It's coming up quickly, our Camino de Santiago adventure. We're going with total flexibility, to take it as it comes and make decisions as we go. Nothing's set in stone considering the recent setback of the broken ankle. A week post-cast with the help of six cortisone injections and two ankle braces I picked up…

It was when we lived in Omaha we learned that expression "Don't like the weather? Wait a few minutes and it'll change." Now we know they say it in Calgary, too. And rightfully so. After two weeks we witnessed many changes in the sky, particularly from my daughter's front window.  Sunsets:   And storms: There…

1. I've been released from ankle jail getting the official word that this time the ankle has actually healed. Not like the last time, which has left me with a permanently broken right ankle. Both will require bracing for the Camino. Better safe than sorry, as my Mom would say. 2. My son's movie, a…

That title came back to me, having first been exposed to the expression as the name of a column in my high school newspaper. Funny how things just pop into your brain. The first month of retirement has been happy busy with visitors from Alberta, Seattle and Germany. I included previous photos of some of…

Ask C what he wants for his birthday (Father's Day, Easter, Christmas…). His answer is always Pavlova, believing that a quarterly indulgence of sugar and fat won't kill him. Well, I figure if it does, let him go happy. At some point, partners of those with health related diets have to have to throw up…

I'm retired and supposedly have all the time in the world. But why spend it in a hot kitchen? My retirement strategy included the decision to do it in summer, and although technically spring, the weather has cooperated beautifully.  My traditional cabbage roll recipe always turns out well, and this cheaty version may not look…

That's what I learned on my last day of work. And you can't expect to leave without tears. It was hectic right to the end, so although I have handed my office over to my wonderful replacement, I have a few hours to do from home. The celebrations were lovely, a community reception and dinner…

All I can say is I'm relieved our trek on the Camino is over three months away because that will give me plenty of time to lose this footwear. This new boot has better grip than my last one, perfect for an invitation to join friends for a day on the water. I know, I…

I'll just come right out and say it. I have an issue as a chair rescuer. You know those chairs, left at the end of the driveway with a hand written free sign taped to the back? When it comes to those, I have very little resistance, but only for ones that aren't upholstered or…

One day down and 13 to go on round two of treatment for H Pylori. I was one of the lucky 20% who don't respond to the first go at medication for this crazy infection. This regimen requires 22 pills per day, 20 being antibiotics with all the associated side effects. Once again no alcohol,…