Go to the Water

Yesterday we celebrated my Mom's "90th" Birthday. If she is any indication of what being 90 is all about, it isn't going to be so bad. Mom loves conversation full of fashion, food and family. She dresses sharp everyday with matching jewelry, often Fifth Avenue. She loves her iPad and can manage her phone to talk or text. She lives with other seniors and enjoys their company. She has been a widow for 18 years; she has endured losing her home to fire and relocating to another town when she was 88 and a massive heart attack at 89.  Mom didn't want a public celebration, but it was a celebration none the less. It started the week before and I am sure we will cherish the memories forever. Nothing could have been more perfect than how we celebrated Mom.    I had planned for 4 years to do this on Mom's special milestone birthday. I asked people to get involved in "90 Cards for Carole". That certainly made for a fun week of anticipating the mail drop-off. It ...

                                                   Amazing Race Canada is over for another season. The winners were two female wrestlers, Katie and Taylor. They won in their own hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. They were the second all female team that have won Amazing Race. Their manta and message to young girls was, "Strong is Beautiful". They wanted to prove to girls, especially girls in male dominated sports that the sky is the limit, anything is possible.  I had a revelation in Penticton at the festival. I realized that we have no measure of our strength until we compete. Competing doesn't always mean winning, it means pushing yourself past limits you never thought you could. The wrestlers were an example of pushing themselves to go from nearly being eliminated to winning the show. I love the following descriptors of woman that are emotionally and phy...

It is a fact that we have 50,000 thoughts go through our heads  each and every day.  Now if you have a mind like mine, we probably pass 50,000 by noon. I found this an incredible piece of information, one that has very little use.  I have never thought about this before, but it only makes sense. A  male is a Peacock, a female is a Peahen. Even though I have this new knowledge, I am pretty sure I will continue to call both male and female birds, Peacocks.  The average single senior income is $31,400/year. That works out to about $2616/month. A Supplement is offered for those that have an income less than $29,000. Supplements are also tax free. Those that paid in, will receive Canada Pension Plan and Pensions from other sources. Even with all of these sources of income, many seniors are nowhere near $2616. Some seniors have prepared for retirement by investing, some have not. I never realized what a huge transition it would be to start to use investments. To turn ...

My first year as a member of the Waves of Hope, Dragon Boat paddling team has come to a close. It has been a very interesting experience and one I will cherish. To be part of a group of women that have survived breast cancer and are passionate to help others and promote awareness is exactly what the world needs more of. When I would get on the dragon boat, known as "Kindred Spirit", I felt empowered. I had never held a paddle in my hand before and to say it was a learning experience is an understatement. The season ended in Penticton at a festival. As usual I signed up on a whim to be part of the team. As the date got closer, I became nervous. I thought I was strong enough to get through the races, I was a bit anxious about the unknown. Not one other person appeared to be nervous, so I just followed their lead. There were some seasoned veterans who knew everything there was to know about the event and I just followed along.  The weekend started on Thursday leaving for Calgary...

            Baby Boomers are people that were born between 1946 and 1964 and have ages ranging from 60-78 years. By the end of 2024, all Baby Boomers will be 60-year-olds and considered seniors. Within the next 5 years, every Baby Boomer will be eligible for Old Age Security.  Whether we like it or not, there are people out there that have strong opinions about Baby Boomers. I read an article that outlined why Baby Boomers sit in such criticism. It was an interesting read, and I of course decided to share my take-away.   1. Tech meltdown . Apparently, it is frustrating to younger folk to explain again and again how to use technology. Many younger generations have grown up with technology and are used to the rapid changes. They seem to be dependent on their devices and of course social media. My biggest problem with technology is I don't want to learn. I don't want a bunch of apps on my phone, or a play list, or all the other things that are o...

As I was drinking coffee and roaming my computer the line, "Tomorrow is not promised to anyone" caught my attention. How many people start the day, just like I am, drinking coffee and spending time with their computer? How many of those people never get to see the end of that day, much less tomorrow?   The community of Brandon recently mourned the loss of a young 15-year-old. He did not take his own life, he died of a brain anomaly. Bravely, his parents gave consent for him to be an organ donor. This young man was deeply loved by family and friends, and among other things he had a promising hockey career. His celebration of life was at the Keystone Centre, everyone was asked to wear a Wheat King Jersey or one of their choosing. It makes you question, why did tomorrow not come for this young man?  The NHL world is saddened by the devastating accident which took the lives of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother. They were in their hometown getting ready for their sister's weddin...