Happy 100th Birthday Auntie Peggy

When I grew up, my cousins were always a part of my life.  My mother grew up with her cousins in South Burnaby and after they married, we lived within a couple of miles of each other in East Vancouver.

Peggy is on the left with her husband Dal beside my mom in 1939

Peggy Dalziel was my mom's best friend.  She was always around in my early years.  When we would visit she would always have wonderful home baking and a house full of love.  

Today she turns 100 years old!  Unfortunately she will not remember this as dementia has taken away her memory.  Previously we would meet for lunch with Auntie Peggy, her three children, Stephen, Laurie and Bob with spouses and grandchildren at the Knight and Day because it was close to where she lived.  Those lunches have unfortunately ended but we have wonderful memories.

Stephen, Bob and Laurie planned a family get together like we did when she turned 90.  On her 90th birthday she knew everyone and it was great to have a family birthday party.  This year because of COVID-19 we can't get together. 

Here is the email I received from Laurie:

While there would have been a big celebration for Mom / Granny / Auntie Peggy on Tuesday, June 30, this year we must do it in a different way.  So. . . . .

What we decided would be the best was a mass ICE CREAM tribute to her.  Everyone knows mom LOVES ice cream.  So, please, on Tuesday lift a bowl or cone of ICE CREAM to her and a wish for a HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY. 

As most of you know, Mom lives at Laurel Place seniors care home.  I saw her last week for the first time in three months.  It was a 'through the window' visit, but a good one.  She looked happy, healthy, well cared for and peaceful.  While I wish it was different, Mom is in a good place and doing well.  At the rate she's going, she may outlive all of us!! 

Happy Birthday Auntie Peggy.

We will enjoy our ice cream treat and think of all the great memories and happy times together.  

Masks

We wear masks when we are in a crowded place.  We purposely avoid crowded places but we are always prepared.  My friend Shirley makes wonderful masks and they are washable.  I have some one time use masks we will use if we travel as washing and drying masks would be difficult on a road trip.

Great idea from Brussels:

If you are not sure about wearing a mask, don't listen to the politicians, listen to the doctors and scientists!!!

ABOUT WEARING MASKS: Retired surgeon, Sam Laucks had this to say:

I have spent the past 39 years working in the field of surgery. For a significant part of that time, I have worn a mask. I have worked with hundreds (probably thousands) of colleagues during those years, who have also worn masks. Not a single one us of became ill, passed out or died from lack of oxygen. Not a single one of us became ill, passed out or died from breathing too much carbon dioxide. Not a single one of us became ill, passed out or died from rebreathing a little of our own exhaled air. Let’s begin here by putting those scare tactics to rest!

(It is true that some people, with advanced lung diseases, may be so fragile that a mask could make their already-tenuous breathing more difficult. If your lungs are that bad, you probably shouldn’t be going out in public at the present time anyway; the consequences if you are exposed to Covid-19 would likely be devastating.)

~ “But”, you ask, “can’t viruses go right through the mask, because they are so small?” (“Masks keep viruses out just as well as a chain link fence keeps mosquitoes out,” some tell us.) It is true that individual virus particles can pass through the pores of a mask; however, viruses don’t move on their own. They do not fly across the room like a mosquito, wiggle through your mask like a worm, or fly up your nose like a gnat. The virus is essentially nothing more than a tiny blob of genetic material. Covid-19 travels in a CARRIER – the carrier is a fluid droplet- fluid droplets that you expel when you cough, sneeze, sing, laugh, talk or simply exhale. Most of your fluid droplets will be stopped from entering the air in the room if you are wearing a mask. Wearing a mask is a very efficient way to protect others if you are carrying the virus (even if you don’t know that you are infected). In addition, if someone else’s fluid droplets happen to land on your mask, many of them will not pass through. This gives the wearer some additional protection, too. But, the main reason to wear a mask is to PROTECT OTHERS. Even if you don’t care about yourself, wear your mask to protect your neighbors, co-workers and friends!

~ A mask is certainly not 100% protective. However, it appears that the severity of Covid-19 infection is at least partially “dose-dependent.” In other words, the more virus particles that enter your body, the sicker you are likely to become. Why not decrease that volume if you can? “What have you got to lose?!”

~ “But doesn’t a requirement or a request to wear a mask violate my constitutional rights?” You’re also not allowed to go into the grocery store if you are not wearing pants. You can’t yell “fire” in the Produce Department. You’re not allowed to urinate on the floor in the Frozen Food Section. Do you object to those restrictions? Rules, established for the common good, are component of a civilized society.

~ “But aren’t masks uncomfortable?” Some would say that underwear or shoes can be uncomfortable, but we still wear them. (Actually, being on a ventilator is pretty darned uncomfortable, too!) Are masks really so bad that you can’t tolerate them, even if they will help keep others healthy?

~ “But won’t people think I’m a snowflake or a wimp if I wear a mask?” I hope you have enough self-confidence to overcome that.

~ “But won’t I look stupid if I wear a mask?” I’ve decided not to dignify that question with an answer!!

~ “But I never get sick; I’m not worried.” Well, then, wear a mask for the sake of the rest of us who are not so perfect!

There is good evidence that masks make a real difference in diminishing the transmission of Covid-19. Please, for the sake of others (and for the sake of yourself), wear your mask when in public. It won’t kill you!

P.S. - And, by the way, please be sure that BOTH your nose and mouth are covered!

Recommendations around mask usage are confusing. The science isn't. Evidence shows that masks are extremely effective to slow the coronavirus and may be the best tool available right now to fight it.

Sunday laughs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Adrian Dix

It all started with Justin Trudeau on May 27:

“I think right now, while we’re in this crisis, our responsibility is to respond to this crisis as best we can and to ensure that we’re improving, in the [COVID-19] context, care as best we can,” the prime minister said, adding the country “absolutely” needs to have “conversations about how we care for our elders” in the long-term.

Adrian Dix is our Provincial Minister of Health.  After the problems in long term seniors care were revealed in Ontario and Quebec, Justin Trudeau said all provinces must start reviewing the procedures with seniors.  You hear these promises, but they just get shoved on the back burner and become another promise in the next election.

Cec's first cousin, Donald, and best man at our wedding is now 89 years old.  He had his leg amputated two years ago and has been in and out of hospital ever since.  His 85 year old wife, Frances, wants him to stay at home.  With the help of their son, Rodney and Home Health Care, he has been staying at home.  They've given him a hospital bed, a lift, a wheel chair and everything thing he needs.  The home care nurses come throughout the day.

Being a very bad diabetic, stabilizing his sugar has been a problem.  He's on the needle and the home care people monitor and administer the correct amount of insulin.   When his levels won't come down, he needs to go into hospital and be monitored 24 hours a day.  I would say in the last couple of years this has happened over 20 times, probably more but no one counts.  He stays in for a few days, it's not just a quick emergency visit.  

On Friday morning they sent him to the hospital once more.  His wife cannot go into the hospital to see him because of COVID-19.  She rarely went in before as when he's in the hospital she gets some well deserved rest.

She got a call for the very first time from the hospital.  Of course fearing it was bad news but no it wasn't.  The voice said "my name is Brenda and I'm your husband's nurse".  She told her everything they were doing, how he was doing and a complete update on his meds!  She ended the call by saying "the Head Nurse's name and gave Frances her direct phone number".  She can CALL AT ANY TIME.  Even when he was in the hospital before, you were lucky if they ever spoke to her.  Not because they were rude but because they were very busy!   

I don't know what directives Adrian Dix has given the hospitals, but it was so relieving for Frances to talk to someone and even given a number to call back.

Thank you Adrian Dix and the medical community.  You are doing an awesome job controlling COVID-19 in our province and the same time taking care of our very ill seniors!   

Quarantine quotes

 

 

 

Phase Three

BC Premier John Horgan announced on Wednesday that the province is set to begin Phase 3 of its four-phase reopening plan.  We can start travelling throughout the province.  Physical distancing of two meters and wearing a mask when distancing is not possible, washing hands and staying home if you are feeling sick. Gatherings with more than 50 people are still banned.  "This is not the summer to do the big family gathering at the cottage," the premier said.

Entertainment venues like movie theatres can reopen under Phase 3, as can overnight camping in parks. Television productions can also start up again.

We are planning on travelling in the province, but will wait until later in the summer or early fall.  

It's interesting to read what's happening in the rest of Canada:

Alberta has no border checkpoints or travel restrictions, but non-essential travel outside the province is not recommended.

However, the Northwest Territories government has tweaked its checkpoint program at the N.W.T.-Alberta border allowing Albertans to obtain access passes to the Fort Smith, N.W.T. area. 

The Saskatchewan government had imposed travel restrictions on northern Saskatchewan but the government has since lifted those restrictions.

Residents are advised to limit any non-essential travel outside of Saskatchewan, with the exception of people who live in border communities and are commuting for work.

It is not mandatory that Sask residents self-isolate for 14 days upon their return from an out of province trip.

Manitoba hasn't closed its inter provincial borders, but it had established information checkpoints at provincial border crossings — four entering from Saskatchewan and one from Ontario —  to inform travellers of the risk of COVID-19.

Ontario and Quebec don't have any restrictions.

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said he is expecting a travel bubble to open between New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador in early July. Such a bubble would allow for travel among the provinces without the need to self-isolate for 14 days.

New Brunswick could open to visitors from the rest of Canada by mid-July, as long as officials can continue to manage the spread of COVID-19, he said.

As of Friday, Canadian residents who own property in New Brunswick can enter the province, as long as they self-isolate for 14 days. The same rules apply for Canadian residents visiting family members in the province. 

Anyone authorized to enter at any point of entry must stop and and answer questions by a peace officer. 

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil is also hoping for the Atlantic bubble to open in early July. And the province could be opened to the rest of the country by mid- to late-July.

In the meantime, the province has implemented checkpoints at every major entry point into the province and anyone entering is stopped and questioned. 

Highways, airports and ferry terminals are being monitored, with staff telling travellers to self-isolate for 14 days, no matter where they're coming from.

Some travellers are exempt from the self-isolation rules, including truckers, medical staff and other essential personnel.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball said he is open to allow the free flow of people between the Atlantic provinces, and officials are working out the details of a regional bubble. 

Until then, non-residents are banned from coming into the province, unless they have an exemption. Anyone entering the province is required to isolate for 14 days.

P.E.I Premier Dennis King said he believes it's still too early to give a specific date when the Atlantic travel bubble will come into effect. However, he said his focus is on that plan, rather than when his province can open to the rest of Canada.

Meanwhile, P.E.I. remains closed to non-residents, allowing only health-care providers and essential workers, such as truck drivers delivering goods, to cross the Confederation Bridge.

Any residents who have travelled within Canada or internationally are ordered to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning. 

Yukon, Nunavat and North West Territories have had active public health orders prohibiting non-essential travel from the rest of Canada.

In Yukon, non-residents are allowed to travel through the territory on their way to other destinations. And on July 1,  Yukon will be opening its border with B.C.

However, the territory, because it's opening its border with B.C., will not be part of a northern travel bubble with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.  Residents of Nunavut and N.W.T. can now travel freely between the territories without having to self-isolate when they return.

Things that make me laugh

This was on Facebook.  Some posts are surprising and this one made me laugh.

Are you serious?!?!? So after leaving the drive thru today in Jax Beach, FL my wife took her sandwich out of the bag and we see THIS!! Seriously? Oh not today, not today!! I went back to the restaurant, went INSIDE (already fuming), asked to speak to the manager and then threw the sandwich on the counter. I asked him for an explanation. He looked confused, so I pointed at the writing on the sandwich and demanded that he tells me why someone felt the need to write it on my Wife’s sandwich. He answered, "because you ordered a BLT with cheese??” To which I replied “Oh” 😶

Gorgeous gardens

I received this post and gorgeous pictures from Pat.  They are so beautiful and I thought it would be nice to share:

As a real Dutchman, I am a big fan of our flowers. And as a landscape photographer, I enjoy our beautiful spring each year in which I always find time to photograph the flowers and show the beauty of the Dutch flowers to the whole world. Most of you probably know the world-famous Keukenhof, the most beautiful tulip garden in the world. Every year millions of tourists visit this garden. That’s a huge lot considering the garden is only open in spring! Every year, a hard-working crew makes sure the garden looks as good as ever, including this year!

 

This year is ‘special’. Keukenhof is closed, for the first time in 71 years. But that doesn’t mean there are no flowers. On the contrary; the flowers look incredible and get as much attention and care as always. All the passionate gardeners do their work as they’re used to. Because even without people, nature and the show of the garden goes on.

I’ve been photographing the tulips since forever, mostly in the countryside. I photographed them from all angles you can possibly imagine, but there was one thing that I still wanted to capture one time in my life: Keukenhof without any other people. This seemed impossible, until this year’s April 2020. With the COVID-19 virus keeping everyone at home and tourists away, I knew this was my only chance of making this happen. I contacted Keukenhof explaining what I had in mind and they were so kind to let me photograph the garden for a day.

When I visited the park it looked at its best. Interestingly enough, we have experienced the sunniest April EVER in the Netherlands, making all the flowers pop very fast. Photographing in broad daylight with the strong sun was a challenge. But forget about the photography for a moment: walking around there all alone, with only the sounds of birds and the incredible smell of all these flowers, is an experience by itself. I sometimes just sat next to the flowers and the water, enjoying nature for 30 minutes long. It was just a magical experience. Having no people in the park allowed me to photograph paths and angles in a certain way that you normally don’t get to see because of the crowds.

With no people around, these zig-zag paths become visible showing the attention to detail in the layout of the garden.

The famous Keukenhof windmill. The miller was so kind to move it to the correct position for pictures.

A rare species of tulips that I had not seen before.

The world-famous ‘Blue River.’ A road of blue grape hyacinths zigzagging through the trees.

In Keukenhof, you can find a bunch of classic Dutch bridges. This is one of them right at the entrance, surrounded by a sea of colorful tulips.

Did I mention the attention to detail? From the ground, I didn’t even see this, but when I flew my drone a few meters up it appeared that these were planted in the shape of a tulip flower!

Seas of tulips around my favorite area of the park: the pool with the fountain in the middle.

Lines and lines of tulips, hyacinths, and narcissus flowers in between the trees.

I love to photograph dreamy portraits of flowers, and the Keukenhof is perfect for that with its many different kinds of flowers. 

My favorite places in the Keukenhof are the pools. Seeing the water reflecting the trees and flowers gives such a calm feeling. If you look closely you can see a gardener do his work. Because even with no people visiting the garden, the work goes on.

In some parts of the park, you can find endless seas of different colored tulips that together make a beautiful abstract color palette.

The little paths make harmony with the trees and different flowers all around them.

 An image of the white bridge near the entrance of the park showing the scale of a hill with thousands of tulips that can be seen in front of it.

A low angle perspective in the part of the park that I’d like to call ‘cherry blossom garden’ where you can find dozens of cherry blossoms combined with tulips. Did I mention the smell!?

A high key portrait of the Fritillaria Imperialis flower. One of my favorite flowers in the park.

Zigzag lines of flowers, water, and paths almost looks like these scenes are dancing.

Attention to great detail of lines and shapes in which the flowers are planted is the signature design of The Keukenhof. I love how they combine these flowers with beautiful trees. And they all blossom at the same time.

Dare to be different. A white tulip with a red leaf standing out in the lot, with a viewpoint on the tulip fields in the background.

A portrait image of grape hyacinth.

 

Real summer vibes with green trees, blue sky, and circular shapes of tulips. It’s only spring, but this image already reminds me of summer.

 

 I love how you can see these lines and shapes of tulips in the park.

 

 Sun peaking through the trees in the afternoon, with the lines and paths of flowers making harmony with each other.

 

All the different flowers are perfect for doing macro images in the park.

 

One of my favorite little scenes in the park: a Japanese cherry blossom tree with a beautiful shape with a path through flowers leading up to it. It looks like a scene out of a fairytale.

My favorite area with part of the big pool on the right. Lines and shapes of tulips all pointing towards the middle.

 It’s in the details with these small patches of different colored hyacinth flowers carefully places on the grass between the trees.

 

 The red and yellow carpet of tulips as seen from a drone perspective from about 10 meters up.

A portrait of an interesting breed of a narcissus flower.

 I really couldn’t get enough of these patches of different kinds of flowers with different colors along the paths and the trees everywhere in the park.

 See-through along the walking bridges in the park with cherry blossoms on top.

 

Water reflecting the beauty of the trees