We're on the Red Line!!

Today we went to the Cancer Agency for a CT Simulation scan for Chris.  This was a pre-radiation procedure that took about 5 minutes.  The scanner captured images of every curve and angle of his colon tumor and accurately outlined where it was.  After the scan they put ink tattoos on different areas of his skin to mark the exact tumor area.  The marks will be used to position the radiation beams in the right areas during each treatment.  Radiation should start in 2 to 3 weeks now.

My Rhodo is Confused

My spring blooming Rhodo has popped a bud and is blooming proudly.  It's the only one on the tree that is blooming - all the other buds have not opened. I googled, and it tells me that the buds that have opened in the fall will not open and flower again in the spring; but those that have not opened will bloom in spring.  This bud should be proud of itself.  It was the smartest bud -  thinking this mild weather, with a nice  mix of sun and rain, might be spring.  Bloom baby, bloom.!! Thanks for taking a chance!!

Sunsets

What a difference a day makes.  At this time of year the sun is setting at 4:30pm.  Yikes!  I try to get out before 4 in search of the sunsets.  Below we have Monday night, Tuesday night and tonight, Wednesday. I love sunsets; I love the colour of sunset; and I love the feel of sunset.

 

 

Fall In the Forest

Bowen is mostly evergreen forest so it's always a treat to get on a trail with Ajax and actually find some Autumn leaves.  He loves them! Here are 2 shots of him in the leaves.

 

But this is the typical rain forest type trail on Bowen in the fall.  Pretty, but imagine just a splash of autumn colour in there!

Notice Nature Around You!

This has been an amazing Autumn for mushrooms.  Mushrooms and toadstools are the fruiting bodies of fungi. They appear in abundance in the fall, their main aim being to release their spores  into the wind for further colonization of areas.  I think I am luckier than most because I spend so much time in the forest trails, shady, rain-forest type trails, and I get to spot so many cool mushrooms.  Here are just a few from yesterday.

 

 

Things that Make Me Smile

I read someplace that being consciously aware of things that make you happy can actually improve  your level of happiness.  Here are a couple of examples of things that make me smile and make me happy:

When I come into the living room and see these two on the floor having a bonding moment!!

When I come into the living room and find these 2 mates sharing the window spot!

Sometimes it's just the little things in life that make you happy.

Employment and Back to Work!

 

Yes I managed to land a new job at the beginning of September at our local organic grocery store.  The Ruddy Potato is a small company with roughly 50 employees spread across an office, the store, a deli, and a kitchen.  I am working in a new role on HR related projects for them and introducing policies, reviewing processes, and most recently implemented a health benefits plan.  It is 20 hours maximum per week which is perfect because it allows me flexibility to get out for a hike with Ajax around 8 am and also get a hike in at the end of the day before dark.  And no ferry commute!   It doesn't pay well like I am used to but I am really enjoying making a difference.  Plus we get 20% of groceries!  Its fun.  I've already talked to the GM about the up coming radiation treatments for Chris which will be everyday for 5 weeks, and I will be able to work from home and pop in after hours if I need to during this time.  It's just what I need to keep me focused.

An Amazing Pre-Birthday Lunch

Last week I drove my good neighbours George and Sheila to their daughter's condo in Steveston where they would spend the night then leave for their Arizona winter home the next morning.  What I didn't know was that Sue, their daughter and my friend, planned a special early birthday lunch for me.  Well, it was a lunch like no other.  Gourmet is all I can say!

The most amazing Gnocchi salad tossed with bacon and a to-die-for spinach salad!

Grilled fresh local caught sockeye salmon!

 

 The best apple tart ever!!!

Sue is an amazing cook and baker, a good friend and an super host!

Autumn Sunsets

As our days grow shorter, the skies at sunset glow with the most spectacular hues of pinks, reds and oranges.  I can't help but race ocean-side to get photos when its clear.

Why are autumn and winter sunsets more vivid than any other time of the year?

During this time of year, the weather patterns allow for dry, clean air to sweep across the area, and more colors of the spectrum make it through to our eyes without getting scattered by particles in the air, producing brilliant sunsets and sunrises.  Here are some of my favourites over the past month:

 

 

Gypsy

So much talk about Ajax, we have to include at least a photo of Gypsy.  Here she is waiting patiently for her food. 

 

Gypsy and Ajax are pretty good friends. While he was away for the 4 days at the dog show this past weekend she decided to claim his bed.  Funny thing is, now that he is back she has not let it go back to him, and Ajax has to sleep on the floor below her.  He has yet to challenge her for it, he cries a bit but she just smacks him.  She has a lot of attitude!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Hard to believe I am 61 years on this earth! November 10th was a low key birthday but a lovely day! Chris gave me a spa treatment with my esthetician on the north shore, so Saturday morning I had a pedicure and a brow wax and tint.

 

I caught the 12:30 ferry home, in time to take Ajax for a walk, and head down to the beach to enjoy quiet time and some November sunshine.  Going to the beach is not a frequent option on November 10th, but it was such a beautiful warm day that I couldn't not go!

Our friends Bob and Susan had us over for a wonderful birthday dinner, complete with the best tenderloin steak, mashed potatoes, asparagus and carrot cake!!  Here I am with my cake, and here is Chris with their cat Keiko!