An Old Car and New Tuna

Neighbour John called us over today and showed us his 1930 Model T Ford pickup. It is in mint condition and lots of fun to sit in. Lexi wanted to honk the horn (original) and was nearly scared by the noise.
Next went down to the dock and bought a 36 lb. tuna which was caught and flash frozen off Oregon. Suzanne marinated the tuna steaks in sesame oil, garlic and soy sauce, then seared it on both sides, something like raw (ahi) tuna, sashimi grade. I didn't think I was a fan of raw fish but it was absolutely delicious.
The peole on the fishing boat were very interesting and there were red starfish on the pier pilings so it was a fun time.

Swimming

We went up to Sechelt to the new swimming pool. Hana loves climbing up the 3 storey slide that goes outside the building and down into the pool. Trey is using the small slide and loves it. One feature is the 'lazy river' where you go into a loop area between 'rock walls' and glide floating around it, pushed by a current. It was lots of fun and the girls are really improving in their swimming.

Off to Gibsons

Time for visits with grandkids. We had a great dinner and visit in Abbotsford Tuesday and now its Gibson time. The kids were home on a pro D day so we had a lovely time with them, a nice roast dinner and Ron went home. Fri I went to school with Hana and walked home. There were 4 deer on my way and I watched them for about 20 minutes. I went looking at the shops of artists and handicrafts, a bunch of beautiful stuff. Next I went up to Sechelt, stopping on the way to visit Annika Lindstrom, a painter, of canvas and ceramics in her Blue Dot studio. We had a great visit and I'd love to take painting lessons one day. She paints fabulous floral designs overlooking the ocean.
I gave Lexi her birthday gift, a pink and green quilt with frogs on the front and racing car flannel on the back. She loved it and both girls drag their quilts downstairs and climb into to bed with me tin the morning. I love it.
We enjoyed looking at the pictures from our Nelson vacation on my computer.

New Subway Customer

At Suzanne's in July, I had to back out of the path through the bush to the park, with the stroller and kids because of a bear. When we go back up to Kitimat, will this be my new coffee companion? This bear wandered into the local Subway in the middle of town and this was shown in the local newspaper.

Down at Neptune

We had a wonderful day down at Liz and Malc's yesterday. We sat on the porch under the clear glass roof listening to the rain while we watched people and boats come and go. The guys went out and brought in the 2 crab pots so after they were cooked in salt water - man, what a feed!!!! If you click the picture, you can see the fish jumping in the water.
We chatted, argued politics, played crib and pool and had a late dinner. Stayed up later than we had for ages.

Carly's Shower

We had a bridal shower for Carly and she was delighted with the red and gold bookcover and the family tree. I finally finished this project. I also made a yellow (her favourite colour) catch all bag for Auntie Floss that snaps around the arm of her wheelchair so her 'treasures' don't slip off the side.
All the little cousins were adorable and loved helping with the Carly's presents. The moms had a hard time explaining it was a party -they were not having a shower or bath.
This week has been catch up time. We had to take the Coach to have the 3 bedroom blinds repaired and reinstalled. What a dilemma for Tiffen, the day/night shades were installed so tightly that the strings just wore through with the constant up and down.They're good quality and all changed now. It was bills, 3 loads of laundry, shopping and cleaning week. All spiffy now.

B.Y.O.C.

Agnes and I had a great time last night. We went to the Clova Theater in Cloverdale to see their double bill, Mamma Mia and Chicago. Every show is a double bill and the theater is owned by a private family. Craig emails the billings Sunday night when he knows what they've got. His mother greets you at the door and explains B.Y.O.Container. They've done this for 3 months and garbage pickup has decreased from weekly to once a month. Mama also welcomes you to the family and tells you as a family member, you can stay behind to help clean up. She introduces Cupcake, her dog and tells a joke each night. It is a delightful experience.

Realty World Ladies

The 'old faithfuls' got together for a visit at Kiki's today. It's so interesting to hear what everyone has been doing. Lots to talk about. We're getting together in October and will share our travel pictures. Once again, it's such a delight to still be friends after 25 years.

Golf tournament

We gathered at the Sunnyside Golf course for a fun day in the sun and a good walk. Of course we played 'best ball' as some had never even seen a golf club. We had a great time and some 'newbies', really surprised themselves with how good some of their shots were and all had a great time. We went back to Joe and Loretta's for a lovely dinner to round out our day.

50 Years - Can You Believe It ???

We met at Della's today to celebrate our 50th anniversary of our high school grad from St. Ann's Academy in New Westminster. Needless to say, we talked nonstop from 11 a.m. until 5p.m. There were 22 of the 36 of our class and we feel so grateful to have such rich friendships after all this time. In our group picture is the 50 year St. Ann's bag from Joanne and Joni.

You wouldn't believe the construction!!!

This is the view behind our place. Cressy is developing acres of land. It's nothing but backhoes from 7 a.m. on when the Moho starts to shake. I don't know how many houses are going in but it's lots with a school site as well. This is going in between O Ave, up to 4th, from 175A St. to 173 at present and will encompass about twice as much land when it's finished. I don't think any lots have been sold yet and there is a slowdown in real Estate so that would make me nervous.

3 Sisters

Wallachs came in from their Alaska Cruise, which they loved. They came down here with Marg and we went to Crescent Beach for lunch at the Beacher Street Cafe. Then we walked past the old Denis' fish and chip stand, around the Point, past the pier, around Wicksons, past our childhood cottage, my 2 houses and little old relics next to massive new homes. What a gorgeous day in the sunshine smelling the salt air. We ended up at Marg's where Ron joined us after Crib and Brad after cycling. I love the new front garden Marg's planted. She ripped out the lawn and a huge tree and has blue and purple perennials plus 2 thyme paths. Very nice.

Adele and Bob's

We were off to Chilliwack for a lovely day of sunshine, visiting, pool, crib and hamburger's with the pool crowd. We admired the gardens and renovations they've done. Very nice.

Retirement Dinner

We went to the Sheraton for Ron's Retirement party and had a lovely time with wining, dining and good friends he's worked with over the past 25 years.

Bev's Boat

Sat. we had a wonderful time celebrating John's important birthday with he and Carol at 'Dave's Pub', their 'outhouse' in the back yard. Terrific for gatherings. The usual crowd were there and Rachael, a Greek belly dancer performed and moved muscles I never even knew I had. Beautifully done. We played pool and danced and had a great time.

Today Alda, Pooch and I went down to Ladner and visited Bev on their boat. It is very well designed so that there is lots of room and and would be a joy to live aboard. It was very pleasant sitting in the sun on the quiet river and watching the large vessels going over the freeway into the Richmond docks. It didn't look like there was enough water!