Elevators

Never a dull moment in the big city! The appointment scheduled for this morning to fix the entry phone was a "no show". After waiting for 1 1/2 hours and calling to leave messages with the company twice, we decided to head out for our walk. Neither elevator was working so we walked down ten flights of stairs and found one elevator door open...not going anywhere. I called the emergency number and was told that the only solution he could give me was regarding the elevator door! What the hell did that mean? I replied that neither elevator was functioning and there could be a serious problem in an emergency!!

Our walk took us over to the Arbutus Cafe for morning coffee and muffins the size of submarines! Good thing we're on diets and didn't plan to eat for the rest of the day! When we returned both elevators were working. Still no response from the entry phone service company.

Franny is always happy to see us when we return. At last count there were about 15 little rolled up balls lost under the couch after he chases them around!

Back in Vancouver

An early morning walk

lily pads float on reflections

in the lagoons.

Van and Fran

My ex-husband's spouse greeted us warmly when we arrived back in Vancouver to stay with their "cat-child".  Franny, adopted in Puerto Vallarta, travels between Vancouver and PV with them. This time he would have to adjust to life with the Maxwells. In Puerto Vallarta he has free access to indoor/outdoor adventures. We just hope that he doesn't decide to have too many adventures in this 10th floor apartment where he also has access to outdoor terraces!

The first cat disappearance happened this morning after we returned from our walk. I had removed him from the kitchen counters a couple of times and thought that he was sulking under the "drawer" bed. After searching everywhere, I was in a panic! Did he get up on the roof? Did he fall over the edge? John finally found him curled up on a dining room chair, fast asleep!!

Following my afternoon walk, on this very hot day, he decided to stretch the entire length of his body on me while I rested on the couch, turning himself into a purring machine! I didn't have the heart to push him off….it was as though he was giving me his full acceptance!

Sunburst Crafts and potato salad

We were treated to a tasty lunch yesterday with our good friends Murray, Annette and Reedi. Annette's special Dutch potato salad was decorated with tangy marigold blossoms from the garden...delicious!

They took a break from their workday to host us. Usually they are in the studio by 7am, creating an artful collection of leather works.

They have been creating exquisite leatherwork for over thirty years. Based in Salmon Arm, their unique pieces can be purchased through Sunburstcrafts.com and on Etsy. They will also have a booth again this year at Salmon Arm's annual Roots & Blues Festival.

Arianna

Just finished this painting of Arianna that I started last October.

Originally from Cuba, she has entertained us in Salmon Arm

for the past two years. At the end of the month she will move 

to Cranbrook with her young family. We will miss her!

A weekend of games

Another weekend with family visitors. This time it was our niece, her husband and our great-nephew from Delta. They arrived on Saturday for two days of Bocce, Mexican Train, Rummy-Q and UNO tournaments!

Millie also provided entertainment with her agility. She can jump 5 feet from a standing position!

New deck railings

We had the new railings installed on both the front and the back decks today. The guys from BTC Construction arrived at 8am and finished the job before 1:30pm...very fast and professional.

Our house has morphed from its original "alpine" look to an updated appearance. Some repair work is necessary for the front to replace small vertical pieces of siding. We are very pleased!