I was born in Vancouver, British Columbia quite a number of years ago.   My mother made the journey by plane from a logging camp.  Soon after she and I returned to the camp.

I tried different types of jobs while growing up such as working in a deli, various jobs at a local newspaper (after we moved to Campbell River on Vancouver Island) and dispatched for a taxi company.  Even had the opportunity of meeting Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and a couple of others through Jean, the owner of the taxi company.  Unfortunately I was far too shy to even think about getting an autograph.  Sure missed my chance on that one!

When we moved to Vancouver, I started working in the insurance industry.

I started out with a rather large company and left when I finally realized that most women that worked there were either stuck in the typing pool or other clerical jobs.  After working for a short time for a couple of other insurance related offices, I started with a branch office of the credit union insurance company.  I started out as secretary, got my insurance licenses, learned claims, underwriting, etc.  I left after almost 16 years when I found that men that were being hired for the same position I held, and had NO insurance experience had a starting salary at several thousand dollars more than what I was making.  Not only that, they came to me for answers due to their lack of experience.   Hmmmmm, those were the “good ole days” and “ways”.

I left the insurance company and worked with an agency for a few years, moved to Vancouver Island and worked for another spell.  I finally took early retirement.

Throughout the years I had a huge passion for ballroom dancing and went every chance that I could.  It is not only a healthy sport but keeps you fit AND trim!

I also took up bowling a few years ago.  First five pin which is a very rare bird in the U.S. but can still be found in some towns in Canada.  When there is a choice of 5 or 10 pin, a lot of seniors play 5 pin but I found it very slow.  The first couple of years, when I lived on Vancouver Island, I played 5 pin as there was no 10 pin.  I had an average of 199.5 by the end of the 2nd year.

When I moved to White Rock, I took up 10 pin and I think I am in my 3rd year.  Haven’t done as well in 10 pin as my average is only 132.  I finally got my own bowling ball…a lovely blue 10 pounder with just bev written on it.

The camaraderie and friendships that I have developed are priceless.