Ahh, Maxine has such a positive attitude. I adore her. 
I've finally arranged to have a physiotherapist visit me at home. I can no longer balance or turn on the narrow beds they use in clinics. With some stretching and range of motion exercises I'm hoping to increase the mobility in my back, hips and legs. I also have an occupational therapist coming on Wednesday to discuss bathroom renovations re making the shower wheelchair friendly. Being proactive is so important. I don't "do" panic well.

My friends and family continue to help out with tasks, encouragement and fun. Thank you one and all!

A fellow ALS patient from Salisbury New Hampshire passed away. He was a hiker who snapped photos of beautiful landscapes on his travels. It seemed fitting that I recognize his spirit and talent by sharing a few of his beautiful pictures with all of you. The world has lost a creative eye.

I'll be living here soon!

Check out the scoop under Faces of PALS on right.

Click on "I want to be president"

I'll be the first Canadian US president.

Please vote for me when the big day comes.

You win some, you lose some.

I'm a little tired today--too much partying yesterday. A chef came to my place and cooked a gourmet meal. It was a gift from a friend. 4 of us enjoyed delicious food.
I've been getting that lump back in my throat which appears to be some paralysis of the throat muscles. It makes my eating much slower but I can still swallow without choking. It's just darn annoying.
The weather has been beautiful so I hope everyone has been outside to soak up a few rays.

someone asked--

A variety of cellular insults may intersect, leading individually or in concert to neuron degeneration, neuron death and finally ALS. A faculty gene (1) and excess glutamate (2) may lead to damaging free radicals (3), which can harm the nerve cell's DNA. Glutamate also may lead to the production of detrimental calcium, which can churn out its own supply of DNA-harming free radicals. The free radicals also may injure neurofilaments (4), proteins that serve as the skeleton of the cell. In addition, the immune system (5) may be involved in harming neurons. Abnormalities can lead to an accumulation of the toxic calcium.

The fireworks (Celebration of Light) start on Wednesday so I'll have to stay up or buy ear plugs.

10:30 is my bed time but perhaps with a swig of Geritol(do they still make it?) I'll stay awake.

I'm thinking of investing in a summer home.

This one is cheap and original in design.

I just may have to order it online. It would look rather nifty docked in front of the Granville Island Hotel. I wonder how long it will take to sail it here from the Mississippi?

This picture was taken from my balcony with my new Lumix camera(18x optical zoom). It's like Christmas in July around here.

Yes I will die broke--but with a smile on my face!

Life is good.

This is my snazzy new vehicle. I sold my sports car and bought this jazzy red Ferrari. It goes like the wind and turns on a dime--well almost. My brother, Ken, took me out for a driving lesson last night. We went to the Cactus Club for dinner(Saturday evening--what were we thinking!?) and everyone got to go home with no missing toes. This morning we scooted down to Granville Island. What a gorgeous morning it was! I feel as if I've been given my wings back.

I'm a little tired these days but managing to get out just the same.

Yesterday I went on a shopping excursion and it took me forever to try on a few pairs of capris. Getting my shoes on has become a labor of love so dealing with my slow limb responses in a shop change room was a challenge of great magnitude. My friends are so VERY patient. I'm sure they will all become saints after my demise.

Today I had my modified barium swallow test at UBC. They didn't see any blockage or extreme muscle slowness. They agreed that my coughing is due to some weakness but with a few changes to my diet I should be fine for now. I can still go out for lunch. Yahoo!

My brother is arriving tonight and we hope to purchase a small power chair tomorrow for indoors and the occasional outdoor adventure. The new one will be much narrower than the one I have for 'off roading' through the park. Starbucks will be pleased to see me clearing the door frame and leaving the garbage container upright. They're so picky!

I have posted a new inspirational movie clip on the right. Click on "A Gift for You." Enjoy.

Last evening, at sunset, this was the view from my bedroom window. The old paddlewheeler was returning to Coal Harbour after a dinner cruise. This morning I was up at 5 and watched the sunrise. Many visiting boats, both sail and motor, are anchored in Alder Bay. They sleep so peacefully as the seagulls fight over yesterday's French fries along the boardwalk. It's impossible to be self absorbed in an illness when you see what I see. How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful slice of the world?

Kristina(niece) and Ruth(sister-in-law) were just here for 3 days. Ruth took me on a successful outing(didn't run over any toes) up Granville Street in my power chair. We got caught in a rain shower but survived. We had a great visit and they've now returned to their home in Nanaimo.
Friday I go to the UBC Hospital and get a special test to measure the strength of my swallowing muscles. I've had problems with a little choking so we're checking it out.
Last week I had a 'learning time' at the ALS Cinic(GF Strong) doing some voice banking. When I need a speech device we will mix some of my own voice with the robot's voice.
My friends and family continue to give and offer support--and I'm most grateful.
Hope everyone is enjoying this stretch of sunshine and taking time to relax and smell the roses.
Love to all,
Karyn

ACTRESS: Hilary Swank lines up another strong role. BOOK IT

Swank finds another tough female role
The book: 'You're Not You' by Michelle Wildgen The buyers: Hilary Swank and Molly Smith By Josh Getlin, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 6, 2008 The deal

Alcon Entertainment, on behalf of Hilary Swank and her producing partner, Molly Smith, options Michelle Wildgen's "You're Not You," a highly praised novel about a woman dying from Lou Gehrig's disease and a younger woman who takes care of her.

Ben Byer dies

Ben Byer, actor and play-write died on Thursday from ALS. He was a fighter and dreamer and left an outstanding legacy in his autobiographical film--"Indestructible."

Some days one is simply glad to be alive. You want to sing out and share your joy.
I've added a little video under "Some beautiful lessons" that makes me laugh and describes the feeling perfectly.
I only wish I had been there.

No, this is not my most recent self portrait. She's a friend of mine who lives on the roof of the Coomb's Country Store. I had a pet goat once--got her at the farmer's auction--but that's another story.

On Friday, I finally get to do some work at the ALS Clinic banking my voice. I'm starting with important expressions like: 

"No"

"I'm hungry"

"Did you bring flowers?"

I had my first trial run with the power wheelchair on Friday.

There are now a couple of dents in the shop doors on Granville, but all in all it wasn't bad for a first outing. Many laughs were shared with my brave friend who walked alongside. 

Happy Canada Day!

Both my sports cars are gone now. The one I had in 1948 was trashed many years ago and my beloved Audi TT Roadster was sold today. Woe is me. However, I have great memories tucked away and must move on. With change comes new adventures, with new adventures comes a richer life.

I have posted(under the PALS section) a comical, but "oh so true" video of a commercial shown in Scotland. It expresses the frustration of not being able to access so many places via wheelchair. 

I'm now racing through the neighborhood challenging anyone on wheels.

I'm having a difficult time with cramping and tremors so the arrival of the power chair is timely.

It looks as though summer has arrived. Today I'll venture out with a friend

to find a nice spot at a table outside and have lunch.

Enjoy the sunshine, but please keep the heat down a notch. 

I made a mistake and posted the old video on the Faces of Pals. I now have the new one over on the right. 

My power chair arrived! Not that one. That's a tank chair for heavy snow. Cool though.

Mine is older but wiser--just like me. My brother Ken is arriving tonight so we'll probably rev it up for a spin tomorrow morning.

I also posted, over on the right, a new video put together by an ALS patient. Some of you saw the last one so this is my second debut as an ALS star. I'd prefer to be on YouTube for jumping 10 cars on my motorcycle, but hey, I'm international just the same. I'm feeling good today--sure hope it lasts. 

The dragon boat races are on! I can watch through my binoculars.

When I moved here I had no idea how much I would see from my window. What a bonus!

I'm trying to wear brighter clothes these days so I won't be run over on my wheel chair. Judy sent me this design idea and I plan to sketch out a pattern soon. Stay tuned.

Good news re power chair and smaller scooter. They will be delivered Monday. I've requested a right drive stick as my left hand has become too weak to grasp well. Since I'm left handed, you might see me doing unintended spinoramas in the park. I sure hope the chair has a seat belt!

It's Garfield's birthday today--and ironically, Lou Gehrig's as well.

Many happy returns to both. 

I went to the eye specialist this morning. My eye with the film problem

has improved and Dr. Ross is very pleased. I don't have to go back until Feb. 2009. Horray!

Dottie and Cochin

from Scotland

Portable scooter

Good news. The ALS Society is sending me both a power wheel chair and a portable scooter. The scooter will come apart into 5 pieces and fit into a trunk. The scooter should be here in a couple of weeks. Get ready to take me on beach walks and picnics! 

Biker and Babe

This is a real couple living in Florida.

Baby Beluga

Baby Beluga born last week at Vancouver Aquarium.

Doctor visit

Dr. Van Eeden(my GP) has referred me to VGH for a modified barium swallow test. You work with a speech pathologist to determine if the swallowing muscles are working properly. It is a condition called dysphagia and common in neurological diseases such as ALS. My days of raspberry crumble and oatmeal cookies may be numbered(they are difficult to swallow) but Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream will still be on the list!

Health

It's rather humorous that I get it together for Friday the 13th. I'm also on the way to my doctor this afternoon to check out some throat problems. Hopefully, the 13th will be lucky for me. I'm hoping my difficulties are thyroid or something fixable with a pill, rather than "Bulbar" ALS symptoms which is more probable. Whatever the outcome, we(all together) will deal with it.

After many sleepless nights last week I'm managing to get 8hrs. every night. What a difference a good night sleep makes.