Saturday September 12, 2026 Grateful

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Saturday September 12, 2026

 Yesterday, I got an early call from my friend in northern Colombia, Tom, whose apartment was devastated in the big earthquake.  He has decided that his expatriate experiment has run its course, and he will move back to the US.  6 years ago we found him a specific Siamese breed cat to be a companion to his small dog, Hank.  He called her LeeLee (LiLi in Spanish).  Hank passed away about a year ago.

Tom did not want to leave the country without finding a secure home for LiLi, who has always been an indoor cat.  He had a person interested there, but was unsure that they would be right for LiLi.  I contacted Cristina, knowing she would immediately accept LiLi, and you could hear the huge sound of relief emanating from Tom....  Arrangements have now been made that he will deliver LiLi Wednesday to Tulua where Cristina will meet him.  Hopefully our 3 cats will make her feel welcome.   This is beautiful LiLi..

LiLi

 The "refuse collectors" came back for the 4th and final load to clear Don's apartment.  The stories of the stuff they uncovered are shocking...  I am told the apartment has already been rented, but there is no way that place could be habitable without a complete fumigation and makeover..

 There was a 4.7 quake again in Colombia almost at the same spot as the 7.4 a month ago, but 4.7 is barely a registered shake.  The 7.4 is about 140 times+ stronger....

I got the sad news that another Ecuador buddy, Michael McNabb, passed away at age 80.  He had lost his wife Patty to Covid, remarried later to Pilar and had moved to Guayaquil. 

 Today is football, football, football and more football,... and all the wrong teams are winning.  The Blue Jays won though...

Dawn made another incredible steak supper tonight.  I am so spoiled.

I am also grateful for friends and my continued good health.  I have fallen off the wagon on the weight loss, but will get back on track from now on. 

I hope you enjoy the pictures.  That was the day’s excitement.

Al

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Love this in the sunlight

See the bee?

Montreal Steak Spice is heaven to me!

 

 

Thursday September 10, 2026 The Common

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Thursday September 10, 2026

 Even though it wasn't a terrific weather day outside, I had invited Dawn and Tracey to join me for The Common's Thursday fish'n'chip special at 5pm.

Tracey took her small wheelchair on the LRT to our Government Center stop at the corner and somehow found a pedway to the Legislature overlook via multiple ramps that I had no idea existed...  She could not come on her Gio because it would fit neither the LRT, nor The Common's doors...  But, she made it and we enjoyed the always wonderful meal with a pricey bottle of wine...  Dawn and I had come over on my Gio and parked it outside because the weather at 6pm was supposed to be iffy.... 

Our server was the lovely and friendly Sadia (pronounced "Saudia") and, as always, we had lively conversations.

Dawn and Tracey have known each other for years and know so many people in common that the stories they tell are amazing...!!  And Tracey is loud and outrageously funny at all times.

Dawn gave us the news that her brother, Randy, from Saskatoon, is being transferred from Calgary to the Mazankowski wing of the University Hospital here for a delicate heart operation.  The whole family has congenital heart defects and all have needed surgery.

 Our Great-nephew Lochlan is doing amazing well at the Stollery wing of the University Hospital and we are again so thankful for everyone's prayers.  Hugs to everyone.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.  That was the day’s excitement.

Al

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© All my work is COPYRIGHT protected and may not be used in any way without purchase, or without my permission.  

If you want to borrow a picture to share with family and friends, Facebook or whatever, at least PLEASE give me credit for the photo.

NOTE  that you may click on any photo for an ENLARGED VIEW.

 

Tracey, old guy, and Dawn

Tracey, Sadia and Dawn

We all had a great time

 

 

 

Wednesday September 9, 2026 My Bunny

 

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Wednesday September 9, 2026

 Monday, I didn't do much, but had a lovely chicken supper at Dawn's apartment.  Other than that, I have been just watching a lot of the US Open Tennis and the Blue Jays.  I did watch my horrible Calgary Stampeders implode again against Edmonton Elks in the Labour Day Classic.  Go Elks Go!!!  The Elks are #1 in the West and have my support in spite of their awful name.

Tuesday, Don's place was being literally shoveled out by a crew of 4 young men.  So far they have filled 2 truckloads and they had apparently yet to touch the bedroom which is piled to at least 4 feet high.  It makes us sick to see so much useful stuff simply discarded, because sifting through to save stuff would increase the hourly rate substantially.... I have no words..

I got off my butt and rode the Gio to the Shopper's Drug Mart on 104 St and Jasper to get my chewy +50 vitamins that I like on sale, some Claritin for mild allergies, and even found my 18% protien milk there for a good price....

That allowed me to skip shopping next at Save-On Foods, instead going to Dollarama where I picked up all my sundry groceries and snacks and saved a few bucks!!! 

I made a large beef steak stew from 3 cut up Round steaks so I could simmer it in marinated sauce and make it tender.  I used a recipe that Cristina uses for the tough, skinny beef she buys in Andalucia.  Dawn enjoyed it with me and I have lots left over for another meal...

I peeked out my window and spotted our resident bunny rabbit (or maybe his offspring) across the neighbouring parking lot.  He was enjoying the grass and munching away, even ignoring a car leaving the lawyers' office parking lot.  It makes me so happy to see the wildlife survive.

Today, I am working on photos again for something to do.

Our great-nephew is improving from his liver transplant in major leaps and bounds so everyone's prayers are helping the little guy.  Keep up the prayers folks......♥♥ 

I hope you enjoy the pictures.  That was the day’s excitement.

Al

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© All my work is COPYRIGHT protected and may not be used in any way without purchase, or without my permission.  

If you want to borrow a picture to share with family and friends, Facebook or whatever, at least PLEASE give me credit for the photo.

NOTE  that you may click on any photo for an ENLARGED VIEW.

 

3 cut-up steaks ready to be stewed

Love the bunnies in the area!