Welcome to my blog. I have had ALS for 10 years now.


Since I started this blog in June 2008 I've had amazing feedback. Family, friends, people from all over North America, Australia, Scotland, England, and places I can't recall, have commented, encouraged and corresponded. I had no idea when Cynthia taught me how to set this up, how much I would love posting and how many people would read it. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has helped propel this therapeutic exercise into a daily routine. All of you, both friends and visitors, are now part of my blog family. Welcome.

From Go Pro

From Go Pro
View from my living room

Monday, June 30, 2008





Happy Canada Day!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Both my sports cars are gone now. The one I had in 1948 was trashed many years ago and my beloved Audi TT Roadster was sold today. Woe is me. However, I have great memories tucked away and must move on. With change comes new adventures, with new adventures comes a richer life.
I have posted(under the PALS section) a comical, but "oh so true" video of a commercial shown in Scotland. It expresses the frustration of not being able to access so many places via wheelchair. 

Friday, June 27, 2008

I'm now racing through the neighborhood challenging anyone on wheels.
I'm having a difficult time with cramping and tremors so the arrival of the power chair is timely.
It looks as though summer has arrived. Today I'll venture out with a friend
to find a nice spot at a table outside and have lunch.
Enjoy the sunshine, but please keep the heat down a notch. 
I made a mistake and posted the old video on the Faces of Pals. I now have the new one over on the right. 

Monday, June 23, 2008

My power chair arrived! Not that one. That's a tank chair for heavy snow. Cool though.
Mine is older but wiser--just like me. My brother Ken is arriving tonight so we'll probably rev it up for a spin tomorrow morning.
I also posted, over on the right, a new video put together by an ALS patient. Some of you saw the last one so this is my second debut as an ALS star. I'd prefer to be on YouTube for jumping 10 cars on my motorcycle, but hey, I'm international just the same. I'm feeling good today--sure hope it lasts. 

Sunday, June 22, 2008

The dragon boat races are on! I can watch through my binoculars.
When I moved here I had no idea how much I would see from my window. What a bonus!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

I'm trying to wear brighter clothes these days so I won't be run over on my wheel chair. Judy sent me this design idea and I plan to sketch out a pattern soon. Stay tuned.
Good news re power chair and smaller scooter. They will be delivered Monday. I've requested a right drive stick as my left hand has become too weak to grasp well. Since I'm left handed, you might see me doing unintended spinoramas in the park. I sure hope the chair has a seat belt!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

It's Garfield's birthday today--and ironically, Lou Gehrig's as well.
Many happy returns to both. 
I went to the eye specialist this morning. My eye with the film problem
has improved and Dr. Ross is very pleased. I don't have to go back until Feb. 2009. Horray!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Dottie and Cochin
from Scotland

Monday, June 16, 2008

Portable scooter

Good news. The ALS Society is sending me both a power wheel chair and a portable scooter. The scooter will come apart into 5 pieces and fit into a trunk. The scooter should be here in a couple of weeks. Get ready to take me on beach walks and picnics! 




Sunday, June 15, 2008

Biker and Babe



This is a real couple living in Florida.

Baby Beluga


Baby Beluga born last week at Vancouver Aquarium.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Doctor visit

Dr. Van Eeden(my GP) has referred me to VGH for a modified barium swallow test. You work with a speech pathologist to determine if the swallowing muscles are working properly. It is a condition called dysphagia and common in neurological diseases such as ALS. My days of raspberry crumble and oatmeal cookies may be numbered(they are difficult to swallow) but Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream will still be on the list!

Health

It's rather humorous that I get it together for Friday the 13th. I'm also on the way to my doctor this afternoon to check out some throat problems. Hopefully, the 13th will be lucky for me. I'm hoping my difficulties are thyroid or something fixable with a pill, rather than "Bulbar" ALS symptoms which is more probable. Whatever the outcome, we(all together) will deal with it.
After many sleepless nights last week I'm managing to get 8hrs. every night. What a difference a good night sleep makes.