Thursday, January 25, 2024

To start off, Happy New Year, everyone! I've been meaning to post something sooner, but it's been a crazy busy month for me.

I've been dealing with health related issues, & moving stuff so my heater could get fixed. And my husband has just gotten into low cost housing in Bellingham,  so I helped a bit with packing & now unpacking, organizing, etc.

I remember reading an article in Summer 2022, on how they were anticipating an uptick in cancer diagnoses because of COVID. I actually missed my 2022 mammogram, because of my TBI (traumatic brain injury) related memory issues. And since I've been lucky enough to have a  regular doctor for the last 3 years, it hadn't really occurred to me how people who don't have one might not be getting all the tests & checkups that they might need. I used to write all that stuff on my calendar, in case I moved or switched doctors. And I guess I also assumed that the doctors at the drop in clinics would routinely ask if they needed them. Well, here's an article that offers a solution:

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/virtual-cancer-screening-programs-bc-1.7087693

It's been a bit of a crazy year, so my Christmas card videos are a little different this year. I made these at my husband's place & therefore had to use MovieMaker, since I don't have Photostory 3 on this computer. Also, since I haven't replaced my horrible camera yet, we haven't been doing as many pictures as usual. 

Anyway, hope that 2023 was good to you & that 2024 is even better. 

Here's a little video that we shot in Vancouver on December 9th.

Here's our Christmas card videos, which I posted on my YouTube channel.

Weather & health permitting, we'll be getting some pictures & videos of Sumas's Christmas lights tonight & will post them here & on YouTube.

 

December 09, 2023

We took the West Coast express Christmas train into Vancouver today. Had a lovely, exhausting time. Here's a video I made.

December 09, 2023

A short video about my new webcam, which will make making Vlog posts much easier. 

The holidays are coming!! 

The West Coast express is doing the Christmas train again this year, with 2 dates,  Saturday December 09th & December 16th! Sorry if you missed it.

This is the photo my husband &  got this year, with Santa & Mrs. Claus. 

Here's a lovely Christmas light thing happening in White Rock: https://www.peacearchnews.com/community/twinkle-time-bright-walk-in-white-rock-returns-to-waterfront-dec-2-7113367?utm_source=second-street&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PAN+-+Morning+Alert&emailmd5=03B4A4F30691431728BA08A20160120F&emailsha1=225501491747620777181178127215441121728177231430147&emailsha256=d16b4c2c0390d0a755bbbe3a9b7556008b1c6def3423289008d5195437548ec9

Here's a list of transit-friendly holiday events in Metro Vancouver:

https://buzzer.translink.ca/2023/11/12-transit-friendly-holiday-events-metro-vancouver/

Here's a link to a list of holidays doings in Surrey: https://www.surreynowleader.com/entertainment/surrey-events-santa-parade-of-lights-and-other-christmas-y-gatherings-7113513?utm_source=second-street&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SUL+-+Morning+Alert&emailmd5=03B4A4F30691431728BA08A20160120F&emailsha1=225501491747620777181178127215441121728177231430147&emailsha256=d16b4c2c0390d0a755bbbe3a9b7556008b1c6def3423289008d5195437548ec9

Cabela's in Abbotsford is doing free photos with Santa, until December 24th. The website also mentions a video, but I don't think that is free, I'm not really sure.  Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 7 days in advance online at cabelas.ca/santa 

Here's a really lovely free holiday light event, in Coal Harbour: https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/events-and-entertainment/vancouver-holiday-winter-event-coal-harbour-liven-up-2023-7869497?utm_source=Vancouver+Is+Awesome&utm_campaign=ab06f33b44-VIA+Daily+112323&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-ab06f33b44-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=ab06f33b44&mc_eid=d446ceab6a

PNE Winter Fair, a journey filled with glowing lights, fantastical displays, and endless fun, as you pass through mesmerizing light tunnels that mimic the dazzling Northern Lights. The PNE Express Train is free with admission. For more information, click here: https://www.ticketleader.ca/events/detail/2023-pne-winter-fair

Giving Tree campaign at Aldergrove Save-On-Foods store will provide gifts to Jackman Manor residents https://www.langleyadvancetimes.com/community/video-photos-with-santa-assist-seniors-7117825?utm_source=second-street&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LAT+-+Morning+Alert&emailmd5=03B4A4F30691431728BA08A20160120F&emailsha1=225501491747620777181178127215441121728177231430147&emailsha256=d16b4c2c0390d0a755bbbe3a9b7556008b1c6def3423289008d5195437548ec9

You can get a picture of your fur baby with Santa at PetSmart on December 16 & 17: https://www.petsmart.ca/santa-photo-days.html?fbclid=IwAR0YT8-Y3yGQ8Bjb6iuX7bF60ElYyeEfcinD_KAahG0XD_cvyhKpF9KBQUU

Here's a recent article in the Fraser Valley Current, with a list of holiday festivities: https://fvcurrent.com/p/december-events-what-to-do-fraser-valley-christmas-2023?utm_source=fvcurrent.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=monday-dec-4-2023-what-s-up-in-december

I will update this with more information, when it becomes available.

Monday, November 06, 2023

Sorry for the delay, I meant to post this as soon as we got back on the 3rd, but I was having some technical issues with my video editing program. I did some research & finally did the old standby, I deleted the program & re-installed it. 

Took a few photos of Mt. Baker on our way into Bellingham on the bus. 

So, we're back home at my husband's place in Sumas, I'll be back home in Mission on the 12th. 

As soon as Thanksgiving is over here in the US, I'll be starting my Christmas posts.

 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

UPDATE - 

On Monday, my husband & I went to St. Joseph's hospital in Bellingham, to start my radiation treatment. Because there is such a huge backlog at Abbotsford's hospital, BC Medical is sending a lot of cancer patients there. 

As I mentioned in my last update, I am currently cancer-free, but apparently the rate of recurrence is approximately 30%. However, radiation can cut that rate by 2/3. We just found out yesterday that I am only going to need 5 treatments, rather than the 10 we'd been told initially. Here's a picture of a beautiful mural, at the cancer center.

I have been looking for a new winter coat, so we stopped by the Burlington coat factory near Cordata station. And I found a new coat, for a pretty reasonable price!

And on our way to the Cordata bus loop, we saw a rainbow! 

Anyway, that's all for now, I'll be doing a pre-Christmas post soon.