Knee replacement - then and now!

20 years ago I had a double knee replacement.  The surgeries were four months apart and I had seven months off work.  My neighbour went in to Surrey Memorial Hospital yesterday morning for her knee replacement.  Her surgery was early and she texted me by 1 PM!  They gave her a popsicle in the recovery room.  She felt good and was back in her room.

More texts all afternoon as she can't have visitors.  It was great to hear from her.  She sent this picture of her leg:

I remember how nauseated I was for two days.   She was telling me how hungry she was and I remembered how horrible hospital food is.  I texted, "call Skip The Dishes".  Then she sent me a picture of her hospital dinner:

Ribs, parmesan potatoes and mixed vegetables!   Wow, things are much better these days.  They had her up and walking by the same evening!  She should be in hospital for two nights and then home.  

I was in hospital for eight days!   I walked on day 3!  I had physio every day at the hospital for the first two weeks I was home.  Her physio is once a week!  There is also something called a AirCast Cryo-Cuff.  Wow, I can't wait to see what that's like.  I found this online:

AirCast Cryo-Cuff

It is clinically proven that integrated cold and compression therapy can help reduce post-operative swelling and regain range of motion. Aircast Cryo/Cuff combines focal compression with cold and is designed to provide to provide optimal control of oedema, hemarthrosis, and pain.

Each Aircast Cryo-Cuff is available separately (Cryo-Cuff Knee only, Cryo-Cuff Shoulder only , Cryo-Cuff Ankle only, etc) or in a Kit that contains the Cryo-Cuff, the IC Cooler & the Tubing Assembly.

The Cryo/Cuff IC includes a pneumatic pump within the cooler lid and provides continuous cold by mixing chilled water within the cuff. It maintains pressure to prevent hemarthrosis by pulsating 30 seconds on/off and eliminates the need for manual water recycling. Latex free.

It's great to see how science and technology is improving this surgery.  

My 2021 European trip!

 

It's a record!

Yesterday, Lytton, British Columbia broke the record for Canada's all time maximum temperature of 46.1C/116F.   The old record was 45.0C/113F set on July 5, 1937 at Yellow Grass, and Midale Saskatchewan.  60 other records were broken across the province!  It's hotter in Canada than the desert in Arizona and California!

Yesterday where I live it was 40.1C/104F at 4:23 PM.  It may have been higher, but that's what I saw when I walked by the thermometer.  Today is forecast to be hotter! 

We had invitations to have dinner with friends on both Saturday and Sunday nights.  Because of COVID restrictions with others we haven't been able to get together with friends for a long time. We finally made dinner plans but because of the hot temperature, postponed both get togethers.  We stayed home all weekend and stayed cool.    Today again we are staying home.  

Our neighbours came over with this wonderful pie. They went to Krause Berry Farms for a strawberry and waffle breakfast!  Richard stopped by and we all had a this delicious pie. Because of the intense heat, like many other businesses, Krause Berry Farms are closed today.  I'll be going to pick up another pie when they reopen.

 

Don't cancel Canada Day this year

 

Some communities want to cancel Canada Day.  We aren't perfect, but we learn from our mistakes.  Let's reflect and admit to our history.  We should accept the apologizes that have been offered.

In 1914 we turned away the Komagata Maru from the Vancouver Harbour.  In 2006 Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized.

In 1939 Canada denied entry to 907 Jewish refugees aboard the MS St. Louis.  In 2008 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized.

In 1942 the internment of Japanese Canadians to camps was horrific.  It's been documented and presented in Burnaby at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Center.  In 1988 Prime Minister Brian Mulroney apologized.

Our most appalling part of history, residential schools have discovered unmarked graves of children who were taken from their parents and put into a residential school.  This is the most horrific part of Canada's history.  In 2008 Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized.  The Anglican Church has apologized but so far no apology from the Vatican.

We need to learn from our mistakes and make sure they never let it happen again!  On July 1st: 

HAPPY CANADA DAY

Vancouver in 1956 and 2020

The growth is incredible.  The one thing that never changes is Stanley Park!  I'm not certain of the year this was taken, but there is a cruise ship at Canada Place so it's earlier than 2021.

This picture shows a closer view of all the high rise office buildings and condos!

Happy Friday

I got this email about a new game show.  Remember "You Bet Your Life"?   It was on in the 1950's and hosted by the hilarious Groucho Marx.  Well, it's coming back and they are looking for contestants.  You must be a US resident so I can't apply.  I look forward to seeing Jay Leno in the fall when this show premiers.  I've missed his humour.  If anyone reading this blog is a US resident and wants the link, message or email me.  

Environment Canada issues a heat warning!

We've had warning about the upcoming weather.  The excessive heat that's over the United States is now coming north.  

We lived in Steveston for 33 years.  We didn't own a fan.  Living so close to the water, we always got a breeze.  It would get hot in the day, but around dinner, the wind would blow and it would be lovely.  We moved to Surrey and after two summers, we bought an air conditioner.  At first we had the portable ones.  They worked but they were really noisy and annoying.  So we had an air conditioner attached to our furnace.  It was the best investment we ever made!

For my US friends, here is the formula for converting from C to F:  

(39°C × 9/5) + 32 = 102.2°F

Save Bear Creek Park

For the several years Surrey Council has tried to put a road through a beautiful park.  It's always been defeated until this year.  Doug McCallum has a majority on council and it's been approved.  It's not about traffic, but their are two South Asian Temples on a dead end street who need more parking.  They've been lobbying our city to get more street parking and an additional parking lot.  There have been many protests about paving this park but it's fallen on deaf ears and they are putting a road through this gorgeous park.  The park has gorgeous nature trails that will be ruined with this road.  There are other measures the City can do to alleviate the traffic problem.  

It appears when the work starts there will be protests like the ones in Fairy Creek on Vancouver Island.  

Surrey rapper, Vanshu has just posted a video.  I'm not a fan of rap, but this one is excellent.  

Rapper Vanshu

FROM VANCOUVER'S BEST PLACES:

Surrey’s Bear Creek Park

Bear Creek Park is definitely one of the Lower Mainland’s best city parks. Amenities include a running track and great water park and playground, as well as a free outdoor swimming pool with diving board and lifeguards in the summer. For the 2021 season, the pool opened on May 17th.

In addition to all the exceptional amenities for children, Bear Creek Park also has a beautiful garden and is home to the Surrey Art Gallery. The gallery isn’t large, but it can be worth a quick visit if you like art and are in the area. The gardens are free and admission to the gallery is by donation.

Nanaimo

As we are now in Stage 2 of COVID rules, we decided to go to Nanaimo to visit our friends Margaret and Dave who live in Parksville.  Dave had an appointment in Nanaimo yesterday so it worked out great.

Dave told us to take the 345 bus, Expo Line, 257 Horseshoe Bay Express and then the BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay.  We left at 7:35 AM and I was really happy we didn't drive to Horseshoe Bay.  Traffic was really heavy and the bus was a nice change.

The old Vancouver Post Office is taking shape!  

Leaving Horseshoe Bay

We got into Departure Bay at 12:40 and we went to Cactus Club.  The food and conversation was excellent.  They are joining us on our cruise to Australia so we had lots to discuss.   We talked so long we missed the ferry!   So Cec and Dave ordered dessert and we chatted more.  Then a nice drive through Nanaimo and ended up at this nice park.

It was 32C but the wind off the water made it feel like the Caribbean

We caught the 5:55 PM ferry.  My neighbour asked how we were getting home.  When I texted her our route, she said her son said the bus doesn't run that late!  I guess I should have checked that before we left!  Too funny.  Lyft works for us so we thought we would take the Canada Line and then the 351 Double Decker to South Surrey and call Lyft.  Kathy texted me when we were on our way out of Richmond and her husband came and picked us up.  Great to have thoughtful neighbours!  We got home at 10 PM tired but with wonderful memories.  

Happy Father's Day

 

Lunch with the family at Bacchus Bistro

Bacchus Bistro is located in Langley and overlooks the 55 acre vineyard of Chaberton Estate Wines.  The restaurant was rated by the Vancouver Sun as one of the top three Fresco dining restaurants in Vancouver!  Cheryl and Dave invited us for Father's Day Lunch.

Cheryl, Dave and Cec started out with French Onion Soup.  Lexie had French Onion Soup as her entree.  Cheryl and I had the Fraser Valley Duck Leg Confit, served with warm beluga lentil salad with spinach, mushrooms and asparagus tossed in a pepita pesto!  It was absolutely delicious.  Cec had the Sauteed Mushroom and Smoked Cheddar Cheese Omelette and Dave had the Stuffed Crepes.  Of course we had a bottle of Bacchus wine and Dave tried the Pino Noir.   

The weather was 30C/86F and sunny.  It was great to all eat at the same table and have a lovely lunch together.  

Cheryl gave Cec this lovely card that read:  TO OUR FAMILY'S HERO

Father's Day Card

Wonderful Saturday

#16 up to bat!  He got to second and the next player let him go to home base!

I went to see my great-nephew Jack play baseball yesterday.  The Mets and Rockies met at the South Surrey Athletic Park.  They are not from New York or Colorado, but from South Surrey and White Rock!  The score was 16 - 8.  Jack's team didn't win but it's all about the fun and they really did well.  Finally parents and spectators can watch the games.  This was the last game in the season for these age 14 and under players.  

We had a pot luck dinner with some of  our neighbours.  We couldn't invite everyone as Dr. Bonnie has a limit on outside get togethers.  

Everyone brought a dish.  Kathy and Don smoked a pulled pork that was delicious.  Lots of salads, veggies, wine and dessert was strawberry cheesecake with fresh local strawberries.  It was a lovely get together.  

I forgot how nice it is to be out with people.  Seeing so many families at the park and then spending the evening with neighbours was so delightful.  How great it is getting back to almost normal!  Thank you 💉 Pfizer,  Moderna and AstraZeneca. 

It's a VAX-A-THON

For anyone living in the Fraser Health region, any drop in vaccine clinic will give you a second dose if they are not busy.  If you want to go on stand-by for a vaccine, go to a clinic, check in and they will text you if they have left over vaccines after 6PM.  

I've seen Fraser Health have some interesting vaccine clinics, but the one above is the greatest idea yet.  They will be open all night Saturday night with music and prizes!   They have 7,000 doses and 5,700 appointments!   So far most of the appointments are booked.

Those who attend this special clinic will enjoy live music and other exciting, physically-distanced entertainment while receiving their COVID-19 immunization. They will also have a chance to receive generous donated door prizes.

The Fraser Health Vax-a-thon begins at 11:00 am on Saturday and transitions into an over-night Mask-erade around 8:00 pm. Dress to impress by wearing your fanciest mask or come as you are when you attend our nighttime immunization clinic. After receiving your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, commemorate the moment by strutting down the red carpet and posing for a picture at our selfie station.

On Sunday, June 20, celebrate Father’s Day by receiving your COVID-19 vaccine – with a dad! Whether you are a dad or a friend of a dad, stop by our clinic for doses with dad day. While having your dose with a dad is fun, anyone eligible is welcome on this day.

Appointments are open to anyone 12 years and older for first dose COVID-19 immunization. Register and book in advance or same day appointments available while supplies last. All Fraser Health residents are welcome, including those without personal health numbers, vulnerable people and/or people who are not residents of B.C. 

Fraser Health Vax-a-thon:
Surrey	Guildford Recreation Centre 15105 -105 Ave, Surrey Saturday, June 19 @ 11:00 a.m. until Sunday, June 21 @ 7:00 p.m.

Staff are available on-site to help people register and book appointments at other clinics throughout the region if needed, and can help answer all vaccine-related questions.

While it remains critical that we continue following public health orders and guidance, receiving COVID-19 vaccine helps put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us. It brings us one-step closer to reconnecting with the people we care about, returning to the activities we enjoy while protecting our health system and helping businesses in our community return to normal operations.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit fraserhealth.ca/COVID19.

They walk among us and reproduce

Actual call center conversations:

Customer:     'I've been calling 700-1000 for two days and can't get through; can you help?’ 

Operator:      'Where did you get that number, sir?’

Customer:     'It's on the door of your business.’

Operator:     'Sir, those are the hours that we are open.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

 Samsung Electronics

Caller:          'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'
Operator:     'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about.'
Caller:          'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that   
                      I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and  
                     telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the
                      number for Jack?'
Operator:      'I think it means the telephone plug on the wall.'

----------------------------------------------------------------------

RAC Motoring Services

Caller:         'Does your European Breakdown Policy cover me when I am  traveling in Australia? '
Operator:     'Does the policy name give you a clue?’

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while traveling in Europe )
'If I register my car in France , and then take it to England, do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?’

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Directory Enquiries

Caller:  'I'd like the number of the Argo Fish Bar, please'
Operator: 'I'm sorry, there's no listing. Are you sure that the spelling is correct?'
Caller: 'Well, it used to be called the Bargo Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off.’

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven.

Operator:        'Woven? Are you sure?'
Caller:             'Yes.. That's what it says on the label -- Woven in Scotland …'

----------------------------------------------------------------------

On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a phone box told a worried operator: 'I haven't got a pen, so I'm steaming up the window to write the number on.’

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Tech Support:      'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop'.

Customer:           'OK.'

Tech Support:      'Did you get a pop-up menu?'

Customer:            'No.'
Tech Support:      'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?'
Customer:            'No.'
Tech Support:      'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'
Customer:            'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click’.'

Tech Support:      'OK. At the bottom left hand side of your screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?'

Customer:             'Wow! How can you see my screen from there?

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Caller:  'I deleted a file from my PC last week and I just realized that I need it.

So, if I turn my system clock back two weeks will I get my file back again?’

----------------------------------------------------------------------

This has to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the WordPerfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department..............

Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the WordPerfect organization for 'Termination without Cause.'

Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee.
(Now I know why they record these conversations!):

Operator:         'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'
Caller:              'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect .'
Operator:         'What sort of trouble?'
Caller:              'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'
Operator:         'Went away?'
Caller:              'They disappeared'
Operator:         'Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?'
Caller:              'Nothing.'
Operator:         'Nothing??'
Caller:              'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'
Operator:         'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?'
Caller:              'How do I tell?'
Operator:        'Can you see the 'C: prompt' on the screen?'
Caller:              'What's a sea-prompt?'
Operator:         'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'
Caller:              'There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I type..'
Operator:         'Does your monitor have a power indicator?'
Caller:              'What's a monitor?'
Operator:         'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV.
                         Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on?'
Caller:               'I don't know.'
Operator:          'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where
                         the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'
Caller:              'Yes, I think so.'
Opera tor:         'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's
                         plugged into the wall..
Caller:              'Yes, it is.'
Operator:         'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that
                         there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one? '
Caller:               'No.'
Operator:          'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and
                          find the other cable.'
Caller:               'Okay, here it is.'
Operator:          'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into
                          the back of your computer..'
Caller:               'I can't reach.'
Operator:          'OK. Well, can you see if it is?'
Caller:               'No..'
Operator:          'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?'
Caller:               'Well, it's not because I don't have the right angle -- it's because it's dark.'
Operator:          'Dark?'
Caller:               'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is
                          coming in from the window.'
Operator:          'Well, turn on the office light then.'
Caller:               'I can't.'
Operator:          'No? Why not?'
Caller:               'Because there's a power failure.'
Operator:           'A power .... A power failure? Aha. Okay, we've got it  
                           licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and  
                           packing stuff that your computer came in?'
Caller:                'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet..'
Operator:           'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it  
                           up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to
                           the store you bought it from.'
Caller:                'Really? Is it that bad?'
Operator:           'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'
Caller:                'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?'
Operator:           'Tell them you're too damned stupid to own a computer!'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I worked at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, I was visiting in the Support Center.  One of the agents hung up and said "another twelve o'clock flash".  I had no idea what they were referring to, so I asked:   

A twelve o'clock flash is a person who has a video tape recorder and doesn't ever set the time because they don't know how.  Thus:  A twelve o'clock flash!   

The times they are a changin'

With the announcement last Monday, BC is moving into Step 2 of normality!  Suddenly, we are busy!   My calendar is filling.  Our neighbours have organized a backyard BBQ this weekend.  We are opening up three yards, ours being one of them and we are having a pot luck dinner.  One neighbour is moving so it's party time!   We had to do it by invite because we can't exceed the 50 people limit.  Hopefully the next pot luck we can have in the park and invite everyone. 

We planned on going to Victoria today.  However, we didn't realize they are still on reduced COVID sailings and the ships sail every two hours!   In a week they will move to the summer hourly sailings.  We will keep that trip until the schedule is better.

On Monday we are going to Nanaimo.  Our friends in Parksville will meet us at the ferry terminal and we'll have lunch together.  We haven't seen them in a long time and it will be great to get together.  We are taking the bus from Surrey to the King George Sky Train Station, then the Blue Bus to Horseshoe Bay.  It's going to take longer on the buses and sky train than the ferry.  Oh well, it's great to have a cruise, even if it's across the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo.   The weather forecast is for sunshine and very warm temperature.

Yesterday morning I went to seniors shopping hour at Costco.  It's been wonderful as there are never very many people shopping early.  At 8:05 AM, I could count the cars in the parking lot on my fingers and toes.  I drove up to an empty gas pump and then parked right beside the store.  I hope they continue senior shopping hours but it will probably be discontinued soon.

We got an extension on the final payment for our August rail trip to Ontario.  I'm following the Ontario and Quebec case count daily and it just keeps getting better.  Fingers crossed!

 

Wise words from Lao Tzu

 

Don't get your knickers in a knot

The Canadian and US news networks are reporting Senator Mike Lee of Utah will be introducing a bill to repeal the Passenger Vessel Act.  If you don't know what this act says, it was enacted in 1886 and prohibits the transportation of passengers between two US ports by foreign vessels.

Cruise ships are all registered in countries that have laws that protect the cruise line.  There is only one US registered cruise ship; the NCL Pride of America that is registered in the US and carries a US crew.  It can cruise around the Hawaiian Islands without stopping at a foreign port.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau banned cruise ships from entering Canadian waters until February 2022.  A move I applauded!  The Alaska cruise industry only operates until mid-September and opening it up in August would be too early.

Some of the local politicians are furious and say the cruise industry will forever suffer.  I beg to differ.  I've done a lot of Alaska cruises and most people love to come to Vancouver.  It's a beautiful city to visit and even nicer to cruise out of.  Canada Place is the nicest cruise port on the west coast and I've seen all the west coast cruise terminals.  

Here is a list of some of the larger cruise ships that visit Vancouver:

Azamara Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Seabourn Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Cunard Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, P & O Cruise, Windstar Cruise, Holland America, Hurtigruten, Princess Cruises, plus many more smaller lines.

I went online to see what is booking for 2022 and I only checked a few cruise lines.  Looks like 2022 will be business as usual as long as our port opens up by May 2022.

Royal Caribbean:  Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas.   The two larger ships only come in at the start and end of the season to obey the Passenger Services Act.  The other two ships sail all summer 2022 out of the Port of Vancouver.

Princess Cruises:  Grand Princess, Sapphire Princess, Crown Princess and Majestic Princess

Holland America:  Koningsdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam and Niew Amsterdam

NCL:  Jewel and Spirit

Celebrity:  Millennium and Eclipse

I stopped at these popular cruise lines because it looks like the 2019 cruise calendar.  If Senator Lee is successful in repealing the Passenger Vessel Act, I doubt any of the cruise lines will pull out of Vancouver.   

All the cruise lines that sail out of Seattle stop in Victoria on the last night of the cruise.  It's great for Victoria tourism.  Americans, Australians and Europeans love Victoria!   

If anyone asks me if they should sail out of Vancouver or Seattle, I say, look at the map of the route.  If you sail out of Vancouver you do the true Inside Passage.  Sailing out of Vancouver you usually reach Campbell River by 8 or 9 PM and go through Seymour Narrows at high tide.  The view up Johnstone Strait to the north end of Vancouver Island is true beauty.  You can see both the BC Coast and Vancouver Island from the ship.  Going north you miss it as it's usually dark but coming back to Vancouver you normally pass Port Hardy around noon and have the most incredible afternoon!   We find a seat at the front of the ship in the observation lounge and sit with binoculars and a BC map.  It's my favorite cruise and my favorite itinerary. 

If you sail out of Seattle you go on the west side of Vancouver Island and they sail so far out, you can't even see land.   However, you do visit Victoria.

In June 2022 we are booked on the Queen Elizabeth.  It's a10 day Alaska cruise over the longest day which is spectacular in Alaska!

It would appear our Premier has spoken to some US lawmakers!  I was happy to read this in our local paper:

Peace Arch News

2022 cruises are booking up.  It appears most people are passing up cruising in 2021 and waiting for next year.  Alaska will have a great season in 2022.

Flowers and more flowers

Yesterday was a gloomy rainy day.  I hear from my cousin in Las Vegas, it's 112F and my cousin in the UK it was 30C!  Last week I took some pictures of beautiful flowers.

Downtown Cloverdale.  What a great job the city does with colour!

We went to Vandula Farms in Delta last Tuesday.    

Twelve Commandments for Seniors

 #1 - It's okay to talk to yourself.  There are times you need expert advice.

 #2 - "In Style" are the clothes that still fit.

 #3 - You don't need anger management.  You need people to stop ticking you off.

  #4 - Your people skills are just fine.  It's your tolerance for idiots that needs work.

 #5 - The biggest lie you tell yourself is, "I don't need to write that down. I'll remember it".

 #6 - "On time" is when you get there.

 #7 -  Even duct tape can't fix stupid - but it does muffle the sound.

 #8 - It would be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller?

  #9 - Lately, you've noticed people your age are so much older than you.

#10 - Growing old should have taken longer.

#11 - Aging has slowed you down, but it hasn't shut you up.

#12 - You still haven't learned to act your age and hope you never will.

"One for the road" means peeing before you leave the house – and while you’re ‘out on the road’, NEVER put anything on top of the car because you’ll forget it for sure when you drive away ☹