when you least expect it...

Some days you just have to stop and enjoy what's around you.

Of course, you have to have your camera ready at all times and be constantly thinking of those that faithfully read your blog and want (I mean demand) to be entertained.

When you least expect it...the perfect picture appears.

And if you are ready...well...

He's my brother...

and he's going to be okay!

Easy to remember...the day before Remembrance Day.

My eldest brother, Mike took a heart attack while at his children's Maggie and Alex's school assembly (we have already determined that both Nana's played their 'get out of jail' cards to put Mike in a more-or-less perfect place to have a heart attack) As he is on the road trucking or driving family to one event or another 95% of the time...the chances of him having an episode like this where he did, well...thanks, Mom!

One heart attack...
One angiogram....
One angioplasty.....

gives us one tired, but recuperating brother back at home in good spirits.

After spending a week in London's finest hospitals, Mike is home with his family and ready to make dietary and exercise changes to his lifestyle. Unfortunately, fruit can no longer be consumed when surrounded by pastry and/or cream!

Keeping in mind, that the only vegetable my brother, Mike, likes is corn...we were all thrilled to hear that he is exploring and actually tasting other vegies! I know that I am going to hear alot more of, "Gillian, guess what? I tried cabbage rolls for the first time today! I really like them!!!!"

Genetics seem to play a huge part in this ongoing heart saga, and we are all aware that we have to keep a careful eye on everything now that we are, gulp, OLD!

Mike, I will have you know that I climbed back on my treadmill and ran three days this week!
Nothing like seeing electrodes sticking out of your brother as a little incentive to get off the couch and get the blood pumping through the arteries.

As I was running, I just hoped to hell that mine weren't 95% blocked!!!!!!

Preparation...

This is what our family does to prepare for a hockey game…

Sleep…

Sleep…

Play GameBoy…

Drive…

Oh, and don’t forget the dog! She, of course, sleeps (takes after Henry), then wants to go for a walk while we wait for the team to hit the ice for game.

The graduate!

The proud hubby...he did put up with quite a bit of griping and whining. Of course, just because I have my diploma doesn't mean that I have to stop griping and whining!

Jenny claims that I almost ran across the stage. I'm just glad I didn't trip or anything!

Phew...another piece of paper to put on the wall. At least this time, I plan on paying off that sucker with my OWN earnings!
Me and the little grasshopper...I really didn't spawn an evil child (so much for my camera getting rid of red-eye)
Me and Dolores (Library Program Manager at Mohawk ~ a true mentor)