Concert June 6 - American Sampler

Last year, the Richmond Orchestra & Chorus Association did a final concert called Glorious and Free (all Canadian works) so this year, it only makes sense that with this inspiring year in the USA with the voting in of a new President, that ROCA is doing an American themed "American Sampler".

This is a one-time concert with both the Chorus and the Orchestra together.

I'm very excited personally as I have the privilege to sing 2 solos. Not as long as the one at Christmas but both are polar opposites.

The whole concert is like that: Route 66 to Georgia on my Mind to Bridge Over Troubled Water, to Porgy and Bess. You get the drift.

We are also doing a silent auction that I'm providing at least 2 items to. I would love to have family and friends in the audience for this since I'm singing solo. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested in attending. I can get tickets for you directly. Even if I don't see you beforehand, I can get them set up at "Will Call".

This will be a much more "fun" concert than many of our others. Come and enjoy.

Our Newest Addition Arrives this weekend

Well, we did it. We have figured out lately that the Outback is just not going to take us through lil'A's stages. When we travel along with her, both of our stuff still isn't half of what we need to take for her.

We've been doing a lot of homework these days (both types) about transportation and what would best suit our lifestyle.

We decided on a Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Richard's cousin is actually a product advisor at Open Road Toyota Port Moody.

He took a lot of time anwering all of our (well, my) questions. We each got to take a great test drive around part of my childhood stomping ground. (Up Thermal, over Como Lake, down Gatensbury).

We decided to get our ducks in a row (while lil'A was playing with the ducks at the lake - maybe not ducks) and get our research put in to action.

Mitch helped us through the steps almost effortlessly. And here it is:

Lil'A's LIMO!!!!

Latest Update on My Mom's Progress

Mom called this morning at 10am. She already had been moved. WOW! By the way, it WAS a full hip replacement, not a revision as originally expected.

Anyway, she's at Holy Family hospital at 62nd and Argyle (2 blocks east of Knight Street).

It is a rehabilitation centre and for hip and knee surgery, it is estimated that she will be there for 2 to 3 weeks. I've relieved that she will actually take some time for herself and use it as "respite". She so on the go that I think she should rest and get better.

She does have her cellphone with her and can take calls. If you call and she doesn't pick up, just leave a message. She'll call you back. Her number is 778.896.0193.

Stop the Presses! Guess Who Took Her First Steps with Daddy there!!!!

I had the wonderful experience of having lil'A taking her first steps on May Day but Daddy was closing a door. So, for Daddy it didn't count, although he totally believed it.

Last night, just before bed, lil'A was extremely tired but we thought we would try to show daddy. In order to get her parents off her back, she took 3 steps so Daddy would be ecstatic before bed.

He was so not disappointed.

She's not at the stage of forgetting she's not hanging on and just walking but that day is just around the corner. Uh Oh.... Next thing REAL WALKING. Break out the safety equipment.

Latest Status on Mom (aka lil'A's Gramma)

Talked to Mom today and it turns out that the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist both agree that Mom needs a little more time to recuperate before coming home.

For those that know my Mom, this is NOT what she wants. She wants to go home. She's been away from her home for 3 weeks or so. She was in Calgary just before going to VGH.

The plan is that she will be moved to Holy Family Hospital (Argyle/62nd St), just two blocks east of Knight Street.

It is not yet known when she will be transferred. Not today is for sure. Possibly tomorrow. Will let you know when she is moved.

In any event, she does have her cell phone and would love to talk to friends and family. Her cell is 778.896.0193.

Something New - Please Spread the Word

I've started a cottage business to just help out a little around the house. Well sort of... I've joined a Canadian Online Company.

Since I'm not working at SAP/Business Objects/Crystal anymore, I felt the need to help out with the family income, even if it's just a small way. Plus, it makes me feel a little more sane with a toddler going zoom zoom and yak yak round the clock.

So, I decided to work with people like myself, moms.... labeling kids stuff so it doesn't get lost, and don't all moms want that?!?!?!?!

The company is called Lovable Labels.

At this time of year, parents are getting kids signed up for various camps and activities over the summer. Perhaps this would interest you in particular - a camping label package.

Please take a look at it and all of the other possibilities on the site; be imaginative as well.

These labels are not limited to kids stuff. Slimline labels could be used to advertise, make "made by Gramma" labels, spelling kids names correctly if they have unique spellings - I kinda know about that. :)

Check out my site (link about on the pic) and let me know what you think.

If you have questions about how they might be useful to you and/or your friends/family.

My email addy for this is kat@lovablelabels.ca