Ribfest and a road trip

Sawmill @Canal Flats

Ribs, Ribs, and more Ribs...Last week I drove Bob back to Invermere Hospital for a follow up x-ray to see how he was progressing.  More fluid build up in his right lung.  So, a decision was made in conjunction with the Thoracic surgeon in Kelowna to insert a pigtail tube to drain the fluid. And we were off to Cranbrook Hospital for the procedure.  I'm not complaining, but a 2 hour drive one way to Cranbrook.  You don't realize how big this country is until you begin to drive from one community to another and not much in between (except beautiful country)

Canal Flats

This little Piggy (pigtail chest tube) went to Cranbrook!  The doctors there are just a wonderful as Invermere Docs.  They were instructed by the surgeon in Kelowna and the procedure went without a hitch.  Within 45 minutes, they had drained the equivalent of 1 1/2 litres of fluid and blood from his right lung.  What a relief they didn't need to insert the usual large tube (which is very uncomfortable)  So, this little piggy did go to market.  So, yes it was a good day.  They discharged Bob in my care and to deliver him back to Invermere District Hospital where he would spend the night for observation.  Yes, a tube attached to his chest (back), and carrying a suitcase type container for the fluid to collect.  I have now driven this stretch of the highway enough times, I could put the Jeep in remote control.  He left the hospital the next morning with an entourage of beautiful young nurses escorting him out, thanking him for being a wonderful patient.  We returned this past Friday for another x ray and assessment.

Bob: "Fellin' Groovy"

The results are in, and the winner is:   Yes, March 1st he can return to skiing!!!!  (if recovery continues)  Bob can now begin to be more aggressive with his recovery. Hot pools, more aggressive walking and snowshoeing.  This Ski Bum is one tough cookie. 

 And, it's Friday nite...happy hour at the Jack Pine Pub.  Here, we meet Walter and Margaret for a toast of good health.  And, of course...good Canadian Beer.  Sleeman Cream Ale.  An ode to our dog, his name: Sleeman! (a great Dalmation, we miss him)

Margaret

A road trip is in order to celebrate, and thank goodness it is not another hospital trip.  Off to White Swan Provincial Park and Lussier Hot Springs for the afternoon. Where the fun resumes.

 

(Dolls with Balls!!!)...thanks Wayne for the comments.

our friend Wayne

 Wayne, a fellow ski bum is homeless for the weekend and has moved in for the next few days, joined us on our trip to the hot pools.  What can I say to describe this natural phenomena?  Beautiful surroundings, true nature and a drive 17 kms up a logging road that beats any thrill ride in the country.  "Bob, stay to the left!"  There's no guard rails, and it is a single lane and they are actively logging this area, so watch out for the logging trucks!

The video and photos say it all.   HOT spring water directly from the rocks and an ice cocktail in the river.  The sign says, no nudity and no alcohol.  Well, I didn't read the signs....

I am Canadian

Hey,
I'm not a lumber jack
Or a fur trader
And I dont live in an igloo
Or eat blubber
Or own a dog sled
And I don't know
Jimmy, Sally or Suzie from Canada
Although I'm sure they're really really nice
I have a Prime Minister not a President
I speak English and French not American
And I pronounce it about not "a-boot"
I can proudly sew my country's flag on my backpack I believe in peackeeping not policing
Diversity not assimilation
And that the beaver is a truley proud and noble animal
A toque is a hat a chesterfield is a couch
And it is prnouced "zed" not "zee" "zed"!
Canada is the 2nd largest landmass!
The 1st nation in hockey!
And the best part of North America!
My name is Joe and I am Canadian!