Gibson Fun

I always like to go exploring when I'm here. There are always little out of the way places, gardens and shops that are fun to see. as well as deer everywhere you turn. These flower pot people sit at the end of someone's drive. One favourite is on the waterfront, down the stairs, between two buildings with a view of the ocean and Keats Island in the background. it is only about 6' wide and chock full of plants and colour.I went past a small Mall that had the radio station there, a balloon arrow to attract customers and the hairdresser with green hair working on the front sidewalk. I always get a kick out of the chairs sitting out by the bus stop signs along the road. they are starting to get real bus shelters and to me it's a pity to lose this spontaneity.

Busy Gibson Time

Grandad Fred came by to take T out for a bike ride while we went to church.

James went for another 3 hour bike training ride, getting ready for his Vancouver to Whistler Charity ride in Sept. He did 'The Wall Climb' this spring. Firefighters wore their turnout gear (15 lbs) and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) 25 lbs, then climbed the 48 floors at the Wall Center in Vancouver to raise money for the BC Lung Association. James completed the climb in 12 minutes and 36 seconds. I really admire him. I could die just thinking about it. He and Suze really believe in giving back to the community and this is how James chooses to do his part.


I taught Lexi how to use the sewing machine this weekend and we made a cloth book for a brand new cousin.
She loved it although she's as happy cleaning the machine as running it, - my little mechanic.

Hands Across the Sand

We went up to Bonnybrook Beach today . This is in Robert's Creek where there is a mandela painting on the pavement at the entrance to the sea shore.
There was a Hands Across the Sand protest today. It is a movement made of people of all walks of life protesting offshore oil drilling, focusing on the protection of coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife and the fishing industry. It is now becoming international.
Although windy, it was beautiful and there was lots of exploring and networking to be done.

Lots of Wildlife

It is a challenge just to drive down the road around here at this time of year. There are a mother duck with her brood crossing the road, deer and fawns, just like Bambi, which I love, and unfortunately a black bear in the neighborhood, which frankly scares me. It has broken into rabbit and chicken coops and eaten the animals, so you have to be very careful. There are signs saying 'deer and fawns in area- please slow down.'
Two of the girls friends came over after school and we made 'kick the can ice cream' - quite the hit. It is supposed to churn as it's rolled around but a little freezer time helped.
Suz and James went out to a 'murder mystery party' tonight, looking very dapper.

Kindergarten Graduation

We went to see our grandchildren today and went to an open house at school. This is a 'Brag night' to show families, the kindergarten children's accomplishments during this year. It started with the child showing their year's scrapbook and art journal to family. Next, they had to read 2 large picture books before they went into the courtyard to build a birdhouse and then paint it.
Trey was in his glory, painting in his large paint shirt and building in the sandbox with Hana and friends.
We sure enjoyed seeing all that goes on.

Going through West Vancouver

We went to see Uncle Ken today and below his place, Dave and friends had set up an Alaskan Saw. They were taking the first plank off a Douglas Fir that has been fallen 2 years. Dave is cutting boards to make a dining room table. Quite the undertaking.

Ken's trusty 1964 Austin Healy, the only car he's ever owned that has increased in value, is sitting in the garage.

Another Happy Birthday

Today I met my co-workers from Realty World, the real estate company where I worked from 1979 to 1988. We missed Margie who is back in Ireland to see family but had a delightful time together as usual. We feel so lucky to have such close friendships continue this long and know and support what continues to go on in our lives. We've done ' richer or poorer, sickness and health and I think we'll be there until death do us part'. Lucky women! They surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of pale salmon roses, a generous gift card to Starbucks and bought me lunch. Lovely fun, thank you very much, dear friends.

Fun with family

We joined Wallachs for breakfast, then headed down to the White Rock pier to play with the kids. Being so far away, we don`t get to do this that often. It was delightful to be together.

Incredible Surprise!!!!!!!!!!

Well, Ron surprised me. I spent the day in Vancouver as planned with Suzanne at the Miraj Hammam Spa on south Granville St. We were steamed, scrubbed, rinsed, massaged and relaxed. It was wonderful. Next was lunch at the Red Door where we ate for well over 2 hours. On the way home, Suzanne wanted to drive around Crescent Beach where she grew up. So we did, until I rounded a circle and saw 65 people on the curb yelling Happy Birthday to me! I was enveloped with hugs and kisses for 20 minutes. We had a wonderful party, a total surprise to me. I can`t believe some one didn`t blow this somewhere along the 8 months of planning. My family from Nelson, Merritt, Kamloops, West Vanc, New West etc came down for it too. We were at Beecher Place, the perfect spot - right on the beach. It was amazing and such fun to be surrounded by all the people you love. Thank you Ron and kids.

Happy Birthday

We celebrated our birthdays at pool tonight. There are 6 of us with June birthdays within 8 days so we hit it in one fell swoop.

Off to Bellingham

We went south today and joined Chuck and Barb for lunch at the Olive Garden. We did our shopping, gas at Costco is $2.75 gallon. Incredible. Talk about we Canadians being taxed to death.

fun with frirends

We went out to Glen and Leahs for dinner Monday. We had a great visit, enjoyed seeing Shelley and of course - what else - the guys got in a little crib.

Celery Seed Extract

I was diagnosed over last summer with osteoarthritis, then gout, and finally rheumatoid arthritis. I had so much pain, I'd lost function in my hands and wrists. I found this book, The Arthritis Cure by Dr. Jason Theodosakis and I can really say his suggestions have given me back my life. He recommends Glucosamine Sulfate 1500 mg and Condroitin 1200 mg daily. I started them in October and they really helped. Then I added Celery Seed Extract 75 mg twice a day, which I found on the web, that said it reduces inflammation of arthritis. Go to MyHealthMyBody.com, search celery seed extract and you can see the article with it`s research for yourself. This has truly been a miracle for me. I became pain free and didn't even need the pills anymore. I've passed this info on to many people and one of them even canceled a scheduled shoulder surgery because her symptoms decreased so much. I bought the CSExt at Pure Pharmacy on 24th across from London Drugs for $17.95 - it is $11.95 down in Palm Springs and worth every penny. For what it`s worth, I hope it helps you.