Thank you. Another year older, a birthday on the west coast, and Boo is coming here!

I'm another year older.

I thank you for the heartfelt birthday wishes, twisted e-mails, and funky cards.

For my birthday, I spent time on the beach; time working; and I went to Doolin's (thanks to my newest pals in Vancouver).

I also spent time on the phone with several of you, and I do thank you for the calls and "Happy Birthday" seranades.

My Nessa and Baby Madison Molly Rose called today and we had a great chat. Nessa and Madison were on the CBC and NTV news this evening regarding the childcare commitment of the former Liberal government and the new Conservative government. The unknown of Stephen Harper is truly scary. Why did Canadians ever give him this toy to play with???? Referendum on the Gomery Report...OK...but...to what end, and what was really to our advantage (long term)? I say so rhetorically. Mind you, is someone can explain this extemist right-wing former Reform Party leader's mentality and objectives...please do so. I sincerely welcome the enlighenment. Who ever let him out to play?

The Premiers' Conference is presently in St. John's, Newfoundland. There are several groups that are lobbying (especially due to the change of federal government this past spring). NTV and the CBC approached Nessa for an interview this afternoon, and I'm glad she spoke on behalf of Childcare professionals and parents. She has really legitimate points and an amazing way of expressing herself. She is very well spoken and has a way of 'hitting' people when she speaks, and I believe she did well by the parents and childcare professionals of the province/country. Fair play!

I also spoke to Kayla (I call her "Boo") today and she is coming to Vancouver to see me. My girl! I have a previous posting that speaks of her, and she means so much to me. Today is a great day not because of my birthday, but because she is coming here. I will take her to the Blue Rodeo concert (for which I won tickets from Jack FM).

Boo and I have seen tennis matches at the Rogers Cup in Montreal and now we'll see our first concert together. Heaven help us...she's now old enough to go to the pubs.

I love new experiences with Boo because she really falls into her own category in my life and I really love who she's become. Truth be known... I'd love her anyway, no matter what - but I just guess I'm glad she's so spectacular. I'm really proud of her and am proud of who she is.

So, it's been a very happy birthday, and I thank you. You have called/e-mailed, and written from Australia, Germany, Ireland, England, Newfoundland, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, and parts unknown (literally).

I went out this evening with new friends from Vancouver and I thank them for the lovely evening, and memory.

I also spoke with a lot of friends and other family members at home today and I would really love to see them, but I don't know when I will.

So, over-and-out from the west coast. Safe home, wherever you are, and remember that perspective and interpretation play a large role!

Bonne nuit!