With a Little Help from Our Friends

Well, they aren't really our friends, but the title sounds good anyway!

Whereas we were receiving gobs and gobs of rain in May, June was much dryer, and July is looking like it may repeat June's pattern. Thus, when we venture outdoors, or I should say, when I venture outdoors, I jump right in to keep cool.

Friday, before mowing the lawn, I did a pool dip, which was just enough to get me through that chore. You can see how crazy sunny it has been, and it lasts almost all day, unlike some summers when the storm clouds roll in during the late morning, build throughout the afternoon, and burst forth just when people are driving home from work. More than a few days I've worried about Bill being stuck on the interstate in massive rainstorms. Too date, my worries are entirely misplaced, but I'm a Mom--what can I say?

And you've heard me mention it before, but here is how I keep my cool at the market.

You might note it says high velocity, and I can vouch for that. So can all of the young ladies who have nearly had their skirts blown up, ala Marilyn Monroe, while visiting my booth! Yesterday was no exception on the sunny and hot front, and believe you me, I was thrilled when the day was over. When I went to retrieve the car for loading, the temperature reading inside was 103 degrees!! In spite of the heat, folks came, and a number of them bought. Go figure?

Here is one patron's basket after visiting Jonathan, our farmer guy's tables.

You can bet I encouraged him to try grilling the okra! I just can't keep my mouth shut.

We had a super fun July 4, beginning over at Lake Pineloch with a cook out at Burch's place, a friend (our age) of our twins. David brought the paddle board, and you know who decided to give it a try. After some instruction, and ENCOURAGEMENT, from him, I managed to stand up and paddle!

Bruce gave it a go as well, while listening to David calling out from the boat house area.

Following that, we headed over to the condo pool, which is just fabulous. Here are the girls who refuse to get their hair wet, although I did try to splash them during multiple jumps in the water!

Never worked though. Me, I've been going around looking like a dog with my hair a mess from almost daily swimming. :)

Around 5:00 we stopped by the house for the macaroni salad I'd made earlier, and went to Lisa and Oren's lovely home in Southern Oaks. Pam and Lisa both have the same idea.

After a few hours we realized that we are in our 60's, and this much partying is beyond our capabilities, so we made our way home in the midst of the crack of fireworks going off from every direction. More and more people are doing them at home, and nearby neighbors are no exception. Did we stay up to watch? What do you think?

Which brings me to today. Or a few weeks ago first. My friend Carol who lives in Washington State, posted this hilarious blog on my fb page a few weeks ago. Called, Pattern Behavior, it is a riot! Someone, far more clever than I, posts a photo of a pattern jacket with subtitles for the models. Anyway, it is good for some serious laughs, even if you don't sew. Imagine my surprise when Regina came to the door this morning with a little gift for me. Handing it to Bruce she said she could not resist.

When I called to thank her, she said maybe I don't write notecards? I assured her I still do. A little later, actually just as I'd put lunch on the table, I went to check the mail, finding amongst the junk an envelope from the Strombergs, addressed to Bruce and Gail. I assumed it was a thank you note for some graduation money I'd sent her son Michael, however, he'd already called, so what could it be? Well, here is one page of it....

It was the 4th of July that Angela last updated the Caring Bridge site in case you are interested. If not, the gist is that day by day he is becoming weaker, however, as evidenced above he is still the sweet guy we know and love. Apparently he wrote this last week, and as she mentioned in her tiny note, she knows we will treasure it. And so we will. (I immediately penned a note to Matt using the above male model note card.)

Another health update comes from Tim, Alan's partner. Now, perhaps you need a reminder who they are? Alan is our friend who contacted bacterial meningitis, and had to have both legs removed as a result. I've been meaning to tell you that he finally went home from rehab, in high spirits. That was what I'd been hearing each week at the market. This Sunday, Tim came to my booth, and there was Alan, through the magic of Face Time. Smiling and happy no less! My heart was bursting with happiness. I suspect we never know how much we can handle what life puts in our way until we are faced with it. You think?

Despite our heat induced weariness last evening, we managed to stay up and watch the USA women win the World Cup...what a game!! In this photo, taken during my April visit to Vancouver, you can just see a peek of the stadium.

Although my post title today was written slightly tongue and cheek, I realized after writing this post that life is all about a little help from our friends, isn't it?

feeling loved,

Gail

An Unexpected Tour Guide

Reluctantly, I left the aquarium and made my way to the nearby bus stop. Walking up, I saw no signs, so I asked the young man standing there if he knew when the next bus would arrive. Immediately he removed his phone from his pocket, cheerfully telling me about a great app I could install on mine to give me the bus schedule. Explaining to him that I was a tourist for only two days, would he be so kind as to share what his app told him? At that moment, never for a minute, did I expect the two of us would spend the next three or so hours together, all while he was enthusiastically pointing out sights along the way to Granville Island.

Who, pray tell is this young man of whom I speak? Well, in our time together I learned quite a bit about him, and how it was that he had three hours to spend with a stranger. His name is Quentin, and before moving to Vancouver a year ago, he'd spent the last seven years as a diving instructor on a 200 foot yacht. Yep, you read that right, 200 feet! I don't know how much I should reveal, but I did learn that the crew, including his now girlfriend, (former chef on the boat), and all the others needed to maintain a vessel of that size, moved the boat around the world to the greatest diving places, including the Galapagos, French Polynesia, the Adriatic Coast, and of course, all of the Caribbean. Once moored, the owner would fly in with his family to dive. If you're thinking you might just want to rent the boat for a week, be prepared to cough up $350,000 for the privilege. Out of your price range? Me too!

While waiting for his work permit, he volunteers at the Vancouver Aquarium, cleaning the pools for the seals and porpoise! As well, another day of the week he teaches children about sea life. So, from Stanley Park we took the bus, getting off somewhere I've forgotten, and he showed me around. I told him I write a blog, and had to have photographic proof of his kindness.

The bag you see on the ground is his dive equipment that he carted around like nothing! Anyway, he showed me some sights I'm certain I would never have seen, including the sculpture left in place that held the Olympic flame!

It was just lovely. This area is adjacent to their convention center, built for the Olympics as the broadcast center. The guard at the door nearly stopped him from showing me this gorgeous sight hanging from the ceiling.

There are a lot of ways people get around in Vancouver including sea planes parked adjacent to the center.

So, we are walking to the next bus stop and he asks if I eat ice cream. Sure, I say. Well, you can't come to Vancouver without eating the best in the city! So, we do just that. Salted Caramel if you're wondering.

A wall full of accolades that's for sure.

I did my best to purchase my own, but he was not to be dissuaded. Incredible, right? I seriously could not make this stuff up.

One thing about being a photographer is that generally it is best to be alone on walks. Or that's how I feel about it. I hate having to ask people to stop while I examine something, or want to run across the street for a better vantage point. As such, I would have liked to get a better shot of the Marine Building, now owned by the Guinness family, but it was not to be.

According to the link, it was once known for being the tallest building in the British Empire. Back on the bus again, it was about a twenty minute ride to Granville Island where Quentin was to pick up his car from the place his girlfriend works, teaching pastry at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.

If you can imagine he asked if I might wait a few minutes while he put that heavy bag in the car! Duh! I can do that.

The entrance looks like this, with a poster below that might bring a chuckle to a few of you.

Vancouver is known as a place with a lively arts scene, and loads of films are shot there. In fact, while we were at the condo, we could not use the roof deck, or lounge, because they were shooting scenes for a show called Continuum. As everyone knows I'm a big fan of street art, and love finding it wherever I go. Unfortunately, the powers that be in Vancouver are not fans, however, after scouring the internet I did find one thing that looked really cool. Well, Quentin took me right to it on Granville Island, and it looked just as great in person. Well, better really. Please note the concrete truck painted like a corn cob.

I was unable to get a good shot of another truck painted like a Converse tennis shoe! If you think I'm an enthusiastic person, Quentin puts me to shame. Everything is beautiful, including the labels on the gin and vodka bottles at the local distillery. Of course, before the diving gig, he was in marketing, so he has a special affinity for labels. I thought of my son Matt when I saw this place.

Speaking of Matt, Quentin is a year younger than Matt, and I told him to be sure and tell his Mom how kind he was to me. Eventually he looked at his watch, and said he would take his leave; he had to meet up with a fellow volunteer who worked inside the market.

Apparently they meet once a month to clean up the shoreline, under water no less. They are quite serious about recycling in Vancouver--note the three bins. Let's look around the area, shall we? Inside there are vendors of food of all types.

By now it was nearly 3; starving, I bought a little pasta salad at a place that also had a beautiful olive display.

Because of the time. and I was unsure when Bruce would be done. I did not spend as much time inside as I might have liked, but I did look around more outside. There are great views from every angle.

Because of the lovely weather people were outside basking in the sun.

I thought to myself, the buildings look as if they could be in Miami Beach.

Another time, that is if I go back, I would most definitely take advantage of the ferries! And there is what is called the Aquabus.

The bridge is the very one we drove over via bus.  Again, because my time was limited, my exposure to the many art galleries was, of necessity, from the street.

Making my way back to the condo, following my bus ride, I loved seeing all the area has to offer. I don't need to tell you how seeing this kind of stuff excites me!

Although I did not get to try it, Meat & Bread is highly regarded.

Here's a view of the condo building that I'm including,

the one shaped like a V. By this time, Bruce was still at work, and I was hankering for a glass of wine. Although there is a grocery store on the ground floor, they do not sell any alcohol. I opted to go to the bar located at the point of the V. While resting, I chatted with two young men sitting adjacent to me. When I told them I was from Florida, one of them asked me if I had ever been to the Keys. Why, yes I have. Turns out, he has been watching the great Netflix series, (we finished it last night), Bloodline, set in Islamorada. Although there is murder and mayhem, the scenery is gorgeous. He's now dying to go there himself!

Finally, Mr. Peck called it a day and we set off to the Earls location in Yaletown. We enjoyed a lovely meal there, and the walk, although about ten blocks, was good, with lovely sights to behold.

I found this article on the web about how Earls develops their menu, and the same attention to detail exists in the building department, that's for sure! In fact, Bruce was in Vancouver to review many plans and details for the one he will build in Orlando, beginning in September.

One thing I discovered is that it is great walking home after dinner; a good way to rid oneself of that over-full feeling! It was a beautiful night, and the building looked magical.

Are you worn out yet? I sure was! Day one in the books. What did I do on Thursday? Coming soon.

Hope you enjoyed this little tour made even better because of the kindness of strangers.

Gail

p.s. I was encouraged by several to put as many photos as I want, so I did!

Vancouver, Part One

Yesterday I looked at the photos from the trip, today I think I've recovered enough to write about them. Time change, along with long travel days will do that to an old lady.

Because Bruce booked our tickets only a week in advance, he took what flights he could get for a reasonable cost. Translated into plain English, this means long layovers on both Monday, and Friday. How does 3 hours in Minneapolis, and 4 hours in Salt Lake City sound to you? For a non-sitter such as myself, it sounds like torture. Add to that, a two hour flight delay from Minneapolis, and Bruce found himself with a crazed woman! Aside from those inconveniences, the trip was GREAT!

Vancouver has a bunch of tall stuff, including the skyscrapers, the mountains, and the gorgeous big trees. And, of course, the seaport which was endlessly fascinating. Following our cab ride to the condo, we collapsed into bed as it was past midnight our time. Our first real view of the city was at dawn from the balcony of the 36th floor of the Woodward's Building. What a view it is!

This is looking some way or another--I never really got my bearings except to tell you that the mountains are on the North.

No doubt you knew we would be up early! Having only lived in an apartment for one year of my life I find it fascinating how others do. Across the street...

Because it was too early to go to the office, Bruce set up shop on the dining table.

The company keeps the condo for traveling folks, and it is wonderful, with these great views everywhere you turn. Eventually it was late enough to go find some breakfast, and while doing so, we walked the few blocks to the office to remind Bruce where it was! Chinatown is where.

Although he'd only been to Vancouver the one time last October, he remembered it was in the brick building on the left. His plan for the day was to work, mine was to play. And, if you can imagine, the weather was outstanding, with clear blue skies, and mild temperatures requiring only a light coat. How could I have been so lucky??? Don't know!

Before leaving I looked on tripadvisor for the best things to do while in Vancouver. Number one on the list was Stanley Park, so my first order of business was to figure out how to get there via the bus. Heading down the elevator, we began chatting with a couple, who, in what was to become very common during my stay, walked me to the area where I could purchase a ticket! Only a few blocks away, it was a comfortable walk, and of all things, I saw a Rexall Drugstore.

This will mean something to some of you, nothing to others. I can't remember the last time I saw a Rexall, however, during my growing up years, I probably saw the one behind our house every day. The bus and train station on Water Street, where I, once again, was given kind assistance on how to use the ticket machine.

I walked the few blocks to the bus stop, and before long I was on my way. To say Stanley Park is beautiful is an understatement. Seriously, from the moment I got off the bus, there were gorgeous sights everywhere I looked.

Above is the horsedrawn trolley that you can ride, which I did not, but you can if you want to! Apparently the cherry blossoms were early this year but, boy howdy, the tulips sure put on a show!

I am going to do my best not to overload you with photos, but it will be hard to do so, as I want you to feel as if you were there with me! The lodge built in 1911...

Could it be any more beautiful? I don't think so! The daffodils were competing for attention.

Not to mention the anemones which were such a wonderful shade of purple. Later on I would see sea anemones which possibly delighted me even more! Did I mention everywhere you looked a picturesque scene unfolded?

A fair amount of folks rent bicycles near the park entrance to cycle along the sea wall encircling the park.

It is a safe bet those folks were not carrying a bag with cameras, as your favorite blogger was doing. Instead I began walking along the sea...

which was lovely, however, eventually I knew my legs were going to wear out, so I took a pathway that I thought headed to the aquarium; instead I came across the filming of a McDonalds commercial.

And an adorable little birdie...

After asking somemone which way to go, I made it to the aquarium, and I have to say, it was so, so good. Worth every cent, and then some! I hardly know where to start everything was so exciting. The displays were mostly sea life in the Pacific Northwest waters. The link will take you to professional photographs, however, I'll do what I can.

The first tank you encounter gives you a glimpse into the wonders to come.

The colors are so vibrant it is hard to believe they are real. Because I live in a city known for fantasy, I suppose that is why that occurred to me. While all the fish were fantastic, the anemones were almost more so.

Can you believe the range of colors??? Everyone gathered round the jellyfish exhibit, and can you blame them?

Honestly, I could not get enough of them!

I so wish the one below had come out better, alas it was not to be. These are, aptly named, Umbrella jellyfish.

They were so cute! Our niece Amanda is visiting Japan, using a clear umbrella, and I couldn't help but think of her when I saw these. Anyone interested in Moon Jellyfish?

Speaking of Japan, this tank held jellyfish found off the coast of Japan.

While standing in front of this display, I overheard a child asking her Mother about the anemones and algae. Her reply--sea flowers!

The pinks were great, as was the green.

As well, there are some really cool white ones.

Recently I saw the stingrays at Brevard zoo, which were white; apparently they come in other colors.

Sadly I was unable to photograph the gigantic octopus because it was all curled up, but man, what a sight! Eventually I tore myself away, and went outdoors to see the beluga whales, and whatever else there was to see. A seagull keeping watch over the swimming whale...

Adjacent to the whale pools, South African penguins were chilling before jumping into the water.

I later learned the one on the right is molting, just like our cardinal friends do in late summer.

If ever there were a sleek sea creature it is the sea lion. While visiting San Diego I saw them there in great numbers, however, certainly not this close.

Finally, (if you can believe it), the Pacific White Sided Dolphin who was rescued after losing her pectoral flippers in a fishing net.

Are you suffering from photograph fatigue yet? I suspect that is true, so I will write again tomorrow about the rest of the day, which held yet more excitement!

Stay tuned!

I hope you've enjoyed the trip thus far,
Gail