A lovely Sunday in Vancouver

There’s something special about Downtown Vancouver when the sun decides to show off.  Yesterday was one of those days—the kind that reminds you why people travel halfway around the world just to stand on our seawall and breathe in the clean Pacific air.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous: crisp but bright, with that early‑season warmth that makes the glass towers sparkle. You could feel the energy the moment you stepped onto the street.  Some tourists were seen —cameras out, maps in hand, and big smiles as they discovered the city’s corners for the first time.  It’s always fun watching people fall in love with Vancouver in real time.

On our trip from South Surrey, we took the double decker bus to Skytrain.  The bus we were on was almost full.  Those buses are rarely full even through the work week at rush hour.   Locals were out in full force.  When we were walking the seawall, cyclists zipped past on dedicated lanes, and families wandered through the waterfront taking in the views.  Even the street performers seemed to have a little extra spring in their step.

Notice the yoga class on top of the Cactus Club

I've never gone to Nanaimo on Hullo but plan to sometime this summer

You don't see Canada Place when there are cruise ships in town.  

The mountains have very little snow for March 1st!

Always nice to see Stanley Park

I wandered through some of my favourite spots—Waterfront Station, Coal Harbour, and Canada Place—and everywhere I went, people were soaking up the day.  

Days like this remind me how lucky we are to live so close to a world‑class city that still manages to feel welcoming and walkable.  Vancouver shines brightest when people are out enjoying it together, and today was one of those perfect snapshots of what makes this place so special.

Neil Sedaka

I was very sorry to hear about the death of Neil Sedaka.  Few artists have woven themselves into the fabric of popular music as seamlessly as Neil Sedaka.  His career spans more than seven decades, crossing genres, generations, and continents — a testament to both his talent and his ability to evolve with the times.  Sedaka’s story is not just about hit records; it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of a great melody.

Neil Sedaka was born on March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, to a close-knit, working-class family.  His musical gifts emerged early. By eight, he was studying classical piano at the prestigious Juilliard School’s preparatory division — a rare opportunity for a child from his background.

But while classical music shaped his technique, it was pop that captured his imagination.  As a teenager, Sedaka teamed up with lyricist Howard Greenfield, forming one of the most successful song writing duos of the Brill Building era.  Their partnership would define the sound of early American pop.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Brill Building in Manhattan was the beating heart of American pop songwriting. Sedaka and Greenfield were at its center, penning hits for artists like Connie Francis — including “Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are.”

Sedaka soon stepped into the spotlight himself.  His early singles — “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” — became international hits.  His voice, bright and unmistakable, paired with his knack for irresistible melodies, made him one of the era’s defining stars.  I still sing his wonderful songs.

The arrival of the British Invasion in 1964 changed everything. Like many American pop artists of the early ’60s, Sedaka found his career suddenly overshadowed.  But instead of fading away, he adapted.

He moved to the UK, collaborated with new songwriters, and experimented with fresh sounds. His comeback was cemented in the 1970s when Elton John — a long time admirer — signed him to his Rocket Records label. The result was a second wave of hits, including “Laughter in the Rain,” “Bad Blood,” and a reimagined, slower version of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” which made him one of the few artists to hit No. 1 with two different versions of the same song.  This era proved Sedaka wasn’t just a relic of the past — he was a master craftsman capable of evolving with the musical landscape.

Beyond the spotlight, Sedaka has always been known for his warmth, humour, and devotion to family. He married his wife, Leba, in 1962, and their partnership has been a steady anchor throughout his career.  Their children, Dara and Marc, have both pursued creative paths of their own.  Even into his 80s, Sedaka continued performing, recording, and connecting with fans — including through charming at-home concerts during the pandemic that introduced him to a new generation of listeners.

A wonderful artist with a fabulous life and he will be sadly missed.