April 2009 Senior Living Magazine Island Edition by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

April 2009 TM

Vancouver Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

EASTERN ART MEETS WESTERN LANDSCAPE Kid-Lit author Julie Lawson

I still have a full deck; I just shufﬂe slower now. ~ Author Unknown

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CELEBRATING SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Photo: Eric Porcher

APRIL 2009

FEATURES 4 Believe it. See it.

Eagle artist Robert Cerins with his ﬁnished work. Story on page 4.

COVER: Renowned Chinese landscape artist Andy Shutse Lou at work in his studio. Story on page 24. Cover Photo: Judee Fong Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Reid Sheriff Contributors Norman K. Archer, Mikell Callahan, Goldie Carlow, Judee Fong, Gipp Forster, Andrew Fyson, Frank Hajer, Mary Anne Hajer, Stephanie Linn, Pat Nichol, Enise Olding, Max Rogers, Adriane Schroeder, Rosalind Scott, Vernice Shostal, Barbara Small, Judy Stafford, Marg Thorsell Design Bobbie Jo Reid Sheriff, Barbara Risto Proofreader Allyson Mantle Advertising Manager Barry Risto For advertising information, call 479-4705 sales@seniorlivingmag.com Ad Sales Staff RaeLeigh Buchanan 250-479-4705 Ann Lester 250-390-1805 Mathieu Powell 250-704-6288 Barry Risto 250-479-4705 Distribution Ron Bannerman, Rhonda Donkersley, Gail Fattore, Jim Gahr, Lorraine Rhode, Barry Risto, Betty Risto, Sheila Rose Richardson Contact Information Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave.,Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Phone 250-479-4705 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808 E-mail (General) ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com (Editorial) editor@seniorlivingmag.com Web site www.seniorlivingmag.com Subscriptions $32 (includes GST) for 12 issues. Canadian residents only. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an independent publication and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolicited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to editor@seniorlivingmag.com Senior Living Vancouver Island is distributed free throughout Vancouver Island. Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living Vancouver Island (12 issues per year) and Senior Living Vancouver & Lower Mainland (12 issues per year). ISSN 1710-3584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

Even when artist Robert Cerins temporarily lost his sight, he didn’t lose his vision.

8 Pickleball

Fitness, strategy, friendships, fun – pickleball offers them all.

Columns

12 Found Art and Assemblages

2 The Family Caregiver Barbara Small

After 25 years of pursuing his passion, Tom Faue ﬁnally feels comfortable enough to call himself “artist.”

10 Victoria’s Past Revisited

16 Wasn’t That a Party?

28 Scam Alert

Senior Living magazine hosts its annual festival.

20 Nature Unblemished Visiting what some believe is the most beautiful place on earth.

Norman Archer

23 Ask Goldie

Goldie Carlow Rosalind Scott

38 Courageous & Outrageous Pat Nichol

48 Reﬂections: Then and Now

24 East Meets West

Andy Shutse Lou adds an Asian touch to B.C.’s beautiful landscape.

30 Kid Appeal

Children’s author Julie Lawson ﬁnds inspiration in unexpected places.

Gipp Forster

and...

Resource Directory 39 Events 44 Crossword 46 Classiﬁeds 47

34 The Pesticide Connection Tips from the Canadian Cancer Society for cultivating a pesticide-free community.

36 Just Add Water

Nanoose Water Colour Group keeps getting better – with a little help from local artists.

40 Garden Paradise

Denman Island gardeners open their doors – and their gates – to visitors.

APRIL 2009

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

amily caregivers can experience a wide range of emotions in response to the demands of caregiving: anger, sadness, guilt, frustration and worry, as well as happiness and satisfaction. Finding a safe and appropriate outlet to express and manage these emotions is important, especially the ones that can drain your energy, such as anger and guilt. Left unexpressed, these emotions can lead to caregiver burnout and health problems. Trust your emotions. Negative feelings can be a signal that the current situation is not working for you, or that your own needs are not being met. When you feel happy and energized, take note of the situation and use that information in the future when you need to lift your spirits. Below are some ideas to help manage emotions that tend to drain your energy: • Attend a caregiver support group at the Family Caregivers’ Network (FCNS) or through one of the many disease-speciﬁc organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Resource Centre, MS Society or the BC Cancer Agency. • Talk to a friend, a fellow caregiv-

The Emotions of Caregiving

er, a co-worker, clergy or professional counsellor. Many community organizations, including FCNS provide telephone support as well. • Ensure you make time for activities that energize you and that you enjoy, such as going for a walk on the beach, working or sitting in your garden, painting, playing with your pets, watching a funny ﬁlm or listening to music. • Examine the expectations you have for yourself, the person you are caring for and the current situation. Are your expectations realistic or are you setting yourself up for further frustration and guilt? • When you feel angry or resentful, take a break and leave the situation, if possible. A quick walk or some deep breathing can help defuse your feelings. • You may feel guilty when you experience anger or when you take time for yourself. Many caregivers often feel guilty about their actions. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can, at the time, with what you know. Also, if you take some time to care for yourself, it will beneﬁt the person you are caring for because you will feel more relaxed and focused, and less irritated.

BY BARBARA SMALL

Finally, remember that feelings are transient. They come and go continuously throughout the day. What you feel now is not what you might feel in another hour. Take a deep breath and examine what is motivating the emotion and what small change you could make to shift that feeling. Join us in celebrating Family Caregivers Week 2009 and FCNS’ 20th Anniversary while, at the same time, learning strategies for coping with the feelings of caregiving at our upcoming presentation: Family Caregiving: An Emotional Journey, Friday, May 8, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Workshop registration includes a buffet lunch. Visit our website at www.fcns-caregiving. SL org for more information. Next month: Communicating with Healthcare Professionals

Barbara Small is Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society.

The Family Caregiver column is brought to you by the generous sponsorship of ElderSafe Support Services

SENIOR LIVING

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oday’s seniors have more service and lifestyle choices than previous generations. For active seniors in their 70’s, 80’s and beyond, it can be difﬁcult to decide if, or when, a move from a long-time family home to a retirement residence is right for them. Why is that? After all, they have made excellent and timely choices over the years -- for their family, in business, in life. The answer can be straightforward if there is a setback in health or mobility, however if still active, it can be as complex and as individual as they are. Because there are more choices t o d a y than ever before, it can make the decision even more difﬁcult – or perhaps easier - once they and their families decide to investigate the options! Planning will help ensure you make the best of all stages of life, especially your golden years. It is important to start looking at options while still active and able to enjoy the services and amenities offered by various retirement residences. Many offer private and spacious rental accommodations complete with concierge services, elegant surroundings, meals, amenities and activities; others provide nursing care and long term care, others a mix of both. Monthly rates and what they include can vary from one residence to another, so ask questions when you visit, spend time to take in the atmosphere of the various facilities and observe how staff interact with residents. Most importantly, envision how you or

� �� APRIL 2009

Believe it See it

BY JUDY STAFFORD

yes see much more than just the surrounding visual stimulation. After spending most of this past summer temporarily completely blind, artist and musician Robert Cerins found out ﬁrst-hand how much he could see beyond his vision. Fifteen years ago, Robert had an initial warning that his eyes might have problems, but that didn’t prepare him for two detached retinas and four surgeries that found him laying still for ﬁve weeks, painting only in his mind and having 4

SENIOR LIVING

endless conversations with himself. “When I couldn’t see, I had to lie in the same position without moving and my body was saying, why am I laying in the same spot? Where are my pillows? Why is my head draped upside down so I feel nauseous? I’m six feet seven inches tall and my whole body is designed to look down, so it felt completely backwards.” Born in Winnipeg, 54 years ago, Robert had two major fears as a young boy – being held down and losing his sight.

During his time of complete immobility, he found himself experiencing both fears at the same time. So, he turned to meditation, trying to understand himself more and getting deeper into himself. “I’ve had a great deal of pleasure playing my instruments and I draw and paint every day,” he says. “But during that time, I couldn’t get up to draw and paint, and I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to do that when it was all said and done. So I would meditate for hours and hours, then I would say, OK that’s enough of that, now what can I do? My old goal was to get good at not thinking, so I got pretty good at that. But then I tried actually holding on to a thought. I would practise that, and I would catch myself holding onto a negative thought. And I decided, at that point, not to get into deep conversations with myself on what I don’t want – only what I do. And now, I practise loving everything.” Stephanie Linn, Robert’s true love of five years, cared for him and continued to love him without a flicker of abandonment during a time that ended up bringing the couple closer together. While looking into each other’s eyes, when Robert’s sight started to reappear, brought a realization that their connection has become divine, and has helped Robert find his centre. Even without his normal eyesight, oddly enough, Robert helped Stephanie find her way around Vancouver on one of their many trips from the Island to the hospital. “I used to live in White Rock and, one time, when we took the ferry over, Stephanie had never been that way before. So, I directed her by memory to the hospital. It was like I had a GPS in my head and I could get everywhere. I didn’t even know I had that – and it worked. We’re not as Godwit helpless as we think just because one thing turns off,” he says. “We are richer than we think and I’ve received some very powerful gifts from everything that has happened.” Music is another gift he’s shared with the world since he was in Grade 4. As a young boy, he had the precocity to collect a few fellow musicians, write some songs, and was given permission to play at a school assembly. They went

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on to renting a hall and even if they only had enough songs to play for an hour – they had the ingenuity to repeat songs, pretending they were playing requests. Lately, joining with friends and jamming has brought Robert back to the great joy of music. “There is this incredibly enlightened feeling and glow that comes out of all of us when everyone is so satiated after playing for hours. Music puts us all in the same vibe and, when we are jamming and playing in the moment, we feel safe. When you stay in the blissful state with some old friends and some strangers and you communicate with instruments – it’s very divine. We don’t talk about the key, we don’t worry about the structure – every note is correct. We don’t listen to a song as it should be; we just play what’s in our hearts.” As another integral part of his healing journey, Robert and Stephanie have slowly adopted a 75 per cent raw foods diet, including sprouting. While his eyes are healing, everything else

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is healing as well. He’s learning to tap into his inner eye more and he can even hear better. He’s found that his ability to communicate with himself has also increased dramatically. “That is partly due to the combination of having to hold still for so long and having conversations with myself,” he says. “No matter what we face, we can ﬁnd a way to cope. There is incredible safety in knowing that. There’s a feeling of calmness and understanding that no matter what happens – you have yourself. That brings you back to loving yourself completely.” Learning to see the correlation between emotions and the physical manifestations is yet another dimension in Robert’s quest for understanding. “Pay attention to what you hear, pay attention to what you feel, understand what you feel because your emotions are great barometers of what you’re thinking. All of a sudden you think, ‘oh, I am having an upset stomach.’ But are you? No, you are having an emotion. The emotions are there to guide you in a direction that is predestined to be good; the emotions may feel yucky, so pay attention and change your thoughts. Pay attention to what you’re thinking and own them. Then when you own them, you can change them. I actually change them back to practising loving everything. Why worry? In fact, don’t even answer that ‘why worry’ – just feel love instead.” Love and gratitude keep coming back to Robert. He’s written that down countless times in the stacks of journals he’s sketched in over the years. Knowing and honouring that belief has brought him opportunities to continue sharing his art and passion. Previously part of the Spirit Bear in the City project in 2006, Robert was recently asked to participate in the Eagles in the City project in Victoria. For six weeks, he travelled with Stephanie to the CHEK TV studio and painted the seven-and-a-half-foot ﬁbreglass bald eagle. In his unique, creative and whimsical style, he’s encoded braille messages amongst the swirling cas-

cades of black and white. Some of his favourite inspirational sayings such as “honesty is sexy” and “meditation is my medication” have found their way onto the majestic bird. And if you look closely, you’ll see subtle acts of protest in the eyes of the ﬁsh in the form of the “no-tanker loonies.” His eagle, named “CHEK My Bald Ego” will become part of the Bald Eagle Flight Path Map; all the painted masterpieces will be auctioned off this summer with proceeds beneﬁting Easter Seals. Robert’s future is soaring. “It’s my choice whether I enjoy what I’m doing or not, so I do what I enjoy – that’s the main thing isn’t it?” he asks. “I’ve had people question me on that – that you can’t be doing whatever you want all your life.” But Robert is proof a person can. SL

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Pickleball P

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

Pickleball player Susan Guest lines up to serve.

Photos: Vernice Shostal

ickleball, played with a hard paddle and perforated plastic ball, a game similar to badminton and tennis, began as a backyard family game in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The game, now played with formalized rules on a badminton court, was named after a family dog called Pickles who chased the balls and hid them in the bushes. Eventually, Pickles’ ball became pickleball. Today, pickleball is recognized as a fast-paced game, great for hand-eye co-ordination, mental alertness and socializing. “The first time I tried pickleball, I became hooked,” says former educator and current Victoria/Nanaimo USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) co-ambassador, Susan Guest, who tries to promote pickleball whenever she can. “Ask anyone who knows me. I mention pickleball within the first half hour of meeting someone new.” Susan first tried pickleball five years ago in Kelowna when a friend in her aerobics class suggested she try playing “pickle something,” a game Susan had never heard of. The friend was so enthusiastic about the game that Susan decided to try it. Claiming to have been a non-racquet playing person, Susan found pickleball “easy to learn and loads of fun. A beginner can learn to play pickleball in less than an hour.” Two years ago, after playing pickleball in Florida and Arizona, Susan came home with the B division silver medal for her age group in doubles play at the Arizona Senior Olympics. “The most challenging part of the sport is placing the ball accurately,” says the 30-year cancer survivor. “It’s not a sport of brute strength; it’s

about accuracy and placement. You learn different techniques and strategies from other players. One of the challenges of this game is developing fast reflexes to respond to a wide range of shots to return over the net,” says Susan, who plays the game three times a week. “You need to learn to work with a partner to cover the court and be ready to return the ball from all areas. There is a skill in being able to strategically return the ball so your opponents find it hard to return it.” Having spent 25 years as a long distance runner completing numerous races including half marathons, 10 official and six unofficial marathons, Susan is currently training for the Times Colonist 10k run this month. Susan also belongs to Club Tread, dances several times a week with the Victoria Ballroom Dance Society, takes Argentine Tango lessons, plays table tennis once a week, does aerobics twice a week and plays card and board games with her grandchildren. “It seems the more I do, the more energy I have,” she says. Lois and Jeff Watt came to Canada from Australia in 1967 to teach and travel for a year; they stayed another 40. The Watts lived in Southwestern Ontario until their children grew up and decided to head West. “When we retired, we decided to join them, and we are really pleased to have made the big move across the country,” says Lois. Lois was first introduced to pickleball a year ago when Susan came to her table tennis group with a flyer outlining the game. Lois and some of her friends decided to try it out and, like Susan, they got hooked. e ar Watt sh Lois and Jeff e net. Lois’ husband, Jeff, who had hip replacement sura laugh at th gery in 2008, was unable to get into the game until

SENIOR LIVING

January 2009. Now, the couple plays pickleball twice a week. “It has helped me regain my energy, stamina and rebuild muscle tone in my legs after having limited mobility for almost a year,” says Jeff. Since moving to Victoria, the Watts have become involved in table tennis and golf and enjoy walking on the many pathways and trails around Victoria. As Jeff regains his mobility, they are also getting back into dancing. “We enjoy meeting and interacting with others,” they say. James Guzzo, a former car dealership Internet sales manager, found pickleball easy to pick up physically, but he could see how finesse and strategy would be more important than pure physicality. “The game usually takes about 15 minutes to play, so you can easily have five or six games in a session allowing you to have a number of different partners and opponents, which adds quite a social aspect to the game,” says James, who finds pickleball a combination of fun, working out and having “a thoroughly good time.” James explains that the short, hard paddle is “an extension of your hand,” and the light plastic perforated ball doesn’t require a lot of strength to hit. “Anticipation, timing and a sense of touch are all that you need. Moving your opponents around with shot placement is more important than physical power. It’s sort of like chess, but more sweaty.” In 2004, James came to Victoria from Ontario where he spent most of his life in the family sporting goods, restaurant and real estate businesses. He continues to work casually and is looking at becoming an ESL teacher or getting his BC Fitness Instructor Certification, much like the Fitness Instruction Certification he had in Ontario. “Life is a verb,” says the former fastball player who works out or plays snooker when he isn’t playing pickleball. These pickleball enthusiasts emphasize the social side of the game. “The playing area is fairly small and since we usually play doubles, there is laughter, light-hearted joking and simply having fun combined with a bit of a workout,” says James. A fast-growing sport on the Island, pickleball is played in several recreational centres in Victoria, and one in Courtenay. SL To learn more about pickleball, visit www.usapa.org or e-mail Susan at sguest47@hotmail.com

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T S A P S ’ IA R O T C I V

ohn Tod was odd. At least most people thought so, and this may be why the house he built in Victoria, 2564 Heron Street, probably the oldest house in Western Canada, is said to be haunted by a ghost with a penchant for Christmas cards and rattling chains. Renovations to the house in 1952 revealed the skeleton of a native woman buried in the backyard. It may also be the reason the remarkably fascinating Inlet named after him, whose waters lap the shores of Butchart’s Gardens, is a place of solitude and seclusion. John Tod was a gangly youth and all through his life, his limbs never appeared to be properly connected to his body. He used this idiosyncrasy to good effect, when, in a heated debate, his arms would ﬂail the air like a berserk windmill. The American historian Hubert Howe Bancroft said this of him: “Tod could no more tell his story seated in a chair than he could ﬂy to Jupiter while chained to the Rock of Gibraltar; arms, legs and vertebrae were all brought into requisition, while high-hued information, bombed with oaths, burst from his breast like lava from Etna.” He was born in October 1794, on the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland, the oldest of nine children. He resented his harsh religious upbringing;

THE ODD TOD

he resented the dull teaching methods of the Parish School; he resented the domineering attitude of his first employer; and he resented the scorn of his family and neighbours who dubbed him a “ne’er do well.” His relief came when he heard about Lord Selkirk’s illconceived agricultural colony of Red River in what is now Manitoba. Excited by the concept, he enrolled for a fiveyear apprenticeship as a clerk with the Hudson’s Bay Company, experiencing some bitterly harsh winters in the most primitive conditions with far from adequate clothing and supplies, but quickly learned the fur trading business. In 1816, he was posted to northern Ontario, just at the time when the rivalry between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Northwest Trading Company had reached its ugly peak and the Bay men were often on the losing side. John Work, who became a great friend, replaced Tod as District Manager. Work ended his career in Victoria, while Tod became an officer at the Company’s headquarters in York Factory. But Tod always had problems with authority and this weakness of character, together with his quick temper, was to daunt his footsteps throughout his years with the Company. George Simpson was the able but cold-hearted and

vindictive Governor of the Hudson’s Bay interests in the area. On one occasion, Tod came to blows with Simpson’s bumptious Secretary, Tom Taylor, who ran immediately to his superior to report the event. The irate Simpson demanded an explanation from Tod who characteristically waved his arms in his impassioned response. Simpson thought he was about to be struck, stumbled back, fell over a stool and roared, “You shall hear from me, sir!” Tod’s transfer in 1826 to the harsh and dreaded New Caledonia (which included parts of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon) came swiftly, and when Simpson gleefully announced the move, Tod replied that was exactly the place he hoped he would be sent! He believed it couldn’t possibly be as bad as he had heard. It was a terrible journey through the Peace River country and across the Rockies to Fort George, commanded by a veteran Hudson’s Bay Ofﬁcer James Yale, who also had been banished to these parts because of a disagreement with Simpson. It wasn’t long before Tod was in trouble again and was transferred to Fort McLeod, the worst of all possible Hudson’s Bay postings, but where he was provided with a young assistant named

LEARN MORE: Look for our article at www.seniorlivingmag.com “Ask A Professional”

SENIOR LIVING

THE TALE OF JOHN TOD BY NORMAN K. ARCHER

James Douglas, destined to become the founding father of Victoria and a future Governor of British Columbia. The situation at the Fort became so unbearable that Tod decided to trek back to York Factory in 1834 and present his resignation in person to George Simpson. To his amazement, Simpson was warm, friendly and begged him not to resign, offering him a promotion and a vacation in England and Scotland. On his return, Tod was given several temporary postings across Canada, including a few months with James Douglas in 1839 at Fort Vancouver at the mouth of the Columbia River. Later, he was sent back to the Interior to establish Fort Kamloops, where the natives described him as “the ugliest man at the Fort.” The erratic and temperamental Tod is said to have had seven female companions, four as legitimate wives. He is also reputed to have fathered 10 children. His first liaison was in 1818 with a partnative girl named Catherine Birstone, whom he had met in Lake Winnipeg. He was glad to be rid of her when he was transferred to New Caledonia. Tod played the flute and the fiddle and was delighted to find another female companion of native descent with a fine ear for music. However, he aban-

doned her in 1834 when he took his European vacation. On this trip, he married a Welsh lady named Eliza Waugh in London and brought her back to his fur trading posts. But it was soon evident to his colleagues that poor Eliza had problems and they wondered why Tod would marry a “cracked-brained chambermaid.” Only three years later, realizing he had a mad woman for a wife, he took her back to Wales where she was admitted to an insane asylum as a “confirmed lunatic.” In 1843, at Kamloops, a native girl named Sophia Lolo, who was at least 30 years his junior, became his mistress. In 1850, Tod was one of Victoria’s first retirees and built his house, The Willows, near the shores of Oak Bay. He busied himself at home by enabling Sophia to produce five children. He obviously did little else because James Douglas described him as a poor old gentleman who was not very enterprising. He was 55. In Victoria, he dabbled in politics, abandoned the Presbyterian religion of his ancestors, embraced spiritualism, gave up farming, speculated profitably on land, reared his brood of children, but despised his sons-in-law. After getting the news that his legitimate wife Eliza had died in 1857 in the

Welsh Asylum, Tod knew he was free to marry Sophia, but was in no hurry to do so. To complicate matters, Catherine, his first mistress whom he now disliked, turned up in Victoria in 1863, claimed she was Tod’s wife and insisted she be addressed as “Mrs. Tod.” This spurred Tod into legitimizing his relationship with Sophia and the marriage took place the same year, robbing Catherine of her assumed title. Tod suffered many personal setbacks, quarrels, health issues and financial losses over the years. He became sad, lonely and morose. He was one of the first Hudson’s Bay officers to retire in Victoria and, after 32 years of retirement, was the last survivor of the old Company pioneers. He died of prostate cancer on August 31, 1882 at SL the age of 87.

Norman Archer is an historical city tour guide in Victoria and the author of Tales of Old Victoria. Contact him at 250-655-1594 or nka@canada.com

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Found Art and Assemblages

Above right, Tom’s work “Paciﬁc Shaman” is made from a whale bone, a plastic bottle cap bleached to a bonelike hue, and an old harpoon found in the mud, on a background of shells, sand and shale. It connects to the Paciﬁc Ocean and to Native Culture. 12

SENIOR LIVING

BY ENISE OLDING

Photos: Enise Olding

om Faue’s family has eight siblings. He’s the only boy. The talented octet includes a painter, a pianist and a sculptor. And Mom is a fabric artist. It’s not surprising, then, that Tom followed suit. But it wasn’t until later in life that he fully developed his artistic side. Failing to be accepted into the military at the tender age of 17, Tom decided to travel. One of his sisters accompanied him on part of his journey, which included Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. The sights, sounds and experiences of the year of travel were to have a profound influence on young Tom, opening his mind and his senses. Eventually, Tom arrived in Vancouver and, for about a year, he worked as a janitorial supervisor, until he visited a friend on the Gulf Islands. “I moved to the Shoal Islands, where there was a deserted hunter’s cabin, and I moved into it,” he says. “It was beautiful to be on the Island,” he smiles. “To explore the beautiful coast was very fulfilling.” All it took was $20 a month to live there in 1970. Surviving sufficiently on rice, milk and vegetables, Tom decided to stay. The freedom of this type of lifestyle suited Tom but, from time to time, he’d turn his hand to paying work as his needs demanded. He moved to the Cowichan Valley area when life took an unexpected turn. His dog needed veterinary attention, so he took it to a vet who happened to be building a 50-foot [15.2 m] trimaran to take his family to the South Pacific. Tom was enthralled with the project and all the work involved. “I’d visit him and watch him build the boat thinking how great it would be to have my own boat,” recalls Tom. His vet friend encouraged him to build a smaller-sized boat, egging him on with the comment, “you don’t need any plans; a 10-year-old kid could do it.” With a little help to get started, Tom set to building his own boat. It took him three years to build his 39-foot [11.9 m] catamaran. It was ready to launch in 1976 and, luckily, Tom discovered Genoa Bay Marina. He was travelling in

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the back of a friend’s pickup truck down an old dirt road. When they got to the end of the road, they found 10 boats moored in a bay. To Tom, ”it looked like a little Shangri-La” and he moored his boat, Alfresco, there. Knowing there were beautiful areas to sail in B.C., Tom travelled up and down the coast. He toured around Vancouver Island for four years stopping, from time to time, to work in logging camps, or in mines, or wherever there was work to bring in some money. Tom lived on Alfresco for about 18 years, and it was his artwork that eventually forced him onto almost dry land. At some point, in all the years of nautical wanderings, Tom visited with one of his sisters and her husband, who was a carver. He encouraged Tom to walk along the shore and find a piece of wood that “speaks to you, and make your first carving.” Much to Tom’s satisfaction, the piece of art he produced was way beyond his expectations. He continued to produce driftwood carvings, and has sold many pieces over the years. It was in 1982 that Tom began to concentrate on his art. Thinking back, he realizes he’s always been an artist having done batik work in the ’70s, and taking art classes in high school and college. After all, “the boat was my biggest sculpture,” he laughs, “built without plans and more or less custom carved.” As he became more focused, he produced more sculptures. Continuing to expand his artistic horizons, his work evolved into found objects and assemblages, “mostly because the materials were inexpensive,” says Tom. Many of his materials come from junkyards or around the marina and, often, people bring him items they think he’ll enjoy working with. By now, Alfresco couldn’t provide the type of workspace Tom needed, so he hauled a boatshed from the beach in Cowichan Bay and tied it to the dock in Genoa Bay with Alfresco tied up on the other side. He had a place to work. Soon, the metal work, being big and heavy, became a hassle to move around to galleries or art shows, so he hung it on the outside of his boatshed. Eventually, he ran out of room. Now, the entire dock of float homes and boathouses are adorned with an amazing array of Tom’s sculptures and assemblages. Not

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only are Tom’s works along the dock, but they are also in various places in and around Genoa Bay Marina. Occasionally, someone will come along and buy a piece and, Tom grins, “it’s world class art at Genoa Bay prices! I’m not in it for the money; it is something I do as a vocation and obsession. I have a game with myself to see what I can create out of what I ﬁnd,” says Tom. People’s responses to his art are his reward. “I’d rather have them out there being seen by everyone than in a gallery or in storage.” Still, his work has been featured in galleries in Maui and on Vancouver Island. It took Tom a while to feel conﬁdent enough to call himself an artist, “but after 25 years of doing this work that is my passion, and around which everything else revolves,” he’s comfortable with being his own boss and enjoying the freedom it allows him. “In the summer, I do my cruise work and the rest of the time I do my art.” So, Alfresco is not entirely out of the picture. A few years’ ago, Tom decided to run charters aboard Alfresco out of Genoa Bay and into the local waters. He got through all the necessary red tape, training and other requirements for 14

SENIOR LIVING

operating a charter vessel and “Tom’s Cruise Sail Charters” came to be. He takes out many visitors and happily discovered he has a way with people who enjoy his stories and information about the local area. The stable catamaran can accommodate up to 12 passengers, and many people have used a cruise to celebrate birthdays and other occasions aboard Alfresco. Interestingly, visitors board the boat by passing from the dock through Tom’s workshop home, out on to the back deck and then on to the boat. At first, Tom’s wife, artist Frances Westermann, was a bit unsure as to how well she’d like that. But, as it turns out, she enjoys the interaction with people as they walk through their working gallery, which also doubles as their home. She says that, for many, “it is a real experience to come into the studio when they were expecting to just get on a boat.” Frances is a graphite portrait artist and while most of her work is via commissions, visitors can see a fine array of her work displayed on the walls of their home. Like Tom, she also contributes to the ambiance of Genoa Bay with her landscaping skills since she has a degree in agriculture – plant science. No matter the time of year, Tom and Frances’ handiwork can be seen at Genoa Bay. Feel free to wander down the docks in between the boatsheds and float homes where no one could miss

the abundance of artwork that adorns the area. Tom agrees he is living the unencumbered yet creatively rewarding lifestyle he envisioned for himself as a SL lad back in the ’60s.

www.tomscruise.ca www.genoabaymarina.com www.artistsincanada.com/westermann email: alfresco@islandnet.com

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Wasn’t That a Party? STORY AND PHOTOS BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

There was no shortage of dancers at this year’s 50+ Active Living Celebration.

ozens of participants within 12 entertainment acts, exhibitors and around 2,000 visitors congregated at the 50+ Active Living Celebration at Pearkes Arena on Friday, March 13 to sing, dance, visit over 140 exhibits, meet people they hadn’t seen in a while and generally be entertained. “Courageous and Outrageous” columnist Pat Nichol, who invited people to tell her about their courageous and outrageous stories, once again emceed the daylong celebration. Visitors from all over the Island attended the event. Barbara Risto, co-publisher of Senior Living magazine and event host, said the festival had attracted visitors from as far away as Ontario. The 50+ Active Living Celebration was the premier event of Embrace Aging Month, joining 25 health-focused free workshops available for seniors sponsored by the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation. “Incorporating art, ﬁtness, education, family, community and wellness into our daily lives leads to a more positive way of life,” said Lori McLeod, Executive Director of the Eldercare Foundation. Admission to the festival was by donation and visitors who contributed $5 or more received a free copy of Senior Living columnist Gipp Forster’s popular book, Reﬂections, Rejections and Other Breakfast Foods. Senior Living “Bygone Treas16

SENIOR LIVING

ures” columnist Michael Rice was also on hand to provide free valuations on small, unique antiques brought in by visitors. To kick off the entertainment, the City of Gardens Chorus and their Sweet Adeline four-part harmony were back for the fourth year in a row. They were followed by Celtic piano accordionist, instructor and adjudicator and ﬁrst-time performer at the festival, Mary Ross, who played renditions of Scottish, Irish and German music while the audience stomped and clapped to the rhythm. The all-male voice Grandview Quartet performed for

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the second year and took the opportunity to extend an invitation to any men, especially tenors, who felt the urge to sing, to join their group, the Arion Male Voice Choir (www.arionchoir.com). Pleasing to the eye and the ear, the Swinging Strings Ukulele Band, in black pants, white shirts, Union Jack red and blue stockings and red-white-and-blue ribboned turn-of-thecentury white boater hats were followed by the Evergreen Choristers, a singing seniors group from Comox. Having just come from a performance at Government House, the Evergreen Choristers, in their green hats and green outfits, added to the number of colourful singing groups at the festival. Norman Archer, author of “Victoria’s Past Revisited” column, was on hand to launch his new book, More Tales of Old Victoria, and to entertain the audience with a story about Captain Walter Grant. The captain was a Scotsman who brought a handful of beautiful broom seeds to Victoria and inadvertently proliferated the Island and part of the Canadian and American Mainland with the obnoxious yellow blossoms. As the tale grew, people gravitated from the exhibits to the chairs in front of the stage to hear more. Elegantly dressed women in period costumes strolled through the crowds and displays and, finally, gathered on stage in the early afternoon for the Heritage Fashion show, where they modelled women’s fashions from 1850 to 1960. Each fashion brought with it a commentary and reference to a significant world event in that particular era. Demonstrations of lively footwork came from dancing groups: the Juan de Fuca Cloggers, Victoria Ballroom Dance Society and VI Western Square & Round Dance Association.

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APRIL 2009

Before the program ended, the audience was invited to join the ballroom dancers for a lesson, although some people, enthused and excited about the music and performances, didn’t wait for the lesson. Occasionally, couples danced around the chairs or wherever they found space, when the music inspired them. The M’Toni Malaika Marimba Band, the final item on the program, played vibrant traditional South African music, which visitors loved enough to get on stage to imitate the African dances. Throughout the day, the Aquaterra Café provided food at reasonable prices. Tables and seating permitted a full view of the performances. Exhibits at the festival included every kind of interest from financial and tax assistance to holiday tours, health and wellness, charity, education, entertainment and fitness activities. At the Book Nook, several authors, some profiled in Senior Living magazine were on hand to offer their books at special festival prices. According to the greeters, people coming in and out of the building couldn’t say enough about how much they enjoyed the day. “The highlight of the festival is the spirit that comes with it,” said Barbara Risto. “When you walk around and see people having a good time, greeting people they haven’t met in a while, we feel good about it. That whole attitude makes us SL feel great that we are able to contribute.”

Norman Archer delivers one of his fascinating history tales.

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Models in period costumes strolled through the festival when they weren’t presenting the Heritage Fashion Show.

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Senior Living staff (in yellow) take a break to join in the festivities with a dance lesson.

50+ Active Living Celebration presented by Senior Living magazine Friday, March 13, 2009

“We thought the event was fantastic. We wish all such events were as well organized, attended and proﬁtable. We loved being busy from ﬁrst minute to last minute. We also loved the energy and enthusiasm of the entertainers. Thanks for putting together such a professional and entertaining event.” Susie Youle, Director of Sales – Retirement Concepts

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ...for helping to make this the best Celebration ever! The publishers of Senior Living magazine would like acknowledge the contributions of all those who helped support the 50+ Active Living Celebration through their attendance. Exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, performers and visitors - we thank ALL of you. In particular, we wish to thank: • Saanich Volunteer Services for returning for a second year to lend us a hand registering exhibitors and staffing the information and donation tables; especially coordinator, Heather Fetherston. • Anna Haney, for helping to organize the millions of details that go into an event of this kind • Our staff - Shayna Horne, Mathieu Powell (and his wife Angela), Ann Lester, RaeLeigh Buchanan • Pat Nichol, who once again did an excellent job of mc’ing the day-long entertainment • The Municipality of Saanich for their generous sponsorship of this event since its inception 4 years ago • Island Displays, an extraordinary company with an excellent bunch of staff who set up the booths and made sure we had everything in place to accommodate our exhibitors • Aaron from Paciﬁc Audio Works, for keeping all the stage audio details sorted out every year • St. Johns Ambulance for providing two volunteers to be on-site to assist with any medical concerns • Media sponsors, CFAX and the Times Colonist, who helped promote this event to the community • David Coulter of Medichair, who purchased advertising to increase the exposure of this Celebration • The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation for including our event in their promotion of Embrace Aging month • Dana Niemczyk of Revera for acquiring bags to give to visitors at the door • Jim and Tove Gahr, who distribute our magazine in Nanaimo, for their incredible volunteer support every year • Aquaterra, for providing a tasty selection of food items for purchase at the on-site cafe • Bill Cove of the Comox Valley for once again organizing the buses from up-island • the many performers who graced the stage, providing a great mix of engaging and energetic entertainment • all the exhibitors, businesses and individuals, for supporting this event with your purchase of booth space • Vernice Shostal, for covering the event from beginning to end with notepad and camera in hand SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE CORPORATE SPONSORS:

APRIL 2009

NATURE UNBLEMISHED

Photo: Frank Hajer

BY MARY ANNE HAJER

There is a calm tranquility which stretches from the smooth surface of the reflecting water straight up into infinity. The deep calm of eternal silences is only disturbed by the muffled roar of throbbing waterfalls as they plunge down from sheer cliffs. There is no scenery in the world that can beat it. Not that I’ve seen the rest of the world. I don’t need to. I’ve seen Princess Louisa Inlet. –Erle Stanley Gardner, Log of a Landlubber

rincess Louisa Inlet, considered by some to be the most beautiful place on earth, is nestled deep in B.C.’s coastal range and accessible only by water or air. Surrounded and protected by mountains as high as 2,100 metres, it is the premier destination on the coast for recreational boaters, as well as a major attraction for visitors from all over the world. Time and effort, however, are needed to get there. Boats must ﬁrst navigate 80 kilometres up the long and winding Jervis Inlet to Princess Louisa Inlet’s narrow opening. There, unless equipped with engines powerful enough to handle the surging current, they must wait for slack water to safely navigate the Malibu Rapids that guard the entrance. I ﬁrst saw Princess Louisa Inlet in the summer of 2002. We were relatively new to boating, and this was the farthest we had travelled from our home base of Bridgeport (now River Rock) Marina on the North Arm of the Fraser River in Richmond. The previous day had been sunny and hot without a breath of wind, 20

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so we had motored up Jervis Inlet from Egmont in our sailboat, the Zephyr, taking close to five hours for the 60-kilometre trip. We saw few other boaters on this leg of our journey, and even fewer signs of human habitation on shore. The area was much as Captain George Vancouver would have found it when he and his men rowed up the inlet in longboats in the summer of 1792, charting the shoreline in their search for the Northwest Passage. Like him, we passed between steep walls of granite, some as high as 2,500 metres, scarred with evidence of past avalanches and punctuated by numerous waterfalls. In places, forests of hemlock, cedar and Douglas fir clung precariously to the rocky slopes, in places reaching all the way down the mountainside to dip their lower branches daintily into the water. It was mid-afternoon when we made the turn into Queen’s Reach, the most inland section of Jervis Inlet, and too late that day for a slack tide during daylight hours. So, we dropped the hook at Patrick Point, a small anchorage off the western shore, and the same place Vancouver and his men spent the night over 200 years before. They had missed the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet, the s-shaped curve of Malibu Rapids deceiving them into thinking the rapidly flowing water was simply another creek. Frank and I spent the rest of that day alone in the wilderness. We basked in the sun, bathed in the clear water, ate our leisurely dinner in the cockpit surrounded by a million-dollar view, toasted the sunset and fell asleep listening to the gurgle of a nearby stream. Early the next morning, we struggled out of our berths before dawn, pulled on our fleeces and made a thermos of coffee. We started our engine, hauled up the anchor and pointed the Zephyr’s bow across the water to Malibu Rapids, adjusting our speed so we would arrive at the slack. Usually, a boat going through the rapids has to take its place in a line of at least half a dozen others but, at this early hour, we were the only ones heading in, although we met a few boats leaving. Just as we entered the Inlet, the first rays of the rising sun appeared above the mountains in the east, bathing the opposite peaks in a sea of molten gold that, as the sun rose higher, flowed slowly down the tree-covered slopes to the still water below. Not a whisper of wind stirred the surface of the Inlet as its colour changed from black to indigo and, finally, to a clear cerulean blue, always mirroring the sky above. Thick forests covered the lower reaches of the surrounding mountains in heavy green blankets, torn in places by avalanches that left gashes of bare rock

in their wake. Innumerable small waterfalls splashed into the Inlet, turning the salt water at their base a milky white. When we reached the public dock at the head of the Inlet, our feeling of solitude in paradise vanished. The early departures had left space for us to tie up, and those already there were happy to catch our lines and help us manoeuvre into place. The dock was crowded with pleasure boats of all kinds – luxury yachts and sleek, expensive sailboats shared the space with handyman’s specials like the Zephyr. Some skippers had anchored their boats at the base of Chatterbox Falls, the largest of the Inlet’s waterfalls and the focal point of the marine park. Thousands come to the park every summer now, but just a few centuries ago, the only visitors were the Sechelt Indians, who used the Inlet as a seasonal campsite. Then, in 1900, a German army deserter named Herman Caspar homesteaded the ﬂat area at the mouth of the Inlet. According to the Sunshine Coast Museum Archives, he worked as a blacksmith for local loggers, performed songs he had composed on his zither and raised cats – 26 in all. In 1940, Caspar sold his land to the aviation tycoon, Thomas Hamilton, who built the Malibu Club, a luxury resort designed to attract the rich and famous. Although initially successful, by 1950, it was no longer ﬁnancially viable, and Hamilton abandoned the project.

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B.C. Parks Department, although the Society still advises on its operation and raises funds to help with maintenance. Since then, the park has expanded to include MacDonald Island and other small parcels of land. In 2001, the Society secured options to purchase the Inlet’s remaining freehold land from Weyerhaeuser Co. Ltd. Canada and, in 2003, was able to purchase 2,221 acres of the land surrounding Mac’s original holdings. Now, over 800 metres of trails and boardwalks allow visitors to safely explore the area at the base of Chatterbox Falls. June is a particularly wonderful time to come to the park because, not only are the Falls at maximum volume due to the spring run-off, but many wildﬂowers are in bloom. Foam ﬂowers, cinquefoil, bleeding heart and others entice amateur botanists into capturing their delicate beauty forever in a photograph. Winding paths lure walkers into the rainforest, where they marvel at the variety of mosses and lichens covering the rocks and trees and the many kinds of ferns growing in the shady, damp hollows. Those looking for a challenge can hike to the Trapper’s Cabin, a steep and often slippery climb that takes about four hours return. Even more adventurPhotos: Ma ry Anne

In 1953, Jim Rayburn, founder of the non-denominational Christian society, Young Life, purchased the resort with the view to operate it as a summer camp. As such, Malibu continues to welcome young people today. In 1927, James F. MacDonald (Mac) bought 45 acres at the head of the Inlet, built a beautiful log cabin and acted as unofﬁcial host to visiting boaters. Feeling that such a magniﬁcent place should belong to the public, in 1953, he deeded his property to the boaters of the Northwest, under the administration of the newly-formed Princess Louisa International Society. In 1964, the area became a Class A Marine Park under the auspices of the

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ous trekkers can climb all the way up to the tree line, but this is an overnight journey and not for amateurs. Today’s visitors to Princess Louisa Inlet are not limited to those who have access to private boats. A quick search on the Internet will reveal many options available for non-boaters who wish to make the trip. In the summer, sightseeing tours (approximately five to six hours in duration) leave frequently from Egmont and Pender Harbour on the Sunshine Coast. Passengers are transported in fast, sturdy boats that are powerful enough to run Malibu Rapids at any time of the day. Kayakers paddle the whole length of Jervis Inlet, and then run the rapids into Princess Louisa Inlet with a view to setting up camp in the government-run campsites. One of these is located near the dock at Chatterbox Falls, the other on MacDonald Island, and both have tent sites, toilet facilities and access to fresh water. Other campers arrange with water taxis to be dropped off and picked up with their gear. Regional airlines offer charter flights to the Inlet, giving passengers an unforgettable bird’s eye view of mountaintops, glaciers and inland waterways. There are also “fly and float” options, travelling to Princess Louisa Inlet by boat and back by floatplane. Visitors with a little more money to spend can board chartered sailboats that transport them there in luxury, sometimes taking up to a week for the return trip, visiting other places of interest on the way. Or, if they are experienced on the water, they can charter their own boat and set sail for SL the trip of a lifetime.

Photo: Jason van der Valk

able (contact info. below) and could help you plan how to approach your family to enlighten them about your needs. It is easy for seniors to give up their lives BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED for family. Families are wonderful but everyone, at any age, needs a life. Many have given up personal liberty, Dear Goldie: I am the mother of four, grandmoth- enjoyment and entertainment for love er of eight and great-grandmother of of the family. This is time for you, too. two. I love my family dearly but some- Make the choice. how have assumed a role I can’t get out of – family babysitter. Please don’t Dear Goldie: I am a retired 72-year-old widower misunderstand me, I love the children dearly and know I am very fortunate, in good health. I live in a nice retirebut I need some time for me. Is there ment home, which was chosen by my any way I can free myself and not up- sons after my wife passed away two years ago. set the family? –N.D. My problem is that my life seems to be over now, and I am too young for Dear N.D.: You are fortunate to have a large that. Everything here is arranged for family. However, you need time for me: meals, when to go to bed, when your own enjoyment too. You didn’t to get up. I’m not using my brain anysay in your letter if you had tried to more. Entertainment and outings are tell your family that you need time arranged in my daily schedule and are for yourself, but you obviously realize great, as are the meals, but... You must you could have difﬁculty getting your think I’m an ungrateful complainer, message through to them. In any case, but I simply must get my life back and you need to deal with this issue imme- be in charge while I am able. Can you help me? –P.O. diately. Lack of communication seems to be a stumbling block in most families and Dear P.O.: I would never consider you a comoften creates problems. In large families, some counsellors observe that plainer. You need to be in charge of everybody talks but few hear what is your own life again. Your sons likely had the best insaid! tentions when they placed you in the Senior Peer Counsellors are avail-

ASK Goldie

retirement home. The problem appears that you were not consulted in the planning. You are not alone in this situation. From your letter, I assume you have not talked to your sons about your problem. Do so as soon as possible. It sounds like their main concern was your well-being when they arranged your present situation, so they will probably support your decision to live independently. Your doctor can conﬁrm your state of health, if that is any worry to them. Families are usually concerned when one parent dies and leaves a lonely spouse. In the rush to make life easier for the remaining parent, some decisions are made too hastily. There are cases where the person was never consulted until all the arrangements were made and transition to a new “home” was complete. Relatives with SL good intentions usually do this!

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EAST MEETS WEST BY JUDEE FONG

ndy Shutse Lou, interna- “At first, I watched and, later, I tried ing, he adds, “At first, the lifestyle and differences in education were a big cultionally renowned Chinese it myself.” landscape artist, chips flakes After the Cultural Revolution, when tural shock for me!” He later received a off his inkstone, adds water and mixes education and the arts were encouraged, scholarship to the University of North it slowly and gently. Traditional Chi- Andy took the opportunity to develop his Texas working on his master’s degree nese artists use an inkstone because the talent by attending a Beijing art school in fine arts and teaching drawing as an act of making ink calms the mind, en- for two years. In 1981, China opened its assistant. After graduation, Andy realcouraging the flow of creative energy. borders and allowed its young people to ized art graduate jobs were scarce. “At “Just relax and let your brush that time, not many people flow,” Andy encourages his could teach Chinese brush students. Picturing a scene painting. Very few underMy students didn’t recognize the clearly in his mind, he dips stood the philosophy and Chinese mountains and trees his brush into the pot of freshthinking behind it,” Andy recalls. ly made ink, painting strokes because they had never seen “My students were in the on the rice paper to produce a them, but when I did the Rocky right time and place to learn. few fir trees added in front of They approached Chinese the Rocky Mountains. Andy Mountains with the snow and brush painting with a totalis not your typical Oriental brush and ink artist. ly different angle and they the fir trees, they knew these. asked me many questions Born in Beijing during the – always ‘Why?’” Shaking Cultural Revolution, when his head, he chuckles, “In art and education was suppressed, Andy was fortunate to learn travel, and for its art students to be ex- China, we just do it. We don’t ask our the techniques of Chinese brush paint- posed to different styles. Andy went to teacher ‘Why?’ We learn by copying ing from his father, Lou Shi Bai, a fa- the California College of Arts in Oak- the brush strokes; constantly watching and practising.” mous 20th Century Chinese artist. “At land, California. Andy says it was an exciting revthat time, there were no schools and, “I remembered there were other Chiof course, nothing in the arts, and I nese students from Taiwan and Hong elation seeing his students’ approach wanted to learn something, so my fa- Kong, but I was the first to come from to Chinese painting as another mether showed me,” Andy remembers. Mainland China,” says Andy. Laugh- dium. “I discovered I could use my 24

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techniques and apply it to something new.” Today, Andy is known for his unique rendering of Chinese brush strokes, depicting the dynamic British Columbia scenery and nature in a perfect marriage of East meets West. A warm, friendly personality, Andy believes an artist is constantly learning and open to new ideas. In traditional Chinese brush painting, the colours are pale and the picture often lacks a background. “I apply acrylics and watercolour pigments to the conventional brush and ink,” Andy explains. “The results are stronger colours, which suits my subject matter better. When painted on rice paper, the results are quite exciting especially when I add some background for depth.” Andy recalls the earlier classes he taught. “My students didn’t recognize the Chinese mountains and trees because they had never seen them, but when I did the Rocky Mountains with the snow and the ﬁr trees, they knew these. In art, you have to do something that is your own and in your own language.” Andy’s paintings have been exhibited in Canada, the United States and China. He is also a respected teacher and author of several books on Chinese brush painting. His latest book is Selected Paintings by Andy Shutse Lou, featuring 54 incredible prints of his work. The composition of brush strokes painted on rice paper – vibrant acrylics paired with the use of watercolours – shows Andy’s Chinese roots coupled successfully with his admiration of Western scenery and nature. In August, Andy and his wife Alice will take their an-

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ason.” ou’s “Cold Se L e ts u Sh y d An

nual group of eight to 10 seniors to visit China, introducing them to Chinese culture and art. “If you see the country, hear some history, enjoy the culture and talk to the people, you come back with a different outlook, a different understanding,” Andy says with an impish grin that lights up his face. “I took a group of Canadians to visit a Chinese artist’s studio. A Canadian asked the Chinese artist if his paints had any chemicals mixed with the colours. The Chinese artist replies, ‘I don’t know. I don’t care.’ When told that the paint may fade from the painting, the Chinese artist replied, ‘Well, nothing is permanent.’ ‘But your art is wonderful and,

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• Home Instead #222 - 1595 McKenzie Ave, Victoria (250-382-6565) • Medichair Victoria 1856 Quadra St. (250-384-8000) • Medichair Nanaimo 2517 Bowen Rd. (250-756-9875) • Medichair Duncan #6, 2628 Beverly St. (250-709-9939) • Munro’s Books 1108 Gov’t. St., Victoria (250-382-2464) • Paradise Isle Senior Centre 1013 Victoria Cres., Nanaimo (250-754-9566) • Russell Books 734 Fort St., Victoria (250-361-4447) • Tanner’s Books 2436 Beacon Ave., Sidney (250-656-2345)

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Mail to: Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 26

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after a 100 years, the colours will disappear,’ pointed out the Canadian. And the Chinese artist replied, ‘I’m not going to be here in a 100 years, so that won’t be my problem!’ Another Canadian asked if the rice paper was 100 per cent acid-free. When the Canadian heard the rice paper was not acid-free, he was horriﬁed and told the Chinese artist that over many years the paint will react with the rice paper turning the paper yellow. ‘But that’s the beauty of aging,’ replied the Chinese artist.’” Andy laughs with delight at the differences in Western and Eastern attitudes. Embracing his life with enthusiasm and joy, Andy continues producing his visually appealing landscapes. Thoughtfully, Andy says, “When I paint, I try to keep it loose and spontaneous. I tell my students relax, just paint and enjoy. There is no right or wrong way. Just go with the ﬂow and SL see what happens.” For more information on Andy’s China tour in August or the A & A Gallery, call 250-658-9381 or e-mail Andy at aalou@shaw.ca

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SCAM ALERT BY ROSALIND SCOTT

Home Reno Tax Credit Tips for Homeowners

ome renovations are smart investments in the long-term value of a home, and with the newly introduced Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) offered by the Federal government, now might be the right time to make some changes. Your Better Business Bureau would like to provide some clarity about the HRTC and some smart tips for shoppers while they look around for contractors. Firstly, the tax credit is based on a percentage of the total of work and not a lump sum amount. The total credit is 15 per cent, and may be claimed on the portion of eligible renovations over $1,000, but not more than $10,000, meaning that the maximum tax credit that can be received is $1,350. The HRTC credit applies to eligible home renovation costs for work performed, or goods acquired, after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010. Therefore, consumers can only claim the HRTC tax credit when filing their 2009 tax return. There are also specific types of work that can and cannot be applied to the HRTC. Here are some examples: Eligible • Kitchen, bathroom or basement renovations • New carpet or hardwood floors • Building an addition, deck, fence or retaining wall • A new furnace or water heater

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• Painting the interior or exterior of a house • Resurfacing a driveway • Laying new sod Ineligible • Furniture and appliances • Purchase of tools • Carpet cleaning • Maintenance contracts (furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, pool cleaning, etc.) Avoid making hasty decisions, do your due diligence. Start with bbb.org to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable contractor. You can request a quote from the BBB website to do your comparison-shopping. Also, be sure to get a written contract and receipt for the project with the company’s name, date, detailed description of the project and total costs. Spend wisely and happy home renos! To learn more about the Home Renovation Tax Credit go SL to: www.budget.gc.ca If you believe you have been the target of a scam, call the Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island at 250-386-6348 in Greater Victoria or at 1-877-826-4222 elsewhere on the Island, so others can beneﬁt from your experience. E-mail info@vi.bbb.org

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News Brief

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by Valerie Green The very personal story of her own journey as a care giver to her elderly parents. This is a story which will touch many hearts and be relevant for numerous adult children who, in mid-life, are faced with a similar challenge and must make agonizing decisions and choices. It painfully addresses the problems encountered of ‘aging in place’ and the desire for loving couples to stay together in their home until the end of their lives. 96 pages. Softcover. 5.5” x 8.5” Published by Senior Living. Price $14.95

HIKE FOR HOSPICE

n Sunday, May 3rd, Nanaimo Community Hospice Society will host the annual Walk to Remember and Picnic in the Park at MaffeoSutton Park. This event marks the beginning of Hospice month in B.C. and National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada. People all across Canada will be out walking, running and hiking to raise awareness and funds for hospice palliative care. In Nanaimo, participants will gather in Maffeo Sutton Park for the annual Walk to Remember and Picnic in the Park. Nanaimo Community Hospice staff and volunteers are dedicated to helping and supporting families faced with end-of-life issues. The annual “Walk to Remember” is one of the Hospice’s major fundraisers. Participants can gather pledges and walk in memory of a loved one or friend; people are invited to take a moment to stop and reﬂect on the beauty and richness of life as they walk. Registration: 10 a.m. Hike: 11 a.m. Picnic: 12 noon.

Embrace the Journey - A Care Giver’s Story

To order, please send cheque for $19.84 ($14.95 plus $3.95 S&H & GST) payable to Senior Living. MAIL TO: Embrace Book Offer c/o Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Please include your clearly written shipping address and phone number. Allow two weeks for shipping.

Planned Giving Directory Celebrate a life well lived with a bequest or gift to support a cause you care deeply about. Leave a Bequest in your Will to Variety - The Children’s Charity and BC’s children who have special needs.

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Call Hospice at 758-8857 for more information. –Shannon Farahbakhsh

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Ways to Give: • Charitable Gift Annuity • Bequests in your Will • Securities • Life Insurance • Endowments To ﬁnd a representative in your area: bcplannedgiving@can.salvationarmy.org

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Senior Living publishes two special Planned Giving editions in May and November. For more information how you can advertise in these editions or in this monthly Planned Giving section, call 250-479-4705.

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APRIL 2009

KID APPEAL BY JUDEE FONG

SENIOR LIVING

Photo: Judee Fong

eading books and creating stories played a large role in Canadian kids’ writer Julie Lawson’s childhood in Victoria. “I always made up a lot of stories when I was a kid,” Julie admits with a chuckle. “I use to tell such outrageous stories to my friends who repeated them to their parents. I still remember one parent saying to me, ‘You’re going to grow up to be a writer.’” Before plunging into writing fulltime, Julie loved her career as a teacher. For 18 years, she enjoyed every moment teaching Grades 3, 4 and an occasional Grade 5. But the writing bug persisted with inspirations popping up in unexpected places. Living in East Sooke at the time, a picture book was inspired by an incident on her daily beach walk, watching the fishing boats pulling out of Whiffin Spit. “I found a tarnished fishing lure on the beach and picked it up,” Julie recalls. “I started rubbing it, which made me think of my Dad’s tackle box. The more I ‘polished’ the lure, the memories of being a kid on the beach became brighter and brighter. By the time I got home, I had a title and an ending for my picture book, A Morning to Polish and Keep.” Teaching her classes by day, Julie jotted down ideas, created characters and sent out more stories in her spare-time. While visiting China with her husband Patrick, Julie purchased a shadow puppet of a dragon as her Chinese souvenir. This later inspired her book, The

Dragon’s Pearl, a retelling of an ancient fable. In her dragon research for a teaching project, Julie discovered a picture of a white jade amulet with a carving of a tiger and thought “white jade tiger” would make a great title for a future book. The whole idea simmered in the back of her mind. “I took my class on a ﬁeld trip to

Chinatown,” Julie recalls. “We visited the Chinatown Trading Store where the rooms keep winding their way to more rooms until you reach the last room with an exit door. But there was a ‘No Exit’ sign on the door and we asked if we could go out that way. The clerk nodded permission. When we found ourselves in Fan Tan Alley, I had this ‘What if?’ moment of a 12-year-old on a ﬁeld trip

to Chinatown who goes out this same door and finds herself back in the 1880s. I loved writing White Jade Tiger!” Besides winning the prestigious Sheila A. Egoff Award, White Jade Tiger is also one of the popular Chinatown tours, given by Charlene Thornton Joe and historian, John Adams. “I would visit schools on the Mainland and the kids would tell me of their trip to Victoria and taking the White Jade Tiger tour with Charlene,” says Julie. On her visits to schools and libraries, Julie’s audiences know they will be magically transported to another time and place. Researching material in Halifax for her twentieth book, No Safe Harbour, leading up to and after the Halifax Explosion in 1917, Julie recalls the opportunity she had interviewing a 94-year-old survivor. “This lady had an incredible memory of the tragedy and I was able to talk with her for three hours. I didn’t have a tape recorder with me so I jotted down her expressions, the way she spoke of things and used her phrasing to give the book that authentic Nova Scotian speech. When I visited the schools, they didn’t believe I wasn’t from Nova Scotia!” No Safe Harbour was chosen as the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Award. In 1998, Julie successfully applied as “Writer-in-Residence” at the Berton House Writers Retreat in Dawson City. “This was Pierre Berton’s childhood home for the first 12 years of his life in Dawson City. When he became famous, he purchased his childhood home, had it fixed up and do-

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Articles written by professionals, answering your questions on a variety of topics. Over the months ahead, we will be inviting professionals to post informational articles on our website for the beneﬁt of our readers. Check back often as we continue to develop this valuable resource. If you would like a particular profession represented in this section, please let us know at ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com

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nated it to the Yukon Arts Council to be used as an all-expense paid, three-months retreat for any professional Canadian writer. I loved being there as it was an incredible experience.” During her time in Dawson City, Julie wrote three books using a Yukon setting including The Klondike Cat, a picture book that won the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize. Writing the historical journals for the “Dear Canada” series, Julie immerses herself in massive amounts of research material to create a realistic time and place. Readers are pulled into a painless history lesson, from the daily lives and adventures of young girls whose observations and thoughts are recorded in a journal. Julie’s latest book, Where the River Takes Me describes the early days of Fort Victoria and the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company. “At home, we were calling my Hudson Bay book a ‘hysterical’ ﬁction,” she laughs, “because the publisher wanted this 300-year history in a book by a speciﬁc deadline.” In writing the book, Julie threw herself into the project recalling that “the people and

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places became so real, I started to write the year ‘1850’ on my cheques!” Away from any writing projects, Julie is busy giving talks and readings at schools and libraries. She has been a speaker at Roundtable groups, toured for Canadian Children’s Book Week and has been a presenter at North American writing conferences. Recently, she gave a successful Children’s Writers Workshop for adults at Camosun College. Yoga, working out at the gym, long walks with a friend, baking treats, curling up with a good book and trips on cargo ships with Patrick keeps her creative juices ﬂowing. When writing her many stories, whether fantasies, fables, picture books, mysteries or histories, Julie doesn’t think about a speciﬁc age. “I just write the stories and read it to the 11 year old in me. Kids hate being read down to or told the book is for older kids. I write the way I feel and fortunately my readers like that.” Julie Lawson’s books are available at Chapters, Bolen Books, The Children’s Bookshop in Sidney and other bookstores SL carrying children’s literature.

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Read Us ON-LINE Identity Theft

In Your Good Name by George Greenwood $26.95

The Spoils Of Angel’s War by Dave Sheed $20.00

Embrace the Journey

A Caregiver’s Story by Valerie Green $14.95

by Margaret Grifﬁths $29.95

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My Patchwork Life by Patricia O’Connor $14.95

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by Patricia O’Connor $23.95

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Reﬂections, Rejections And Other Breakfast Foods by Gipp Forster $14.95

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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

new Legal Guide for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is the outcome of a 20-month joint project by Parent Support Services Society of B.C. and the University of Victoria, School of Social Work. The Guide was developed with the input of grandparents, social workers, service providers, advocates, lawyers, and judges, and with funding from the Law Foundation and three Provincial Ministries. “Grandparents we surveyed told us they needed good legal information because the legal options they face are complex and confusing,” says Barb Whittington, project co-chair. Roz Parker, a grandmother who has raised her eight-year-old grandson since he was 18 months old, agrees, “I would have loved access to a resource like this Guide,” she says. “I did not know the right legal steps to take to protect myself and my grandson. I didn’t know what questions I needed to ask, or what many of the legal terms meant.” Project co-chair Carol Ross thinks the Legal Guide will also be a useful resource for the social and legal service providers who assist grandparents. “They ﬁnd the legal options confusing too,” she says. “Many grandparents reported getting conﬂicting advice or advice that later proved to be wrong.” Grandparents raising grandchildren are a growing phenomenon in our society. They become the primary caregivers to their grandchildren for a myriad of reasons, such as the death of a parent, family breakdown, physical or mental illness or drug addiction. According to Statistics Canada, in 2006, there were more than 65,000 children being raised by grandparents across the nation, without any parental involvement. Nearly 50 per cent of these family situations involve only one grandparent. In B.C., the 2006 census indicates there were 9,940 children under 18 being raised by grandparents, and two-thirds of the grandparents in these households were women. “That is more than the number of children in B.C. foster care,” notes Barb Whittington. The Legal Guide will be launched from other locations across British Columbia throughout April, including Burnaby, Abbotsford, North Vancouver, Prince George, Duncan, Parksville, Port Alberni, Courtenay SL and Campbell River. For more information, visit www.parentsupportbc.ca/ grg_legal.html or call Parent Support Services Society of B.C. toll-free at 1-800-665-6880.

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The Pesticide Connection

onsumer alert? Buyers beware? People may think about these warnings when they’re shopping for a used car or a new computer, but what about when they are tending to their lawns or taking pleasure in their gardens? When pesticides are used to enhance the appearance of lawns and gardens, it is referred to as the cosmetic or nonessential use of pesticides. Protecting ourselves and our families from non-essential pesticide exposure is good for us

BY ADRIANE SCHROEDER

and good for the environment. Pesticides include an array of overthe-counter chemicals from bug spray to weed killers. Some of these products may be familiar labels on the shelves of the garden shed or garage; products consumers have depended on for years to provide short-term solutions to common gardening problems. But this short-term chemical solution has the potential to make people sick. Growing scientiﬁc evidence links pesticide exposure to both adult and

childhood cancers. That list includes adult and childhood leukemia, childhood brain cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuroblastoma, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer and some lung cancers. For some, the right to use pesticides is an expression of control and independence. But for many others, eliminating pesticide use on their home lawns and gardens is an easy and rewarding step towards reducing their cancer risk. Young children are most vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure because of their developing immune systems, proximity to lawns and, for very young children, the habit of putting their hands in their mouths. People with

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pre-existing medical conditions such as ease is actually a plant struggling with • Dispose of pesticides responsibly. heart disease and asthma can be more the quality of soil, exposure to light or They can be taken to local recycling vulnerable to the effects of pesticide too much/too little moisture. Check the centres in their original containers. use. Also, animal companions can be environmental conditions that a particu• Tenants of condominiums can inadversely affected if pesticides are used lar plant needs to thrive. Try to address quire through their strata councils to ﬁnd on home lawns and gardens. these underlying factors before consid- out if the grounds are pesticide free. For these reasons, the Canadian ering chemical measures. • Examine gardening habits: Don’t Cancer Society (www.canuse weed and feed products (combination herbicide/fercer.ca), along with many other organizations and tilizer) on the lawn or other chemical formulations to concerned citizens, is adGrowing scientiﬁc evidence links maintain the lawn or garden. vocating for the passage of pesticide exposure to both adult If so, there are non-toxic almunicipal bylaws restricting the cosmetic use of pesternative products and pracand childhood cancers. ticides. Across B.C., 77 per tices to help homeowners go pesticide free. cent of residents support the phasing out of cosmetic pesMore and more, people are ticide use and 85 per cent have stated a making the connection between cancer willingness to try alternatives to pestiHow to cultivate a pesticide-free and the environment. Canadian Cancer Society research suggests that up to 50 community: cides in their gardening practices. Key to any successful regulation of • Engage family, friends and neigh- per cent of cancers can be prevented pesticide use is education. People need bours in conversations about why eve- through healthy living and the creation SL to know about alternatives and engage ryone needs to stop using pesticide for- of healthy public policies. in changing expectations and habits mulations. Adriane Schroeder is the Canadian about what is considered a beautiful or • Let people who use pesticides Cancer Society’s Community Action healthy garden or lawn. know there are many alternatives to Co-ordinator for Vancouver Island. Log Often what looks like a pest or dis- pesticide use. onto www.cancer.ca to learn more.

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Email us at ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com and let us know what YOU would like to see on our website. APRIL 2009

JUST ADD WATER BY MARG THORSELL

he Nanoose Water Colour Group was started in 1992 by four talented women and, over a period of 17 years, has expanded to a group of 16 creditable and esteemed local artists. Originally watercolour purists, the members have learned to embrace many new mediums and techniques, allowing them to keep pace with the fast moving art of today. The group’s success pays tribute to the well-known B.C. artists who have shared their knowledge and experience in three-day workshops held each year in October. These artists include Grant Fuller, Eileen Fong, Marilyn Timms and Janice Robertson. This year, Maggie White will lead the workshop. All the group’s artists feel their paintings show the beneﬁt of these intense classes. Rain or shine, the ladies meet each Monday from September to the end of April to share coffee and camaraderie, along with the painting and critiquing of their latest works.

missed, and the day often ends at the local pub for a glass of wine. During the year, the artists’ works can be seen at the Coastal Community Credit Union in Red Gap Centre Nanoose, Fairwinds Centre and at Nan-

Summer ﬁnds the more ardent painters carrying their painting supplies to local points of interest. Sunny beaches like Brick Yard Park, Parksville Beach, Buttertub Marsh and members’ ﬂowering backyards. Four-day visits to Thetis Island include painting, exploring, hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Meals are never

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Name __________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ Province ________________ Postal Code ____________________

Mail to: Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

aimo Arts Council at Rutherford Mall. The Nanoose Water Colour Group is proud to be an active partner in the Nanoose area by contributing to local charities, fundraisers and community events. The annual art show, which will be held April 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nanoose Place Community Centre at North Bay Road, is a great venue to display the group’s latest works. Local residents and visitors from surrounding communities look forward to this event, where reasonably priced art can be viewed or purchased. Others come visit with neighbours and artists

over a cup of tea or coffee and some home-baked treats. A theme is decided upon each year, and the artists add their own inspiration to the subject. Previous themes were doors in every size and shape, beachscapes, farm scenes and last year an offthe-wall approach to the wild side of each painter. This year’s theme is rendiSL tions of the Old Masters.

Ronald A. Postings

Ken Blunt

Denturist

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383-7227

655-7009

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Email: info@cruiseholidayspaciﬁc.com #270-2950 Douglas St., Victoria

BC Lic. 37928 APRIL 2009

Courageous s u o e g a r t u O

BY PAT NICHOL

HAPPY TIMES, DANCING FEET “We’re older than we look, but not inside.”

Photo: Frances Litman

o began the chorus of the 4th annual Follies at Somerset House. Each year, the residents, under the direction of well-known Director Barbara Poggemiller, take out their top hats, polish up their canes and dance, sing and deliver sketches worthy of an old-time vaudeville show. This year was no different. With passion and creativity, to a packed standing-room-only crowd of their peers, about 25 residents, led through the evening by emcees Frank Fish and Art Poggemiller, kept the audience laughing, singing and clapping. As with any good vaudeville performance, clowns delivered weather reports throughout the show. Plus, an Easter Parade, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and Dinner at Somerset, a sketch that laid the waiter out. The piano man, Bill Watt, started playing the keyboard a few years ago when he found he no longer had the wind to play the trumpet. Bill’s keyboarding skills added to most of the evening’s numbers. When Bill’s skills were needed elsewhere in the program, Phyllis

Cripps took over the ivories. Musical numbers ranged from sweet, “Alice Blue Gown,” a little raucous, “Get Me to the Church on Time” and “Side by Side,” “Singing in the Rain,” complete with umbrellas, a little rap accompanied by a bass guitar playing chef, and a men’s chorus complete with beer mugs. To all the singers, dancers, poets and musicians, we applaud you. The evening ended with the full chorus and the audience singing “When You’re Smiling.” We did. The audience was delighted with how the staff jumped in and assisted in the background or became part of the “Follies.” It was amazing the things that Kristina kept pulling out of her neckline. At a time when some people think about slowing down, this group at Somerset House gets going. The practices and rehearsals went on for weeks and, like Christmas morning, it was over too soon. Has someone suggested taking it on the road? Courageous and outrageous! This group of people is the epitome of both. I salute you all. Thank you for pulling up your courage and being the SL wonderful outrageous people you are.

Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. She makes her home in Victoria, but travels the world. She can be reached at www.patnichol.com

Travel Study Programs Space is still available in our Travel Study Programs for 2009. • Oregon Shakespeare Festival, June 8 - 14 • Central Canada’s Palette, September 23 - October 3 • Germany: A Bach Pilgrimage, December 12 - January 2 For more information, call 250-721-8827 or email: jking@uvcs.uvic.ca See details of tours at www.continuingstudies.uvic.ca/travel 38

SENIOR LIVING

Learning for life.

R R R R R R R

RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY

RESOURCE DIRECTORY A concise reference guide of services and products offered by businesses and organizations on Vancouver Island

Live safely and independently in your own home

Low Overhead Prices from the Island’s only Mobile Showroom

www.bclifeline.com

• Service all makes and models • Sales of new and used scooters, powerchairs and walkers • Free in-home demonstration • Road-side assistance • Free service loaners • Financing • Processing secondary insurance claims • Safety orientation seminars

Contact the program nearest you. Victoria Lifeline 1-888-832-6073 Eldersafe Support Services 1-866-457-8987

South Vancouver Island and Ladysmith

Nanaimo Lifeline Program (250)739-5770 or (250)947-8213 Mid Island, Cassidy to Bowser

Comox Valley Lifeline Society 1-866-205-6160

250-812-0400

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GARDEN PARADISE

SENIOR LIVING

tells you what to do every month. I keep that by my bed with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Colour Dictionary of Flowers and Plants. My copy is in ribbons now. They are books every gardener should have and that is as good a way to learn gardening as any.” Both Jimmy’s house and garden will be on display. The house, built by Tom Larson, has a strange history: The plan for it was drawn on a paper bag by Jimmy’s husband, Hamish, while the bulldozer drove up their driveway to level the construction area. Jimmy built the grand stone fireplace in the living room. She recycled a grader blade from the works yard as a beam to hold up the opening of the fireplace. The mantelpiece is a single plank of maple from the nearby Komas Ranch. The fireplace backs on to another stone fireplace in a bedroom. This one looks so curved and organic; it would not be out of place in a hobbit’s home. The whole house would have been much more hobbit-like if Jimmy had her way. She insisted on the window design, which, though not, appears to be inspired by Japanese architecture, but lost out on the thatched roof. Neighbours Mikell and Tobey Callahan are also veteran gardeners who bring skills learned in their native United States and Central Interior B.C., where they farmed for many years. Mikell says that although she has gardened for 50 years, since she was 23, her gardening life, “really ratcheted up when we came to Denman 18 years ago. It is something al-

Andrew and Robert’s Denman house with a rhodo in bloom. Above and below, shots from their garden.

Garden gate built by Robert Newton.

Photos this page: Andrew Fyson

enman Island’s 18th annual Home and Garden show has shifted gears. This year, it will be a spring show consisting of nine homes and gardens, as well as the Denman Island Chocolate Factory, designed by Etienne de Villiers. The tour will take place on May 9 and 10. The shift to spring allows some new gardens to be on the tour – and Jimmy Tait’s renowned garden will be back after many years’ absence. “I was on the ﬁrst ﬁve or six tours,” says Jimmy, “but they were always in the summer and my rhododendrons and azaleas were over. I got tired of saying, ‘This was lovely a few weeks ago.’” With a garden full of bluebells, many species of primrose, yellow and orange Welsh poppies and erythronium (trout lilies), Jimmy’s spring garden is a showstopper. And, in addition to being a riot of colour, her focus on scented plants makes the garden distinctive. “I don’t see the point of having a plant that isn’t fragrant,” she says. Scented Viburnum bodnantense and the carlcephalum should be in bloom, depending on the weather. Jimmy, 88, has gardened on Denman for 35 years, but she learned to garden many years earlier in her native Britain. “My sisters were very keen gardeners and one insisted I learn the Latin names for plants. If you use common names, you could be talking about anything,” she says. Books are the secret to Jimmy’s garden success. “I think Vita Sackville West’s book is a good place to start,” she says. “It

BY MAX ROGERS

most everyone does on Denman.” She finds the coastal climate benevolent. “Despite the odd hard winter that happens every 10 years, you can grow so many tender plants here,” says Mikell. “As long as you can keep the deer out, it is easy to succeed on so many levels.” The Callahans have what appears to be a Denman monastery garden. Here, walled gardens are essential to keep out the voracious and cheeky Columbian Black Tail deer. Such garden walls are usually opaque with rambling roses and clematis, and give one the sense of being enclosed in a sacred space. The Callahan’s little entrance garden has the added attraction of numerous songbirds that come to the birdfeeders and roost in the curly hazelnut. Despite offering a garden full of narcissus, daffodils, tulips, Globe Master alliums, three colours of clematis, irises, blooming apple trees and a beautiful little weeping birch that will have just leafed out red, Mikell considers her garden a secondary attraction to her house. The house, built by Etienne de Villiers, is a superb example of a contemporary West Coast beach house. The couple designed the house after reading A Pattern Language, a best-selling 1977 book on architecture, but credit de Villiers with refining many of the architectural details. Mitch Moncrieff built the massive stone fireplace in their living room, and local craftsman John Harned produced the stained glass in the front door and in the ohana. Ohana is a Hawaiian word meaning family or guest quarters. Look for Gordon

Senior Living advertising helps us get the word out. Advertising in Senior Living has allowed us to speak to a large number of potential customers including our immediate community and within our region.

“It’s All About Me!”

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www.dermaspa.ca 101-1830 Oak Bay Ave. Tel: 250-598-6968

LEGION MANOR VICTORIA A Great Place to call

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As a full service jewellery store, we repair jewellery, watches, and clocks on-site.

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People over the age of 55 appreciate the one-stopshopping we offer. - Geoffrey Beattie

7601 East Saanich Road, Saanichton

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Tranquil location on the beautiful Saanich Peninsula of Greater Victoria 68 Lovely one-bedroom suites with balcony Monthly rate starting at $2025 (single), $2375 (couple) [Feb 2009]

Includes daily lunch/dinner, weekly housekeeping, emergency response system and more.

To book a tour or for other info, please phone 250-652-3261 E-mail: legionmanor@shaw.ca website: www.legionmanorvictoria.com APRIL 2009

SENIOR LIVING

Photos: Mikell Callahan

Road and walk the short distance (it will be signed) to their home, freeing up limited parking on their property for disabled visitors. Andrew has a PhD in botany and Robert is an art historian and violinist. The couple lived in Europe, and later moved to Toronto at Andrew’s request. Robert didn’t care for Toronto and demanded they move back to Europe, or that Andrew show him what was so special about Canada. The quest to find Canada’s wonders led to Denman Island, and staying with Jimmy. They fell in love with the Island and bought a house, where they have lived for three-and-ahalf years. Together, they are creating a huge garden, complete with its own heritage cider-apple orchard, flowers beds, a rockery and a vegetable patch. They even have a small vineyard. Sharing a garden is not without its perils. Robert says he respects Andrew’s expertise as a botanist, but has an artist’s eye in the garden. “He gets annoyed with me when I mow down three-foot-high weeds that he says are wildflowers,” says Robert. “Andrew did back-breaking work building berms of irregular shapes for the garden beds, but I am more interested in flowers. I

The entrance to Mikell Callahan’s garden.

Jimmy Tait’s trout lillies

Photo: Tobey Callahan

Hutchins’ raku pottery on the wooden cabinets, all built by local craftsmen. Mikell has a Le Clerc loom she weaves rag rugs on. “I am going to try to have a weaver working when we have our show,” she says. Another little treasure is the Callahan’s stained glass windows from the Old Italian Club in Seattle. The one in the kitchen depicts, in an abstract form, the sails of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Turn your head and see the three sails coming over the horizon. Two others are in the dinning room and the master bedroom. The Callahan’s house is home to an impressive art collection. Tobey’s father, Kenneth Callahan, is a wellknown American artist. Their collection includes works from all periods of Kenneth’s painting career and traces his artistic development from his youth to the masterpieces of his ﬁnal months. On their huge property, paths will be open to visitors who want to walk in the mossy stillness of the costal forest. The trails cross through the territories of four or ﬁve Winter Wrens, making this an excellent opportunity to see these shy birds. Andrew Fyson and Robert Newton, youngsters for Denman at 54 and 55, are new to the garden tour. Their home and garden are just off Wren Road. They hope people will park on Wren

Mikell in her garden.

like roses, but Andrew calls them cabbages.” This friendly push and pull is creating a unique garden. Robert builds wooden structures in the garden, including a lytch gate as a place to sit. He also built the frames for cultivating beans and the clever trellis a couple of feet from the deer fence so their young roses and climbing plants wouldn’t be eaten by the deer pushing their noses through the fence. Andrew seems a little nervous hosting his first garden tour. “I didn’t want to be on the tour yet,” he says. “I wanted to be on in five years.” To get ready for the show, he planted 1,500 bulbs. He is also planning to do some compost education about how they use seaweed, spoiled hay and horse manure, as well as how to brew seaweed tea, which is all he feeds his tomatoes. Their huge log house, built by Martin Woods in 1982, will be open for visitors. The floors are all Denman maple and their small galley will display Andrew’s nature photography. His close-up photos of insects are beautiful and interesting. “We have a wetland here and see Bald Eagles and Pileated Woodpeckers frequently,” he says. Visitors can count on seeing hummingbirds in the garden, as they love the red valerian, or one of the 40 species of birds often spotted on the property. Andrew hopes people will take the time to enSL joy nature during their visit. Tickets are $1 5 and can be denmangarden reserved online tour@gmail.com at or by at 250-335-1802 calling Lee And . Tickets will be ra held for pickup Community H at the all on Denman Island on tour book a B&B, go da ys . To to www.denman island.com Money raised by the tour suppor ts the Denman servancy Assoc Coniation. This gr ou p buys land for conservation. S nature ee their new pa rk opposite the House. For mor old School e information on the Conservan www.denmanco cy, visit nservancy.org/ and click on H Garden Tour. ome and

2008/2009 SEASON Michael Gormley DIRECTOR

The Creation May 9, 8:00 pm

TE ! NOime T Christ Church Cathedral, Quadra at Rockland

Join us for this performance of The Creation, considered by many to be Haydn’s masterpiece. Guest soloists

Anne Grimm, Benjamin Butterﬁeld, and Chalium Poppy and orchestra

Tickets: $25 adults, $22 senior, $10 students Children under 12 free when accompanied by a ticket holder

Available at Ivy’s Bookshop, Christ Church Cathedral ofﬁce, Larsen Music, Long & McQuade, and from choir members. Tickets also available at the door. Since 1989, CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble has been delighting audiences by performing works from early music to contemporary

for information visit www.capriccio.ca or phone 652-3508

Stage 1 - Water Conservation Bylaw

In effect May 1 to September 30 | Water Services

Lawn watering is permitted two days per week as follows: Even numbered addresses may water Wednesday & Saturday from 4-10 am & 7-10 pm Odd numbered addresses

may water Thursday & Sunday from 4-10 am & 7-10 pm

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Newly installed lawns (sod or seed) may be watered outside the permitted days above by special permit only.

Watering of trees, ﬂowers, shrubs & vegetables is permitted as follows: May be watered by hand any day and any time if watering is done by a hand-held container, a hose equiped with a shutoff nozzle, or a micro/drip irrigation system. Established trees, ﬂowers, shrubs and vegetables may be watered with a sprinkler any day from 4-10 am & 7-10 pm.

For more information call 250.474.9684 or visit www.crd.bc.ca/water

APRIL 2009

events

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events

HUGE GARAGE SALE Apr 18

Victoria Harbourside Rotary Garage Sale where you’ll ﬁnd books, furniture, sporting goods, clothes, kitchen items, art and specialty items on sale. Proceeds go to Central middle School and Rotary. 9am–1pm at Central Middle School, 1280 Fort Street. 877-551-7283.

MUSIC

This year’s spring concert series is a rousing show ﬁlled with folk songs from World Wars I and II and favourites from the Swingin’ Sixties. The Singers will be joined by Highland dancers, Irish dancers, pipers, a ﬂautist, a guitarist and once again the inimitable Jim Kingham as Master of Ceremonies. From “My Fair Lady” to the Beatles, from “Annie Laurie” to Andrew Lloyd Webber, don’t miss this songfest from the British Isles and Ireland. Apr 24 & 25: 7:30pm. Apr

To avoid disappointment, check ahead to make sure the event you want to attend is still happening. If you have an event our readers might like to know about, e-mail info to ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com

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events

26: 2pm. Mary Winspear Community & Cultural Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney. Tix: $20. 250-656-0275.

MISCELLANEOUS

OF CASTLES, KITLS AND LEPRECHAUNS Apr 24–26

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ARTS & CULTURE WEEK Apr 25

Music, dance, poetry, various times and locations. Info: CVCAS c/o Kathy, 250-416-0382 or k_6032@hotmail.com

FILL THE BUS May 2

Support Harvest House food bank’s “Fill the Bus” challenge, Waterwheel Park. Non-perishables, hygiene products needed. Enjoy live music. Mary: 250-246-1009.

SING JOY May 3

The Monterey Chorus presents their concert, “Sing Joy,” an eclectic mix of folk, popular, theatre, spiritual and classical music at 2pm, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 1701 Elgin St., Oak Bay. The 50-voice seniors’ choir will be accompanied by piano, guitar, string bass and violin. The concert will beneﬁt African AIDS orphans. 250595-5390.

SILVER ANNIVERSARY May 2

The COV celebrates their Silver Anniversary with an afternoon of glorious music under the leadership of conductor George Corwin. Commencing with Bizet’s “Carmen” Suite no.2, the concert continues with the well-loved “Serenade” op.7

Senior Driver Refresher  Build Conﬁdence  Learn new rules & regs  Prepare for re-examination  Compensate for age related changes Monterey Oak Bay June 3 & 10 1 - 4:30 pm “

55 ALIVE” Refresher Course Developed by the Canada Safety Council

SENIOR LIVING

Roadmasters Safety Group Inc. (250) 383-6041 www.roadmasters.org

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E. ﬂat-major by R. Strauss along with Vaughan Williams’ “Serenade to Music.” Refreshments and a chance to meet Maestro Corwin and members of the orchestra will follow. Tix: 12, 2pm at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora Ave. cynthiamoorhouse@shaw.ca

MUSIC OF SCANDINAVIA Apr 26

St. Michael’s Presents concert: Annette Lampson & Friends. Folk and art songs, 7pm, St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus. Info: www.smpconcerts.ca or 250-246-2522.

OUTDOOR 3D ARCHERY SHOOT Apr 4–5

Open to public, must preregister. Registration fees for adult, youth, family, senior, Bow Swap, awards, prizes. Call 250-338-5015 or shaun_ con@shaw.ca

EASTER BUNNY HUNT Apr 11–13

Bring grandchildren for a Kids’ Easter Bunny Hunt in Milner Gardens. At the Welcome Centre, kids can pick up maps to ﬁnd the bunnies in the garden, and then return the map to the Pool House Gift Shop to receive an Easter treat. Age 12 and under free admission when accompanied by an adult. 10am–5pm at the Milner Gardens, 2179 West Isl. Hwy. 250-752-8573.

SPRING PLANT SALE Apr 18–19

Milner Gardens & Woodland 8th Annual Spring Plant Sale, from 10am to 4pm, entry by donation. Add a piece of this Heritage Garden to your own garden. A large selection of propagated material will be offered for sale. www.milnergardens.org or 250-752-6153.

SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOPS HOW TO COMMUNICATE PAIN OR ILLNESS Apr 18

Are you having difﬁculties communicating with the person you are providing care to? Is their disease, injury or pain speaking louder than the person you want to talk with? Join with other family caregivers and learn simple, concrete strategies to navigate this unique and challenging three-way relationship. Facilitator: Allison

events

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Reeves, M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor. 9:30am–12:30pm at the Canadian Cancer Society, 2202 Richmond Road. $30, limited seating, register by April 14. 250-384-0408.

STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH CAREGIVING May 8

Family caregiving can be a rich source of fulﬁllment and satisfaction. It can also be one of the most stressful endeavours we may ever undertake. This workshop will offer stories and exercises to help you discover positive, practical strategies for coping with all these emotions. Buffet lunch included in registration fee. Seating is limited, register by May 4, $40. 9:30am– 1:30pm in the Banquet Room at the Vacation Inn, 3020 Douglas Street. 250-384-0408.

VICTORIA FLOWER ARRANGERS GUILD Apr 14

Workshop for Floral Art Jewelry for pre-paid and pre-registered members. Experienced designers please bring your own materials to execute a version of the Floral Art Jewelry. For “Show and Share,” members are encouraged to bring a vertical design learned at last month’s workshop. New members and visitors welcome to watch. 250-655-1524.

LOOKING FOR GROWTH? Apr 7

Open your heart and volunteer with NEED Crisis and Information Line. Training starts May 2. Next Information Session Tuesday, Apr 7, 6:30pm. UVic Sub Room 110B. Call 250-3866328 or visit online www.needcrisis.bc.ca

NANAIMO & NORTH ISLAND DAFFY DAZE Apr 11–12

Kids parade, studio tour, giant community Flea Market, cycling races, hanging basket planting for kids sponsored by the Communities in Bloom at Saywell Park, teen theatre production & much, much more. 250-749-3244.

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AFRICAN MARIMBA DANCE Apr 18

Featuring Marim-Bam-Buzz, including an African craft sale and silent auction. Tix: $15, 8pm at Errington Hall, Errington BC. 250-954-3522.

SPRING TEA May 2

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TAOIST TAI CHI – 20TH ANNIVERSARY May 2

11:30am–12pm: Gathering and Socializing. Ofﬁcial Opening. First Nations’ Prayer. Presentations. Lion Dance. 1pm–2:30pm: Free Jai Lunch. Taoist Arts Demonstrations. Practice Classes. 1724 Bowern Road. 250-753-6905.

Nanaimo Star Society for OES#43. 1pm– 2:30pm at Brechin United Church Hall, 1998 Estevan. Delicious refreshments, home baking, and handicrafts. Admission $6. Contact Maralyn 250-758-2852.

DANCE GALA 2009 Apr 4

Each year, the dance section of our festival is extremely proud to present the best and most entertaining dance performances in Dance Gala. Chosen to perform by our adjudicators, dancers from communities across Vancouver Island will provide you with an evening of outstanding entertainment. All seats $16, 7pm at the Port Theatre, 125 Front St. 250-754-4555.

GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT Apr 14

Jaguar Music Group Presents: The Sun Records Story. A two-act play that dramatizes the amazing-but-true story of the birth of Rock’n’Roll in the 1950s. In Act One, listen and learn the recording secrets behind classic songs like “I Walk The Line,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Whole Lotta Shakin.” Act Two is full of great music and laughs! Complete with 1950s radio commercials, fan-mail and wacky stunts. $36.75, 7:30pm at the Port Theatre, 125 Front St. 250-754-4555.

open house The secret’s out. Come on in. • • • • • •

Free yoga classes Free wellness workshops Sample our spectacular food Chat with our retreat leaders Library book sale Tours of the building, grounds, pool and labyrinth

sat. may 9, 9:30am - 3:30pm queenswoodvictoria.ca/openhouse 2494 Arbutus Road | 250.477.3822

THE OTHER SHOE DROPS Apr 30

Derek Edwards’ new one-man show is a riotously funny 90-minute “unguarded moment” with a Canadian comic icon. Enjoy his unique curve ball delivery and inimitable quirky perspective. All seats $40, 8pm at the Port Theatre, 125 Front St. 250-754-4555.

  

            APRIL 2009

Mind GAMES

Crossword PUZZLE Across 1. Potato 5. Basic 10. Verge 14. Melody 15. Extreme 16. Heath 17. Female given name 18. Narrow openings 19. Spanish duke 20. Close at hand 22. Inﬂammation 23. Republic in E Africa 24. Provoke 28. Exclamation of contempt 30. Author’s insertion mark 34. High points 35. Long-continued practice 37. Make odorous 38. Republic on the E coast of Africa 39. Russian leaders

40. Fem. pronoun 42. Turn upside down 43. Understanding 44. Hire cars 47. Gardening tool 52. Trade 56. Pretended 57. Egg cell 58. Seaport in the Crimea 60. Fall short 61. Flat tableland with steep edges 62. Negatively charged ion 63. Enclosure 64. British WW2 machine gun 65. Storage center 66. Decays

Down 1. Stench 2. Rub through a strainer 3. Cause to lose one’s nerve

4. A special loved one 5. Actively engaged 6. Entirely 7. Holdup 8. Showily imitative of art 9. Lethal fever 10. Computer letter 11. Dunce 12. Desert in E Asia 13. Part of a tape recorder 21. Ceremonial immersion in water 25. Search 26. West Vermont town 27. Soils 28. Bundle 29. Against 30. Comb of a cock 31. Ax-like tool 32. Horse of mixed color 33. Sin 36. Plant juice 41. Deformed lip 45. Capital of Jordan 46. Wood nymph 48. Postpone 49. Bird droppings 50. Decree 51. Tumbles 53. Above 54. Think 55. Walking stick 56. Breathe hard 59. Also

ANSWERS

SENIOR LIVING

Classifieds SAANICH VOLUNTEER SERVICES. Volunteers do simple income tax returns for Saanich residents who meet the criteria. For info call 250-595-8008. COLLECTOR SEEKING vintage/collectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiflex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike 250-383-6456 or e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net WANTED: Canadian National Park buffalo and beaver plaques, chauffeur badges, licensed driver badges. Please call Rick at 250-3822283 - Thank you. HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE - Would you like a little assistance? Meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, appointments, or respite. We also hire seniors. Call 250-382-6565. THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU of Vancouver Island is located at 220-1175 Cook St., Victoria BC V8V 4A1. Toll-free phone line for Up-Island 1-877-826-4222 (South Island dial 250-386-6348). www.bbbvanisland.org E-mail: info@bbbvanisland.org RUTH M.P HAIRSTYLING for Seniors in Greater Victoria. In the convenience of your own home! Certified Hairdresser. Call - 250893-7082.

Jim Smallwood Ensign Chrysler

1061 Yates St., Victoria BC

Senior Focused Service Consultant

Phone (250)896-9330 for a free coffee and to book a test drive.

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WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, stamp accumulations, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 250-652-9412 or email fenian@shaw.ca FOR RENT: SENIORS ASSISTED LIVING. 408 - 455 Kingston St. Large top ﬂoor, 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Price includes main meal each day, weekly housekeeping, and change of linens, 24 hour security, life line phone. Asking $2400 for one person. Luella Hillmer 250-360-6323. CLARE’S CREATIVE CUISINE. Gourmet meals delivered to your home. Low sodium. Nutritious and delicious. Since 1999. www.clares.ca Phone 250-388-0154. HEDGES AND EDGES. Reliable garden help regular maintenance, or occasional heavy work. Pruning and rejuvenation of hedges and shrubs. Seniors references. 250-893-5285. PERSONALS DWF, 65, health-oriented, spiritually-focused, enjoys classical music, theatre, walking, nature, seeks sincere, kind, warm, intelligent gentleman for friendship and “sharing.” celloangel@shaw.ca

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$30 for 20 words or less. $1.25 per extra word. BW only. Boxed Ad - Small (2.2 x 1.2) $110. Boxed Ad - Large (2.2 x 2.4) $210. Add BW Logo - $25. Red spot color 10% extra. Plus 5% GST. All Classiﬁed ads must be paid at time of booking. Cheque or Credit Card accepted. Ph. (250)479-4705 or toll-free 1-877-479-4705. Deadline: 15th of the month. Make cheque payable to: Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave.,Victoria BC V8T 2C1

When you see this logo on an advertisement in Senior Living, you will ﬁnd additional information provided by this advertiser on our website. Go to www.seniorlivingmag.com and click on the ASK A PROFESSIONAL tab on the Home Page. This will take you to a table of contents of articles written by professionals who advertise in Senior Living. Is there information you would like posted in this section in the future? Let us know - we will pass the request along to the appropriate businesses and professionals with the expertise to address the subject you propose. Check back frequently for new additions as we continue to expand this new section of our website. Industries with Current Postings on

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APRIL 2009

Reﬂections THEN & NOW

BY GIPP FORSTER

ell, it’s finally happened! I looked in the mirror this morning and my reflection refused to look back. Talk about rude. There was some other guy in the place where my reflection should have been, making excuses as to why my reflection could no longer appear. This guy’s beard was white and his hair, what was left of it, was almost as white as the beard; it looked like shredded wheat in a snowstorm. And he had a paunch on him that would make Sydney Greenstreet look athletic. I wonder if this guy’s been hanging around for a while and I only noticed him this morning? No matter! He’s an embarrassment and I’ve decided not to give him satisfaction. I refuse, from here on in, to ever look in a mirror again (well, at least until next time). Let’s see how he handles that! But I am puzzled. Where did that svelte, debonair and dashing, lean future machine go? I’m sure he was there last time I looked. I mean, really looked. And now, this jerk in the glass is telling me I can no longer see my reflection and my reflection can no longer

see me. It sounds like when I was young and a father was telling me I could no longer see his daughter. What nerve! My wife insists the rotund guy with the beard is me, but if I should be right, and that athletic figure of a man I insist is my reflection is actually hiding in there, she says she can live with that. That sounds good, but somehow it just doesn’t sound right! That little gleam in her eye disturbs me. I remember a friend of mine some time ago telling me of a similar situation he went through with reflections. He was his usual Joe Atlas-type self enjoying the admiring ladies’ glances of as they passed by. He said he could hear their giggles and he watched the way they hid their smiles behind their hands. He felt good that day with his shirt unbuttoned down to his navel and four gold chains around his neck, just like the young guys at the time. He supposed the ladies just couldn’t help themselves when they saw a 70-year-old man with the build of a 20 year old! He glanced into a department store window and was shocked at his reflec-

Reﬂections, Rejections, “Reﬂections” MAIL-IN ORDER FORM and Other Breakfast Foods Name_____________________________________ by Gipp Forster A collection of Gipp’s humorous and nostalgic columns. A wonderful read for Reflections, �� yourself, and and Other Breakfast Foods a thoughtful gift for friends and family members. Limited Edition

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Photo: Krystle Wiseman

SAG EXPLOSION

tion. He stopped dead in his tracks. Some old fuddy duddy was blocking out his true reflection, the real him. He said he rushed home, tore off his shirt and headed for the full-length mirror. Two words described that moment: “sag explosion.” I mean, I could have told him that! But I was his friend. I don’t think up until then he could have handled the truth. He probably wanted to be like me or at least look like me! Poor guy. We can’t all be winners. But now, and I can hardly believe it, the same has happened to me. This elderly, out of shape, sag explosion individual is standing in my mirror blocking my reflection. An impersonator, a culprit, a thief who has stolen and probably imprisoned the real me and is trying to push himself forward, ahead of my real reflection. There outta be a law! I should be able to call the police and say: “Get over here immediately! Someone has kidnapped my reflection and left a sag explosion in its place.” But, unfortunately, there is no such law. So, I am left shouting at my bathroom mirror and threatening violence unless my reflection is returned. My wife just yelled through the bathroom door that she is going shopping and will be back, in three or four weeks. Sag explosion, indeed! SL It’s theft I tell you!

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