It was on this date (March 9, 2021), that I moved into my new place in White Rock. It is the first time that I have rented a place in many years, but I could not be happier with my new digs.

Sometimes, it makes sense to buy a place, rather than renting, but I wanted the freedom of independent living, and do not feel alone. Well, maybe, sometimes I am lonely – but that is okay because I have many friends and you are never alone or poor if you have good friends.

And all of my friends are better than money can buy – if you’re a friend, then I love you like family. Some people measure their wealth by the amount of money in their bank account (or hidden in a sock drawer), but friends are the one thing you cannot buy.

Even if you rent a friend by the hour – or if you’re like Spanky, and rent by the minute – your girl/date will only be your friend as long as you are paying for their time.

But even Spanky is in love and has a beautiful wife and almost spoiled children. We worked together for a few years and he was always a very trusted friend. It is why I usually include mentioning him, in most of my stories.

So, to my landlords, Anita and Ralph, thank you for choosing me as your first tenant in this beautiful location.

I have only had a few people come to my place, besides Norm (the northern one) and Robert. A few gal pals have dropped in and a few have slept over (in the guest room). I will not let you drink any of my fine wines unless you either take a taxi or stay over. But Holly and I always sleep alone, so that might disappoint any gal who is expecting anything more than friendship.

Annette is coming on Friday and will be staying with me during my surgery and recovery period. She is moving back to British Columbia and will be looking for a place to rent in the White Rock or South Surrey areas. She is the only person that Holly trusts and her cat Sugar is also Holly’s friend.

And Sugar is the same age as Holly, so they have known each other for years. Annette told me that Sugar was recently diagnosed with diabetes and she has to have insulin injections twice a day.

Some of you will recall that Beau, our Pomeranian, had diabetes and was totally blind.

And Holly has Cushing’s Disease, so she and Sugar are a perfect couple, so to speak.

A few of my readers and friends have asked if they will be able to visit me in the hospital during the two weeks that I will be there, but I will not be having visitors. I will not be able to speak and do not want to disappoint anybody, but I will need quiet and peace during the recovery period.

However, I am making a few exceptions to the rule and will allow my friends Norm (the northern and southern ones), Robert, and a couple of others, who have requested anonymity. And hopefully, the hospital will allow my friends with care dogs to visit me (hint for Joy and Claire)!

I have not heard when the surgery will happen and I am still having difficulty with pain, so I hope it is soon. I am waiting to get an appointment for a CT scan on my legs, to see if there is a suitable place to get a bone for the part of my jaw bone that is being removed.

I also will not be writing anything during the hospital stay because I am afraid of having valuables in my room. Yes, there are thieves who prey on sick people – and I know from experience, during my five years as a volunteer at the cancer center.

So, thank you for your thoughts and prayers but I am going to be okay. And for my friends who think I talk too much, my silence will be my gift to you!

UPDATE: Thursday, March 10, 2022

This morning, I read a message on Facebook, from Bill Hawke, who is one of my distant cousins (my Grandma St. Andrews, was his aunt). We have never met but were planning to do so, soon. But yesterday, his wife Gail, fell and broke her hip and she is now at the Vancouver General Hospital. I feel so terrible, that she hurt herself so badly, but Bill wrote, that he was very pleased with the way the first-responders came to the rescue (ambulance, doctors, and medical staff), so that was a bit of comfort. And although I never pray for myself – I will be praying for Gail and Bill, and keeping them in my thoughts, too.

Dedicated to Annette, Sugar, and Holly Golightly

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

Just a notion, that’s all
Just a funny feeling deep inside
That you’re out there waiting
You’re not sure I’m alone
And you wonder if I’m occupied (ah-ha-ha)
So you’re hesitating

Just a notion
That you’ll be walkin’ up to me
In a while and you’ll smile and say hello
And we’ll be dancin’ through the night
Knowin’ everything from there on must be right

Just a notion
But somehow I know I’m not wrong
There’s somethin’ happening that I just can’t explain
If I try it’s all in vain because it’s
Just a notion, that’s all
Just a feeling that you’re watching me (ah-ha-ha)
Every move I’m makin’

Am I readin’ your mind?
‘Cause it’s almost like you’re touching me (ah-ha-ha)
There is no mistaking

Just a notion
That you’ll be walkin’ up to me
In a while and you’ll smile and say hello
And we’ll be dancin’ through the night
Knowin’ everything from there on must be right

Just a notion
But somehow I know I’m not wrong
It is our destiny, there’s nothing we can do
And tonight is very special
It’s a night for me and you

I, I think it’s more than a notion (ah-ha-ha)
Give me more than you’re dreaming, step up to the truth

Songwriters: Benny Goran Bror Andersson / Bjoern K. Ulvaeus
Just A Notion lyrics © Universal/union Songs Musikforlag Ab