Olympics 2024

My brother-in-law, Richard, came over Monday night.  His grandson plays rugby in high school.  Richard played rugby in his youth in Victoria.  We watched the game when Canada played France in the rugby 7's.  Richard explained the rules to us.  Rugby 7's is two seven minute halves with seven players on each team.  It's fast and exciting.  We've watched the subsequent games and I loved it! 

Yesterday the Canadian Women's team won a silver medal in the Olympics!  Good for them and so much fun to watch.  I'll be following rugby from now on.

Way to go girls!

Advice from a bat!

I've never had a bat in my home, but if I get one, this is great advice from a bat:

I am a bat:

• I don't suck your blood and I won't get tangled in your hair.
• If I happen to enter your house, please don't hit me with bats or squash me out; it hurts a lot and on such occasions I'm very scared. It was an accident and I didn't mean to scare you.
• If I land, I may not be able to get up and I need your help. Just grab a towel and pull me out carefully. I'll fly right away, I promise.
• I feed on mosquitoes and many other insects.
• Our houses are being demolished to build other buildings and we still have a few places to go. So if I'm flying in your space, turn off the lights and leave the outside light on with the door open, I'll be out shortly.

Vince the sign guy is at it again

 

Olympics 2024

 

I watched the Olympic Opening Ceremonies live and it was wonderful.  The French presented a fabulous opening ceremony.  There is always something to remember with every Olympic Games.  My two favorite memories are in Vancouver when Wayne Gretzky light the cauldron in 2010 and the Spice Girls reunion in London in 2012.  

All through the ceremonies I was hoping to see Celine Dion sing.  There were rumours she may sing, but nothing was confirmed.  When they raised the Olympic Flag, I thought it was over and hopefully she will sing at the closing ceremonies.  She's been so ill and away from the spotlight for over five years.

As it was ending, she started to sing and I knew it was her voice!  She was wearing a gorgeous Dion embellished gown singing Edith Piaf's "Hymne A L'amore"  midway up he Eiffel Tower.  It was the most amazing performance I've ever seen!  What a stunning comeback for her.  It was a performance, I will never forget.  

This is from Hello Canada:

The ceremony’s artistic director Thomas Jolly previously revealed that Celine, who has been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle rigidity or spasms in the trunk and arm, rejected offers to accommodate the health challenges. 

He said: "Her willingness was there. She wanted to be on the Eiffel Tower, she was very clear. We offered her other suggestions depending on her health and she said, 'Nope, I’m going to do it on the Eiffel Tower because that is your idea, that is what you want.' It’s a huge honor."

"She’s doing better, we’re happy about that, and she especially could perform yesterday, last night, on this wonderful song at the place she wanted to, at a moment of the Opening Ceremony that is the most emotional one, when the cauldron is being lit in the city of Paris and Celine Dion on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower."

If you haven't seen it, or want to hear her magnificent voice again, get a Kleenex and enjoy her incredible performance:  

Happy 50th Birthday, Cheryl!

50 years ago you were born.  We are so proud of you and hope you have a wonderful day.

Four generations!

                                                                                    

Brownies

Cheryl played the Glockenspiel with the Richmond Thunderbird Baton and Drum Corps

Cheryl won a gold medal at the Canadian Baton Twirling Championships in Calgary

You will always be daddy's little girl

Devastating fire in Jasper & great news from Princess Cruises!

I was sickened to watch the news showing the devastating fire in Jasper.  I've been to Jasper many times and it's the most beautiful place in Canada.  When my brother-in-law, Richard was in university, he spent every summer working in Banff.  For years I've heard him tell the stories of the university students in Banff going to Jasper to find girls!  I remember my trips to Jasper too.  We've wanted to book the Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper, but keep putting it off.  I'm sure many people have great memories of this beautiful place.  Let's hope it gets rebuilt faster than our provincial government has treated the town of Lytton!  It's been three years and very little has been rebuilt!

Some great news from Princess Cruises!  In 2026, the brand new Star Princess will sail to Alaska.  The Lions Gate Bridge has low clearance and the larger ships can only sail underneath at low tide.  Seymour Narrows would also be difficult for this large ship to navigate so Seattle will be the port city.  It will sail in from Seattle on September 20, 2026 for a 7 day Alaska cruise but will end in Vancouver.  Sounds like a nice cruise to plan!

Cunard - things to know

I like to make a list of what I like or dislike on ships.  Cunard would be my favorite cruise line for the extras, excellent employees, delicious dinners and superb entertainment.   If you are going on Cunard, here are things I thought I would pass on to first time cruisers:

• Afternoon Tea at 3:00 is excellent.  They line up so get there early.
• There is a kettle in your room, with tea bags, instant coffee and cookies 
• At breakfast, cappuccino and espresso are free in the dining room
• Even on port days, the dining room is open at lunch
• Launderette machines and soap are free
• No extra charges in the dining room if you want a better steak or lobster tail
• There is no Splenda on this ship.  The sugar is from Australia, and it’s got aspartame. That was on the July 11, 2024, cruise.  Supplies were loaded in a previous cruise, so this may not be on every cruise.  If you use Splenda, you may want to pack some.
• They have an English Pub with pub food that is included in your cruise fare
• Dart tournaments in the pub most days
• Organized Bridge 
• Prizes from darts, trivia etc. are very nice.  Not junk like RCCL and Princess
• More activities than the four-star cruise lines every day
• No annoying photos at dinner or at ports
• A two-story library with lots of books
• One announcement at noon every day from the bridge.  No other announcements
• In the specialty dining room, if you have a gift card, they don’t ask for a gratuity
• The casino is very small and it’s non-smoking!
• Exercise classes are free

Internet has two options, Essential and Premium.  Essential is cheaper and does what most people want.  I bought Premium and can watch You Tube and other streaming.  I had problems uploading photos to my blog and getting into secondary sites.   

“My Voyage” is a website that gives you all the ships information you don’t need internet to activate it.  Go to the library and get the brochure that shows you how to do it on apple or android.  You can see the daily program, check your shipboard account, and lots of other information.  It doesn't include a messaging app to contact other passengers.  It is a handy site to have on your phone!

 

A few more photos!

 

Glacier Bay

We had a visitor.  Notice the rain.  He didn't care.

Hubbard Glacier
This cruise visited Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay and Misty Fjord.  You see more on an 11 day cruise to Alaska

We passed a lot of ships.  This ship was on our way to Glacier Bay as we left, waiting to enter.

Although we had a lot of rain, we saw a lot of wildlife!  The whale show we had at Icy Strait was the best we've ever seen.  The ship was docked and we were at dinner when it started.  Everyone ran to the windows.  We were very close to the windows and did see them before people blocked our view.  As we've seen so many, we continued to eat our dinner.  There were three humpbacks feeding on fish about 10 feet from our ship.  People were on every deck taking pictures.  I didn't get any, but I really enjoyed dinner!  

Nice to be home

I love going away, but it's always niceto come home.  We got off the ship at exactly 8:00 AM, at our departure time.  We carried out luggage off, no wait at customs and we took the elevator to the street level and ordered our Uber.  The pick up place is the Fairmont Waterfront and he came in 2 minutes in a new Toyota Sienna.  Great driver and we were home by 9:10!  

We came home and Cec said the blueberries have been picked.  He blamed the birds.  My wonderful neighbour, Nancy, cut some of our rhubarb and left a rhubarb coffee cake on my freezer.  I sent her quick thank you by text message.  She immediately replied "look in your freezer"!  When I did, she'd picked our blueberries and put them in 2 cup packages!  What a wonderful neighbour!   Thank you Nancy!

I'll attach some of our pictures as I couldn't do it when we were on board.

Lovely sail-away under the Lions Gate Bridge

Ballroom - the dance floor was well used on our cruise

The only cruise line I've been on that puts a kettle, tea, coffee, creamers and cookies in your room!

Ice sculpture on a Gala Night.  One of many!

Afternoon Tea every day at 3:00 PM.  Cunard has the nicest tea and I've sailed on a lot of cruises

Day 11 - At Sea

It's our last day!  Lots of great activities.  We went to Trivia, saw the wonderful guitarist in the Ballroom and enjoyed Tom Franek in the Royal Court Theatre.  Tom was less comedian and more pianist.  He started out playing Roll Out The Barrel and played many great pieces, both classical and popular.  His personality is awesome.  Some songs he changed the lyrics and it was very funny.

We've had a wonderful cruise.  We met many people from around the world.  Every UK person I met, I asked if they watched Coronation Street. Some were never and others, -- years ago but I got fed up with it.  Too funny.  We met some lovely couples from Vancouver and hopefully we will get together for lunch or dinner.  

We were assigned Aqua 2 to disembark the ship.  We always take out own luggage off in Vancouver.  The disembarkation list said if you want to get off on your own, you need to register.  Register?  We've never done that but I went to the Purser's Office as instructed.  Yes, he put all our information in the computer.  I asked "what if I didn't come down?".  He said "you would have waited until Aqua 2 was called".  I'm glad I read the instructions!

Next year the Queen Elizabeth is porting out of Seattle so I doubt we will sail with her.  Maybe we'll do one in Europe or Canada/New England.  I love Cunard.  It's a huge step up from Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean and NCL.  You also pay more.  You get what you pay for.  Cunard does everything classier.  The dinners were tastier and the employees are amazing.  I will miss the crew we had on this cruise, they were amazing! 

Day 10 - Ketchikan

We arrived in Ketchikan at 7:00 AM, the rain capital of Alaska.  They receive 232 inches of rain a year.  It wasn't raining!  The sun popped out in the afternoon.  It was warm and lovely!

After breakfast we played trivia and won another USB Drive and Wine stopper!  We have great team mates.  Then we left the ship and walked up to Creek Street.  We couldn't see any salmon in the river but had a lovely walk.  We went to "the rock" to meet our tour to George Inlet Lodge for their crab feast.  It's our third visit to this wonderful lunch and it didn't disappoint.  There are 45 members of the Canada Post Heritage Club and we tagged along in their bus.  Lots of fun with former co-workers of my husband.

We came back to the ship in time for darts.  Cec won his third dart tournament.  I'm beginning to think he's not just lucky, perhaps he's good?  The trivia was at 4:30.  I don't like to admit we won again.  Now we have another wine stopper and USB drive!  We've either been lucky at trivia or maybe it's the four teachers in our group of 6.

Dinner was very good again.  We've never had a meal we didn't like.  The service in the dining room is superb.  After dinner back to the Royal Court Theatre to hear "The Revolvers" - sounds of the sixties.  Great band and they brought back a lot of memories.

Then another trivia game in the Garden Lounge and I'm happy to report we lost!

Day 9 - Misty Fjord

Another day without rain!  We sailed peacefully down the fjord and the views were magnificent.  Our first activity was trivia and then on to darts.  Cec won another dart game!  There are some great dart players and he's been very lucky.   

We bought Lexie some M & M's that are from the UK.  When we took her to London, she said UK chocolate is much better than North American so this will be a surprise.  

Tonight was Masquerade Gala Formal Night.  I wore a mask but not very many people did.  Dinner was wonderful.  We both had Beef Wellington and it was very good.  The appetizers have been good and everyone loves the desserts.  I had a couple of desserts in the beginning but they are a little sweet and rich, so for the last few days I've been enjoying the fruit plate. 

After dinner we went to the Royal Court Theatre to see "Hollywood Nights" put on by the Royal Court Theatre Company.  It was songs from musicals and the choreography was awesome.  The four lead singers were a pleasure to hear.  Their voices and range are excellent.  Another standing ovation, well deserved.

Full House Party was on after the theatre in the Garden Lounge.  It was a bingo game with songs.  They played the songs and if you had that song on your "bingo" card, you marked it off.  The first one with a full card won.  They gave prizes for dancing and I won a lovely whiskey etched glass!  We now have a key chain made from the teak deck of the Queen Mary 2, two Cunard USB drives, a Cunard Whiskey glass and a wine stopper!  All these are quality prizes!  The wine stopper is chrome and wonderful.  They use the same ones in the dining room!  Some of the other cruise lines don't even give prizes any more and Royal Caribbean entertainment staff call theirs "Royal Caribbean Crap".  Great description.  

Another wonderful day at sea.  Sailing through Misty Fjords was much like Norway and wonderful to see the green mountains and water falls.  

Day 8 - Wrangell

Yesterday was the Maiden Call for the Queen Elizabeth in the Port of Wrangell.  It's one of Alaska's oldest towns and rich in history.  The population is 2,500 and it hasn't been spoiled by the shops the cruise lines put in some of the ports.  It's a truly unique Alaska town.

We went for a lovely walk in the downtown area.  It was so warm, we didn't need a jacket.  The sun actually came out for a short time and we had no rain all day!  Finally a nice break in the weather.

After a nice lunch on board in the dining room, we went to another dart tournament.  There were over 30 people in the tournament and Cec got to the last four.  Then another fun trivia.  Dinner was great and after we saw Tom Franek, a pianist/comedian like Victor Borge.  After the show we played Blank Spaces with four of the entertainment staff.  It was lots of fun.  We enjoyed Tom Franek so much, we went to his second show!  What a wonderful pianist with a fabulous personality.  I looked him up and he's booked on many different cruises.

https://www.tomfranek.com/

Check out his You Tube where it says "click here to watch Tom in action".   He was Princess Cruises entertainer of the year and it's well deserved.

Another fabulous day!

Day 7 - Juneau

We arrived in Juneau at 7:00 AM and docked at the port.  It was raining and cool, so we decided to stay on the ship.  We had no plans to do anything in port.  We enjoy a day on the ship and we've been here many times.  

At 10:15 AM we joined our trivia mates and won the game.  We had our choice of key chains (we already won one) a wine stopper or a USB drive.  Both Cec and I got a new USB drive.  

At 10:30 AM, we had to move out of the dock, to make room for the Majestic Princess.  It was a busy day in Juneau.  The Radiance of the Seas, Majestic Princess, Niew Amsterdam and another Princess ship that I couldn't see the name as it was far away.  So by 12 noon, we anchored and the tenders were in action.  It was very calm so it would have been a good ride.  It wasn't raining hard, but nice to stay on the ship.

At 3:15 Cec played darts again and it was a lot of fun to watch.  There are more people playing darts and they keep changing the game so it makes it interesting.  This game was great because it wasn't the "ringers" who would win, it was more luck than skill.

It was Folkloric Showtime at 3:45 with the Alaska String Band.  We just got there before they started as darts was just over.  The local band was very entertaining and played some lovely songs.  Behind them was a screen that scrolled through many animal pictures.  It was a great show.

After a sirloin steak dinner, we went to the Royal Court Theatre and saw the Theatre Company production of Palladium Nights.  It was music from the 60's and 70's.  Lots of wonderful singing and dancing and it ended with a standing ovation.  They are an excellent dance company!

Day 6 - Haines

We arrived at Haines at 7:00 AM.  It was a decent day.  The weather network predicted rain all day, but it never rained.  It was so warm, we took off our coats.  We took the shuttle to the business area which isn't far from the pier.  We walked around and went into the library with about 100 other passengers inside.  It was a shock to see people talking loudly on the phone and one guy by me was watching a video with loud sound.  I take it these people rarely go to a library.  I felt sorry for people who were trying to read.  They had a nice selection of magazines and it was a lovely library.

We walked back to the ship and had a nice lunch in the dining room.  Cec went into the dart tournament and did well, but didn't win.  He really enjoys darts and has met some nice dart players.

Dinner in the specialty restaurant did not disappoint.  We all had fabulous steaks and so many other extras.  Our former neighbours, Fred and Leslie, were in the specialty restaurant too.  We've had some good conversations with then as we haven't seen them in a while.  We need to find the people who bought our former Richmond house. Chuck and Elaine bought our house and are on this cruise.  Fred told us Chuck can't find the water turnoff.  Cec is still trying to remember where it is.  We may have to visit them and I'm sure he will find it.  We both think it's under the stairs. They are a really nice couple.

After dinner we rolled up to the Commodore Club to watch the classical guitarist.  He was great to listen to.  

Another lovely day on this cruise.

Day 5 - Hubbard Glacier

 A day without rain!  It's cloudy but no fog and no rain.  The weather report says it should rain, but once, they are wrong.

We went to Hubbard at 9 AM.  The Crystal Symphony was behind us.  It was a gorgeous view and the captain said, the closest they've got to the glacier this year.  I have great pictures, but unfortunately, I cannot share them.  

We received an invitation from Captain Aureliano Mazzella to attend a World Club Gala.  We had the same invite last year, but as no one in our party got the invitation, we declined.  This year they've got it, so it's for two completed cruises.  It's Gala Attire night and the theme is Roaring 20's.  I don't have any dresses from the 1920's so I'll have to go with what I have. You have a choice if you want a picture with the Captain, you enter through a special entrance.  If not, use the other entrance.  That's a good idea as pictures take time and not everyone, including me doesn't need another picture with another Captain.  It was very nice as they served appies and free drinks.

After the reception, we stayed in the Queens Lounge and listened to the band and singers play while the dancers danced.  We caught the late show which was the a performance from Trumpet Virtuoso, Nathan Samuelson and the Royal Court Theatre Company who performed some lovely dance numbers.

I spoke with the Assistant Captain at the World Club Gala and he said the reason they are moving from Vancouver to Seattle  in 2025 he heard is the horrendous paperwork they need to do for Canada Place, the longshoremen and Canada Place who are not the best port and cost.  So for everyone who wondered why, there it is!

Another great night on Cunard!

Day 4 - Glacier Bay

Yesterday at 7:30 AM, five park rangers boarded our ship.  It was foggy with light rain.  Around 9:30, the fog lifted and the view of the mountains was amazing.  Lots of ice in the water and we arrived at the Glacier.  It's always an amazing view.  The sun actually came out, but only for a short time.   No more rain all day!

As the Naturalist and the Park Rangers were on the speakers all day, there were no activities.  There was too much to see outside and hear in the commentary.

It was Big Band Night in the Queens Room.  There were 12 musicians and two vocalists, one male, one female.  The sound was wonderful.  The songs were from the 40's, 50's and 60's.  Lots of people danced and they all knew how to dance.  It's a lot of fun to watch them.  I got a good video of the professional dancers that did a lovely performance.

After the Big Bang Night, we went to the late performance of Duo Quintessence in the Royal Court Theatre.  An excellent performance of a dynamic duo aerial and acrobatic show.  Their unbelievable strength, flexibility, and elegant displays of artistic choreography were a delight.  They got a standing ovations which they truly deserved.

I found a good You Tube of the Duo, ignore the first two minutes:

Duo Quinessence

One reason we enjoy Cunard is the fact they visit both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.  Today we go to Hubbard Glacier which is the largest one in Alaska. 

Icy Strait & Glacier Bay

Yesterday we had the best whale sighting we've ever seen in all our cruises up here.  It was cool and lightly raining so we stayed on the ship.  We were in port from 2 PM to 9:30 PM.  Very few people came to the dining room for dinner.  Our table is aft, one table away from the windows.  Great table.  Someone screamed "whales" and there were 3 humpback whales breaching!  It was awesome!  We let the other people see them at the windows.  The whale show went on for over an hour!  People were all over the decks and at every window.  They were about 10 feet from the ship that was docked when we first saw them.  They moved around and people were thrilled.  It was a beautiful sight!   The rain stopped about 5 PM so it was nice for those who went out in the evening.  The sun isn't setting until just before 10 so the nights are long.

This morning at 7 AM, we entered Glacier Bay.  It was foggy, but that's lifted and there is light rain.  The temperature is 13C/57F!  Very refreshing an I'm glad I brought a warm coat.  The naturalists are on board!  Looking forward to another wonderful day at sea.

Day 2 - At Sea

Unfortunately trying to blog on this cruise is very frustrating.  I purchased Premium Internet for over US$250 for this cruise and I cannot put pictures in my blog!

We are really enjoying this cruise, and when I return home, I will post pictures.  Other than the Starlink Internet at a premium price, the cruise is wonderful.  Today we are going to Icy Strait.  The weather looks wet but I love Icy and they've already given us free rain ponchos.  I have great rain gear, so I'll get it on the smell the fresh air!

I'm home again on July 22.  This is an 11 day cruise and we go to both Hubbard and Glacier Bay.  Cunard has the best itinerary of all the lines out of Vancouver.

Time for an Alaskan cruise

I didn't plan a cruise to Alaska this year, but with friends going, we decided to book Cunard's Queen Elizabeth.  It's an 11 night cruise from Vancouver.  Next year the Queen Elizabeth will not berth in Vancouver.  I'm wondering if it's out high port charges.  It will berth out of Seattle, another lost opportunity for our fair city.

Our boarding time isn't until 2 PM today.  I ordered Uber to take us to the port.  I got a $100 gift card for $79 dollars online at Costco.ca.   I've used Uber during many of our travels but never in Vancouver.  

This is our third trip to Alaska on the Queen Elizabeth.  It's my favorite ship to Alaska.  They do longer cruises than the other lines which is nice.  We will go to both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.  I love the pub, the entertainment and their English High Afternoon Tea.  They don't have the hairy leg contest or annoying photos at dinner.  One perk I enjoy that the other lines don't have is a kettle in your room to make tea and coffee. They relaxed the dress code last year and it's really helped get the North American market who are more relaxed than the Europeans.

The weather looks wet and cool.  It will be a nice change to the heat we are experiencing in Vancouver.

Time to get healthy

 Tea Quiz (answers)

1.  In which country was tea first drunk? a)India, b)China, c)England

2.  Which character hosts a garden tea party i the book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland? a)The Queen of Hearts, b)The Cheshire Cat, c)The March Hare

3.  What do people who practice Tasseography do? a)pick tea leaves from the field b)design tea blends c)read tea leaves

4.  What name is given to the Japanese hostesses who specialise in the Japanese Tea Ceremony? a)Geisha, b)Grand Dame, c)Senorita 

5.  Does tea contain half or double the amount of caffeine found in coffee?  a)half the amount of caffeine compared to coffee, b)double the amount of caffeine compared to coffee

6.  What part of the tea bush is tea made from?  a)roots & stems, b)leafs & buds, c)flowers

7.  What is the world's best-selling tea brand? a)Lipton, b)Tetley, c)Twinings

8.  What is coffee? a)fruit, b)seed, c)root

9.  Coffee boosts productivity but what else does it increase? a)blood pressure, b)cholesterol, c)heart rate

10.  What was Queen Elizabeth's favourite brand of tea?  a)Earl Grey, b)Green tea, c)Chamomile tea

Sapphire Sisters Afternoon Garden High Tea

Our Queen, Anne, invited us to her home for an outside afternoon tea in her beautiful garden.  At noon it was 33C/91.4F in Langley.  When I arrived at Anne's, she'd set her dining room table and her home was air conditioned.  She moved it inside because of the heat.  The food she prepared was awesome!

We started in her kitchen.  What you see on the table, was overflow!

You can see the menu, Anne went to so much trouble and it was appreciated by all of us.  A lovely tea on a gorgeous day.

Anne organized a Tea Quiz (answers tomorrow):

1.  In which country was tea first drunk? a)India, b)China, c)England

2.  Which character hosts a garden tea party i the book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"? a)The Queen of Hearts, b)The Cheshire Cat, c)The March Hare

3.  What do people who practice Tasseography do? a)pick tea leaves from the field b)design tea blends c)read tea leaves

4.  What name is given to the Japanese hostesses who specialise in the Japanese Tea Ceremony? a)Geisha, b)Grand Dame, c)Senorita 

5.  Does tea contain half or double the amount of caffeine found in coffee?  a)half the amount of caffeine compared to coffee, b)double the amount of caffeine compared to coffee

6.  What part of the tea bush is tea made from?  a)roots & stems, b)leafs & buds, c)flowers

7.  What is the world's best-selling tea brand? a)Lipton, b)Tetley, c)Twinings

8.  What is coffee? a)fruit, b)seed, c)root

9.  Coffee boosts productivity but what else does it increase? a)blood pressure, b)cholesterol, c)heart rate

10.  What was Queen Elizabeth's favourite brand of tea?  a)Earl Grey, b)Green tea, c)Chamomile tea

An answer to all the rumours!

I first heard about a new South Surrey Costco many years ago.  One of Dave's friends worked for Telus and said they put in the telecommunication lines for a new Costco off 18th Avenue by the Hwy. 99.  I know the land well, it's close to Superstore.  We heard the City of Surrey, with Mayor McCallum wouldn't accept the development proposal unless Costco paid for an exit off Hwy 99!  Costco said no, and the property has been vacant for years!  Then this just appeared on the property!

969 parking spots and a gas bar!  Let's hope the new council approves this application.  There are a lot of new homes in that area.  They would have to widen the roads. There isn't a public hearing, but I will be following this closely!  We really need a new Costco in Surrey/Cloverdale/White Rock!

I went to the Langley Costco last Saturday.  I got there at 8:20 AM as I heard they open early.  It opened at 8:30 (website says 9:00) and there were so many people in the lineup, we sat in the car and waited. When we got in line at 8:35, there were no more parking spots and it isn't suppose to open until 9. By the time I finished, the lineup for cashiers was past the clothes area.  Everyone was in queue and it moved fast.  The place is unbelievable.  

Cheryl and I take turns Costco shopping.  Since COVID, I've been getting her groceries when I go, and she gets mine when she goes.  I only go there once a month at most.  The other good time is 2:30 PM when parents are doing after school pickup or when the hockey play offs are on.  Of course those days are gone now until fall. 

SAD REALITY 😢

50 years ago, children were gentle with their parents. Today parents have to be gentle with their children.

🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝

50 years ago, children respected their parents. Now parents have to respect their children.

👌👌👌👌👌👌

50 years ago, marriage was easy but divorce was difficult. 

Nowadays it is difficult to get married but divorce is so easy.

💑💑💑💑💑💑

50 years ago, we got to know all the neighbours. Now we are strangers to our neighbors.

💐💐💐💐💐💐

50 years ago, people had to eat a lot because they needed the energy to work hard. Now we are afraid to eat fatty foods for fear of the cholesterol and hypertension.

🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗

50 years ago, only one person worked to support the whole family. Now all have to work to support one child.

🚴‍♂🚴‍♂🚴‍♂🚴‍♂🚴‍♂🚴‍♂

50 years ago, people loved to study and read books ... 

Now people love to update their status on social media...

🧩🧩🧩🧩🧩🧩

Refrigerator update!

I met Myrna and her late husband Robert on a Canada Post bus trip.  We've been friends ever since.  I loved her all her stories, but the one about her refrigerator was one I wouldn't forget.  I never knew anyone who had a fridge as long as she did.  I couldn't remember how long she had it.  She read my post yesterday and I got this email from her:

Hi.   I had to deal with it's passing back a bit. It was still running but warm. So felt it was time to say good by!  Ordered it from Sears catalogue in August 1964.  It was out of stock but waited a few weeks with no fridge and a new baby.  It was worth the wait.   It was in it's 59th year when I unplugged it.  I still miss it terribly!   Loved the  model.

I knew she had her refrigerator for a long time, but 59 years!  I hope her new one lasts a long time too.  Keep cool in this heat wave, Myrna and keep in touch with your wonderful stories!  Hope to see you soon.

Refrigerators!

Two days before our last vacation, my refrigerator stopped working.  I was thankful it happened before we left because if I came home to a stopped fridge in the summer, it wouldn't be pretty.  My fridge was 18 years old.  It's moaned for 5 years and I kept telling the other half, we need to replace it.  Of course he said "wait until it goes".  

The salesman I got my new fridge from said "they only last 10 years now".  My mom had a fridge for years.  My friend Myrna still has her fridge and it's really old.  I believe she bought it in the 50's!   She reads my blog, so Myrna please let me know how old your fridge is.  I am so jealous.  

1960's refrigerator

I had one of these when I was first married.  I wish I knew how long it lasted, but I sold my house so I'll never know.  I bet it lasted over 20 years.  I remember those shelves that turned around!  

I miss the egg and butter containers.  Where did they go to?  My new fridge has wi-fi.  My stove has wi-fi too.  My oven sent me a message telling me it needed cleaning.  I hadn't used it yet, so I blocked it!  I am not setting up wi-fi on my new fridge.  Forget the wi-fi and give me an egg and compartment to keep my butter!

Happy July 4th to my American friends and relatives!

Independence Day of the United States, also referred to as the Fourth of July or July Fourth in the U.S., is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago in 1776 on July 4 by the Continental Congress. It declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire. 

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

Independence Day is the National Day of the United States Coincidentally, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, James Monroe, another Founding Father who was elected as President, also died on July 4, 1831. He was the third President in a row who died on the anniversary of independence. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872; so far he is the only U.S. President to have been born on Independence Day.

 

Wednesday smiles

 

Happy Canada Day

Yesterday I needed groceries and my favorite Save On Foods is beside the Cloverdale Fairgrounds where all the Surrey Canada Day activities were taking place.  I know they have signs that say they will tow anyone who parks in the Save On Foods/London Drugs parking lot and goes to the festivities.  When I finished my grocery shopping, I saw a family getting out of their car, getting their chairs out of the trunk.  I said "they will tow you if you park here, there are signs that show that".  I was nice, just in case he missed he signs.  He shrugged his shoulders like he didn't speak English, or didn't care and I proceeded to return my basket.  On my way back to the car, the Save On employee was writing his license plate down.  From the end of the parking lot, the well dressed gentlemen was running back to his car!   My morning chuckle.  

We went to Cheryl's to watch the Cloverdale fireworks at 10:15 PM.  It was a great way to end a nice day.  They were really good!

Lexie's first Canada Day at the Steveston Salmon Festival

Lexie and Persephone this year in their Canada Day Outfits

You may not agree with his son, but this is one of my favorite quotes:

 🍁   As I watch the Republic south of us, I am so glad I live in this country!  🍁

Canada Day in Surrey

 Lots of celebrations close to us.  Here is the schedule:

10:45 - 10:50

Welcome

11:30 - 12:00

Duniya Dance

12:30 - 1:00

Kara-Kata Afrobeat Group

1:30 - 2:00

Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band

1:30 - 2:00

O' Canada with Karishma Deo

1:30 - 2:00

Mayor & Council Opening Ceremony

2:30 - 3:00

Los Grandes

3:30 - 4:00

M'Girl

4:30 - 5:00

Coco Jafro

5:30 - 6:00

Coast to Coast

6:30 - 7:00

Don Amero

7:00 - 7:30

DJ Marvel

7:30 - 7:45

Indigenous Cultural Sharing with Semiahmoo and Kwantlen First Nations

7:45 - 8:30

Sass Jordan

8:30 - 9:00

DJ Marvel

9:00 - 10:15

The Sheepdogs

10:15 - 10:30

Fireworks sponsored by Guildford Town Centre