Here is what I wrote to my mass-mailout list:

"Mark and I are bracing for the cool, damp Vancouver winter. I can't believe it is almost November. Any suggestions for making it through to spring? (I have already thought about hibernating in Hawaii, but more "thrifty" recommendations would be appreciated.) The best suggestion will be awarded used snorkelling equipment from my Hawaiian excursion last winter, sent to the comfort of your home (COD) in a box filled with wet sand. Okay, there's really no prize, but suggestions would be appreciated all the same."

I got some terrific replies (my friends are so creative!):

Scott wrote "If you are ever down my way you are welcome to a free weekend at my cabin on the Snoqualmie river. Jetted Jacuzzi tub and extra warm wood stove will greet you. Only 15 minutes to 4 ski areas!!!! Fly fishing too...."

Pam had lots of suggestions:

Well, I spent most of the summer (not to mention the entire last year and a half) mostly staying inside and pretending I was in Arizona, not Louisiana. Suggestions if you want to do this sort of "mind hibernation":

Set your desktop to sunny scene. Have cactus pictures I can scan and send.

Get a few bright southwestern colored blankets, etc, and cast about your environment.

A couple of brightly colored sheet sets and bath towels are good too.

Buy fresh flowers weekly at grocery store if available - usually very inexpensive. Put some on computer desk, and perhaps in bedroom and bathroom. For even more Arizona flavor, spread grit on floors by your entrances and tape golf course scenes to your windows.

(Unless you have taped up golf course scenes).... Keep curtains closed, use lots of lamps.

Every now and then, turn up heater and wear your beach clothes or thin cotton summer clothes.

Drink summery drinks.

Keep exercising - just indoors - 80's high energy dance music is appropriate regardless of season! Reggae is perfect for housecleaning and Navaho flute music for relaxing.

For the true Arizona ambience, it is necessary to step on a cholla ball once in a while - then go to emergency room to have your foot numbed and the spiky, excrutiatingly painful cactus ball extracted. Can send cholla balls at your request. Canadian doctors might find this ritual most puzzling. (GRIN)

Patricia had this good advice: "Here is one suggestion--if you think Vancouver is bad, don't come to Calgary!! At least you will have clear sidewalks and no days (nevermind weeks!) of minus 30. I would also recommend a move to the country (well OK maybe just North Van). A change is as good as a rest, right? "

My cousin Anna wrote: "I'm racking my brains for ways to escape the cold of winter .... you could always come and stay with us!!!! - otherwise how about lots of woolly jumpers, sunlamps (if allowed), make your own private saunas and use Tea Tree Oil (pure) as an inhalant, etc etc ... It has anti viral, bacterial and fungal properties!! - I use it alot."

Raman had this to say: "One suggestion for winter: get away to the Vancouver Islands: they are easy to get to, they are cheap, they are relaxing, and they are less wet than Vancouver."

Gene suggested the following: "I bought myself a Nordic Track a few years ago and really feel guilty if I do not use it for 30 minutes at least three times a week. I find it does good things for my mental state as well as my physical state. So.....how about a Nordic Track to keep you physically busy until spring?"

Here is what Patrick wrote: "As for the damp Vancouver winter, I suggest that you think of us poor people of the East coast. Please take a moment every morning to look at the weather forecast in Quebec City, and it should sheer you up. If it doesn't work, look at the poll of our coming provincial election, it should make you feel better you live, oh so far from that!"

Valerie had some good suggestions: "Going to Hawaii is a great idea. Getting wood-burning stove also helps. As for hibernation, it's a bit trickier. Since humans used to be semi-aquatic, about a million years ago, you would require a proper pond setup to hibernate. The pond needs to be at least 6 feet with about 3 feed of sediments and mud at the bottom. Add some rocks, too. Lower the temperature of the pond to 34F. Don't eat for three days, but drink plenty of fluids. Then, strip and immerse yourself into the pool. Once your face touches the water, your body will automatically start the hibernation process. Let yourself sink into the mud and dream. Once it gets warmer and the days get longer, your body will wake you up again."

Ruby suggested the following: My suggestion to you would be to write a book! You are wonderful with words and you have a special sense of humour that is very refreshing after all you have been through with your extensive treatments.