Spring maybe?

May 24th weekend was always the official start of summer. With snow in the forecast maybe not. Today gave us a small taste of spring with summer to come.

11/11/11 Remembering

Today is always a day to think about freedoms. I am so lucky to live how I live. I have the freedom to go where I want, when I want and how I want. I am forever grateful.

This morning I watched the service form Ottawa. It was over by 10 am so I decided to go out to a service here. I was on my way to Museum of the Regiments, I know that it get busier and busier every year. I thought why not go where there won't be too many people. I thought about the new war monument off of Memorial Drive, It is between 14th and 10th streets with nowhere to park. I parked in Kensington and walked over. Just as I got there just as the military procession arrived. They got into position and people started to arrive. There was no bugler or pipes and drum. It was a silence ceremony. I liked it. I stayed to take pictures of the monument after.

I saw the photographer that has been around MRU taking photos recently and had a chat with him. Seems to be a nice guy even though he is a Scot, name is Evan. He told me about taking the photo of one of the students at the monument the other day. Talked about using the marble as a lighting source when the sun was shining on it. Apparently when the woman stood in one spot the sun reflecting off the marble lighting her perfectly. Interesting fellow.

Next I went down to the crosses setup on Memorial Drive. I passed Jane coming out and asked to park in her driveway. No problem she said. I meet Leslie Horton at the crosses sight as she was getting set up for a noon hour shoot. Had a quick chat and told her that I was liking all the girl power on the air these days. Even though they have a new guy there are still more girls on air. The amount of crosses have been enlarged and now include the Afgahanistian deaths. Lot's of people there walking with their families. I headed home and made a quick stop at Kensingston and Crowchild where there are a couple of plain white monuments. When I got home there was a new TV series on called D-Day to Victory. Watched that for the rest of the day.

LEST WE FORGET

Leaving Nanimo going to Vancouver

Left Nanaimo at sunrise on the 8:30 sailing. It was a calm crossing. I also got my favorite seat at the front of the ship in the corner. Perfect spot to relax in. 

Got on the 257 Express bus and it took me within 2 blocks of the YWCA hotel. I arrived at 11:05 thinking I could just leave my luggage but I was able to check in. My 3 night stay will cost me $226.00. The room is at the back not the front as the last time I stayed here. Room is so cute. Single bed, desk, bar fridge, shelves, closet and sink. Bonus TV in the room, I don’t remember having one before. I also have a shared washroom instead of the one down the hallway.

Went out to the art gallery for the afternoon. They only had 2 floors available for viewing. It was still very interesting as it always is. Walking back I stopped at the IGA grocery store.  Got enough food for the 3 days that I am here for.

 I am a little nervous about the conference tomorrow. However I am looking forward to it. 

Last day on the Island

Awoke after a restless night. Ate too much too late. My seafood dinner was so good last night, I should have stopped at one dish but I couldn't it was too good! I think the fresh scallops and the shrimp were what made it so good. I even had to take a picture of it. I think the baked goat Brie and rustic bread helped add to it.

When I did get going Kevin and I walked downtown to mail a parcel of baby clothes to Laura. They are in a beer case box. I hope she doesn't think it's got beer in it. We went to see the demonstration in the sqaure in front of the library. It was interesting to say the least. Tents are set up. Police are there to keep the peace. Lot's of signs and stuff written in chalk on the side walk. I thought it was fasinating, Kevin looked bored by it all. We carried on toward the store I wanted to go into. We detoured to a beautiful Native arts store. I found a Cowichan hat and matching gloves. They will last me my lifetime. I'll have to write them into my will. We got to the Lux store. I found a scarf for Jocelyn and some little items for Christmas gifts. Walked back to the house, had lunch, then a nap. When I woke up I went for a walk in Bowen Park. Beautiful fall colours. 

Went out to dinner at Gina's Mexican Retaurant. As always it was excellent. Got my favorite table. Walked back in a beautiful evening. The harbour was quiet and calm. Nice ending to my visit.

Long walk again

Went out to a place called Jack Point. It is where the Duke Point ferry terminal goes from. Confusing to me. Kevin has today off and he has a brand new Nikon D5000. Just taken it out of the box last week. Hasn't ever used it yet. So off we go a little chilly this morning. Again I am never sure what to dress in. We walked along the seashore and saw lot's of ocean birds. Loons, ducks and seagulls of course. Also many little birds that are migrating through. I don't know what they are but they sound good and look cute. Stepped out to see an overlook and  heard an eagle trilling. Looked up and there it was in the treetop looking down at us. He/She just keep watching us. Very neat to see.

Carried on to the end of the point where we saw a sea lion swimming. Can't get a very good picture because they just look like Ogo Pogo. The trail was very nice and easy going. I however found a pine cone to trip over and fell down on a big flat rock. I think I actually stepped on it and it rolled my foot out from under me. Ouch! that hurt. I was mostly happy that I had managed to put my camera away in the case and it came to no harm. I keep moving and that was good but I could feel my back stiffing up. Got back to K & K's had lunch then had a hot bath and I feel fine now. Tomorrow may be another story though.

I am going to make dinner tonight the Scallop and shrimp dinner that Shauna made for me. Yummy!

A day to walk and a day to visit

Kevin headed out early to work and Kathyrn headed back to bed to get more zzz's. I decided to go for a walk along the seawall.Went the other direction away form downtown. It was a perfect clam quiet morning. There was fog north and east but bright blue skies in Nanaimo.

Seawall looking north

Blackberries  

 I walked to the end of the path and then up Cyress road a very steep climb to Terminal Ave. I could see where Save on Grocery store was so instead of 7-11 that I was looking for I headed down there. Went into Macdonalds and ordered breakfast which was my 2nd breakfast. Couldn't eat it all the place was so damn crowded and noisey. I walked out and there was a nice quite Starbucks that I should have gone to! Lesson learned. Bought grocery and headed down the bike path. In the shelter of the trees it was once again very warm. Got home all tired and sweaty. Kathryn was just waking up or I woke her when I came in not sure which. I took a nice hot shower. I had walked form 9 until noon. It was a long time for me but I felt good.

We headed over to visit with Bonnie and Ross on the 1:15 ferry to Gabriola Island. It is a most beautiful home on the most spectacular setting. Stunning is the word that comes to mind.

  

Shop until you drop day.

October 15, 2011

We started off early to find the best selection on a 30% off everything day at Penningtons. It was worth the trip as I found a pair of dress pants and a couple of nice work tops plus 1 work out top. Best part was I am down a pant size in the sytle of pants I bought. That always makes one feel so good. Next we went to Addition Elle where their very expense but well made bras were also on sale. Pick up one along with a new chain belt. 

Then it was over to see Kathryn's office. Very nice with a door and a window! Her own office! Wow. She is not reception she is the Executive Assistant and she even has her own assistant. It is a job with a whole different level of responsibility that I could not even imagine doing. Next we headed over to Sears to meet Kevin. His department is now the Childrens. Looked busy to me but he said it was a slow day. He couldn't join us for lunch so we went by ourselves sown the mall for sushi. Excellent Cali rolls and yam rolls.The Sushi is better out here. I will have to treat myself again in Vancouver. Went back to Sears and bought a bunch of baby clothes to send off to Laura. By that time K was exhausted. 

We came home so she could rest up as she was off to the hairdresser at 2:00 pm. I had a nice quite time reading and snozzing until the football game came on. Edmonton is again in first place, Stamps and BC are tied for second. Will be an interesting run to the Grey Cup. Kevin got home and Kathryn still was at the hairdressers. She didn't get back until 6:30. We ordered in pizza for them and wings for me. Watched the new X men movie to end the night.