: relationships

Oct6

Last Post From Washington For A While

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Last Post From Washington For A While

This has been a very emotionally draining week. Every year it gets harder to say goodbye to friends for six months. This is my eighth year here and my close friends are my family. The ties grow stronger with every year that I’m here.

Steve came over on Monday and we reminisced a little about Mexico and how I wound up becoming a snowbird between Mexico and Washington state. Of course that first visit back in 2016 wound up stretching to four months instead of the intended two weeks. The snow chased me away that year.

Connie, Joyce and I went out for drinks on Tuesday. We taught fitness classes together in Leavenworth. Joyce moved to Wenatchee, I’m in East Wenatchee and Connie is still in Leavenworth. The three of us don’t see each other nearly as often as we used to.

Joanne and I went out for dinner on Tuesday. She is the reason why Cashmere was selected as a home to Spirit of America. Joanne corralled me as a volunteer at Apple Days for several years and this year at the 9/11 service. She wanted me at Octoberfest and Pioneer Days this coming weekend but I had to bow out as it’s my last weekend before I leave for Mexico. But Joanne already has other volunteer opportunities lined up for me when I return in April.

On Wednesday I bid a fond farewell to Lisa at Shears. But the good news is that she already has me in her appointment book for when I return in April. Flights booked and hair appointment made. Let’s get our priorities straight here.

Yesterday Linda and I got together one last time and we finished watching the last three episodes of The Lincoln Lawyer. Linda and I go back to our days of doing craft and play at VBS. And I even got her out to a couple of Tai Chi classes this year.

Tai Chi. Now this was a really gut-wrenching goodbye today. I have taught a lot of fitness classes, participated in a lot of fitness classes, but never before have met such an amazing group of people who are so positive and so encouraging. We show up long before class starts just to schmooze. We compare war stories about cataracts and other surgeries. Our fearless leader is eighty-nine years young and it was quite emotional as we hugged each other goodbye this afternoon. My Tai Chi buddies presented me with a farewell card, a Thanksgiving card and a vase of flowers. And of course we all hugged and I admit my eyes were welling with tears.

Other goodbyes were to places. Last trip into Leavenworth where the trees are beginning to change color. Last visit to Cashmere to see my tree, scarecrows and Halloween decorations. And I guess it’s really time to go because I picked up my annual Kinkade calendar. 2024 is coming fast.

This is my last post from East Wenatchee. I won’t be posting again until I get settled back in Aguascalientes.

Take are and remember…life is for the living, so live!

Sep24

Trapped or Ministry

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Trapped or Ministry

Last Sunday Pastor Mike began a new series called Trapped. It was enlightening and definitely merited more introspection. So naturally Steve and I got into a discussion about the traps in our lives, and if they really were traps. We concluded that what often appears to be a trap can instead result in the opportunity to become a ministry.

I’m a firm believer that people come into our lives for a reason. And I also feel that I have ventured down a path that was predestined for me, although I do find myself occasionally straying off to the side. I always have been a bit of a rebel. It’s a lot to ponder. Why do I live where I live? Why do I do what I do? Is it a trap that has turned into a ministry? Can it fluctuate between the two? Dare I stray further?”

I often wonder what keeps drawing me back to Washington instead of snowbirding back to Canada. There can only be one answer to that. If you’re a believer you’ll get it. And if you are not a believer there’s no way you’ll understand it. The same holds true for why I have chosen to return to Aguascalientes during the winter months.

While it’s still a nomadic lifestyle it now has a twist. I’ve been coming to Washington since 2016 and to Aguascalientes since 2019. Before that, at the three or four year mark I’d move on. But now I’ve more or less settled in two places….Washington state and Aguascalientes.

The wanderlust has waned. I don’t get quite as excited about traveling and exploring new places. But on the same token I’m not prepared to call only one place “home” just yet. It’s actually kind of fun having more than one home although it can be a challenge when dealing with Immigration in three countries.

But what makes a home a home are the people. And I’ve been blessed with many amazing people in my life whom I consider to be much more than just friends. They’re my family. And I tell them they’re stuck with me now. Apparently they don’t mind and feel the same way. I can’t tell you how great it is to have family in three countries…my native country and the two countries I now live in. It really resonated when I found myself seeking asylum in two foreign countries during Covid. And although things have calmed down considerably, my appreciation for my extended family grows more every single day.

When life throws a curve ball my way, my attitude determines the perspective. Is it a truly a trap? Or is it an opportunity for a ministry?

Time to lighten things up. We’re headed out to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.

Aug19

Home Sweet Home

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Home Sweet Home

The last few days in Winnipeg were a blur of visiting with Jacque, Audrey, Donna and David. As a bonus I got to see my son one last time as I unexpectedly had to drop by his office to pick up something. My passport was ready on time and a visit to the The Leaf was most enjoyable.

But these 15 hour travel days are getting to me. It’s time my kids started coming to see me instead. Although my flights by some miracle had no noticeable delays, it is exhausting when your day begins at 4 a.m. with a drive to the airport. Every American airport I’ve gone through has a train or a bus to get you from domestic to international. Vancouver does not making the connection times almost impossible. Of course the Canadian airlines don’t care because they overbook the flights anyways.

But I’m back home in East Wenatchee and am more than happy. Once I catch sight of those magnificent mountains I can feel my blood pressure drop significantly. I’ve been back less than 24 hours and have been sleeping most of the time. And I’m quite content to remain at home doing nothing this weekend.

Enjoy your weekend!

Aug10

Whirlwind Wednesday

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Whirlwind Wednesday

When I get back to East Wenatchee, I’m going to need a vacay to unwind from this one. Can’t wait for my next Tai Chi class! Really miss you Jim and all my friends.

Anyone who knows me well is never surprised at the stuff I write about on my blog. I’ve had a lot of crazy experiences and I’m sure there are more to come. But this visit to Winnipeg has a unique twist to it aside from the passport and being together with my kids and my friends. I’ll save the details for later on in this post. Instead I’ll work backwards from evening to morning on Wednesday.

After dinner, Rita, Doug and I binged on Gunsmoke. When I got back this year they were already at season seventeen. In Washington, I often watch Gunsmoke on ME-TV. I haven’t yet found it in Spanish when I’m in Mexico. But I do enjoy watching westerns and other older TV shows. Reminds me of a much simpler time in my life before all the complications and curve balls.

I got together with my computer guru in the afternoon. Della (previously Laura) is an amazing lady who could probably build a computer with her knowledge. I first met her when we both found ourselves back at University of Manitoba getting our ESL certification. At the time she was very pregnant with her second child and it was incredible that she held off going into labor before our final exams. Needless to say, even when I’m in Mexico she’s helped me with computer glitches. Last summer when I was in Winnipeg shopping for a new computer, she had already got it narrowed down to a couple of choices. We were in and out of Best Buy in about a half hour and then she set everything up for me. Della has also become a writer, another thing we have in common, and she’s helping me out with that as well. Self-publishing with iUniverse has gotten quite costly so Della has now recommended a free program to download that will enable me to publish at no cost on Amazon.

Earlier in the afternoon I got together with Sheila, a friend for almost sixty years. We first met back in middle school when we were both at River Heights Junior High. We found ourselves at different high schools and then I was off to college and got married. We lost touch there for a few years. When we reconnected she had three kids and was married as well. When we get together we reminisce over old times and then catch up on what’s currently going on in our lives. It’s interesting that we now talk about not only our children but our grandchildren as well.

So here’s the unique twist to this visit to Winnipeg. Wednesday morning I reconnected with my brother after twenty-seven years of estrangement. I had no idea what to expect. I’ll be honest. If I’d have seen him on the street I never would have recognized him. It was great to see him but here it is a day later and I’m still feeling overwhelmed. A lot has gone on in our lives over the years. It was interesting to hear about his kids and grandkids. And that he is now a retired judge. And he also brought me up to date with cousins I’ve lost touch with over the years. And I told him all about my family and my nomadic lifestyle. We’ve exchanged phone numbers as well as email addresses so we can keep in touch.

That’s all for today. Contemplation time.

Aug8

Winnipeg Week One

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Winnipeg Week One

In my previous post I had mentioned that my passport renewal was my priority. Once that process had begun it was time to relax and enjoy time with friends.

I enjoyed a beautiful morning at a wading pool with Rita and her kids and grandkids. I sure wish they’d have had places like this when my kids were little. A large slide, water guns and sprayers. For safety reasons they limit the number of people allowed in at one time. Lots of picnic tables and benches in the shade as well.

I had lunch with my son and his girlfriend and then it was off to his place to sort through some bins he has been storing for me. So far the family photo albums are still intact although he is threatening to dispose of those too. Other treasures I’d saved for my kids are apparently of no interest to them, such as outfits my mom had crocheted for them when I brought them home from the hospital after they were born. Really heartbreaking for me to part with these. But I can’t exactly drag them around three countries every year. Too cumbersome and too costly. So that was a stressful afternoon.

Sunday afternoon was cemetery visiting. Lise took me to Shaarey Zedek to see my parents. That’s one of the traditions we have when I come back to visit. Lise also goes there to visit even when I’m not here. Next we drove out to Fannystelle where her husband and her parents are buried. Lots of memories of another lifetime. When I lived in Oak Bluff I spent a lot of time on Highway 2 going out to Fannystelle. Koal was my constant companion back then and I can still picture him happily sitting in the front seat. He loved to go for car rides.

I had a video call with my granddaughter on Sunday. She told me about her adventures at the park and showed off somersaults. Madeline was playing with her leggo and showing me her bookshelf and other toys. We had quite the conversation. But the best is yet to come. I actually get to see her this coming weekend when we all go to Brandon to watch my daughter compete in regionals.

Yesterday afternoon we watched President Biden’s press conference with the Houston Astros. Rita’s son is the Director of Sport Medicine and Performance for the team and was right there in that room in The White House. Very exciting!

Yesterday Audrey and I got together for a long and leisurely dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. We caught up on our lives and our kids lives. We’ve known each other since my daughter and her son were in elementary school together. We’ve gone through divorces, illnesses and other life events over the decades.

And yes, I did get to Tim Horton’s for an ice cap and a boston cream donut. However Starbucks has you beat and the donut was not nearly as wonderful as I remember. But Tim’s is another tradition when I come back here.

And now on to week two.

Jul4

Happy Fourth!

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Happy Fourth!

Fourth of July. Independence Day. And I have memories of this day going back decades. When I lived in Winnipeg we’d often drive down to Grand Forks or Fargo to see the fireworks. Back in 2011 I was in Minneapolis with Carole. We went to a band concert out at Lake Minnetonka and watched the fireworks. We also went to a parade in St. Louis Park. When I lived in Leavenworth I’d walk downtown and watch the kids enjoying Kinderfest. But here in East Wenatchee I’m having a lazy day so far. Supposedly fireworks are prohibited in Douglas County, but I’m sure they’ll light up the sky tonight anyways. Washingtonians are like that.

Actually there’s another reason why I’m having a lazy day today. I’m still drained from yesterday. I finally booked my flights to Winnipeg and that is an ordeal I always dread. It may be easy to get to Mexico from Sea-Tac but it sure isn’t easy getting to Winnipeg. I lucked out. I’m actually going to do this within 24 hours. I leave Wenatchee at 7 am and get into Winnipeg at 1:39 am the next day. One shuttle to Sea-Tac and two flights. Drawback is I have to go through Customs in Vancouver, an airport I detest. And I’m also flying Air Canada, an airline I’m not fond of. But Alaska still doesn’t fly to Winnipeg.

But this year I’m determined to get back to Winnipeg although I was there last summer. I have an opportunity to be with both of my kids together for the first time in eight years and I can’t pass that up. As an added bonus my granddaughter will be there too. Somehow when you’re in your seventies and you don’t live in the same country as your kids, it feels a lot different than when you were in your fifties and did that. So when I heard that my daughter was flying in from Kelowna, I knew I had to make this trip. It might be the last time we’re all together again. I’m far from being a pessimist but I look at things very differently than I did when I was younger. And if my kids are reading this and rolling their eyes, there’s no need to panic. I’m not dying of any terminal illness that I know of. I’m just looking forward to us all being together.

On a very different note, we went to see the new Indiana Jones movie on the weekend. I loved it! Okay, the storyline was a little weak and predictable. But the special effects and the stunts were amazing! For a couple of hours there I was totally engrossed and forgot all about the hassle of booking flights and shuttles. I encourage everyone to go and see this movie. You won’t be disappointed. Indiana Jones also brought back memories of seeing a live show at MGM in Orlando decades ago when my kids were little. And I wonder if they remember it.

Happy Fourth of July!

May31

Time For A Change

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Time For A Change

For the longest time I’ve been posting twice a week, Sunday and Wednesday. I write about whatever happens to come to mind at the time. I’ve decided to change it up for a while. There will be one post a week for sure and the day will vary. If you’re a follower of my blog you’ll be notified in the usual way. If you’re not a follower, I’ll still be sharing to Facebook so you’ll see the announcement there.

I’m much busier here in Washington than I am in Mexico. I’m finding it hard to devote the time I want to the book I’m writing so I have to cut back somewhere. Giving up fitness classes or Tai Chi is not an option. My health is a priority at this stage of the game.

My social life is busier here as well. I have more friends, many of whom have become family to me over the years. I’m in year eight now in Washington. Yes we do go to fitness classes and Tai Chi together, but there are also activities like Leavenworth Summer Theater that I enjoy.

It also looks like a trip to Canada is in order again this summer. I’m hoping to actually be with both of my kids at the same time, something we haven’t done in almost eight years. And of course I’m looking forward to seeing my granddaughter. I enjoy the video calls but what I really want is to hug her and hold her in my arms.

Last week I was out at Lake Chelan for the day. The weather was wild. Windy and rainy when I arrived. Then in a matter of minutes it cleared up and was sunny. The museum is always interesting and they revamped it over the winter. A video about apples was added and some of the displays were changed around.

Fire season has begun. We had a Level 1 warning over the weekend over a 250 acre brush fire out near the airport, about a ten minute drive from where I live. Thankfully it was brought under control quickly. We could really use some rain here but there doesn’t seem to be any in the forecast.

I’m headed into Leavenworth today. That’s where my hair stylist is. Yes, I know there are hair stylists here in East Wenatchee. And I’m reluctant to change that. I discovered Shears during Covid and Lisa knows my hair well although I’m only up here six months of the year.

Jurassic Quest is coming to Wenatchee and I’m contemplating checking it out. The movies were all pretty great and I’ve seen them in English and in Spanish. Now to see those dinosaur up close. I remember a ride at Disney where we were surrounded by dinosaurs. That was back in the 80s and I’m sure the special effects are greatly enhanced now.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

May24

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!

May15

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

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May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Back in 1949 US Congress established Mental Health Awareness Month due to all the soldiers returning from World War II who were suffering from mental illnesses. However it wasn’t until 1980 that PTSD was recognized as a disorder and added to the DSM-III. And it wasn’t until years later that it was determined that PTSD could be attributed to any significant traumatic event and not just caused by experiences during a war.

The main character in my book is bipolar. I know a handful of people who struggle with this disorder. The appropriate medication and therapy are helpful. However there is a high incidence of people who stop taking meds and stop going for therapy when they begin to feel better. My character is one of those and it has led to other problems including substance abuse as well as failed relationships.

Post Covid, psychiatrists and psychologists are even more in demand. The pharmaceutical companies are enjoying a booming business. On the downside, the problem of homelessness has escalated and the crime rate has risen. Suicidal ideation has become more common and suicide attempts have increased. Sadly the suicide rate is also on the rise again.

The stigma of having a mental health condition is still there. A chemical imbalance in the brain is not viewed in the same way as a broken leg or hypertension or any other number of physical problems. The public still requires further education when it comes to matters of depression and anxiety. People often state that they don’t know what to say to people struggling with depression. Sometimes it’s not the words. It’s the actions that count. Let a person know that you care about them. That is certain to make a difference in their life.

Several years ago I experienced a major depression. While medication and therapy were helpful, a hug from a friend was just as important. You don’t want to go out for coffee today Karen? Fine. Then I’m bringing it to you. We’d often sit in silence but that didn’t matter. You cared enough to be by my side. How about if we go out for a drive? Amazing what a change in scenery can do.

Words can’t describe the incredible comfort I got from my dog. Koal would snuggle up with me for hours on end. He would amuse me when he played with a squeak toy or chased after a ball. Yes, animals are right up there when it comes to providing support when we are hurting. In all honesty, he was my major source of unconditional love at a very dark time in my life.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I encourage you to reach out to someone who is struggling. Knowing that someone cares will make all the difference in the world to that person.

May14

Mother’s Day Moments

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Mother’s Day Moments

I’ve come full circle when it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day—as a child, as a mother and as a grandmother. There are some special moments I recall in every phase. I’ll begin with childhood.

At school we always made Mother’s Day cards. At home I would also make my own cards as well. My dad always encouraged us to make this day a special one for my mom. Growing up like that I thought that was the norm; that was what all families did. It wasn’t until I got married that I found out that not all families were like that.

My first Mother’s Day as a married woman I was told by my ex that I wasn’t his mother so there was no reason to celebrate. Once we had kids that changed, mainly because my kids were into making that day a special one for me. They made cards and art projects at school, Cubs and Girl Guides. I still have a few of those tucked away.

As a grandmother, that means my daughter is a mother. Video calls with my daughter and granddaughter have to suffice as we live in different countries and have yet to be together on Mother’s Day.

The last time I saw both of my kids together on Mother’s Day was in 2007. My daughter was away in 2008 and in 2009 I was returning from a mission trip with my church. In 2010 I was already living in Mexico.

That first Mother’s Day in Mexico was interesting because May 10th is the day to celebrate regardless of what day of the week it falls on. None of this second Sunday in May. Mothers are truly honored. There is a lot more to it than just going out for brunch or dinner or giving your mother a card or a gift..

A few years ago I had this gut feeling that I wanted to go back to Winnipeg and see my son on Mother’s Day. And I’m glad I went with my gut. Thanks to Covid, I didn’t see my son again for four years (or maybe five years, depending on who you talk to.)

Many years have gone by since I hosted family gatherings for Mother’s Day. One of my grandmothers died when I was a young child, the other one died when my son was a year old and my mother died in 1996. I usually go to church on Mother’s Day and sometimes go out for brunch with friends after. I receive an annual text from my son and a call from my daughter. I wish I could travel back in time to when we were all together on Mother’s Day. If only I could relive even one moment. Those memories are now treasures in my heart.

I’m going to visit my mom today. No, I won’t be in Winnipeg and I won’t be going to the cemetery. But I do have photos I’ve taken when she was still alive. And I do have photos I’ve taken when I have been able to go to the cemetery. They’re all on my Seagate and I will spend some time with them this afternoon.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Enjoy your day!