Princess Diana

It's been 28 years since Princess Diana passed away in Paris.  Prince William, Princess Catherine and the children visited her grave this week at Althorp.  I'm sure if she was alive she would be so proud of William and his beautiful family.

Expedia rated National Parks

 

1.   Banff National Park – Canada

2.   Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park – Japan

3.   Parc National des Calanques – France

4.   Blue Mountains National Park - Sydney, Australia

5.   Kruger National Park - South Africa

6.   Iguazú National Park - Argentina/Brazil

There’s something soul-stirring about stepping into the wild heart of the world’s most stunning national parks. Whether it’s the hush of dawn over windswept ridges or the thundering rush of waterfalls carving through ancient canyons, these landscapes invite us to connect—both with nature and with those we hold dear.

Explore misty valleys, watch golden light spill across the meadows and admire a starlit sky unspoiled by city lights. These are more than just destinations—they’re portals into new passions and new possibilities. For families seeking meaningful moments or friends chasing the thrill of the unknown, journeys into the world’s protected natural wonders can awaken new sides of you. Before setting off, it’s important to check official park websites and take note of their individual rules and guidelines. Then, ready your senses; The adventure begins long before your boots hit the trail.

Radiance of the Seas

 

Vancouver will say goodbye to the Radiance of the Seas on September 26th!  The Radiance of the Seas has been sailing to Alaska from Vancouver since 2001.  I've been on her a few times.  The ship is built with a lot of panoramic glass and was designed for scenic cruising. The ship offered passengers unforgettable views of glaciers, wildlife and rugged coastlines for over two decades.  It was a favorite of passengers sailing to Alaska.  She would reposition to Australia every fall and return in the spring.  

My favorite cruise on her was to Sydney, Australia.  The one unique feature is the chess board.  Cec reminds me of it every time we sail on the ship.  It's backwards!  It drives him crazy and every time we've been on board he mentions it to the staff.  It's never been corrected.  I guess it's okay for checkers.  

Next year Royal Caribbean will send a Quantum Class ship, the Ovation of the Seas to Vancouver to take her place.   The Radiance has a capacity of 2,501 and the Ovation has a capacity of 4,180.  Ovation is a much larger and has more activities and entertainment.  It's a favorite of families with children.   It features 17 dining options, iFly sky diving simulator, north star observation capsule, flow rider, surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and bumper cars!  It's not your grandparents cruise ship!  

Yes, we've sailed the Ovation.  We went to Hawaii on her and had a good trip.  I actually prefer the even larger ships as we sail for entertainment and the larger Royal Caribbean ships have even more!  I love the diving show on the Oasis class ships.  We also saw full Broadway plays Chicago and on another cruise Mama Mia!  The entertainment is excellent!  Before you sail you make a reservation so you know you have seat!  

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz

In 1986, as Desi Arnaz lay in his bed at his Del Mar home, weakened by advanced lung cancer, a call came through. It was Lucille Ball. She had heard he didn’t have much time left. They had been divorced for more than two decades, but on that night, time and pain dissolved. Lucille didn’t wait for pleasantries. She spoke softly into the phone. His daughter, Lucie Arnaz, standing nearby, watched tears well up in her father’s eyes. He kept repeating, “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

It was one of Desi’s final lucid moments. Hours later, his condition worsened. Two days after that call, on December 2, 1986, he passed away. But what lingered was the sound of Lucille’s voice, and Desi’s unwavering affection echoing back.

They had once been Hollywood’s most electric couple. Their chemistry burned through the screen on "I Love Lucy", a show they co-created through Desilu Productions. Audiences saw the laughter and chaos, but beneath the comedy was a marriage built on real passion, complicated loyalty, and the relentless pressures of fame.

Their romance had begun in 1940 during the filming of "Too Many Girls". Lucille, already a rising film actress, was struck by Desi’s charisma the moment he stepped onto the set. Within six months, they married. But the years that followed were anything but easy. Desi’s long tours with his orchestra, rumors of infidelity, and the stress of maintaining a public image took a heavy toll. Lucille filed for divorce in 1944 but reconciled shortly after. By 1951, they were back on stable ground, launching "I Love Lucy", which would revolutionize television and make them household names.

Their success didn’t erase the strain in their private life. In 1960, Lucille finally filed for divorce again, and this time it was final. She once admitted it was the most painful decision she had ever made. Still, even through heartbreak, their bond never fractured entirely. They co-parented their children, Lucie and Desi Jr., and continued to collaborate on business matters. Lucille took over Desilu Productions after the divorce and led it to even greater heights, but she never downplayed the foundational role Desi had played.

Throughout the years, they kept in touch. There were birthday calls, conversations about their kids, and quiet exchanges no one else was privy to. Friends and family often described a sense of unfinished love between them. In interviews, Lucille avoided discussing the deeper reasons behind their divorce, but she never stopped referring to Desi with a tenderness that betrayed her lingering feelings.

In 1986, when Lucille learned of Desi’s terminal diagnosis, she was living in Beverly Hills, having married comedian Gary Morton. Yet when she spoke of Desi to close friends, it was clear he still held a permanent space in her heart. That final phone call wasn’t planned as a goodbye. It came from something deeper, an instinct to reach across the years and remind each other of the connection they never truly let go of.

Later, Lucie Arnaz shared publicly what happened that night. “It was incredibly moving,” she said. “He was mostly incoherent by then, but he knew it was her. And when she spoke, he answered with those words, over and over again.”

When a reporter once asked Lucille if she had ever stopped loving Desi, she gave the most honest reply she could: “Never.” No elaboration. No hesitation.

Lucille Ball passed away in 1989, less than three years after that final conversation. Those who knew her say she kept a photo of Desi in her dressing room until the end.

Their story ended not with signatures on divorce papers or the fade-out of a hit show, but with one final “I love you” whispered across a phone line, spoken with clarity, and heard with a heart that had never let go.

Hungry Eats

 

Pat and Steve told us about this wonderful mom and pop restaurant that's located in Guildford Mall.  We've had many delicious meals there.  Our Red Hat group had a tasty lunch there in May.  The service and food are superb.  On Sunday, we were met with this message:

The owner, a wonderful chef who comes out to see if you are happy with your food was given very short notice.  They put a sign like the one above in the window and the mall made them take it down.  Apparently people were going to the mall office to complain.  The mom and pop restaurants are becoming obsolete and we are inundated with restaurant chains and corporate entities.  I hope he finds another location because this guy has a huge following.  Not only are his prices reasonable, you get good quality tasty food.   He serves fresh vegetables and cooks them to perfection.  This was our last meal, I had the senior portion because the normal portion served on a meat platter is just too much!

You can see a lot of gravy, but there is a lot of meat under that gravy.  Fresh turkey meat, not turkey roll!  The potatoes don't need gravy, they are creamy and delicious too.  Cec ordered the meat loaf but it was already sold out.  No wonder, Cec says it's the tastiest he's ever had.  

We will all miss this wonderful restaurant.  Shame on Guilford Mall, they wouldn't renew his lease!

PNE 115 years of fun

 

The first rainy day of the summer marks the opening of the PNE. That used to be a local truism. But it wasn’t backed by statistics; it was purely anecdotal. But why let facts get in the way of a good story? 

It began in 1907 as the Vancouver Exhibition Association and organized its first fair at Hastings Park in 1910. It was renamed the Pacific National Exhibition, the PNE, in 1946. 

The opening of the PNE always signalled the end of summer holidays. The annual fair ends on the Labour Day weekend, and the next day is traditionally the first day of school. Good-bye summer! 

There have been many changes to the fair over the years, and I like to remember the good old days when I got my free pass that was handed out on the last day of school, which allowed school kids free admission to the fair.  My parents would never go on that day as it was so busy.

I have to admit, I haven’t attended the fair for many years. “What’s the matter?” You may ask, “You don’t like the PNE?”  I'm not happy what’s happened over the years.

The fair started with a huge parade in downtown Vancouver.  There were floats, marching bands and community groups.  That's stopped in 1995!  I really lost interest in the PNE fair when they took down all the buildings. The Show Mart, Modern Living, and Pure Foods buildings. They’re gone now, taken down in the late 1990’s.  We would always pay a visit to the giant Challenger relief map.  A 6,000 square foot map of British Columbia. It was a must-see every year. The map was removed at one point, but stored away, and I believe it has made a return appearance. I also remember the vendors that demonstrated new gadgets, that's what I enjoyed.  

My dad always bought tickets to "win car, win a house".  When I was a child my mom would let me stay up and we would listen to CKNW at 11 PM to hear who won the car they gave away to a lucky ticket holder every night of the fair.   One year after our day at the fair the announcer said "ART" and we all gasped as that was my dad's first name, but it was Art Crosby and we knew the family as they went to our church!  They won a car and we were thrilled.

Maybe we will go back but the weather right now is too hot.  I better order my tickets for "win a car, win a house" as you can now buy them online and I still get them every year.  The house is in Langley this year, a lovely community!  They now have a 50/50 to win for another $10.00.  The proceeds from the tickets goes to help the PNE with their expenses year round and they have huge expenses. If you haven't got your tickets here's the link:   https://pneprizehome.ca/

NordSpace - Advancing life on earth to space from Canada!

One small step for NordSpace and one giant leap for Newfoundland and Labrador as the aerospace company plans to launch Canada's first commercial rocket to space today from the town of St. Lawrence!  NordSpace founder and CEO, Rahul Goel said the launch will be a test of the single engine rocket system - a 16 meter-long rocket created using 3D-printed metal!  The launch will be a single-engine suborbital test flight which will be about 30 seconds.

While the rocket won't carry humans, they will carry payloads or small satellites into low orbit between 500 and 1,000 kilometers into space.

We are coming less dependant on the US and creating our own defense systems!  Brilliant!

Sunday Smiles

  

 

Hurricane Erin

If you wonder what happens in a hurricane when you are on a cruise.  Hurricane Erin is moving up the eastern coast of the US.  The Island Princess if sailed would go right through it.  This is how Princess Cruises is handling this from a passenger who is blogging the cruise:

The Captain just announced that due to Hurricane Erin, we will not be sailing away tonight but staying for 3 nights in New York. 

We will be missing the Caribbean completely which is disappointing, but we will be cruising to Bermuda and spending an extra overnight there, which will give us 2 and a half days there which we are really pleased about.

In compensation Princess are providing free transfers into Manhattan over the next few days. We will also be given 50% cruise base rate refund of total cruise price, and $250 OBC each. A full refund has also been offered plus 50% OBC for those that want to disembark.

 

We totally understand the decisions made and in lots of ways we are relieved we will be safely be in New York as the hurricane moves into the Atlantic!

When hurricane Ian was forming in the Atlantic, cruise lines had lots of time to organize.  As the Miami/Fort Lauderdale was going to get a direct hit, the cruise lines advised passengers BEFORE their cruise.  Those who didn't want to cruise or would have problems flying to Miami/Fort Lauderdale were given a full refund.  In the available rooms, Royal Caribbean put their employees and families on board and headed for the Caribbean where they would be safe.   

Stanley Park hollow tree

1930's when the circus was in town

Most families have an old picture like this

The Hollow Tree in Stanley Park is arguably the most famous tourist attraction in Vancouver for over the last 100 years.  The Hollow Tree is very old, about 600-800 years old Western Red Cedar tree that died, but left a huge hollow stump.  The stump has a circumference of about 60 feet with a huge hollow center.  Since people have had cameras, they have taken photos of themselves inside the Hollow Tree.  People have had cars, horse-drawn carriages, elephants, and obviously people inside the hollow tree for photos.  Stanley Park drive originally was slated to go right through where the Hollow Tree stood, but after much objection, especially from the photographers who worked at the tree, the road was diverted.

In 2006, there was a huge windstorm that caused major damage to the trees in Stanley Park.  The Hollow Tree was damaged and was leaning at a dangerous angle.  The Vancouver Parks board considered dropping the tree and letting it rot.  There was a big public outcry and finally the tree was saved by building a inner metal frame to hold up the tree safely.  The tree is now standing straight and open for people to take photos in.  

Happy Thursday!

 

l

A day in Vancouver

Yesterday our Red Hat group had a luncheon at The Rogue in Sinclair Center in Vancouver.  It's a great venue as so many live on or near Sky Train and it makes it easy to access.  Sky Train at King George Station only goes to Surrey Central because of track work.  So I had to change trains at Surrey Central, no problem.  I met Pat at Surrey Central and we travelled together.  I went on TransLink Planner as I don't take the bus/Sky Train often and it told me to catch the bus that runs very close to where I live at 9:58.  I got there at 9:49 and the bus came!  It was 9 minutes early.  He didn't wait as they usually do at our stop when they are early but took right off.  I was the only person on the bus!  It's usually very busy. 

We got to Waterfront Station very early and went for a walk around Canada Place:

Two ships were in port, the Grand Princess and the Viking Venus.  I've never seen the Viking Venus!  It was christened in 2021 and I believe it's the first year it's been to Vancouver.  In 2025 it sails Asia, Australia, Alaska and the South Pacific.

After a wonderful lunch with 12 ladies, Pat and I went to Waterfront Station.  A train rolled up with a transit employee in uniform sitting at the front of the train.  They are automatic trains and don't have drivers.  When we embarked, we were on one of the new Innovia Metro Mark V trains.  The display that shows the route is much larger and easy to read.  The trains have 5 cars with a capacity of 672.  We noticed not as many seats on the new train as the older trains but it had more standing room.  The train we were on had empty seats from Waterfront right to Surrey Central.  It is much longer than the older trains!  

Standard SkyTrain configuration and capacity

Model	Length/car	Seats/car	Capacity/car	Cars/train	Length/train	Capacity/train
ICTS Mark I (1984–1995)	12.7 m (41 ft 8 in)	22–36	~80	4 cars	50.8 m (166 ft 8 in)	332
				6 cars	76.2 m (250 ft 0 in)	498
ART Mark II (2000–2002)	17.35 m (56 ft 11+1⁄8 in)	42	123	2 cars	34.7 m (113 ft 10+1⁄8 in)	256
				4 cars	69.4 m (227 ft 8+1⁄4 in)	512
ART Mark II (2nd generation; 2009/2010)		33	130	2 cars	34.7 m (113 ft 10+1⁄8 in)	264
				4 cars	69.4 m (227 ft 8+1⁄4 in)	528
Innovia Metro Mark III (2016–2019)	17.025 m (55 ft 10+1⁄4 in)	30–33	131–135	4 cars	68.1 m (223 ft 5+1⁄8 in)	532
Innovia Metro Mark V (since 2025)		31	134-139	5 cars	84.8 m (278 ft 2+5⁄8 in)	672
Hyundai Rotem EMU (2009–present)	20.5 m (67 ft 3+1⁄8 in)	44	167	2 cars	41 m (134 ft 6+1⁄8 in)	334

When I returned back to King George Station my bus went right down Fraser Highway so I could see the construction of the Skytrain extension to Langley.  It's coming along!  Here is the new Skytrain station under construction at 152 and Fraser Highway:

Stephen King

One summer night in 1970, I rolled over and asked the girl next to me if she wanted to get married.

— We’ll talk about it in the morning, she said. Right now, I need to sleep.

The next day she told me marriage was probably a bad idea — in fact, a really bad idea — but she agreed anyway. She was right: it was a bad idea. Tabitha Spruce was still in school, I had graduated but couldn’t find a teaching job. I was working in an industrial laundry for barely more than minimum wage. We had student loans, no savings, and no benefits. I owned two pairs of underwear, two pairs of jeans, one pair of shoes — and a drinking problem. Still, we picked a date: January 2, 1971.

That fall, we took a bus to Bangor, Maine, to a well-known jewelry store. We asked to see the cheapest set of wedding bands they had. The salesman, with a perfect professional smile free of any judgment, showed us two thin gold bands for $15. I pulled out my wallet — attached to my belt loop with a biker chain — and paid. On the way home, I joked, “Bet these will leave a green mark on our fingers.”

Tabby, sharp as ever, shot back, “I hope we wear them long enough to find out.”

About ten weeks later, we exchanged those rings. My suit was borrowed and too big, my tie looked like something Jerry Garcia would have worn. Tabby wore a light blue pantsuit that had been a bridesmaid’s outfit at a friend’s wedding months before. She was stunning — and scared to death. Our reception? Tuna sandwiches and soda, in my old Buick with a dying transmission. I kept running my thumb over the ring on my finger.

A few years later — three, maybe five — Tabby was washing dishes when her ring slipped off and went down the drain. I tore apart the plumbing but found nothing except a hairpin. The ring was gone. By then, I could afford to buy her a finer one, but she cried over losing that first real ring. It wasn’t worth even eight dollars — but it was priceless.

Life’s been kind to me in my career. I’ve written bestsellers and earned millions. But I’ve never taken off that cheap ring since the day my wife, with trembling hands and shining eyes, slid it onto my finger. Yes, I know — it sounds like a country song. But life often does.

That ring reminds me of our tiny three-room apartment, the creaky floors, the noisy fridge, the winter drafts, and the sign above the sink that read: FRIEND, WE’RE OUT OF GAS. It reminds me of who we were (two crazy kids) and what we had (almost nothing). It reminds me that price and value are not the same thing.

It’s been 42 years now — and still, no green mark.

- Stephen King -

Unions

My dad was born in 1919 and was a union supporter.  I remember him telling me how unions Canada were organized to protect the worker and how they made a difference to workers in Canada in the early years.  He became a fire fighter in Vancouver and belonged to AFL-CIO.  

I was in a union for a short time, I've been non-union and in management overseeing union employees.  I see the benefits of a union and also understand some of the disadvantages to employers.

I am behind the Air Canada flight attendants 100%.  Air Canada is not bargaining in good faith and the fact they "work" and don't get paid is appalling.  They should be paid as soon as boarding starts and when all the passengers depart and they leave the aircraft, at least!  

The Liberal government forcing the flight attendants back to work is unacceptable.  I realize it's hurting the economy, but make Air Canada start to address this problem!  I feel very sorry for everyone who is travelling and caught up in this mess.  

I read if you want to contact Air Canada contact one of the international offices.  One person got someone in Mexico immediately!  The Canadian phone lines are jammed.  If you aren't trying to change your flight but book one, call a travel agent!

This was just posted online, I'm glad they are united!

We got torrential rain and everyone was thrilled!

It was the wettest Aug. 15 in more than a century at the weather station at Vancouver International Airport on Friday, as heavy rain drenched much of B.C.’s South Coast.

According to Environment Canada, 43.2 millimetres of rain fell late Thursday evening and Friday at YVR, close to double the previous daily rainfall record of 26.9 millimetres recorded back in 1912.

The rain helped the horrific wildfires we have in our province.  Electricity is out in Bamfield and surrounding areas.  The smoke is so thick in Parksville and Qualicum Canada Post has suspended delivery service.

BC Hydro said restoration work will take up to two weeks after an out-of-control wildfire, which is burning south of Port Alberni, B.C., left hundreds of residents in the nearby communities without power since Monday. 

Firefighters on Vancouver Island say a “significant” amount of rainfall has helped crews to make progress in battling the Mount Underwood wildfire, which has prompted three evacuation alerts and two orders. 

The BC Wildfire Service said that crews are seeing improvement on the Mount Underwood wildfire after the area has received more than 30 millimetres of rain since Thursday, leading to minimal fire growth over the past 24 hours.

Kiah Allen, operations chief on the Mount Underwood wildfire from the Coastal Fire Centre, said in an operational update on Friday that the next three days will allow crews to make good progress as they are seeing relief in the weather. 

Allen said her crews have been taking advantage of the cooler weather to do assessments and secure the perimeter before the weather becomes hot and dry again. 

The Mount Underwood wildfire is currently measured at 36.68 square kilometres in size, and about 19 pieces of heavy equipment and 168 firefighters are working to control the blaze. 

The Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, located on Vancouver Island, said in a post on Saturday that crews have been focusing efforts on the north and northwest portions of the fire, hoping to further contain areas closest to the City of Port Alberni. 

Billy Joel - And So It Goes

I had the pleasure of watching a two-part, five-hour documentary that offers the most intimate and comprehensive portrait ever made of the legendary singer-songwriter known as the "Piano Man". 

Billy Joel was raised by a single mother in Long Island, New York.  He had a strained relationship with his father Howard Joel, who left the family in the 1950's.  He later reconnected with his father in Vienna.

The documentary also explores Joel's Jewish heritage and the trauma of his grandfather fleeting Nazi Germany.  I found this part of the movie riveting.  

Billy says his mother only listened to classical music.  When he grew up, he never listened to rock and roll.  Following his musical career, you find out he is exceptionally gifted with playing by ear and his ability to compose music and write the lyrics.  Elton John and Tim Rice were fabulous.  Paul McCartney and John Lennon were also brilliant, but Billy Joel does everything himself.  He composes the music, writes the lyrics and performs the songs!  Billy writes about his life and when you watch the documentary, the music he performs shares his life experiences.  He is a song writing genius!

It's long and I thought the first half was a little slow, however, the second part was so interesting.  I highly recommend this wonderful adaptation of his life.

Anyone who knows me, knows I have two ringtones on my cell phone, Uptown Girl and Piano Man.  Piano Man has a good intro as it's quiet and I can answer the phone before it gets louder.  Uptown Girl is just funny as everyone who hears it, sings along!

Happy Birthday Princess Anne

Coat of Arms of Anne, The Princess Royal

The coat was granted in 1962

Known as the Princess Royal, Princess Anne is 75 today!  Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise was born August 15, 1950.  She was born less than two years after King Charles III.  The royal siblings grew up very close spending their childhood together.  Prince Andrew was born in 1960 and Prince Edward was born in 1964 when both Charles and Anne were in their teens.

At the time of her birth, she was third in the line of succession to the British throne, behind her brother Charles.  She rose to second in 1952 after her grandfather's death and her mother's accession; she's currently 18th in line.

Born at Clarence House, Anne was educated at Benenden School and began undertaking royal duties upon reaching adulthood.  She became a respected equestrian, winning one gold medal in 1971 and two silver medals in 1975 at the European Eventing Championships.  In 1976 she became the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games.  In 1988, the Princess Royal became a member of the International Olympic Committee.  

Princess Anne honored her older brother by marrying her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips on Charles's 25th birthday in 1973.  She had two children, Zara and Peter.  They separated in 1989 and divorced in 1992.  She married Commander (later Vice Admiral) Sir Timothy Laurence two months after her divorce.  She met Sir Timothy while he served as her mother's equerry between 1986 and 1989.  

Princess Anne is involved with more than 200 charities and organizations in an official capacity.  When her mother was alive, Princess Anne attended more events than any other royal.  She is still extremely busy with all her charity and royal events.

Air Canada strike

I worked for Pacific Western Airlines for 15 years.  I knew a lot of flight attendants.  Most people think it's a "dream" job.  If you know a flight attendant you will find out it sure isn't.  They get great benefits, but the pay is low and the hours are anything but normal.  I remember them telling me about higher rates of menstrual abnormalities, spontaneous fetal loss compared to other women.  Some have tilted or tipped uterus's.  They have exposure to cosmic radiation, disruption of circadian rhythms (jet lag), long working hours and working across time zones prolonged standing and physical demands of the job.  If you've flown a lot you will see how some of the passengers treat them.  They are there for your safety, not your servant!

After reading this from a friend, I fully support these dedicated men and women:

Here Is what Air Canada has really offered us:

Air Canada has offered 8% in the first year as a one-time catch-up. Meanwhile, flight attendants have taken a 9% cut to their real wages due to inflation over the course of their last contract since 2015. This offer does not even keep up with inflation - it is, in effect, a pay cut. Air Canada's offer is below inflation.

Air Canada is using misleading "kitchen-sink" figures to make the public believe that flight attendants who rely on food banks and second and third jobs are the ones being greedy. In reality, the company has offered a 17.2% wage increase over four years. Even in year four of Air Canada's offer, in 2028, Air Canada flight attendants would earn less than competitor airlines in Canada earn today. Air Canada's offer is below market value.

Even with the "best offer" that Air Canada can make, an entry-level Air Canada flight attendant working full-time will still earn less than federal minimum wage. Junior Air Canada flight attendants working full-time (75 credit hours per month) currently earn $1,952 per month pre-taxes. With Air Canada's first-year catch-up increase of 8%, their earnings would increase to $2,108.16 per month. Meanwhile, a worker earning federal minimum wage at $17.75 per hour would earn $2,840.00 per month pre-taxes.

Air Canada's offer is below minimum wage.

53 days to our next cruise

 

Thank you!

I would like to thank Donald Tr*mp.  He's done more for Canadian unity with his rhetoric and policies than any other President of the United States.  I still love all the American people with the exception of the aforementioned.   

A friend went to Seattle on Thursday to see Lady Gaga.  Lady Gaga was only having concerts in Toronto and Seattle.  Toronto would have cost air fare, hotel and a few meals plus the ticket.  They drove down to Seattle on Thursday afternoon, had dinner in Seattle, went to the concert and came right home.  No problems at the border and no flack from any Americans.  It's nice to see we are still civil to our neighbours.  

I saw this on X (Twitter) and it's not the first one I've read.  You are most welcome to visit our country.  

We're Americans vacationing in Nova Scotia right now. Yesterday I went into the liquor store and saw there was NO Kentucky bourbon on the shelves. Today at a sports bar I asked the bartender if they had any Kentucky bourbon. She said "no". I said " That's why we love Canada! To hell with Trump and his tariffs!" She laughed and agreed with me! BTW, Canadians are the nicest people anywhere! And Jameson's is my whiskey of choice now. Sláinte!

Princess Alice of Battenberg

On 5th December 1969, Princess Alice of Battenberg died at Buckingham Palace.

Princess Alice is one of the most remarkable people I have ever studied and one of my favourite royals to write about. Despite being born in the splendour of Windsor Castle and in the presence of Queen Victoria, Princess Alice’s life did not start as it meant to go on. She is one of the few royal princesses who has had a tougher life than most of us.

In the 1930s, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and committed to a sanatorium in Switzerland. She underwent heinous treatment and spent years isolated from her family.

In the 1940s, Princess Alice lived in Athens under Nazi occupation. The Princess was a remarkably thoughtful individual, and while living under the Nazis, she worked for the Red Cross, helped organise soup kitchens and organised the import of medical supplies. Alice also worked to help Jews, something she could have been killed for, and in recognition of her humanitarianism, she was recognised as Righteous Among the Nations in 1994. After the war, she founded a nursing order of Greek Orthodox nuns: the Christian Sisterhood of Martha and Mary.

In her final years, The Princess lived with The Queen, Prince Philip and grandchildren in Buckingham Palace.

Annual BBQ

Russ Cmolik was a partner at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.  Dave Ritchie and Russ are the reason the company was so successful.  I worked for Ritchie Bros. for 20 years. Russ invited 700 people to his "Friends and Neighbours BBQ" and he sent me an invitation!

One again a piper greeted us as we entered

There was two food stations and two bars.  The bars had the longest line!

The property sits at the south end of Ocean Park and the views are amazing!

The theme was Hawaiian and Russ hired some dancers!

Hawaiian Dancers

You can see the band area behind the dancers.  At dusk a wonderful band played!  What a wonderful BBQ and evening!