It's a beautiful day!

Yesterday was a glorious day here. The temperature was pretty decent, and the sky was blue. I started the day off by taking a walk along the waterfront, which is just a few short blocks from here.

The seaplanes had no issues with fog and were frequently buzzing across Stanley Park. Oh well - I'll just have to come back to do that trip. I've flown over Vancouver Harbour once, and the view is spectacular. 

The seaplane and clear blue sky

It was earlyish in the morning when I went out. I think the temperature was 4 degrees Celsius at the time, but that didn't stop Vancouverites from walking/running in shorts. And people were playing tennis!!! They are certainly not afraid of the temperatures or the rain. Yet, others were bundled up in their long puffer coats. 

I started out with my orange jacket, which is on its last legs. The water repellent is gone, and the down has become so thin. But it still works. I had thin gloves and my scarf on, but by the time I got back from my walk, I was sweating buckets. Did I mention that there are hills in this area? It's fine going down, but coming back up? 

Anyway, I spotted the sun rising by the Lion's Gate Bridge, which was beautiful to watch. 

Sunrise and the Lion's Gate Bridge

It is pretty amazing when you think I take all my pictures with my phone. The features on it are much better than those on my DSLR camera. And that is why cell phones are so expensive. The phone? It probably costs a couple of dollars, but the phone's camera, with all its features, is what costs so much. So if you are NOT taking advantage of the camera, then you probably don't need a new phone. 

The walk along the water's edge is stunning. If I lived here, I would be walking there every day. And the best news? It's a DOG PARK!!!!! My girls would be in their glory. However, I'm not sure how they would behave, as most dogs just ambled along with their owners, while my girls would be buzzing around like mad. Of course, there are no squirrels or rabbits to distract them, so it might work. 

The dog park!!!

I was on the hunt for an Adventure Lab (part of Geocaching), and I managed to get most of it, but M and I finished it off later in the day. There are benches along the way with plaques. This would be a cool spot to put a memorial bench. I may not have lived here, but the view is spectacular. 

Benches along the path

And there is one section near the bridge where you walk through the forest, which is very different from my forest back home. 

Forest bathing - BC style

You know you are playing EXIT Games too much when you start to spot numbers everywhere. 

There's a FIVE!!!!

I think that was an earthworm who had seen better days! But seriously --- you can't miss that number!!! The walk was excellent, and I made up for the lack of steps the previous day when it was raining. 

I stopped at a cafe for a hot chocolate. And I got this cute motif on the top. My body (and wallet) are going to go into withdrawal when I get home. Not many Tim's here, and the cafes aren't cheap!!!

The motif in my hot chocolate

Interesting that when I got to the bottom, the motif was still there. Hmmm --- what is it made of? 

The motif lasted until the bottom of the cup

After lunch, M and I went out, and we walked along the waterfront to finish the Adventure Lab. And of course, Bear had to come with us. It wasn't in the plan that he was coming, but he was pretty insistent when we were getting ready to leave! He has such an attitude for a little guy. 

As we were down on the pier, we spotted this giant ship coming out of the harbour. Hmm --- what is that? It was GIANT and not like anything I'd seen before. I guessed that it was a car carrier, and when we did a Google image search, that's what it was!!!! Here's a video if you want to know all about Ro-ro carriers. Ro-ro stands for roll-on/roll-off, so they are designed for anything that can be loaded via its own wheels, eliminating the need for a crane. Who knew???

The Ro Ro carrier

WOW -- it's like a parking garage that floats!!! Pretty impressive. I imagine that this ship just unloaded a load of cars, but I wonder what it takes back? Does it sail empty? I don't think so because some of them can carry cargo, but it would be limited since they don't have an external loading system. 

We also watched people crabbing off the pier. They load something to entice the crabs into an open net, then wing it into the water. I'm not sure how the net closes, but then they can reel the net in. This person was measuring, so I guess there are regulations as to what size you can keep. 

Measuring the crab

Then we stopped at another cafe in the afternoon. And it was glorious. We sat there in our shirt sleeves. OK - so there was a heater on the patio, but it was a beautiful day. And this is what they had inside. 

Macarons

Among many other goodies, but we only had a few macarons. And of course, Bear was the center of attention. He just gets people going, and he knows it!!!

Here's a group shot of us at one point. I think we were on the pier at this point. No background to see, but we were on the ocean! Or harbour or whatever you want to call it. I guess it's between Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver Harbour. 

Group shot

I had some computer work to do in the afternoon. Working on a big project, which I hope to share with you all in a couple of weeks. I have a lot of work to do before I can show you. Bear was bored by it all since it didn't directly involve him, but he got lots of love. 

Grandma - computer work is boring!!!!

We had to pop out to Michael's again, and M spotted this. OK -- water bottles are a big deal, but look how tiny this cup is. Useful? Novelty? I don't know, and it had a metal straw in it. 

A tiny water container

And then I got a lesson in reusable cups. You can buy accessories for them, including snack trays. Oh boy -- I'm out of the loop. I just want something that I can put my water in. 

Snack trays for water bottles

While on Salt Spring Island, I spotted some diamond painting kits, so I bought one for M, since I knew she liked rhinestones. Well, she finished it last night and was wondering how to frame it. 

Finishing the diamond painting picture

We went to Michael's to get a mat cut for an inexpensive frame. We asked for 6 1/4" by 6 3/8" as that was the size of the colored part. We were all excited, but when we got home, it wasn't the correct size. Despite confirming several times with the clerk, she wrote down 6" by 6 1/8". So she missed 1/4" on both sides. Hmmmmm -- that's insane, so we have to go back today. Well, M will have to go back because I have a plane to catch. 

My plane leaves at noon, so I have to get everything packed, and then we'll head to the airport, as I have two suitcases to check. 

While it's been a great time away, it's definitely time to go home. I have so much to do, and so much I want to do, and I'm only home for a day before I leave again. Who did the planning on that? OK -- so it was me, but it was also just how the timing for things worked out. That will be the LAST trip of the year! 

I'm sure the girls will be excited to see me, but they have been walking while I was away, and I have my SIL to thank for that! She's also been working on her quilt in Studio B, so she's keeping Murphy company or vice versa. I've been sending advice when she needed it via text!!!! She knows how to sew, so it really isn't a big deal. But I remember the first time I made a quilt with HSTs --- I didn't know how to trim, and there wasn't a single one done properly on that quilt!

We watched the next episode of Project Runway Canada, but there was only one more to watch. The episodes are being released weekly, so the next one doesn't come out until Friday. Will I watch it on my own? I'm not sure. So then we moved to the current season of Project Runway. Oh boy -- how much of the attitude is scripted or hyped up? Some of the cast are pretty flamboyant!!!!! And the drama? Wow!!!!

Well, I'd better get myself organized so I can finish packing up my stuff, which kind of got spread all over, and that's OK. 

Before I go, here's the next post on QUILTsocial. Today, it's all about textured machine embroidery (yarn couching). This is appropriate for anyone with an embroidery machine, so be sure to check it out. 

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Ciao!!!!


























 

Down the rabbit hole - many times today!

Oh my-- I have a few things to learn about knitting, but that's OK. What I noticed was the number of large loose sweaters in the store on Salt Spring. Oversized chunk sweaters are back!

My hands will get used to it! 

OK -- here's a hilarious story about knitting sweaters. When I was young -- very young, OK, young, in my late teens, I knit a sweater for my then boyfriend, who was a large guy, so it took a lot of knitting. I forgot about that sweater. He tracked me down one day a couple of years ago through my quilting - his sister is a quilter, and he came across my blog. I don't remember all the details. 

Anyway, can you believe that he kept that sweater all that time? And the sweater is still being used? OH MY GOD -- I guess that is someone who appreciates a knitted sweater, but it wasn't made with great yarn, so I can imagine how pily it is. 

Amazing what you can find on the blog when you go back and search. Here is the blog post about my early days of knitting.

I was first and foremost a knitter, and then got into quilting. That story about Rod's sweater is hilarious!! That was TEN years ago!!! It seems this trip has triggered many memories from 10 years ago. 

And I will say that I've become a slug. No walking - well, very little, no cares about the number of steps I get in a day, and sleeping? I just got up! This summer has been the summer of little walking, and I need to get everything caught up. I haven't even entered any steps or mileage since July!!!! Am I done with the excessive walking? I don't think so. Am I done with the medals for The Conqueror? I don't think so, but I need to get my mindset back. That trip to Africa just changed so much!!!

Anyway, I'll make it happen - whatever that is, and I'm not worried. But I do need to get those stretches in. 

I was looking through Dillon's pictures from the other night at Capilano Suspension Bridge, and here's a better one of the cliff walk. You are NOT walking beside the cliff -- it goes out. That makes me think I could do the one at the Grand Canyon. I'll wait a bit before I venture down there, but wouldn't that be fun?

The cliff walk

Good grief - the next thing you know, I'll be skydiving! OK - I have jumped out of a plane - twice, but that was many, many years ago!

Here is M's magnet collection from her travels. Hmmm -- we don't seem to have as many, but they were much smaller and less elaborate in our day! What's hilarious is that in the first picture in this blog post, look at the fridge!!!! 

M's magnet collection

I went outside to take a picture of the view, and this hummingbird just popped out of nowhere to feed at the feeder. They are fascinating to watch. And he was pretty happy to hover in the air and show off his skills, and then he landed on the feeder to get a drink. 

The resident hummingbird

This is the view from their second-floor balcony. It's a beautiful spot to be sure. The trees in the distance are located in Stanley Park. 

The view

And they get to see the barges go by to get to the dock in North Vancouver. On a nice day, I would be sitting on the deck and just watching the world go by - literally as the cruise ships go by as well. The weather is pretty decent here - it was cloudy yesterday, but we did not have any rain. And it's relatively warm - I'm happy! 

A container ship

Bear, M, and I had a walk along the waterfront, which is just a couple of blocks from their house, and yes -- I would spend a lot of time along the waterfront as well. It really is stunning and such a different life from my forest back home. I'll take the forest over the water, but I could easily handle the water as well. And there are plenty of trees everywhere for forest bathing! 

Bear and M

Then, for something to do, we went to the Vancouver Public Library! Yep -- the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but she went for some books on creativity that looked pretty interesting, while I went somewhere else. But first, we checked out the rooftop deck on the 9th floor, and then looked briefly at all the floors on the way down. The place is enormous and would be a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. 

The Vancouver Public Library

Of course, I went to the quilt section and WOW!!!! I could have browsed all afternoon. While they have a lot of technique and standard books you would find in a public library, they also have a great selection of historical quilt books. OK -- I would take some of those home if I could! I know I have a great deal of those types of books at home, and many of them are ones I already own, but there were a few!!!!

The quilt section

I took one out so I could browse for some ideas. More of an art book based on the next assignment I have to get done. 

As we were driving back, we spotted this on a condo construction site. HMMM -- are those balconies sticking out, or is that a construction thing? They have bizarre buildings here, and they seem to try to outdo the one beside it. 

Balconies? 

Then, over the Lion's Gate Bridge, which I rode my bicycle across in 2010, I was totally terrified. It was my first big bike trip, and we started at UBC. As I saw the bridge looming in the distance, my heart was in my mouth!!!! But I made it, and I survived!!!

The Lion's Gate Bridge

Well, I certainly did not make any bones about my fright in that day's blog post. Here's the link. You won't find it on this blog page because at the time, I was using another platform!!!! Oh dear -- do not go down a rabbit hole with that. But I really should pull off that Arctic trip and make a digital book out of it with the pictures in the right place. 

And here is Mr. Snuggle Pants sleeping on the couch!! His ear still isn't perfect, and you can tell it's dirty from the grim collected by the ear drops. But he's doing just OK. and so happy to be with Dillon and M. As much as I would like to dognap him, this is his home. But he's welcome to visit any time!

Mr. Snuggle Pants

Now, my blog posts about a brand-new Husqvarna Viking sewing and embroidery machine are being posted on QUILTsocial this week. Here's the link to the first one. It is the Husqvarna Viking Designer Topaz 65, and wow—I love it. There are so many things you can do with an embroidery machine. 

Day One -- Meet the Husqvarna Viking Designer Topaz 65

Oh my - I went down a rabbit hole and listened to all the videos!!! Yep -- I made some pretty decent videos explaining the features. And here's the thing -- all the Husqvarna Viking embroidery machines have similar tools, so if you have a different Wi-Fi-enabled Husqvarna Viking machine, you may want to check out those videos!!!!

I'll post more links tomorrow. 

I also had dinner with my SIL, who lives in Vancouver, so that was a good visit. Yep -- the entire trip is a lot of coming and going. We have a lot in common and discussed her upcoming wedding plans, hiking, reading, etc. Yep -- next year is also going to be an interesting year!

Oh my -- I'd better get myself together here, or M will think I have died!!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Did I need to buy this?

Part one of the trip is done. I had a couple of events for Castle Sewing, and that marks the end of the business part of the trip. Yeah! It's not that I don't like it, but now I can just relax, which is even better. 

But I don't know about relaxing because it's 4:00 AM and I'm up because I'm going to be on the move again today. 

It rained all day yesterday, but it was warm - I saw people walking around in shorts and T-shirts. Actually, it was hilarious because I had stopped at Tim's in the morning to get a tea, and there was a guy and a girl huddled in front of one of those fake fireplaces, and he was wearing shorts! It just looked so awkward. 

Oh my— you are going to yell at me when you see what I bought at the store. It's in my suitcase and I'm not going to dig it out. Wait-- I spotted it on their website. I could grab that photo. Let me do that. I can't find it, so I'll have to take a picture later or find it elsewhere on the internet. 

I bought three things, none of which together cost much, and I have room in my suitcase, so all is good. 

Oh -- I found it. 

A dog panel

Yes -- that is a panel related to dogs!!! Do I need this with a basket of dog fabric? No!!! But this will make a nice center, and I can use the dog fabric to make it into a quilt. This one will be for me!!!

I also spotted the True North canvas tote bag panel, so I got one. I'm not a fan of making the bag as is. I always put fusible fleece on the bag and add a lining because otherwise, it just looks way too limp and cheap! Yes - I am very picky about my tote bags! 

True North canvas tote panel

When I was at Tim's in the morning to get my tea, I spotted this at the counter. Oh my --- 

Novelty socks

Yep - that is novelty socks at Tim's. I did not buy a pair! 

But when I got in the car, I had a problem. There is a cup holder, but it was HUGE. The two spaces would be great if I had my big water bottle with me, but with a Tim's cup? This is going to be a problem. 

Hmmmm -- as I looked at the cup holder, two buttons popped into view that said PUSH, so I did, and then these little wing things popped out from the side and made the cup holder fit my water bottle and my cup of tea! 

An adjustable cup holder in the car

OK -- that's a pretty brilliant way to accommodate any size cup holder. That's in the K4 by Kia. 

On my drive from Langley to West Vancouver, it took me 50 minutes, so that shaved an hour off the trip from the day before, but there were still a lot of slowdowns. It's only 50 K after all, and it's mostly highway! Yes - I said there were no highways, but there is the Trans Canada. 

I arrived at M's, and while she's still not here, we had a phone chat and visited with Dillon and Bear. Then Dillon and I went out for dinner and had a nice chat. 

And I got to stay in their nice little guest suite on the main floor of the house they are renting. It's pretty cool and certainly much better than my little Airbnb place from last month. The previous night, I was in the Holiday Inn, so all is good so far. 

And let me say that Vancouver is a DARK city at night. If I were a pedestrian here, I would ensure that my entire body was covered in reflective tape. There are few street lights in West Vancouver, and with tons of trees and hedges, it is dark. The rain didn't help!

However, I'm on the move this morning and need to leave shortly. It's going to take a few connections to get to my next destination, so I need to get moving. 

Have a wonderful day!!!

Ciao!!!

Driving through the mountains

I hope you also check out the comments, as there are some good ones. When it comes to decluttering, there is an excellent comment on the blog yesterday. For memories like high school or any other topic, designate one box as the memory box, and when it's full, that's it!!! I need to do that as I have two medium-sized tubs with stuff from high school and a few other mementos from when I was a kid. I don't really have a home for two - I have a good home for one. I need to consolidate those tubs! 

Thanks for the great tip!! 

So yesterday was a long travel day! Regarding travel days, this one was boring as everything worked as it should have! DH dropped me and all my luggage at the airport, so that helped.

My luggage

 Then I zipped through the business class check-in, where they do all the tagging and whatnot. Within a few minutes, I was through security and in the lounge having oatmeal for breakfast! 

I was right—one of the bags was over 50 lbs, but it was 55, so I easily could have distributed it to the other two, but since I didn't have to, there was no worry. 

The boarding for the flight was 7:10, but when I arrived, they were already boarding Zone 3. Not that it mattered, but they were on the ball. I goofed, and the seats were NOT the lie-flat beds. Don't worry- I still had a great seat. I slept a bit on the flight as I was tired. I watched a movie (not a great one), and then I started watching some episodes of Modern Family. When I watched TV, it was one of my favorite shows, and it might be fun to go back and watch them. Like I have time!!!!

The flight path was one that I don't think I've ever been on before, or I didn't have a window seat. But we flew over the northern US states. I didn't have my map on when I took this picture, but I suspect this was North Dakota or Montana. 

The view from the plane

Then there were the mountains. Again, this was more in the US, as we did not fly over the Canadian Rockies. 

Mountains 

I should mention that the plane backed away from the gate about two minutes early, and then we were off. 

When I arrived in Vancouver, my luggage was there. Of course, I had to wait a few minutes, but not long, and then I was off to get my rental car. 

I was actually at the car rental place before I was supposed to be. What the heck happened? I asked if I could get a car with Android Carplay as I needed it for navigation. He couldn't guarantee that as he didn't know what cars it was in. Sigh....... So I took my chances. I was offered an electric car. I said, "No thanks." Can you imagine me driving an electric car through the mountains, and it being my first time with an electric vehicle? Nope!

I got into the car, connected my phone, and VOILA --- Android Carplay!!!!!

Android Car play!!!

This made my day!!!! I was a little concerned about the next leg of the journey as I had to drive to Penticton, which was about 4 1/2 hours away. Through the mountains! But it was a super drive, and I stopped briefly twice just to stretch my legs and have a potty break. It's been a long time since I haven't driven through the mountains, and some of the roads were roads I rode my bike on years ago. And the weather was glorious!!!!! It took me five hours, not 4 1/2, to make the journey, as traffic was a bit congested for the first hour and with my two stops. But still, that worked well. OH -- I had downloaded an audiobook, but I guess it wasn't sitting on my phone and I was streaming it. Well, guess what? In those mountains, I didn't always have a signal and I couldn't listen to the book at times!!! 

Before I knew it, I had arrived at the store, dropped off my samples, and checked the store out. It's called Black Rabbit Fabrics, and it's located in a funky converted cannery, which is amazing!!! I think I found the main fabric for my Spice Market quilt, and it's on sale!!! 

Then off to my brother's house. I haven't been here for many years and they have an amazing view of the city from their house. I haven't seen my SIL for a number of years and we all had a great visit. 

I try to ignore the time change when I travel because it just messes me up. So I went to bed at my usual time and up at my normal time, but by the clock HERE, not back home. Which is why the blog is late today! It's a three-hour time difference! 

So, as for travel days? That was a good one. 

Now, it's time to get a few more computer things done before the day, and then I'll be ready for my presentations today. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Home AGAIN!!!

I'm home!! But not for long. I'm off to do a guild talk tonight and a workshop tomorrow, and then I'll be home for a couple of weeks. While all the travel is "exciting," it's not! I have much that I want to get accomplished here. But all is good!

Here are a couple of pictures to catch up on. That Murphy!! She knows exactly where to lay down so I won't miss her. I was about to go on a Zoom call the other day, and my computer stand was on that table in the middle. So she plunks herself right where I would put my chair! 

MOM -- I NEED you to see me!!!!

And then, when I was done at the computer, she plunked herself right in the path between the tables so I wouldn't miss her. 

MOM --- can you see me??? 

Hopefully, now that the little guy is gone, she and Lexi can return to normal. 

I will admit that when I got home last night, the house seemed empty. He may be small, but his personality and attitude are BIG!!!

He's so funny. I slept on M's couch and was so tired that I never noticed that it wasn't the most comfortable place to sleep. The Little Guy sure knows he is home. He would NOT go on the pee pad, so I took him for a walk and found something to eat. Hmmm, his mom did NOT have his toys or his bed out!!! She had to dig it out of the closet! Poor guy --- where's the welcome mat? 

There are two elevators in the building, and he was standing at the door to one. But he heard the other elevator announce its arrival, and he scooted over there to get in! Yep—he might like the forest, but he's an urban boy at heart. 

Then, he began sniffing every square inch of that elevator floor to see what he had missed. 

Grandma -- my friends were here! 

The second he was outside, he did a quick business. Good boy for holding! His Mom will be so "happy" that he doesn't like pee pads! However, there's a pet-friendly area on one of the patios, so she doesn't even have to leave the building! He's a good boy!!! That dog is a people magnet, though!!! Everyone loves him and wants to pet him!

So Bear and I walked up to Tim's. And let's say there are a ton of dogs in the neighborhood. I don't live downtown, so I can't compare to here; Vancouver is a cool city and seems extremely open to cycling and other non-vehicular transportation. 

As we were walking, I spotted a guy coming down the street—and I mean DOWN the street (hill) —on a skateboard, with a backpack and a ceramic mug in his hand! Although he seemed to be putting on a show of almost falling off the skateboard, he was quite skilled! 

Walking in that area is certainly different than walking in the suburbs where I live, where NO ONE is on the street or barely!

We passed beautiful tulips that were already past their prime. 

Tulips are past their prime

Beautiful old heritage buildings are interspersed amongst the high-rises, and like everywhere, the amount of construction was insane!!!

Old heritage buildings with a high-rise behind

We walked down to Cole Harbor and sat in the sun briefly as I sipped my tea. That huge yacht belongs to Jimmy Pattison, one of Canada's richest people. 

Cole Harbor

You can't really see them, but there are the mountains north of Vancouver! 

Our morning view

Then we walked back to the apartment, and Bear proceeded to snuggle up on the sofa with me for the morning while M and I visited. What a cutie, and I will miss him. WAIT a minute—HIGH MAINTENANCE. Murphy will be jumping up and down because she gets to go for a walk first! 

Exhausted after his trip!

As I prepared to leave, the little guy jumped in his carrier. WAIT -- you would think he had enough of the carrier the previous day! But I gave him a couple of big hugs, and then I was gone. 

Grandma - can I come too?

I walked back to the train station and didn't take any wrong turns. I got my ticket, which cost half of what the ticket the day before cost. Time of day is a huge factor in all these ticket prices. 

Got my train ticket

Then, I took the SkyTrain back to the airport. Doesn't this remind you of a roller coaster ride? Thankfully, it was a gentle ride. 

The Sky Train back to the airport

I made a couple of rookie mistakes as I approached the security desk. Few people are around when you enter the security area from the train, and it's very convenient. As I walked towards the desk, I was on my phone texting DH about something at home and even stopped to finish the test. That was a RED FLAG, and the lady even asked why I stopped. So I explained everything to her as she swabbed EVERYTHING I had. 

Then, my small backpack was flagged as it went through the scanner. OH GOD -- I forgot I had a half-full water bottle in there. DUH!!!! I never do that. And when I went through the X-ray, I got the big one. 

Yep -- next time, PAY ATTENTION and do NOT draw attention to yourself like that. Totally rookie mistakes!!! But I had loads of time, and no harm was done. 

The wait was uneventful, and the plane was on time. I was close to getting an upgrade, but there are too many people with 50K status ahead of me and my 35K, so it's unlikely I'll ever be able to use those points, but you never know. DH says I need to buy a more expensive ticket to get further up the line. Seriously? Would I pay more money to potentially get upgraded? That's one of the reasons we don't vacation together. I'm happy in a tent, and he needs 5 stars! 

I was happy in the economy seats - the flight is only 4 1/2 hours, so it's no big deal. EXCEPT -- on the way out and the way back, the persons sitting behind me had a very annoying habit. They must empty their packs into the back of their seat pocket. Then they proceed to spend the entire flight digging in the seat pocket, which, of course, I can feel every time because the padding in that area is not great. I swear they are touching my butt the entire flight! 

But I survived! On the way home, I snagged a window seat and got a great view of the airport, which is ENTIRELY built on an island. 

Vancouver Airport is on an island

And there are the mountains! I hadn't seen them from the air in a long time, and they were as majestic as ever! 

The Rockies

It's great traveling light, and I was much lighter than usual, with only my backpack. If I didn't have to check my luggage, I'd never check my luggage again. What a hassle to check it in and then retrieve it, carry it, and take care of it. Nope—I'll go as light as I can. However, there will be times when I'll have to, and I'll just deal with it then. 

DH came to pick me up, and I swear the people coming to pick people up are as silly as ever. Why arrive at the curb if your party isn't there? The congestion was horrific, but I hopped in the car, and we were gone in seconds! 

The girls (no boy) were thrilled to see me. And they will be even happier this morning (and so will I) because the walk will be much shorter, so they can get fed earlier! We love you BEAR, but you are high maintenance!!!

Mom's HOME!!!! 

Of course, Lexi wanted out late at night, but that's not happening! She wouldn't come in, or if she did, it would be in the middle of the night. OK, so these girls are also high maintenance, but now there are only two!

I did not go to the gym this morning. I thought about it and then said no! I had some work that needed to be done this morning, and I think I'm good. I have LOADS of emails to respond to, so if you're waiting for an email from me, be patient. I hope to get most of it done this morning. Then I have to pack for the lecture tonight and the workshop tomorrow. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Adventures in Vancouver

Oh my -- I almost forgot to blog this morning. I'm reading this LONG book and want to know how it ends, so I'm sneaking in any possible moments to finish it. It's over 1,000 pages on my phone, which is long, and I'm not sure it needs to be that long. I find it very confusing -- so many characters and so many details. I've no idea how the author was able to keep everything together. In case you're wondering, it's called Lethal White by Robert Galbraith. And yes -- I know that is JK Rowlings! 

The weather turned out perfect yesterday -- a bit cloudy, not too cold, and just a few drops of rain! So what to do all day? We decided to go for a walk around the city and used the Adventure Labs as our guide! That's what's so fun about the Adventure Labs; you have no idea where you'll end up. And we saw a few places M didn't know about, so we were really exploring together. 

Bear started the day with us when we went to Stanley Park, but we ditched him just before lunch as he is very slow. 

OH -- M needed to get a urine sample from him, which was hilarious, but while I held the leash, she did the dirty end of the business, and we were able to get it right away, so we walked over to the vet and got that errand out of the way. 

Someone who was recently here showed us a neat building and asked if M knew where it was. Yep -- it wasn't far from where we were, so we popped over to see it. I call it the Quilt Building, as all four sides looked like this. Oh my -- I just found an article about this building -- you can see the before and after - it was HIDEOUS before. 

The "quilt" building

We saw lots of artwork and sculptures along the way. This sculpture was called A-Maze-ing Laughter, but you can't see what it's all about in this photo. I think there are 12 sculptures, all in various stages of laughter. 

M and Bear

We went into Stanley Park instead of walking the seawall, as that is where the Adventure Labs were taking us. We were shocked to see so many flowers still blooming, and the blooms were gorgeous. 

They were huge, and the colors were still very vibrant. We saw some very sleepy bees on some of them as well. 

Beautiful blooms

We did two Adventure Labs in that area and then headed back to the apartment to drop off Bear and have lunch. 

Then, we headed in a new direction into an area with beautiful heritage homes. They were absolutely stunning. I had looked up one house for sale, and the price was a cool $3.5 Million. Some of these homes appear to be boarding houses, as this one had many bedrooms and a basement apartment, but there was no shared living space. How awful is that? 

Vancouver Heritage home

We discovered the cutest little alley (Mole Hill) and spotted lush gardens along both sides of the little path and a little creek with goldfish! I know --- loads of little secrets hidden in plain view. 

I had a great uncle (I think) who owned a house in downtown Vancouver and refused to sell. I'll have to find out where that was. It looked so weird with the house surrounded by apartment buildings. 

While M doesn't really do any geocaching, she had attempted to do one close to her place. But she had looked numerous times but couldn't find it. So we were subtly searching through flower beds and along a rock wall but found nothing. OK, so it's time to look further afield, and I soon spotted it. So that made the morning! 

We discovered the "O Canada" house, where one of the English first verses of O Canada was penned. Yep -- one of those heritage houses is now a B and B. Then we headed into the downtown area to find some artwork. 

After a bit of searching, we discovered the murals were on the ground, and after looking at the name of the Adventure Lab (Art under foot), that made sense. It's funny how we could have walked past those murals a thousand times without seeing them. This project was called Footprints Community Art Project, but I can't find much else about it other than some of the artist's name and photos of other murals. 

Part of our Adventure Lab tour

Again, I LOVE the geocaches and Adventure Labs because they take you to places and get you to look at things you might never see otherwise!! 

Then, we headed home and stopped in a few shops along Robson Street along the way. So I'm still behind on my walking challenge, but the 20 KM of walking yesterday will be a good start to put me back on track. 

I should be able to catch up within a week or so? There will not be much travel in the next couple of weeks and only a few Zooms, so I should be good. 

As much as travel is "fun" and exciting, I can't wait to get home. It'll be good to unpack everything, do a bit of planning to see where I need to focus my time in the next bit, and then actually get some sewing and quilting done! 

On that note, I'm out of here!!!!

Have a great day!

Ciao!!