Calgary Scenes

Christmas Day 2011 at Kurt and Jaxi's

2012-01-02T17:58:00.001-08:00

2011-12-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

Eric and Melissa ready for his company Christmas party

They were doing a themed party

Very good looking pair

They had a great time!

Our Christmas party December 21st

Jessica and friends with Santa

MaryAnne Char and Sunny

Coleen and Denara

With Coleen and Becky

Andrew and Maryanne

Allison and Brayden

The kids opening presents

Some of the nibbles

More nibbles

Eric and Justin

Kendra, Brayden, Eric and Melissa

Linda, Rhonda and Jaxi

Um, were you really a good boy this year Kurt?

Angie, Brock and Clinton

Jaxi and I

Group hug

Little Jason followed Cujo everywhere

Maple Leafs Santa hat was a hit

Little Hubert

Sunny and Justin

Randy and Kurt

Two Robs

Becky, Andrea and Emma

Teresa

Santa with Spencer, he was brave and went first so then the others formed an eager line to get a present from Santa.

Alisha

Justin with his present

Not too sure about this guy MOM

Andrew patiently waits his turn

Happy Birthday Andrew

Emma waits for her turn

The crowd in the basement

Angela too afraid to sit on Santa's knee

Emma on Santa's knee

Angela was all smiles once she saw the gift from Santa!

Shelby and Santa

Shianne and Jess

Until next year, Merry Christmas everyone!

Chinook Sunset

2011-12-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

Some of the Chinook arches form a neat skyline especially at sunset

These are some shots from around our neighbourhood and bike path on the river

Though they are dark and my camera didn't capture the beauty of all of the colours

It is still a beautiful sight

These Chinooks bring us higher than normal winter temps becuase the cloud keeps the warm air trapped

So while the rest of Canada is freezing, we are in warmer + temperatures

There were many shades of red, pink, and orange

Too bad the colours weren't captured entirely!

Dramatic

Till next time, thanks for stopping by.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

The Lord Beaverbrook Chamber Choir 100 strong - Jessica is at the front 4 from the right and Eric cheek to cheek with Melissa 6 rows up.

Our upstairs tree

Our downstairs hockey tree

Making the shortbread

Aunty Do's Old English Recipee

Jessica makes the dough

I roll it and we both cut with shaped cookie cutters and then decorate

Yummy treats!

Happy Holidays

2011-10-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN approaches...................

This year I made a spider web across the tree in our front yard

There are some spooky guys caught in the web!

Many spider inhabit the spider tree

Including this giant

It is actually kinda cute and soft and furry

Pumkin carving started

Hmmmmm not there yet

Trying for the cool carvings u see on the internet but will keep practicing!

Zorrrrrro dressed for a Halloween party after work

Jess as a witch for work at AGC

We thought these tights were the thing!

2011-10-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Fall means leaves, Thanksgiving, preparing the yard for winter and soon Halloween, yipee!

My friend Becky and I took a fall walk in Carburn Park, we have had such great weather, even 18 C right up till last week! Justin loves leaves

Justin loves playing with leaves and taking some home too for crafts

Brother Jason laughed and giggled and enjoyed the warm autumn day

Justin turns around to see what is taking us so long

So many lovely places to escape on ths walkway, it is peaceful, quiet and serene.

This area with trees forms a hallway of shade in summer and colours in fall, like a cathedral in the park - it is one of our favourite parts of the walk

On this walk the combination of water, sky and trees reflecting makes such pleasant views

Again the water reflects the autum trees, so pretty

Till next time see ya later

Calgary skies are multicoloured, big and fascinating

Near our house is both a lovely park and a bike path

The skies seem to go on forever with layers of clouds

Sometimes when the light hits a certain way, there are sunbeams

Calgary skies can be so dramatic

Between unique cloud formations, the sun peeps through

The clouds cascade down near the mountains

Often one part of the city has sunshine and blue sky

While other parts have hail and rainclouds

Or there may be a Chinook cloud cover keeping us warm

Walking along our many bike paths and parks provides amazing skies!

Even the sunsets are big

Dramatic and lovely

Providing a rose glow behind the cityscape

Leaving streaks of yellow and gold

Down it goes!

In the park near our house autumn began quickly

Our weather stayed nice through most of September

When the leaves began to fall, we still had great weather

So lucky to have these great parks and trees next to us

The nature refreshes the mind as well as the lungs

Enough already with this nature crap, I wanna sniff some trees.............

Nothin like a good walk followed by a long nap

Nighty Night!

Thanksgiving dinner at Kurt and Jaxis

All the usual suspects attended

Angie, Jessie and Eric

And again

A delightful array of appetizers

David cooked a yummy turkey which was delicious

Whipped mashed potatoes with garlic, creamed cheese and other yummy things ahhhhhhhh major eatfest!

Cheers

The hosts

Kissing hosts

Kurt and his Momma Barb

Jill and her Momma

Jill and her parents

Jaxi's sister inlaw and cousin Dixie

Variety of dishes

Stuffing and gravy

Tons of homemade desserts

and a strawberry shortcake for Adrians Bday!

2011-07-28T15:05:00.001-07:00

An old Cherokee told his grandson, "My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies, & ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, & truth." The boy thought about it, and asked, "Grandfather, which wolf wins?" The old man quietly replied, "The one you feed."

2011-07-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

Vivid Flowers on my Patio this year

The blue Morning Glories just started to bloom

As did the Sweet Peas we planted from Seed

With all the rain this year the flowers are full and healthy

I love the mass of colour

Different varieties in pots

Sitting on the back patio with a coffee is a treat this year

Front Garden Peonies and Irises

I adore these Black Velvet Petunias!

That's it for the flower show for today!

Stampede Breakfast

2011-07-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Stampede Breakfast at Mary's Deli

Wednesday July 13th

From 6am to 9am

In Rear Parking Lot - Happy Stampede Everyone!

3716 56 Avenue Southeast

Calgary, AB

(403) 279-2142

http://marysdeli.com/

2011-06-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day, Welcome to Summer, Gymfest, Jess Grade 9 Grad Dress and our Patio Garden

Davids Stampeder gnomes

This is one of the orchids from the lovely flowers Velda sent us from her flower shop

One of the front planters

The peonies are not open yet but looking lovely

Still small but hoping these orange and purple guys will fill out

Jessie wearing her grad dress for Grade 9

They had a lovely time at Heritage park with rides, buffet dinner and dance

Welcome summer party for Daves Bday

Gymfest 2011

Mothers Day at Marys

SPRING IN CALGARY

2011-04-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

What a lovely Spring we are having so far! I know there were a couple of warm days in there, but what is with the cold, heavy snow fall and icicles the size of golf clubs?

Table tenis anyone?

Had to dig a path to the back gate

Yup, no ping pong today!

No BBQ's yet folks!

Enough already! Well at least the sun is shining today

Gymnastics Team pictures

2011-03-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

Jessica performed with her Gymnastics team last weekend and we got some great pictures

Jessica is on the bottom right (on her knees) holding up the smaller girl

Jessica on the bottom right of the piramid

Jessica in mid flip

There were 47 performers from her group, thanx for stopping by!

Christmas and New Years

2011-02-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

Haven't posted many of last years pictures here are a few I missed!

Christmas concert

Michael, Eric, Brayden

Christmas Feast at Kurt and Jaxis's

Eric, Kendra and Jessie

Dave made cheesecake and trifle

Saturday Nights are for Listening to Favourite Oldies Songs

2011-02-13T01:44:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favourite songs from the 70's, sigh, doesn't seem like that long ago really

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIK5F4zRN0Y&feature=related

I think I could get into guys with long hair again too, I mean why not? These guys were cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn-enjcgV1o&feature=related

This was the one you cried to when you had a heart ache, do you remember watching Top of the Pops? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQCAv_YxJqo&feature=fvwrel

More 10CC- Remember Dreadlock Holiday? Teehee, brings back memories http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGLsAkeRd84&feature=related
Things we do for love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgptvsHHYK4

Favourite bands from this era? Too many great bands to name but a few that I enjoyed are:

Fleetwood Mac, Led Zepplin, Boston, ELO, Stones, BeeGees, Queen, Beatles, Eagles, Bowie, Aerosmith, ah an endless list and all brings happy memories.........

Highlights of Christmas 2010 and New Years Eve 2011

2011-01-22T00:32:00.000-08:00

Our Open House December 21st 2010

Carol and Linda

Becky and Jason

Maryanne and Angela

Melody and Vanessa

Me and Char

Latino friends and Jaxi

Me with Sandra and Samira

Kendra, Jessie and friends

Hangin in Eric's room

Brock and Clint, Clint's 18th

Da boys

Veronica

Santa arrives and gives gifts to the little ones

Clint and Angie

Been a while!

2011-01-21T21:22:00.001-08:00

Wow, I have still got pics to post from last August, feel a little behind, like I have been sleeping in a coma or something will have to catch up.

Calgary Flames won tonight!

2011-01-21T21:21:00.001-08:00

My husband and I went to a Flames game tonight and they won, we had a really great time. Haven't been to a live game in a while, Thanx David!

The night started out with the seat belt being caught in the door dragging in the mud and slush, so yeah, coat covered in brown nastiness. Oh well, the coat is brown, so not so noticeable. Got there ok, but the height of the seats was a little daunting, me being afraid of heights and all, but we found our seats and enjoyed our hot dogs and cold beer. More beer and more beer later, I suddenly realized, I needed the loo, and wouldn't you know it, it was clear on the other side of the world. Dang, had to walk and walk, trying to remember where our seats were, chanting the section and row the entire way there.

Found it eventually and , you guessed it, bought some more beer. Cause it tasted good. Soooooooo after the Flames scored a few more goals, I was feeling great. Date with husband (rare event), cold beer, Flames winning, hey it was a good night. But then needed the loo again, why oh why does beer have to run through the body so fassssssssssst?

So, once again down the steep stairs, with thousands of people around, and the inevitable search for the loo. This time David suggested going to the right as it was closer. Yeah, very close, but there were 35 ladies lined up, argh! As I waited in line, I noticed a crowd of blond babes, with really tight jeans, high boots and large ahem, imagination please, all hugging and kissing, I swore, they all looked identical, must have worked at Cowboys and were having a reunion. Oh well, I waited patiently as my place in line got closer, 5, 3, then 2, then ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, my turn. Yeah!

After the game I noticed the lovely blonds in line at the loo as we left, and I thought HAH! I don't feel so bad, at least I am not squirming anymore and they still have a long wait.

Go Flames Go!

Been Busy with Christmas preparations

2010-12-18T10:38:00.003-08:00

I haven't posted for a while so will be posting a number of updated photo's in the next few days.........stay tuned!

Coldest place in the world today

2010-11-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

Coldest Place today was......

South Pole -38C

Calgary -35C

That's right, we were the second coldest place in the world, and we live here because???????????????????????????????????????????????????????

My kids still think their hometown is the greatest place on earth, I am having second thoughts and dreaming of the sun and warmth.

Good news is tomorrow is supposed to be a balmy -13, shorts and T-Shirts anyone?

What I am Thankful for

2010-10-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

Reflections of Falling Leaves at Thanksgiving

I am thankful for the beauty and serenity around my neighbourhood, where I can walk alone or with my dog or with friends.

I am thankful for my many dear friends, for sharing stories, laughter and a bottle of wine with them and sometimes crying with them

I am thankful for my loving family, for the dreams we share, and the lessons we teach each other; for the clutter that reminds me we are human, and the dust that means we are busy living.

I am thankful for life, having lost two dear friends this year, it reminds me how precious it is and that we need to appreciate every day as if it were a gift.

I am thankful for good health, having family members who are recovering from illness.

Here is baby Jason so peaceful!

Older brother Justin enjoyed running through the leaves

The colours were amazing

The day was quiet and calm

We felt so glad to enjoy the scenery

The trees were like a cathedral around us

Hi Justin - he waved and said hi to each passer by and every puppydog

But he enjoyed the leaves most of all

There were very few people

Almost had the park to ourselves

The reflections in the water were stunning

The shapes the reflections formed were cool

There was also plenty of birds, grasshoppers and a few ducks

Even the clouds are reflected in this picture

It was a glorious fall day

October in Calgary so far has been better than the summer

I even turned the heat off and the air conditioning back on

This walk was so lovely we went back again today

Though there were a few more people

It was still a memorable walk

Justin brought a bucket today to collect leaves

And him and his daddy made little tree ghosts and pumpkins filled with leaves for Halloween

I bought some too and then realized I barely have any leaves in my yard

Is it stealing to take some from a neighbours yard?

I mean you'd be doing them a favour, they were just leaving them there anyway.........jejeje

I am thankful for many things, Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for stopping by.

Remembering Ibiza

2010-09-05T01:09:00.000-07:00

Sometime in the late 1970's while we were living on the lovely island of Ibiza, my sister and I were invited to a pool and curry party at a lovely villa that was previously owned by the Bee Gees (Brothers Gibb) who frequented the island. I was thrilled to find a link to it, what a blast from the past!
http://www.mrandmrssmith.com/self-catering/spain/ibiza-balearic-islands/can-alaya/

I still remember the very long wooden table filled with an endless variety of toppings for the curry. Of course the Bee Gees music was probably playing as they had many big hits in the late 70's Staying Alive, Massachussetts, Night Fever etc.

Was very excited to find this link. Some Bee Gees music to set the mood for back in the day. Imagine all night dancing and walking home with the sunrise with a group of great friends, having breakfast in a beach bar and starting it all over again the next day......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUmJZ1kyYoU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XWYefe9EzI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHWeuQyFouo&feature=related

1983 Mom and I outside a trendy bar on Cala Des Moro Beach, called Cafe del Mar, San Antonio, Ibiza

An interesting write up about this bar, (I still have one of the cassettes from their now famous music).

http://www.ibizaholidays.com/Clubbing/Cafe_del_mar.asp

Some pictures from the interior

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2688252883_b0dce7ea8d_z.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/tintagel22/2688252883/&usg=__NPxGsgsAfw2n3zQOB88KN87Jzw4=&h=432&w=640&sz=115&hl=en&start=52&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=xktN_lXHR5CY4M:&tbnh=92&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcafe%2Bdel%2Bmar%2Bsan%2Bantonio%26start%3D40%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7SUNC_en%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1

Outside our Villa in San Antonio, Ibiza

1982 Some of the local ex pats and entertainers at an End of Season Party, (I am in the middle with my eyes closed)

San Antonio Ibiza

I enjoyed this write up about Ibiza, thought it captured the story of this unique island somewhat, and there are many Ibiza stories I could write from our time there, this speaks a little about it. This island always drew people back once you have spent time there, it is impossible not to go back. I was fortunate to spend my summers there in my teen years and winters in the Canary Islands. Still have many friends and fond memories from this time that I remember, many still live there.

Why the stars love Ibiza By Stephen Armstrong, Mail on Sunday

Last updated at 15:20 16 August 2004

Kylie: among Ibiza's many celebrity fans

Say Ibiza and most people think of all-night clubbing or drunken Brits fighting and vomiting in the streets. But away from the tourist hot spots is an island of beautiful scenery and one that has been a magnet for celebrities for decades.

During the seven days I was there, P Diddy's yacht was berthed in Ibiza Town harbour and Kylie Minogue was rumoured to be catching some rays in the hills in the north. And these were only the ones I heard about.

Most celebrities head out to Ibiza quite simply because the locals don't gossip about them or tell pushy journalists like me where anyone is staying.

In the Fifties, the island was a haven for Hollywood stars. Errol Flynn was a regular in Ibiza Town, dodging sex scandals back home. He would berth his yacht Zaca along the waterfront and come ashore with an entourage including Prince Bertil of Switzerland, uncle of today's Spanish King Juan Carlos.

They would drink in Casa Pepe, a little bar in the fishermen's quarter, eat at the Royalty Hotel in Santa Eulalia and party in the Mar Blau nightclub behind Ibiza Town. Sadly, only the Royalty survives today, but I found it did a mean chicken salad.

Elizabeth Taylor and Ursula Andress were also regular visitors throughout the Fifties. Andress even bought a house on the island.

London's acting aristocracy soon got to know about Ibiza's relaxed anonymity, too. First came Robert Stevens, Maggie Smith and Charlie Kay. They were soon followed by Diana Rigg and John Mills.

Then Robin Maugham took a place outside Santa Eulalia, near American matinee idol Sal Mineo's house, and he was soon joined by Leslie Phillips, Nigel Davenport and Terry-Thomas. When Laurence Olivier arrived in 1965, it secured Ibiza's reputation as the most fashionable place in Europe.

I was disappointed to find the showbiz set's favoured haunts around Santa Eulalia are now less champagne and caviar, more egg and chips.

The site of Diana Rigg's villa where she sunbathed naked is a grim modern suburb. Terry-Thomas's old house is an upmarket rural hotel, with a small working farm, run by his son Cushan, who's happy to chat to fans of his dad.

Susan Elliot, Denholm's widow, is the last of this era, however, living alone in their purpose-built villa and is unhappy to speak about Denholm's last days on the island battling AIDS.

These days, the real glamour is around Ibiza Town or at Pike's Hotel. Pike's owner - Tony Pike - was a typical backpacking Aussie, who fell in love with an English girl he met while visiting Ibiza. They settled down on the island and built a hotel.

Almost as soon as it was finished, a music industry type called Andrew Napier Bell came scouting for a video location. Bell loved Tony's hotel and decided to film the whole thing there. His band was an up-and-coming British duo called Wham! and the video was for their single Club Tropicana.

Suddenly everyone started coming to stay and the foyer is now draped in photos of the famous, all giving old Tony Pike a great big hug for the camera. There's Freddie Mercury, Kylie, Sade, Naomi Campbell, Jon Bon Jovi, Grace Jones, Jean-Claude Van Damme - all grinning by the pool, or in the bar.

Tony Pike started running through his favourite guests. George Michael - 'when he stays here he comes alone and gets a cab to Amnesia to go dancing'. Joan Baez - 'one night she led a kind of conga line round the pool, everyone just dancing to her voice'. Julio Iglesias - 'always does his exercises round the pool'. Kylie - 'lovely girl. But she doesn't get on well with women, except for my wife'. Freddie Mercury - 'the most incredible bloke I've ever met. The first time ever he sang Barcelona it was in my bar and he had his 41st birthday party in my hotel. When I asked him what the budget was he said, 'Budget? Do leave off Pike. I want the works and I want it to be remembered for years to come'.'

I had toyed with staying at Pike's, but decided to opt for the peace of a villa. The only question was, where should I stay if I wanted that celebrity feeling? In the north, between Sant Joan and the hippie beach Benirras, you'll find the supermodel villas. Elle MacPherson, Linda Evangelista and Jade Jagger have places up there and the rest of the fashionista crowd rent nearby. Feeling unsure if I could cope with bumping into Kate Moss in the local shop, I opted for the south.

Cala D'Hort and Sant Josep are dotted with music industry villas. Noel Gallagher recently bought Mike Oldfield's old place, while DJs Pete Tong and Eric Morillo are nearer San Rafael - handy for the superclubs Privilege and Amnesia. It helps to live near the factory gate, I guess.

Many villas on Ibiza are converted farmhouses, ranging from the ultra-luxurious with pool and view of the airport to my smaller, three-bedroom Casa Suner - still with a pool, naturally.

Casa Suner was ideally placed for the airport, Ibiza Town and my favourite beach - Cala D'Hort. I spent most of last year on the island researching a book on the history of the people who came here - from Romans looking for a good time to today's celebrities.

Cala D'Hort is a great place to get away from the bustle of a summer season. It is a beautiful, quiet, sandy bay with two great fish restaurants. Sadly, the beach isn't ideal for those who want to star-spot. The jet set favour the secluded, hideaway beaches in the north of the island or, if they're feeling decadent, Las Salinas Beach or Playa d'en Bossa.

Playa d'en Bossa is a full-on, headsdown, get-out-of-the-way-if-you're-not-here-for-fun, party beach. Home to the beach bar Bora Bora, at the height of the summer it's almost a 24-hour open-air disco.

Las Salinas is more sedate - but only just. Walking from the car park brings you out on to the sand near the Jockey Club beach bar.

Head to the right and you're in family territory. Head to the left, towards the thumping beats from the libidinous Sa Trinxa bar and you might as well be heading to Bora Bora, where costumes reveal more than they conceal.

The Jockey Club mediates between the two with chill-out music playing at a respectable volume. Celebrities, of course, always turn left.

On Ibiza there are more high-quality restaurants than you can shake a chicken wing at. Sa Capella, out by San Antonio, is very music industry, Bambuddha Grove, in the north of the island, serves an eclectic mix of Thai and modern European to glamorous Eurotrash.

KM5, towards the airport, is the discreet choice of the A-list and Can Costa in Ibiza Town serves mainly club workers and locals, offering excellent food at low prices.

Of course, you're going to have to try one of the nightclubs. Don't let age worry you. One of the regulars at Pacha is 65. He's left over from the Seventies when most of the big-name clubs were built. At that time, the Velvet Underground's Nico, Pink Floyd, Romy Schneider, Terence Stamp, Roman Polanski, Bob Dylan, Goldie Hawn, Nina van Pallandt and Niki Lauda had all bought houses on Ibiza, as had the Bee Gees and Roger Taylor of Queen.

At Pacha the manager, a Liverpool lad called Danny Whittle, told me that last year U2, Mariah Carey, Puff Daddy and Mick Jagger had all graced his dancefloor. Elle MacPherson loves to pop in for a boogie and, like George Michael at Amnesia, always travels without her minders.

Robbie Williams prefers Manumission at Privilege but does tend to arrive with his entourage, which isn't very Ibizan.

Indeed, I popped into Space, the daytime nightclub (if you can say that) and found myself pushed aside by Puff Daddy/P Diddy's entourage as his minders forced a route across the crowded dancefloor for Mr Diddy and a blonde who looked an awful lot like Lady Victoria Hervey.

No one was terribly impressed. Apparently there's a contract between those seeking sanctuary on the island and those who live there - be nice and they'll be nice in return.

This makes Ibiza one of the last places on Earth where the famous can genuinely live like everyone else.

Or look at it another way, I thought, as I stood by my pool looking down on to Ibiza Town's magnificent Renaissance Walls, trying to decide where to have dinner and whether I might take in a late night drink at a fashionable nightclub - it's a place where everyone can live like they're famous.

Stephen Armstrong's book The White Island - 2,000 Years of Pleasure In Ibiza is published by Bantam Press at £10.99.

Print this article

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/holidaytypeshub/article-592469/Why-stars-love-Ibiza.html#ixzz0ydffyEPV

A listen down memory lane with Roger Hodgson

2010-08-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

The Voice of Supertramp - Listening to them in the car brought back memories of being a teenager in Spain in the 1970's/80's - my sister and I both listened to a lot of Supertramp! These are just some links of him solo in different concerts, some with an orchestra, great especially Give A Little Bit.

School http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CskW6DD8MGA&feature=related
Long Way Home http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtIBl131BIM&feature=related
The logical Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcX1qA1Etc8&feature=related
Give a little bit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Uicc-6I-M&NR=1

2010-08-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

2010 BC Holidays
On Wednesday July 28th we started on our annual drive to BC. Leaving Calgary we started through the picturesque Rockies past Kananaskis Country and Canmore past Banff.

For the first night we stopped in Sicamouse at the Best Western and had a lovely time in the pool, hot tub and free breakfast the next morning with waffles etc. While we were there we had ice cream at the Dutchman Dairy, fior tasty Ice Cream on a farm where the kids could pet the cows, see a camel and a donkey.

The next day we arrived in Vancouver at the Tswassen Ferry we bumped into Gail and Donna returning from their trip to the UK and Tenerife - they were only a few lanes away from us.

Eric drove much of the way, and was very excited about it!

Tigger is Jessies special friend in the back seat.

Jessica, Aunty Gail and Eric at the ferry

Our first stop was at Michelle and Dick's in Sidney where we had a lovely visit with our cousins

Jessie and Cousin Danielle

With my sister Michelle

Eric, Cousin Stephen and Uncle Dickie

Eric and cousin Stephen

Some of the Deerfolk that Dickie makes

More Deerfolk

Dickie's latest Grape Trelis

Michelle and Dickie's rambling garden

Dickie's outdoor Garden Beer Lounge

More relaxing garden

There are Veggie patches, Berrie Patches, rose bushes, there are many lovely areas to see

How many cousins does it take to put up a tent?

Some flowers in the garden

Cousin Bevin with Jessica and cousin Stephen

On Saturday we went to Parksville for the Show and Shine Car show that David likes to be in and there was a sandcastle competition, we had a lovely day at Rathtrevor beach with Uncle John and made our own sand castles

While David, John and Eric played golf, Jessie and I walked to Rathtrevor beach

Jessie did some handstands

Will need to get the final shots from Uncle John because the project was incomplete at this point.

Milk shakes and our favourite legendary burgers at the Whitespot in Parksville/Qualicum YUMMY!

The next day David headed back to Calgary on the 6:20am ferry and we headed to Sproat Lake

Our family has had this spot on Sproat Lake outside Port Alberni since the early 1960's when my grandparents purchased the property with a 2 bedroom cabin there. My sister and I spent many childhood summers here with friends and family and I learned to swim and dive right off of this warf. My uncle eventually built this house here and now we visit with my kids, so it has been a wonderful family vacation spot for generations.

Every August long weekend, my Uncle hosts a gathering of his university chums and cousins, now with their wives, and their grown up kids, again this has been a tradition now for a couple of generations, they come in tents, campers and some stay in the house. When we arrived, some of them were still there and so we had a visit and a cold one on the dock.

Al took Don and then Eric out on the hobie cat

The kids had their first swim as soon as they got there

Getting the "diaper" on Eric for the hobie cat sail

Off they go!

Good wind so they go off across the lake

Uncle Al took us on some boat rides and the kids went skiing around the lake

Al took us to a neat pebble beach area with great views of the lake and mountains

Despite many large homes built along the water these days, there are still many natural untouched areas and small islands

Some of the guys jumped off of this rock into the lake below, it was quite high up

Al parked the boat on this little pebble beach

Al and the kids climbed up the rocks and took some pictures of the view

On the way back Al went very fast!

The kids wanted to go waterskiing

Jess went first

and went around the lake for a while

The next day after more skiing Jess also went out on the hobie cat

Our last day we returned to Sidney to say cheerio to Aunty Mich and Uncle Dickie and the cousins and then stopped our last night in Kamloops with our friends Toni and Troy and their girls Diara and Kayla.

Stopped at Cathedral Grove and admired the big trees

The kids cooled off in the pool while Toni and I enjoyed some wine and caught up on the past year, it was Troys birthday so Diara had made him cupcakes and cookies.

Pippa and Cooper entertained us, they were cute!

Great holiday but too short, can't wait till the next one!

Cujo wearing Eric's TShirt

2010-07-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Cujo, like my shirt?

I borrowed it from my pal Eric, see the cool pattern?

Wait here is a better view ....till next time.

My Bloomin Flowers

2010-07-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Canada Day

2010-07-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Mike and Sanna's Wedding

2010-07-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

2010-06-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

So far this summer.....................

Jessica had a Gymnastics Day

Wow great handstand

On her floor routine

She did very well

Jessica got a medal

Good job Jessica!

Our first summer BBQ

There were many good friends

Lots of smiles

Brock and Clint with Clints new wheels

We sang happy birthday to David

A lovely picture of Kendra with Randy, you both look great!

Rob Becky and Justin soon to be four.....

Richards other Shelby

Some of my blooms

Da boys........

Da girls......

The fire was on with guests still there until 4am!

Flowers are looking lovely

Our peonies in bloom

Jaxi had a birthday party

The weather was perfect for pink feather boas and tiaras

The kids watched movies

The cake and feast scrumptious

The friends and family were all there

There was dancing too, a great night

A night at the Calgary Tower

Had a lovely dinner at the Calgary Tower with a group from Latin America and our LACA sales and support team from work

2010-06-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

Remembering Forever Young Alphaville 1984

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2dLfUw8rcA

Back in 1984 the space age type clothes were the thing, see German pop group Alphaville from back then with above link. Though this song was popular 26 years ago, it is still a favourite and has been remixed several times including a recent Rap version that my kids like. I always prefer the orginal songs and the best part is looking at the then and now videos on You Tube of what they look like today, above was 1984 and today is here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eux3dT3tLf4

This song still inspires me and sure brings back memories, seems like it does for the people in the audience too!

2010-05-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

A walk by the River in early April

Our neighbourhood is located next to the Bow River with lovely walking paths and a ravine that is easy to walk down but quite a breathless climb up.

My son Eric and our dog Cujo came along

In some areas it is steeper than others, but on this day we chose to walk to Beaver Dam Flats, there is a quaint bridge crossing to a picnic area with plenty of wildlife and people fishing along the river.

A flood caused this bridge tobe rebuilt some years ago and it is actually much sturdier than the original one.

From this pathway you can reach a large picnic area complete with outdoor barbcues, just bring the wood and your food and you can enjoy a perfect nature walk amongst the Balsam Poplar trees

After climbing this hill back up I needed to sit for a few minutes to get my breath back realizing I needed the walk and exercise far more than I wanted to admit.

A rough Inukshuk a reminder of the recent Vancouver Olympics

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers everywhere, an opportune time for everyone to appreciate all the hard work and emotion that goes into parenthood, here is a favourite read for this special day.

Your angels name is Mom

The child asked God, " They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further enquired,"But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy." God said "Your angel will sing for you, and smile for you, and you will feel your angels love and be very happy."

Again the child asked. "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?" "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and teach you how to pray."

"And who will protect me?" God said "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God said, "Your angel will talk to you about me, and teach you how to come back to me, eventhough I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God if I am to leave now, please tell me my angels name." God replied, "You will simply call her Mom." Sniff, sniff, sniff.

Some great pics of our awesome kids, if only they always got along so well ;-)

2010-03-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tournament in Edmonton

Last weekend we went to Edmonton, Nisku in fact, near the airport and stayed at the Holiday Inn Nisku. Eric drove the whole way from Calgary, good job Eric. Hotel was good and had a great pool and slide which the kids enjoyed. First game was Thursday and we won. Friday was spent at West Edmonton Mall, where the boys and younger siblings, enjoyed the whole day in the waterpark. Parents visited a few varied establishments including Hooters and discovered the different cullinary and beverage offerings available. A couple of Mom's indulged in a spa.

On the second evening there was a pizza party in the downstairs lounge followed by fun in the pool. A girls volleyball team arrived, setting an interesting tone for the boys who spent most of the weekend wandering the floors trying to find them.

Not sure about the expression on Eric's face here, perhaps some change in wind pressure or air quality?

Our boys won both games on Saturday, WAY TO GO BLACKFOOT EAGLES!!!! Comments from the other teams parents were that they had never heard such loud parents, we had noisemakers, cowbells loud whistlers and a few parents with extra strong pipes cheering like crazy.

At one point a parent overheard the cleaners comment about the "very bad smell" on the second floor from the hockey equipment, so Carol being industrious and our very adept team manager, organized an "equipment in the trees airing and sit in" where a few of us gathered, visited, played cards and enjoyed some afternoon cocktails, Dave provided tunes from the back of his truck and a good time was had by all.

A dinner at Boston Pizza on the last night and a standup final Sunday morning where the boys tied with the toughest team in the tourney and ended up losing in overtime, an amazing effort all weekend by the boys.

During the evenings the boys gathered in a room (poor cleaners the next day) and watched a movie, covered the floor in chips and had a general fun time, if they missed curfew, coach made them each do 60 push ups. Parents gathered in another room for some delightful conversation and cocktails in the evenings. It was a really great weekend and enjoyed by all.

On the final morning at the hotel some of the boys helped me to load our bags in the car...........

Remembering a great friend

2010-03-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Remembering Peter

This past weekend, a very dear family friend passed away suddenly in his sleep while away teaching an aviation class in Edmonton. Our family happend to be in Edmonton on a hockey tournament, and heard the sad news when we returned home. My heart goes out to the Shewring family, Aki, Lesley, Diane and Stephen and all of your extended relatives, we are very sad for your loss, and ours in that we lost a dear friend.

The Shewrings are neighbours of my sisters in Sidney, BC living across the street from each other for over 25 years, so everytime we visited my sister's house from Spain or now from Calgary, we looked forward to visits from the Shewrings. There were many wonderful meals shared over wine at my sisters table and on the back deck with assortments of interesting friends that often stopped by for the great food and conversation, but mostly for the company gathered there. That company often included Peter Shewring, his exciting life provided wonderful conversation, funny stories from the skies, and the best humour. Peter was the source of some of my greatest jokes which I would dutifully write down and take back to Tenerife and share with my friends, thanks Peter for all the great material, for years people thought I was funny, I owe it all to you and those Pilots who sure have great jokes!

There were many evenings when Peter would pop over with a bottle of wine and a video under his arm, and we'd all drink some wine and watch a video. Often one of us would fall asleep, but we all still enjoyed the movie, even if we missed parts, because Peter would make us laugh anyway even if the movie was a dud.

He kindly brought my son Eric a neat poster of the inside view of the control panel on a Lear jet after he had designed some planes and interiors on his laptop and showed them to Peter, he still has the poster.

Over the years we holidayed with the Shewrings, they visited us in Tenerife (AKI sent me my first rice cooker after their visit, where I burnt the rice for our dinner LOL and I still use it)! The ladies in the family joined us for a trip to Cancun and Cozumel in the early 90's (I think) when I worked in timeshare and over the years we really enjoyed the many great times. I will have to dig up those photos!

Peter, so long and happy trails, what a wonderful friend, your light will shine in our memories, will really miss the fun times, but I believe we will all meet again someday in the skies!

Miss Tenerife AKA Miss Calgary, as you used to call me
Obituary http://www.legacy.com/CAN-Victoria/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=141052304
My mother found this great tribute to him by his fellow pilots, and students from his classes.

http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=63340&sid=409b45fbc0914f6653cbd6990729f1d1

2010-03-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

Ladies weekend in Canmore

This was my first visit to beautiful Canmore, though we have driven through this area on our way to BC, it was so pretty, the mountains were right in your face everywhere you looked. In total there were 8 of us that stayed at the Drake Motel in Canmore, most stayed for 2 nights, but others just one, others came for the evening and drove home.

Canmore is about 60 minutes west of Calgary

The architecture is Swiss Mountain Village style

On a walk near the hotel by a river

Families of Ducks were skating on the ice

The main shopping streets were full of quaint rustic shops, cafes and Pubs

Our own inhouse hairstylist Mme Jill

Sun going down

Time for cocktails

At breakfast the next morning, we all felt a little odd

Guess who is the pink leapard and Elmo foot?

Jane and Jill

Shona, me and Bernie

Yes there are bears in Canmore, but they are still sleeping

A salad in a glass

Jacqui and I ate at this Pub I had striped, coloured pasta in a mushroom sauce, it was very tasty Shauna's Caeser look really fancy!

Tasty!

The view from the balcony in our room

Vancouver 2010 Olympic final Weekend

2010-03-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

My Boys Got To the Gold Medal Game!

It cost a little to get there...................

For a few years before the Olympics, David had really wanted to go as a family, but once we looked at the cost, decided it was out of our reach. During the last week I suggested they look at prices for he and my son to go as at least two of us enjoying a weekend was better than none, and my daughter wasn't as keen. Both David and Eric love sport and are very patriotic flag bearers so David managed to get tickets and I booked them a hotel. Though we are hoping for some more pictures actually at the game taken by others and on Erics lost cell phone, we hope they will both appear as promised, and then I will add here to the blog.

They did plenty of walking and saw some of the exhibits

They met some pretty girls and Eric even got a kiss

Our friends Richard and Rhonda were there with Spencer and Shelby so they met up and walked to the cauldren together as well as posing here with some mascots.

Waiting for some more pictures, but this is what they had for now, a great experience and being at the hockey game was the best!

2010-03-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

A Walk in the Park

It has been a while since Becky and I walked at Carburn Park around the lake, it has been too cold and icy. The spring weather has been lovely and warmed things up, so we ventured to Carburn and I snapped a few scenic pictures with the white snow covered lake. There were even a couple of people ice fishing, which was neat as I hadn't seen any ice fishers before there.

Enjoy!

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day

I got some beautiful flowers from my husband here are a few shots

I took a shot of Eric and Jessica too

Listening to Oldies from 70's 80's

2010-01-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

It is snowing out today so we have decided to spend the day at home just relaxin, listening to music etc... I came across some old favourites from the 80's that sure brought me back, and I still think Huey is hot! Too bad rock stars get old..... Huey Lewis and the News Stuck with You

I used to love listening to this driving to the south in Tenerife on the highway
The Power of Love

One of my fav's as a teeniebopper - look at the hair and clothes 1977 Chicago
If you leave me now Chicago

One of my fav My Sweet Lord versions by Billy Preston at tribute concert for George My Sweet Lord Tribute Billy Preston