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Thomas Covenant

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I’m a big fan of the books by Stephen Donaldson in the Thomas Covenant, The Unbeliever series. He wrote an original trilogy, then a second trilogy. Now he is completing the work with a quartet of books. The second trilogy was on the New York Best Seller list for a long time, over a year I believe.

Thomas Covenant is the quintessential anti-hero. Most books in the genre feature warriors determined to overcome great odds, heroically battling against ridiculous odds, and of course, prevailing. Covenant is named the Unbeliever because he refuses to believe he can be of consequence in these huge battles.

He has leprosy, so his health plays a large role in how he combats things. He has already lost a couple fingers on his hand due to his disease. so he must be wary of everything, since it could wind up costing him a limb. Unable to feel in his extremities, any injury could lead to putrefaction, and more amputations.

The Land, where he is transported to, is peopled by amazing characters, races and creatures. Bannor and Lord Mhoran in the early books help him, and their humanity is remarkable. It’s a great series of books, and I have enjoyed them very much. Both Pam and I have read them several times. My first edition of the first novel has been read so many times, that virtually none of the pages remain attached to the cover!

Anyway – the third novel of the final quartet was released a while back, and I was looking for it on the internet. I found a professor’s website where he was offering the book to some lucky person who sent an email. And he chose me! How lucky can you get?

All Donaldson’s books require a commitment from the reader, since they are generally over 500 pages, and always contain words that you don’t normally see in everyday life. It’s just a terrific way to spend a few days. I started the book, and basically didn’t put it down until I was finished.

All About Max, Grand Cayman

Spring in Vancouver

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Max among the daffodilsThis time of year is so lovely in our neck of the woods. The cherry trees are blooming, the daffodils are everywhere, the tulips are getting ready to bloom… it’s just a great time of year. We’ve been planting some new bulbs, and weeding out the winter sludge. The grape hyacinths have really come along, and they fill the border all along our garden with a profusion of purple!

Max and I took Pam to her appointment and we went for a short walk through Green Timbers Park. It’s about $4.50 to park at the hospital, so that’s why we head over to a park for a short walk while she gets radiated. Today, I managed to get him to sit still and I snapped a few pictures of him sitting among the daffodils. Nice picture I think.

I’ve included a short movie taken the other day at the Serpentine dog off leash park. A lot of the grey Hydro boxes have been painted with a mural on them, with scenes of flowers, woods, and trees. I think they are terrific really. So lo and behold, they’ve painted the garbage bin outside the dog park! We both thought it was cute enough to take a movie of it so you can see it in the full 360 degrees.

All About Max, Surrey Parks

Bear stranded!

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Bear Creek ParkWe were out taking Max for a walk – in Bear Creek Park too – when we came across a terrible sight. We were walking along the salmon stream, which was quite high from the spring run off. Max suddenly barked, and ran back and forth across an open area by the stream.

Close-upWe thought he must be chasing a squirrel, but no, he’d actually cornered a bear! I think he must have been fishing for salmon, but the river was moving so fast, he seemed paralyzed with fear!

Now, we thought we should call Fish and Wildlife to let them know about this poor stranded animal, but our pleas for assistance fell on deaf ears.

I’ve posted this pic, and you be the judge about whether they should have sent help!

Something About Us

Flowers in spring

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Crocus, 2011It’s been a crazy spring. We had lots of flowers come up, in early February, then got two days of snow! The crocuses refuse to give up though, and have given us a pretty cool display. We’ve got quite a few all over the garden.

Crocus, 2011The funny thing is, the box that had just a whole boatload of them, has turned up with zilch! Not a single one! I can’t believe it… I put the box out front, and it should really be a heck of a display. Instead – it’s full of dead leaves! hah

Anyway – the weather has been really great lately, and we’ve been taking Max out to the off leash.

Hopefully spring is here to stay!

Something About Us

Vern's obituary

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VernPam’s family have posted an obituary online, via the Calgary Sun.

Here is a link to the online version.

I’m going to put in the text here, because I know the online version will someday be unavailable, and I think it needs to be preserved.

Vern AmeroAMERO, Vernon James – September 18, 1925 – February 22, 2011 It is with great sadness that the family of Vern announce his sudden passing. He is survived by his wife Barb of fifty-five years; daughters Pam (Maurice), Cathy (Roland) and son Peter.

He was predeceased by wonderful parents, Mary and Donald Amero of Digby County, Nova Scotia. He is also predeceased by cherished siblings, Lillie, Joseph (Bosie), Dorothy, Blanche, Lenis, Lloyd and Percy. Also left to mourn are his loving sister Emelie (Millie) of Digby, brother Donny and his wife of Wood’s Harbour, N.S., many nieces and nephews and other family who loved him.

A special recognition to the staff of Swiss Chalet and Calgary Co-op Westhills for jokes exchanged and your kindness to dad over the decades. You were so much more to him than a place to go.

Many thanks to Dr. Botha, Annie and staff as well as Rockyview General professionals who cared for him.

Dad was a career soldier having served in the Canadian army with immense pride from November 1943 to May 1947 and again from May of 1951 to March of 1979. He was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, the War Medal 1939-45, the Canadian Force decoration and clasp, among others. He also served many years as a Commissionaire.

Dad enjoyed woodworking, making beautiful detailed doll houses complete with curtains he made himself. In later years, he loved to work on word find books, go out with family to eat and shop and never missed listening to a “Flames” game. Dad was quick to write a letter but had a funny quirk in that when he was convinced he was owed a letter he was more than willing to “wait ’em out”.

Dad had a real love for dogs. He had a great sense of humour even while he struggled with chronic health problems. He was a great dad to us and always had a smile. His favourite saying was: “Better than a kick with a frozen mukluk!”

A religious man in his heart, we wish him peace and offer our thanks to be a part of a beautiful life lived.

Simple cremation with no service by his request is imminent. Please honour him with a kind remembrance or a prayer and a cup of tea.

We love you Dad!

Something About Us

More about Vern

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Peter and VernHere is a picture of Vern and his son Peter. I’ve always liked this picture. It’s been on our fridge for I don’t know how long. I’m not even sure where it is taken. I think near Banff.

Vern AmeroPeter sent me this picture of Vern in an email last night. It was taken with a cell phone, at the Rockyview hospital, just an hour before he passed away. All the kids have asked me to post this, as this is how they want to remember him – smiling and happy.

Doe mentioned that she had lost her father at eight years old. It certainly does remind one just how lucky they can be to have their parents live to a ripe old age.

Health Issues, Something About Us

Pam's father, Vernon J. Amero

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Vern AmeroLast night we got a phone call just shortly after nine pm. It was from Pam’s brother. Their father had passed away just minutes earlier. He was 85 years old.

He had been having some health related issues recently, so it was not a total shock, but still unexpected at this time. He did not suffer, and the hospital stay was mercifully short.

Pam and her fatherVern was a great guy. Simple, loving and lovable. He took great pride in his children. He loved to send letters, and his letters were homey, interesting and sweet. He wasn’t afraid to express his emotions, and it was nice to know that he cared so much for the people around him. He spoke often of the love for his wife, for his son who provided so much comfort to him, and he was happy that his daughters had found love in their lives too.

Vern in uniformAs a young man Vern lied about his age so he could join the military. He served in the medical corp for much of his career, and retired to Calgary, where he lived quietly. He loved to make doll houses, complete with miniature furniture.

I remember when Pam and I first moved in together, before we were married, he was the first person who knocked on our door. He brought with him a stool he had made, (our first piece of furniture!) and then we sat around on the floor while he regaled us with jokes and card tricks. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and his ability to turn a card trick was amazing.

He had a long life, and was blessed with good health throughout much of it.  We will miss him very much.

Pam has flown home to be with her family at this difficult time.