Burnaby - Thor,Gratitude, Grace

Thank you God for this day. Thank you for a night of sleep and interesting dreams. Thank you for the peace and quiet of the awakening day. Thank you for the sunshine. Thank you for  Madigan. Thank you for my ancestors.  Thank you for this Thor. Thank you for the coffee, eggs and yoghurt. Thank you for work and play. Thank you for Jordan Peterson’ We who wrestle with God.  Thank you for Fry’s Mythology.  Thank you for westerns and reading and eyes and imagination of story tellers. Thank you for history and chemistry and physicals. Thank you for my friend Kirk and his Salt Spring Island coffeeshop revival. Thank you for George, his 49 years of inspiration and his love of Burnaby Fellowship, women and cats.  Thank you for Madigan. Thank you for vehicles. Thank you for air. Thank you for space. Thank you for astronaughts and the dream of Mars exploration. Thank you for civilization. Thank you for sensuality and silk and satin and trade. Thank you for satin. Thank you for prayer and contemplation. Thank you for meditation. Thank you for breath.  Thank you for Apple. Thank you for universities. Thank you for medicine and engineering.  Thank you for logic and truth. Thank you for spirituality and the learning of the artists and ethicists,  Thank you for morality and grace.  Thank you for poetry. Thank you for animals and birds and wheat fields and forests and lakes. Thank you for oceans and whales. Thanks you for fish and rain and tropical winds. Thank you for Saipan and San Francisco, Ottawa, Toronto, London, Vancouver, La Paz, Brandon, Churchill, Victoria, Parksville, Tinian, LA, Arizona, Mexico, British Columbia. Thank you for Canada and the USA.  Thank you for all those who have been freed from communism and totalitarianism. Thank you for civilization, Thank you for gravity and physics. Thank you for all dear Lord. Thank you for creation and life and this journey and adventure you have given.  Thank you God for your presence and companionship and reassurance. Thank you for yesterday, today and tomorrow. Thank you Jesus.  

Burnaby - Journal

I have another day to be grateful. To give thanks for  Madigan, for my own body and life. I am a station of sight and sound, feeling, impression, smells and intuitions. I have a vast collection of old memories like DVD’s/ and micro assets and cloud accesss. I have woken and rejoined the collective unconscious.  I am a child of God , made in the image of God. I’m a length of DNA programming, a holographic chip off the greater plate, a being a ‘who man’.  A self aware self questioning entity. Who awoke today and said, God. 

I am not alone.  I am a part of.  I am in this life this puzzle, this program.  I iamagine I programmed it myself with a higher power,  I created this life to gain awareness and character and principle.  I am here to learn love.  Jesus said that he was God but he was not alone. He came from the Father wand would send a Holy Spirit. My friend Bernie prayed each day, “Holy Spirit Come”.  My friend Willie spoke in tongues to invite the Holy Spirit in. I supposed I danced.

I’m stiff and in pain and the chakra centers of my back seem blocked at the Sacral Centre and the Heart Centre.  The chiropractor adjusts there and I get relief from pain and restriction.  As above so below.  So the mind body connection to me is such that my journey 

The orange sacral chakra, according to chakra 101 is the site of sexuality, pleasure and creativity.  Certainly that is what my mind reverts to.  The chakra is imagined as a wheel. I imagine the spinning Apple icon that gets stuck when overwhelmed on the computer.  Issues here are associated with low back pain impotence and feelings of self worth.  The green heart chakra roughly associated with the point in the spine at the level of the heart. It refers to the site of love and compassion and is associated with problems of weight ,heart and asthma. People with issues here often put others first and when blocked have feelings of loneliness and insecurity.  

Given that I’m having problems with sight and hearing the Third Eye Chakra or Brow chakra can be involved. It’s the connection between intuition and affects intuition and imagination. When well a person can see the big picture. 

Personally I feel like there’s this chimney that filled with soot. I like the prayer make me a channel of your peace. In my work I feel like I’m channeling but that I’m so entangled with those who are so angry and frightened that I’m pulled down. I used to dream of flighing and being chased by crowds who would pull me down with their gravity. I feel relieved when I’m alone and rejuvenate in the presence of the holy.  The sickness within is a sadness .  I remember my father longing to be reunited with mom and the two of them finding each other again at the moment of his death.  I’m grateful for this time on earth that allows me to grow and recover and rise.  I like to say I play hide and seek with Jesus but have bought a motorhome called Thor and last night watched yet another episode of Vikings given the Irish Scottish in me much share the Celtic Viking DNA. The Celtic DNA predates the Vikings.  Somee 20% of Irish Scottish DNA is Vikings.  

I laughed with my friendship with John my Danish Australian psychiatrist friends whose son I hunted with.  Perhaps humor is what is in the DNA for those i share laughter in a tribal sense are most akin and may have been through many lives. The Tibetan book of the Dead says we reincarnate in a thousand soul caste which moves us forward karmically.

I loved listening to Cole talk of the god current we are in as we head for the sea.  We are all being carried forward on this love.,

The Christian mysticism of Evelyn Underwood and Richard Rohr supports this and I have another day to adventure and explore.

The dog needs a walk. I’ve a meeting this morning.  I’ll have another coffee when I return.

Thank you God.  

Burnaby - Journal

I slept well.  I gave thanks for the day. I prayed. I showered and walked Madigan for 15 minutes. Then I made coffee and sat down for my morning meetings.  Uplifting inspiring folk.  Friends of many years. Sharing the journey of ‘happy destiny’. 

I made an apt with Dr. Ready, the Chiropracter. Hadn’t seen since I went south for the winter. My lower back chronic pain.  Mostly twisting.  He’s helped it in the past. Certainly the Fountain of Youth hotsprings were the best but then I’ ve been in motion a lot and driving just lead to stiffness and no new pain. Motorcycling as long as I arch my back doesn’t do harm.  I’m really blessed that it hasn’t progressed though there are tempest in the storm that come and go. I hate to think that a sneeze can lay me low.  I’m exercising again which should help. I’ve been walking a lot. 

Madigan waited in the car. I have the open ceiling hatch.  I put water in a bowl.

After the chiropractor we drove to pick up the laundry. Sorry to learn that they’ve sold the laundry and there will be new owners,  Perrhaps I’ll change or even start doing my own laundry.  $25 every week or two isn’t much more than doing it myself at the self laundry.

I found out the mini had been stuck in too close in position making it hard for me to get in and out. I found the release and cleared the rail.  Major improvements. I guess a short person used it and I didn’t adjust it well enough.  

At London Drugs they took the television earphones back but just gave me store exchange not money which is great. The Sony television earphones didn’t fit my Phillips Roku which expects me to use the phone app and then use audio to that. I learned this in the process and now can use my apple ear buds and not feel I’m disturbing the neighbors.  The $200 was significant mostly because I couldn’t use it and I don’t know anyone who would want to use it except another person with growing deafness like me.  I like London Drugs and liked the outcome.

Madigan was pleased that on the way back we stopped at his dog park so he could check all the pee mail and leave his own messages.  There was only one golden lab whose sole interest was fetching the ball his own threw.,  

Now I’m home. I’m thinking a swim or lunch next but may just lay down for a nap.  I do like naps.  

Yesterday was a turn down day. I didn’t sleep well.  Cloudy day.  I’m watching Vikings in Valhalla and Star Tred strange new worlds.  I did get my nails done which was good because I’d broken one off. Madigan and I did some long walks . I’ve been avearage 7000 steps a day up from the 3500 a couple of month. I did the noon meeting too.  It was a lazy day.  There’s lots of little tasks I could do but I really just took it as a turn down day and was glad I did the walks with Madigan.  It was a bit hedonistic.  I might call it a mental health day.  I made a pot of rice and barbecued a great steak. It’s a bit like I imagine some retired folk. No major events or achievement but maintenance and self indulgence.  

Life is good. I’m blessed.  Thank you Jesus. 

Burnaby - Grateful

I am okay today.  I’m grateful for another sunny summer day.  I have slept well. I’m drinking Starbucks Odyssey coffee my neighbor Nicolina gave Laura when she was here motorhome sitting and caring for Madigan. I’m very grateful for such neighbors as Ernst and Nicolina.  I like seeing Mach and Kim most days.  I’ve seen Shane quite often.  Helena was beautiful on the weekend. She told me Dave came by but I missed him and look forward to seeing him,

It’s been a good week. The week has been good.  It’s the people and events,  I’m on my last day today of work.  

Monday was steady. Tuesday I drove the Mini with Madigan into the city.  We stopped at Bean cafe for the Moca, met Gary and Mary Lou and the other staff, I like them but feel guilty since I’ve not been there enough to remember their names. I met with Moninder and it’s been almost a year with one to go till I complete that commitment,  Thankfully there have been no problems. I also saw my medical legal case charged with sex offence.  Otherwise the day at Docside was routine,  

Back home I completed the day with phone calls and virtual.  I did a couple of long walks enjoying the Brunette River and birdwatching,

I’m continuing to listen to Jordan Perterson’s, audio book, We who wrestle with God  I’ve made no progress on my own book though my weekend with Apple retrieving files encouraged me to move forward,

My back continues to ache but much better than last year. I am planning a chiropractic visit.  I’m reestablishing some stretching in Thor after daily meditation.  I’m thankful for the routine,

Maizy has been born, a 8 lb some girl. Alan hasn’t slept and the two are happy.  Adell, the wonderful grandmother keeps me informed. 

I phoned Kevin and Agile Insurance has dropped the ball not forwarding approval these last two months when I didn’t know there was a delay. Thankfully I could call Thaun at Rand and McNally.  He said he’d called and encouraged them,  I’m just concerned that hunting season is approaching and I’ve made a commitment for a week of hunting in Clearwater.  Kevin says he’ll fit the work into his schedule once he has approval,  He’s booked months in advance so it’s annoying the insurance people are delaying,  All shall be well, 

Laura and I had hoped to take the Thor out for the Labor Day long weekend but all the places we’d hoped to camp at are booked,  I’m enjoying being here, I don’t need to leave ,  Staycation in paradise isn’t so bad.  It’s just nice to break from the routine. I am enjoying my Harley. This weekend I have to get my nails done and there’s a Sunday WDIR zoom meeting. I’d thought of church but that will wait another week. I’ve said I’m a summer pagan and winter Christian because I’d rather be in nature when the weather is good.,  

Last night I enjoyed my men’s meeting seeing Jack and Marty, Mario, Ward and George. George is taking his 49 year cake next week and I’m to give it to him,  I am so honored that I’m tongue tied thinking of the night. He’s such a mensch. So kind hearted too.

Thank you God for this day.  Thank you for all your blessings. 

 

Burnaby - ODAAT

I am in my Thor Hurricane Class A Motorhome.  I’m 73 years old.  Still working. Today is Monday and I have a virtual clinic booked all day. It tires me but I love to be of service. I enjoy the routine.  This year and next are planned around my continued work., I’m looking forward to going south this year to LA and Algadones,  I heard that Dr. Jordan Peterson, whose book, “We who wrestle with God” I’m listening to on Audible now, has moved to Arizona.  My favourite place right now is Fountain of Youth nd Bombay Beach Southern California.  For now I’m loving Burnaby. The weather is wonderful.  

I’ve had an incredible journey these last few months, returning from Southern California in my Ford Truck and Adventureer Camper with the Vespa.  I left that at the Chilliwack RV Storage and came back to my Fuzion RV in my Mini.  I took Laura to Harrison Hotsprings, We had a lovely weekend enjoying walks round the pond and hotsprings in the spa.  

I’d not been able to unload my Camper because of damage and weakness at the passenger side Lazy Jack.  That meant I didn’t have the truck to move the RV if I needed to. I confess I felt stranded and an acutely need for a self propelled home.  I’d liked the camper and truck but they were small.  The Fuzion was large enough though I’d had the problem with mice and I didn’t like the garage office.  I’d contemplated motorhomes for years.  Dad and Mom had their Queen they loved and visited Good Sam campgrounds with. 

The political situation has been scarey.  I’ve not felt safe or secure in Vancouver.  I’d rather be in a small town outside a major city.  The peninsula of Vancouver is always a traffic jam. When I was on the sailboat I was safe and could get away but here I was with a sense of being trapped.  The election was won by the Liberals again with massive third world immigration, WEF and UN corruption and major Chinese influence.  The Republicans in the south were a safer bet as the world with doddering Biden and constant lies of media was careening towards worsening World War.  Ukraine and Russia fought on.  Israel and Gaza and Iran fought..  Taiwan stood against Communist China and Trudeau idiocy had made everything in Canada scarey.  At least Carney was an adult though personally ideologically a concern.

The fact of the matter is I had justification for upgrading to the Motorhome after seeing Ernest and Nicholina’s.  I would save 3 months of storage when I drove south.  I imagined reducing to just he Motorhome eventually. I loved the Thor.  I love the Thor. 

It was a status thing too, In the world of snowbirds the motorhome is class A.  I envied my friends Tiffany and the neighbors Dutch star but truthfully I felt home. I felt I was where I needed to be but didn’t like the debt incurrred but my savings would cover the cost and maintain funds. I didn’t like that Liberal mismanagement o the enconomy and corruption created inflation which reduced my savings punishing the good of Canada, by a third. It’d hard being ruled by sociopaths but countries communist China and Korea are worse.

I’m learning to ‘look on the bright side’ and recommended the Monty Python song and tube version of the choir singing on the crucifixion

I’m away of my character defect and tendency to  catastrophize and to go to self pity.  I know ‘poor me’ is a mental virus’s.  I’m okay today. 

I enjoyed the monumental task of buying the Thor and transferring the contents of the Fuzion RV to my new hom at Traveland. Kenny Rogers was a good salesman and like salesman do took advantage but in then end I had the deal. I’d phoned George and George for help with decision making and had the incredible kind, wise and wonderful support of Laura.  Then moving Alina and Alena from Merry Maids helped with Laura and Anna.  Anna was glad to get the Potlach as were Mach and Dave and Ernst.  I had too much ‘stuff’ and was glad to minimize.  I imagine my friend Barb would have sold everything on the Facebook Marketplace and made a few thousand but I enjoyed the happiness of sharing my good time and seeing the joy of windfall in eyes of friends.  It was amazing that it was done and even more amazing when Laura and I drove the Thor to Burnaby.

I was then off with the camper and truck driving across Canada to see the family in Ottawa, visit nephews and great nephews I’d last seen before Covid.  Adell was incredible. I miss my brother and wish he were aicve.  I returned with the hard bottom inflatable and 30 hp.  All the while I continued virtual medicine.  It was a great journey.  

I’d learned that I had cataracts and macular degeneration and my eyes need to be monitored with the possibility of surgery in the near future.  Driving and seeing the country was part of that,  Coming home again was great.

Laura and I then took the Thor to Sunshine Valley, our first excursions and all went well, 

We attended the International Confrwence of AA at the Vancouver Conveention centre and BC Stadium with some 50,000 people.  What an experience!

Then I drove my HD Nightster Special Motorcycle to Spokane for the IDAA. I spent time with the Cyberdocs friends and Madeline,  I’d seen Dave and Dave at the Int4rnational and then again in Spokane, Tommy was a pleasure to be with, She’s in her mid 80’s now.  It was all uplifting.

The motorcycle ride back in a day was a hoot.  I’m so thankful for God’s grace., 

Now I’m settling into a routine. Laura was here with Madigan but she’s gone home. I’v had the week with him He’s adjusting to all the changes.  We’re getting back to routine,

Meagan and Alan had Maizy, an 8 pd baby girl.

That’s exciting,

We’re booked for hunting in October, the Thanbgiving Weekend. I’m still trying to arrange for a weekend camping with the Thor but all the spots were booked for the Sept 1 long weekend.  Sept 10 is the opening of rifle hunting.  I’ ve called Kevin to see if the Camper is repaired.  Dave came by on the weekend while spent time on Saturday and Sunday retrieving data with Ayden at Apple, I’d made a terrible mistake and almost deleted all my files when I was just trying to clean up ny photo files. 

My PAL card arrived in the male but I’m still waiting for the Nexus card though the computer says all is fine,

I’m working on ODATT

I took my 28 year cake at Burnaby Fellowship. Now I’m looking forward to giving George his cake.  It’s a challenge 

I’ve work cases involving the courts at Docside but otherwise it’s no challenge

I continue to attend St. Barnabus Anglican Church but haven’t been this month,  Emily has been away on sabbatical.  

With the scare of losing files I’ve decided to move forward on writing my books.  So I’ll start editting and printing. It seems such work.  Blogging is so much esaier.  Keeping journals.  

I don’t so much wrestle with God as play peek a boo with Jesus,  

Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. I aim to maintain an ‘attitude of gratitude’ one day at a time,  

Harrison Hot Springs Resort

I am here again with Laura and Madigan.  I love Harrison hot springs.  I’ve been coming some 40 years. One of the best times was when I rented a cabin in the resort for my parents.   Laura and I have been coming by car, truck and motorcycle.  We’ve stayed in a half dozen of the hotels.  We loved the Bungalow cabins and see they’ve been torn down. I liked the Harrison Beach Hotel for the underground parking for m y Harley electroglide when Laura would ride on the back all over the province with me.  Gilbert my previous cockapoo came along.  He’d ride with me on the motorcycle and Mazda Miata but Laura then was relegated to my truck.  In the Miata the dogs sit on her so for a winter drive to SAN Diego I bought the Mini Cooper  to accommodate both girl and dog.    Today I have the Mini Cooper for Laura and Madigan. 

Without a dog we enjoyed dinners in the Copper Room. Before that i can remember coming for dinner and dancing in there. Since the dogs came , we’ve dined now at most of the restaurants in town that have a balcony where we can sit with a dog.  Mostly though at the Harrison Hotspring I order our meals at the Lakeside Cafe. I had their fish and chips last night. Delicious Madigan loved his burger paddy and Laura the Chicken wrap.  We topped it off with vanilla ice cream because Madigan likes a spoonful of that too.  Life revolves around the dog.  

Laura and I have now had two walk's along the lake.  It’s so beautiful. Such incredible views of lake and snow capped mountains. Blue sky and sunshine this afternoon. I was up at 8 30 and walked Madigan around the lake in a light rain  before ‘taking the waters’.  I’ve been in the adult pool twice and once in the indoor hot hot pool.  

Laura and I just returned from walking down the lake to where the hot springs are bubbling up and steaming. The water for the hotel and the public pool are taken from that point.

We’ve also come with the truck and camper and stayed at the Glencoe RV park and used the public hot spring pool .

I put a hold payment on a Thor Hurricane bus yesterday so next we will probably be bringing  that to Glencoe or another of the RV parks. There’s the provincial campground up the lake. I’ve camped along the lake and even hunted mostly grouse with my quad. There’s some wilderness hotspring up in the mountains I’ve climbed up  when. I was younger. 

Now I just love the Harrison Hot Springs resort  pool.  So meditative.  Such a gloriously beautiful place.

On the way back from my last luxurious experience I picked up cappuccino’s from the coffee shop. We get breakfast croissants there sometimes  but the cafe’s in the town make egg and bacon sandwich I bought us those this morning on my way back from the walk with Madigan. 

I love it here.  Laura loves it here.  Madigan loves it here too.  

Last night we watched a Gerald Butler movie before a peaceful sleep.  Now that we’re back from another walk time to get back down to the hot springs we can see from our window in the main building. 

God is good all of the time Thank you Jesus.   

Lost Hill California KOA RV Campground, California

It was a trial to get through Los Angeles foothills. It’s another time I’ve done them in the day time and they’re not so daunting. The times I did them at night really challenged me.  Now they’re just stressful. I travelled through Pasadena.  The Palisades was where the fires were. I didn’t even see any more smoke. Just the haze I associate with LA.

The KOA campground was delightful.  Kind of a miniature perfect place beside truck stops and gas stations and motels.  Somebody was thinking of us. 

I walked Madigan and he liked the little dog park.

The treat though was the goats. The farmer was there and told me that the two little kids had been born in the last two hours.  What a miracles.  Madigan was most interested and the kids were as curious about him. The mothers were very proud.  

I had a great even and showered in the morning. Another day of driving began with the Macdonald’s breakfast. I didn’t even make my own coffee. 

Burnaby - Canada Day

it was truly wonderful to wake yesterday in the Sunshine Valley.  The sky was blue. The sun was hot.  Children and dogs were playing.  Quads were gunning their engines.  People were headed out to the pools with multi colored towels, The air was fresh with the scent of campfires left over from the night before.  Early risers were cooking breakfast. Laura and I and Madigan had slept the night through waking restful and grateful. 

Thank you God for another day. I’ve woken that way today. Thank you God for another day.

It took little time to load the bicycle, take down and stow bicycles, lawn chairs and Starlink.  I knew how to retract the awning and the slides and the jacks.  In no time we were pulling out of Sunshine Valley RV Resort.  Heading home.

I’m more confident driving.  I’m used to the noises of the motorhome.  It’s clunky like a Jeep or Truck.  It’s big.  The alarm sounded when we passed the RV slums roughly the same distance we’d come when the alarm had gone off going the other way.  I was able to stop for gas only to find the gas fill was on the driver side. I found the portable water tank on the other side. It was tight getting into the gas pumps but after going slow on the side road with increased ventilation the beeping stopped,, I’d found it came from the bedroom and later surmised it was a sensor by the fuse box, perhaps the propane sensor or electrical. The clothing and ‘stuff’ from the bedroom side window had fallen and likely was contributing to the lack of ventialiation. I later asked Grok about alarms and learned more.  I feel I’m ready.  It’s heat and ventilation related and went off when I turned off the engine and when I increased the ventilation.

I believe the Ford air conditioning system needs more fluids. The ‘change oil’ sign comes on in the morning. I plan to discuss a service with Coastal Ford maybe in August.  Having driven across Canada with the change oil sign on the F350 and discussed that with several mechanics I’m okay for a while. I do wonder spiritually why I’m having lubricant maintenance signs happening on the truck, the motorhome and months back the Harley.  What is the meaning for me at the deeper level?  I don’t know but I’m okay. I’ll prevail.  

I’m thankful for sobriety and AA and the lessons of spirituality because I remember how ‘freaked’ and ‘anxious and angry’ I’d have been 30 years ago.  I really did believe God was hostile and punishing and the world was hostile. Today I’m thankful that I believe my God is a loving God and that we will ‘win’ in the end.  This too will pass.  Life is a journey and an adventure

I’m back in Burnaby at a different site.  It was a much easier ride home.  I still love the panorama view from the grand Class A window.  It’s glorious.  I feel like I’m at the movie theatre driving a bus.  

Laura helped me back into the new spot closer to Earnest and Nicoliona’s Thor.  The key was having a bush rather than a tree behind me so the Starlink was unobstructed. My Torino Electric Bicycle is pushed up against the bush and not easily accessible, But I have my Harley once again.  

I am happy with the electric bicycle for now but will get the Motorhome over to H&E hitch to see if I can mount my motorcycle ramp and carrier to the back.  I eventually want to tow a little truck like the Ford Maverick so I can carry the Harley in the back and have the truck for expeditions.  

Laura and I want to take the Motorhome to Harrison’s next this summer, and maybe Whistler RV.  I find myself looking forward to returning to Fountain of Youth hot springs in Southern California and LA Long Beach.  I’m living one day at a tine but hopeful and feeling positive about the future.

We’re set up again here,  It’s so green and pleasant.  I road the Harley to Tiki Boo Laundry dropping it off for the lovely young Asian lady who runs the place with her kindly husband. Hard working intelligent folk.  I remember thinking the same of the Jewish couple who ran the corner store near the apartment I had decades back.  I love seeing hard working reliable people.  

I’d screwed up with the holiday and work so spent to afternoon doing virtual work and phoning people from the morning so that I was able to manage work as well. A long and tiring day with the drive, But so good to be home safely,  So happy with the Thor Hurricane Motorhome.  

Madigan and Laura are such good company, Madigan did  chew the comforter , something he’s not done in a year but it’s a whole new home and world for him so I’m understanding of his anxiety.  He’s a funny little guy, killing Big Bird and the stuffing going all over

I barbecued chicken that the Full Basket Butchers and sold me already marinaded, We had it with a prepared chopped salad kit. It was delicious,  Then we watched Blue Bloods,  Tom Selleck and Warburg and the other great family characters with positive Catholics values and service.  Too much late night snacking with ice cream bars but not too bad on the scale of things,

Today is Canada Day.  I commented on Facebook that people should beware of honking their horns in Ottawa. I continue to distrust the government the mass migrations, the heavy taxation the corruption , the foreign affairs, money missing, globalism and the Liberals in general.  But Carnie is more intelligent than Trudeau and less nauseating.  I’m hopeful.  Israel and the US have bombed the Iranian nuclear facility.  China and Korean and Russia have come together to back Iran, The war between Russia and Ukraine continues with increasing drone use. Elon Musk continues his Starship production.  I hope we reach Mars soon.  

Today is Canada Day. Canada is the greatest country in the world,  God’s country.  The Islam invasion continues and I remember Tom thinking the LGBT were the shock troops. Seeing the silly Lesbians for Palestine promoting sharia law is absurd but journalism is more and more just like the Kardasians, click bit,

I’m thankful to be here, blessed by the present

Laura is up and putting the leash on Madigan to take him for his morning walk.  I’ll make another coffee.

Intnerational AA Convention is beginning this week in Vancouver and I’m looking forward to getting to some meetings and speeches. Next week I ride my motorcycle to Spokane to attend IDAA.  It’s a good year for sobriety. I took my 28 year cake and am thankful for the learning and understanding.  Keep coming back. We’ll love you till you can love yourself.  Spirituality is growing love inside.  If there’s a problem you’re looking at the problem in the mirror.  Laws of attraction and perception. Presence.

Thank you God.  Thank you Jesus.  Saints of all religions I bow to you all. May your love shine forever on the sanctuary of my devotion.

Thank you Jesus.  Holy Spirit Come. 

Burnaby Home with Madigan and Thor

I am thankful to be home on my Thor Hurricane Motorhome.  I arrived back from Spokane on the HD Nightster Special. What a ride! Laura and Madigan had had the week together.  We got a Monday reprieve, walking the dog and barbecuing steak

Tuesday I spent the day working. Returning to the routine.  Virtual patients 3 hours in the morning and afternoon.  Troubles shooting and prescribing. Walking the dog and sandwiches.  Then at night NCIS.

I was pleased to pick up my laundry before Tiki Boo Laundery Closed.  I was also pleased to be paid and turn pay off the credit cards I’d used in travelling,  After buying the Motorhome and travelling to Ottawa and Spokane it was a bit getting out of credit card debt. Now I’m back on track and feeling better for it.

I’d tried to find an RV site for the Sept 1 long weekend without success,  Ecerything is booked out to 4 hours drive.  That’s the bow hunting opening and then the following weekend is rifle hunting, I was pleased to finally get my PAL renewal.  We’re booking off the week before the Thanksgiving hopefully to go up to Clearwater,  I don’t mind a 5 hour drive if we’re staying a week,  

Today I’ve woken at 6, meditated and walked Madigan twice around the park listening to Jordan Peterson discuss Moses and the Burning Bush,.

It’s a routine, these work days.  I was emotionally drained yesterday and wonder at times how it would be without that stress,  I’m being of service and I like being paid. It’s routine.  A bit of a slog at times but really a good life. I feel like all those others who have good work and are steady eddies. I’ve been so pressured in the past and under such demands.  Now it’s almost like being back when I had the government job for a year. I’m not liking the waste and corruption in the news so I try to avoid it,  Social media is increasingly inundated by the systems shit.  I liked watching the lives of friends but that’s less and less of the platform which is increasingly marketing shit.  Shit advertising, shit ideas and shit products.  I need to better use my time, I did some exercise today 

It really is good. This is a lovely place and I really am grateful for all the blessings I’ve been given

Thank you Jsusus,  

IDAA Spokane, Harley Motorcycle Ride Spokane to Burnaby

What a wonderful time I had at the Spokane IDAA. Of the some 25 I’ve attended this one is special especially because of the people.  I must have known a dozen or more incredible people I’ve spent close time with over the years. As I said to John, it really is like ‘Same time Next Year’.  “But without the sex,” he responded.  Yes without the sex. Indeed the sex and intimacy meeting in Al Anon was one of the best.  I really enjoyed a lot of AA. I’d come from the Internatioanl Conference in Vancouver and was immersed in principled and fellowship.  I loved the in depth discussion of the steps and spirituality.  I enjoyed the banquets.  Meals were great.The speakers were outstanding.  600 people. A whole lot of recovery.  I loved Art and his Son Jay doing the count and giving out the big book.  So good to see Marv.  A delight to see Herb and Brandon Dave after just seeing them at the Intrnational.  I loved seeing Madeleine at both. Her house and retirement and kayaking all sound divine and well deserved,  I really enjoyed John and Jennifer.  Akron Dave was the best.  I connected most with people from cyberdocs.  All theses little screen people full blown.  Cole,a magician, suddenly appearing full sized in all her glory caught me off guard.  I had the same feeling about Ben a face I see on Saturday morning suddenly full bodied.  Luna the service dog was regal, I missed my own pup thankful Laura was caring for him.  So many discussions about cats and dogs and all these friend I’ve known a quarter of century telling me their kids have finished college. How did we get so old. 

I loved sorting out my Motorcycle at Lone Wolf and Vintage enjoying the rides and the brakes from the Davenport Grand Hotel and Confernce Centre.  Spokane is such a beautiful city. I am so thankful for Tommie as she organized our dinner and I delighted in Elliott’s Neighbourhood kitchen.  Tommie is immersed in recovery in retirement and gives me hope for the future.  So many of us discussed hearing aids this time while others had acquired canes.  I didn’t feel alone and afraid. My colleagues are going before with courage and humor.  

The Saturday night speaker, Lithuanian, surgeon, psychiatrist, horse jumper, mother, amazed us with an extraordinary tale of suffering joy and resilience.  It’s so important to be among to the greats. I felt like I was at times among those who’d been on the space station.  Famous names and down to earth folk who were working programs to increase their love and care.  Two more friends had died and I recognized them when we had silence for those we’d lost. Adam made me laugh.  Corrine and Carole remain so beautiful.  I loved seeing Julie but missed the dance.  There were so many I’ve known nd shared with.  Charles, my psychiatrist friend warmed my heart with his wisdom.  In past meetings I’d made every psychiatry break out but this one I was focused on Dick’s early bird and the Cyberdocs.  Attitude of Gratitude.  There’s at least a dozen more I was close to but now they are just a swirl of love and joy.  I am so thankful to be sober and with a higher power and with others who work to be better each day.  It’s truly humbling to be among such greats and to feel their love and care.  I laughed so much and cried a little.

I left early Sunday, at 630 am.  I thanked God for keeping me safe on the ride down and was glad to be away praying all day to stay awake and live.  It was a magnificent ride among wheat fields and evergreens.  I find the Cascades a challenge just like coming into LA.  Curving high speed highways with racing trucks and cars crowding all round and intense attention.  I was so glad to be through and coasting into Seattle. Then up the well known number 5. Despite my Nexus Card being out of date the kindly customs waved mine through. It’s right on the computer and for a year now I’ve been waiting for Canada Post to sort out its strike threats and get me a new card.  I’m waiting on a bank card replacement.  So much for slow mail all much longer delays.  Yet humans who are kind and with it.  I was glad to be back in Canada. I love coming home.  Then I was home,’

Dog ecstatic, running in circles, jumping up and down, bringing me toys. I was glad I’d stopped and bought him a bone. I hugged my dearest friend Laura and was so glad to be back in my Thor Hurricane Home.  I drank several cokes and ginger ales.  Dehydrated. The ride had been hot.  I was glad to unload the leathers and get into shorts and t shirt.  Laying down on my couch in the air conditioning. Thank you God for keeping me alert and alive. Thank you God for such a wonderful conference. I even enjoyed the CME but mostly the people. I truly am blessed to know such angels.  Next year Chicago.  I am so thankful for this year.  It’s been such a rush returning from southern Californian, Fountain of Youth, then Harrisons’ and buy the Thor and driving the camper truck with Vespa to Ottawa and returning towing the motorboat.  Then taking the Thor to Sunshine Valley and returning for the international and motorcycling to Spokane and back.  All the while I’ve maintained my practice and continued to learn with audiobooks and study.  It’s a wonderful life thanks to God , sobriety, a design for living, and the love of friends. I’m normally fairly reclusive but these intense weeks with so many people celebrating life have been so rewarding. 

Now I’m back to my routine and looking forward to it. Thank you Jesus.  

Egomaniac with inferiority complex

I first heard that 28 years ago and thought that sums up my dilemma perfectly.  I also heard the words ‘incomprehensible demoralization’ and felt sympatico again.  Today I don’t feel the shame, anger, hurt or self pity I once did. I just had a lovely dinner with friends I’ve known decades.  I was simply thankful. Great food, great service, great company.  I am blessed.  

Thank you. 

IDAA Spokane 2025. To thine own self be true

I’m loving this conference, The Spokane Convention Center has great acoustics and is such a friendly place.  I’m staying in the Grand Hotel and it’s perfect,  I like the showers and bed and view. There’s a great tv I watched on night

The rest of the time has been going to CME meetings and recovery meetings. I just love all the friends I’ve come to know since my first meeting in Toronto 1998.  I miss Hank and do many other old guy and gal I came to know and be close to but have now passed on.  We call it the great meeting in the sky.  So many of my mentors have been 10 years older or so and now I’m older and it’s been a good life in recovery serving and being among the best of the best.

I’ve even had time to ride my motorcycle in town on errands. It’s also been fixed up, the break fluid and oil leak solved so I’m prepared and looking forward to the ride home. 

So happy to be among the cyberdoc group in person.  The banquets and food have been the best. 

It’s only just begun too

Thank you God, Thank you nous.  Thank you soul, Thank you heart. Thank you Imago Deo.  Thank you Jesus. Thank you Sam Shoemaker and Father Dowling, Thank you Carl Jung and Emerson. Thank you for all you have opened their eyes and looked to hope and possibility with resilient faith.  Thank you for IDAA.  

Tonight was the New comers banquet and another inspirational time. 

Next year Chicago,

Spokane - IDAA 2025 Conference - Princeton to Spokane Ride

Princeton to Keremeos was a good ride.  Great weather. Terrific #3 road.  Green evergreens and blue sky.  Lots of fruit markets for the great area produce. A quail ran across the road in Keremeos. I remember seeing flocks of the curious little birds another time here 

I’d planned to cross into the US after Osooyous but saw the Nighthawks day time border crossing sign and headed there.  A lonely post.  One pleasant young American customs man on duty.  Asked me where I was going.

Spokane

What for

The IDAA medical conference. I’m a doctor. 

He seemed to wonder at me riding the Harley or taking this off road route to Spokane.  When he gave back my passport he handed me my Nexus card. It had somehow been stuck in the passport and I thought I’d lost it.  Good find, Good news.  New terrain now, very sagebrush and cowboy movie.  Louis L’amour would like it.  I loved riding the Harley on to Oroville then down the 97. There were stretches of orchard mixed up with free range.  All beautiful country.  Great riding. Lots of rivers and lakes.  I stopped in Oman for gas and to get my bearings.  It as getting hotter and hotter when I stopped and downed yellow edition Red Bull. The chocolate bars  I bought became liquid in their wrappers in my saddle bag.

I took an Alt 97 to Lake Chelan, this great holiday lake.  I was able to find a secluded place beside the lake where I could watch my motorcycle while I took a dip. Someone had joined a ladder to the rocks von the south shore so I could climb down in my shorts and swim in the gloriously cool clear water. What a fabulous lake.  It’s designated a National Recreation Centre with fishing and lovely homes along the shore, beaches, sailboats.  The town had everything you could want with restaurants and cafe full of families and young people.  

I was so thankful for the cooling off and continued.  I left 97 and continued on number 2 through Watervile and Coulee City. I’d come out of the Arizona Southern California terrain into endless wheat fields. Further along I was taken by more cowboy terrain. I took a side road to Jefferson Lake imagining another dip but found this algae filled lake with ducks and geese and an RV resort.  It was such a surprising find in the desert like environs I imagined how the original settlers would have felt blessed by this western Oasis and great find of water. 

Back on number 2 I was making good time going 70 mph or a 140 plus km on the straight well paved highway.  The distance to Spokane got less and less so I decided not to take a motel for the night but go to the hotel I was booked into the next day.  

I was joyful entering Spokane but when I pulled over to find the name of the hotel the phone was dead. I used to iPad to charge it further but I couldn’t find the hotel name and decided to stay the night at the Best Western City Centre.  Great hotel.  I ordered pizza and drank a couple of water bottles an a half dozen cans of coke I was so dehydrated.  Eating Dominos pizza and watching Mom I didn’t feel vat all tired at might probably because of the earlier Red Bull. When I tried to sleep I was back on the bike on the highway travelling like the day when I’d come ashore from sailing and still be in the motion of the ship.  

I really did feel thankful to God for guardian angels and blessed support.  It was a rush to make this trip.  I pray a lot on the road doing meditation in motion and wind therapy.  I finally fell asleep and woke tired but till happy to be alive,  

I found the hotel name and my receipt for the weeks stay so headed here first thing in the morning.  I was able to drop my bags and then ride the Harley to Vintage V-Twin.  Lone Wolf Harley Dealer is another good place but Vintage was closer and ready to solve my problem immediately.  I loved the service.  It helped that the reception was really cute and loved bikes. The mechanic was the best.  He found that the brake fluid was the problem old with water in it. He also found the oil leak.  Fixed both and I really liked having my rear brakes back. I’d been losing them since Princeton.  I didn’t like the idea of returning through the Cascakes dependent on only thee front brakes.

While the Harley was being serviced billsfriendlyrides.com picked me up and took me back to the Conference centre,  I was able to register and meet a whole lot of great folk I knew.  I’m in these little gallery pictures of virtual doctors, so it’s’ a real experience meeting the big people. Akron Dave was there along with Dick who carries on Hal Marley’s attitude of gratitude traditio.  It was great to see so many people and catch the first half of Penny’s talk on REDI - race, equity, diversity and inclusion, She’s been studying institutions and pointed out that medical schools are now 54% female, and that AA is more male than female versus NA which is more closely comparable.  Those sorts of assessments are just observations but the aim at IDAA was to make it more inclusive.  

Vintage V-Twin called just then and I was glad to get Bill to take me back to pick up my motorcycle.  What a great machine.  So glad to ride it back to the Grand Hotel. I have to stop frequently and check maps on my phone do am looking forward to when I can get a GPS mount on the handle bars.

What a great day and there’s still the evening

Madeleine texted me that she’s moving over to the Davenport since she’d stayed at the Centennial where hundreds of bikers have gathered. I was invited by one to a barbecue feast tonight. I’m rather tired and will enjoy a good nights sleep but first will head out and great some more,

I ran into Art outside the men’s’ room and saw Carol in the lobby. It’s just a huge meet and greet of my favourite people of all time,  What a wonderful society.  Everyone’s been asking me about the International Conference that was just in Vancouver,  Some were there too. It’s all about spirituality and a higher power.  I feel like I’ve been lofted on eagle’s wings or rather Harley tires.  I’m really feeling blessed and grateful. 

Thank you God. Thank you Jesus, Thank you Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!!!