Let me tell you about our day yesterday.

As usual I woke early, fed the hummingbirds, had some coffee, checked in with some friends, read a bit.

Ken woke up, made a fire, did his morning thing, and then we got in the car.

Ken drove.

We stopped at an estate sale in Wilson Creek. Picked stuff up and put it all back down again.

Drove out to Roberts Creek, and had breakfast at the Gumboot. It was good.

On our way home, we stopped at the library. We both got something new to read.

At home, I spent time in the sewing room, and made a few shopping bags.

Ken worked on his model boat, and did some work for the woodworkers guild, that he’s on the board for.

We took a few breaks from out projects, throughout the day for a hug, and to check in with each other. We pointed out the window at something pretty, and told the other a funny story.

In the afternoon, I walked to town. Ken called in an order at the Chinese takeout place.

We met there, drove home and ate.

In the evening, we watched TV, brought in the hummingbird feeder, and went to bed at our regular early time. We both read a little, then called it a day.

A normal day!
A normal day!
It was a normal day at the Parker household!

Can you hear me singing!

When we had a cat, we never had bird feeders. It didn’t seem fair to attract birds close to the house, just so a pounce ready puddy, could get his mitts on it.

We wouldn’t have a bird feeder, we’d have a cat feeder. So, nope.

Then, we moved to Sechelt and our front deck had the perfect place for a hummingbird feeder.

We love living here, and my only regret about the move, was that dear sweet Peet didn’t handle it well. He was old, and had to stayed inside. He died only three months after we got here.

Alas, we hung a bird feeder, and have enjoyed the hummers ever since.

Dealing with the hummingbird food has been one of Ken’s chores over the years. I didn’t think much about it. I just enjoyed watching the little birds, zoom zoom around, showing off their huge personalities.

This year, the chore fell to me.

The variety of hummers we have, don’t migrate. They stay in the area year round.

We have become a regular food stop, in their routine now, and with all the snow and cold this winter, I realized fairly quickly, they can’t eat frozen food! (Go figure!)

So, last thing at night, and first thing in the morning, I deal with bird food.

I bring in the feeder, so the sweet food doesn’t freeze over night, and I put it back out in the morning, as the birds are up at the crack of dawn, and ready for their breakfast.

This morning, I could have slept in a bit longer, but I remembered the birds and got up.

They were waiting for me!

I hung the food, and before I even got back in the house, one of them had buzzed me. I’m not sure if it was scolding me for being late, or thanking me for the grub.

It’s been a while living without a doggy or pussy cat, but it seems we still have pet responsibilities.

I will say that over the last 35 some years, Ken and I have asked each other at least once a day, if there was anything we can do for the other. It’s nice.

Most of the time, the answer is no. Once in a while, the answer is yes, and a particular chore that the other can’t or doesn’t want to do, is brought up.

As you know, lately though I have been chief cook and bottle washer in the house. I’m doing all the chores while Ken is healing.

I don’t mind. It has been necessary.

I also remember a time many years ago, that Ken was the one who did everything, when I was learning to walk again, including holding me up in the shower. He didn’t mind then either, after all it was necessary.

Now, because he is making such good progress, we’re at a point where Ken can start doing things on his own.

Slowly though. He doesn’t need to rush into what the doctor called, “normal activity”. But, he does need to start doing a little bit here and a little bit there. And I need to learn to “let” him. Building wellness the next right thing.

He started his morning downstairs yesterday! He built a fire and had his coffee in his chair, just like old times. It was lovely. At one point, I asked him if he wanted another cuppa. He said, he could get it.

I went back up stairs and then bought the coffee pot back down with me.

There is doing stuff for each other because it is necessary, and there is doing stuff for each other because it is nice.

I’m happy to report, being nice is getting priority again!

Okay Google – What is that poem that goes, something like…
This is how I’ve spent my morning. I’ve been looking through the inter-web for a particular poem about time. I can’t find it and the Google isn’t helping me.

It’s the poem or saying that says something like:
Time passes quickly when we kiss, and moves slowly when we grieve.

You know… do something fun, that you enjoy, and… ZOOM…. all of a sudden, it’s the next day. Struggle and sweat the small stuff and oh my gawd, can this day get any longer!

I speak for the royal we, when I say, Ken and I continue to have no sense of time.

I know, from the years I’ve spent in recovery, and from the 10,000 lessons I’ve taken and taught, that we can only measure our progress, by looking back.

We move forward by doing the next right thing.

On a daily basis, Ken and I need to remind ourselves, we are right on schedule.

Was it really only two weeks ago, that Ken, Cathy and I drove up to Madeira Park, and Ken got the call of a cancellation, and his surgery date was moved up by a month!

Two weeks ago, to this day, I was driving with raised shoulders, as close as I could get, to the back side of a snow plough, all the way to the ferry. I then drove all though Vancouver, and we checked in to Carey Centre at UBC!

Only two weeks ago!

I know Ken gets frustrated and is itchy to “get back at it” and I’m itchy for him as well. But, time and healing cannot be rushed.

What we can do is create the right environment for healing to happen. We continue to do the next right thing, and when there is frustration, we look back.

We are able to see how much progress has been made. We remind ourselves, time is passing,  slowly it seems, but surely.

The surgery was a success!
Cathy is long gone!
Ken is no longer on medications for pain!
He’s wearing pants! (that he put on by himself!)
My radar has been lowered.
I am sleeping without fear, in fact, we are both sleeping!
Huge progress!

The doctors said not to resume “normal” activity for 6 to 8 weeks, with no heavy lifting for at least two weeks. (They didn’t know that in those two weeks we would get 10 inches of snow, and need butt loads of firewood hauled in.)

It won’t be long now, and we will be dealing with some other drama, trauma, joy or celebration.

Progress has been made. Recovery is happening. Time is moving on. We are on the right side of healing.

I’m very proud of Ken and his strength, courage and attitude throughout this. I’m pretty proud of myself as well.

I’m just confused on the whole, what day is it, thing!

There is a lot of snow in Sechelt right now.

The weather is only one reason we haven’t been out of the house since we came home from Ken’s surgery last week.

We have enough food in the freezer and pantry to survive a bit longer, but I’d really like to get out to the library soon!

I need a new read!

Not long ago, our library had a special day where the staff members wrapped up a book in plain brown paper and challenged us to not judge a book by the cover.

I chose a medium size book, recommened by Jeanette, and unwrapped it at home.

Neverhome by Laird Hunt.

The first sentence of this book is:
I was strong and he was not so it was me went to war to defend the Republic. I stepped across the border out of Indiana into Ohio.

Neverhome is the story of a woman, who hid her identity, left a loving husband, and their working farm, to be a solider and fight in the Civil War.

I do not like war stories of any kind, and this was a rough one. There is no glory or goodness in war. It doesn’t matter how tough you are. War is hell. And the after math and scars left from war can be worse.

The story is told by Constance, who went by the name of Gallant Ash. She tells her story plainly and truthfully. The prose of the book was matter of fact, filled with the horror and cruelty that is war.

Through out the book, I wondered again and again… why? Why does any one go to war? Why, would a woman leave her life for war? Why would anyone? Why are people so mean?

Nevertheless, Neverhome was a good read.

I never would have chosen this book my own. I appreciate our library for their creativity in finding a way for me to read something out of my comfort zone. Neverhome will stick with me for a while.

BTW – Ken’s surgeon called to check on Ken yesterday. He had the pathology report as well. While we didn’t think there would be, it is nice to have confirmation that there is no cancer in our boy! Ken is doing well, and while we used to be interesting people – our constant talk of pee and poop continues.

Ken is making good progress every day now. It is nice to be on this side of wellness. It won’t be long now before he is back to his old, healthy, and wonderful self.

Woot-woot!

Our karma for posting all the flower buds coming up in January with bright sun shining days, is biting us in the bum.

There’s at least seven inches of snow in our front yard.
The hummingbirds are furious with me in the mornings for allowing their food to freeze. And while I get to them sooner than later…. It is what it is.

I had a bit of a melt down, and started crying in gratitude, when I heard about the chaos in Horseshoe Bay the other day. The storm caused havoc and BC Ferries cancelled several sailings, leaving stranded passengers, and so many plans in a mess. I was so glad we were not part of that shit show.

My gratitude soars that the hard part for us, is over. We are on the right side of healing. (Forgive me as I do use the “Royal We”. Ken is the main player in all this — but “we” are fucking doing it.)

It is day six post surgery and progress is being made. Ken is to take it easy for another week, and the good news is he can.

My dad used to say, “It’s not bragging if it’s true!”  And still, I know I’m bragging when I say, I’m a super trooper! The house is warm, we are fed, chores are being taken care of, nurse Jan is on call, and don’t tell anyone, but I am planning my escape!

When we are finally on a new topic, and Ken is back to his handy and handsome self – I plan on stealing away all by myself for a bit. I’d like to go somewhere nice, with room service, massages, and have some sort of spa day.

Well, a girl does dream.

I am happy to report, that I’m back in the sewing room.

I had an idea and actually made a bit of a plan. So far the quilt is as beautiful as I thought it would be. The only problem with this quilt is …. It is so boring to work on!

I’m making the same square over and over and over. Totally old school quilting.

Alas, I see a pattern here — no pun intended —

I like the process of creativity and life. The product is besides the point.

Lately though, everything we are doing has been a process with the final product in mind.

While we do the next right thing… be it super hard, painful, and at times boring, The end product of good health is what we are really focused on.

Like a pretty quilt, it is a fine pay off indeed.

Time is a funny thing.

In 1983, Ken and I stood next to each other, and pledged to love each other, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in good times and bad, for as long as we both shall live.•

I don’t think, we really knew what we were in for, but I’m so glad we did that.

The last 36 years have flown by much faster, than the last three weeks have. And, last Tuesday was one of the longest days in my life, but it wasn’t as long as the hour, it took me to drive to the ferry last Sunday!

Einstein has some theory about the relativity of it all.

Lately though, time has been a bit of a blur for us.

While some hours lately have lasted for days, the last few weeks have passed in minutes. It’s all very confusing.

Was just October when Ken told me to get in the car, as we need to go to the ER?

That trip started us on this adventure, yet we got side tracked from the main problem, when they found a tumour in Ken’s bladder, and chose to focus on that.

That was a good thing, but little did we know what was ahead of us.

I remember Dr. Hoag asking Ken if he would be open to have surgery on his prostate at some point in the future, then he prescribed some medications and dropped the subject, until all hell broke loose in January.

Looking back, we were pretty ignorant to what was in front of us. So much has happened in a relative short period of time.

In just five short months, Ken’s had two surgeries. We’ve been to four different hospitals, and seen six different doctors. There have been a buttload of tests, scans, prescriptions, TAP forms, catheters, sleepless nights, ER runs, worry, relief, fear, comfort, friends, snow, sunshine and solutions.

Now, we are definitely on the right side of recovery, and our time at UBC hospital seems like a million years ago, instead of the other day.

Honestly, I look forward to a 24 hour day again.

• I’d also like to point out that in our marriage –  in health is better, that in sickness. The richer is more fun, than poorer, and the good times are way better, than the bad.
AND – I’d sign up for every day of the last 36 years, again in a heartbeat.

My friend Leslie reminded me of something Master Wen Mei Yu said to us years ago.

It was something like:
“The most important things are breathing, peeing, pooping, drinking, sleeping, eating (in that order)– if you can’t do those, your life is bad.  If you can do all those, it’s all good.”

Today… It’s all good!

I read a thing that mentioned, something like 80% of the people, feel they are better than average drivers.

Math is not my strong suit, yet even I know that doesn’t add up.

I admit to being one of the left over 20%. I am a good driver, my record is clean, but I’m not comfortable driving.

I do not like having the power and responsibility that is needed to control a car. And the trust I hold for other drivers is well below average.

I’ve not always been this way — but over the years, more and more, I’m less and less comfortable dealing with cars.

I liked having a small car with little power. I think other drivers don’t expect much from little cars, and will happily go around, without shaking Mr. Middle Diget out the window. However, today we have a good and reliable Subaru capable and expected to keep up. (my own fault)

Over the years Ken and I do our fair share of household chores, by doing what we are better at than the other. I’m a better cook and bottle washer, Ken is better at hauling wood, and opening peanut butter jars. Oh, and he drives!

The last few weeks things have temporarily changed around here. I’ve been hauling wood, not eating peanut butter, and I’m driving!

Living on the coast it hasn’t been too bad. We only have one busy road from Langdale to Eggmont. If I do drive — it is to and from the store, a twelve minute round trip adventure.

Last week, I drove to and from Vancouver. No problem. Hands, at 10 and two, shoulders on my ears, I was on high alert, and did a fine job. I even went over the speed limit to make the ferry cut off by five minutes!

Today, the next right thing is to get to the ferry again, (a 35 minute drive) then across West Van on the highway, over the bridge, down through Kits, and out to UBC.

We’ve got all day to get there!

It’s fucking snowing!

No laughter from the peanut gallery, please. I know most of North America is in a polar vortex, deep in snow, and cold as hell. I know in comparison this is nothing, but here on the coast we usually see the first signs of spring in January, with buds popping up all over.

Still, history repeats and in February – it fucking snows.

The next right thing — Get out of my way. We are doing this!

Ken and I are fortunate enough to have Patti and Jessie show up every two weeks to give our house a good scrubbing. We are extremely grateful for them and the work they do. I did warn Patti yesterday, that she may need a hazmat suit as, the last few weeks have been, what I can call, different from our normal!

Ken has been feeling better, so I thought we’d get out of their way, and get some fresh air. I packed up Ken and Cathy, and we took a drive up the coast.

There is a cute little thrift store in Madeira Park, so we putzed around in there for a bit.

Ken then waited in the car as I headed off to the store to pick up some groceries. He’s making progress everyday, yet, there is no need to push it. Plus, I can zoom around a store in no time —grab what we need and be done.

As I’m picking up the last items at the store, I look up and there’s Ken standing in front of me. He says, “Guess what I have?”

Oh shit… my mind went to the worse place possible. Cathy is giving him trouble, he’s in  pain again, what???

“I have surgery on Tuesday!”

There was a cancellation! He was bumped to the front of the line!! Woot-woot!

I swear we did a jig right there in the store.

Then, reality kicked in…

When we told Christine at Dr. Paterson’s office that we were flexible, and wanted on the cancellation list, we realized we need to start flexing right now!

No problem!

We came home, made a few phone calls, secured a place to stay right at UBC, cancelled a few of our own appointments, packed and well… Let’s go!

We’ll head in tomorrow.

Now, while we are so friggen grateful for the speedy care. The fact that Ken is going in for surgery is not lost on me. Yes, this is the next right thing, and surgery is not to be taken lightly. Yikes!

Ken will still have some recovery time ahead of him. I can continue being chief cook and bottle washer, as well as fire keeper, wood hauler, driver and nurse. But, we see the light at the end of this tunnel.

It won’t be long now that we will say, “Buh bye and so long” to Ken’s “friend” Cathy and we will return to our Parker “normal.”

Once again, I salute the public heath system of Canada. Knowing full well, we will not get a bill for any of this care is just grand. And seeing first hand, the fallacy of wait times being the price you pay for “free” health care is even better.

Let me also give a quick shout out to the poor guy who, for whatever reason, needed to cancel his spot in the queue, making it possible, for Ken to step in.

On we go – we’re doing this!