Wednesday, October 16 to Saturday, October 26, 2019 (Oceanside RV Resort, Saanichton, BC)

Well...10 days have slipped by and as you can well imagine after knee surgery, I haven't been doing much. It's a different story for Steve, though, he has been very busy taking care of me! Yup, he's the "chief cook and bottle washer"...or what I like to call my Man-Servant! LOL

He's been in charge of everything...from keeping my cryotherapy machine full of ice-water for icing my knee, ($7.18 every 2 days for ice!) making coffee, apple cider drink, keeping my water bottles filled, making the bed, cooking, dishes, laundry, vacuuming and grocery shopping....just to give you an idea...(Poor Steve!)

Meanwhile, only being allowed up for about 5 minutes each hour, I do a lot of sitting in my recliner. My days consist of doing exercises every few hours, icing, snoozing...and crocheting. Oh...and keeping track of my pain meds.

I must use a two-wheel walker to get around. For now, the main focus in my physio is to increase range of motion of my knee. I've actually impressed the fellows at physio...I bent my knee 77 degrees the first visit and last Wednesday, I made it to 91. Each week, they give additional exercises...and my "homework" is to pick 4 or 5 to do every few hours every day.

So far, I have "outings" twice a week...Wednesday is physiotherapy at RebalanceMD and Sundays, we go over to Rob and Angie's so Steve can do laundry. We usually stay for dinner too...nice, thanks, guys! Last Sunday, Bryce was helping Mom and Dad bake a carrot cake...made with fresh carrots out of their garden...(YUM!)

One of the funniest things we've seen here in the RV park is this couple taking their dogs for a walk...along with a duck! If the dog turns or stops so does the duck and if he falls behind he fly's ahead to catch up...too funny!

 The new springs for Steve's recliner finally came in...so Steve replaced them and also sprayed silicon on all of the moving parts...on both recliners, no more squeaking...

Today (Saturday) was a beautiful sunny day...but cool...and after all the rain and wind we have had, it was a welcome treat. After getting out for a walk, Steve asked if I'd like to go out for a car ride...a change of scenery for me on a sunny day and a stop at DQ for a hot fudge sundae...Yay!

And that brings you up to date on life here over the past 10 days...after a rough period getting the pain meds worked out, I find that I am doing much better each day. I have a post-op appointment next week...that will be the 3 week mark and I hope to get a better idea between the doctor and the physio folks as to when I will be set free so we can head south!

Tuesday to Tuesday, October 8 to 15, 2019 (Oceanside RV Resort, Saanichton, BC)

Well the day has finally arrived! I had lived in fear over the past few days that I would come down with a bad cold...or something would happen to cause the surgery to be cancelled. But all was good!

I was up at 5:30 and went directly into have my second antibacterial shower (had one last night before getting into bed). Unfortunately, I couldn't have my morning coffee, though! Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

I had to be at the hospital at 7:45, so concerned with morning rush hour traffic, we decided to leave at 6:45. Well, we were there within a half hour! I think it is one of those things...if we had left 10 minutes later, we would have hit major traffic. All about timing! But I would much rather be early than late.

I checked into the main reception area then was escorted up to a surgery ward where we waited for over an hour. It was finally my turn and I was taken in to change into hospital garb and escorted to my bed. After answering 10 million questions (LOL), from a very nice nurse, Steve was eventually allowed to join me to continue the wait. We learned that my surgery was scheduled for 9:45...and shortly before that time, I had a visit from the OR Nurse, the Anaesthetist and then Dr. Pugh, my surgeon...he also had "an apprentice" with him.

Next thing was a big burly guy came to wheel me in...a hug and kiss and Steve was on his way. See you later, honey!

I was given an epidural...and the joke as he was putting it in was that at least I won't go home with a baby this time! I had epidurals for the births of both of our kids...LOL! My only concern with the epidural was that I, in no way shape or form, wanted to be aware of what was going on. He assured me I'd have a nice sleep and even if I did wake up, I really wouldn't care what was going on.

The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room...it was 11:15 a.m. I was completely numb from the waist down...a very odd feeling as I tried to wiggle my toes but couldn't. I did remember waking up and hearing some pounding on metal...yup, he was right, I didn't give a damn. I learned that the surgeon had called Steve at 11:15 to let him know all had gone well and that he could visit in 2 1/2 hours...nice touch!

I'll pass this over to Steve to tell you what he did while waiting...

After dropping Dianne off I stopped off at my former place of work for a quick visit. Then I went to a mall food court for lunch, then visited several stores looking to add to my wardrobe. Refusing to pay $70 - $90 for a pair of jeans I ended up getting a pair at Walmart for $30 :)  I also picked up some flowers to brighten up Dianne's room...I never buy flowers :)

I still had lots of time to kill so drove down to Esquimalt Lagoon...been years since I've been there. The salt water Lagoon on the left and the ocean on the right...

Cruise ship docked in Victoria..

Across the lagoon is Royal Roads University. It was formerly Royal Roads Military College for 55 years, and a University for the last 24 years.

Royal Roads pic from the Web. You may recognize this building...

The Royal Roads campus has been used as a location for filming TV shows and movies, including The Changeling, the X-Men movies X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand, Smallville, Arrow, Deadpool, and The Professor.

Across the bay is the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Canada's Pacific Coast Naval Base where our son Rob works on the civilian side. 

It was first established as a military installation by the Royal Navy in 1855 and has continually served the Royal Canadian Navy since its inception in 1910. CFB Esquimalt is the 3rd largest base in Canada (by population) and is home to the Pacific Fleet, one of two Naval Formations.

Just to the right in the photo is Canada's first and oldest lighthouse on the west coast, the Fisgard Lighthouse...

Fisgard Lighthouse, a tapering 56-foot (17 m) cylindrical tower surmounted by a multi-faceted lantern, is built into a rectangular two-storey dwelling with a gable roof. Constructed in 1859-1860 to mark the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour, it was commissioned on November 16, 1860 and automated in 1928. The lighthouse was in continuous operation until 1957, when a fire temporarily halted its use as an aid to navigation. It is located on Fisgard Island, a small island south of Vancouver Island, on the west side of the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour, just north of Juan de Fuca Strait, in British Columbia.

Just off to the left starting on the rocky shoreline is historic Fort Rodd Hill...

Fort Rodd Hill - a National Historic Site - is a coast artillery fort built in the late 1890s to defend Victoria and the Esquimalt Naval Base. The Fort includes three gun batteries, underground magazines, command posts, guardhouses, barracks and searchlight emplacements. There are numerous interpretive signs and audio-visual stations, as well as period furnished rooms and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Visitors can explore gun batteries and underground magazines built a century ago, as well as searchlight emplacements, command posts...and much more.
At Fort Rodd Hill, visitors can explore gun batteries and underground magazines built a century ago, as well as searchlight emplacements, command posts...and much more. Signs, audio and video stations, and friendly, knowledgeable staff tell the stories of this national historic site.

In the back is a cruise ship in for repairs at the Esquimalt Graving Dock...

With still lots of time to kill I continued to Victoria's Inner Harbour and walked along the Songhees Walkway...

Panoramic shot from Songhees Point...

The next 3 pics are basically the same as above in sequence...

From Songhees Point I continued along the harbour...

The brand new marina for the rich and famous...

Boom and Batten Restaurant and Cafe...checked out their menu and I think the only thing within our budget is the pizza!

Further down is the marina office. The condos along the harbour are beautiful...

A barge in tow with another behind to help steer...

Water Taxi and a Harbour Air Otter taxiing out of the harbour...

Whale watchers returning...

After my walk I returned to the hospital just before 3:00 and phoned from the parking lot (before paying) to see if Dianne was ready for a visitor. Nope...I was told they were waiting for a room for her and it was going to be awhile. Okay...off to another mall for a coffee and wander around. Around 4:15 Dianne called, sounding a little tired, said they still don't have a room for her and didn't know when one would be available so I decided to go home and return the next day...geez!
(Now time for a rant. Pay Parking at a hospital really ticks me off! Nobody wants to be there!)

Back to Dianne...
All was fine while I was in the recovery room and my legs were still "frozen" but that slowly changed...as did the pain level. Apparently Dr. Pugh is one of the few doctors who does not like his patients to be given a nerve block...Femoral nerve blocks for acute postoperative pain after knee replacement surgery. Total knee replacement is a common and often painful orthopaedic operation. Femoral nerve block (FNB) is an analgesic technique that blocks sensation to the knee to reduce pain following surgery. However, after the nurse had exhausted all pain killer options for me, she spoke to the Anaesthetist . He came and explained the procedure for administering a nerve block and under the circumstances, recommended it. Hey...go for it! Knee replacement surgery is supposedly the most painful surgery there is (?)...I've not had much in the way of other surgeries, but can certainly attest to the fact that it is painful!

My assigned bed in the ward was not ready, so I stayed in recovery for a very long time. I can see now, why it's hard to predict when beds are to come available because they give you 24 to 48 hours, depending on pain management and ability to climb stairs. There apparently was also a mix-up in beds which didn't help either...but it was 6:30 p.m. when I was finally wheeled by a couple of nurses up to my room. The room was ready but the nursing staff wasn't really ready for my arrival...so it took a good half hour before I was "admitted" to the ward.

During my time in the recovery room, Steve had been waiting and waiting to come see me with these beautiful flowers!

But as the hours wore on, and it became apparent it was going to be well after 3:00 before I was going to get to my room. Luckily the nurse had a phone that I could use to call Steve and we decided he should just go home and come up in the morning. So nice that my nurse in recovery gave me a phone...I actually talked to Steve a few times while waiting.

Very cool sky...a great shot Steve got from home tonight...

That night and Wednesday (October 9) were spent trying to get my pain level under control. The nurse actually got me out of bed and I did a slow shuffle using the 2-wheeled walker to the bathroom.

Wednesday, the Rehab people were in bright and early. One went through the bed exercises with me and the other got me out of bed. I walked to the bathroom again and then she went through the chair exercises. Both sets of exercises (each have 4 or 5 different exercises) are to be done every 2 hours, alternating them. Who knew that the best accessory for lifting your leg in and out of bed would be a pair of old pyjama bottoms? Just cradle your foot in the crotch and hold on to the end of each leg...works wonderfully!

Steve arrived late morning and was there to watch me go through some of the exercises. I think he felt my pain, LOL! He left to go down for a bite to eat for lunch just after the nurse had given me a shot of morphine...and came back to find me in "lala land".

I think they really were wanting me to leave Wednesday afternoon but I really didn't feel that well and just wanted to stay in bed. I think the meds caused a bit of havoc on my tummy, although I never did get sick. But I felt quite woozy when I got up. With the ups and downs of the pain...I really didn't want to leave yet...besides, I hadn't done the stair test yet (must be able go up and down 4 stairs). So I can really see why it's so hard to predict when rooms are going to be available.

Thursday (October 10) morning, I actually felt much better, tummy wise. After breakfast, one of the rehab girls came and asked if I wanted to try the stair test...and although not done easily, I did it and was cleared to leave.

I called Steve and got ready. A young lady took me down to the entrance in a wheelchair...all timed well so that Steve could just pull in to "load me up" in the car.

The next 5 days have just slipped by with not much activity on my part....bed exercises, chair exercises, pain meds...and of course, icing...lots of icing! The cryotherapy machine is pretty darned slick and works wonderfully...thank you for the use of it Bev and Rob!

And sitting in my recliner too! I've started a new crochet project...a sweater and I already have one sleeve done!

Steve has been very busy taking excellent care of me...he has really stepped up to the challenge and I feel so lucky! From filling the cryotherapy machine with ice, to making all meals and doing dishes, to keeping my water bottle full...and even doing laundry!

But it's not all work, he has managed to get out for some walks. Mount Baker in Washington State...

A First Nation's hunter has dropped off another Deer carcass in the creek for the birds and critters...  

Beautiful sunrise on Saturday...

 And Halloween decorations...

Sunday (Oct 13) afternoon, I got to leave the confines of the trailer and go over to Rob and Angie's for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Rob had picked a bunch of Chanterelle Mushrooms on his hunting trip...they are delicious!

 Angie and Rob...

 Angie and her Dad, Brian...he will be going back to Winnipeg on Tuesday...

Somebody didn't want his picture taken...

We sat down for dinner...ham, scallop potatoes and broccoli/mushroom casserole....delicious! Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and Canadian friends! So much to be thankful for! Bottom left, around the table, Bryce, Rob, Angie, Conner, Brian and me...

After dinner, and once all of the laundry was done, we headed home. Thanks so much for a lovely evening, Rob and Angie!

Late Tuesday morning, Steve drove Brian to the airport. Safe travels home...it was great seeing you! Hopefully that huge snowstorm and damage Winnipeg had over the weekend has been cleaned up!

Friday to Monday, October 4 to 7, 2019 (Oceanside RV Resort, Saanichton, BC)

We were up bright and early Friday (October 4) so Steve could enjoy a cup of coffee before showering and finishing his packing. Rob pulled up shortly after 6:30 ...in the pouring rain...and after loading his suitcase and cooler they were off...have fun guys! Rob said on his way here he saw a doe at the bottom of their driveway and another two further down the road. Hopefully that's a lucky sign!

I headed out for my day shortly after 8:30...starting off with a trip out to Langford. My first stop was at Costco. Then it was onto Walmart and Michaels before I headed into Victoria for lunch with my former co-workers. After a fabulous lunch and visit with Lynn and Gwen, I was off to a haircut appointment (finally) and finally, out to Sidney for a pedicure.

A great day...but I didn't get everything done that I had planned, good thing there is always tomorrow!

Meanwhile, this is what Steve was up to...I'll pass this over to him...

We drove to Duncan where we met my buddy, Jim at McDonalds. He started a tradition with Rob a few years ago where he'd buy Rob breakfast so included me as well...thanks Jim!

Our destination is McClure Lake in the Cowichan Valley...an area we have hunted since the 70's. It has seen a lot of change with continued logging and second growth that has overgrown old favourite hunting spots. On our drive in we had a cow and bull Elk run across the road about 50 yards ahead of us...too quick for a photo but what a treat to see these beautiful animals.

We always used to camp at the lake but after getting flooded out on our trip in 2015 and having to cut our trip short by a few days, Jim and Rob had found a new spot since then. The last time I was here this was a wide open log sorting lot and helicopter landing pad. Wow...is it ever overgrown! Luckily the rain stopped just before our arrival. Jim fired up the chainsaw, Rob grabbed his machete and I collected the branches and threw them off to the side.

Jim's camp on the left and Rob and I on the right...

With camp set up it was time for a break. Rob has my old utility trailer I set up for hunting and hauling my old quad. It has bunk beds that fold down against the wall...

Time to get our firewood before that rain hits us...

Because I'm only here for a couple of full days it wasn't worth getting a hunting license or bringing my quad...just here as another set of eyes and doing guy stuff..burpin, fartin, scratchin, cursin, and drinkin! Well maybe a little drinkin...LOL!

Time for our evening hunt...the landscape around here is either up or down. There was a variety of different types of mushrooms. This patch was huge...see my boot.

We weren't seeing much sign up here so decided to head to another spot...

This spot was much more promising..we saw tracks and this recent buck rub. Unfortunately we saw nothing and would not return to this area. The road in became very overgrown and once on it Rob was committed to continue until we could turn around...also too far to walk in. You might have some waxing to do Rob!

I was up and out shortly after 7:00 Saturday (October 5) morning...to go over and hang out with my grandboys for a while. Angie had an appointment and some errands to take care of, so I spent a few hours with Conner and Bryce.

When Angie got home,  I had a nice visit with her and then decided I'd better get on with the things I panned to get done today. So I spent the afternoon completing the shopping that I didn't get done yesterday.

And now, over to Steve to tell you about his day...

Rob parked the truck at the edge of the timberline below and we walked, or should I say huffed and puffed our way to the top and just inside the timberline.

Beautiful morning...

Looking back down...

We could see Jim across the valley where the road follows the upper ridge to the timberline. He rode his quad part way then walked up. He later told us he couldn't believe we walked up this mountain...

Our destination is to the timberline up top in the fog beyond that lower road where we had a well deserved rest and a snack...

Rested and fed we headed back down...

...and down...

The clouds looking kind of neat...

Almost back to the truck, barely visible down below. Other than easy breathing sometimes going down can be almost as bad as going up!

Once back we continued down the valley passing over the bridge at McClure Lake...

We explored a bit and ended up in a new clear cut...unlikely to find any game here.

After brunch we decided on some beach time in the sunshine at the lake...Jim and Rob.

And me and Rob...

Already a little flooded here...with the steep mountains here in the valley it takes no time at all for the lake to rise quickly.

Here's a couple of photos from 2015 when we got flooded out. We had a creek running through our site as well!

Didn't have to take my boat to the lake...it came to the boat. Never did get out in it :(

Jim heading out for an evening hunt...

Rob and I watched a clear cut for a couple of hours with the rain threatening to return. Had a brief sprinkle and a faint rainbow and sunshine.

Dinner time...

(Jim's photo)

I spent Sunday (October 6) morning doing odds and ends and a little baking. Nothing too terribly exciting...LOL!

Around 1:30 I wrapped my carving knifes up in a tea towel and headed over for a visit with Dwight and Helen (my brother and sister-in-law). My knifes are so dull that they hardly cut anything and Dwight owns KnifePro...sharpening knifes and selling all sorts of kitchenware from around the world.

I spent a great hour and a half visiting with them, Dwight took and sharpened my knifes...and then I was on my way. After a brief stop at home, I was on my way out to Angie's for dinner. I also had a load of laundry that I thought I would finish up...so I got to try out their new "space age" machines.

Angie's dad, Brian, had arrived last night from Winnipeg for a visit while her mom, Linda, is in Scotland. It was great seeing him! I feel very fortunate getting my knee replacement relatively quickly as he is waiting for hip replacement. His appointment with a surgeon isn't until next June...who knows when the surgery will be! I'd say Manitoba's wait lists are crazy! I know our's here in BC used to be horrendous too but at least ReBalanceMD has been working closely with Vancouver Island Health Authority to get them reduced to a more manageable level.

After a delicious dinner and  a wonderful visit with Angie, Conner, Bryce and Brian, I loaded the clean laundry into the car and headed home. Thank for dinner and the use of your washer and dryer, Angie! (No pictures because my photographer is away)

And...over to Steve...

We returned to the clear cut area that had the rainbow last night and sat for 1 1/2 hours. It's so peaceful watching a new day dawn and listening to the birds chirping. This was my view...

Rob scanning the hillside...we sat on either side of a large burn pile...

We walked back to the truck and drove back to check out another large clear cut. These areas are new to us and were probably logged a couple of years ago as the Fireweed hasn't invaded the area yet. Once it does it's really hard to spot a deer in it as it can grow up to 6 feet tall! We'll be heading to the top next...

One thing we noticed and had never seen before is they topped all the trees along the edge of the clear cut. In researching this it's to prevent blow downs. I thought perhaps a guy slung on a line below a helicopter with a chainsaw but apparently each tree is climbed and topped!

Looking back down...

That's the clear cut across the valley where we got our firewood...

Coming back down from the upper road...

This Grouse flew up from the road and posed long enough for us both to get a picture. Even though Rob brought his shotgun we both tend to pass on loud gunfire that'll spook the deer for just a Grouse:)

Time for brunch...

Rob's turn to cook...

Brunch over time to relax. Where to go next...none of us has seen a deer yet!

Rob and Jim had discovered an overgrown trail across the road below our camp to the lake a few years ago so we thought we would check it out...

The trail leads to a creek bed to the lake...

We could see a few fish rising and a nice sized one swam right by us. Years ago as a boy Rob, or Robbie back then caught a 5 lb. Brown Trout here. Back then the lake had not been known for fishing.

I've taken a couple of deer off that hillside when that second growth was a clear cut...

Rob considers himself a bit of a survivor-man so I bought him a homemade Fat Wood Fire Steel Fire Starter Kit. Cowichan Valley ATV Club member Randy was in Quartzsite last winter selling them.

You scrape the Fat Wood with a sharp knife into a small pile then scrape the Fire Steel until the sparks set it alight. Fat Wood is a resin impregnated heartwood derived from pine trees and is high in pitch. Works great!

Evening still hunt across the valley from the mountain we huffed and puffed up...

All we saw on this evenings hunt was a Salamander...oh...and a Black Bear. WHERE'S THE DEER!!
















Me and my bud and Bud Light...LOL!

 (Above and below Rob's photos)

Monday (October 7) I woke up to rain, rain...and more rain. Not a great day to have to drive up island to Lake Cowichan to pick up Steve!

I decided to bake some keto buns first thing in the morning. Good to have on hand so Steve can make me a sandwich too when he makes his lunch. I had made a batch last week but they totally flubbed...couldn't understand because I've made them many times before. I thought it might be "bad" baking powder, so bought a new container. Well, this batch also flubbed...WTH?! The last ingredient that could possibly be the problem is the psyllium husk powder that I purchased in the bulk from the grocery store. I have never had good luck buying from the bulk section in the past...most things taste stale and old. So I threw it out and will purchase a new container...not bulk! Hopefully that does the trick!

I headed out around 10:00...in the pouring rain...and after a stop in Langford at Walmart, I was on my way up island. Driving conditions were not the best...pouring rain and dense fog as I drove over the Malahat. But I had no problems and arrived at the A and W Restaurant in Lake Cowichan at exactly 1:00...our pre-arranged meeting time. Steve and Rob were already there having lunch.

Over to Steve on his final day...

Man...did it ever rain all night! Rob and I decided to do our morning still hunt in the clear cut where we got our firewood the other day. It continued to pour as we waited for daybreak. We sat there for 1 1/2 hours...Rob is just left of the road...

Well that area was a bust, so we returned to the area of the rainbow. FINALLY...in the pouring rain we saw our first deer, a doe. Telephoto shot from a phone camera so not the greatest pic. She's in the centre of the shot. We drove to the end of the road and on our return we spotted two more does. Even though we couldn't grow any antlers on these two it sure was nice to finally see something!

Well unfortunately my time was up, so we headed back so I could pack up my things and head to Cowichan Lake to meet Dianne.

On our way in the other day Jim had said he saw another Elk in the bush just after we had spotted the two cross in front of us. Both Rob and I misunderstood him to mean a live one but he later said a dead one. We found it on our way out so stopped to take a look. There is always a problem with poachers in the area so I wanted to check it out. With my city shoes on I wasn't able to make it down the muddy bank to get close enough, but it appeared to be a cow and was probably hit by a truck and died there.

Rob has a radio in his truck to monitor the logging traffic on their channels so we new this guy was near us and sure enough, we met him at the intersection of the main South Shore road. He later pulled over to let us pass.

During my time with Rob we saw 2 Elk, 4 Grouse, 1 Bear, and 3 Does...oh and 1 Salamander.
Rob and Jim hunted until Friday. Jim saw a spike and Rob saw another Bear. They also heard some wolves howling...no wonder we weren't seeing much game...sure had fun though!

Steve was unpacking and getting ready for a shower when we heard a knock on the door. It was Tami and Andy from next door. They had flowers and a card for me...so nice! The card is so cute...inside it says "One at a time...You'll get there." Very thoughtful...thanks guys!

The big day is finally here...I go for a total knee replacement of my left knee tomorrow.