Photo fun

Volunteering

My mom used to say "volunteering is the best thing you can do for your community". I have  volunteered for the Richmond Thunderbirds and the RCMP.  I've been a Brownie and Sparks leader and I completed a volunteering course at the White Rock Hospice Society in the late spring.  Working for hospice isn't something I am ready to do but I know the day will come when I have the time and compassion to sit with people who are very sick.  The White Rock Hospice Society has a goal that no one ever dies alone.  Those volunteers are special and I wish I could do it but right now I'm not able to.

Three years ago Canada Post was looking for a coordinator to work out of the large postal depot in Cloverdale.  I'd volunteered before at the Surrey postal depot and live in Cloverdale.  I'm the only coordinator in the lower mainland that never worked for Canada Post.  I'm been a member of the Heritage Club for retirees of Canada Post because my husband worked for Canada Post for 36 years. 

BC postal stations reply to letters from the Pacific region including Asia, Australia and all points in between.  Letters from Europe and Africa are answered by colleagues in the east.  The volunteers are awesome and most have worked for Canada Post.  Some still work for Canada Post and come in early or take them home!  Last year the lower mainland answered 60,000 letters. 1.6 million letters were answered by volunteers in 30 different languages including braille across Canada.  Our volunteers in Cloverdale can answer in French but anything else is sent to the Vancouver Processing plant and is answered by someone who can answer in the language the letter is written. 

If you have spare time think about volunteering.  It's very rewarding.  If you live in Cloverdale, call me!

A nice letter with a huge laugh

I didn't think a letter from a child could not only be heartwarming but very funny.  I don't know if you can read it because it was in pencil but today we received this letter:

"I cut my hair to give to people with cancer wigs.......my two wishes are to get a hamster and my dad to read a book about parenting!"   The child's name and address have been cropped off this picture.  It was the best belly laugh I've had in a long time.

Letters to Santa

Yesterday we started helping Santa answer the many letters sent by children all over the world.  I took some local letters and this one popped up!  This little girl had cut out everything she wanted from a catalogue and pasted it to a few sheets, pasted together.  Santa answered this one very fast.  The most items asked for today is 32!  I'm sure we'll surpass this as it's only day one.

Last year 1.6 million letters from around the world were answered.  I will post some of the interesting ones as we get them!  It's so rewarding and the volunteers are great!

Congratulations!

This wasn't a surprise but great to wake up and hear this news.  The Royalty has really changed,  Meghan is divorced, an American and brought up Catholic.  Her mother is black and her dad is Caucasian.  The Royal Family has changed some of their old traditions.  It's good to see they've welcomed her into the royal family.  She is a humanitarian and will continue probably taking on more charities.  The Monarchist Society is planning a trip to the UK for the wedding.  I'll pass but it would be fun.

This was released by the British Monarchy:
Meghan Markle's direct ancestor, Lord Hussey was beheaded at King Henry VIII orders in 1537 for High Treason...

Michael Reed, a Australian teacher and amateur historian who has made a study of the modern Royal Family and their connection, has gone one step further, to find evidence of the Markle family’s connections to the royalty of Tudor England.

Curiously, he believes the Markle family may already be aware of the connections, after coming across independent research by a Mike Markle, understood to be the actress’ great-uncle, online from 20 years ago.

His own investigations have taken the family tree back to John Plantagenet, King of England who lived from 1166 to 1216, in a line which includes John Hussey, 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford born in 1465.

An illustrious career saw Lord Hussey knighted in the field for his loyalty to Henry VIII at the Battle of Blackheath, work as a diplomatic envoy, made esquire of the body and chamberlain to the King’s daughter Princess Mary.

He was later present at the christening of Princess Elizabeth, carrying the canopy over her, His fall from Royal favour came after the 1536 Pilgrimage of Grace, a rebellion against Henry VIII he was unable to successfully put down.

His loyalty called into question (as many were during that age of The Reformation), he was found guilty of treason, imprisoned in the Tower and eventually executed.

Mr Reed first came across intriguing snippets of information while researching America’s Founding Fathers and Nantucket while he was teaching a course on the subject.

Reading up on Christopher Hussey and his family, he recognised the name “Markle” on a geneology forum also investigating the same family tree.

Mr Reed had been particularly interested to read about Ms Markle’s family history, he said, after previously researching the forebears of Kate Middleton, who went on to become Duchess of Cambridge.

There too he found Royal connections, with two of her father Michael’s relations baronesses who were invited to successive coronations.

“You can’t just look at one parent,” he said. “You must look at both sides to get the full picture.

“It’s incredible that Meghan's great-great-great maternal grandfather was a slave and the other great-great-great paternal grandmother was a New Hampshire landowner, who had royal blood.”

Photobooks

Photobooks delivered!

Rich wanted to wait until Catherine's mom came over from the UK.  Today we met for Sunday Brunch at the Morgan Crossing White Spot where they sat us on the patio.  The rain is coming down fierce and it's about 10C/50F not the nicest day.  The patio was wonderful.  Two fireplaces going, heaters keeping us warm and some great Christmas decorations including a tree!

Jack and Sam loved the books!  I have to thank Bruce, Sue, Irene Barker, Ali Logan, Brad and Rich for their contributions.  With help from them we created short stories about all their relatives, their struggles and accomplishments, complete with family photos.

It's a great keepsake and a wonderful hobby.

Waiting for Catherine to bring the car to the door!

Good-bye old friend!

I've wanted to sell my car for a long time.  My husband keeps telling me to keep it.  We don't need two cars and the cost of auto insurance is high especially when you don't drive your car.  A colleague of my neighbour has a 1999 Honda Civic with over 400,000 kms on it and it's just starting to give her problems.  She bought my car!  I'm glad it's gone to a happy home.  It's the first time I've sold a car privately!  I always use the dealer to trade-in.  

It's time to write Santa!

There are 3 important rules when sending a letter to Santa:

1. Make sure to include your full return address. Santa may know where you live, but his postal elves need this information to deliver your letter!
2. Santa really loves to read about children’s favourite sports, jokes, school activities or family fun (even if Mom and Dad help with the writing). And, of course, he loves to get pictures and drawings from even his youngest pen pals!
3. Send your letter soon. December 11 is the last day to mail letters to Santa (it’s a long way to the North Pole and back!). Letters mailed after December 11 may not receive a reply before Christmas.

If you mail your letter in Canada, no postage is required!

International letters

For our friends writing from outside Canada, please note that we are unable to guarantee delivery times outside Canada.  We will do our best to ensure replies are sent in a timely manner.

You can email the letters to me and I'll make sure Santa answers them.

Less Famous Proverbs

1. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
2. Everyone has a photographic memory; some don't have film.
3. A day without sunshine is like .. night.
4. On the other hand you have different fingers.
5. Change is inevitable except from a vending machine.
6. I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.LESS FAMOUS PROVERBS
7. When the chips are down the buffalo is empty.
8. Seen it all, done it all, can't remember most of it.
9. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
10. I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe.
11. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you.
12. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges.
13. Honk if you love peace and quiet.
14. Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how it remains so popular?
15. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
16. It is hard to understand how a cemetery raised its burial cost and blamed it on the cost of living.
17. The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
18. It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try and pass them
19. You can't have everything. Where would you put it?
20. Latest survey shows that 3 out of 4 people make up 75% of the world's population.
21. The things that come to those who wait are usually the things left by those who got there first.
22. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.
23. It was recently discovered that research causes cancer in rats.
24. I wished the buck stopped here, as I could use a few.
25. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
26. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Lunch with John & Mitch!

Mitch, Brad, Richard, Cec, Me & John

Today we met my first cousin's son and grandson at the White Spot for lunch!  I haven't seen John in years!  It was so nice to get reacquainted!  He golfed at Kings Links this summer and met Brad.  Great to see you both! 

This isn't funny!

I always try to find the humour in everything.  This is not funny! There is no cartoonist name mentioned.  Chuck Jones was the last Bugs Bunny creator I could find on Wikipedia and he passed away in 2002 at the age of 89 so he didn't create it.

So many women are coming forward with stories of inappropriate contact.  Every day there are more allegations and news stories.  To those men who have admitted what they did and apologized, I say "good for you".  You made a mistake and are owning up to it.  For those who have many accusers and refuse to admit what they did - SHAME ON YOU!

On October 7, 2016 Access Hollywood revealed a tape of Donald Trump saying "I don't even wait, and when your a star, they let you do it and you can do anything.....grab them by the p***y!".  After that was released 16 women came forward accusing him of various offences.  We've heard nothing from any of them.  Were they paid off or did the threat of legal action stop them?  Who can stand up to a billionaire?  Bill Clinton did it and got impeached.  George Bush, Sr. has also been accused of inappropriate behavior.  David Coppafeel joke by George Sr, not funny either.  I don't care what your political affiliation or status is, make all men accountable.

I say THANK YOU for all these women who are coming forward. It can't be an easy thing to do.  I hope they are believed.  For our daughters and granddaughters, make this stop!  It's unacceptable!

Happy 70th Wedding Anniversary

It's been reported she is wearing the same dress for her 70th as she did for her 60th!
I checked online and I don't think it's the same dress.  Same colour but a little different

 
On the occasion of their 70th Wedding Anniversary

If you are a person of faith, offer a prayer of your tradition with your family for the long lives and great happiness of Elizabeth and Philip, our Sovereign Lady and her Consort.

If you are a person of hope, express your own for the thriving continuance of Canada's Monarchy by taking the time to explain to a loved one, colleague or friend the significance of the Maple Crown and why so many around the world will be raising a glass to Elizabeth and Philip, as the personification of our national and Commonwealth family.

If you are a person of charity, do a deed of random kindness today without hesitation or explanation; nothing could better please the royal couple.

Jersey Boys

Today Carol and I are going to Jersey Boys at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.   I saw it in Las Vegas a few years ago and was surprised at the story.  Of course I remember them well but had no idea what their story was.  It's getting great reviews.  Cheryl and Dave went yesterday and loved it.  Now other stars are bringing their stories to the stage.  Beautiful, Carole King the Musical; Dusty, the story of Dusty Springfield; and On Your Feet the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan.  I hope one or more of these musicals is included in the Broadway Across Canada productions next year.  They should announce the new performances in early 2018.  The last musical in this series is Motown coming in February.  I have not seen Motown and I'm looking forward to it.  I really enjoy going to live theatre.

Carol and Dave are off to Tucson tomorrow to see Carol's brother Ken for American Thanksgiving.  I hope she has a wonderful time and enjoys the nice warm weather.

Mary's Garden

Organic and locally grown!

Today Mary's Garden on 40th Avenue in South Surrey is closing for the winter.  I am always sad to see them close.  Mary's Garden started in 1966 in a little vegetable stand at the farm of Jack and Mary Nootebos.  Jack and Mary grew several things but no where near what Mary's sells now.  Back then they were only open a couple of months and customers would honk their horn as Mary was often out working in the field.  Over the years Mary's has grown and is now located in the largest barn.  Ken and Mike still run the business but Jack still works every day to help everyone out.  Mary has retired but still comes to the garden to pick flowers and see the business she ran for so many years.

The vegetables are all organic and the lettuce is delicious! Today they were giving away two Hubbard squash with every purchase.  I picked up a few Hubbard squash and the cashier picked them all up and charged me for the lightest ones!   She also told me they would keep better if I wrapped them in newspaper!  I didn't know that and mine are all nicely wrapped in my garage.  I stocked up on root vegetables and the prices were amazing.

They will reopen in the spring.  In the meantime, I will make sure I purchase Grown in BC whenever possible.

Good Morning!

Red Hat November Lunch!

Today I had a wonderful lunch with my Red Hat Group.  We went to The Old Spaghetti Factory in Vancouver.  I can't believe lunch in downtown Vancouver was $11.81 before the tip.  I had a chicken club and left most of the bread.  They let me sub salad for fries!  Coffee and ice cream was included!  I skipped the ice cream and had three cups of black coffee.  I'm really missing those great cruise lunches. 

On my way home I got a phone call from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines regarding my online survey.  I have NEVER received any feedback from any cruise line and I always fill them out.  I'm honest and fair with my survey.  This cruise got great reviews and I also mentioned by name our Genie, Room Steward and our great waiter at the Coastal Kitchen, Cliffroy from Jamaica for their exceptional service.  She said she would pass on my nice comments to them.  On the survey they had a question "did any cruise member ask you to mention them by name"?   That's the first time I've seen that question on a survey and my answer was "no"!  She was very nice and thanked me for my feedback.  I am stunned they not only read it but had the time to call me and thank me for my comments! 

This was the first five to come.
The picture on top of the second lady on the left shows a "ghost" getting on the Interurban.
Check it out next time you go to Gastown!

Comedians!

We always enjoy going to comedy shows on cruise ships.  We also watch the Comedy channel on TV frequently.  In the past few years some of them are so crude they aren't even funny but people enjoy that type of humour.  The best comedy show we ever "paid" to see was Jay Leno in Las Vegas a few years ago.  He came out in a suit and talked about life.  The funny side of life.  No vulgarity! 

I got this from a friend and thought I would share. 

THESE PEOPLE HAVE NOT AND PROBABLY WILL NEVER BE REPLACED FOR WHAT THEY CONTRIBUTED TO THE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD!!!! You may remember the old comics of Vaudeville days: Shecky Greene, Red Buttons, Totie Fields, Joey Bishop, Milton Berle, Jan Murray, Danny Kaye,  Henny Youngman,  Buddy Hackett,  Sid Caesar,  Groucho Marx,  Jackie Mason,  Victor Borge,  Woody Allen,  George Burns,  Allan Sherman,  Jerry Lewis,  Peter Sellers,  Carl Reiner,  Shelley Berman,  Gene Wilder,  George Jessel, Alan King,  Mel Brooks,  Phil Silvers,  Jack Carter,  Rodney Dangerfield,  Don Rickles,  Jack Benny  and so many others.  And there was not one single swear word in their comedy. Here are a few examples: · I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport. · I've been in love with the same woman for 49 years! If my wife ever finds out, she'll kill me!  · What are three words a woman never wants to hear when she's making love? "Honey, I'm home!"  · Someone stole all my credit cards but I won't be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did. · We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.  · My wife and I went back to the hotel where we spent our wedding night; only this time I stayed in the bathroom and cried. · My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife called it the Dead Sea . · She was at the beauty shop for two hours. That's only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.  · The Doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn't pay his bill so the doctor gave him another six months. · The Doctor called Mrs. Smith saying, "Mrs Smith, your check came back." Mrs. Smith answered, "So did my arthritis!" · The Harvard School of Medicine did a study of why women like Chinese food so much. The study revealed that this is due to the fact that Won Ton spelled backward is Not Now. Doctor: "You'll live to be 60!" Patient: "I am 60!" Doctor: "See! What did I tell you?" Patient: "I have a ringing in my ears." Doctor: "Don't answer!" A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, "You've been brought here for drinking."  The drunk says "Okay, let's get started."  Q: Why do divorces cost so much? A: They're worth it. A man called his mother, “Mom, how are you?” “Not too good,” said the mother. “I've been very weak.” The son said, “Why are you so weak?” She said, “Because I haven't eaten in 38 days.” The son said, “That's terrible. Why haven't you eaten in 38 days?” The mother answered, “Because I didn't want my mouth to be filled with food if you should call.”

Funky food in a different restaurant

Our cruise had a restaurant called "Wonderland".  We didn't book a meal there but when we spoke to other passengers, they said the food is "weird" but delicious.  Cheryl, Lexi and I were all for going, Cec and Dave were not thrilled.  Girls rule!  What an experience!

The story/meal begins when you open the menu and find the element - Sun, Ice, Fire, Water, Earth and Dreams each with a selection of small or shareable fantasies. 

You enter down the rabbit hole! 
It was level, but not everything inside was
The cutlery was all off center along with some of the furnishings and pictures

Lexi loved the crooked chair.  If you get the theme, it's Alice in Wonderland

The restaurant was gorgeous!  The view from the 12th floor onto the Boardwalk was amazing!

The menu was handed to you blank. 
There was a paint brush and water on your placemat
You painted the blank menu with water and the menu magically appeared 

The picture of the menu wasn't great so I took a picture of the interactive display in the lobby
The liquid lobster with bone marrow sounds disgusting but it was delicious
I took pictures of everything we ate!  I won't post them as there are too many
  The presentation was amazing

We had everything on the menu!  The portions were small and very tasty!   Dessert wasn't shown on the menu. Our waiter didn't ask he just brought it.  He brought us this chocolate ball, one ball for two people.  Lexi got her own!

This is what was presented to us....

It was solid and then the waiter poured hot sauce over the top

The hot sauce melted the chocolate and....
it was Chocolate love!  Full of ice cream with warm sauce.  Amazing!

Our waiter dressed in a red velvet jacket with tales!

It's been a wonderful cruise!

We started cruising in our mid 30's.  We stopped counting cruises and cruise days.  We have status on most cruise lines.  It's the ease of everything, much like an all inclusive resort.  With cruising you only unpack once and every day is a different view.  Cheryl was 6 when we took our first cruise.  Cheryl and Dave went to Alaska on their honeymoon and also love cruising.  Lexi is 12 and has just finished her twelfth cruise!  She is already booked on two more next year.  Love for cruising runs in our family.

Today we depart this gorgeous ship.  It's the largest cruise ship in the world.  That title will be lost when the Symphony of the Seas sets sail in a few months.  It's the same design, just a few feet longer. Our cruise has 6,347 passengers with over 700 children.  If you don't like kids, this isn't the line for you.  They are well behaved and there is so much for them to do on board.  The only times I notice them is meal time.  RCCL has a program you can choose "my time family dining".  You eat in a special area of the dining room.  When you at served your appetizer, the children get their main course.  As soon as they finish a staff member escorts them to the children's activity area where they stay until you pick them up.  Kids love the activity area.  When we had Chef's Table one of the couples said they were sailing with their one and three year old!  They put the kids to bed at 7:30, ordered babysitters for 7:50 and had dinner reservations at 8:00.  Apparently babysitting is $20 an hour, done by both a male and female at the same time.  Their kids had no idea mom and dad left them with a babysitter!  This cruise has more strollers than wheel chairs or scooters!

Lexi using the binoculars on the aft of our balcony.

She is watching Movies Under the Stars on the Coral Princess way in the distance

We went on Google maps and we are between Cuba and Key West when I took this picure as Lexi saw land in the distance
I didn't know Google maps worked on the ocean!

Off to the airport!

The Suite Life!

This is the first time in a suite for us.  The reason we did it was because it is such a special occasion and we knew Cheryl and Dave would take full advantage of all the perks.  Believe me, they have and they are thoroughly enjoying themselves.  Dave picked out all the restaurants we are eating at.  There is the Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It's only available to people who are in a suite.  You have to use your card to swipe in and out.  We've had breakfast every day at the Coastal Kitchen, lunch a couple of times but never eaten dinner there.  Not because we don't want to, it's because there are so many speciality restaurants with such great food.  We haven't set foot in the main dining room or even been close to the Windjammer.  AKA, the buffet, or the trough.

Would I do a suite again, no.  Not because we aren't loving it but the price is so much more.  If you can afford it, try it once.  The experience is amazing.  Everything is included.  Our fridge is stocked with everything we requested.  We ran short of Stella and the guy was here in minutes bringing us another dozen!  Water, Pellegrino, Evian, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Orange Juice and it goes on.  I opened another cupboard and there is more in there.  They gave us two bottles of wine.  We haven't even opened them.  There was a bottle of decent champagne for sail away!  We have an Illy espresso machine in our room!   It's nice to get up in the morning and make a coffee.

Every night when we go to a show, Daniel is there with our seats saved.  When we went to Grease we were front row, centre!  He takes our drink order and tell us to enjoy the show.  At the ice show, same thing, front and centre.  When we were going to the comedy show, I said "Daniel, we love the front row but not at a comedy show".  We've been to enough we know they pick on the front row.  These guys didn't but we were far enough back and out of the limelight.  We've see the Aqua Show from our balcony and we went down to see the special effects from the floor.  They were amazing.  From the balcony you can see the swimmers under the water.  It's a different view.

We have unlimited Internet.  The download speed is 10, I just checked it.  They call their Internet VOOM, the fastest Internet at sea.  It's the best we've ever had on a cruise.

Last night was busy.  We had dinner at 150 Central Park again an it was delicious.  After dinner we went to Columbus the Musical and then another Aqua Theatre Show.  The Aqua Theatre has shown three different performances.  They have all been good but last night was the best.  It's a combination of Cirque du Soleil, Dancing Waters, synchronised swimming and diving!  The effects are amazing.

Of all the cruises we've been on Royal Caribbean has the most diverse entertainment.  We've seen two full musicals, three Aqua Theatre shows, three ice shows, two comedy shows and a headliner in seven days!

Great production written for the cruise.  Lots of music most were familiar 

It's all live and the singing and harmony is excellent!

The cast is huge for a cruise ship musical!  The voices were amazing!

Aqua Theatre from the seating area.  They dive from the highest part of the ship!  Great music, great talent

Another large cast!

Day 6 - Labadee, Haiti

We are docked at a private part of Haiti owned by Royal Caribbean.  Apparently there is an electric fence to keep out the locals.  It's our "beach day".  The weather is only 84F/29C so it's a little cooler but still very warm.  The seas have been incredibly calm.  We saw a little damage from Hurricane Maria, some steps were washed away but nothing major.  Some of the cabanas were damaged but everything has been repaired.

Lexi and Dave signed up for parasailing.  They had to cancel because there wasn't enough wind.  We had lunch on shore and it was great! Tonight we are having dinner at 150 Central Park and seeing Columbus the Musical after.  Full day of activities!

From the dock

Haitian quartet and they were good

View back at Barefoot Beach

If you are in a suite you have your own area.  We found great loungers under a huge tree

Suite area for BBQ

Entrance to suite area.  They had their own shuttle that would take you anywhere on the island
Zip lines, snorkeling, jet skis, and great beaches

Lots of different areas to see

Large eating area for beach BBQ with picnic tables