In Ottawa

It was a long expensive trip back to Ottawa but very worthwhile as my Mother was aware and thankful that her whole family was there for her. Jordan arrived on Friday night from Sweden and picked up Jaime and I at the airport about 11 pm on Saturday night. Jordan immediately drove us to the Civic Hospital where we saw my Mom. She had a huge smile for Jaime.  There is little doubt, however that Mom will die soon.  She looks very frail.

Jaime and I were on the same Air Canada flight out of Hong Kong to Toronto and we both managed to catch an earlier flight to Ottawa. We were quite surprised by the cold and the amount of snow. The snow banks are almost head height at my Mom's house. I had forgot to pack shoes and had to brave the cold with sandals. I have only one pair of shoes in Bangkok as most of my shoes are in Vancouver, which we passed over at 37,000 feet.

Jaime wishes to rent a car but discovered her license had expired. We will walk to the license bureau on Monday morning and get her a new one. My license is up this September so I will try to get a new one as well. You need a valid license to rent a car, which I often do when returning to Canada.

My flight back was $1,800 one way and Jaime's was $1,800 return, courtesy of a last minute discounter. I wish I was as internet savvy as she is.

We will visit my Mom in the afternoons. My sisters have the morning and evening shifts.

I know mom is happy to have us all there.

In a week or two I will fly to Vancouver and pack up my apartment and drive back to Ottawa which completes an interesting 2 year odyssey that I will share one day. I will then sell my SUV and Motorcycle and go live in Bangkok for about 6 months in a row, a first for me. If I like it, I will become a non resident and live their permanently. My pension goes much further there and I have many friends and lots to do. Now, if only there was a bball team to coach.

I will keep you informed daily as to my Mom's status. Say a prayer for her :-)

TTYL,

Jim