The rock family reunion

It was a reunion

of diverse family members.

Varying in size, age and colour

to form a multi-hued collection.

Their tough exteriors

had been exposed to turbulence.

Now it was time to celebrate

the forces that brought them together.

Another reunion!

This morning we shared coffee with another long-lost niece.

It was great to catch up with Jacquie after so many years.

Yesterday and today

Yesterday was supposed to be the last really hot day in Vancouver for this summer 

so we invited Heather, Chris and Augie to visit for a dip in the pool and a bite of dinner.

The water was a refreshing 30 degrees and Augie demonstrated his swimming skills!

This morning, while John was in his usual session of gym torture 

I walked over to Stanley Park.

The old polar bear enclosure is still there.

The Zoo closed completely in 1997 after Tuk, the last living polar bear, died at 36 years.

Along the way I watched this heron on a successful fishing adventure...

...these sculls racing into the morning sunlight...

...and woven chairs waiting for breakfast customers.

Reunion

Last night we shared a reunion with John's niece at Sai-Woo Restaurant in Chinatown. Judy is the daughter of John's brother and we had not seen her since 1983. Heather & Adrian joined us along with Judy and Ian (her partner) for a review of family history.

In an effort to help the restaurant owners, Judy makes delicious dumplings that are a featured item on the menu. She also leads guided tours through Chinatown, providing historic details about the buildings and Chinese culture.

Ian arrived with a bin full of Maxwell memorabilia so we sipped wine and heard details about John's father and grandfather. Having done a fair bit of research ourselves, we didn't learn anything new but it was interesting to hear the stories and fill in some of the gaps.

We look forward to future connections!

This morning

So beautiful!

Turning an ugly utility box into an eye-catching image! 

More walk images

I cannot walk without my trusty camera!

Waiting for the unveiling!

Will he be here?

An off-site Emily Carr installation on Georgia Street

The "Make a Wish" tree on Jervis Street

So far there are about 100 wishes suspended from the branches.

After dinner walk

Brilliant sunset at English Bay

Full moon

Last night's full moon in Hopkins Landing.

Adrian's visit

We had a great two day visit with Adrian...with musicology lessons from generation to generation and laughter! He challenged us to hear the differences between Nirvana and Pearl Jam, between Blue Rodeo and The Tragically Hip. It never crossed my mind before that there was a difference between any of them!! On the other hand, he could instantly recognize Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Cher,

Queen ....all of them!! Later, while we were playing cards he selected a John Mayer concert for our listening pleasure! WOW! We were both very impressed with the guitar and vocals of this young man!...and grateful to have been introduced to him.

The Gibsons barber gave him a close cropping!.

Adrian prepared a delicious meal of shrimp stuffed sole,

wild rice, raspberry vinaigrette salad and sautéed veggies.

The wines were Giacondi and Circus Act.

The moon (almost full) and the wine added to the challenges of our UNO competition.

On the lookout!

Gibsons and artists

Gibsons is home to a thriving artist and artisan community.

A delivery door to a local restaurant

Fishy signage for local businesses

A locked utility box

A display window at Gibsons Art Gallery gift shop

Our favourite coffee shop

The Street Banner Project has been going strong in Gibsons since 1997.

70 individually designed banners were painted by 45 local artists and several volunteers.

This summer there are also lamp posts with colourful birdhouses attached.

Morning sunlight

The warmth of morning sunlight on wood.

Gibsons

Here we are, nestled in Gibsons again with Bella and Boomer, two lovable furry creatures.

Boomer enjoys the morning sunrise.

The pups loved the attention from my sister and her husband!

The sun is shining and the water is calm.

There are meteors blazing across the night sky.

What more could we ask for!?

West End's hidden treasures

It is time to share some of the hidden treasures in the West End.

If you are weary of the sameness of JJ Bean, Blenz and Starbucks... 

there are small, independent cafes that serve delicious coffees and teas.

The Greenhorn Espresso Bar on Nicola Street

Cardero Bottega on Cardero

We have also discovered Delany's on Denman with the very best muffins

and scones to be found anywhere in the city.

This morning we met a woman from Denver Colorado. She told me about the website that she uses for house sitting gigs...homecarers.com. We are seriously considering this option for next year.

Missing my friends

Missing my friends

longing for sweet chats over coffee

intense discussions on how, what, where

laughter and giggles

tears and hugs.

Missing my friends.

Today's travels

Today I hopped on the little False Creek ferry and sailed over to Granville Island. From there I walked up to Broadway and back down to a small gallery where a friend's work was exhibited. Unfortunately the gallery was closed so I strolled back down to Granville Island. Enroute I met a family from New Jersey and offered assistance with directions and other places to see in our city. As they had two teenage boys with them, I suggested the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. They were planning to see a production of West Side Story at Theatre Under the Stars tonight...good choice!

Back on the Island I visited the Federation of Canadian Artists gallery to see a small painting by Judy Sims and gaze at the eclectic mix of small pieces in the current exhibition...varied in size, subject and media....interesting! Did it prompt me to get busy...to start to plan future creations?...No!

I thought that a coffee at the market would be a good idea but was soon overwhelmed by the noise level...time to move on and pick up some prawns and a luscious head of romaine lettuce for tonight's dinner ...a hot prawn salad.

Back on the little ferry I was the only passenger on the return trip to the Aquatic Centre where a horde of at least 30 people were waiting.

In the relative cool of the apartment I am serenaded by roosting gulls who have driven the crows off to a new perch. The sun is shining. It is time for a dip in the pool.

The Martinique and walk photos

There are 92 apartments in The Martinique. 

They include various sized studios and one bedroom suites. 

It was constructed half a century ago in 1966. 

One resident has called this building his home for 50 years. 

Thanks to the generosity of our hosts we are calling this home for a few months of our gypsy life. We occupy one of two penthouses on the 13th floor overlooking the city. The other side of the top level, dedicated to a pool and sun worshipping area, overlooks Sunset Beach and English Bay.

I am overwhelmed by the thought that a diversity of food is being prepared in 92 kitchens on any given day in this building. The walls have witnessed all aspects of human frailty over the years. A variety of people have either called this home or passed through enroute to other, less interesting locales.

Every morning we descend in the elevator, walk out the front door and embark on a walk down tree lined streets. Sometimes the goal is to reach the gym for John's workout routine while I explore the many streets and laneways in the West End. Other times we stop for coffee and wander together. There is always something new to catch our eye.

Denman & Pacific

Coal Harbour

Granville Street

Laneway behind Denman Street

Bidwell Street