Laura

hi guys, guess I am a bit late in posting this, but many provinces are suggesting to get the H1N1 vaccine first, then wait a month for your seasonal flu shot. The H1N1 virus is in circulation now, so it makes sense to have that vaccination first, then the Seasonal flu vaccine about a month afterwards. I understand that the thought is that if you were to have the Seasonal Flu vaccine first or in close conjunction with the H1N1 vaccine, it may make you more susceptable to infection from the H1N1 virus as the Seasonal Flu vaccine preoccupies the cells that would otherwise produce antibodies against H1N1 virus. Confusing and pretty much un-proven, but some provinces are taking precautions and advising to wait for the Seasonal Flu shot.

Ernie, that is the coolest bike!! I especially love the high backed seat. Looks like you could comfortably ride for a long distance. Thanks so much for sharing the links! I'm very glad that you've got all of your gear (helmet, pads etc.) for the first while it looks like it may feel a little strange to ride on. Have fun and make sure to tell us how it goes!

That sounds like so much fun!! Where do you look to get a bike like that? Be careful on it... sounds a little tricky!

Mary, Do you know how to check your private messages (PM) on the site? At the top of the page you should see "My Controls" "view new Posts" "My Assistant" "My Friends" and "New Messages" If you click on New Messages it will bring you to the area where you can recieve and send private emails to members. This way you can chat with people like Margaret or me more indepthly without worry of disclosing your more personal info on the internet. For me, Margaret has been a wonderful support and has much information that she's been wonderful about passing along. I hope if there is anything I might be able to help with, that you will feel welcome to talk to me as well. I am with the meet the others program as well (Laura) and would be glad to talk with you. I haven't had experiences with Dr. Schondorff so I don't have much to help in that area, but I can certainly understand dealing with doctors that don't know about this condition and how hard it can be to get assistance and even validation for your concerns. Laura.

Hi Mary, glad you found the site! I am also in Canada and had been living in Alberta, and currently am in BC. I'd be happy to share information with you as well.... if you have questions, please ask!

Hey Katherine, no problem at all! If you've any questions when you decide to come next year, I am here for you!

Hi Katherine, I actually don't know where our exchange rate is at right now as the dollar has been fluctuating quite a bit! I imagine by the summer things will be different again. I hope you'll be able to travel here as it really is a wonderful place! Most of the info I gave you I didn't have to look up as I'd lived there and travelled quite a bit through those areas so it was no problem to share! It's alot easier for me to find the info for you as I have a fairly good idea of what is out there! Not so easy when you don't really know what to look for! I'm glad to be of help.

Corina, renting a camper sounds like a great plan for a future trip. I'm happy to share any tips on travel here in Canada. I would certainly want anyone coming here to have the best experiences they can!

Melissa, I'm thinking of you and sending all good thoughts for healing and strength your way. xo Laura.

Hi Katherine, Calgary's elevation is 1,048 metres (3,440 feet) above sea level with close to one million population. In Drumheller it is 670 m (2,198 ft) and has somewhere around 8,000 people. Banff's elevation is 1,383 metres (4,537 feet) making it the highest town in Canada! I think currently there are around 8,000 residents living there. I think the Stampede is July 3 to the 13th this year - have you heard of it? It's a very big deal out here and people come from all over the world to attend. Because of this, if your travel days fall along this time, please be sure to book up a hotel or wherever you'd like to stay right away as they may be booked up very quickly. Here is a link I found for the stampede: http://cs.calgarystampede.com/tickets/trav...ampede_product/ Oh, and be sure that little Giuliana has a passport if you are flying. They will not let you through if she doesn't have one. My sister lives in NJ and was to fly to Winnipeg for Christmas with her inlaws. She had flown with the children in August and didn't need passports for them, just birth certificates. The laws apparently changed in September and the children weren't allowed to fly across without a passport. They ended up driving across the border (so far you can still drive with only the birth certificate needed for children) and taking a plane from Montreal. Not fun! Also, if you and your daughter are coming to Canada without your husband (not likely, but just incase!) you'll need to have a written, signed note from him giving permission for Giuliana to cross the border. (and vice-versa if he goes without you) I suppose to ensure you aren't in the midst of separation or divorce and leaving the country with your child. Hope this is of help and be sure to ask any questions you may have!

Oh, I hope it is Ok to post links here?? If not, mods please remove them and I can send them in a PM instead! Thanks!

Katherine, Here are a bunch of websites to peek at (you may have looked at these already) to give a better idea of accomodations and activities... http://www.tourismcalgary.com/visitors/home.htm http://www.traveldrumheller.com/ http://www.canadianbadlands.com/about.cfm http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/ There are alot of touring routes through the Drumheller area as well. It's a smaller type of town, but every amenity is available as they do cater for tourists so no worries when it comes to lodging, gas, or food. There is a big cafeteria right in the museum and lots of places to eat in the town as well. Drumheller is about 1 1/2 hours of highway driving out of Calgary. Pretty easy to get to and there are lots of signs along the way. This is the "Badlands" of Alberta and is sort of desert-like. You can also travel from Calgary about 1 hour 45 minutes and reach the Rocky Mountains and the town of Banff. You can ride Gondolas up the mountains, explore caves, go to the hot springs, etc. You'd be more likely to see wildlife there. I'll give some info on that too if you like as I'm not sure how long you'll be there... maybe you can do both trips! It would be well worth it! There is also driving tours of where they filmed the movie Brokeback Mountain... not sure how exciting that would be though! http://www.banffnationalpark.com/ http://www.banff.com/ http://www.banfflakelouise.com/ That's just to get you started but please send me a pm with any other questions or info you may need. I'm more than happy to help if I can! What time of year are you planning your trip for? Will you be there around the Calgary Stampede time? Keep that in mind if you are booking a hotel there as they will be very full around that time. Corina, It would be so great if your family could travel out here. There are some beautiful areas to see. You are welcome at our home if you are in our area someday!

Hi Katherine, I've not posted in a while but I check in often and was pleased to see your post! I had been living in Calgary but this summer my husband and I moved to British Columbia. I do have family living in Calgary still and am going to be visiting often so it may be that your vacation will coincide with that... Are you in need of any tourist-type info or anything? Will you be able to head out to the mountains? Banff is only about 1 hour or so out of Calgary and a real must-see! It would be a place to try hard to find the time to get to if possible. Let me know if I can be of help in any way. Laura.

Melissa, sending you all of the very best thoughts and wishes. Thinking of you...

Megan, wishing you a smooth surgery today. Thinking of you! Laura.

Ernie, I am so sorry to hear that things have been going so badly for you. I wish that I had something to offer you that would help. Are any phone consults being made to doctors in the Mayo or Dr. Grubb for any ideas that may help you? If you've been seen by them previously, your doctors should be able to call in a consult and fax over your newest information for any sort of ideas or suggestions that they may be able to give. This is such an awful predicament to be in. I hope things will work out for you that you can get back home and have care set up for you there. We are all thinking of you, Ernie. Keep strong. Laura.

Dear Melissa, your friends from all over the world are sending out special prayers and wishes for you! Keep strong and keep fighting. Much hugs to you.

Melissa, I'm so sorry that you are going through this again. Sending good thoughts your way. Laura

Sending a big Happy Birthday to you, Melissa! Hugs. Laura

Melissa, sending out lots of get well energy to you. Hope that you are quickly home.

Happy birthday to you Nina! What a wonderful present for both you and also Terri! Can't wait to see more pictures of Wilbur... he's such an interesting looking little guy!

Good stuff Persephone! That's such a huge accomplishment!

April, that's so nice to hear!! A big congratulations to you and your husband!

I'm late to wish you a happy birthday, Sophia, so I will send wishes for a very happy year to you!!

I'm so sorry to hear that. That is very sad news. I remember CaitlinRose's posts as very sweet and positive. Sending much comfort out to her family and friends. Thank-you Megan for sharing this news as I'm sure it is difficult for you. xo Laura.