Bzoo layout with the new Thickers

This layout Bzoo is from the "take-out" line. Lots of photos to use of Allison and my trip to Victoria to visit G&G in Feb 2001.

I found Allison's home school journal and scanned a few entries that captures this event - this is unique journalling. :) I am so happy that I made the kids keep journals. I know it was a chore back when, but they are getting to the age when they will discover them and be so glad they kept them. It sure helps me remember events from years ago - and the dates and names of people. Note to young Mom's - as soon as they can write - have them keep a journal - great way to have them remember special and even day to day things and it really developed their writing and communication skills. It helps them to be able to communicate feelings and thoughts.

Duck Lady

On Tuesday morning David and I spent about an hour walking along the ocean and visiting Esquamalt Lagoon. There was a lady there who fed the ducks, swans and geese every day. She spent about $150/week on feed...but as she said, the children were all grown and well looked after, the grandchildren were well looked after, and she and her husband did not like to travel..so why not? She said the ducks came running as soon as her car pulled up. I think they are too stupid to figure it out. I mean just look at them in their feeding frenzy!!

The swans were much more sophisticated about the whole event and the Canada Geese just made a whole lot of noise but were slow to figure out there was some food for them.

Pintail

Mallard

Over on the beach were the seagulls - they did not come near the feasting ducks. I think they preferred any garbage they could find.

Do you think this is Jonathon Livingston Seagul??

We arrived home from our short trip at 1am this morning and ran out the door to work at 7:30 this morning. Work, play, work , work , work , play :) Life is crazy isn't it? But He blesses us so.

May He fill your life with blessings!

Julie

Victoria Waterfall

As promised, more Victoria. This is Niagara Falls - not THE Niagara Falls, but the Niagara Falls of Goldstream Provincial Park, British Columbia. Very pretty, very strong waterfalls. To get a sense of the size, try to find the person standing in the bottom rt hand corner of this next photo. You can always double click on a photo to see it more clearly.

The forests offered wonderful silence and wonderful sounds of nature. Standing in the middle of an amazingly quiet forest, you round the corner of the path and hear the sound of rushing water - then you see it gushing over the top with unrestrained force. Just amazing! His creation and His sovereign hand in all of this is just plain amazing! I wish I could have stood at the bottom of this waterfall - but it is too strong and would knock me over. :)

We are home late tomorrow night and back to the grind early the next day - short but sweet holiday. Hope number one son has the house clean for us. :)
Blessings!
Julie

Experience Victoria!

hummingbird who visits each morning at breakfast.

Raspberry sorbet!

Vanilla Bean cheesecake

...a light lunch at 5th Street Bar and Grill....

one of the peaceful views from our room...

Creme Brule with a decadent chocolate center

Blessings!

Julie

Victoria Getaway

A month ago when the windchills were minus 47, my sweetheart started googling and found out that one of our favorite B&B's in Victoria had a winter special on. Unfortunately West Jet and Air Canada didn't... so the discussion was on and he won. He really needed a break from the weather and his 60 hr weeks so can't blame him. So here we are for five wonderful days in Victoria...our son Paul was just wearing jeans and a t-shirt as he drove us around after picking us up at the airport. It is beautiful here - not beach weather, but the sun is shining and it is very green!
We are staying at the most romantic, beautiful, adults only (who act like kids only hehe) B&B in Victoria...overlooking the ocean. We have a lovely suite. If you want a winter get-away for a bit to a very romantic, quiet and totally rejuvenating five star spot, check out Amore by the Sea . My DH, extravagant guy, booked the Sea Star deluxe room!!

The web site has great photos, but this one I took last night after we arrived back from a very nice supper at My Chosin' Cafe. The name is a play on the area where we are staying on the outskirts of Victoria called Metchosin. Very popular place and we had fun sitting up at the bar waiting for our table. Great bartenders! :)

From the bedroom into the sitting room....

This bathroom is incredible - HUGE shower with two shower heads that adjust so they can spray at you from several different directions - fun and sooooo relaxing. ...and a big jacuzzi!
The windows all along this suite look out over the ocean - so peaceful

The moon was full over the ocean last night. If it is clear tonight I will try to get out there with my tripod and get a picture. The reflection off the water was so beautiful last night.
Today we are off to church with Paul and Allie and then lunch - the Cactus Club I believe, then a visit with my Mom and Dad this afternoon ...but first the incredible breakfasts that Amore is famous for... I will have my macro lens ready so I can share that experience with you.
Keep checking back..I will post pictures daily. Oh don't you love wireless? and Laptops? I can blog anywhere!!! GTG - the sun will be up soon and the views from our room over the ocean and downtown Victoria are wonderful!
Blessings!
Julie