Posts from — February 2024

The passing of GGMA was very sad for the whole family, however we all knew that she was ready to go and to move on to the next stage of her journey. Thankfully the majority of everyone’s memories of GGMA are happy memories of a life well lived and many happy times.

But the work began while she was still in “Trinity”, as Dr. M. suggested we could clean her suite out at The Shores. Well the four of us (Dean, Judy, Brenda, Larry) started cleaning cupboards, moving out furniture, moving boxes of stuff to the thrift store, sharing treasured gifts among family members and in a few short days we had the place emptied.

Then of course after GGMA passed away the real paperwork began. Funeral home planning, death certificates, burial site planning, headstone design, funeral preparations, interment planning, tax documents, bank forms, Interior Health documents, wills and estate requirements; you get the idea. So much paperwork and so much to do that pretty well ate up the month of September and most of October.

Somewhere in all this mayhem we picked a date and location for a Celebration of Life for GGMA. We chose October 28th at Kamloops Funeral Home for the formal funeral service; which was followed by a luncheon for all.
Then later that night a Celebration with family and close friends was held at Frick & Frack Restaurant. Out of towners’ from Brenda’s family were her cousin Coleen from Ontario and her daughter Bonnie from Vancouver plus long time family friend Jayne from Calgary. From my side there was my sisters Maureen from Vancouver and Donna from Ladysmith on the Island. Tricia who was the official photographer for the evening. What a great evening to get family and extended family together for a Celebration.
One of the few times all the cousins have been together.

We have often reminisced that the ones who would have enjoyed themselves the most at this family gathering were the couple that we were holding this Celebration of Life for. Both Joan and Murray would have had the most fun of the evening watching the family and just smiling at what they were a part of creating.

At the end of July GGMA became quite sick with what we thought was a reoccurring infection. So, on July 31st Brenda took her to Emergency at the RIH. You can imagine what the emergency room was like in the middle of the summer; it was crazy to say the least.

After a few hour wait they finally found her a bed and after a bit more a Doctor came by with all the standard questions and then he started to poke and prod to the point the GGMA even complained. Let me tell you he must have really made it uncomfortable, because she never complained about aches and pains. He said she needed an x-ray because sometimes abdominal issues can have sinister things about them. That was something new we had not heard before. So, he said we may as well go home and wait for the results as it was going to take a while.

Anyway to make a long story short the x-ray showed she had a large mass growing in her abdomen and it was inoperable. After that was discovered the staff did everything required to get her assigned to another floor for more advanced care. As luck or fate would have it her regular family Doctor was away on a family vacation, however the Doctor that was covering for him (Dr. Dickinson) was outstanding. He was kind, caring, compassionate and he was forthright and honest. GGMA was in the final journey of her life and we should prepare for the end.

She was in the hospital about 4-5 days and was then moved to “Trinity Hospice” which is part of Overlanders Extended Care Facility and after about 3 weeks she peacefully passed away in her sleep. Below is her obituary which was written by Dean, Judy, Brenda and Larry.

Joan Mason of Kamloops BC, died peacefully on Sunday August 27, 2023, at Trinity Hospice Overlander Hospital.

Joan was born in Calgary on March 8, 1928, to Edward John and Alice Dean. The youngest of three children she was the last surviving member of her family. 

She married Murray Frederick Mason in 1950 and had two children, Dean (Judy) and Brenda (Larry).

Joan dedicated the first part of married life to being a great mother. She loved camping, going for picnics, spending time with family and she especially enjoyed ice cream at Riverside Park? The family can all remember her saying; “I Scream , You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream”.  She also enjoyed community get togethers, the community dances and especially the Birthday Girls luncheons.

In 1976 she and Murray became grandparents for a first time. They had four grandchildren Kevin (Tamara), Jeff (Lindsay) , Blake, and Sabrina (Mike) and seven great grandchildren, Sage, Conrad, Zachary, Amelia, Oliver, Makayla and Norah.  

Joan and Murray loved to travel, taking trips to India, Japan, across Canada, including the North all the way to Tuktoyaktuk. However, their favourite spots were in Southern California and Hawaii. Locally they became Good Sam Members and enjoyed the many campouts with the Juniper Sams RV group of friends.

They lived in Westsyde for over 50 years, moving to the Shores Retirement Residences in 2015 where she loved all the activities and was an eager participant. 

She was an active volunteer in the Anglican Community with the Church of Cleopas (Westsyde) and later at St Georges Anglican Church.

Joan was predeceased by Murray in 2019, her parents and her siblings (Alice and George).

Joan lived a full and happy life. We will all fondly remember her quick wit, her kindness, her love of family and most of all, the “Gramma Cuts” on dessert servings. 

The family would especially like to thank, Dr Montalbetti and his receptionist J.C?Doctor M. was a kind and caring advocate for Mom. We also want to thank the Shores Retirement Residences and her many, many friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held Oct 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Kamloops Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers the family would suggest donations to a charity of your choice.

Well, after we arrived in Santiago de Compostela at the Cathedral and absorbed a bit of main square activities we headed down to the Pilgrims Office to hand in our Pilgrims Credentials Passport. You are required to get 2 stamps per day in your Pilgrims Credentials to prove that you have met the requirements of completion of our Camino hike and the obligations of being a Pilgrim. After the authorities had audited our credentials we were recorded as hiking 124km on our pilgrimage.

The Pilgrims Office is near the Cathedral and as we got close to the entrance we saw two familiar faces from Kamloops. Ken and Judy (our friends from Kamloops) had just arrived in Santiago de Compostela from doing the Primitavo Camino. They were the couple that talked us in to doing a Camino and were so inspirational with their encouragement, support and planning. So, we talked for a few minutes and they gave us some directions to help speed up the process and we made tentative plans to meet for dinner later that evening.

After completing all the necessary paperwork and purchasing a few Camino momento’s we headed off to our hotel Costa Vella for the next 4 nights. We then emailed Ken & Judy and planned to meet for a traditional Pilgrim’s dinner; they had a restaurant that they highly recommended from previous visits.
We went for dinner at 7:00 pm which is early for the Spanish and we were the second couple in , but it filled up quite quickly. The Pilgrim’s dinner included a salad, a main dish, desert and a bottle of wine shared between each couple and it was cheap, we think we remember it was about 17EU per person.
What a fun evening we had.

The rest of our stay in Santiago de Compostela was taken up exploring the area and enjoying the culture and celebrations in the City.
One event we went to was the Noon Mass at the Cathedral to see the burning of the incense and the Botafumeiro Celebration. The Botafumeiro is 5 ft tall incense burner that is used as part of the Catholic Christian Mass. The 5ft tall incense burner is attached to ropes and swings freely above the altar and at a certain point in the ceremony 5-6 helpers pull the ropes which causes the burner to rise up and then it is given a push to swing. The helpers then time the pulling of the rope with the swinging of the Botafumeiro and it really gets swinging; you’ll see that easily the arc of the swing is 100 ft.
The whole service and celebration was amazing, something we never expected to see. Enjoy the video.

While in Santiago de Compostela we also took a chartered day trip tour to Finisterre and Muxia? Many pilgrims take an additional 8 days (there and back) and walk this route to complete their pilgrimage. Finisterre rough translation is “the end of the world” and the next stop across the Atlantic Ocean is North America. Unfortunately the day we visited there was a lot of fog so we could only see about 500 yards out, but I guess when you think about it all that is beyond there is more water.
Also while we were in Santiago de Compostela they had a big celebration for All Saints Month, so there were various groups going around singing and then on large street party with entertainment, kids games, dancing, etc

After 4 days it was time to leave Santiago de Compostela and to head to Porto in Portugal. Dean found us an Uber type ride and we were picked up right on time and about 3 hrs later we were dropped off right at the front door of our rental unit Santa Caterina Suites. These suites were outstanding, very modern, very clean with lots of little extras, a great breakfast and right in the middle of Porto, so handy to everything. The only thing to watch for were the stairs to the suite level; they were steep and you easily went up 3 standard floors.

One tourist site we had to check out was the bookstore called Livraria Lello in downtown Porto. It is the only bookstore I know of that you have to make an online reservation to get entry to go book shopping. After you make your reservation you arrive at the bookstore and outside the store is a line up area with time markers. Once you find your time marker you get in line and they get you inside within 1/2 hr of your reservation time or sooner. Why the line up? Well “Livaria Lello” is a very old book store, it is 2 levels and has lots of oak and mahogany flooring, paneling, etc but the main feature is the really ornate winding staircase. The bookstore was the inspiration for Harry Potter author JK Rollings and Hogwarts; so no wonder the tourist interest and need for a reservation system.

Porto is a really nice City. It’s very old and lots of confusing streets and traffic and history and it’s right on the Douro River? Porto is also well known for its Port Wine Houses. Thankfully Judy and Dean were with us and convinced us to attend a Port Wine tasting session at Churchill Port House. Now my pallet for wine tasting is pretty much non existent, but even I could taste some of the differences between the ages. Judy on the other hand has an amazing tasting pallet and can pick up all the subtle characteristics. Since we ended up having our own private Port tasting session our Sommelier was even impressed with Judy’s ability and after we had sampled the standard stuff/swill and a couple higher end Ports the Sommelier went into the back and brought out some of the really good stuff; 30 years old or more.

It was a fun afternoon, a way to remember Porto and it was a good walk to get there and a cable car ride on the way back. One final attraction in Porto is the central market area, it was amazing, every type of meat, cheese, bread, chocolate, wine, port, plants, you name it.
We would definitely come back to Porto and do more exploring.

After 2 days we headed by train back to Lisbon and then caught a taxi to Costa De Caparica for our final 4 days. Costa De Caparica is a small seaside town about 45 minutes outside of Lisbon.
Not a lot going on but we stayed at a resort style property right on the ocean, went for some long walks, had some great dinners and just chilled out.

So, that’s about it for our Spain and Portugal adventure.

(Punctuation Disclaimer – I am not sure why, but when I enter a period at the end of a sentence in the post I am working on, once it is published the period sometimes comes up as a question mark at the end of the sentence)

Finally the day arrived for us to head off on an adventure of a lifetime the Camino de Santiago.

We have hiked and walked and walked and walked in preparation for our Camino? The one small change from our initial planning is that due to Brenda’s strained MCL we are going to use a luggage transfer service to move her suitcase from town to town along the Camino route? I am going to carry most of my stuff in my back pack, but will be taking advantage of using spare space in Brenda’s suitcase for some heavier articles?

So let the adventure begin? Well we checked in for our flights 24 hrs in advance as recommended and almost immediately were told that the second flight had been cancelled so we had to reschedule? In the end it all worked out, it was just a lot longer travel and wait times at airports? Our flights were Kamloops to Vancouver to Ottawa to Toronto and finally to Lisbon Portugal.

Once we arrived in Lisbon airport you all of a sudden feel a long way from home? The Customs and Immigration hall was packed with people, little to no direction or signage and complete confusion? After about an hour, which should have taken 15 minutes we got out and headed towards the metro train to the city.

On the way out of the airport we stopped at a cellphone store to pick up a SIM card, so we could be connected to the world; best decision we’ve made so far as we used the Maps feature on our cellphone everyday? The metro to downtown was pretty speedy and after exiting he underground station we found our hotel for 4 nights in Lisbon?

We met up with Dean and Judy who had been travelling the Netherlands, France and Spain prior to meeting us in Lisbon? We got pretty good at using the metro and toured a lot of Lisbon on foot or by train? Brenda was a “trooper” and never complained once about a sore knee even with hundreds of steps, uneven cobblestones and long walks up and down the hills of Lisbon.

While in Lisbon we took a day trip to Sintra? Sintra is on the coast and is a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The Moorish- and Manueline-style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views? Sintra was very busy and we were glad that we booked a tour versus trying to do this on our own?

So after the 4 nights we headed off by train to Valenca, Portugal for 2 nights? This was our starting point for our Portuguese Camino de Santiago? Valenca is a small Portuguese town and has a walled part of the City or as it is called a Fortaleza de Valenca which is right across the Minho River from Tui, Spain? We stayed at hotel right next to the Fortaleza it was called Hotel Val Flores? It was small but clean and was well situated for the Camino hike and nearby restaurants.
One of the better meals and sangria we had on the vacation was at a restaurant in the Fortaleza? After the meal they brought out a bottle of Cherry Liqueur and just left the bottle told us to serve ourselves???. Yummy!

Today (May 26th, 2023) we started out on our Camino Pilgrims walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain? On the Camino you hike along paths that are paved and gravel, along or beside roadways, through forests and small villages? The whole time you are looking for the Yellow Arrow pointing the way of St James to Santiago de Compostela? There are lots on granite posts, but many are spray painted on the side of a house or barn or on the roadway? It’s pretty tough to get lost because they are everywhere and also there are lots of other pilgrims on the route?

Our destination today was the town of O’ Porrino, Spain. We got our Pilgrim Credentials stamped twice in Valenca, Portugal the day before before, so we officially started in Portugal?

Today’s hike is about 22 km’s to O’Porrino which is known for it’s granite. There are huge granite mining operations on the surrounding hillsides? So in all the little villages we passed through granite is used everywhere, driveways, roads, fences, grape vineyards, etc? Tonights accommodation is at the Hotel Maracaibo in O’ Porrino? It’s not big, but it’s clean and above a bar for a much needed beer and appies after a long hike?

Well day #2 is here and not too many aches and pains? However, today’s hike looks like it is going to be a bit hillier on our way to Redondela and Hotel A Boa Estrela? Yesterdays hike was through pine and eucalyptus forests and along streams and creeks? Today is about the scenery from high up which means some climbs?It is also the first time we have seen Horreo’s, which are structures like a shed where they stored grains in the past that were mice, rat and rodent proof. You notice they are built of granite as is the wall of the property.

The walk/hike to Redondela was about 22 km and Redondela is a great little nestled on a hillside and has a small rive running through it.

It’s day three and we are headed to Pontevedra and the Hotel Rias Baja? Hiking today was through small villages, some street/road walking and many back alleys; always on the lookout for the Yellow Arrow pointing to Santiago de Compostela?

We are staying in Pontevedra for 2 nights? It’s a chance to recharge our batteries and take a day of down time? Pointevedra is definitely a bigger city so lots to do and see and eat and drink?

It’s day number 5 and we are headed from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis, total walking of approximately 24 km?

Todays hike was rolling hills and vineyards? The hotel we are staying at tonight is the Balneario Acuna and they have a Hot Spring pool? Our tired feet and leg muscles will enjoy the soaking time?

It’s day #6 and we are headed for Padron, which is about 20 km away? Today was a lot more walking on or right beside major roadways? Until now it’s been a lot of forested trails or small country roads where traffic isn’t as busy? The last 3 km was all uphill and on the road, so it see,ed to take forever?

Our accommodation tonight is The Hotel Scala, it’s not fancy but it’s clean and right on the Camino route?

Well it’s our last full day on our Camino Pilgrimage, which is hard to believe? Today we will hike about 26 km and into the city of Santiago de Compostela and the end of “The Way”? But before we get there we hike through forested areas and past little roadside rest stops?

Then there is the final 10 km that is mostly up hill into Santiago de Compostela

Finally the Cathedral which is the end of “The Way” and it is where the remains of St James are interred

We feel so lucky to have had Dean and Judy join us on this lifetime adventure?

More on our Portugal and Spain adventure with Dean and Judy in our next post?

April arrived and weather is still unusually cool for Kamloops.

We have been out walking and getting lots of road miles as we prepare for the Camino.
Brenda continues with her Line Dancing three times per week and I have my Ukulele Jam’s and Kamloops City Strummers to keep me busy?

May arrived and with it the ongoing training and preparation for the Camino de Santiago? However, with about 2 weeks to go until we head off on the Camino, Brenda had a knee strain? We were out for one of our many walks and she all of a sudden mentioned her knee was sore, I offered some Advil and she said “No” then a few minutes later she asked for the Advil? So, it must have been really sore as she is a trooper and never complains about any aches and pains? Dr M diagnosed a MCL strain and suggested rest, ice, heat and Advil or Tylenol.

So, this little set back changed our luggage plans a bit Originally Brenda and I were both going to pack all our supplies? However with her knee strain we decided for her to use a luggage transport service offered on the Camino route? The Company is called Tui Trans and they move your luggage from town to town and accommodation to accommodation along the route and it’s pretty cheap only about $50 for the week

After this post I am going to do a special post of the Camino de Santiago

June arrived and we still had about 12 days till we arrived home from Portugal and Spain.

We were home only a few days and we headed off to Princeton to watch Sage graduate from Grade 12
The graduation ceremonies were great and the community street party afterwards was outstanding
Small town recognition celebration for the grads.

We were all so proud of her and she received 4 scholarships for continuing education

Also in June Oliver turned 11 years old???? it’s hard to believe?
Oliver is in the red shirt in the picture below