To say that I had a great summer is a bit of an understatement! My internal
temperature gauge moved toward normal but who doesn't like to be cozy? I first
enjoyed a summer trip to Ontario during first two weeks of July visiting Jane
and Tim's new house on the edge of Lake Erie while I stayed at Aunt Emie's, same
as last year. But my physios didn't want me to revert back to some of my bad
habits so I was only allowed to hold on to a person, keeping my back straight,
or as Sue explained, it was much like I lectured her when skiing "keep your body
or shoulders straight down the fall line." Then I understood! Jane was a little
disappointed with her sister Jill that was spoiling me while attending Jane's
boot camp when I had a lovely pedicure.
Next I got a ride to TO with Jane's brother Mark and his wife Joanne
to my brother Jim's. He had arranged two evenings with some of my dear friends
for dinner by the pool. Jeannie McMurtury & daughter Kaia and her neighbor
my good friend Julie Lacy & her daughter Lily, another night we bbq'd with
my high school friends, Yuki Sanda and Robert Hawtin. Jim gave me a tour of his
garage where he mounted on the wall the singing deer head "Buck" I had given him
awhile back, although I wanted it mounted it over his bed. I guess his wife,
Barb, won that one. 
We took the dog, for great morning walks and a trip to
the Toronto zoo to see the new lions. Then Jim drove me to Lindsay where we met
sister Jan for some time at the cottage on the lake.
Ah early morning swims!
Ok I let Jan go by herself but I really enjoyed the lake and excavating the path
better than my wheel chair (oops). On the last day I enjoyed her hot outdoor
shower with the railing to hang on to. She really upgraded the cottage with a
hook up to sewer instead of a septic tank which made it ready for a dishwasher.
Now why did it take so long? Probably because there were so many kids and they
didn't drink tea after the meal. I had such a good time staying with all the
ghosts there. Alas, I had to go back to Vancouver where they said it was hot
while I was gone. Ya right!
The great thing was, I still had one trip left to the Gorge! Jacquie
and Pasquale gave me a ride down and a place to stay and great green shit shakes
to start everyday! Good and so healthy! The wheat grass shots (Ok, they
weren't as good as Pasquale's coffee.) Kasia had all the latest swim wear that
looked hot on her but I would look like I was trying to be young and I'd have to
have that forever flat stomach and great butt (sorry, no picture ;(. ) To say
that I slept around, would be true, but no sex. I stayed at Cathy and Rolph's
new house and we ate the fruit from the trees and her son Collin had a summer
job at Solstice Pizza making great dough and the odd pizza that we had to put
down.
What's a trip to the Gorge without a trip to Mosier's Thirsty Woman? I
went to Arlene's in Mosier and we got thirsty! So, after cruising the twin
tunnels on my new hot rod (recumbent bike with a newly installed battery pack) I
was able to ride my old path that I rode most days with my rollerblades we
made over for a delicious healthy meal and a fine brewed IPA or two. (Ar asked
me not to tell this, but it was too funny) When we got back to Arlene's house ,
she parked the car and assisted me walking. Well I know I threw my weight back
and she dropped me! Yes, she padded my fall but she left me on the drive way
while she went for help from the neighbor. I was fine but I never met Willis's
grandson before so I extended a hand from flat on the driveway and introduced my
self, "Hi, I'm Peggy". Needless to say, I had a great time at Arlene's,
complete with hot tubs, showers, Lampoei's Thai Food, tours of the fix ups she
and her workers have done on her rental house across the street. I moved but I
didn't leave Mosier as I went over to acupuncturist Susan's'. More green shit
but a free treatment and from cute son Charlie who is following in her shoes. I
rode from her place to thee Mosier Tunnels but eventually the battery charger
was not working and it lost some of its charm. We took in the "King of the hook
Contest" and Jacquie won! But was the queen, again. Well, I didn't want to wear
out my welcome so I headed back to Hood River to the lovely home of Kerri, tall
Kiefer and shorter Dad Kelly.
Kerri suited me up with lots of her clothing and I really liked her
new house where the old double wide used to be. Well why wouldn't I like her
place? I had her room & ensuite,- no complaints!
Then I moved to Cathy and Rolph's new house, sorry Collin whose room I
took. The yard was full of fruit trees, including a fig tree not to mention
the tasty cherries. Ok I won't bitch about the thick carpets that were hard to
negotiate in my wheel chair cause I'll be very happy if I'm invited back,
without the wheelchair, but it could be awhile, if ever.
Next, I moved up to Rick and Teresa's on the top of Burdoin Mtn.
Luckily it cooled off so I could use the hot tub and outdoor shower. But the
view and the big flat screen TV were on top of these fantastic hosts!
Rick took me down to meet up with Jacques who graciously had a great
send off with all my hosts, and then drove me to the train in Vancouver, WA. My
hosts packed me a delicious pack lunch and I took the train up to Camano Island
where Sue was spending the weekend at Gary's family's place.
Now it is Labour Day Weekend and I'm moving into a temporary apartment
in the heart of the city. Ok, it's hard to leave the great deal I have here at
Sue's (and the view, helpers like Katie and Max.) but hopefully Sue will still
be involved with my therapy, and more time to be my friend and guidance
counsellor with less driving. So next month will have significant changes for
me. So, if your in town (I have a spot for you to crash), and I'm over at
Laurel and Broadway by VGH looking for more company as I learn this city by bus.
There is much to learn as I transfer to this next phase.
There is much I left out but as you know I will continue to try and do what they say can't be done!
I don't know my new address but it is by Laurel and Broadway. My new
landline is 604-620-5852 so come on by let's have a party!
The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do! by;
English Economist and journalist 1826-1877
Peg
Summer ends, but I had a great time!
Peg
Summer ends, but I had a great time!
