July 2013 Senior Living Magazine by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

JULY 2013 TM

50+ Active Living Magazine

THE FASHION & BEAUTY ISSUE Grey is the New Blonde Fashion Designer Hilly Van de Wetering Playing on Pender Perfect place for an active getaway

Tips to Keep You Looking Your Best www.seniorlivingmag.com WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

JULY 2013

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Wisdom is a dish best shared. The best part of my day? Learning all our residents’ stories.

Denise, Executive Director, has been with us for 13 years. PREPARED FOR: NORGARDEN PUBLICATION: SENIOR LIVING_”DENISE” SIZE: 7.25” X 4.75” PREPARED BY: BRAVO ADVERTISING 250 590 1169

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2013 Musicin the Park Presented by the Saanich Legacy Foundation

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FREE Community Concert Series

Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00pm

July 2 - Goward House with Cynthia Davis & the Sugar Blues Band July 9 - Majestic Park with Voyager July 16 - Brydon Park with Shaky Ground July 23 - Beckwith Park with The Sutcliffes July 30 - Rudd Park with The Smokin’ Popes Bring a picnic dinner & blanket and enjoy a free evening of music in your local park. Call 250-475-5408 or go to www.saanichsunfest.ca

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Remember.... it is not by the gray of the hair that one knows the age of the heart. Enjoy life, enjoy simple things. – Mark Twain Growing older gracefully can be challenging. Let Sidney SeniorCare ensure a smoother, more comfortable aging process. We’ll help you maintain your independence; allowing you to ﬁnd joy again in special moments and live life on your terms.

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Call now for your FREE consultation! 9752 Third Street, Sidney 250-656-7176 or 250-589-0010

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Flexible service 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week!

#209 – 2250 Oak Bay Avenue 778-433-4784 or 250-589-0010 JULY 2013 3

JULY 2013

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FEATURES

20 Something Old is New Again

The ukulele is making a comeback, and in her community, musician Heather Stubbs is leading the jam sessions.

6 Playing on Pender

Pender Island offers a balance between a surprising array of amenities and enough natural gifts to feed your body and soul.

DEPARTMENTS

9 15 Fashion and Beauty Tips

Helpful advice to keep you looking your best.

26 Travel

10 Grey is the New Blonde

29 Classiﬁeds

The Boomer generation strikes again by driving the trend towards grey hair – from the runway to the street.

COLUMNS 4 The Family Caregiver

12 Old Dame; Young Heart

by Barbara Small

Hilly Van de Wetering has returned to her love of fashion, and designs one-of-a kind outﬁts from gorgeous fabrics.

22 Forever Young by William Thomas

14 Find Your Fashionista this Summer

24 Fit for the Adventure by Eve Lees

Revamp your wardrobe, and showcase your vibrant personality through your fashion choices.

25 Ask Goldie

16 Closet Clean-Up

32 Reﬂections: Then & Now

Tips to help you shed outdated garments and make space for new ones that make sense for your body and lifestyle.

by Goldie Carlow by Gipp Forster

18 Embracing Life

For counsellor-turned-author Gail Boulanger life is about embarking on daring new adventures.

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Cover Photo: Art restorer Jan Huk at work at the Renaissance Gallery on Pender Island. Story page 6. Photo: John Bagshaw Senior Living is published by Stratis Publishing. Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Reid editor@seniorlivingmag.com

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Head Ofﬁce Contact Information: Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Phone 250-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705

Advertising Manager Barry Risto 250-479-4705 ext 101 For advertising information, call 250-479-4705 sales@seniorlivingmag.com

E-mail ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com Website www.seniorlivingmag.com

Ad Sales Staff Colevin Crause 250-479-4705 ext 102 Barry Risto 250-479-4705 ext 101 Evan Standerwick 778-888-7630 Kathie Wagner 250-479-4705 ext 103

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 is distributed free throughout British Columbia. Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living (12 issues per year). ISSN 17103584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

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Subscriptions: $32 (includes GST, postage and handling) for 12 issues. Canadian residents only.

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JULY 2013

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

Devices to Help with Independence

amily caregiving at home can be made easier by the use of aids and equipment that help maintain or increase your care recipient’s independence and mobility. Products are available for almost any daily activity that becomes challenging due to declines in health. In addition to the more common items such as scooters, walkers and canes, there are smaller devices that can help in getting dressed, bathing, meal preparation etc. Whatever someone needs help with, there is probably a product available! These include aids that help with opening jars or reaching for items that are up high without climbing on a chair, shoe horns with extra-long handles, shower stools, items for gripping or turning or adaptive specialized clothing. I have two unique items that I use and love. The first is a sock aid with long straps. I slip the sock on the holder, which then holds the sock open so I can easily slip my foot in. Then, I use the long straps to pull the sock on. Sure helps save my arthritic knees. The second item, which I received one Christmas, is a long-handled device with rollers on it used to apply lotion on your own back. Many communities have medical supplies and equipment loan services from which you can borrow items for a small fee, by donation or sometimes for free. You can also contact your local branch of the Canadian Red Cross. Some senior’s complexes or communities have created their own supply rooms, where residents can donate and share aids and equipment. Regional health authorities, Home and

Community Care division may also be able to provide you with a list of resources. Other community organizations such as Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing also provide special equipment for BY BARBARA SMALL specific limitations. Several businesses focus solely on selling home healthcare products, like MediChair. And local pharmacy chains (such as Pharmasave, Shopper’s Drug Mart and Rexall) have also opened specialized home healthcare outlets. Aids or equipment will change with the evolving needs of your care recipient. Your case manager, home care nurse, doctor, occupational therapist or home support worker can also help you decide what medical supplies or aids may help. In addition, ask other family caregivers what they have found to be useful. Or simply do what I did – walk into one of the above resources, tell them what the challenge is and ask them what they have that could help. I was pleasantly SL surprised by the vast array of devices available. Next month: Long-distance Caregiving Barbara Small is the Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society located in Victoria, BC. www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

The Family Caregiver column is brought to you by the generous sponsorship of Saint Elizabeth

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JULY 2013

Playing on Pender Local Travel

Add Hope Bay to your “must-visit” list.

iller whale “shows” at Thieves Bay, knock-your-hiking-boots -off views from Mt. Norman, sylvan swimming in Greenburn and Roe Lakes and 55 trails to wander, what could be better for an active break away? North and South Pender Island have the balance right: developed enough to offer a surprising array of amenities; and natural enough to gift you with lonely forest treks and secluded beaches. In fact, this 36-square kilometre paradise has more beach accesses than any of the other Southern Gulf Islands and almost 70 parks, surpassed only by Saturna Island for parkland. On the amenities side are historical sites, a museum, several restaurants, the luxurious Poets Cove Resort and Spa, myriad artists’ studios, the Red Tree Gallery at Hope Bay, a busy shopping complex at the Driftwood Mall, a Saturday morning Farmers Market at the community centre, and for browsers who love to uncover treasures, the must-visit Renaissance Gallery. Well serviced by BC Ferries from 68

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Swartz Bay, and twice-daily sailings from Tsawwassen, the Penders are an ideal getaway for city folk, combining a Gulf Island cruise with a laid-back island experience. But “laid-back” has nothing to do with indolence. North and South Pender’s year-round population of around 2,000 may be primarily made up of retirees, but these folk keep busy, in the community and at leisure. Here’s a sampling of the leisure activities that visitors can get up to. A day visit is do-able, but you’ll go home frustrated; set aside a few days to play like a Penderite. When driving off the ferry, think Roesland. The museum, located in the restored, historic Roe homestead, will be open on summer weekends, but check the website to be sure. This side trip combines history with natural beauty and adds a little, or a lot, of exercise. The “little” is the Arbutus-fringed walk out to the tip of the islet to enjoy the views, and linger at the beach after the museum visit. The “lot” is to add the trail to Roe Lake. Energetic hikers WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

Photo: Cherie Thiessen

BY CHERIE THIESSEN

walking past the lake and beginning down the hill will soon be looking over Shingle Bay. They can even access a road from here that heads down to the old fish reduction plant, an historic park that’s one of the latest acquisitions to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. There’s also the option of walking and scrambling all around the natural lake, so if you only have a day on Pender, be cautioned: magic munches minutes. Speaking of munching – a trip over to sleepy Port Washington will wind past the 9-hole public golf course and its café, a busy place in season. Exploring this part of the island takes you on a quiet road, past an historic old farm, once the home of one of the early pioneers whose name graces the nearby port, Washington Grimmer. It will also take you past a farm, where you can buy fresh eggs on the honour system, and the Renaissance Gallery, where crystal jewelry designer Milada Huk, and her husband, Jan, have their treasure trove of “deals.” Milada’s jewelry can be seen in places like New York and London, and

Jan is one of a handful of the world’s art restorers. Wait ’til you see what’s up that hill, and the prices you can get on Persian carpets, art and custom jewelry! Now it’s probably lunch time, so head over to the Hope Bay Café and its warren of shops, and be sure to wander into the Red Tree Gallery’s artists’ co-op. It’s one way of getting a sense of the incredible variety and talents of island artists. The café, lounging over Plumper Sound, is a lively spot for good food, meeting the locals, and watching the boats come and go. We’ve spied killer whales from this snug vantage point. If the need to walk off lunch arises, take nearby Hoosen Road and follow it to the end. A trail leaves from here, climbing up and over to Morning Bay Vineyards and great views. Later on, you may want to visit the winery for a glass of the grapes. Back to the main road traversing the island, pull into Driftwood Mall. The first reason is to pick up a map of the island at the Chamber of Commerce kiosk, if you didn’t remember to get one while on the ferry. Secondly, to take a look at all the great stores and amenities Penderites enjoy: a popular and excellent bakery café, a cozy little Sushi restaurant that Vancouverites rate highly, a liquor and food store, well-stocked bookstore and gallery, a clothing store, a pharmacy, et al. Okay, time to move. Before crossing over to South Pender on the picturesque one-lane bridge, stop to read the cairn on the north side, a tribute to the people who lived here thousands of years before the European settlers. It’s always a surprise to visitors to come across swishy Poets Cove, with its lounge, restaurant, spa, pools and marina. Not many small islands can boast a resort of this quality, and you might want to take a while to check it all out and perhaps ask about the haunted Yew tree. Time is flying, right? So, jump in the car and drive to the nearby fire hall to park and walk up to Greenburn Lake. It’s a short but steep road that leads to a picture-perfect lake. But don’t stop here. Go right around the lake and then take the first trail on the left toward the sea. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views from the ridge. After gorging yourself on the views,

head back down and drive to the end of the road, the southernmost point of the islands. Take the short trail to Brooks Point to admire a view that has been lauded in many a travelogue. If arriving in April-early June, you’re in luck; the rare, chocolate lilies will be blooming in the headland meadows. If you’re overwhelmed with the views here, you have the Pender Islands’ Conservancy Association and its Brooks Point Completion Committee to thank; they spearheaded the fundraising to protect this special part of the Gulf Islands, but they still have a ways to go. Returning, now well-walked, wellwatered, and sated with the natural beauty and vistas you’ve seen today, you may want to take the steep dirt road just before the bridge to Mortimer Spit. You probably noticed it on the way down and were dying to check it out, so why not? It’s a favourite spot to walk dogs, launch kayaks, take children, and relax on the white shell beaches while watching boats churning under the bridge. It looks highly inviting for swim-

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ming on a hot day, but be cautioned; the waters here are not nearly as warm as you would imagine. Now you’ll see Port Browning waving at you from the head of the bay, so it’s only polite to stop and say “hi.” Visiting Port Browning with its excellent beach, swimming pool, café, and busy pub, will probably wind down your varied and busy day. But have you played disc golf yet? Have you hiked down to Beaumont Park, or rented a kayak and explored Shingle Bay and those old ruins? Have you been down to Thieves Bay yet to watch for those whales and get the sunset splashed in your face? Now aren’t you glad you booked overnight at one of the islands’ accommodations? See the Chamber of Commerce website for everything you need SL to know and come prepared. For IF YOU GO information, more photos, and additional articles about Pender Island, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/playingonpender

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JULY 2013

Footloose and fancy free… Let Berwick handle the day-to-day tasks with our top notch professional chefs to prepare your meals, our efﬁcient housekeepers to tidy up and our friendly staff organizing recreation activities and outings. Be as connected and social as you desire. Enjoy a movie in our theatre, health and wellness classes, or a game of cards with some of your friends. Visit a Berwick near you and discover how engaging retirement can be.

INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING | LICENSED RESIDENTIAL CARE | RESPITE STAYS

BERWICK BY THE SEA – Campbell River coming Fall 2014!

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Fashion & Beauty

15 Beauty and Fashion Tips to Keep You Looking Your Best

Boot-i-licious! A European footwear boutique.

1. Hydrate – drink lots of water. Not only will this keep your skin hydrated, if you drink a glass before each meal you’ll be less likely to overeat.

3. Vitamin A derived retinoids. A topical skincare ingredient, retinoids stimulate new collagen (which starts decreasing as early as age 30). It also helps exfoliate and increase cell turnover (meaning you shed your older skin cells quicker, and bring the newer ones to the surface). 4. Don’t forget your hands and neck. It’s not just your face that needs attention. The skin on your hands and neck is even thinner than the skin on your face. Hands and neck will show your age just as much as your face, so be sure to apply a moisturizing and retinoid treatment to these areas of your body too. 5. Do something really good for your body. Exercise. Even if it’s just 20 minutes of energetic walking. This helps improve circulation and oxygen intake and lets your pores dilate and release clogging. The water you will drink during and after your exercise adds to your overall glow. Plus, you’ll get the endorphins flowing, making you FEEL better on top of looking better. 6. Lift weights. Some simple dumbbell lifts of 5, 10 and 15 pounds will help keep your muscles toned. Use your body weight to help tone other parts of your body. Abdominal crunches, push ups, burpees, jumping jacks... there’s so much you can do without equipment. 7. Stretch. You have to stay limber to maintain your flexibility. If you can’t easily touch your toes or raise your leg and foot to table height, you should be spending a few minutes every day flexing and stretching. Don’t expect a once-a-week yoga class to do it for you. We’re talking daily practice to get optimum results. Good muscle tone and flexibility will not only help allow you to pursue more activities, it will go a long way toward preventing falls, lowering the injury or speeding the recovery should you take a tumble. 8. Find a professional hair stylist who can give you a classic, precision haircut. It takes a little searching, but the good ones don’t just cut hair, they style it to your facial features and the type of hair you have. Look for one that has sought out additional training from world class

Photo: Barbara Risto

2. Use sunscreen and self-tanning lotion. A moisturizing body lotion with a built-in self-tanner can help hide spider lines, brown spots, and minimize the look of cellulite. No need to spend hours in the sun. In fact, be sure to use at least SPF 15 every day, even if it’s raining. Not only is UV radiation the cause of many skin cancers, it accelerates skin aging... and you don’t want to do that.

hairstyling schools. When you get a good cut, you won’t need a bunch of styling products to make your “do” look good. It will naturally fall into line and look good all the time. 9. Invest in a good quality pair of European shoes. Styles from Europe tend to be a year or more ahead of North America. Want to always be on trend? Find a store that imports their shoes from manufacturers in Italy, Portugal, Germany, etc. Though a little pricier, the proper fit and longer wear will be so worth the extra money to invest upfront. 10. Watches – men’s style watches make a statement. Gold or stainless steel will match anything you wear. 11. A leather jacket. Look for colours other than black or brown, like reds, blues, greens. So versatile, you can dress it up or dress it down and always look like a badass – in a good way! Today’s faux leather jackets can be an animal-friendly alternative. While they may not have the same length of wear, they can still provide the look you want. 12. Necklace – choose one that hits just below the bust to make you look taller and thinner. It will help draw attention away from wrinkles in the neck area too. 13. When choosing earrings, studs or short earrings look best on a long or oval face. Pendants work on a round or square face. Hoops work for both, but stick to a medium size. 14. Pencil skirts – of all the styles, the pencil skirt looks good on every body type. It’s a classic that can be a staple of any wardrobe. 15. Scarves – From filmy silk styles to bulky wool pashminas for colder temperatures... these versatile, and generally affordable, fashion pieces SL can really put the finishing touch on an otherwise plain outfit.

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Fashion & Beauty

GREY IS THE NEW BLONDE BY ELIZABETH MINCEY

covered by a Ford Model Agency scout, just after she opted to go gracious – cutting off the last of her coloured hair. The increasing visibility of grey-haired models in the fashion world is driven by the Boomer generation – yet another example of how this demographic is affecting current trends. Regardless, the decision to embrace grey hair – or not – is a personal choice. Every situation is unique. Consider the following factors: As hair turns grey, it is most complementary on persons with pink or cool skin undertones. In contrast, on warm skin tones, grey creates a sallow or dull appearance. For redheads and brunettes, rich colour tones become diffused as the percentage of grey increases. Grey can also appear in sporadic, unattractive patches rather than foxy streaks. Fine hair can look thinner as hair lightens, especially when the skin and hair are of similar hue. Textured, coarser hair

Nancy Murray models multi-dimensional colour using grey as blonde accent and a Red-Violet colour enhancement.

Photos: Elizabeth Mincey

Mitzi Ujimoto models greyblending with dark lowlite weaves.

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can take on a brittle, dry appearance. For these less ideal scenarios, colouring the hair can enhance remaining pigments, condition the surface of the hair, create fullness and add shine. Professional salon treatments produce better results than damaging doit-yourself direct dyes, which contain saturated pigments that look unnatural. How to colour grey hair is best decided with the help of a trained and experienced professional, who is thoroughly conversant with colour theory. An expert colourist will determine the type of treatment to apply and choose the most complementary tonal values for your hair and skin colour. How often that colour will need to be maintained is based on the percentage of grey in the natural pigment and can vary considerably. Colour options can be as simple as grey-blending.

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Photo: Video Links Productions

ccording to catwalk fashionistas, grey power is in full swing on the runways. At the Chanel and Dior couture shows, models donned grey wigs. Even super model Kate Moss, sported grey streaks in her hair at the launch of her handbag collection. Sixty-year-old Cindy Joseph was dis-

Grey blending can be done over time for a strong yet subtle change. It is popular with men and women who want their colour to gently fade out over a three to six week period with a minimal root line. Complete coverage can be achieved with a more permanent colour and needs to be repeated every two to six weeks. Multi-dimensional colour incorporates the natural grey into a colour palette of two or more colours artfully woven through the natural hair. This technique minimizes grow-out and lasts for 10-12 weeks. Each treatment type varies in application technique, time required and products used. Depending on practitioner expertise, costs will range from $60 to $300. When it is time to forgo coloured locks and embrace grey hair, there are strategies that make the grow-out process less daunting. While it is impossible to colour hair to mimic a natural grey, letting coloured grey grow out results in a jarring root line. Seek professional advice for solutions, such as highlights or lowlights, in order to blend in the roots. Opting to cut the hair shorter can minimize the transitional time required to achieve the desired result. Some cautions: For darker hair, never use henna to blend in grey. It stains it orange – impossible to remove. Grey care is similar to blonde hair in that ultra violet rays cause damage and discolouration. Prevent yellow tones and fading with products designed for sun-care. For lengthy exposure to the sun, stylish hats are effective accessories. Invest in a shampoo and conditioner with plant-based ton-

ers, such as blue malva flower, which adds shine, lustre, and camouflages subtle yellowing that occurs over time. In cases of over-indulgence in unprotected sunning, your colourist can use salon-exclusive remedial products to rescue your look. Lastly, grey hair is like precious, delicate fibre requiring TLC. Therefore, when styling, Karin Holdegaard models use products designed to ward Violet-red based Brown off the damaging effects of heat colour enhancement. from flat irons, curling wands and blow dryers. All considered, your individual expression is key. Whatever your take on grey, it’s your play! SL Elizabeth Mincey is an awardwinning stylist and colourist with 30 years’ experience in the hair industry. As the owner of Luna Aveda Concept Salon, 1035 Fort St., she is as com- Anna Wozniak models multimitted to health and sustainability as dimensional colour using she is to promoting individual beauty. grey as blonde accent.

What’s your reason to get your hearing checked today? Staying connected to life’s most important conversations, even when they’re whispered, is a great reason to get your hearing checked. At Connect Hearing we’re here to help, no matter what your reason. Book a complimentary hearing screening today and try hearing aids for two weeks at no cost, and no obligation.* Exclusive discounts available to our national partners.

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The reasons to come see us are your special secret. VAC, WCB accepted. * Registered under the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. No fees and no purchase necessary. Complimentary Hearing Screenings are only applicable for customers over 50 years of age. See clinic for details. ®CAA and CAA logo trademarks owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association. CAA Rewards™ used by the Canadian Automobile Association.

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JULY 2013

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Fashion & Beauty

OLD DAME; YOUNG HEART BY CAROL MATTHEWS

n the early sixties, when Hilly was studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam, she worked as a stylist for a well-known designer while she designed and sewed clothes for her friends to make a bit of pocket money. After she married and moved to Vancouver Island with husband, Rob Van de Wetering, Hilly turned her talents towards the creation and operation of Kinderspel, a store that featured children’s clothing and educational toys. A few years later, the couple moved to Vancouver where Hilly opened new branches of her store, first in South Vancouver and then in Marpole. After she sold the business several years later, she and Rob began earning their living buying and renovating apartments. “Fashion was a lot of fun,” Hilly says, “but I became much too busy with interior design to pay a lot of attention to clothes.” All her life, Hilly had been active and engaged, whether creating children’s clothes, operating her business, or designing, building and refurbishing the homes the couple lived in. But when her husband died suddenly of a heart attack in the summer of 2007, she found it difficult to build enthusiasm for creative work. “The first few years after Rob’s death were difficult ones,” she says. “I didn’t have the energy or desire to work at anything. At first, it was hard to imagine developing another creative outlet. It took time for me to overcome my grief and loneliness, and I wasn’t motivated to work on new projects.” But now, Hilly, 71, has returned to her love of fashion, and designs one-of-a kind outfits from gorgeous fabrics designed by her long-time friend Robin Field, a Vancouver Island artist who recently retired from the Art Department of Vancouver Island University. “Robin and I make a good team,” she says. “We like talking

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Fashion designer Hilly Van de Wetering enjoys having her friends model her clothes.

about art and design, and when Robin and his partner Brendan travel in Europe, I often meet up with them to visit galleries and look at textiles that we just can’t find in Canada.” Building on each other’s talents and a long-term friendship, Hilly and Robin work together on finalizing a motif and pattern design to suit a particular fabric and garment. The result is always stylish, eye-catching and unique, not something that you would easily find in a local store. Robin’s fabric designs are created from computer-manipulated paintings and photos, which are then digitally printed on organic fabrics of silk, linen, cotton and knits. And, in addition to the clothing he creates with Hilly, Robin is continuing his explorations of design on fabrics, which are being used for upholstery and the creation of large format art panels. “I love working with Robin’s material because the textiles are all natural and of high quality, and the designs are beautiful and original.”

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The feeling is mutual. Robin says, “I enjoy working with new creative outlets for design ideas, and I’m inspired

Hilly with long-time friend and creative partner Robin Field.

into the shadows.” “As we grow older we can become bolder and try out lively and colourful ways to express our individual personSL alities. That can be a lot of fun!” To see more photos of Hilly’s designs, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/ articles/olddameyoungheart

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Photos: Mariska Richters

An original Hilly Van de Wetering design.

by Hilly’s flair for fashion, and passion for design.” “It’s a labour of love for me,” says Hilly. “I believe that these days older women are feeling more adventurous in choosing clothes that are stylish and a little glamorous. It gives me great satisfaction to see my friends trying on some of my unusual outfits.” Always ready to experiment with new ventures, Hilly has now started producing photographed portraits embroidered on fabric framed as wall art. “Once I print out the portraits, I finish them off with designs created by quilting and embroidery.” As she says on her Etsy website, “I am an old dame but young of heart and mind.” Clearly, Hilly’s youthful spirit keeps her coming up with ideas for innovative activities and exploring new artistic activities that reflect her contemporary sense of design. “As we advance in age, we can also advance in style,” says Hilly. “Old age doesn’t mean that we have to wear drab, conservative clothes and sink

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pick up and return

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August 9-30; 21 Days

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Find Your Fashionista this Summer BY STEFFANY GUNDLING

inding your own personal fashion style from season to season doesn’t mean spending a lot of money. The keys to success are being strategic and, of course, having fun! Here are some tips on how to revamp your wardrobe, and showcase your vibrant personality through your fashion choices: The Colour Let go of your colour-phobia! It’s easy to fall into the safe rut of having a colour monotone closet, filled with pastels, blacks, beiges or navy. Take the plunge this year and reclaim your rainbow! Orange is the No. 1 colour in fashion this season, with red and yellow following in second and third. If you are feeling reluctant about being too bold, ease into colour by adding it in small but dynamic accents. Bright jewelry or shoes are a safe way to excite your outfit without overwhelming yourself – and others – with a loud colour. The Prints/Graphics/Lace Have fun with graphics! Sharp geometric shapes and graphic designs are back in style this season. The great thing about embracing prints is that they can

be very forgiving with any physical imperfections you feel you may have. By paying attention to the print’s blocking (the way the colours fall on your body), you can accentuate your goods with simple optical illusions. Remember, if you are going to wear a busy print, keep the rest of your outfit simple. Ocean prints and nautical graphics are also a good pick for a casual look. Blues and turquoise colours complement paler skin. Asian-influenced prints are not a new trend, but are worth a look. Elegant and often unassuming, they give the illusion of class and the exotic (perfect for summer), even on a simple t-shirt. Lace and sheer materials are a great way to spice up your look, while still keeping it casual. Choose items with small lace or sheer detailing rather than risking overkill. Sometimes less is more. The Fit Finding clothing that works with your body and not against it can sometimes be a difficult task, especially for mature women. The issue with many reasonably priced retail stores catering

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be challenging and time consuming. A quick and economical solution is to have your clothing altered – by a professional or do it yourself. When you find an item you love, buy a size larger, and have it customized for your body. It will make all the difference in how it fits and how you feel.

Create your own unique fashion personality with accessories.

to women over 50 is that they don’t actually cater to woman over 50. We find ourselves stuck with limp, baggy t-shirts and tank tops that just cover the body, but don’t celebrate it. Unless you have a large clothing budget or a personal seamstress, finding apparel perfectly suited to your body can

The Accessories Scarves and earrings and belts – oh my! One of the best ways to create your own unique fashion personality is with your accessories. It’s all you need to crank up the style on any outfit! Floral printed summer scarves add elegance to an otherwise one-note outfit. The Bohemian look is back, which means there is an immense variety of beautiful prints for scarves available at retail outlets, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ensemble. Another of my favourite accessories this summer is the clench belt. A throwback to the ’80s, they are back with a vengeance and work for most body types. Try one with an oversized shirt or dress. It instantly gives you an hour-glass figure by redefining your waist. Be adventurous! You will be surprised how much a unique accessory will liven up an otherwise dull outfit. The key to fashion is always have fun. It is not just a young person’s game, but a chance for you to express your personality. Step away from your comfort zone, and give yourself a SL chance to shine this summer.

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Closet Clean-up BY STEFFANY GUNDLING

very spring that turns to summer has me sitting in front of my closet overwhelmed and frustrated. As I tuck away bundles of winter clothing, I am reintroduced to my favourite summer outfits, like old friends. But I also uncover those pieces that evoke feelings of “someday” and “10 less pounds.” Each morning, they taunt me. My body has changed as I’ve grown older, yet I hold on to “someday,” reluctant to let go. This year, I committed to a plan I call “The Closet Clean-up.” As I shed my winter layers, I also shed the anxieties that used to haunt my summer wardrobe. Here are some tips that may work for you too: Sorting is the most daunting part of the process, so be realistic. Like most people, you probably have “go-to” outfits – about 4 or 5 – in which you feel most confident, and suit your lifestyle. These should be the highlight of your closet, easy to reach and accessible. As you barrel through the rest of your items, be honest with yourself. For years, I hung onto excuses as to why I

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What you choose to wear is a direct reﬂection of how you want people to view you, and having to weed through “Nos” every morning is not a positive start to any day. couldn’t part with some items: this was too expensive; that had sentimental value, etc. Get real with your delusions: “this would be perfect if I ever go to the opera or mountain climbing or get invited to the Oscars or ‘insert random event here.’” If an item is not realistically tied to your current lifestyle, get rid of it. Even if weight loss is a personal goal of yours, don’t let it be a daily reminder of who you “should be.” Set up a healthy environment supporting who you are right now because facing your closet each morning can be subconsciously deflating to your self-esteem. Wear clothing that complements your figure – no matter the size. What you choose to wear is a direct reflection of how you want people to view you, and having to weed through “Nos” every morning is not a positive start to any day. Decide what “just-in-case” items should be neatly and safely packed away. For those expensive items that you wore once, con-

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sider consignment or donation, so someone else can allow the garment to shine, rather than hide masked in the smell of mothballs and dust. Divide each piece of clothing into different categories, like “go-tos,” “maybes,” “business wear,” “event/fancy wear,” “gym gear,” “cosies,” “consignment/donations” and “miscellaneous.” Ask a trusted friend (not your partner) to help you decide what works for body and lifestyle. Letting go of something you’ve been hanging onto for years or decades can be scary and may bring up memories and emotions, but the reality is that you won’t miss it once it’s out of your life. When organizing the pieces you’ve decided to keep, focus on a hierarchy that works for you. While it may make sense to group the pants, shirts, jackets, skirts and dresses, it is not the most efficient method. Pull out your foundation pieces – the “go-to,” essential items – and make sure they are the stars of your closet. If you’re still part of the workforce, you don’t need to be gazing longingly at sundresses that you only wear on weekends. If exercising is part of your morning routine, make sure your workout togs are close at hand to avoid any second thoughts. Build a simple system based on your needs and lifestyle, and work from there. Getting dressed each morning this summer season should be a positive experience, unburdened by the heavy weight of clothes from your past. And when the seasons change again, SL revisit your closet and repeat. Good luck! -30-

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Author Proﬁle

EMBRACING LIFE BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

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Author Gail Boulanger enjoys daily walks with her poodles.

Photo: Bill Perison

hether counselling, writing, walking, sailing, sketching or baking cookies, Gail Boulanger approaches all that she does with enthusiasm. She believes in vibrant living and making the most of every opportunity. “Stepping off into the unknown and taking that proverbial leap of faith has, for me, always produced a bonanza,” says Gail. “The next bend in the road beckons, and what better way to remain mentally alert, physically agile and emotionally engaged than embarking on a daring adventure. New learning experiences abound; they break us out of our comfortable cocoons. Adventures challenge us to grow and expand our horizons.” Author of two books, Life Goes On: Losing, Letting Go and Living Again, published in 2002 and republished in 2012; and Adventures Over Sixty (2012), Gail’s 30 years of counselling experience offers a recipe for making the most of everyday life. “Adventures Over Sixty is designed to inspire, inform and invigorate.” All true stories, says Gail, woven together with her own particular philosophy. “It is intensely personal. I was living the experiences while writing about them, hand in hand with exploring my own aging journey.” The book offers reflections on and encouragement for living and aging wholeheartedly with full attention on greeting each new challenge as an adventure. Gail’s stories are drawn from her own personal experience and those of family friends and neighbours. Her stories encourage the reader to develop inner resources while engaging in physical pursuits, community building and creative expression.

Life Goes On is a practical book about how to gently and effectively navigate one’s way through all types of grief and loss. “Throughout our lives, we become attached to people, places, pets, events and things,” says Gail. “We also become attached to our health and well-being. When that attachment is broken, we grieve. Grieving is a natural, normal, healthy process of integration that occurs over time. It can help us move from feeling stuck to feeling free.” Grieving is a skill that allows us to identify our losses, acknowledge our pain, bring closure and move on, she WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

says. Grief and loss are simply a part of life to which we are constantly required to adjust in order to thrive. “I wanted to let people know that a conscious grieving process is an elegant way of identifying our losses, experiencing our pain, concretely bringing closure to the past and helping us move on and into a bright future. People who learn to grieve well, learn to live well.” “Lending a helping hand has always anchored my life,” says Gail, who, while raising two boys and teaching life skills to young parents, completed a BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo, Ontario and went on to com-

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plete a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria. Gail believes that counselling found her. “From the vantage point of my mid-sixties, I now believe I was born to be a counsellor, but it took me years of stumbling from one unfulfilling job to another before I found my ultimate career.” Five years after Life Goes On was published, Gail realizes, the book represented the culmination of a conscious process she began in the early 80s to learn everything she could about grief and loss, death and dying. “It was like a solitary wilderness climbing expedition with all the attendant heart-stopping adventures.” Gail’s life is active and full of adventure. In addition to writing two to five hours a day, she strives to walk between 10,000 and 15,000 steps a day, usually accompanied by her two poodles. She reads paper books because she loves the smell and feel of a book in her hand. She bakes cookies because it helps her think. A neophyte bird watcher, she also sketches birds, rocks, plants, flowers, shells and any other item found in nature. Sketching helps her to better see and appreciate her surroundings and to cultivate a sense of wonder of our nature world. With her husband Lou, whom she met on a blind date in 1968, Gail enjoys sailboat racing and cruising. Although they no longer race, “cruising has never lost its allure and is still a central part of our lives,” says Gail. “Sailing anchors our life and has taught me important life lessons.” Looking at life, Gail says, “Embrace the journey because the fastest and richest route from here to there is rarely a straight line and more likely to require considerable tacking back and forth across the wind. Storms always pass. Fog lifts. When you are becalmed or drifting in circles, wait for the wind. The wind always comes, frequently from an entirely unexpected direction. Pay attention, be flexible, be patient and adjust sail as required.” From her experience as a counsellor, working with all ages and in a variety of settings, Gail recommends letting go of unhealthy guilt, anger, resentment and regret, wholeheartedly embracing life and making the most of every day. SL

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Imagine how your legacy can shape the future. Imagine unlocking potential in generations to come. For 50 years University of Victoria students have made a positive impact on their communities and the world. From discovering new ways to fight diseases, to creating art that moves generations, to inventing new businesses that employ thousands of people, UVic students can achieve change. And they have you to thank for making it possible. Your gift. Your legacy. A planned gift to UVic can open a world of possibilities for future generations. Contact Cheryl to start the conversation about creating a lasting legacy in your will or estate plan. Cheryl Hebb | 250-472-4516 | chebb@uvic.ca

For more information about Gail or her books, visit her website at www.gailboulanger.com WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

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Arts & Entertainment

Something Old is New Again BY LEE MASSEY

o you remember “when rock was young ...me and Susie had so much fun....”? This song dates back to the ’70s when Elton John’s Crocodile Rock rocked the world; and today the tune continues to be strummed and sung by plucky ukulele players. Heather Stubbs holds an informal ukulele class, followed by tea and cookies, every Wednesday morning. The group started out with the most basic of music lessons because none of the members had ever had any musical training. Now, they play and sing ballads from the ’40s, folk songs, rock ‘n’ roll and everything in between. Heather was a secondary school music teacher: she has a Bachelor of Education, specializing in classical music from the University of Victoria, and she has studied piano at the Banff School of Fine Arts. After years of being a full-time mom, Heather found the ukulele and this small, beginner-friendly instrument lead her right back to teaching music. Heather asked some friends if they would like to learn to the play the ukulele – she promised it would be easy. That was almost two years ago. A group of eight women showed up to receive a brand new ukulele and a few pages of music to get them started. There was instant rapport with the songs and their ukuleles. “I am having so much fun at these lessons,” says Lynda, one of the group members. “When I was young, I was never encouraged to do anything musical. And now that I have the time, I want to learn, and keep my brain active.” Lynda sums up what a lot of seniors and the newly-retired are contemplating: they have the time, and they want to try something new and interesting. Heather’s style includes praising her students to motivate them, and she keeps 22 20

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Heather Stubbs plays her ukulele on Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver.

the group challenged by introducing new chords, strumming rhythms and songs each lesson. For the new musician, this is brain training: the brain is creating new pathways and the nervous system is sharpening up its message sending capabilities. Learning something new is an exercise of the brain’s plasticity, as defined by Gary Marcus in Guitar Zero as “the capacity of the nervous system to learn new things.” Marcus also credits seniors as having a willingness to learn or, to use his word, Sitzfleisch, from the Yiddish meaning ‘the patience to sit on one’s behind long enough to get something done.’ He says new knowledge can bring about a “surge of dopamine.” Heady stuff. And boy does that feel good. This group have fallen in love WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

with the ukulele. They are not the only ones. An online search turns up hundreds of sites relating to the ukulele, lessons, videos of amateurs and rock stars playing the ukulele, along with chords, music and dates and places of jam sessions. People who have an old ukulele are dusting it off and heading out to meet other ukulele players. Beginners are benefiting from the experiences and knowledge of the seasoned players, and are always given a warm welcome at the jam sessions. Heather knew she was onto something special with this small, four-string instrument. “It’s a wonderful skill to be able to play music with others. It’s fun, and it’s social. It’s like being on a team, but you never lose. If you are playing sports, someone

Photos: Lee Massey

Live Well. Age Well.

Heather Stubbs with two of her students.

has to lose, but in music, everyone is a winner.” Heather’s music education and finger dexterity gave her a head start when she learned the ukulele, but she soon recognized that ukulele has so much to give to everyone at any age. The ukulele is something old that’s new again. Learning to play music appeals to the mature student, especially boomers who now have the time to try something new. The ukulele is easy and entertaining, and it keeps those gray cells active. Whether or not you can recall the music of past eras, you can catch up and learn to play a ukulele while having, as Elton SL says, “...so much fun.”

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FOREVER BY WILLIAM THOMAS

The Septic Tank

Buried But Not Forgotten

or the past 10 years here, along the north shore of Lake Erie, the township of Wainfleet has been obsessed with sewage. The original septic systems of concrete tanks and weeping tiles were crumbling; the waste water was leeching into wells and cisterns, as well as the lake itself. One of the real tip-offs that we may have a water pollution problem was when we noticed Lake Erie fish were starting to cough. The big pipe solution hooking our sewer and water systems up to Port Colborne was, at approximately $80,000 per household a “dead in the water” proposal that a few stubborn politicians pushed for five long years. Try convincing the owners of a $100,000 house that the

new water and sewer system was going to cost them, with the usual budget overruns … $100,000. On his best day, “Vince, the Slap Chop Guy” couldn’t sell that idea to a millionaire with a drinking problem and obsession for late-night infomercials. Apparently, my idea of rotating pay toilets on wheels was thought to be unsophisticated by most people. The money was going to pay for the newspapers. So, it’s safe to say that for at least the last decade, the sprawling rural community of Wainfleet has been trying to get its s__t together. The people pushed back, shoved the mayor out of office, and common sense prevailed. Each household must now have a sound and, in many cases, a modern sewer system in a

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timely fashion or else. Fines to follow. New holding tanks are being installed out here faster than you can double flush. Human waste removal is the new game in town; here today, gone to somewhere else tomorrow. Soon Wainfleet’s roads will be jammed with septic tank pumper trucks or, as I like to call them, “yesterday’s meals on wheels.” A couple of years ago, I called a septic removal company to empty my set of concrete double tanks. It was, appropriately enough called Brown’s Septic Service. Only Green’s Fresh Vegetables or White’s Snow Removal could get that lucky! The guy who showed up in the haulage truck loved his job as much as any craftsman I have ever known. I think he called himself “Dusty.” With us standing over the stinking cesspool of what’s called “gray water,” Dusty could not be more impressed or complimentary. Apparently, my yeast count was like perfect! My bacteria were happy and hungry consuming solids at regular meals. My pipes – the ones on the septic system – were clean as a whistle and there were no materials in the tanks that didn’t have a right to be there. “Diapers, cigarette butts, cat litter and those feminine things! Oh I’ve seen it all,” said Dusty, shaking his head in sadness. Here was a man who’d put a lot of thought into waste. I don’t know why, but I felt like we were not standing over a double-wide basin of human waste. It was more like Dusty and I were floating through a serene sewer on a meandering, glass-bottomed boat. Huck and Tom rafting down the River of Stench. Seldom is sewage a topic of conversation because once we plant the tank six feet under, we rarely think of it again. Out of sight, out of mind, and certainly beyond the nose. But Dusty showed me that the septic system could be buried, but must never be forgotten. Gazing upon what some would call my gross natural product, Dusty proved, once and for all, that beauty does in fact exist in the eye of the beholder. While Erma Bombeck turned a tank of human waste into a bestseller, The Grass Is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank, Dusty surveyed my settling system with a sense of pride and an eye of admiration. Whereas some pump drivers have fun with the nature of the operation – “Thanks For Helping Our Business Go Down The Toilet” – or “Your Number 2 Is Our Number 1” – Dusty instilled a little dignity to things we consider vulgar and, therefore, ignore. Above all, it was his first-class work ethic in a naturally crude “You dump it/we pump it” business. Dusty and the street sweepers, brothers in pride principle. “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” –Martin Luther King Keep your head held high, Dusty. We should all have your pride SL at our place of work. William Thomas is the author of nine books of humour including Never Hitchhike on the Road Less Travelled. For comments or ideas or to purchase books, visit www.williamthomas.ca

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Fit for the Adventure BY EVE LEES

Tips for Healthy Skin

everal lifestyle practices can harm and reduce collagen and elastin in the skin, which provide support and structure, preventing it from wrinkling and sagging. Cut back or avoid smoking, excess sun exposure, alcohol and caffeine, constant mental stress and intense physical exertion. These can all “stress” the body’s efficiency and will affect the health of your skin. Infections, pollution, medications and drugs also deplete collagen. High intensity exercise isn’t a good idea when you’re over the age of 40. It’s important to continue exercising, but now is the time to retire from “physical abuse” and start enjoying more moderate activities. Aging bodies are less able to recuperate and rebuild exercise-damaged tissue. Damaged skin tissue appears wrinkled and loose-looking, due mostly to the loss of collagen and elastin. Cut back on sugar. Research show it is responsible for almost half of skin aging. Sugars are extracted from whole foods,

�� by Gipp Forster A collection of Gipp’s humorous and nostalgic columns. A wonderful read for yourself, and Reflections, �� a thoughtful gift and Other Breakfast Foods for friends and family members.

making sugar a processed, refined food (i.e. table sugar is made from beets, corn or sugar cane; all whole foods). Sugar inhibits the formation and performance of collagen, resulting in sagging, wrinkled skin and age spots. Eating lots of refined and processed carbohydrates (carbs) can also harm skin health, for the same reasons as sugar. Highly processed, refined carbs are basically “sugar” – so omit the processed, refined carbs and stick to the highly nutritious carbs in their natural form as Mother Nature created them (have an apple instead of a snack bar, for example). Skin health relies on omega-3 fatty acids (fish are a rich source) and antioxidants (especially vitamin C), as well as fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Severely restricting calories won’t guarantee you’re getting these nutrients. When dieting, simply cut back on refined carbs, and deep-fried foods and foods rich in transfats. Be aware of the type of fat you’re eating. Nuts, seeds, fish, avocadoes and

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olives provide excellent sources of fat and other nutrients for your skin. Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate skin. Cut back. And avoid high-protein diets – they also dehydrate. Maintain a healthy balance of protein to carbs in your diet. Carbs help lock water in your muscles, so you need just the right amount of carbs to maintain adequate hydration. The drawback of popular low-carb diets is that the body becomes dehydrated, contributing to wrinkled, loose skin. Drink water to remain adequately hydrated, which reflects in a more toned, firmer appearance of skin. Eight cups daily has recently been challenged, but this was never a gold standard. It was merely a guide. We all differ in our hydration needs. Start with eight cups and tailor it to your own requirements. Under normal conditions, we are sufficiently hydrated when our urine colour is pale yellow (however some foods, vitamins and medications may naturally darken it). Adequate sleep is also necessary for skin health. Human growth hormone (HGH) is released by the pituitary gland. This hormone has several functions to keep us looking and feeling young; our skin too. After about age 20, HGH production begins to decrease. However, at any age, HGH production is highest during sleep and exercise. SL

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Eve Lees was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counsellor for 30 years. Currently she is a Freelance Health Writer and Speaker. www.artnews-healthnews.com

Photo: Jason van der Valk

ASK Goldie BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED

Dear Goldie: Recently, my wife and I moved into a senior residence. We enjoy being here but do have a problem. Two ladies made us feel very welcome, but now we have lost our independence. At meals and social events, they have taken over, hovering over us. How can we change this situation without offending? –R.A. Dear R.A.: You must be direct and firm. Thank these ladies for their help and then add that you will not need more assistance because you are doing very well on your own. If the situation does not change after a frank discussion, you may have to ask management to intervene. Loneliness often causes this situation. Frequent social events and entertainment help to prevent it. Dear Goldie: Several months ago, I became ill and my family moved me into a senior residence. I now have recovered and feel active enough to move back into independent living. My daughter does not agree, however, and insists I remain here. My doctor says I have regained my health again. How can I make my daughter understand? –R.C. Dear R.C.: Your daughter is probably concerned that you still need help in daily care of yourself. Ask her to contact your doctor, so he/she can explain the state of your well-being. Meanwhile, embrace your daughter’s concern for the loving intention behind it. Many seniors do not have families to care SL about them.

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Goldie Carlow is a retired registered nurse, clinical counsellor and senior peer counselling trainer. Send letters to Senior Living, Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1. Senior Peer Counselling Centres – Island

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Campbell River 250-287-3044 Courtenay/Comox 250-890-0099 Duncan 250-748-2133 Nanaimo 250-754-3331 Port Hardy 250-949-5110 Salt Spring Island 250-537-4607 Sidney 250-656-5537 Victoria 250-382-4331

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Travel & Adventure

Pedalling in Paradise

BY CHERIE THIESSEN

The author stops to pick roadside wild raspberries.

Photo: David Dossor

he undulating paved path carves through wild grasses rife with yellow wildflowers, wild daisies, fruiting raspberry bushes and shrubs, and edges close to a small lake playing hide-and-seek with the sun. It’s Day 1 on our sixday cycling itinerary and my partner, David, deeply contented, gives me the thumbs up. Cycling the bike path they call “Le P’tit Train Du Nord,” in commemoration of the train that used to click along its tracks, is already turning out to be spectacular. It made its last run on November 15, 1981, and 15 years later the 200-km trail was opened, stretching northwest from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier, and reputed to be the longest linear park in Canada. Avid cycle tourists, we have rolled along every cycle route known to us in British Columbia, including the famed Kettle Valley Railway routes, so we were keen to find new trails to explore. When we came across Quebec’s Le P’tit Train du Nord in our search, we knew we had found cycledirt. Located in the Laurentians, the route is one sweet ride. At its steepest, it only climbs 221 metres, and two thirds of it is paved. Even the unpaved southern section is smooth-packed dirt and crushed stone, easily cycled by thin tires. We’re kitted out with gleaming hybrid Opus bikes, rented from Autobus Le Petit Train du Nord at Saint-Jérôme’s picturesque old station, and are now leisurely peddling our way back from the northern terminus of Mont-Laurier at KM200, having been transported there with our bikes by the same company. It gets better; they are shuttling our luggage from place to place. The successful family business, which started in 1997, also works in tandem with B&B Le Voyageur Inn to book nightly ac-

commodations, breakfasts and dinners based on guests’ choices of itineraries. Cyclists get to choose between a 2, 3, 4 or 6-day trip. Asking ourselves why we would want to travel across the country to rush our way through a pedaller’s paradise, we emphatically choose the 6-day itinerary poetically called Le Baladeur (Rough translation: someone who strolls). So, here we are on a sunny late August day with no responsibilities or concerns other than getting ourselves from inn to inn. After 37 kilometres of lakes, woodlands and plentiful rest stops, we find ourselves at our first accommodation, a cozy motel tucked into a tiny island on Lac-Saguay. The lake offers a perfect complement to the day’s cycling – an opportunity to exercise the upper body, get the kinks out, and cool off.

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Day 2 to Lac-Nominingue is, happily, a mere 24 km. “Happily” because there is much to see and experience en route: a wealth of interesting signs on such subjects as maple syrup harvesting and the area’s history, as well as an outdoor exhibition on river portage. And then, there’s the second of the route’s 13 renovated stations, Nominingue, at KM145. Erected in 1904, the renovated building is divided into a tourist information area and a craft boutique, with a sliver of a museum embedded in the middle. A friendly bilingual guide tells us it was the original telegraph office and shows us relics of bygone days. We arrive at Auberge Chez Ignace, our second night’s sanctuary, and a connoisseur’s cornucopia of culinary delights and libations. Ignace turns out to be a chef and hotelier from the Ardennes region in Belgium, with an impeccable pedigree in the hospitality industry. We pass a sublime afternoon and evening there, swimming in Lake Nominingue, making use of the resort’s canoes to explore the lake’s fringes, and then relaxing over the table d’hôte with fellow cyclists, Marian and Kevin, an active Ontario couple in their late 50s. Cyclists Darcy and Brenda – in their 50s – staying young by staying active.

“Another great trip yesterday. I loved the entire day.”

- Linda (Vancouver)

“Good food, good company and a fabulous tour guide!” - Mary (Surrey)

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Photos: Cherie Thiessen

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And as the days unroll, we realize the euphoria of Day 1 hasn’t abated. Every day is full of delights. The next 11 stations along the route all offer us different diversions. At KM107, it’s Labelle Station, with strawberry shortcakes on the deck, and a museum dedicated largely to photos and stories about “Jackrabbit” Herman Smith-Johannsen. This incredible senior was an avid cross-country skier who developed many of the area’s trails while in his 80s and 90s and was still skiing at 107! Presided over by a knowledgeable senior volunteer who had known “the Jackrabbit” and was still a cross-country skier, himself, he made us feel like youngsters in our late 60s. “The secret is to never stop being active,” he intoned, as we left after an inspiring half hour. At KM91, it’s the upscale tourist village of Mont-Tremblant, where the station house is an elegant gallery, coffee houses and boutiques line the streets, and swimmers sprawl on the grass and beach of Lac-Mercier. At KM21, it’s Piedmont Station, where in addition to the usual drinking water, toilets, picnic tables and information, a flourishing

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New England/Cape Cod 7 Days July 21, Aug 25, Sept 8*, 15, 22 or Oct 6*

Spend 4 fabulous nights on the “Cape”. Take a Whale Watching cruise in Provincetown, board a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard for an island tour, travel to the oldest town on Cape Cod and enjoy a tour of Boston, and that’s just a few of our planned activities. Twin *$1279.00*

per person Rates subject to HST and Air Tax Surcharge for all other dates

Mari�mes Explorer - 8 Days Aug 17 or Sept 12

Bringing the culture of the Maritimes alive for you on this tour of Atlantic Canada. Peggy’s Cove, an island tour of P.E.I., and admission to the Fisheries Museum are some of the highlights of this tour. Enjoy breakfast daily and three dinners including a fabulous lobster dinner in Charlottetown. Twin $ 2289.00

Canoeing on Lake Nominingue – a great way to end the day.

Sunday Farmers’ Market blooms, bursting with fresh veggies and fruit, honey products, fresh baking, preserves, wines and other irresistables. The auberges are all different, and while every host is genial and welcoming, every inn has something different to offer. On Day 3, it’s Auberge à la Croisée des Chemins, a straw bale hideaway with delightful brightly furnished rooms and wonderful wine selection. On Day 4, it’s the centrally located B&B le Voyageur Inn, with a lively crowd, French Canadian breakfasts, and modern

It’s In Our Nature.

per person Rates subject to HST and Air Tax

Newfoundland - 8 Days Aug 5, 19, Sept 3

Newfoundland has so much to offer for your ultimate “Rock” experience. Come join us as we experience the true Newfoundland lifestyle and culture. Twin $ 2729.00

per person Rates subject to HST and Air Tax

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Plant seeds for future generations. Explore the vision of your legacy with CRD Regional Parks. Find more ways to nurture nature by visiting www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Prices shown are based on Toronto departures

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clean rooms, and on Day 5, it’s the 120year-old Hôtel de la Gare and a “dégustation de bières” (a sampling of delicious flavoured beers) on the shady deck. While savouring the tint of strawberry pink in one small glass of beer and the aroma of maple syrup in yet another, David and I sum up the adventure we will soon complete and give it an 11 out of 10. There’s no faulting anything. While enjoying six days of bug-free sunshine, beautiful scenery, a plethora of lakes, and bountiful fresh raspberries along the path, we’ve treated ourselves to lots of exercise and fresh air. While sampling local foods and beers, we’ve met kindred souls and made new friends. While learning more about the area’s history, flora and fauna, we’ve also had an opportunity to dust off our high school French and try it out. And while enjoying an independent tour at our own pace, we’ve been able to travel stress-free and leave the planning to the experts. Wow! Merci, Québec. Our last night at Saint-Adèle is spent in the company of three other couples from Ontario also staying at Hotel de la Gare. They have been on the four-day tour, the Classical itinerary. We enjoy dinner together, swapping tales and experiences of the journey, and David and I are surprised to learn that these lively young-looking couples are all in their 50s. Perhaps “Jackrabbit” and his colleague from Labelle Station were on to something: keeping active may be the best thing we’ve got to the SL fountain of youth. For IF YOU GO information and more photos, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/ articles/pedallinginparadise

CLASSIFIEDS 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 SAANICH VOLUNTEER SERVICES seeks volunteers to drive clients to medical appointments, visit and do minor home repairs. Call 250-595-8008. WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, stamp accumulations, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 250-652-9412 or send an email to fenian@shaw.ca ALWAYS GREAT FEET. Nanaimo’s mobile foot care nurse, John Patterson LPN. 20 years of nursing experience. Home, facility, and hospital visits. Qualified nursing foot care for toenails, corns, calluses and ingrown nails. Direct billing for DVA clients. 250-390-9266. DRIVING MISS DAISY VANCOUVER ISLAND Victoria 250-588-4638 - Sidney /Peninsula 250-507-2336 - Westshore 250-813-0440 - Qualicum/Parksville 250-937-8812 - Comox Valley 250-6502010 - Nanaimo 250-667-1446. RUTH M.P HAIRSTYLING for Seniors in Greater Victoria. In the convenience of your own home! Certified Hairdresser. Call - 250-893-7082. HEALING FOOT CARE by Nurse Foot Care Specialist Marcia Goodwin R.N.,B. Sc.N. 35 yrs. Nsg. Experience • Caring • Comprehensive • Professional • Gentle 250-686-3081. (Victoria Area) CUBA – ‘Spanish Studies in Cuba’ (Havana), $2,500.00 Can. for 4 weeks. Hotel with breakfast and dinner, tuition fee. (Air fare not included). Please call 250-478-0494 ssic@telus.net DEBI’S MOBILE HAIR SERVICES in the comfort of your home for everyone in your family. Serving the Victoria area. Please call Debi at 250-477-7505. FAMILY CAREGIVERS are invited to participate in interviews for a study of dementia-related behaviours. For more information, contact T. Whiteley RN at 250-413-7372 or whiteley@unbc.ca

NOEL BOOKKEEPING ASSOCIATES Affordable help for individuals, those with power-of-attorney, stratas and businesses. Full bookkeeping services including taxes. Greater Victoria Area. Please Phone 250-360-0404.

PERSONALS

PIANO LESSONS FOR SENIORS. A pleasurable pastime. 25 years experience. 250-888-1229.

HEALTHY TALL TRIM ATTRACTIVE Victoria man seeks sensual NS Victoria woman 65 or under for loving, monogamous, romantic relationship Please call 250-721-1593.

SANDY FOR SENIORS Transportation to appointments, shopping, cooking, cleaning and odd jobs. Caring, reliable, honest. Bonded and insured. Please call 250-216-0253. DEMENTIA & ALZHEIMER’S WORKSHOPS. Free educational workshops for family caregivers at the Home Instead Resource Centre. Contact Home Instead Senior Care for more information. 250-382-6565. PAMPERED SOLES FOOTCARE Licensed quality care. Nails, calluses, corns. Your place or mine. Wheel chair accessible. Nanaimo and area. Please call 250-591-1000.

LOVING LADY 70 Enjoys dancing, camping, walks. Likes to meet 70’s gentlemen for meaningful relationship, maybe drive to Ontario for camping. 250-474-0353.

BRIGHT LONESOME CHRISTIAN Senior Widow with many interests is seeking nice true close friends, preferably with vehicle. Please phone 778-433-0614. WIDOW, 70’S, living on Vancouver Island, seeks CLEAN gentleman for companionship for Alaska cruise. Possibilities also for Eur. cruise if companionship satisfactory. E-mail: jabamaka@gmail.com

PERSONALIZED & QUALITY HOMECARE Services available by Jan with 35 years experience in senior care. For more information please call: 250-532-3840.

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COUNTRY SUNSHINE, a classic country music/rock’n roll band available for parties and dances. Please contact Angie at 250-752-7289, or email angievh@telus.net.

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING $45 for 20 words or less. $1.75/extra word. BW only. Red spot color 10% extra. Boxed Ad (2.2 x 1.2) $125. Plus tax. Ads must be paid at booking. Cheque / Credit Card accepted. Ph. 250-479-4705, Toll-free 1-877-479-4705. ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com Deadline: 15th of the month. Make cheque payable to: Senior Living, Magazine 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC ,V8T 2C1 JULY 2013 31 OCTOBER 2009 29 39

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