Friday, November 22, 2013

Bill's 2nd Post and some orange themes too.

Bill wrote most of this post.  I am simply transcribing his words from his memory journal, but will probably slip in the odd comment as well.  My thoughts will be in the blue font.

Today was a beautiful day, cold but sunny.  We had a wonderful long walk around Granville Island and False Creek and back to Yaletown via Aquabus.  Later, we met dear friends, Jock and Kitty at our favourite coffee house, Bean Around the World at Mainland and Homer.  We walked to the library after that to pick up Over My Head: A Doctor's Own Story of Head Injury From the Inside Looking Out by Claudia Osborn.  We came back home where I had a restful nap before supper.  Later, we watched CBC news for our Rod Ford fix.  Black Jack expressed her disapproval of the whole situation.

Here are Bill's captions to the pictures I took:

Bill and Black Jack waiting for the Aquabus.  
 Aquabus approaching the dock at David Lam Park.
Rich people's toys getting a new paint job.
 Ice covered pond on Granville Island.  Rare to see ice here.  Must have been a cold night.
 Beautiful winter grass.
 Beautiful end of season flower.
 Beautiful finch.  Most likely a House Finch, but I did wonder if it could be a Purple Finch.
 Dragon Boats at low tide.
 The last orange tree.  This tree really stood out to me.  A lady walking by said, "It won't look like that for long."  True, perhaps, so all the more precious.
 The Erickson Building.  
 American Wigeons
 Orange reflection 
 This shows the source of that reflection.
Marina walk way.
 "Getting to know you..  
 "Getting to know all about you."
 We should have brought our ice skates.
 Look Mom, I can fly.
 Saw Hooded Mergansers for the first time in quite a while.  Just a day or two ago, I saw that exact same Mohawk cut on a young fellow crossing the street in front of me.  
 Here is the male.
 Orange berries.
 On the Aquabus, going from Stamp's Landing to Yaletown.  
 Another orange tree.
 Happy times with friends,
We are at Bean Around the World.  They sell many products by Eightfold Eats.  I LOVE their Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chunk jumbo cookie.  All the products by Eightfold Eats are tasty and healthy, and many are vegan, gluten and sugar-free as well.
Inviting portal to our main library.
I've read the first five chapters of "Over my Head: A Doctor's Own Story of Head Injury from the Inside Looking Out" by Claudia Osborn.  This is the first book Bill has been able to focus on for quite some time.  Amazon describes the book this way:
"Locked inside a brain-injured head looking out at a challenging world is the premise of this extraordinary autobiography. Over My Head is an inspiring story of how one woman comes to terms with the loss of her identity and the courageous steps (and hilarious missteps) she takes while learning to rebuild her life. The author, a 45-year-old doctor and clinical professor of medicine, describes the aftermath of a brain injury eleven years ago which stripped her of her beloved profession. For years she was deprived of her intellectual companionship and the ability to handle the simplest undertakings like shopping for groceries or sorting the mail. Her progression from confusion, dysfunction, and alienation to a full, happy life is told with restraint, great style, and considerable humor."  At Bill's worst, I feared he might need rehab training and contacted G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre to see if he could spend some time there.  He was refused because they don't consider cognitive dysfunction caused by delirium to qualify for brain injury rehab.  I feel this is one of several changes i would like to make in a system, that at least in some respects, failed Bill.  The lady I spoke to recommended this book and it clearly has triggered some interest on Bill's part.  That, to me, is high recommendation.
 Dusk falls down on Homer Street.
 Bill levitates Black Jack's tongue.
 I am the cutest dog on the planet.  And Bill is the cutest guy on the planet.
 Sweet dreams, Black Jack.  And, sweet dreams to our readers.  By the way, the framed words on the table came from my dear sister, Sherrill.  They say, " I smile because you are my sister.  I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it."  Sherrill has been a source of much comfort throughout Bill's illness.
Since it is Friday, I've decided to link this post with the blog meme: Orange You Glad It's Friday.  The requirement is to have an orange theme in many of the pictures.  I found some orange in quite a few pictures.  Anyone up for guessing how many? Thank you so much for stopping by to share in this journey.  

11 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful record of an excellent day! Thanks Bill and Carol! Hugs, Phyllis

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  2. Nice to read some of Bill's writings on this post! I see “orange” juice and lots of objects verging into a reddish orange hue. Yes … it is when one is stricken with a condition that requires complicated medical attention that holes in the system are exposed.

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  3. black jack loves her bill! :) the wigeons are beautiful, the finch, too. loved the colorful reflections and the aquabus looks pretty neat! 'bean around the world' is a great name. thanks for the post and pics!

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  4. Good to see Bill doing well. He must have good physical endurance to spend a day out like that. No way would Lorne be able to do all that. He's still waiting for his blood transfusion on Monday and then hopefully, he'll feel better enough to get out. He is so bored right now.

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  5. haha that is a lot of butt sniffers. One funky building too and black jack stole the show

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  6. Carol & Bill - this was a great kickstart to my day today....I have been rather lazy and feel a bit more motivated now. Beautiful photos and beautiful insights into your journey right now - thank you so much for sharing. - it is so good to see your progress Bill, and to think that you can once again enjoy the simple but important things in life - and what glorious weather we have been having since you have been able to come home. Take care and God Bless to both of you - I will continue to pray for your recovery and for many happy times together.

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  7. Bill here. Thanks for reading and double-thanks to everyone who left a comment.

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  8. Over a dozen orange pics here for sure! Wonderful photos and captions as usual, you two!
    Frozen water in Vancouver British Columbia? Unheard of, I'd say!! lol I remember picking roses on Christmas Day for heavens sake!
    That book on brain injury sounds very interesting. Being a survivor of a sever concussion, I will have to look this book up. Thanks for mentioning it.
    That boat reflection photo is fantastic! Would look great on a wall above that sofa!! Just sayin'.
    have a great weekend...both of you!

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  9. This makes me smile, all over! You 2 are like a tandem bicycle ~~ it takes 2 to tango, to ride a bike together with Black Jack at the helm, of course. Love the water picture ~~~ the rhapsody of colours ~~~ the blurring edges and tones ~~ just love it!
    Sure hope this weekend brings more laughter and smiles!
    What about that ice? Never heard of this before. Be careful my friends ~~ no walking on ice ~~ long story there!

    Lots of dog licks from Sophie

    Ron

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  10. I am so happy to see your dear faces enjoying familiar sites. Bill, your sense of fun has been restored, and how wonderful it is to see Carol smile once more. You both look fantastic! Much love,
    Sherrill

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  11. Wonderful pics! Thanks for sharing them on OYGIF.

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