Helenka, Queen of Outer Space

Hello Folks I am Brian - Helenka's chosen baby brother and you may have seen me mentioned many times over the years through her blog entries.

Just wanted to write and let everyone who follows or reads her daily journal that unfortunately Helenka passed away suddenly yesterday morning (January 4th 2021).

As you can imagine I am in a state of shock as she was my best friend and big "sister" - family is family no matter if you are related or not.

She and I had known each other for more than 30 years and boy did we have many adventures. She was known to many as the Queen of Outer Space - such as on this blog, and I the Ambassador to Risa (Star Trek fans will get this reference).

We met at a local Star Trek fan club here in Toronto (Idic/uss Hudson Bay), ventured to Toronto Island for picnics and played naughty scrabble, She took me to my first Pride and we both were on MCC Toronto floats a few times - she just loved the church, she attended Toronto Trek conventions (a locally loved Star Trek convention of the time), had many many hosted dinners at each other places, She also attended Out and Out's annual Jamboree a couple of years, we cooked and baked together (she made me a Titantic supper once - a fond memory), had a love of high teas Shangri La was where she wanted to go this year - and I will of course be going there sometime in the future now.

She was also a prolific writer of sci-fi fan fic called slash and kept this daily blog of her activities.

We dreamed, made big plans, laughed and enjoyed visiting each other (for years weekly).

Before Christmas I got to see her through the screen door and dropped off some food she requested, and I made her some of my bread creations (bagels and a loaf of levain bread) along with cookies (I know she mentioned this in a previous blog entry).

Just last week we had a Zoom video call prior to New Year's and that was the last I will have seen her.

She was loved by me and I told her so many many times.

I know she will be missed by many people - though I will miss her the most.

Live Long and Prosper my Queen of Outer Space!

Brian

Alas, I missed posting before midnight.

Question: When did Alex Trebek die?

And then I go back decades ago, as I can't believe he was only in his mid twenties (when I was in high school) and hosting a quiz show in TO.

I found out from S. in the morning. The other bookmark happened in the evening when I managed to catch a bit more of SNL whose recording had been screwed up Saturday night. It's weird when you can't remember whether something (people booing DJP's motorcade returning from playing golf) was on the news or in a skit. I dread to think of the tantrums happening in private.

Anyway, that was my Sunday. Time for pills and bed now.

So, yes, I had sight this morning (and for most of the day). It wasn't perfect, but it was enough for me to discern both the outside and inside of Marilyn's card. It was a Happy Pride card, with a picture of her in the parade from several years ago, helping to carry the church's looooooong flag! And, on FB today, I saw a check-in by the church as they unfurled the flag at the park at the end of the street. I guess that's as much congregating that's going to happen. Missing was Rev. Jeff as he ushered his dad into the next plane of existence. I sent Rev. Jeff a warm note of sympathy.

There were also a couple of deaths affecting the blind group. Our treasurer suffered two losses: both his partner amd his dad. His partner's death was not a complete surprise, as she'd had cancer for over a year. But to lose both in close succession in a huge blow. I'll have to send him my condolences tomorrow.

I mentioned the card to SuM and we reminisced about events from yesteryear. Sne reminded me that we should have a movie night when they get back from vacation at the end of July. That should be fun as it's been a while. I also caved when it came to reading. I won't be ready for July's book club as I am on strike. So, instead, I borrowed the next book in the melodramatic series as it's easy reading. Obviously, I wasn't taxing my brain with my TV shows (with the exception of Jeopardy!, natch!).

Anyway, with my slightly improved sight, I won't make the same mistake I did last night, inserting the WRONG eyedrops. Oops!

Pretty amazing it took so long; perhaps it's because I go through this day after day after freakin' day. But, right now, at the end of the day, I am so worn out and screaming (silently) in pain. I had to adjust my med times because of an Executive meeting tonight and my body didn't appreciate it. The discussion had distracted my body long enough that it let up but, after that, it was taking no prisoners. At least I have the satisfaction of having made a valuable contribution to the discussion. Unfortunately, tomorrow is going to be difficult, too, as I have book club in the morning and Communications in the afternoon. So, I've just had a couple of truffles, will take my pills, and head back to bed soon.

Once again, I woke up way too early. Was also informed by church-John that we've had a death in our church-family. One half of a wonderful couple who were in charge of the offering counting died suddenly. So much sadness going around and all we can do is send each other emails.

In between my obligations, I watched my usual TV shows, though not all of them. I'm taking my pills early and hoping for the best.

But, oh, for a few hours, it was bliss. Not the waking up after 6 bit, but then falling back asleep and waking up - without pain - at 8:57. I'd gone for 9 hours without pain. I'd also had a delightful brekkie, roast chicken dinner to which I'd added the last of the cranberry chutney. Naturally, the universe had to begin plotting its revenge.

Though I did watch last week's service again and it was enjoyable, writing about it was like pulling taffy: stretching and pulling but not really getting to the heart of the story. So I had to abandon it for today. Decided to watch some old recorded TV, namely the This Hour Has 22 Minutes New Year Special from December, 2018. I believe I'd never watched it after I recorded it! Then I watched the corresponding Year of the Farce and nodded off. Sigh.

As the day wore on, I began to fret about going to church tomorrow. There was freezing rain out with a snow advisory, on top of my returning misery. I'd gotten my ride times and they were disgusting, meaning I'd be stuck at church for way too many hours. At the best of times, it would be tolerable. But, in pain, no way. So I cancelled my rides, sent my apologies to the worship logistics coordinator, and asked church-John to pick up Sunday News for me. I believe he had attended a memorial service for one of the old-timers (90) who had died - on Christmas Day.

It was a long (looooooooong) day that began around 6:00 a.m. No, universe, I don't want to get up, but you're making the bed uncomfortable (more with alternating hot and cold temperatures). So, though I got up for a little bit, I scurried back to the semi-comfort of my bed and its thin coverings. I remained in darkness for hours. I didn't sleep, I just vegetated.

As my digestion still isn't back in balance, I had chips for brekkie. What? They're just salt and grease, easily digested! Much later (possibly early afternoon) I had fish'n'chips. And went back to bed. Last night I'd caught up with both MasterChef epis, so it was just the usual fare today.

After an unscheduled nap, I finally got a hold of Jan regarding our plans for tomorrow. And my other sis RS shared sad news on FB: her adorable Maltese dog went over that rainbow bridge yesterday. While I sent virtual hugs, she'll get lots of real hugs tomorrow when we all meet.

I was finally struck with energy, enough to watch last Sunday's service and write a very short (well, for me) review of the service. It's been posted so I now have no other commitments until Sunday except to have a terrific time tomorrow and to consume delicious food, including those exquisite roasted quails (more than one, definitely)!

I was relieved to wake up early enough that I could wash my hair befpre joining S. in the living room so she could write a cheque for me and then waiting for my meals to be delivered. I'd also received an email from church-John. What was that man thinking of, as he said he was waiting to hear from me. Um … John, you're the one who misplaced my supplement. Why would I be calling you? Anyway, he can't come today, but perhaps tomorrow. Ugh. I have book club tomorrow with a later return ride than desired. Ugh, again.

When I finally got around to ordering next week's meals, I was more than pleasantly surprised to hear the voice of the administrator who's been away from work for 7 months after a horrific car accident. But, then she mentioned that the retiree who had been asked to fill in had lost her wife. I don't know how recently, but the retiree is so delightfully outgoing, I can't believe she was able to cover it up. I'm also pleased to see how casually the admin (who's a Muslim) mentioned it, meaning that she seems to be fairly open-minded.

I was aggravated at some of the messiness swirling around the blind group and frustrated by people who are being unreasonable. Also our Secretary who's not sending me names which I need desperately. Sigh. So I climbed into bed and began watching a judge show, only to zonk out, eventually falling asleep and waking up after 8. I've watched Jeopardy! at least. Anyway, I'd better go to bed as I have to wake up early. TTFN.

Yes, it's an awesome discovery! And the yellow is still living up to its bright buttery shine. Don't ask me why? The only contact I had with the cold was apparently freezing my ass-ets off while I slept. I woke up momentarily a couple times during the night, so was shocked to sleep all the way to my 8:00 a.m. alarm. But I was frrrreezing, as my cape had slid off the bed to the floor. Hideous feeling.

After brekkie, I got ready for my conference call. Didn't even have time to make my hot choc/coffee, so I drank water and sucked on cough lozenges. Oh, right. Did I forget to mention that I was sneezing my head off and blowing my nose? Sigh. Anyway, I'm feeling much better now. I also hosted two of the cats (the devious rascals had snuck in) in the evening and scraped my freezer after the meeting was over. I also started experiencing sudden crashes of my magnification software that was very aggravating - when you're faced with an ugly screen-of-evil-glare. But, after a few tussles, everything seems to be manageable again. Whew! And that's when all the red accents began to appear. Yes … mystery.

Anyway, I think I'm going to watch a titch of TV. I don't know whether I have the wits about me to watch The Rookie but I'll give it a try. I'd already watched last night's Coroner which was a "to be continued". I hadn't caught this in the first couple of epis. Her son is gay and seriously depressed (now that his mom has lost the house and moved them out into the country). I wondered why this other young guy had his arm around him and then kissed him on the lips. Yes, yes, I was being dense. Until he kissed him, I thought he was a close relative.

We were a little sad at the blind group because our outreach guy on the executive died suddenly yesterday, just after having moved into a limited assisted living facility. He'd been happy about the change, so I wonder whether it was unfamiliarity that made him stumble and fall in the bathroom. If you ever wonder why I tend to memorize everything....

Ask me how much I hated putting on socks and shoes this morning. Yuck. And going out into the rain and sitting on my walker for 40 minutes because my driver was 25 minutes late; when she showed up, she dared ask me WHY I was sitting outside. Uh, lady, 'cuz the front steps are dangerous. Sigh. Anyway, I had enough time to still go to the drugstore, even though they've renovated and I couldn't find anything. I managed to get most of the stuff I needed - even if the cough medicine was the incorrect formula. Sigh again.

Then I went off to my eye specialist across the street. The tedium of waiting rooms always gets to me. At least it seemed emptier than usual. Anyway, when he saw me, I told him all about my participation in my blind group. Also, for some weird reason (considering it was grey out), my visual acuity seemed to be sharper, so I wonder whether reading so many eBooks has helped, as I stare at the bright yellow letters against a black background. Hey, I'm guessing here. In any case, he doesn't need to see me until ::she begs the universe "say April, say April":: -- he said "April". After stupid winter. And then I was done.

I had an endless ride home in the new van, talking with the other passenger and the driver who had a talk radio show about the latest hissy fit the premier is having in a political tug-of-war with the city. So, I thought we'd have a bit of a reprieve, but der Prem opted for the nuclear option available in our Constitution. What. A. Disaster.

Anyway, my driver got me home around 5, and I promptly collapsed. Managed to eat some yogurt, then watched my evening TV shows. Still fighting off the cough, but at least the congestion seems to have eased. Still not really hungry. Sigh.

There were some lovely reports of Ruby's funeral on FB and my sis Jan saved me a program. Right now, I have to take pills and get to bed. I have a feeling the bowling is going to do a number on me tomorrow. What have I got myself into???

Why'd it have to be today? Being off the computer for much of the afternoon, it was hours before I checked email, FB and Messenger. There were plenty of the aforementioned as I found out that my special Mum Ruby had departed from this plane of existence today. I'll never hear her call me "daughter" again (that meant the world to me).

And here I'd been having an amazing day. The cats were all present and I didn't have to hunt them: two of them had been sleeping on either side of me as I waited for my meals delivery. Then, mid afternoon, I opened my "Come From Away" CD and played it (just a little loudly), mouthing the words when I knew them and just celebrating life and hope and generosity.

I guess the weather was also contributing to the theme of wildly fluctuating conditions, from the heavy, sustained rain in the morning, to afternoon sunshine, and back to a quickly moving storm over the dinner hour. No wonder my face aches.

Anyway, I guess I'd better get ready for bed and rest my eyes for tomorrow's activities. Goodnight, Mum; I'll see you in my dreams.