The Tragically Hip

Greetings from the hot and sunny Shuswap:

With temps getting quite summery and the lake now definitely up in the comfort zone, it seems a shame to leave for a month or more. Such is the case, however, as a cancellation has cropped up on the hip replacement assembly line at UBC Hospital. At one point, I had had a glimmer of hope to join this program but that was extinguished when my surgeon filled his quota without me. Anyway, the call came in the other day and now I go under the knife July 6th. The surgeon told me that he would like to see me out of the hospital in two days following the procedure. Why everyone else gets 5 days complimentary room and board and I am limited to two is a mystery. Hopefully, my pick-up crew will be available by the 9th or so and can ferry me to Hugh Landerkin’s place on Gordon Head near Victoria, where I hope to spend a week or two in convalescence. From there, I will pass some time at my mother’s until I can drive and get myself back to the Shuswap (possibly 6 weeks but likely less, one hopes).
I have decided to skip the annual visit to Ponoka, as timing gets a little short for me to go all directions at once. I shall miss seeing friends at the Cameron/Vaughn barnyard campground, the Ponoka Stampede and some golf. Unfortunately, this also means passing up on the Green’s (Jordy and Margaret) at their farm near Rocky Mountain House for their 20th anniversary extravaganza (mortgage burning?).
Anyway, in the long run, all should work out and I’ll be able to put on my ski boots next Spring. My apologies to the few of you who had planned to visit during the period of time that I shall be away but, the cabin is still here, the deck is available, the lake beckons and my flowers might need watering, so anyone is welcome – just call me first (the cabin number - (*** *** ****), forwarded to my cell phone when I’m away) should get me except when I am in hospital July 6th to 9th / 12th.
JW