We went to Connie's Cook House on 4th Avenue for dinner. Connie's has good Chinese food at reasonable prices. We were sweltering a bit in the restaurant, but we had our fill of lemon chicken, beef and broccoli stir-fry, and prawn chow mein. Left overs to boot!
We wandered next door to Does Your Mother Know?, a magazine shop. This shop has almost every kind of magazine imaginable. I always see one or two that I had no idea existed. I headed straight for the Home and Interior Design section to get my fill of house pr0n. I had seen most of the mags this month and I am eagerly anticipating next month's selection.
Afterwards, we dropped off the leftovers at my mate's, refueled and refreshed, then headed down to Kitsilano Beach to grab a spot before the fireworks. We played some Uno for about 45 minutes to kill time.
This was the first night of the HSBC Celebration of Light. The first country competing was Italy. I only saw one night of fireworks last year--Canada. It was so awful, we left halfway through. However, Italy's fireworks display was beautifully choreographed and star-studded with colourful complexity. The finale was fantastic.
There are less yahoos and chaos on the Kitsilano Beach and Vanier Park side. It is mostly families. I no longer go to English Bay for the fireworks display. On Saturdays, English Bay is a zoo full of drunken suburbianites ready to start trouble. The event draws 300,000 people. The competition has some of the best fireworks I have seen in the world.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Fire Sky
On Friday, we bought some sleeping bags for -5C weather for our camping trip to Banff next month from Mountain Equipment Co-op. I also bought a medium sized duffle bag. We also went to Canadian Tire on Cambie. We lifted up Coleman and other brands of sleeping bags and they were heavy compared to the MEC ones we bought. A 5 pound sleeping bag!
I bought a air pump ac/dc charger. One of our battery operated one died. I am tired of buying batteries anyhow. I am researching battery rechargers and leaning towards buying one. The recharger kits seem expensive, but I realize it is an investment. The batteries say they last three times longer than regular disposable batteries and can be used up to 500 times.
After our shopping excursion, we met up with Becky and Brian and some of his friends for a drink and dinner. We walked west down Broadway, but we could not find anything. The Rugby Beach Club Grille was vetoed, which was disappointing because I was so looking forward to trying it. The Korean BBQ place had no one in it except one lonely woman. Habibi's was closed. I vetoed all-you-can-eat sushi.
So we opted for the Mongolie Grill. I like how you can pick your own meat and vegetables. You try and guess the weight of your selection; if you guess correctly, you receive your dinner for free. We got to sit outside on the patio beside two billboard signs. There was constant honking and police sirens going off at Cambie and Broadway. I wondered how much the noise level would disturb the future tenants of the four developing buildings in the area.
Today, I met up with Adam and Chris for a walk. We walked down Robson and then Denman to try and find sushi. But nothing was really standing out. I vetoed Dairy Queen. We tried to go to Musashi, but it was closed. We walked back to Capers. Chris suggested grabbing food for a picnic at Stanley Park. I grabbed a turkey, brie and roasted apple sandwich, Que Pasa chips, Muir Glen salsa, and sun-dried tomato hummus. Topped it off with some Boylan's cream soda.
We walked over to the seawall entrance and past some Bicenntenial art structures on West Georgia. Chris said the red structure looked like pick-up sticks. We walked along the seawall past the Vancouver Rowing Club. We walked into the park past the parking lot towards the Vancouver Aquarium. We cut through the main park area towards Lumberman's Arch. It was busy on the lawn, but not as busy as I thought it would be.
As soon as we sat down, we were surrounded by nine seagulls. Walking past Painter's Corner in the front the park, we saw a kid feeding a seagull by hand and his dad taking pictures. Tourists are so ignorant. I remember seeing a woman once feed a raccoon a banana.
Being at Lumberman's Arch reminded me of my childhood. Our dad used to take us there to play in the sand in the pool (before it was a water park it was a pool that was designed to fill up with ocean water). We used to get takeout fish and chips and feed the seagulls extra chips. Ahh, so much time has passed and the park and zoo have changed so much.
A nice way to spend a summer afternoon. We spotted an eagle flying back and forth over the sky and a giant cruise ship sailing out of Burrard Inlet. The cruise ship had eight decks. Massive--like a mobile city on the ocean.
After an hour or so, we walked back towards the entrance of the park. I picked up two discarded water bottles on the ground. I loathe litter in green spaces. How lazy can you be? If we continue to litter in our green spaces, we may be sitting in piles of garbage every time we want to go and enjoy these spaces. Leave No Trace. Pack it in, pack it out. Please, pitch in and do your part, or our city will be littered everywhere.
We detoured off the walkway to the little area where you can walk down and look at one aquarium exhibit for free. The aquarium is lovely, but expensive for $18 per person. We viewed a sea lion resting on a rock and two harbour seals swimming around. It reminded me somewhat of being at the Oregon Zoo after the Oregon Coast trip in 2004 (central to south coast).
We walked out of the park back towards West Georgia and continued along the path towards the Coal Harbour seawall. We enjoyed the view of Stanley Park and the mountains on the North Shore while walking towards the Westin Bayshore and Marina. We stopped off at the community centre for some drinks. I was surprised at how many wedding parties we saw (one taking photos, another on a boat cruise, and another holding a reception in the community centre).
We sat in front of the water park and relaxed while taking in the view. We are so lucky to have so much public access to the water and great parks all over Vancouver.
Said goodbye to the guys and took a packed bus home to Kitsilano. Rested and refreshed at home for a bit before going out again to meet my mate for ice cream. Paradiso Italian Gelato on Yew Street between York Avenue and Cornwall Avenue is the best I have ever been to in Vancouver. I love their vanilla and tiramisu combination. Their waffle cones are delicious and the perfect sweetness. Today, I choose tiramisu and raspberry. You can ask for a single cone split with two smaller flavours instead of one large one. A great deal and it makes it slightly easier to decide. The owner makes the gelato from scratch in the shop.
Walked towards the beach and told a nice couple where we got our ice cream (they asked so nicely!). A little girl came up to me in yellow Crocs and asked me why I was wearing to different colours of Holey Soles. She was so adorable.
Sat at the beach watching the beautiful sunset. Felt sorry for a speed boat that had engine troubles and drifted towards the beach and rocky area. The sunset was the best one I have seen this year with fiery red, orange, and yellow. I guess smog is good for something.
Listening to: Bob Marley - Everything's Gonna Be Alright
I bought a air pump ac/dc charger. One of our battery operated one died. I am tired of buying batteries anyhow. I am researching battery rechargers and leaning towards buying one. The recharger kits seem expensive, but I realize it is an investment. The batteries say they last three times longer than regular disposable batteries and can be used up to 500 times.
After our shopping excursion, we met up with Becky and Brian and some of his friends for a drink and dinner. We walked west down Broadway, but we could not find anything. The Rugby Beach Club Grille was vetoed, which was disappointing because I was so looking forward to trying it. The Korean BBQ place had no one in it except one lonely woman. Habibi's was closed. I vetoed all-you-can-eat sushi.
So we opted for the Mongolie Grill. I like how you can pick your own meat and vegetables. You try and guess the weight of your selection; if you guess correctly, you receive your dinner for free. We got to sit outside on the patio beside two billboard signs. There was constant honking and police sirens going off at Cambie and Broadway. I wondered how much the noise level would disturb the future tenants of the four developing buildings in the area.
Today, I met up with Adam and Chris for a walk. We walked down Robson and then Denman to try and find sushi. But nothing was really standing out. I vetoed Dairy Queen. We tried to go to Musashi, but it was closed. We walked back to Capers. Chris suggested grabbing food for a picnic at Stanley Park. I grabbed a turkey, brie and roasted apple sandwich, Que Pasa chips, Muir Glen salsa, and sun-dried tomato hummus. Topped it off with some Boylan's cream soda.
We walked over to the seawall entrance and past some Bicenntenial art structures on West Georgia. Chris said the red structure looked like pick-up sticks. We walked along the seawall past the Vancouver Rowing Club. We walked into the park past the parking lot towards the Vancouver Aquarium. We cut through the main park area towards Lumberman's Arch. It was busy on the lawn, but not as busy as I thought it would be.
As soon as we sat down, we were surrounded by nine seagulls. Walking past Painter's Corner in the front the park, we saw a kid feeding a seagull by hand and his dad taking pictures. Tourists are so ignorant. I remember seeing a woman once feed a raccoon a banana.
Being at Lumberman's Arch reminded me of my childhood. Our dad used to take us there to play in the sand in the pool (before it was a water park it was a pool that was designed to fill up with ocean water). We used to get takeout fish and chips and feed the seagulls extra chips. Ahh, so much time has passed and the park and zoo have changed so much.
A nice way to spend a summer afternoon. We spotted an eagle flying back and forth over the sky and a giant cruise ship sailing out of Burrard Inlet. The cruise ship had eight decks. Massive--like a mobile city on the ocean.
After an hour or so, we walked back towards the entrance of the park. I picked up two discarded water bottles on the ground. I loathe litter in green spaces. How lazy can you be? If we continue to litter in our green spaces, we may be sitting in piles of garbage every time we want to go and enjoy these spaces. Leave No Trace. Pack it in, pack it out. Please, pitch in and do your part, or our city will be littered everywhere.
We detoured off the walkway to the little area where you can walk down and look at one aquarium exhibit for free. The aquarium is lovely, but expensive for $18 per person. We viewed a sea lion resting on a rock and two harbour seals swimming around. It reminded me somewhat of being at the Oregon Zoo after the Oregon Coast trip in 2004 (central to south coast).
We walked out of the park back towards West Georgia and continued along the path towards the Coal Harbour seawall. We enjoyed the view of Stanley Park and the mountains on the North Shore while walking towards the Westin Bayshore and Marina. We stopped off at the community centre for some drinks. I was surprised at how many wedding parties we saw (one taking photos, another on a boat cruise, and another holding a reception in the community centre).
We sat in front of the water park and relaxed while taking in the view. We are so lucky to have so much public access to the water and great parks all over Vancouver.
Said goodbye to the guys and took a packed bus home to Kitsilano. Rested and refreshed at home for a bit before going out again to meet my mate for ice cream. Paradiso Italian Gelato on Yew Street between York Avenue and Cornwall Avenue is the best I have ever been to in Vancouver. I love their vanilla and tiramisu combination. Their waffle cones are delicious and the perfect sweetness. Today, I choose tiramisu and raspberry. You can ask for a single cone split with two smaller flavours instead of one large one. A great deal and it makes it slightly easier to decide. The owner makes the gelato from scratch in the shop.
Walked towards the beach and told a nice couple where we got our ice cream (they asked so nicely!). A little girl came up to me in yellow Crocs and asked me why I was wearing to different colours of Holey Soles. She was so adorable.
Sat at the beach watching the beautiful sunset. Felt sorry for a speed boat that had engine troubles and drifted towards the beach and rocky area. The sunset was the best one I have seen this year with fiery red, orange, and yellow. I guess smog is good for something.
Listening to: Bob Marley - Everything's Gonna Be Alright
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Trout Lake fire
We went to Trout Lake yesterday to watch Radiant Heat practice for the Illuminaries Lantern Procession.
Prior to going to Trout Lake, we stopped off at the Clubhouse for sushi. Clubhouse on 2nd Avenue east of Cambie Street is one of my favourite sushi places in Vancouver. Wednesday is the best day of the week for specials. Becky and Brian met up with us. I love their Sweet Jane Prawn Tempura Rolls. Great portions and prices, and of course cheap beer!
It was BT's birthday. So I gave him the Super Mario Mushroom t-shirt I purchase for him back in May at Fred Meyer when we went to Whidbey Island.
We watched the fire performers practice their routine for the show. I caught up with people I had not seen in awhile. It was good to be outside in the park surrounded by positive energy and happy faces. Smiles and hugs go a long way! After the sun set, we watched the performers light up and practice their routine with fire. It was a smokin' show! The best choreography I have seen from this talented group to date.
Oh, and a huge congratulations to Radiant Heat for being accepted to perform fire under The Man at Burning Man. (Photos from the night time will come when my mate uploads them.)
Listening to: Alanis Morisette - Crazy
Prior to going to Trout Lake, we stopped off at the Clubhouse for sushi. Clubhouse on 2nd Avenue east of Cambie Street is one of my favourite sushi places in Vancouver. Wednesday is the best day of the week for specials. Becky and Brian met up with us. I love their Sweet Jane Prawn Tempura Rolls. Great portions and prices, and of course cheap beer!
It was BT's birthday. So I gave him the Super Mario Mushroom t-shirt I purchase for him back in May at Fred Meyer when we went to Whidbey Island.
We watched the fire performers practice their routine for the show. I caught up with people I had not seen in awhile. It was good to be outside in the park surrounded by positive energy and happy faces. Smiles and hugs go a long way! After the sun set, we watched the performers light up and practice their routine with fire. It was a smokin' show! The best choreography I have seen from this talented group to date.
Oh, and a huge congratulations to Radiant Heat for being accepted to perform fire under The Man at Burning Man. (Photos from the night time will come when my mate uploads them.)
Listening to: Alanis Morisette - Crazy
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bad things comes in thr33s
Yesterday, was a complete write off. Fax toner exploded all over the floor and on part of my clothes at work, the fire alarm went off in my building after I came home because the dryer plug started to melt, and I received a threatening hand written letter in the postal mail.
I tried to turn the rest of the evening into a postive direction. I met up with Becky and we went to the Sunset Grill for wings. The wings were disgusting. Battered and oiled with a splash of teriyaki sauce. It was no Soho Bar & Grill.
We opted for a walk down at Kitsilano Beach. We strolled past some Bicentennial public art pieces in front of the Watermark. We continued to the beginning of Vanier Park and sat on logs at the Dog Beach next to the Maritime Museum.
The evening sky facing out to Howe Sound was beautiful. Whispy clouds scattered the sky and the sun was retreating towards the mountains. I was starting to feel much better.
We continued along the gravel path by False Creek. We stopped in front of a large tree before the Coast Guard station. We were about to say goodbye to each other before parting our separate ways, when I saw a large dark bird being chased by seagulls through some trees before the Burrard Bridge. Then the bird flew around the station and suddenly I saw an eagle flying over us. The eagle landed in the tree. In the tree was another eagle, a large nest, and baby eagles. The sighting of the family of eagles dispelled any negativity from the day.
Listening to: The Killers - Somebody Told Me
I tried to turn the rest of the evening into a postive direction. I met up with Becky and we went to the Sunset Grill for wings. The wings were disgusting. Battered and oiled with a splash of teriyaki sauce. It was no Soho Bar & Grill.
We opted for a walk down at Kitsilano Beach. We strolled past some Bicentennial public art pieces in front of the Watermark. We continued to the beginning of Vanier Park and sat on logs at the Dog Beach next to the Maritime Museum.
The evening sky facing out to Howe Sound was beautiful. Whispy clouds scattered the sky and the sun was retreating towards the mountains. I was starting to feel much better.
We continued along the gravel path by False Creek. We stopped in front of a large tree before the Coast Guard station. We were about to say goodbye to each other before parting our separate ways, when I saw a large dark bird being chased by seagulls through some trees before the Burrard Bridge. Then the bird flew around the station and suddenly I saw an eagle flying over us. The eagle landed in the tree. In the tree was another eagle, a large nest, and baby eagles. The sighting of the family of eagles dispelled any negativity from the day.
Listening to: The Killers - Somebody Told Me
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Tang Concubines, Whistler
Last Friday, I was had the wonderful pleasure of seeing the first performance of Tang Concubines at The Centre. The show was a sight and sound experience filled with graceful dancing, colourful costumes, love, betrayal, honour, and revenge. The action-musical portrays the lives of two concubines from the Tang Dynasty in 618-906 AD. One woman became the first and only Empress of China; the other devotes her love and life to her Emperor until the day she dies.
On Saturday, we went up to Whistler. The weather could not be more lovely. Beautiful, hot sunshine and not a cloud (maybe two) in the sky. Stopped at the old Wendy's and Tim Horton's in Squamish. Ran into a couple and a dog in the drive-thru.
After we settled in to our abode, we went into the Village to get hot chocolate from Blenz and wander. Did a bit of shopping, but nothing was really pulling my wallet. Disappointed I did not find anything at Willy's. The Village was overflowing with tourists and families.
Checked out the mountain bikers and the zip trek practice area by the Fitzsimmons ski lift. The mountain biking area includes jumps, and easy to difficult downhill roads. Grilled up some steak and peppers for dinner and sipped Inniskillian Pinot Blanc in front of the fireplace.
After a good sleep, we rose at around 9 am and walked down the Valley Trail 4 km to the Sunshine Diner next to the Husky Station across from Creekside. The diner serves up an early bird special of Hogs and Eggs. There was a great mix of Rock music on the cd player. I think I'll make a mix cd similar to that for the road trip: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles.
Checked out the Farmer's Market by the Chateau Whistler. Pricey products, but the homemade honey and jam were looking good. Berries are not the best prices, unless you are not going anywhere near the Okanagan anytime soon. Coming back from Kanansksis, we found a guy from his parents' farm selling delicious mounds of cherries in Merritt for great prices.
Mind you, if you are anywhere near Chilliwack, the best place is off Yarrow Road past the yellow barn. Continue past to the second farm on the right side. It is a nice family that sells blueberries, raspberries, and other fruit and vegetables at great prices. I cannot for the life of me remember the name. I might go back there this weekend and I will add the official name of the farm.
Listening to: Madonna - Jump
On Saturday, we went up to Whistler. The weather could not be more lovely. Beautiful, hot sunshine and not a cloud (maybe two) in the sky. Stopped at the old Wendy's and Tim Horton's in Squamish. Ran into a couple and a dog in the drive-thru.
After we settled in to our abode, we went into the Village to get hot chocolate from Blenz and wander. Did a bit of shopping, but nothing was really pulling my wallet. Disappointed I did not find anything at Willy's. The Village was overflowing with tourists and families.
Checked out the mountain bikers and the zip trek practice area by the Fitzsimmons ski lift. The mountain biking area includes jumps, and easy to difficult downhill roads. Grilled up some steak and peppers for dinner and sipped Inniskillian Pinot Blanc in front of the fireplace.
After a good sleep, we rose at around 9 am and walked down the Valley Trail 4 km to the Sunshine Diner next to the Husky Station across from Creekside. The diner serves up an early bird special of Hogs and Eggs. There was a great mix of Rock music on the cd player. I think I'll make a mix cd similar to that for the road trip: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles.
Checked out the Farmer's Market by the Chateau Whistler. Pricey products, but the homemade honey and jam were looking good. Berries are not the best prices, unless you are not going anywhere near the Okanagan anytime soon. Coming back from Kanansksis, we found a guy from his parents' farm selling delicious mounds of cherries in Merritt for great prices.
Mind you, if you are anywhere near Chilliwack, the best place is off Yarrow Road past the yellow barn. Continue past to the second farm on the right side. It is a nice family that sells blueberries, raspberries, and other fruit and vegetables at great prices. I cannot for the life of me remember the name. I might go back there this weekend and I will add the official name of the farm.
Listening to: Madonna - Jump
Friday, July 14, 2006
The Devil Wears Prada
Last night, I met up with Gia and some of her ex-coworkers for dinner and a movie. Eight of us went for dinner at the new Earls on Smithe Street downtown. Definitely pricier for basic food. But hanging out with outgoing and fun women is always a blast.
Women do not go out together enough. Men always go out often to drink, watch sports, and beat their chests. I wish women went out more often for breaks from juggling and multitasking daily routines and putting themselves last. So silly really. What could be more fun than culinary tasting and sipping cocktails with fabulous women?
Anyways, we went to see The Devil Wears Prada. Anne Hathaway is wonderful as the heroine, a recently graduated journalist in New York, who is trying to land any job at a major publication after exhausting all possibilities. She is accepted at Runway, based on Vogue as the second assistant to Melissa Priestly, Meryl Streep.
Meryl Streep is brillant as the magazines editor-in-chief. It is funny how Streep's character is branded as the Dragon Lady, when any man in a CEO position would be considered adminired, successful and powerful as the head of any Fortune 500 company.
Overall, the movie has great characters, dialogue, costume design, and plot. It has encouraged me to read the novel. I miss being a fashion maven. But shopping until you drop endlessly just supplies you with mounds of clothes, shoes and trinkets you really cannot afford unless you want to always be in debt.
This week, my Hotmail account has stopped working, or at least, no longer lets me login. I am not sure if other folks have experienced this problem. At first I was perplexed thinking I was mis-typing the password. Then, maybe, I thought that it locked me out temporarily for typing the password incorrectly a few times. After three days of fustration, I checked the secret question: "Where was your mother born?". I do not recall *ever* setting that question up. Even when I type in the correct answer, it does not let me in. For all I know, my email account could be sending mass-spam email.
So, if any people out there are receiving emails about how to become an ordained minister, or marry a foreign bride, or make lots of $$$, I deeply apologize for this situation and I hope it resolve itself in a week. I probably should change the password every month and include a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers and a few symbols.
Listening to: Steve Miller Band - The Joker
Women do not go out together enough. Men always go out often to drink, watch sports, and beat their chests. I wish women went out more often for breaks from juggling and multitasking daily routines and putting themselves last. So silly really. What could be more fun than culinary tasting and sipping cocktails with fabulous women?
Anyways, we went to see The Devil Wears Prada. Anne Hathaway is wonderful as the heroine, a recently graduated journalist in New York, who is trying to land any job at a major publication after exhausting all possibilities. She is accepted at Runway, based on Vogue as the second assistant to Melissa Priestly, Meryl Streep.
Meryl Streep is brillant as the magazines editor-in-chief. It is funny how Streep's character is branded as the Dragon Lady, when any man in a CEO position would be considered adminired, successful and powerful as the head of any Fortune 500 company.
Overall, the movie has great characters, dialogue, costume design, and plot. It has encouraged me to read the novel. I miss being a fashion maven. But shopping until you drop endlessly just supplies you with mounds of clothes, shoes and trinkets you really cannot afford unless you want to always be in debt.
This week, my Hotmail account has stopped working, or at least, no longer lets me login. I am not sure if other folks have experienced this problem. At first I was perplexed thinking I was mis-typing the password. Then, maybe, I thought that it locked me out temporarily for typing the password incorrectly a few times. After three days of fustration, I checked the secret question: "Where was your mother born?". I do not recall *ever* setting that question up. Even when I type in the correct answer, it does not let me in. For all I know, my email account could be sending mass-spam email.
So, if any people out there are receiving emails about how to become an ordained minister, or marry a foreign bride, or make lots of $$$, I deeply apologize for this situation and I hope it resolve itself in a week. I probably should change the password every month and include a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers and a few symbols.
Listening to: Steve Miller Band - The Joker
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Hello Kitty Wedding Packages
Well, I was reading an old issue of MacLean's. I take old copies from my massage therapist (with her permission of course). In an issue dated November 21, 2005, I learned about Hello Kitty themed weddings in Japan's Hankyu-Daiichi Hotel. Cartoon characters dance, escort the bride, and carry your rings on a pillow.
The best was the story of a Brazillian who had strange noises coming from his garage. When authorities investigated the complaints, they discovered a full grown lion living in the garage of Jesus Teixeira. He had kept the lion after he dissolved his circus. The lion had grown up with his kids and was "very calm and never attacked anyone." "Baby" had lived with Teixeira's family for 15 years.
Listening to: The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The best was the story of a Brazillian who had strange noises coming from his garage. When authorities investigated the complaints, they discovered a full grown lion living in the garage of Jesus Teixeira. He had kept the lion after he dissolved his circus. The lion had grown up with his kids and was "very calm and never attacked anyone." "Baby" had lived with Teixeira's family for 15 years.
Listening to: The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Fishin' with the Scotts
Spent a relaxing weekend because I still needed to recover from last weekend. Took a slower pace doing a few errands. Made a basic spaghetti sauce from scratch on Friday from my new Bonnie Stern Heart Smart cookbook.
Saturday, I helped a friend shop for wedding attaire. Not so easy. Lots of things that are inappropriate, do not fit great or look sharp. Took photos of the Spirit Bears downtown.
I am midway through Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic which I started last week on the road trip. It is a funny story about a financial journalist in London who has a weakness for clothing, makeup, and shoes. Easy to read, entertaining and funny. Good light-hearted reading for summer.
In the evening, I went out to my cousins to hang out and go fishing with them in the morning. We grabbed takeout and were very disappointed by the runny frosties. We watched Cheaper By the Dozen 2. Funny and entertaining for minimal brain activity. I do not know how a parent can afford to raise 12 kids on a coach's salary. Amazing how Steve Martin can play a father without ever being one. I loved him in Parenthood. One of my all time favourite family comedies.
On Sunday, I went fishing with my cousins in Chilliwack. We got up early and were down by the fishing hole before 9 am. I had not fished in about 10 years. But it was like riding a bike. I got a few bites in the morning, but not much after that. We were out for hours. My niece dropped by for a visit with my dad. My cousin Kevin did well with four nice trout. Kelly got a nice wild salmon that was over 14 inches. We snapped a great photo of her catch (best one ever!) before we released it back into the river. We can only keep the hatchery raised salmon, not the wild.
Ended the evening with steak and trout for dinner with all the fixins'. Relaxed for a bit and watched Family Guy, Bromwell High, and The Simpsons before driving back to the city.
Listening to: Paul Simon - Slip Slidin' Away
Saturday, I helped a friend shop for wedding attaire. Not so easy. Lots of things that are inappropriate, do not fit great or look sharp. Took photos of the Spirit Bears downtown.
I am midway through Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic which I started last week on the road trip. It is a funny story about a financial journalist in London who has a weakness for clothing, makeup, and shoes. Easy to read, entertaining and funny. Good light-hearted reading for summer.
In the evening, I went out to my cousins to hang out and go fishing with them in the morning. We grabbed takeout and were very disappointed by the runny frosties. We watched Cheaper By the Dozen 2. Funny and entertaining for minimal brain activity. I do not know how a parent can afford to raise 12 kids on a coach's salary. Amazing how Steve Martin can play a father without ever being one. I loved him in Parenthood. One of my all time favourite family comedies.
On Sunday, I went fishing with my cousins in Chilliwack. We got up early and were down by the fishing hole before 9 am. I had not fished in about 10 years. But it was like riding a bike. I got a few bites in the morning, but not much after that. We were out for hours. My niece dropped by for a visit with my dad. My cousin Kevin did well with four nice trout. Kelly got a nice wild salmon that was over 14 inches. We snapped a great photo of her catch (best one ever!) before we released it back into the river. We can only keep the hatchery raised salmon, not the wild.
Ended the evening with steak and trout for dinner with all the fixins'. Relaxed for a bit and watched Family Guy, Bromwell High, and The Simpsons before driving back to the city.
Listening to: Paul Simon - Slip Slidin' Away
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
A Wedding in Kananaskis
I returned last night from a long weekend trip to Kananaskis for a wedding. It was my mate's cousin's wedding. I have also been to her sister and brother's weddings. Thank goodness this wedding was not in winter in Winnipeg like one of the other ones. (Hey, I sound bitter because one was a few days before Christmas in Winterpeg!)
We left at 6 am on Saturday and drove 10 hours through Merritt, Revelstoke, Golden, Canmore, and Banff. When I met foreigners or tourists in Vancouver or Australia, they always looked at me quizically when I replied I had never been to the Rockies. While driving through Banff and Yoho National Park, I was awe-struck by the glacier mountains and valley scenic views. We saw mountain goats, big horn sheep, and an osprey. Unfortuately, we also drove past a black bear cub that had been hit by a vehicle.
We arrived at the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis an hour before the barbecue. It was good to see my mate's extended family on his father's side again. I am finally learning the correct names of the many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Guests came from all over Canada, Australia, Sweden, and the Grand Caymans.
The wedding ceremony was outside facing a mountain under a tent. The weather was looking bleak, but the sun came out and shone down on everyone after there ceremony was finished. The justice of the peace spoke of equality, balance, harmony and spirituality. It was one of the best ceremonies I have ever been too. When we entered the seating area, friends of the bride and groom gave us rocks collected from their favourite childhood areas. We were asked to hold them tight and transfer positive energy and thoughts to them. On the way to the reception, we dropped our rocks in a large vase with sand on the bottom. It was such a beautiful way to create a momento from the ceremony.
The reception was held in a beautiful ballroom. There were wonderful and heartfelt speeches, toasts, and a slide show. The first dance was a fabulous two-step waltz to Shania Twain's Forever and Always. Dancing went all night and the floor was packed. I danced to most 80s songs (of course!). I lasted until 12:30 am (good thing I had a therapeutic massage in the spa). Definitely, one of the best weddings I have ever been too.
Listening to: James Blunt - Beautiful
We left at 6 am on Saturday and drove 10 hours through Merritt, Revelstoke, Golden, Canmore, and Banff. When I met foreigners or tourists in Vancouver or Australia, they always looked at me quizically when I replied I had never been to the Rockies. While driving through Banff and Yoho National Park, I was awe-struck by the glacier mountains and valley scenic views. We saw mountain goats, big horn sheep, and an osprey. Unfortuately, we also drove past a black bear cub that had been hit by a vehicle.
We arrived at the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis an hour before the barbecue. It was good to see my mate's extended family on his father's side again. I am finally learning the correct names of the many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Guests came from all over Canada, Australia, Sweden, and the Grand Caymans.
The wedding ceremony was outside facing a mountain under a tent. The weather was looking bleak, but the sun came out and shone down on everyone after there ceremony was finished. The justice of the peace spoke of equality, balance, harmony and spirituality. It was one of the best ceremonies I have ever been too. When we entered the seating area, friends of the bride and groom gave us rocks collected from their favourite childhood areas. We were asked to hold them tight and transfer positive energy and thoughts to them. On the way to the reception, we dropped our rocks in a large vase with sand on the bottom. It was such a beautiful way to create a momento from the ceremony.
The reception was held in a beautiful ballroom. There were wonderful and heartfelt speeches, toasts, and a slide show. The first dance was a fabulous two-step waltz to Shania Twain's Forever and Always. Dancing went all night and the floor was packed. I danced to most 80s songs (of course!). I lasted until 12:30 am (good thing I had a therapeutic massage in the spa). Definitely, one of the best weddings I have ever been too.
Listening to: James Blunt - Beautiful
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