I'm beginning to wonder why I am still here in the cold and snow. Yes, it snows in Vancouver, although I must say we are not getting the worst of it. Oh, yes, I am here because I have a lot of expensive things on my bucket list, and this is helping! And, aside from dramatic effect, it is not that bad, and it is great to see friends and catch up with the gossip.
As promised, though, not quite as busy a week. On Monday night, we played bridge again at John's. Yes, I know, we did it last week, but apparently they missed me! In fact, they are coming to Palm Springs with me next Saturday (yes, folks, I am leaving next Saturday for sunnier climes), for a bridge marathon: translation, so they get to see this great place I was talking about.
Tuesday, I met friend Philip for a happy New Year drink. Philip and I studied together in law school - just us and a bottle of scotch in the carral (it really is a wonder I ever graduated law school, much less that I did it twice), and The Hotel Vancouver was an old hangout in those days. (Of course, in those days, the martinis didn't cost 12 dollars either). We are really, really old friends now, so it was great fun!
Wednesday was lunch with Debbie, another friend from law school days. She indulged me in dim sum, something one can't do alone - or in Palm Springs, either.
On Thursday evening, friend Carol came over from Salt Spring, and we indulged ourselves in a bottle of wine and a bunch of scrabble games, my third passion (after opera and bridge).
I was meant to go to Seattle for the weekend, but seeing as I fooled aroung so much during the week, I had to work on the weekend to make up the time. I did sneak out for two movies, My Week with Marilyn, and A Dangerous Method. Both were very good, in very different ways. Marilyn was romantic and sweet and just plain beautiful, although it was somewhat painful to know that even Kenneth Brannach is getting old. Dangerous Method was very cerebral, but seemed hugely relevant to me. In any event, worth seeing, in spite of the critics.
And now, another week. Even less on tap this week, but by the time I next write, I will be in Palm Springs, so you can start thinking Palm trees.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A good start to the new year.
Since you have all seen where I live in Palm Springs, I thought you might want to see the place in Vancouver.
However, it does contain two of my dearest possessions:
Next, the dining room, another room rarely used.
And, where we all live, kitchen and family room.
And there you have it. Oh, and I guess a peek at the bedroom....
And, last but not least on the home front, the "copper sky" for which the place is noted:
Okay, enough of that, what have I been doing, you might ask? Well, on the New Year's day statutory holiday, friends Joyce, Sheila and Alisha and I went to our local casino for brunch. It was a little bitter sweet; the casino was the last place David went out to eat, a few weeks prior to his death, 6 years ago this February. However, he had a great time, as did we.
It was a busy day. I headed from there to visit friend Donna, and husband Pellham for some of Pellham's infamous rum punch. (Pellham's absence from the pictures is solely due to the mistakes of the picture taker, and not of his photogenic nature).
Tuesday, it was officially back to work, for a short spurt before leaving for Palm Springs again on January 21.
.
Tuesday after work, it was off to drinks at neighbor Joan's, without whom my extended stays in Palm Springs would not be possible. Sorry: too much drinking (it was only next door, after all), no picture taking!
And Wednesday evening, back to bridge with the locals, without whom none of the other bridge playing (i.e., in Palm Springs) would be possible, or at least, not as much fun. Here's the cast of characters:
Continuing with the social aspect of the week, I snuck out for coffee on Thursday with friend and former colleague Heather, who lives amazingly close to me in Steveston. We spent an hour gabbing, just catching up with family and friends. Again, no pictures of her lovely home; no excuses this time, I just forgot my camera.
And, to round out the week, a surprise party for Donna's friend Sandra. I know Sandra only vicariously; she and husband Henry stayed at my place in Palm Springs with Donna and Pellham last May (I was absent). Anyway, I spent a little time helping set up on Saturday afternoon, and then joined the festivities at the community center in the evening.
And that's all she wrote for this week. I'm to have bored you with so many pictures and introductions this time. I promise you, next week does not look nearly as busy!
The above are pictures of my living room, where, like most people, I never sit.
However, it does contain two of my dearest possessions:
Rock Tapestry by friend Barbara Heller
Another tapestry by Barbara, this one of our boat, The Other Woman
Next, the dining room, another room rarely used.
And, where we all live, kitchen and family room.
And there you have it. Oh, and I guess a peek at the bedroom....
And, last but not least on the home front, the "copper sky" for which the place is noted:
Okay, enough of that, what have I been doing, you might ask? Well, on the New Year's day statutory holiday, friends Joyce, Sheila and Alisha and I went to our local casino for brunch. It was a little bitter sweet; the casino was the last place David went out to eat, a few weeks prior to his death, 6 years ago this February. However, he had a great time, as did we.
It was a busy day. I headed from there to visit friend Donna, and husband Pellham for some of Pellham's infamous rum punch. (Pellham's absence from the pictures is solely due to the mistakes of the picture taker, and not of his photogenic nature).
Friend Donna
...her friend Michael
...and dog Panda
Tuesday, it was officially back to work, for a short spurt before leaving for Palm Springs again on January 21.
Joyce, my trusty assistant at work
Kim , at left, without whom I would be totally helpless
...and Lesley, team leader, confidant and friend.
Tuesday after work, it was off to drinks at neighbor Joan's, without whom my extended stays in Palm Springs would not be possible. Sorry: too much drinking (it was only next door, after all), no picture taking!
And Wednesday evening, back to bridge with the locals, without whom none of the other bridge playing (i.e., in Palm Springs) would be possible, or at least, not as much fun. Here's the cast of characters:
Tom, law school associate and long time friend
John, our affable host and convener.
And Dennis, always affable and bridge player par excellence
Continuing with the social aspect of the week, I snuck out for coffee on Thursday with friend and former colleague Heather, who lives amazingly close to me in Steveston. We spent an hour gabbing, just catching up with family and friends. Again, no pictures of her lovely home; no excuses this time, I just forgot my camera.
And, to round out the week, a surprise party for Donna's friend Sandra. I know Sandra only vicariously; she and husband Henry stayed at my place in Palm Springs with Donna and Pellham last May (I was absent). Anyway, I spent a little time helping set up on Saturday afternoon, and then joined the festivities at the community center in the evening.
Sandra, the birthday girl, on the left
And that's all she wrote for this week. I'm to have bored you with so many pictures and introductions this time. I promise you, next week does not look nearly as busy!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!!!
The day after Christmas was, as to be expected, quiet. Stores were open, of course, but you know stores are the last place in the world I would be on the day after Christmas!. I did go to the gym (Christmas day is the only day that the gym is closed), and by midday it was actually warm enough to enjoy some pool time. I've got to take advantage while I can; won't be here too much longer.
Tuesday and Wednesday were the by-now routine of gym, brunch and bridge, and, as always, visiting with friends. And Thursday, it was good bye Palm Springs
and hello rainy, wet, cold Pacific North West.
Friend Pellham and his son Nick were at the Bellingham Airport to pick me up after a non-eventful flight, and we headed back up to Steveston for Chinese. You know, I never eat seafood where I can't see the water, and never (or almost never) eat ethnic food outside of Vancouver, or maybe Seattle, and I was craving spicy crab! It was a great meal, and a good time was had by all.
That was Thursday. By Friday, I was in the office, doing what I came up here for - making money! And yes, I did have to go in on Friday - I had forgotten my password, if you can believe it, and had to cath the Board's help desk before all the IT folks went off for the long weekend. It was, of course, quiet in the office, so I did manage to get some work done. And had a nap too.
I did duck out early, and tried to catch a movie with friend Donna. We went to see Sherlock Holmes, but, I am sorry to say, walked out after 20 minutes and went for a drink instead. It was just too silly!
I realize that I haven't said too much about what I've been reading. (Yes, among all the other activities, there is reading!). Of course, I read the New Yorker every week, as well as the National Standard, a right wing rag passed on to me by Art (In Vancouver, there is the Economist, passed on by friend John) It is actually the rational right, and I enjoy reading it. I'm also reading a few books about the desert, recommended by friend Bill, and just finished The Historian, a book about finding Dracula (of all things) which held me rapt. On a more serious note, just finished a book called Sleeping with Enemy, about Coco Chanel and her Nazi exploits, and am about half way through the newest book about the Dreyfus affair. Also on the go is Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. All in all, quite eclectic, wouldn't you say? By the way, when I say "reading", I use the term loosely. I read regular books, of course, but also listen to books on my I-Pad, while walking or at the gym or knitting. And then there is my newest toy, the Kindle. I love it, and don't feel the least bit guilty about all those book stores closing. I still buy more books than most, and the convenience of downloading books the minute you read a review in a newspaper or magazine means I read more than ever. I'm loving it!
So, that brings us to today, which was cold cold cold, but at least not raining. A leader of a running group in Steveston died last week, and in her honour, we decided to go for a walk/run.
As you can see, I'm getting into the swing of things. Since I'm here already, I might as well have a good time.
I leave you with my new year's resolutions. I am trying to remember that every one has a back story, and that everything is not always about me. I will try to listen to what has not been said, and to try to be as good a friend as I can be. Play it forward is now a trite thing to say, but it is still a good concept; I really do believe that if one casts one's bread upon the waters, they shall come back as sandwiches.
So, once again, best wishes for the new year. I know it is hard to make comments on this blog site, but please email me and let me know what you guys are doing. And, either in Vancouver or Palm Springs, there is a spare room here with your name on it!
Tuesday and Wednesday were the by-now routine of gym, brunch and bridge, and, as always, visiting with friends. And Thursday, it was good bye Palm Springs
Friend Pellham and his son Nick were at the Bellingham Airport to pick me up after a non-eventful flight, and we headed back up to Steveston for Chinese. You know, I never eat seafood where I can't see the water, and never (or almost never) eat ethnic food outside of Vancouver, or maybe Seattle, and I was craving spicy crab! It was a great meal, and a good time was had by all.
That was Thursday. By Friday, I was in the office, doing what I came up here for - making money! And yes, I did have to go in on Friday - I had forgotten my password, if you can believe it, and had to cath the Board's help desk before all the IT folks went off for the long weekend. It was, of course, quiet in the office, so I did manage to get some work done. And had a nap too.
For those of you who have never seen it, this is the infamous green sofa, which goes from work place to work place, and allows me to power nap!
I did duck out early, and tried to catch a movie with friend Donna. We went to see Sherlock Holmes, but, I am sorry to say, walked out after 20 minutes and went for a drink instead. It was just too silly!
I realize that I haven't said too much about what I've been reading. (Yes, among all the other activities, there is reading!). Of course, I read the New Yorker every week, as well as the National Standard, a right wing rag passed on to me by Art (In Vancouver, there is the Economist, passed on by friend John) It is actually the rational right, and I enjoy reading it. I'm also reading a few books about the desert, recommended by friend Bill, and just finished The Historian, a book about finding Dracula (of all things) which held me rapt. On a more serious note, just finished a book called Sleeping with Enemy, about Coco Chanel and her Nazi exploits, and am about half way through the newest book about the Dreyfus affair. Also on the go is Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. All in all, quite eclectic, wouldn't you say? By the way, when I say "reading", I use the term loosely. I read regular books, of course, but also listen to books on my I-Pad, while walking or at the gym or knitting. And then there is my newest toy, the Kindle. I love it, and don't feel the least bit guilty about all those book stores closing. I still buy more books than most, and the convenience of downloading books the minute you read a review in a newspaper or magazine means I read more than ever. I'm loving it!
So, that brings us to today, which was cold cold cold, but at least not raining. A leader of a running group in Steveston died last week, and in her honour, we decided to go for a walk/run.
Friends Kelly, Donna and Kathleen.
Japanese Bunk Houses, associated with the fishery, on the boardwalk in Steveston
Notice the cause of the traffic stoppage
Doesn't it just look cold?
...but beautiful!
just a seagull, but I couldn't resist the view!
And, of course, the wildlife!
As you can see, I'm getting into the swing of things. Since I'm here already, I might as well have a good time.
I leave you with my new year's resolutions. I am trying to remember that every one has a back story, and that everything is not always about me. I will try to listen to what has not been said, and to try to be as good a friend as I can be. Play it forward is now a trite thing to say, but it is still a good concept; I really do believe that if one casts one's bread upon the waters, they shall come back as sandwiches.
So, once again, best wishes for the new year. I know it is hard to make comments on this blog site, but please email me and let me know what you guys are doing. And, either in Vancouver or Palm Springs, there is a spare room here with your name on it!
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