I really hate being away from my blog for so long, and at first it was just going to be a couple of days while I was visiting my mom, but then I was home for 1 day and had to go away for two more and then, well, next thing you know more time has passed that I intended. Do you like that answer better than saying "I've been busy?"
My visit with my mom didn't end so well for her. Sadly she started experiencing extreme leg pain and so I took her to the emergency last Saturday night. I stayed with her until around 5:30am when they said they would soon admit her to the hospital. I have to say her experience in emergency wasn't a pleasant one. Besides overly defensive nurses and doctors, excessive delays (they didn't check in on her or talk to her between 1am and 5am) and the horrid sounds of other patients puking and groaning etc. But there wasn't much we could do, she was in extreme pain and couldn't walk and I was afraid things had the potential to get much worse for her so we had to stay.
Once she was admitted things and moved to another ward, things were much better. The nursing staff was much nicer and she was getting checked on regularly by one doctor/specialist or another. Unfortunately for her it was her birthday - not fun to spend your birthday in the hospital - but she seemed in pretty good spirits anyway. Multiple tests have been done for multiple issues and she's still in the hospital one week later. I hope she'll be able to go home soon and resume her independent living. It's unfortunate that she lives so far away (it's an hour flight plus a three hour drive -so at least 4-5 hours of travel after all is done).
Summer's finally over for us, we're back to the rain, and today I think we made up for all the rain we didn't have this summer in one afternoon - can you say "monsoon"? I knew you could (Mr. Rogers reference).
Once again I will have to catch up on many of your blogs as well. I'm feeling a bit of a panic as Halloween is only 33 days away and Christmas is now less than 90. I need to hustle to make things and buy gifts and I'm feeling a wee bit nervous. Hope you're well, more to follow shortly.
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Things from Portland
Here are some of the items Jp brought back for me from his trip to Portland, Oregon (I still can't believe it's only a 5 hour drive from Vancouver-always thought it was farther):
1) This book bag from the well-known and very large Powell's Books:
He said he would've needed about 4 days in that store - which is pretty crazy when most people can do Disneyland in three!
2) Fabulously delicious coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
We did not save any of this, we drank it while it was fresh and tasty and boy howdy was it good! Holler Mountain was the coffee we had, roasted only 4 days prior.
3) He told me this was a Honey Badger, but I know it's a Wolverine:
1) This book bag from the well-known and very large Powell's Books:
2) Fabulously delicious coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
We did not save any of this, we drank it while it was fresh and tasty and boy howdy was it good! Holler Mountain was the coffee we had, roasted only 4 days prior.
3) He told me this was a Honey Badger, but I know it's a Wolverine:
If you're not familiar with a Honey Badger, then you must watch this informative video:
And just as a point of curiousity, when I googled "Wolverine" the majority of the searches turned up Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and hardly anything for the actually animal. My how things change over time don't they?
4) And see this cast iron skillet? It's actually only 2 inches across
- it's a spoon rest, isn't it cute?
It's actually from Cabela's which is in Washington state. Just seeing if you're still with me.
5) And then a whole bunch of treats - like Chex Mix because we don't have as many flavours here as there are available in the US and big bags of chips for cheap!
The same goes for Baked Beans, and peanut butter:
Friday, August 23, 2013
Do you see the world?
When I was a kid, we didn't have the devices available today and so when my parents had to travel somewhere in the care we just stared out the windows. We nicknamed my dad "Old Eagle Eye" because he was always the first one to spot a deer or elk or bird so we'd have our eyes stuck on the road (and beyond) hoping to see something before he did. As we got older and moved from the wild North to the Vancouver area we looked out the window to see where we were going to and became very familiar with the streets. Each of us kids are great navigators and know the area extremely well. Our skills have also translated well when travelling as I can't tell you how many times I landed in a town, got into a rental car and arrived at my destination with relative ease (some preliminary research was done in advance of course). Nowadays I am amazed at the number of people who've spend many years here, but don't know their way around, and rely heavily on their GPS device.
But that's not what wanted to talk about. I was curious about your opinion of vacations - when I go somewhere new, I still like to look out the window and see all that I can see. It's a new place, I want to drink it all in. But if you've been in the car with a 90's or 2000's kid they are glued to their phone or game and never look out the window. In fact half the time they have no idea where they are, and when quizzed, they have absolutely no idea where they are. Sometimes they're only a few miles from their home. When I've asked them was city/town/municipality they are in, they couldn't even name that.
A friend of mine just returned from a tropical vacation and mentioned several co-travellers sat by the pool or on the beach and read a book. And that's what tweaked my brain - when you travel would you just want to sit there and read? I know you can't walk and explore everyday and I too have sat on the beach and read (and people watched) but when I like to go away I like to see as much of it as I can. I want to take walks or excursions and see as much as I can. And I'd much rather sit and look at the ocean because I'm not going to see that view again for a while. I don't want to sit by a pool because I can sit by a pool at home. I'm not criticizing others, it's just my different opinion. And I'm curious to hear what others think.
So. How do you like to travel? Are you a beach sitter or an explorer? Do you vacation to see the world or to get a break from it?
Friday, November 16, 2012
An extended weekend in Alberta
Last week I was in the lovely city of Calgary for work meetings, this was the view from my hotel room:
Then when the meetings were over I hopped on a little 14 seater Beech 1900 D . A snow storm was happening in Edmonton and had caused multiple smaller flights out of Calgary to be cancelled. As I waited for my 2pm flight there were many people told that they would not be flying that day. Some very sad families that's for sure. Then when it was finally time for us to board, all 6 of us got on the plane and then waited for the left prop to start spinning. It didn't. I watched the ground crew literally scratch their heads and look at it, finally it started (no help from the ground crew). Then we had to wait for the plane to warm up. Then we moved 5 feet and stopped. We did that about 18 times. Finally it was time to get de-iced and then we crept along the runway waiting for our turn to take off. I was thinking we'd have to be de-iced again, but we made it out without problems. The cloud cover was so thick that our whole flight ended up being in the clouds (the co-pilot had told us that he hoped we'd be able to fly above the clouds). When the plane is this little you can see all the flight controls and look out the front window -which may not be such a good thing. As we approached the runway to land we were zig-zagging left and right and I thought we were going to hit hard - but we had a very beautiful text book landing. Yay, thank you female pilot!
When I arrived, it was snowing, and this is what I woke up to the next morning:
It was -19 degree celsius (that's -2.2 F) and about 1' of snow had fallen. But I must admit that I didn't feel cold, it was actually quite pleasant. And I also thank my family for lending me hats, coats, boots and gloves when needed.
And later that day I had gone out with my SIL and then made the mistake of stepping outside to see where my brother was - next thing I knew I had a snow blower in my hand and I had cleared 3 driveways and the sidewalk! LOL-JK!
It was just a quickie little visit but it was a nice. My mom and brother live a couple of houses away from each other and it's nice to be able to just run back and forth as needed. On the morning before I left my brother made up yummy waffle batter and then brought everything over to my mom's house for our brunch.
So I got lots of dog walking done, ate lots of yummy meals and enjoyed myself. Hopefully my family enjoyed my visit too.
Pretty isn't it?
Then when the meetings were over I hopped on a little 14 seater Beech 1900 D . A snow storm was happening in Edmonton and had caused multiple smaller flights out of Calgary to be cancelled. As I waited for my 2pm flight there were many people told that they would not be flying that day. Some very sad families that's for sure. Then when it was finally time for us to board, all 6 of us got on the plane and then waited for the left prop to start spinning. It didn't. I watched the ground crew literally scratch their heads and look at it, finally it started (no help from the ground crew). Then we had to wait for the plane to warm up. Then we moved 5 feet and stopped. We did that about 18 times. Finally it was time to get de-iced and then we crept along the runway waiting for our turn to take off. I was thinking we'd have to be de-iced again, but we made it out without problems. The cloud cover was so thick that our whole flight ended up being in the clouds (the co-pilot had told us that he hoped we'd be able to fly above the clouds). When the plane is this little you can see all the flight controls and look out the front window -which may not be such a good thing. As we approached the runway to land we were zig-zagging left and right and I thought we were going to hit hard - but we had a very beautiful text book landing. Yay, thank you female pilot!
When I arrived, it was snowing, and this is what I woke up to the next morning:
A view of my mom's backyard, from inside the house.
Brr, I wasn't ready to get outside yet.
It was -19 degree celsius (that's -2.2 F) and about 1' of snow had fallen. But I must admit that I didn't feel cold, it was actually quite pleasant. And I also thank my family for lending me hats, coats, boots and gloves when needed.
And later that day I had gone out with my SIL and then made the mistake of stepping outside to see where my brother was - next thing I knew I had a snow blower in my hand and I had cleared 3 driveways and the sidewalk! LOL-JK!
It was just a quickie little visit but it was a nice. My mom and brother live a couple of houses away from each other and it's nice to be able to just run back and forth as needed. On the morning before I left my brother made up yummy waffle batter and then brought everything over to my mom's house for our brunch.
Here's my cookie monster waffle:
So I got lots of dog walking done, ate lots of yummy meals and enjoyed myself. Hopefully my family enjoyed my visit too.
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Fortunate or Unfortunate? or both?
At the end of our meal in a Chinese Restaurant our fortunes were placed on a little tray with the bill - but strangely, one package had no fortune - only a puffy air filled bag. Laughingly we showed our server who grabbed a bag from the bowl to replace it, and then we got two-in-one!
As William Shatner would say "Weird or What?"
Oh and what did the fortunes say?
One said: Now is a good time to try something new
and the other: If you go fishing, your catch will be plentiful
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Miniatur Wunderland
Okay, mind is officially blown - after yesterday's post about the train-wrecks of life, you must watch this most amazing and inspiring clip - sent in by my brother:
This is most definitely on my Goals list!!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
back in the saddle again
Just got back from a week long visit with my mom and brother - I just can't believe how fast the time flew by. It was good to see my family again - there's only a couple of us - and catch up and enjoy good food too. My brother's an excellent cook and showed me his way to make whipped cream. He also surprised me with a package of cookies and some tiger bars in my room, waiting for my arrival.
I got to meet his lovely little dog, Tonks - a chocolate lab mix and even joined him in their agility class. It was fun to observe the class and watch all the people and the dogs integrate and learn together.
I'll tell you more along with some photos, in the next day or so. First I must hustle at work because it's our year end and there are lots of invoices that need to go out
Hope you are doing well, I'll be sure to swing by your blog and catch up with you in the next day or so.
I got to meet his lovely little dog, Tonks - a chocolate lab mix and even joined him in their agility class. It was fun to observe the class and watch all the people and the dogs integrate and learn together.
I'll tell you more along with some photos, in the next day or so. First I must hustle at work because it's our year end and there are lots of invoices that need to go out
Hope you are doing well, I'll be sure to swing by your blog and catch up with you in the next day or so.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Mini Vacation 2012
I'm back from a mini-vacation - 3 days in downtown Vancouver - it's been a while since we've had the time to leisurely stroll through the various areas so we started on West 4th and Broadway and over then next two days walked Robson Street, Pacific Centre, Harbour Centre, Sinclair Centre, Gastown, Davie Street. It was interesting to see how much has changed over the years and semi-shocking to see so many vacant retail units there were, especially in the malls.
We also took the SeaBus to North Vancouver and toured around the Lonsdale Quay where we found some yummy places for dinner. We actually had other plans for dinner but it looked and smelled so good we couldn't resist! We started with a very fresh prawn cocktail at Screaming Mimi's and then had some brisket with mashed potatoes and gravy at Sharky's Chop House. Mmm MMmmm. I finished with a bubble tea and bought some fresh chocolate chip cookies for a late night hotel snack.
At breakfast there was some yummy dark coloured cheese in my omelet, intrigued we asked the server about it and she sent the chef over with a sample - it was Guinness Cheddar and boy was it delicious, especially melted in an omelet! Have you had it?
Then later while sitting in the Mexician restaurant, La Casita in Gastown, I accidentally made eye contact with a woman walking by - well she started yelling about "why couldn't you just leave it alone? You know his face was burnt! Why couldn't you leave it alone?" and on and on. She yelled at me through the window of the restaurant and then went around to the front and opened the door and yelled at me some more, then spied a bottle of hot sauce on a nearby table and squirted it in my direction. As soon as I realized my mistake of being caught looking at her, I didn't look at her or in her direction again. It's one of those things that you can't undo once it's been started. I had my back to the door when she came in the restaurant but I just sat there and did not turn around as I didn't want to agitate her any more. I just kept an eye on the restaurant staff to see if I needed to duck or anything. Since no one else did anything about it(I guess they managed not to make eye contact), she soon moved on as quickly as she came - like a big ol' hot sauce spraying gust of wind!
We lucked out by having sun for the first two days, but then we were hit with snow/rain which made for a very chilly walk back to our hotel. It's a good thing we had a late checkout - I had time to take a warm bath and change into dry/warm clothes before heading home.
The gas fireplace is the main heat source in our house so we turned it off while we were away, but because of this and because we don't have a furnace our house was down to 13 degrees C when we came home. Brr. That takes a while to heat back up again. Thank goodness for our mattress heater.
Eco had a great time at the neighbours and now we're back to life as it always is - doing laundry and cooking and cleaning and working.... (sigh) it's good to be home.
 |
| Harbour Centre from our balcony |
 |
| Looking down from our balcony |
 |
| Fresh Fish and Seafood at the Quay |
At breakfast there was some yummy dark coloured cheese in my omelet, intrigued we asked the server about it and she sent the chef over with a sample - it was Guinness Cheddar and boy was it delicious, especially melted in an omelet! Have you had it?
Then later while sitting in the Mexician restaurant, La Casita in Gastown, I accidentally made eye contact with a woman walking by - well she started yelling about "why couldn't you just leave it alone? You know his face was burnt! Why couldn't you leave it alone?" and on and on. She yelled at me through the window of the restaurant and then went around to the front and opened the door and yelled at me some more, then spied a bottle of hot sauce on a nearby table and squirted it in my direction. As soon as I realized my mistake of being caught looking at her, I didn't look at her or in her direction again. It's one of those things that you can't undo once it's been started. I had my back to the door when she came in the restaurant but I just sat there and did not turn around as I didn't want to agitate her any more. I just kept an eye on the restaurant staff to see if I needed to duck or anything. Since no one else did anything about it(I guess they managed not to make eye contact), she soon moved on as quickly as she came - like a big ol' hot sauce spraying gust of wind!
We lucked out by having sun for the first two days, but then we were hit with snow/rain which made for a very chilly walk back to our hotel. It's a good thing we had a late checkout - I had time to take a warm bath and change into dry/warm clothes before heading home.
The gas fireplace is the main heat source in our house so we turned it off while we were away, but because of this and because we don't have a furnace our house was down to 13 degrees C when we came home. Brr. That takes a while to heat back up again. Thank goodness for our mattress heater.
Eco had a great time at the neighbours and now we're back to life as it always is - doing laundry and cooking and cleaning and working.... (sigh) it's good to be home.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Just a couple of more days
I was asked why my background was so tropical - it's because I had a little tropical vacation and I thought you should too. So I thought I'd show you some more pictures from our trip.
Across the water we could see Cozumel,
but we didn't take the ferry over there (not this time):
The ferry to Cozumel:
And by the end of the weekend, I promise I'll change my banner and background to a more winter-like image. Sound good?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
I'm ba-a-a-a-a-ck
Didya miss me? I missed you too. Well I have to be honest, I sorta did, and sorta didn't cuz I was here:
....sitting on the beach in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Yeah, that's what I said. Mexico. Suntanning and being hot in the sun and all that...
I ran out on you and spend 8 wonderful days with my toes in the finest sand I've have experienced drinking Brandy Alexanders and Bahama Mama's and other silly drinks with rhyming names
I'll be stopping by to catch up with you in a day or so, I hope you didn't forget about me.
....sitting on the beach in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Yeah, that's what I said. Mexico. Suntanning and being hot in the sun and all that...
I ran out on you and spend 8 wonderful days with my toes in the finest sand I've have experienced drinking Brandy Alexanders and Bahama Mama's and other silly drinks with rhyming names
I'll be stopping by to catch up with you in a day or so, I hope you didn't forget about me.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
7 Boxes
When I was in Whistler last week, I met a lady who had just returned from six months in abroad where she lives in a community of like minded travelers, teaches yoga and makes jewelry with whatever she can find (mainly shells and beads). She loves this lifestyle so much that she has done this trip several times, once staying for up to a year and a half; she she returns to the Vancouver area and works in a spa, saving up enough money for her next trip. She was even able to completely write off one trip because she studied while she was there - that's a nice bonus! She says she thinks of every $10 she gets as 1 night's stay.
Just before it's time for her to return she emails her resume to various salons or spas and by the time she lands back here, she's ready to start working. This lady is organized and efficient!
When I asked her about her possessions, she said she has it down to 7 boxes - no sense paying for storage unnecessarily. She said the first couple of times she edited her possessions upon her return; as she opened her boxes she realized she no longer wanted or needed those items. Now she says she edits before she boxes everything up.
I found her story very interesting and inspiring and I am grateful to have met her. Although I'm not that kind of traveler - I'm too grounded in one place to leave for that long of a time, it was interesting to ponder her life for a bit. I am guilty of having way too many things and have been working on hard not only on purging items but I have also greatly reduced what I bring in. Many times I have been in a store and decided I didn't really LOVE that item enough to bring it home. And thanks to e-readers and online magazines I'm also letting many of my paper subscriptions expire in favour of online subscriptions. (Even more so during our Canadian Postal Employee Strike). Don't get me wrong, I still love books and magazines, but I can greatly reduce the amount that stay in my small home but taking advantage of their online availability.
I have also stopped buying craft supplies unless I need something for a current project - no more buying for things I want to make 'someday'. And with my carpal tunnel, I have had to slow down my knitting and crocheting so I'm not even at the yarn store as much as I used to be, although they do still remember me when I have stopped in.
And I continue to think about her lifestyle where she works in a spa and as a yoga instructor - she has chosen wisely, not getting bogged down with possessions or home ownership, not spreading herself too thin, focusing her time and energy on what she really enjoys. I choose to keep her in my thoughts and remind myself of her life, and it's simplicity and realize how I made things more complicated than they needed to be. For example, my garden.
When I first moved here, the yard had nothing in it but an apple tree and a pear tree and because of the shape of the streets, seven houses could look into my backyard. In the beginning I spent hours each day working on my garden especially working on obtaining some privacy, but my interest has dropped off - being in the backyard garden isn't as much fun with the noisy neighbours, or the smell of someone's backyard fire, or the chance that the bear could hop over the fence at any time - and of course another year with rotten spring weather. Maybe I'll get my garden mojo back, maybe I won't. Maybe I'll purge and prune it back to simplify it as well.
Did I really need to make everything so complicated?
 |
| A view from our hotel room |
Just before it's time for her to return she emails her resume to various salons or spas and by the time she lands back here, she's ready to start working. This lady is organized and efficient!
When I asked her about her possessions, she said she has it down to 7 boxes - no sense paying for storage unnecessarily. She said the first couple of times she edited her possessions upon her return; as she opened her boxes she realized she no longer wanted or needed those items. Now she says she edits before she boxes everything up.
I found her story very interesting and inspiring and I am grateful to have met her. Although I'm not that kind of traveler - I'm too grounded in one place to leave for that long of a time, it was interesting to ponder her life for a bit. I am guilty of having way too many things and have been working on hard not only on purging items but I have also greatly reduced what I bring in. Many times I have been in a store and decided I didn't really LOVE that item enough to bring it home. And thanks to e-readers and online magazines I'm also letting many of my paper subscriptions expire in favour of online subscriptions. (Even more so during our Canadian Postal Employee Strike). Don't get me wrong, I still love books and magazines, but I can greatly reduce the amount that stay in my small home but taking advantage of their online availability.
I have also stopped buying craft supplies unless I need something for a current project - no more buying for things I want to make 'someday'. And with my carpal tunnel, I have had to slow down my knitting and crocheting so I'm not even at the yarn store as much as I used to be, although they do still remember me when I have stopped in.
And I continue to think about her lifestyle where she works in a spa and as a yoga instructor - she has chosen wisely, not getting bogged down with possessions or home ownership, not spreading herself too thin, focusing her time and energy on what she really enjoys. I choose to keep her in my thoughts and remind myself of her life, and it's simplicity and realize how I made things more complicated than they needed to be. For example, my garden.
 |
| A tiny section of my garden |
When I first moved here, the yard had nothing in it but an apple tree and a pear tree and because of the shape of the streets, seven houses could look into my backyard. In the beginning I spent hours each day working on my garden especially working on obtaining some privacy, but my interest has dropped off - being in the backyard garden isn't as much fun with the noisy neighbours, or the smell of someone's backyard fire, or the chance that the bear could hop over the fence at any time - and of course another year with rotten spring weather. Maybe I'll get my garden mojo back, maybe I won't. Maybe I'll purge and prune it back to simplify it as well.
Did I really need to make everything so complicated?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
All Quiet on the Western Front
Today it's pouring rain in Vancouver and it's pretty quiet out here, normalcy is returning. I am still unpacking from my trip to Whistler earlier in the week. Jp, who travels regularly, was unpacked within an hour of getting home, suitcase put away. Me? Nope, I am still sorting everything out and managed to get the lawn mowed last night before today's rains. Today is laundry day. And thanks to the rain, there will also be 1 full load of towels used to dry off my very absorbant dog.
Eco stayed with the neighbours while we were away, which I'm sure is great fun for her since they have a dog about the same size as her and they enjoy rough-housing on a daily basis. As well, my neighbours allow dogs on their furniture and on their beds, and so Eco quickly adapts by taking over a couch and sprawling out. She is smart enough to not even attempt this behaviour upon her return to our house.
Tomorrow is Father's Day and so The Kid is cooking his dinner - I told him he had to pick the food and I'd buy the ingredients. He chose Fettuccine Alfredo and cookies, so I'll be 'supervising' him on the cooking and baking.
And that's it for now, a pretty normal rainy weekend. I'll post more about Whistler soon.
Eco stayed with the neighbours while we were away, which I'm sure is great fun for her since they have a dog about the same size as her and they enjoy rough-housing on a daily basis. As well, my neighbours allow dogs on their furniture and on their beds, and so Eco quickly adapts by taking over a couch and sprawling out. She is smart enough to not even attempt this behaviour upon her return to our house.
Tomorrow is Father's Day and so The Kid is cooking his dinner - I told him he had to pick the food and I'd buy the ingredients. He chose Fettuccine Alfredo and cookies, so I'll be 'supervising' him on the cooking and baking.
And that's it for now, a pretty normal rainy weekend. I'll post more about Whistler soon.
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Second Day is Harder
Earlier this week I was back in Kelowna for another mini vacation. We returned home late Wednesday night but I was up at 6:30am Thursday morning as I'm always anxious to see Eco again - she stays at our neighbour's house and they are early risers, so as soon as I hear them letting the dogs out, I know I can come over for Eco.
I did okay yesterday, energy wise, but did end up skipping dance class which now I realize was a mistake. However, this morning it was hard to get out of bed - and today it's nice and sunny and the birds are singing. But I have sooooo much work to do and it's Friday and ..... it was hard to get up. The second day is always harder, don't you think?
We had a very nice large hotel room, and I thank Jp for arranging that. It's nice having two bathrooms and a living room away from the bedroom. The first night I took a bath in the big tub but had to turn off the jets because you can't hear the TV - I know!
While Jp was at work, I walked around the waterfront area and did some shopping. I ended up buying these craft books - which I'm not supposed to do but they were both so inspiring and the prices were good, so I couldn't resist:
I was in one store that I absolutely loved everything in it, including the cutest most original leather purses except the shop owner was too busy talking on the phone about her jewelry order and getting higher price points that she completely ignored several customers in the store, so I walked out. I liked the purses but didn't feel like giving that store my business. I guess she just doesn't care.
My upper back is sore. I was hoping to get a break from dog walking and dance to give my shoulders a break, but dragging my suitcase makes it worse. And my abs are sore from a yoga routine I did while I was away - but sore abs are much better to deal with that an aching upper back. Maybe that's just all part of getting older, don'tcha think?
So I'm back in the saddle again, 200+ emails came in at work while I was gone so I have lots to catch up on, but so glad it's the weekend. And glad it's sunny, we had some snow yesterday - I didn't like that at all! Soon it's time to start gardening!
I did okay yesterday, energy wise, but did end up skipping dance class which now I realize was a mistake. However, this morning it was hard to get out of bed - and today it's nice and sunny and the birds are singing. But I have sooooo much work to do and it's Friday and ..... it was hard to get up. The second day is always harder, don't you think?
We had a very nice large hotel room, and I thank Jp for arranging that. It's nice having two bathrooms and a living room away from the bedroom. The first night I took a bath in the big tub but had to turn off the jets because you can't hear the TV - I know!
While Jp was at work, I walked around the waterfront area and did some shopping. I ended up buying these craft books - which I'm not supposed to do but they were both so inspiring and the prices were good, so I couldn't resist:
I was in one store that I absolutely loved everything in it, including the cutest most original leather purses except the shop owner was too busy talking on the phone about her jewelry order and getting higher price points that she completely ignored several customers in the store, so I walked out. I liked the purses but didn't feel like giving that store my business. I guess she just doesn't care.
My upper back is sore. I was hoping to get a break from dog walking and dance to give my shoulders a break, but dragging my suitcase makes it worse. And my abs are sore from a yoga routine I did while I was away - but sore abs are much better to deal with that an aching upper back. Maybe that's just all part of getting older, don'tcha think?
So I'm back in the saddle again, 200+ emails came in at work while I was gone so I have lots to catch up on, but so glad it's the weekend. And glad it's sunny, we had some snow yesterday - I didn't like that at all! Soon it's time to start gardening!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Embroidery on the Go
When I went to Kelowna for my mini vacation, I decided to take some embroidery instead of knitting.
By the way, here's a sunset from our room:
When I was packing up the supplies for my project bag, I realized I didn't know what colour I would need and wondered "what if I leave the very colour I need at home? Then what?" So I decided to take all the floss that I had already on cards.
My embroidery box before:
My embroidery box after I packed for the trip:
Packing to leave, was the easy part, but coming home and arranging all the colours in some sort of spectrum was a wee bit harder.
What was I working on? Two Molly Crabapple designs from Sublime Stitching. I'm thinking of adding a red stage curtain around this girl:
I really don't like showing unfinished, unironed work, but well, we're among friends, so here goes:
By the way, here's a sunset from our room:
When I was packing up the supplies for my project bag, I realized I didn't know what colour I would need and wondered "what if I leave the very colour I need at home? Then what?" So I decided to take all the floss that I had already on cards.
My embroidery box before:
My embroidery box after I packed for the trip:
Packing to leave, was the easy part, but coming home and arranging all the colours in some sort of spectrum was a wee bit harder.
What was I working on? Two Molly Crabapple designs from Sublime Stitching. I'm thinking of adding a red stage curtain around this girl:
I really don't like showing unfinished, unironed work, but well, we're among friends, so here goes:
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Friday, March 04, 2011
Mini-Vacation - Day 3
Yesterday was another nice day, the snow was gone and the skies were sunny and clear, plus it was warmer - up to 5 degrees C! We went down to the hotel restaurant and had a yummy breakfast then went back to the room, Jp had some business to take care of so I was left to my own devices - some TV watching, some embroidery, some computer, some iPod, some embroidery, a phone call, some computer...
Jp is so smart, he brought a little thermos with him, so before we'd leave the restaurant at breakfast we'd have them fill it up with coffee. While he was out during the day, I could have a hot coffee - without leaving the hotel room - whenever I wanted - very nice!
Later we packed our bags and headed out for dinner, and then over to the airport. Just before leaving the hotel, I checked the status of our flight and it was on time but when we looked the Departure Board upon arriving at the airport, our flight was now going to be 3 hours late! (mechanical problems). We checked our bags, then talked to the car rental place who said we could keep the car for a little longer, so we left the airport and went back into town to wander around a very nice Chapters store and through the mall. We made our way back to the airport and then sat in the lounge to wait for our plane which was now another 1/2 hour late.
This was the only downside of the whole trip - the plane ride home; a three and half hour flight delay, followed by a very uncomfortable seat. And because Jp and I were flying together, we sat next to each other, which put me in the middle. The guy next to me was obviously not a seasoned traveller as the plane was half empty and he could have easily moved to a empty row, but he didn't. He just sat there and farted for the whole flight. Yay me. I turned the air jet over my head to blow as much air as possible on me, but still it was not pleasant... anyway, enough about that as I'm home and everything is good.
Jp is so smart, he brought a little thermos with him, so before we'd leave the restaurant at breakfast we'd have them fill it up with coffee. While he was out during the day, I could have a hot coffee - without leaving the hotel room - whenever I wanted - very nice!
Later we packed our bags and headed out for dinner, and then over to the airport. Just before leaving the hotel, I checked the status of our flight and it was on time but when we looked the Departure Board upon arriving at the airport, our flight was now going to be 3 hours late! (mechanical problems). We checked our bags, then talked to the car rental place who said we could keep the car for a little longer, so we left the airport and went back into town to wander around a very nice Chapters store and through the mall. We made our way back to the airport and then sat in the lounge to wait for our plane which was now another 1/2 hour late.
This was the only downside of the whole trip - the plane ride home; a three and half hour flight delay, followed by a very uncomfortable seat. And because Jp and I were flying together, we sat next to each other, which put me in the middle. The guy next to me was obviously not a seasoned traveller as the plane was half empty and he could have easily moved to a empty row, but he didn't. He just sat there and farted for the whole flight. Yay me. I turned the air jet over my head to blow as much air as possible on me, but still it was not pleasant... anyway, enough about that as I'm home and everything is good.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Mini-Vacation Day 2
Today I got up almost the same time I normally do for work (it's a habit, I never sleep in on weekends anymore either). I did some reading and played on the computer until Jp got up, did some yoga and then showered and dressed for breakfast at the hotel- where we had to most wonderful apple juice from a local orchard. And a yummy omelet!
We came back to the room for a bit and then I headed down to the hotel spa and had a manicure - which was awesome! I am definitely going to be getting more manicures that's for sure!
Back to the room and then out for lunch, followed by a bit of shopping. Lunch was at a delightful little Japanese restaurant who hand stamps their chopstick wrappers and brings your bill to the table inside a seashell. While shopping the waistband in my tights failed and soon instead of being at my waist it was on my hips and began to creep down from there. I quickly ran and bought a new pair but didn't have a place to change them so I had to keep walking around, soon they slipped below my butt - what a crazy feeling! Thank goodness I was wearing pants otherwise they would have surely been at my ankles, and thank goodness for long winter coats!
We went back to the hotel room to kick back for a couple of hours and then found out that Jp's colleagues were going for an earlier dinner, so we headed out again and joined them. Luckily dinner was at a Japanese restaurant (yes again!) so we didn't feel too full from eating dinner so close to lunch. This Japanese restaurant was very different from the one were we had lunch - they were more into the display of the food, and served some very interesting dishes - not the common sushi fare. It was a very nice experience. Then we had a quick nightcap in the hotel lounge with his associates before going back to the room to kick back again.
All in all it was a very nice day.
And I heard from the dog sitter who reports Eco is doing fine - but said they "could do with a little less happy". Eco is a such a loving, sweet little thing that not only is she happily bouncing around their house, but I guess she's soaked everyone by licking them! She's just thanking them!
We came back to the room for a bit and then I headed down to the hotel spa and had a manicure - which was awesome! I am definitely going to be getting more manicures that's for sure!
Back to the room and then out for lunch, followed by a bit of shopping. Lunch was at a delightful little Japanese restaurant who hand stamps their chopstick wrappers and brings your bill to the table inside a seashell. While shopping the waistband in my tights failed and soon instead of being at my waist it was on my hips and began to creep down from there. I quickly ran and bought a new pair but didn't have a place to change them so I had to keep walking around, soon they slipped below my butt - what a crazy feeling! Thank goodness I was wearing pants otherwise they would have surely been at my ankles, and thank goodness for long winter coats!
We went back to the hotel room to kick back for a couple of hours and then found out that Jp's colleagues were going for an earlier dinner, so we headed out again and joined them. Luckily dinner was at a Japanese restaurant (yes again!) so we didn't feel too full from eating dinner so close to lunch. This Japanese restaurant was very different from the one were we had lunch - they were more into the display of the food, and served some very interesting dishes - not the common sushi fare. It was a very nice experience. Then we had a quick nightcap in the hotel lounge with his associates before going back to the room to kick back again.
All in all it was a very nice day.
And I heard from the dog sitter who reports Eco is doing fine - but said they "could do with a little less happy". Eco is a such a loving, sweet little thing that not only is she happily bouncing around their house, but I guess she's soaked everyone by licking them! She's just thanking them!
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Time for a Little Break
Jp is currently working on a project that has him travelling to BC's Okanangan on a weekly basis, every so often he invites me along and now was the time. I'm probably the only person who doesn't ski that vacations in somewhere colder than it is at home, but to me a get away is a welcome break not only from work, but from everything.
We arrived at the Vancouver Airport with some time to spare and found that our plane was delayed, so Jp treated me to some time in one of the lounges - I am liking that! Big comfy chairs, a great view of the runways, complimentary magazines and newspapers, lots of plug-ins and complimentary food. I was VERY happy with that! We both had a very yummy little lunch. But as we were walking out to head to our gate, the catering staff had just put out a plate of sliders that looked really yummy, we couldn't resist so we turned around and went back for them before leaving the lounge! Oh they were really good! Happy tummy!
Then we casually walked over to our gate, and because we pre-board we just walked right on to the plane. Away we went for a quick 31 minute flight. When we arrived it wasn't as cold as forecasted so that also helped, and we got a rental car with a good heater and heated seats so that made it better.
When we checked into the hotel, more goodness was to come as Jp is a Platinum member and they checked us in to a very nice room - we have more space in our room than we do at home! There is a living room and a bed room with a nice big soaker tub. They also gave us some sparkling wine and a cheese tray plus some delicious chocolate covered strawberries. No wonder he doesn't mind traveling 3 days a week!
We had a delicious dinner out at a very good Italian restaurant and then returned to our room to kick back and enjoy. I'm already relaxed and happy and I still have a day and a half to go!
We arrived at the Vancouver Airport with some time to spare and found that our plane was delayed, so Jp treated me to some time in one of the lounges - I am liking that! Big comfy chairs, a great view of the runways, complimentary magazines and newspapers, lots of plug-ins and complimentary food. I was VERY happy with that! We both had a very yummy little lunch. But as we were walking out to head to our gate, the catering staff had just put out a plate of sliders that looked really yummy, we couldn't resist so we turned around and went back for them before leaving the lounge! Oh they were really good! Happy tummy!
Then we casually walked over to our gate, and because we pre-board we just walked right on to the plane. Away we went for a quick 31 minute flight. When we arrived it wasn't as cold as forecasted so that also helped, and we got a rental car with a good heater and heated seats so that made it better.
When we checked into the hotel, more goodness was to come as Jp is a Platinum member and they checked us in to a very nice room - we have more space in our room than we do at home! There is a living room and a bed room with a nice big soaker tub. They also gave us some sparkling wine and a cheese tray plus some delicious chocolate covered strawberries. No wonder he doesn't mind traveling 3 days a week!
We had a delicious dinner out at a very good Italian restaurant and then returned to our room to kick back and enjoy. I'm already relaxed and happy and I still have a day and a half to go!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sometimes it's a really small world
Remember the other day when I posted about the lady we met on the plane whom we gave a ride to?
Well, today when Jp was at the airport to fly back to Kelowna, he ran into her again! And he met her husband at the Kelowna Airport and they gave us an open invitation to stay at their lake front house in Vernon.
Isn't that a small world? We met her on a plane on Thursday and then he's on the same flight with her on Monday? That's just crazy! Well my mind is blown.
Well, today when Jp was at the airport to fly back to Kelowna, he ran into her again! And he met her husband at the Kelowna Airport and they gave us an open invitation to stay at their lake front house in Vernon.
Isn't that a small world? We met her on a plane on Thursday and then he's on the same flight with her on Monday? That's just crazy! Well my mind is blown.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Gratitude continued
Thankfully, we made it home last night. Our plane was only delayed about an hour and a half. This is actually very lucky as there were many passengers who had been sitting around the airport for about 11 hours waiting for flights and many flights had been cancelled. I saw people being sent home and asked to return the next day.
When we arrived in Vancouver it was +3 degrees and so the roads were only wet and not icy at all. We had a safe drive home. I am very grateful.
On the plane I talked with a lady who had been one of the people waiting 11 hours. She was in pretty good spirits. In fact, most of the people I saw where handling it quite well, I don't know if that's because most people are used to snow delays up there, or that Canadians handle these things better, or that the Westjet staff did such a good job at keeping everyone calm and cool. As usual, the Air Canada passengers didn't seem to be fairing as well.
Because of the long delay and the late hour that we were arriving, the lady beside me was going to have to cab it to her sister's house as they could no longer pick her up. So we gave her a ride home, it was on our way as it happened. She was thrilled.
So we arrived safely to our cold, cold house. But luckily all was fine (I was so afraid that a water pipe would have broken while we were gone).
This morning I picked up Eco who had been staying at the Vet's office during the day, and was taken to the vet's home each night. We received regular email updates while we was gone and Eco was very happy to see us. She was perfectly fine (because last time she came back sick, sick, sick)
And so, now life returns as before, but I am very grateful for the quick little get away and that everything went so well.
When we arrived in Vancouver it was +3 degrees and so the roads were only wet and not icy at all. We had a safe drive home. I am very grateful.
On the plane I talked with a lady who had been one of the people waiting 11 hours. She was in pretty good spirits. In fact, most of the people I saw where handling it quite well, I don't know if that's because most people are used to snow delays up there, or that Canadians handle these things better, or that the Westjet staff did such a good job at keeping everyone calm and cool. As usual, the Air Canada passengers didn't seem to be fairing as well.
Because of the long delay and the late hour that we were arriving, the lady beside me was going to have to cab it to her sister's house as they could no longer pick her up. So we gave her a ride home, it was on our way as it happened. She was thrilled.
So we arrived safely to our cold, cold house. But luckily all was fine (I was so afraid that a water pipe would have broken while we were gone).
This morning I picked up Eco who had been staying at the Vet's office during the day, and was taken to the vet's home each night. We received regular email updates while we was gone and Eco was very happy to see us. She was perfectly fine (because last time she came back sick, sick, sick)
And so, now life returns as before, but I am very grateful for the quick little get away and that everything went so well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)