SHORT POST TONIGHT

THIS IS A SHORT POST EH?

It's 9:06, and I'm tired, so a short post it will be tonight! The apartment building next to us, and level with our floor, had new people move in and it was time to PARTY....right until 3:30 A.M. If I hear the F word once, I heard it a million times, by one guy with a loud, crude mouth. Of course, me being me, I grumbled and told Tom, I was going to holler at them to keep it down, but he's such a peacemaker, and calmed me down. In fact he was thinking of grabbing a bottle of wine and going over to join them with the theory, "if you can't beat them, join them". It's very quiet over there now and they have no company, so tonight we may get some needed sleep!

Today, Martin and Joan came over and Tom took us all to "Memphis Blues", a rib restaurant in North Vancouver. The ribs are plentiful and fall off the bone and delicious!! MMmmmm Good!

Then back home here and we had a good visit, and Martin with his technical skills straightened out our computer and even taught me how to use our DVD player!! It's been sitting here for two years, without being used, because of lack of knowing how!

We then sat outside, ate some more nibbles and bits, and then they headed home. I had supper prepared to cook, but everyone was full to the brim already, so I guess, I have dinner ready for tomorrow night!

The beautiful weather continues to be a delight and the long range forecast says more of the same. I love it!!!

That's it for my Saturday blog. All you people that came in today, and not ONE would sign the new posting place at the top of this page. Woe is me! I try so hard and get no where!! Guess, I'll go out in the garden and eat worms, as my father used to say as an expression of woe.

Goodnight...bathtub and book here I come for about 20 minutes, before I hit the sack!!

BETWEEN THE COVERS

BETWEEN THE COVERS

I think I fell in love with reading, with my first school book "Dick and Jane." I remember holding my first brand new Library card with my name on it and feeling like I held a passkey into a whole new world that had opened up for me. I loved the smell of books, and still do. It was Nancy Drew, that had me reading late at night, always yearning for the next book to see what mystery she would solve next. I remember reading Little Woman, and yearning for more when it ended.

I think I always loved to read, as did my Mother. She had a serious eye disease when I was a child, and while she rested her eyes, I would read stories from those Reader Digest book, full of different stories and authors. I would become so engrossed in the stories filled with things I knew nothing about and would have to stop and ask my mother, "what does that mean?" She'd, give a wave of her hand and just say "read on".

It's funny now, because, I've seen some of my old report cards from Grade School and the teacher's comments were little notes that I should read more! I think they should have warned my mom that my arithmetic skills needed to be looked at more!!


In high school, my reading suffered while the hormone's raged and boy's became my focus! I was one of three girls in a room full of boys!! What heaven!! I can remember having to read books from the school library and when it came time to write a book report, I went into panic mode, and because I hadn't read any book, I'd make up my own report from my imagination, gave it a title and some fictitious author and handed in my assignment. I always got a big A or even a A+!
As I grew older, I returned to reading and became enthralled with the best sellers at the time, such as Jacqueline Suzanne and Arthur Hailey, and John Steinbeck, Hemingway, Harold Robbins (where I learned a very different world was out there).....endless list of books that took me to other lives and worlds. Always, so many books, so little time!!

It's not too strange that the beginning of my working career would be in College Library. How good can life get? I read constantly, while cooking supper, feeding my children, doing the dishes and my favourite spot to read...the bathtub! I could name nearly every famous author and what they wrote, and even the College President would come to me to for "a good read!"

A multitude of books later and a different life and career, and now retired, I'm still the same avid reader as when a child. I still come out of the Library with not just one or two books, but half the Library!! I want them all!!! So greedy for the written word!!

This is where Tom and I spend a lot of time. We both love to read, and it's pretty marvellous to be with someone with the same love of reading.

It's a beautiful Library with a great choice of books. I sometimes think of volunteering my time, but how would I find time to read!

Books have helped make me who I am without a doubt. I think this holds true for every reader, to some degree. Little by little, we change and grow as we read. I'm a fickle reader, and switch from meaty, historical fiction, to spiritual and self help books, to thrillers, such as Steven King, to romance novels, health books, cookbooks, poetry, to adventure, mystery's, biography's... and love them all. I tend to go through books with the stages of my life. Lately, I've been highly entertained with books now coming out of India and Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The favourite I can think of at the moment is "A Fine Balance". I love to learn about life in different cultures and parts of the world, and that book has so many fabulous characters. I love Wally Lamb, and Ann Marie McDonald and keep checking to see if she's written another book.

On and on it goes, and I feel so sorry for those that don't enjoy reading. What a great part of life and learning, they miss out on.


My favourite part of my day is when Tom and I crawl into bed, and snuggle into each other and lose ourselves in what we are reading, until our eyes begin to close and one of us will give an infectious yawn and the day is over! Just another thing to do "Between The Covers!"

Note: Please note the new GuestMap at top of blog. Maybe it's easier then the Guestbook to use, and more fun! Please add a pin, choose what county flag you are from, and leave a note. Thanks!

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

Vincent

Starry, starry night.

Paint your palette blue and grey,

Look out on a summer's day,

With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.

Shadows on the hills,

Sketch the trees and the daffodils,

Catch the breeze and the winter chills,

In colors on the snowy linen land.

I just bet anything, you are or will be humming the tune to these words after reading them.

Beautiful painting, beautiful words to a beautiful song.

Here is my version of a starry night...well a dark night, but I'm sure the stars are up there somewhere!

The moon was shining into my eyes when I went to bed last night, so had to get up and grab the camera and try to take a night shot. Here's how it turned out.

The full moon, and the lights on the Lion's Gate Bridge, called Gracie's Necklace, after a BC Member of Parliament, Grace McCarthy.
You can see the moon shining on the little patch of the water through the buildings.

Same view in daylight with a cruise ship passing under the Lion's Gate.

This is the Londsdale Quay, where the Sea Bus connects the North Shore to Vancouver. It's a lovely little ride. The Quay is filled with little shops selling a variety of little finds. I like going there!

Salmon Anyone? Or a nice big piece of delicious halibut?

So, now dinner is over and I think I may go for a little walk down to the Pier and back. I hope everyone had a great day too!

NOW FOR MY BIG NEWS!!!

I just booked a flight home for September 10th!!! Yippeeeeee!!!! I get to see my children, grandchildren, and friends!! I can't wait!!!

MID-WEEK UPDATE

Sitting here on a lovely warm day, enjoying a vodka Ceasar with Tom and watching Oprah tell all the woman viewers, how to make your vagina smile!!! Oh the things we learn from Oprah!

Oops!! Wrong Area!!!!
This morning, I went for a walk with my friend Irma, and also picked up from the Iranian store, a eggplant dip, which Tom and I also had with our drink. It's delicious!! I also brought home some samosa's and some Nann bread. Tom said he's so proud of me, going multi-cultural and trying different ethnic foods, which I wouldn't try when I first arrived here. It really is all very delicious!! Butter chicken...mmmmmm yum!!

At the wedding reception, they served these VERY delicious deep fried, East Indian type of finger food, which I keep thinking about and salivating. I wish I knew what they are, and I'd make some. Also they served the most tender bits of chicken I've ever tasted and Sooooo good!!!


Other then the above, I have nothing new to tell you about. Pretty boring blog! But, it's mid-week, and my evening is going to be soaking in a hot tub and reading my book called " I Don't Want To Join A BookClub!" which is just a silly book with light reading, but I get a giggle from it now and then. It's a sort of diary of a woman in her 60's. Something I can relate to!

So with that."hasta la vista"

(not only eating it, but speaking it!!! hahahah)

PEEKING IN TO SAY HELLO

We've recovered from our busy weekend, and wonder how the parents of the bride and groom are doing and if they have been able to take a huge breath, now that it's all over! So, much planning, and work!! I sure didn't envy them, but they all did a marvellous job!

It's a beautiful day and I walked over to Park Royal to meet Tom after his chiro appointment, then we went to Tim's for a coffee and home! We've been home, all afternoon, both playing on our computers. What a life eh! I should be studying the camera handbook instead!

Here is a few more picture of both weddings.

Hands and feet are decorated with Henna. The longer the henna stays on the skin, is suppose to indicate a longer marriage. It takes awhile to remove this from the skin. Pretty isn't it?

Amy and Mom, and Bill and Dianne, looking very serious. I bet it was hard sitting on the floor for that length of time.

Good picture of Tom and Dianne

and one of Billy, the Bride's brother and one of the Bridesmaids

Close-up of part of Temple

Harpist at the traditional wedding

Canopy on entering dining room and our table 16

Beautiful ice sculpture

Amazing chandelier and wonderful place for a reception.

Hope you enjoyed some of the pictures, as we enjoyed the whole weekend!!

Reminder: Remember, when I sometimes screw up with picture placement, you have to scroll down to see the other posts. I never know how it will turn out, until I publish the blog.

AVI AND AMY'S TRADITIONAL WEDDING

Congratulations to Avi and Amy, who are now husband and wife!! Way to go!!!

Avi looking calm, cool and collected and waiting for the marriage service to begin

Here comes the pretty Mother of the Bride

Here comes Dad about to give his daughter away

Look at the Avi's face...is he proud of what he see's or what eh? Amy gave her Dad a big hug before stepping up to take Avi's hand

Saying the vow's. Avi, got through saying some beautiful words to Amy, but Amy, as most bride's do, became emotional and couldn't get them out. She will save them for another time, I'm sure!

Amy is placing Avi's ring on his finger. Note the henna on Amy's hand from yesterdays Hindu service. It doesn't wash off easily. It was very pretty on her hands.

Making it legal and signing the marriage licence.

Amy's lovely bridesmaids

The VERY married (twice) couple! Don't they look happy! Amy looks like a fairy princess, and Avi, is a very happy looking prince!

What a cute church is was in a beautiful location. Perfect for a wedding and pictures.

This is Dianne, the pretty Mother of the Bride, and the Father of the Groom

This is the mother of the Groom, I believe her name is Dakota (pretty name for a pretty lady!)

Another guest that came to the wedding to see Amy and Avi get married! Rabbit's are all over the chapel grounds and lovely to see.

This is where the wedding reception is held. We got here shortly before the other guests, so was able to take a picture of this. What a beautiful place, with big winding staircases, and fabulous chandeliers. The dinner was absolutely delicious, with a mix of East Indian food and our normal cuisine. There was a beautiful ice sculpture, open bar, and bottles of take home wine. It was just a wonderful wedding with all the stops pulled out! What a delight to be a guest!

The Bride and Groom have arrived. What a beautiful gown and look at that set-up for the head table!

Mmmm, look at that fancy cake!!

Amy dancing with her Father. My photography is getting worse instead of better. Will have to study the book of instructions more.

Another blurry picture of Dad and Daughter dancing. There we're two photographers taking pictures constantly for two days, so I imagine they will have hundreds of their big day!

Avi having his first dance with his Mother as a married man!

That's it folks! I'll put more in future blogs to show you more of the highlights. It was two days full of fun, and we thank both families for the chance at being at the wedding. To Ami and Avi, both Tom and I wish them much success in their lives, and wish that they always be as happy as they are on this day.