GREEN!

Happy St. Patrick' Day!!

Amazing Vacation!

I am finally back to work after an amazing whirlwind of a vacation with my dear cousin Katie, who flew in to have a bit of a getaway.

We stated by hitting all to great spots around Victoria for some fun touristy shopping and sightseeing: Inner Harbour an

d downtown, where we bought neat jewelry and new shoes, Chinatown, where Katie picked up some unique items, Whale Watching, where we saw a few porpoise and several killer whales, Canada Day Fireworks and c

razy mayhem downtown Victoria ("Darn you Birds!") and much more!

We then took a bit of a road trip up to Tofino for 2 nights of camping and fun. We set up camp and strolled the beach, poking at weird sea creatures, had a lovely cozy campfire and marveled at the LOUD rain that poured down the second we were tucked into bed.

We experienced another awesome whale watching trip in Tofino where we saw a Harbour Seal rookery, some Stellar Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, two grey whales and a spectacular show from a rare group of Transient Orcas (you know, the black and white ones?), they kind that eat seals! 

After t

he trip back to Victoria, we then headed over to Langley to visit with my sister, Angie and her husban

d Tom. We lounged, played Guitar Hero on their HUGE screen, visited some other friends and relatives and came home, Angie in tow.

Over the last few days of our holiday, Angie, Katie and I explored the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo, ate some yummy ice cream, walked

 the Breakwater and once more strolled downtown.

On our last day, my mom joined us for a splendid Afternoon Tea at the White Heather Tea Room and a drive around scenic Victoria.

I was so very sad to see Katie leave, but we had such a wonderful time together with so many great memories to cherish!

I managed to snap almost 600 photos while Katie was here, but I won't post them all, don't worry! For an excellent sampling of all the BEST ones, click on the links below....you can see them even if you are not a part of Facebook. (Don't miss the awesome and utterly unreal whale watching photos!)

Album 1

Album 2

Album 3

Thanks for being my vacation partner, Katie! I'll miss ya!

Mini Vacation

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to fill you in on my fab mini-holiday to the lovely township of Langley! Yes, that's right good ole Langley. Ok, so the draw isn't Langley itself, but more the companionship of my wonderful sister and her newish husband. They let me come over for a few days to rest and hang out and shop!! Fun! My sister had some time off so we caught up and shopped up. I ended up with a few cool purchases of clothing, we both got a really neat retro wooden frame that holds several photos, a few books (yay, brand new books from my favourite author!), a couple movies and wouldn't you believe it...fish! Yes, I said fish. I went to my all time favourite aquarium store, Big Al's in Burnaby and walked back over on the ferry with a backpack full of fishy friends. Once they are all settled. I will take a photo or two. I got some really cool schooling fish that were way less expensive then what we can get here in Vic.

We also saw the movie "300"
Wow! What a decadent visual concoction of art, cinematography and CG effects!
True, I agree with what other critics have stated, that there isn't much in the way of surprises in regards to the plot, but the comic book style and browned, vintage-like colouring totally elevates this film from a simple slashing battle movie to an artistic and keenly thought-out story that stimulates and awes the viewer. For me, it was like unraveling some old parchment to read a story that came alive into epic characters and sweeping mythic vistas. What I also found incredible and worth remembering and replaying was the fantastic skill and drive of the Spartan soldiers, as well as the immensity and elaborateness of Xerxes and his army of "Immortal" slaves. Oh! Also the scene of the Oracle is amazing! The photography and effects, though eerie and unsettling, are very out of this world!

A few interesting points - and if you don't want to read this to spoil a few things....don't read on.
- All though the Spartans managed to fight and kill almost every enemy before them....they never seemed to have any blood on their mostly naked bodies.....Hmmmm, perhaps a magic, blood-repellent oil they glisten up with?
- The Queen should have known Theron, the would not quite live up to their bargain...."He said vs. She said" in the Greek parliament......I think the He's have it. (although I am glad she ended his part in the treachery!)
- Get a new wig master - some are just sooo bad.

My 2 cents!