Miss Vyvyanne!

Miss Vyvyanne has relocated to Florida and will be having her first race Thursday, February 2nd at Gulfstream Racetrack.  If you want you can watch live on this website:

https://gulfstreampark.com/

Race 7   TIME:  3:07 Atlantic Time   12:07 Pacific Time

We will be watching at The Derby!

My new toothbrush

For years I had a manual toothbrush.  It worked fine.  Along the years, I learned to sing "Happy Birthday" twice, when I brushed my teeth so I doing it for the recommended two minutes.

A few years ago my dentist recommended I purchase the Oral B electric toothbrush.  I did and I've really liked it.  I stopped singing Happy Birthday when I brushed with the electric toothbrush.  Last week my toothbrush wore out and it was time to buy another one.

I didn't need to go to Costco, so I went online to Costco.ca and ordered an Oral B that was $40.00 off and had lots of stars.  

His and hers in colour!

It's been quite the "learning" experience.  There is an Oral B app to install.  The brush has lights all the way down the handle and a circular light around the neck. The circular light turns green when you are applying the right pressure and red if it's too hard.   

Turn on the app to the screen that says "brush now".  When you start brushing you get a screen that shows all your teeth and they are dark blue.  As you brush they turn light blue and then white.  If you miss an area, it stays blue. There is a timer so you know how long you are taking.  You get a reminder to floss, check box, and rinse, check box.  When I was finished the first time I got this on the screen:

The toothbrush has Bluetooth and will send me an email when I need to replace the brush head in three months!  

How things have changed over the years!

If you are over 60, here is some great advice

I really like what is said here and am going to try my best to follow it. Thank you to the person who wrote this.  After we read this Cec and I went out for lunch.  Then we hit a high end men's store and he bought a gorgeous jacket and dress shirt.  I couldn't believe the prices, but why am I worrying?  He will look great on our next cruise.  I'm keeping the bill in case Air Canada loses our luggage!

🚩Between 60 and death. It's time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it. Don't just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard-earned capital.

🚩Warning: This is also a bad time for investments, even if it seems wonderful or fool-proof. They only bring problems and worries. This is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet.

🚩Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don't feel bad spending your money on yourself. You've taken care of them for many years, and you've taught them what you could. You gave them an education, food, shelter, and support. The responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money.

🚩Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well, and get your sleep. It's easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. That is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs. Keep in touch with your doctor, do tests even when you're feeling well. Stay informed.

🚩Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other. The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner. One day one of you will miss the other, and the money will not provide any comfort then, enjoy it together.

🚩Don't stress over the little things. You've already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don't let the past drag you down and don't let the future frighten you. Feel good in the now. Small issues will soon be forgotten.

🚩Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love your neighbor and remember: "A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection."

🚩Be proud, both inside and out. Don't stop going to your hair salon or barber, do your nails, go to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked. When you are well-maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong.

🚩Don’t lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own sense of style. You’ve developed your own sense of what looks good on you – keep it and be proud of it. It’s part of who you are.

🚩ALWAYS stay up-to-date. Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people are saying. Make sure you have an active email account and try to use some of those social networks. You'll be surprised at what old friends you'll meet.

🚩Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideas as you, but they are the future and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them that yesterday's wisdom still applies today.

Never use the phrase: “In my time.” Your time is now. As long as you’re alive, you are part of this time.

🚩Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it'll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better. Spending your time with bitter people will make you feel older and harder to be around.

🚩Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren (if you have a financial choice, that is). Sure, being surrounded by family sounds great, but we all need our privacy. They need theirs and you need yours. Even then, do so only if you feel you really need the help or do not want to live by yourself

🚩Don't abandon your hobbies. If you don't have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook, read, dance. You can adopt a cat or a dog, grow a kitchen garden, play cards, checkers, chess, dominoes, golf.

🚩Try to go. Get out of the house, meet people you haven't seen in a while, experience something new (or something old). The important thing is to leave the house from time to time. Go to museums, go walk through a park. Get out there.

🚩Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless you really need to. Try to accept situations as they are.

🚩Pains and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older. Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of life.

🚩If you've been offended by someone – forgive them. If you've offended someone-apologize. Don't drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It doesn't matter who was right. Someone once said: "Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die." Don't take that poison. Forgive, forget, and move on with your life.

🚩Laugh. Laugh away your worries Remember, you are one of the lucky ones. You managed to have a life, a long one. Many never get to this age, never get to experience a full life.

Health problems - some tremendous news!

Cec's cousin, who was born in Canada but moved to the US many years ago and became a U. S. citizen has Parkinson's Disease.  He's suffered for a quite a while but lately it's getting worse.  He told us he was considering Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) two years ago.  Deep Brain Stimulation is a surgical procedure for people with Parkinson's.  It can help ease motor systems and decrease medication in some people.  It doesn't work for everyone.  They told him he was a good candidate for this procedure.  Michael J. Fox had the surgery and it wasn't successful.  

In December he went into Loma Linda Hospital and he kept everyone up to date on social media.  The procedure is not easy and his scars looked pretty nasty.

https://www.michaeljfox.org/deep-brain-stimulation

I don't understand US Health Insurance but I know people have to mortgage their houses when they need medical procedures.  He posted this!

I just got a copy of the bill for my December 21,2022 procedure to install the probes in my brain:  it is scary.

Total amount billed:           $   196,334.75

Medicare paid                     $     33,722.71

Supplement insurance pd   $       1,556.00

Patient responsibility                    0

Finally today, the stimulation was turned on and we got this wonderful update:

I am so happy. Today I got the power turned on my deep brain stimulation (DBS) and WOW, what a transformation. It is set at very low power and in 3 weeks I go in for another adjustment. I have cut my medication to 1/2 of what it was before. I am walking more upright, my feet are not freezing and the tremors are all but gone. I praise God for modern medicine.

Harbin, China

 I thought this was beautiful.  It is a little long, but every picture is worth it.  Enjoy!

Port of Vancouver

 

The Port of Vancouver has been named the best port in North America by some travel professionals!   I've sailed out of many North American ports and even though I live here, I agree!  Not only is it scenic, the transportation on Sky Train to and from the airport makes it very easy for anyone flying into YVR and going to Canada Place to board a cruise ship.

This year 334 cruise ships with 1.4 million passengers are expected at Canada Place.  The port schedule has not been published but it should be available soon.

Our Spring Break cruise just had an itinerary change.  They removed Monterey, California and replaced it with Santa Barbara!  We just booked the trolley tour.  I'm guessing with the recent floods in Monterey they can't accommodate a cruise ship.  I'm happy about the port change.  Maybe Oprah or Harry and Meghan are looking to meet some Canadians!

Depression - Bell Let's Talk

I posted this on Facebook earlier this year.  I've suffered through depression and it's a deep dark place.  I hope if any of you are in that place, my desire is you will read this and reach out.  I got through depression and hope I never get there again.  Now there is help.  When I had it, you didn't discuss it.  Talk about it to someone and get the help you need.  It's no way to live.

Suicide is rarely about escaping from responsibilities or purposely leaving others behind, and is more often a last desperate act to end extreme pain. 

DEPRESSION TIPS:

Shower. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you gotta.

Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like that makes you smell yummy? Use whatever you want, and use it all over your entire dermis.

Put on clean, comfortable clothes.

Put on your favorite underwear. Those ridiculous boxers you bought last Christmas with candy cane hearts on the butt? Put them on.

Drink cold water. Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost.

Clean something. Doesn’t have to be anything big. Organize one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry. Scrub the bathroom sink. Pick up 30 things and put them away.

Blast music. Listen to something upbeat. Blast something that’s got lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both but no one is watching so just have fun.

Make food. Don’t just grab a granola bar to munch. Take the time and make food. Even if it’s ramen. Add something special to it, like a soft boiled egg or some veggies. Prepare food, it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something.

Make something. Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything artistic. Even if you don’t think you’re good at it. Create.

Go outside. Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Play in the snow. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin. Make a snow angel or go sledding. I like to throw snowballs

Call someone. Call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. Talk to a stranger on the street. Have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. If you can’t bring yourself to call, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps.

Cuddle your pets if you have them/can cuddle them. We borrow an occasional doggie to play with. Take pictures of them. Talk to them. Tell them how you feel, about your favorite movie, a new game coming out, anything.

May seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive.

*** At your absolute best you won’t be good enough for the wrong people. But at your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that. Keep holding on.

*** In case nobody has told you today I love you and you are worth your weight and then some in gold, so be kind to yourself and most of all keep pushing on!!!

Find something to be grateful for! Call me anytime, I'm here to help you, or reach out to the number below:

#SuicideAwareness

1-833-456-4566 ~ Canadian Suicide Prevention Lifeline

New number 988 as of March 2023

M & M's

This was a surprise and shock!  I don't eat M & M's but I've spent plenty of time in their stores with Lexie buying treats while on vacation.

From the New York Times:

M & M's announced on Monday that it would take "an indefinite pause" from it's "spokescandies," deciding that the cartoon characters with arms, legs and minimal facial features were simply too divisive for a polarized American to take.

Coffee with your MP

 

That's Wally from Langley with the sign.  He is concerned about the Heppell Farmland!

I attended  "Java with John", my member of Parliament.  The coffee shop was in the mall close to where I live.  My neighbour Nancy and I went and there were about 10 people who came to talk to him.  John went around the group of and asked everyone their concern.  He addressed all the concerns with great detail.  My concern was "carbon tax".  However, before he got to me, a small business owner of a HVAC company brought it up.  I did not realize the carbon tax in BC is controlled by the BC Government and has nothing to do with the feds.  The feds introduced it, but left it up to the provinces to set the rate!  News to me and I'm glad I got that corrected.

They discussed the Heppell Farmland at 192 & 36 in Langley which I'm very familiar with.  If you don't know the history, it's a long one.  Readers Digest version, Government of Canada owns the land that was used for radio towers years ago.  It's now being leased and farmed by Heppell Farms and it's excellent farm land.  Developers want to turn it into an industrial development.  He explained the complex process that's ongoing.  

Save Heppell Farms

There was an anti-vaxxer there.  John explained his wife is a doctor at Langley Hospital.  He did his best to explain why the government took the steps it did with COVID.  

Bill C-21 was brought up.  He explained the gun control process and the changes that may take place.  I am not that familiar with this bill as I'm not a gun owner.  The entire process was interesting. 

This Friday the BC MP's meet and discuss the local issues.  It's great to see what our MP is doing for the community.   

He was just a regular guy, informing people and answering questions for over an hour.  I'm very glad I went.

Every kid's dream!

They call it, "every kid's dream".  One child per Vancouver Canucks NHL hockey game who must be a registered minor hockey player in BC with exceptional skating ability has the opportunity to lead the Vancouver Canucks at a home game.  

Last night, my great nephew, Sam Newell, was the minor hockey player that lead the pre-anthem skate and took his place on the blue line, between his hockey idols for the singing of the national anthem.

Ready to go

On the way to the ice

Preskate!

Sam is 11 and loves hockey.  I couldn't be happier for him.  He was cheered on by mom. two grandfathers and Uncle Brad.  Too bad the game didn't end well for the Canucks or the coach!

Happy Saturday

 

What an awesome invitation!

I worked for Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers between 1990 and 2011 when I retired.  I recently received this invitation:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED

RBA Old-Timers Reunion 

during a 7-day Alaskan Cruise 

 HOSTED BY DAVE & RUSS 

For all those who had an enjoyable and successful career with Ritchie Bros anytime between 1958-2004 when Dave and Russ were still in the saddle. In appreciation of all your hard work and dedication, and in celebrating the great company we built together, Russ and Dave are pleased to provide the following opportunity at no cost to you and your plus 1 (companion/spouse). 7 Day all-inclusive roundtrip Vancouver - Alaska Cruise aboard the Celebrity ship "Eclipse".

We can't wait to celebrate with all of those who had an enjoyable and successful career with Ritchie Bros anytime between 1958-2004 when Dave and Russ were still in the saddle. 

In appreciation of all your hard work and dedication, and in celebrating the great company we built together, Russ and Dave are pleased to provide the following opportunity at no cost to you and your plus 1 (companion/spouse).

Availability and allocation of staterooms will be based on tenure with RBA, level of responsibility, and timeliness of receipt by us of your fully completed application.

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

They have secured 250 rooms on the August cruise!  What an awesome thought and incredible offer.  I only worked in the office so I probably won't be accepted, but the thought they would do this for those who helped create such a successful business is over whelming!

It was a pleasure to go into work every day.  It was like no other place I'd ever worked.  It was a family and everyone was treated exceptionally well.  In 2004 RBA went public and everything changed.  We all missed the "old" days.

Mexico

I didn't know Mexico was this strict.  As a non-smoker, I think it's awesome!  

On Sunday, Mexico enacted one of the world’s strictest anti-tobacco laws, completely banning smoking in all public places, including hotels, parks and beaches. The total ban, which is part of Mexico’s General Law for Tobacco Control, also forbids the advertising, sponsorship or promotion of any tobacco products. Restrictions for the sale and use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers were also created, though they mostly focus on indoor usage.

Memories from the COVID years

Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem.

I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on ‘Wheel of Fortune’. Now I turn it like I'm cracking a safe.

I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.

Still haven't decided where to go for Easter ----- The Living Room or The Bedroom

PSA:  Every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit.  Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.

Homeschooling is going well. 2 students suspended for fighting and 1 teacher fired for drinking on the job.

I don't think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks we'd go from Standard Time to the Twilight Zone

This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat.  It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house, told my dog and we laughed a lot.

So, after this quarantine ... will the producers of ‘My 600 Pound Life’ just find me or do I find them?

Quarantine Day 5:  Went to this restaurant called THE KITCHEN. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal.  I have no clue how this place is still in business.

My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately that when I pee it cleans the toilet.

Day 5 of Homeschooling: One of these little monsters called in a bomb threat.

I'm so excited --- it's time to take out the garbage. What should I wear?

I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to Puerto Backyard.  I'm getting tired of Los Livingroom.

Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.

Day 6 of Homeschooling: My child just said "I hope I don't have the same teacher next year".  I'm offended.

*****Better 6 feet apart than 6 feet under!!!

Tuesday laughs

 

Oh so true....

“Today I was in a shoe store that sells only shoes, nothing else. A young girl with a tattoo and green hair walked over to me and asked, "What brings you in today, I looked at her and said, "I'm interested in buying a refrigerator." She didn't quite know how to respond, had that deer in the headlights look.

I was thinking about old age and decided that old age is when you still have something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it.

When people see a cat's litter box they always say, "Oh, have you got a cat" I just say, "No, it's for company!"

Employment application blanks always ask who is to be called in case of an emergency. I think you should write, "An ambulance."

The older you get the tougher it is to lose weight because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

Have you ever noticed: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are XL.

The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he knows when he's really in trouble.

Did you ever notice that when you put the 2 words "The" and "IRS" together it spells "Theirs"

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Some people try to turn back their "odometers." Not me.

I want people to know why I look this way.

I've traveled a long way and a lot of the roads were not paved.

Ah! Being young is beautiful but being old is comfortable.

Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.

May you always have:

Love to share,

Cash to spare,

Tires with air,

And friends who care.

Princess Anne was a spare too!

For 8 years between her mother's accession to the throne and Prince Andrew's birth Anne was "the spare".   Anne has supported many charities over the years and has been President of Save The Children in the UK since 1970.  Her Royal Highness is involved with over 300 charities, organizations and military regiments in the UK and overseas.  She devotes a large amount of her working life to official engagements and visits. 

In June 1987 her mom named her Princess Royal.  The previous Princess Royal was her great aunt Mary who died in 1965.  Mary was the daughter of King George V.  They predict after Anne's death, Charlotte will be named Princess Royal as she is the sister of George.

In 2022, Princess Anne, 72, was the hardest working royal once again.  She completed 214 engagements.  King Charles completed 181, Prince Edward completed 143 and his wife Sophie completed 138!  Prince William completed 126, Queen Camilla carried out 102 and Kate completed 90, placing her 9th. 

In March 1974 she was nearly kidnapped when a mentally disturbed gunman attacked the car in which she was riding, wounding her bodyguard and the chauffer.   She refused titles for her two children so they could live normal lives.  

Princess Anne has never once complained, been on Oprah, done a Netflix tell all or written a book.  She spends her time quietly making the world a better place to live in.  She is one class act.

My weekend plans - A Triathlon

 

Always look at the bright side