Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Reason # 363


These pictures are yet another reason why we chose to live in Victoria. Today we golfed under clear blue sky and sun.  There was a cool breeze blowing until we hit the 9th hole and then it got down right warm.  If you go to our facebook page you will see how we handled the hardship of the blossom blast (pink snow, as we call it) and other spring hardships (like getting the blossom blower to start).  Go to our Facebook page for more pictures.










Sunday, April 21, 2013

Check out how we spend a spring day in Victoria


The day started out sunny and spectacular but the afternoon turned into a soaker. We did not let that interfere with our day, so we went out and took some pictures. We started downtown on Belleville street at Quadra Park. This is a great spot to stop for a rest when cruising down town. Right next to Quadra Park is the Swiftsure Restaurant in the Days Inn on the Harbour. This restaurant has a great summer time patio and a restaurant with some of the best views of the Inner Harbour. Check it out. From there we drove into Oak Bay to complete some family tasks. Here we discover some amazing double-flowering Plum Trees (The Rose Tree of Chine). The Whitcomb Cherry trees are the first to come out, ususally in March (however, some start blossoming in Mid December or early January). These are indeed beautiful, but my favourite part of spring is when the double-flowering plum trees blossom. It is like looking into a pink cloud. You cannot look into the heart of one of these trees and not remember it forever. My second favourite time in spring is when the apple trees blossom with thick white blossoms. Enjoy our spring experience. This day started out sunny and ended in an unexpected downpour.  For more pictures go to our Facebook page.
 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Cowichan Valley Artisans Studio Tour April 26, 27, 28




Experience the passion and creativity of Cowichan Valley Artisans in the unique spaces where they create and perfect their craft. Located on southern Vancouver Island, our studio tour is a wonderful way to explore the rich culture and stunning landscape of the Cowichan Valley. Visit our Artisans year round, and enter their private worlds where they create honest, authentic and original works. You will discover the special places where our Artisans transform raw materials into original personal creations using the specialized tools and traditional practices of their craft. Date: 2013 Launch April 26th, 27th & 28th and on gong throughout the rest of 2013 Location: Individual artisan's studios and galleries Hours: All studios will be open from 10 am to 5 pm for the Launch weekend. Hours as posted in the brochure for the remainder of 2013 The Cowichan Valley Artisans have introduced the CVA Passport to encourage residents and visitors to get out and explore the Cowichan Valley arts scene and participate in their year round studio tour. The Cowichan Valley Artisan Studio Tour features 15 participating studios and artisans between Mill Bay and Ladysmith, and include painters, potters, glass artists, wood workers, fabric artists, a winery, barbershop and biodynamic Farm and Organic Cafe. “Our studio tour is open all year long,”.  For more information, please see our FaceBook Page.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The Blue Crab Bar and Grill - A Great Place to Eat!

Last night we had the pleasure of a fam tour at the Coast Harbourside Hotel in the Blue Crab Bar and Grill. This is such a classy hotel and has some of the best harbour views of any restaurant in Victoria. It just so happens that their food is sensational. Their signature Crab Cakes started off an evening of incredible food experiences. Every single dish we tried was very good. The staff were attentive and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Our host, Heather Power described how the hotel and restaurant work. Chef Sean Rankin explained the various dishes on the menu as they were presented. This is certainly one of the best places in Victoria to dine and I am sure that all of the VGSN members that were there would agree. The appies were sensational, the main course tasters were divine, the dessert was to die for, and by that time, it almost finished us all off. Everyone was thoroughly satiated. Job well done Blue Crab! We will be back!
For more pictures please go to our Facebook Site.






Friday, April 12, 2013

Help my Granddaughter, Please



This beautiful young lady is my Granddaughter Madison.  She is 10 years old and suffers from Chron's disease.  Did you know that 1 in 150 people have this debilitating disease?  She is the poster child for the local branch and very involved in trying to help find a cure.  We have watched her give speeches to different groups to inform them about this awful disease.  I am writing this post to share my experience.  You can help contribute to this cause by donating to the Gutsy Walk and support my "Gutsy Girl" Madison.  Click Here to go to her page...

Help Madison and other children and adults find a cure for this little known about disease. 

CCFC-funded IBD research has confirmed what we have suspected for years – Canada has one of the highest rates for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the world and those rates are increasing. In fact, one in 150 Canadians is living with IBD. The Gutsy Walk is a great way to spread awareness of IBD and raise much-needed funds to support essential research.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Canada Wins Silver...close but no Gold


We today was a bit disappointing. After watching Canada play yesterday we thought they would win today. Alas, they did not. They should be proud of a silver medal and I am sure Canadians are. We could not help but notice the disappointment in the faces of the Canadian Team...but the Swedes played better and won easily. Well done Sweden. Enjoy the sights and sounds of todays games and the closing ceremonies. We sure did. For more pictures visit our Facebook page.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Ford World Curling Championships - We are in the Gold Medal Game

Today was a great day for the Canadian Team. After beating Denmark in the first playoff game they moved to play Scotland in the afternoon semi-final. They won that game and are now just one win away from a Gold Medal. Go Canada Go. Today we won and the sun was shining....how good does it get! Tomorrow it is gold for Team Canada...go boys go!  For more photos from today, go to our Facebook page.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Ford World Curling Round Robin Finals

 Last night we witnessed a great game with some spectacular results, however Canada lost their second game of the day falling from 1st place to 4th place. Theoretically, they ended up in a 3 way tie for 2nd, but that is just theoretical. Tough Day for the Canadians. The good news is that they are in the playoffs and still can win it all. However, their curling has got to get better. Too many shots missed. There were a lot more fans in attendance by the evening game, which is about time! Enjoy the photos by going to our Facebook Page.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Ford World Curling Championships Victoria BC




Today we spent our first day during the last half of the draw for the World Curling Championships at Save On Foods Memorial Centre.  This is a true world class sporting event that many Victorian's are missing.  The arena is only half full.  These curlers are amazing and the shots they make are unbelievable.  You should be there.  Enjoy our first photos from the event.  Go Canada Go.  Our team is in first place at 7 and 2.  Thursday is the last day of the round robin and then the playoffs begin.  If Canada wins both of their games tomorrow, they should be in first place.To see more pictures of this spectacular event, go to our Facebook Page.