We're back from our holiday. The photo above is Jack at Abraham Lake. We stopped for a picnic lunch there and Jack threw rocks into the lake and tried to pick up the heaviest rocks he could find.
On the way home we stopped at The Enchanted Forest which exceeded expectations and Jack enjoyed a great deal. When I was a kid we always drove past this tourist attraction on the way to Vancouver Island and on the way home. Mum and dad never stopped there. I imagine it would have been too expensive to stop there and spend another night on the road, but it would have been amazing to stop there as a kid.
The last photo is Jack on a massive rock at Naramata Creek Park. We never made it as far as the falls because Jack was freaked out by the signs for poison ivy along the trail (and there was a fair bit of it), but he did have fun climbing on the rocks. We ran into a family of seven kids along the way, and Jack had fun with the other kids.
I've been cleaning up dog hair and doing laundry since I got home. Yesterday I took Miss Katie out and we had a nice lunch. She's doing well which I'm thankful for; it's such a fine balancing act with her medications so that she's happy and not anxious, but also not drugged. I worked at Michener Centre (an institution to house mentally disabled people) many years ago and the patients were drugged and drooling. Not something I want for my daughter.
While I was in Penticton I got to visit with my sister in law, whom I love. She is the sister I never had:) We talked the whole time we were together and it was wonderful. Of course I cried.
Now that I'm home I'm feeling reenergized and I'm tired of doing most things by myself. I have a hard time saying no and an even harder time asking for help, but I did. There is a teachers strike looming here and we don't have anymore daycare after the end of the month. I told Jack's grandma I would need help and she said she was going to Toronto twice next month, so I texted her back and her told the dates I need her help. I also told her that I need her and Jack's aunt to take care of Jack one weekend a month. We've been doing this for four years now and at the beginning, they said they would help, but their help isn't really help. That first Christmas, they all went to Mexico for a month. It hasn't changed. So now I'm asking. They're not like me, I would offer to help, they don't. I'll ask now. If they don't want to help, they'll have to say no.
On the Provincial front, we now have to pay for Covid vaccinations $110/dose. This fucking government is shit, worse than shit. What's worse than shit? A goat rodeo!
I hope they help. I am glad you had a week away and feel refreshed. Hoping there is no strike!
ReplyDeleteI hope I get help too. If there's no strike, I won't need as much help, so I'm really hoping for that.
DeleteGlad you had a good trip out to the coast and back! Nice to come back reenergized!
ReplyDeleteWe just went out to Penticton. It was nice to not cook, or do housework. Jack got to swim twice a day which he loves.
DeleteYes. It is time to ask for help. It was promised and not given.
ReplyDeleteWhy did you have to pay for the Covid shots? I thought you got free healthcare in Canada. Please enlighten me.
We did get free vaccinations, until this excuse for a government changed the rules. They have a majority, so nobody can do anything.
DeleteMary, she means Alberta's provincial government. It is actively trying to privatize healthcare. Canadians don't want that, so why they voted-in such a jackass gov't is beyond me.
DeleteThe "goat rodeo" comment made me laugh. I'm glad you are becoming more assertive about asking for help with Jack. Love the pictures, as usual they are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It is a goat rodeo, complete with lies, corruption, and a huge dose of hypocrisy.
DeleteI don't know if Medicare is paying for Covid this year or not. Doesn't matter, I'm getting it. We're hoping for Novovax again this year, it's a better vaccine, lasts longer, more durable. They were late to market, and are still handicapped by that. Sounds like a good vacation. I wish Gracie's family would stand up and do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteWe'll get the vaccinations but even health care workers have to pay for them this year. A family of four is expensive.
DeleteGood for you! I'll be interested to hear how asking for help works out. I suspect people who were willing to help before will continue to be willing and those who weren't, won't. Still, it's worth asking.
ReplyDeleteI imagine they will help for a month or two, but I'm going to keep on them.
DeleteI hope you get some help. So easy for people to offer then be unavailable. I hope they come through this time. My recent covid shot was Medicare covered. How come your provincial insurance doesn't cover? I thought you had universal healthcare coverage. Does it vary by province?
ReplyDeleteOur provincial insurance should cover the cost of the vaccinations but the government in power changed that. Universal health care does vary by province and Alberta has one of the most regressive rules.
DeleteI hope that they will be reliable about helping; that's another issue with people like that. They say they will be available and then "something" comes up. I'm sorry they're like that. It's not fair to you and NOT good for Jack. That Enchanted Forest looks fascinating and magical. The trees!! I wouldn't like being on top of that rock with my fear of heights.
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are inspiring
ReplyDeleteAmazing pics! We all need help sometimes. I'm learning that too.
ReplyDeleteYes, they should be called the UCB (united conservative bastards).