Final Natititty Gift, #16

When I showed this to Rick, he commented "Oh, I love those things!".   I've decided to take this as a compliment.  Thank you, Bee and HBG, for this "outstanding" graduation gift!

I wish I had the nerve to pop these beauties on for my last treatment, because I know the techs would have truly appreciated it.  It all went smoothly though, as did my drive up island, made all the  more enjoyable by the annual appearance of the lupins lining the highway.   It is a surreal feeling to release the apprehensions of the last five months, and to know that I have joined those in the "routine follow up" line.   A good place to be indeed.

Without the platform of my breast to stand on (no matter how many times I write that line I get a graphically painful image), I have been weighing out whether to continue this blog in the future.  Unfortunately, there have been quite a few of you that have expressed difficulty logging on or losing your log-on privileges.  The problem (I think) lies when you log into your Google account.   When you open your Google browser, check at the top of the page.  Your log-in name should be there.  If it only says "sign in" you need to do so, using your password, before logging onto the blog.  To sign in as a "guest" only allows you two weeks of communication and no comments allowed at all, so it's definitely best to use a Google password and then bookmark (or save to your favorites) for easy access in the future.  I can easily send anyone a re-invitation, if they let me know.  To leave the link as a minimized icon on your task bar will not allow you to get the most up to date postings, only to view where you have left off.   I have also changed the settings to "public" meaning it is available to search engines in the Google community.

Also, I have added a new feature on the page, called "follow by email."   I liked this widget as it allows an email to be automatically sent to your account whenever there is a new posting, and also the postings may be forwarded.  Just click on the link and add your email address if you're interested.  You won't get to see the entire blog, such as the POD etc, but you will be notified when there is something new happening.

Having said all that, I thought I would take a little poll and ask for your opinion as to whether you want The Cathologue to go forward.   Is it just Old Lefty that made it titillating to tune in (couldn't resist), or would you like to continue to share in my cooking calamities and adventures behind the lens?

I'll be honest with you - I have been thrilled with the sense of community and contact this blog has given me.  It has been heartwarming to introduce my friends and family to each other via  the comments section, and it has given me a delightful challenge to combine my two favorite hobbies, photography and writing.  So, let me know via your comments (or email, if you're shy) if you want to ride shotgun for a little while longer.

In the meantime, check out this cheerful little cherub.  Sarah Elizabeth, you are one beautiful baby girl!  Safe travels back to Kingston this morning, Rick, Amber and Sarah.  We will miss you.

Farewell, Victoria

I have really struggled to compose this post.   Having no frame of reference for the events of the past 21 days, there is nothing I can compare them to.   I think it would be presumptuous of me to offer insights or inspirations gleaned from this challenging experience, although I hasten to say that my time here has been rich beyond comparison.  Every journey is different.   I have been from the depths of the beautiful sunken gardens to the top of Mount Maxwell.  I've stolen flowers, done Fragoli shots in the cemetery with my dear mom on Mother's Day, burned food and set off the smoke alarm more than once, overshopped, overeaten, underslept,  discovered friends, got lost a thousand times, missed my husband, friends and job too many times to count.  I have had the absolute privilege of spending these golden days with my daughter, an incomparable young woman.  If I ever grow up, I want to be just like her.   No words can express my gratitude, for her cheerfulness, humor, and stalwart support.  I have seen myself through her eyes, and I have witnessed love defeat worry, and that is courage, real courage.

Tomorrow at 0830 I will complete the Last of the Blasts, climb into the car and head north, none the worse for the wear.  Old Lefty has a slightly boiled appearance, but nothing that won't fix itself over the next few months.  To my cherished family and friends who have been with me throughout it all, my gratitude is inexpressible.  The blog comments, emails, flowers, treats, cards, phone calls, and surprise visits made me feel more invincible than Superwoman.

The Cathologue is going to take a little break for a few days, and then I promise I'll be back.  I need some serious snuggle time with my sweetheart, and to settle back into my home and delight in the richness of my blessings.

Hey Honey- you know that bottle of Mumm's we've been saving for a special occasion?   I think it's time you put it on ice.

Much love to you all.

Salt Spring Part 2

There are many roads to explore on this beautiful island, and not all of them involve climbing mountains or concussions. Wineries, orchards and farms populate the lower plains and are a joy to explore. As it is bad luck to break with tradition, I picked up a nice pinot gris to take over to my cousin's for dinner this evening - a grand way to wrap up this outstanding weekend.

Obviously this vintner has got the hang of brewing award-winning vino.

Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm is tucked away half-way up the mountain slope, and we had a great time exploring the fields and then poking around the charming store where everything lavender is sold, from lavender coffee (ugh) to various oils, perfumes, sprays, massage creams and even disinfectants. We were given a sniff test to differentiate between English lavender and French lavender, and unfortunately I didn't notice that a can of coffee beans was being held under my nose to clear the senses. I was unable edit my perplexed expression nor my comment that French lavender had a distinct coffee aroma. Bee looked at me with that demented look of impending hysteria that I am only too familiar with, and I knew she was about to lose it, big time. I managed to get her out of there before she completely disgraced us both, but it was close. It was definitely time to head for home.

Hope you all had a perfect weekend. As they say at the hat shop in Ganges, I'll be