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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Go Stand in Front of That! (3rd and Final)
Nah, yesterday's promise to coninue posting photos of me in front of landmarks or famous scenes was an idle threat. Well, I don't have the fortitude to keep doing it for several weeks. In fact, I think I'll probably finish up on this tangent today. I'm already bored with the subject. I spent just a few minutes at the blog and discovered these ten other examples.
As I could locate ten so quickly, it's no longer an exciting project. I'll have to think of something new to blog about tomorrow.Hubbard Glacier, Alaska Taj Mahal, India Canadian Parliament, Canada British Parliament, England Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC Windmills, Zaanse Scans, Holland Niagara Falls, Canada Hollywood, California Goreme, Turkey Gate of India, India
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Don't Read This at Work
How can it already be the 22nd of the month? I finished up teaching my classes three weeks ago. I've really needed this time to decompress, I guess. I spent the first week of break in a rather manic state. I tried to busy myself with errands and tasks. The second week, I felt a little depressed as I had no pressing engagements and wondered what I should do with all my extra time. It wasn't until last week that I had glimpses of relaxation.
Now, I'm pretty much back to my normal, old self now. I can appreciate a day that has no itinerary. In fact, I've started to enjoy that type of day again.
Luckily, I've still got another three weeks off BEFORE MY VACATION STARTS. We don't fly to Munich until September 13th. In case I've not been clear about my copious free time: I have also had three or four prior weeks off between classes earlier in the year. During one we went back to see my father in hospital in New Hampshire and we went to explore Los Angeles on another.
I'm blogging about this topic as some misguided souls feel sorry for me when I say I work part-time and have for the last decade. I want to loudly proclaim that I have my personal priorities correctly set. Furthermore, I love the situation that I've created for myself.
Now, I'm pretty much back to my normal, old self now. I can appreciate a day that has no itinerary. In fact, I've started to enjoy that type of day again.
Luckily, I've still got another three weeks off BEFORE MY VACATION STARTS. We don't fly to Munich until September 13th. In case I've not been clear about my copious free time: I have also had three or four prior weeks off between classes earlier in the year. During one we went back to see my father in hospital in New Hampshire and we went to explore Los Angeles on another.
I'm blogging about this topic as some misguided souls feel sorry for me when I say I work part-time and have for the last decade. I want to loudly proclaim that I have my personal priorities correctly set. Furthermore, I love the situation that I've created for myself.
Labels: Los Angeles, places, relaxing, travel planning
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Select, Scan, and Upload
A big chore is easy if one does a bit at a time. I don't know why I don't train myself to scan just several old photos every day. Scanning one takes less than a minute. Then, getting 'em online and in The Old Box in an e-Attic takes about the same amount.After having been uploaded, the potential for sharing them is much greater than when they are languishing in the photo suitcase beneath my hanging sports coats.
On Diamond Head in Waikiki, Hawaii in April 1998
Thursday, August 16, 2007
A Hankering for Stale Pretzels
There's a lot of chance in having this photo here today.
Firstly, I noticed that my scanner wasn't working and then it dawned on me I'd not successfully used it since upgrading to Vista. I checked the Canon site and, sure enough, there were new drivers available. After installing, I ran to the photo suitcase. I pulled out a drugstore envelope that had photos from our early years in Canada. As I got a digital camera in 2002, there are six years captured on film. Of course, we took fewer photos in those days. A snap is generally one or both of us standing in front of something while on vacation. I happened across this one taken in front of Montreal's 1976 Summer Olympics Stadium. This was our first visit east in November, 1998. We were gone for a week and visited Quebec City and Ottawa too. We love Montreal and would probably visit more frequently if it were cheaper.
Nine or ten years ago it was possible to find cheaper domestic fares in Canada. I think we flew on a now-defunct, charter airline called Canada 3000. This country has a small aviation market so I do look positively to more liberal open sky policies. If an airline can make market sense out of stopping across the border and then continuing back to a city north of the 49th parallel, then they should be encouraged. Let me give you a quick example why.
Seconds ago, I logged onto Expedia.ca and did a test. I chose to hypothetically leave Vancouver on August 25 and return on September 1. Undoubtedly these are peak times but I simply wanted a comparison. I chose the cheapest return fares offered for the following two itineraries. Both include all taxes and are priced in Canadian dollars.
A little more competition couldn't hurt the consumer, could it?Vancouver --> Montreal ($903) Seattle --> New York City ($489)
Monday, August 06, 2007
Spying on the Geese
I really cannot imagine living without a vehicle. I believe we, as a society, should continue to worship the concept of personal transportation.Yes, going green is important. But I can imagine a planet where cars are carbon neutral. Think of the technological innovation that came from the push to land on the moon. Our modern landscape wouldn't look the same without the technologies that were developed. I'd like to see an equally determined focus on developing new technologies for personal transport. What a goldmine! The only way it could happen is through legislation. Mandating stringent vehicle gas consumption would be a good start. I'm not usually one to call for increased government regulation but the situation is warped by power and influence in the status quo.
Anyway, I decided to get all vehicle slap-happy because we took a very short little trip today. Although I've been able to look out the window and see the Fraser River for over eleven years, we'd never really been to its delta. Jay noticed the park-type designation on a map. We looked up the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on the Internet. It is about 40 kilometers away and was worth the trip.
There were lots of paths to walk. There were also many ducks, geese, and blackberries!
Labels: cars, Fraser River, opinions, places
Friday, July 27, 2007
A Change of Pace
My summer classes are officially over. I finished up with my Oral Fluency for Health Sciences on Wednesday evening. Today, I completed with my Tech. Communication Skills course. The grades have already been turned in for the former and after I get the final examinations corrected this weekend, I can enter marks electronically for the latter. So it's now official that summer is finally allowed to begin ...
I get to switch gears as I've nothing on the burner for August. I can devote a little time to other hobbies and tasks. For example, I set up an appointment for an oil change and brake work on the Ranger on Monday. At 9:00 I can take it to the shop that's about a block away.
I am expecting the guys to replace my brake pads and shoes. After all, I've been 69,000 miles and still have the original set. I guess I don't stop much. In fact, the truck is eleven years old but has only been 115,000 kilometers. I guess that means it doesn't go much either.
Although the blog in several places boasts the little, green, wheeled darling went all the way to St. John's, Newfoundland and back in the summer of 2001. The same brake pads stopped the vehicle at the Bay of Fundy way back then!
I get to switch gears as I've nothing on the burner for August. I can devote a little time to other hobbies and tasks. For example, I set up an appointment for an oil change and brake work on the Ranger on Monday. At 9:00 I can take it to the shop that's about a block away.
I am expecting the guys to replace my brake pads and shoes. After all, I've been 69,000 miles and still have the original set. I guess I don't stop much. In fact, the truck is eleven years old but has only been 115,000 kilometers. I guess that means it doesn't go much either.
Although the blog in several places boasts the little, green, wheeled darling went all the way to St. John's, Newfoundland and back in the summer of 2001. The same brake pads stopped the vehicle at the Bay of Fundy way back then!
Labels: Canada, maintenance, places, Ranger, travel planning
Friday, May 11, 2007
Packing with Reluctance
I'm sitting in the courtyard of the hotel. It seems all too soon to have to pack my luggage. A week here was enough to only get a taste of the miles of city that exist. It has given an overview and a staple for comparative comments and insights that might be blogged over the next week.For instance, does NYC or LA make a better spot to visit or to live in permanently? Have I left my heart in San Francisco on a previous visit or shall I drop it off here? If learning a second language here would it best be Spanish, Korean, or Russian? Do people really use the car one owns as a primary way of judging status? If gas jumped to $15/gallon tomorrow, would it really change behavior here? Can one visit LA without venturing to Anaheim? Why could I already find illegal Superman III DVD copies on the sidewalk near MacArthur Park shops?Today, we went back and walked Sunset Strip but I couldn't find 77. We also walked in MacArthur Park and I bought three, LA t-shirts for 10 bucks from a little old Korean lady who tried speaking Spanish to Jay. We ate at the Central Market again as this has become a bit of a habit. Today I ate Mongolian served with Hong Kong chicken by Latino workers. Tonight we'll just do simple things where the crowds are, probably back up near Hollywood/Highlands.
We have no rush getting out of here tomorrow as our plane doesn't depart until 5 pm. As it's a direct flight back to YVR, we'll be back at home in time for Peter Mansbridge.
Labels: Los Angeles, places
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A Get-Away Can Be Just a Night
Yesterday was a bit of a wash. Rain pelted down continuously for the entire day. Luckily the warmth of the Harrison Hot Springs comes from underground. So, the thermal heat kept the indoor and outdoor pools at just the right temperature. The place was packed. There were several weddings going on and, as this is the end of spring vacation at some schools, families were there in droves.
I was reminded of Las Vegas without the incessant noise from slots. I guess there'd not be a big fireplace in the lobby of Circus Circus though.
It was a relaxing slide back on Highway 1 today. We weren't the travelling the fastest on the eighty-mile return back to New Westminster, but then speed wasn't crucial. The idea of a break is to abandon rushing around. I already do pretty good on that front on most all days though.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Out in the Valley
Last year, I said it should become a tradition. 
We are going out to Harrison Hot Springs Resort for the night. Staying at a resort is generally not the type of lodging we frequent. More often than not, we stay in a Super 8 or privately-owned little motels. When visiting an urban area, we initially check to see if there's a YMCA hotel!
Fortunately, we were given a gift certificate to this place from friends. We were only able to stay a single night last time, so we are still making use of the original gift. It is such a fun way to get away though, I am convinced it will become an annual event even when we have to foot the bill.
Labels: places
Monday, February 12, 2007
Racking Up a Few Miles
We're back at the hotel for a little rest. Last night we returned to the hospital and found my dad playing bingo. We chatted for a while then came back to the hotel with a little booty from a supermarket. After eating, we slept for about ten hours.
This morning, it was nice to shower and stumble down for a SuperStart PLUS breakfast. Then hearing that it was going to be mostly sunny, decided to drive around NH. There seems to be a big storm brewing that might dump quite a bit of snow on Wednesday. Therefore, it made sense to go today. I wanted Jay to see where I grew up. So we headed to Concord and walked around the State Legislature. Then we took I-89 to the exit for Sunapee. It didn't take much time to drive around the harbor, Lower Main Street, and out to Wendell. Well, the area used to be called Wendell back when there was a post office there. It's about 3 miles from town. Some things have changed but not a great deal. As Mt. Sunapee glistened so brightly we took a trip there and watched all the skiers sliding down the mountain, many of them on their butts.
After, we went to Newport but decided not to eat at Village Pizza although it was in the same place it was in the 1970's. The town's department store apparently couldn't complete with Claremont though as it was empty.
Then I thought rather than retracing any steps we'd go down Route 10 to Keene, NH. For another trip down memory lane, we went via Stoddard, NH. My grandmother had a summer cottage and as kids we used to spend time there during summers. After finally getting into Keene, we stopped and walked around my old campus at Keene State College. It must be twice the size it was when I attended. Yet, come to think of it, I did start there 30 years ago this upcoming September! We ate a very late lunch at a Friendly's Family Restaurant.
We came back via 202 and 101 to Manchester and were here before 5:00 pm.
We'll spend this evening in my dad. He seems to be in very good condition. There's no indication that his right side had been weak. He is pretty good at remembering things. I had no idea he knew how old I was even before any stroke. He told me I was 47. I suppose it's possible he did a little 'homework' before my arrival!
This morning, it was nice to shower and stumble down for a SuperStart PLUS breakfast. Then hearing that it was going to be mostly sunny, decided to drive around NH. There seems to be a big storm brewing that might dump quite a bit of snow on Wednesday. Therefore, it made sense to go today. I wanted Jay to see where I grew up. So we headed to Concord and walked around the State Legislature. Then we took I-89 to the exit for Sunapee. It didn't take much time to drive around the harbor, Lower Main Street, and out to Wendell. Well, the area used to be called Wendell back when there was a post office there. It's about 3 miles from town. Some things have changed but not a great deal. As Mt. Sunapee glistened so brightly we took a trip there and watched all the skiers sliding down the mountain, many of them on their butts.
After, we went to Newport but decided not to eat at Village Pizza although it was in the same place it was in the 1970's. The town's department store apparently couldn't complete with Claremont though as it was empty.
Then I thought rather than retracing any steps we'd go down Route 10 to Keene, NH. For another trip down memory lane, we went via Stoddard, NH. My grandmother had a summer cottage and as kids we used to spend time there during summers. After finally getting into Keene, we stopped and walked around my old campus at Keene State College. It must be twice the size it was when I attended. Yet, come to think of it, I did start there 30 years ago this upcoming September! We ate a very late lunch at a Friendly's Family Restaurant.
We came back via 202 and 101 to Manchester and were here before 5:00 pm.
We'll spend this evening in my dad. He seems to be in very good condition. There's no indication that his right side had been weak. He is pretty good at remembering things. I had no idea he knew how old I was even before any stroke. He told me I was 47. I suppose it's possible he did a little 'homework' before my arrival!
Labels: New Hampshire, places, Sunapee
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Sucking Up Some Fuel
I want to drive. I don't mean just to the Burnaby Campus as I will do this morning. I mean I want to get out on the highway. The longest road trips we've done lately is travelling five kilometers to the Coquitlam Superstore on Saturdays. Earlier in the month, I had the oil changed in the Ranger; therefore, it's now ready and ripping for another three thousands miles.
In one way, it's nice to live here. Having a vehicle is like a passport to this continent. It'd be possible to start out at home in the morning but end the day in a place to which one has never ventured. It happens infrequently but knowing it's possible is reassuring. I have chuckled about a former colleague who spent quite a chuck of cash on a nice car. That by itself is not humourous, but he lives in a small, island country with less highway than a typical North American city. I doubt there's a stretch of tar of more than ten kilometers without a stoplight. That's a bit funny.
On the other hand, British Columbia, although a huge province is sparsely populated. In order to go anywhere it's usually necessary to head out the Fraser Valley toward Hope, BC. The majority of our road trips start and end with the same 125 kilometers of Canadian Route 1. That's a bit boring.
In one way, it's nice to live here. Having a vehicle is like a passport to this continent. It'd be possible to start out at home in the morning but end the day in a place to which one has never ventured. It happens infrequently but knowing it's possible is reassuring. I have chuckled about a former colleague who spent quite a chuck of cash on a nice car. That by itself is not humourous, but he lives in a small, island country with less highway than a typical North American city. I doubt there's a stretch of tar of more than ten kilometers without a stoplight. That's a bit funny.On the other hand, British Columbia, although a huge province is sparsely populated. In order to go anywhere it's usually necessary to head out the Fraser Valley toward Hope, BC. The majority of our road trips start and end with the same 125 kilometers of Canadian Route 1. That's a bit boring.
Labels: driving, maintenance, places, Ranger
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Eight Novembers Ago
I used to think that only old people say time flies.Today, rather than be creative and verbose, I just wanted to think about how many Novembers we've been in Canada. And honestly, they seem to have zoomed by. In order to prove how time flies, I went looking for a photo showing something from a previous November.
I settled on this picture taken in Québec City in November of 1998. We'd been in Canada over two years at that point and somehow ended up with some time off. The photo was taken at the Plains of Abraham which are very important in Canadian history.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Two Sides of a Berry
I harbour feelings of either antipathy or dislike towards blackberries. To me, the bushes are just weeds. They tend to grow in places that are not being regularly maintained and they have thorns. The fruit, although tasty, are hard to get and leave purple stains on anything they touch.
Jay considers blackberries the cat's meow. They don't grow in Sri Lanka so he cannot learn to accept my ingrained disapproval. He maintains they are delicious, free fruit. He says that even beloved roses have thorns and that blackberries should be much more prized as they can be eaten. He thinks they are worth the effort of picking. He's careful so he never gets blackberry juice on him.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Beginning a New Tradition
We're hardly up with the birds this morning. There was no need. We soaked in various pools, both indoor and out, a lot yesterday evening. I'm sure my skin looks at least 20 years younger! (Would that mean I'd have to Oxy 5 acne medication by the drum?) The town is also cute and feels touristy.We are going to breakfast soon. The second floor Lakeside Cafe looks out over Harrison Lake. What a nice place to have eggs and all that goes along with a breakfast buffet.
What a nice, one-night getaway this is! It'll have to become an annual event.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Our Latest Cruise Revisited
I took me longer to get them online than it did to take 'em.
Back in May, I did complete some blog entries during the trip. We headed down to Seatac airport to catch an Alaskan Airways flight to San Diego. During our three night stay, we accidentally visited Mexico for a few hours. We did the zoo, too. Then we got on our the Holland America ms Veendam for a five night coastal trip to Vancouver. We spent a half day in Seattle and a whole day in Victoria, BC. The eight-night journey went without a hitch.
To individually select from the more than 90 photos, use this option. Or, if you'd rather run through a slideshow of all the photos, just click here.
Back in May, I did complete some blog entries during the trip. We headed down to Seatac airport to catch an Alaskan Airways flight to San Diego. During our three night stay, we accidentally visited Mexico for a few hours. We did the zoo, too. Then we got on our the Holland America ms Veendam for a five night coastal trip to Vancouver. We spent a half day in Seattle and a whole day in Victoria, BC. The eight-night journey went without a hitch.
To individually select from the more than 90 photos, use this option. Or, if you'd rather run through a slideshow of all the photos, just click here.
Labels: British Columbia, cruise, places, Seattle
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Sailing into Home Port
The ship was in no hurry as it had paid to dock from 7:00am. We ate the last 'blow out breakfast' up in the Lido Restaurant. We were able to walk around the ship a bit before waiting until we were to disembark. We got out by 9:15 and walked right over to the terminus of the SkyTrain station with our bags. It was a typical 35 minute ride to this apartment building in New Westminster.
There were clothes for washing, food to be bought, and a dead hamster to bury. This is the second one which has expired during a vacation.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
ms Veendam in Victoria
Holland America starts its Alaska Cruise season tomorrow. In order to waste time on this repositioning cruise, we docked all day at Victoria. It is a delightful town for tourists as it still seems a bit British. However, it was not new to us as we live just across the water and visit from the Southern Mainland fairly frequently.
Today, we strolled leisurely into town. We bought tickets for Mystic India at the National Geographic IMAX that's part of the British Columbia Museum. The show was worth going to. Everything looks spectacular in IMAX format.
We returned to the ship for late lunch at the final show of the journey. It was nice having a hotel room waiting at the dock.
Today, we strolled leisurely into town. We bought tickets for Mystic India at the National Geographic IMAX that's part of the British Columbia Museum. The show was worth going to. Everything looks spectacular in IMAX format.
We returned to the ship for late lunch at the final show of the journey. It was nice having a hotel room waiting at the dock.
Labels: British Columbia, cruise, places, Vancouver Island
Friday, May 12, 2006
Update from Seattle
I've been out of touch for a few days only because I'm too frugal to spend the cash required for wireless at sea. I can't do much in one minute if it costs 75 cents; I'd be too nervous.Right now I'm up in the Lido Restaurant on the top of the ship. We docked at Seattle a few hours ago and we hiked up to the market and looked around.
We slowly head to Victoria tonight and have the entire day there tomorrow.
I'll get back to regular blogging on Sunday and even 'back fill' missing information and pictures.
It's been a great trip so far ...
Thursday, May 11, 2006
An Extra Suitcase for This
It was formal night. Getting dressed for dinner is always special and the Tribute to Broadway by the Veendam cast and ensemble was interesting. Some lines such as the Norwegian Cruise Line have gone completely casual, but I rather enjoy the traditional aspects of Holland America Lines. Even though cruising has gone mass market, it's still a little fun to remember how sailing must have once been. As long as there are no killer icebergs!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
At Sea
We explored the ship last night. Many of the fellow passengers had started in Tampa, FL and sailed through the Panama Canal. This ship is a nice size, holding only 1200 passengers and the 500 or so staff. The meals are, of course, immense.
The water was very rough last night. Sailing isn't always as smooth as the Inside Passage that we once cruised in 2001 on the way to Alaska. Modern stabilizers do a fine job when the waves are from the side but not much can be done when running headlong into seven foot waves.
The water was very rough last night. Sailing isn't always as smooth as the Inside Passage that we once cruised in 2001 on the way to Alaska. Modern stabilizers do a fine job when the waves are from the side but not much can be done when running headlong into seven foot waves.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Wishing You Were Here
We did spend the whole day at the San Diego Zoo yesterday. It was actually quite relaxing.
In a few hours we'll be boarding the Veendam.
In a few hours we'll be boarding the Veendam.
Monday, May 08, 2006
To the Zoo
This morning we're off to the San Diego Zoo. We bought the vouchers online through Expedia while still in Vancouver.Yesterday was surely busy. We crisscrossed the city as well as traveling down to Tijuana, Mexico. I feel like we surely got our money's worth from thw 5-buck day pass. The day started out a bit cloudy but then the sky got very blue. I'm even a bit red faced.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
SD
I'm typing from the Holiday Inn Bayside, San Diego. I'm in the room and have to get moving. It's time for a shower. We got in last evening and I was surprised it was so dark at 8:00 pm. We walked about a half mile and ended up having dinner at a Denny's.More later ...
Saturday, May 06, 2006
South Bound
This morning we're off. In order to get the cruise deal, we have to fly out of Seattle. Getting down to Seatac is a slight hassle but as the flight is late in the day, we will be arrive in plenty of time by getting on the 9:00 am bus that leaves from downtown Vancouver. As we've a lot to do, I shall enter some information that I typed yesterday while my students were taking the course final examination.
Can I be doing this again, already? It doesn’t seem very long ago that I had my laptop in class during a previous final examination. I suppose it really wasn’t long ago for these intensive courses fly past like greased pigs. Have pigs learned to fly? I’d suggest that perhaps only the slippery ones have.
I find myself sitting in front of a classroom. I’ve already corrected the listening part of the final exam. I administer that separately, so I can keep busy while they are completing the writing section.
As I want to get these grades turned in a soon as possible, I have also opened a copy of the course marks in an Excel spreadsheet. All the columns have been filled in. The only free spaces are those where the final exam scores will go. Then, there’ll be an instant numerical grade in the last column. The weightings of the activities and assignments create a rather lengthy formula:
=(Q10*0.45)+((R10*2)*0.15)+((S10*16.667)*0.1)+((T10*16.667)*0.1/2)+(U10*0.25).
Basically, it all adds up to a single decision. The result helps me decide if a particular student is ready to go on to the next COMM course. I suppose there are numbers that contribute to more far-reaching choices. Numbers used by structural engineers might help design a part which is capable of handling the lives of thousands of people. A number may allow the pinpoint accuracy needed for a spacecraft to hit the surface of another planet. Still, I think the ramifications of my formula are significant. The number in my last column has the ability to determine the future actions of twenty-two people.
Can I be doing this again, already? It doesn’t seem very long ago that I had my laptop in class during a previous final examination. I suppose it really wasn’t long ago for these intensive courses fly past like greased pigs. Have pigs learned to fly? I’d suggest that perhaps only the slippery ones have.I find myself sitting in front of a classroom. I’ve already corrected the listening part of the final exam. I administer that separately, so I can keep busy while they are completing the writing section.
As I want to get these grades turned in a soon as possible, I have also opened a copy of the course marks in an Excel spreadsheet. All the columns have been filled in. The only free spaces are those where the final exam scores will go. Then, there’ll be an instant numerical grade in the last column. The weightings of the activities and assignments create a rather lengthy formula:
=(Q10*0.45)+((R10*2)*0.15)+((S10*16.667)*0.1)+((T10*16.667)*0.1/2)+(U10*0.25).
Basically, it all adds up to a single decision. The result helps me decide if a particular student is ready to go on to the next COMM course. I suppose there are numbers that contribute to more far-reaching choices. Numbers used by structural engineers might help design a part which is capable of handling the lives of thousands of people. A number may allow the pinpoint accuracy needed for a spacecraft to hit the surface of another planet. Still, I think the ramifications of my formula are significant. The number in my last column has the ability to determine the future actions of twenty-two people.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Another Day
This was a road trip from exactly two years back. This road trip was not a long one. We crossed the border into Washington State and headed east on the North Cascades Highway. Our goal was the Grand Coulee Dam. We spent a night there and also one visiting the Thomas family in Easton, WA before returning home.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
The Last Big Ship - Five Years Back
In the past, I blogged about when Jay and I took an Alaskan Cruise.
I have mentioned cruises a number of times this week. This is simply in anticipation of a coastal cruise that we'll do in May. We'll head north from San Diego until we arrive at the home port.
Some of my readers may not realize how important the Vancouver-Alaska route is to the cruise industry.Reference #1 Reference #2 Reference #3
I have mentioned cruises a number of times this week. This is simply in anticipation of a coastal cruise that we'll do in May. We'll head north from San Diego until we arrive at the home port.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
A Sneak Preview
On Monday, I briefly blogged about a coastal cruise we'll be taking next month. Although this week my doctor chided me about my weight, actually I'm mostly looking forward to the buffets! I remember the fantastic food of Princess Cruises when we did an Alaskan cruise. I am wondering how the food will be on Holland-America.
The initial three nights in San Diego will be interesting too. I haven't been to southern California since I was a kid on a family road trip.
By complete coincidence, I was looking through some folders with my digital photos. These particular ones were taken on National Day in 2002 when friends took the oath of citizenship at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. We needed to walk by a ship, so I snapped a photo. It appears as if the name on the side is the Veendam. That means it is exactly the same ship we'll be on from May 9th to the 14th.
The initial three nights in San Diego will be interesting too. I haven't been to southern California since I was a kid on a family road trip.
By complete coincidence, I was looking through some folders with my digital photos. These particular ones were taken on National Day in 2002 when friends took the oath of citizenship at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. We needed to walk by a ship, so I snapped a photo. It appears as if the name on the side is the Veendam. That means it is exactly the same ship we'll be on from May 9th to the 14th.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Taken from Under a Bridge
There are lots of factors that affect the number of views a photo will get on Flickr. First, having a large number of friends and contacts may increase the number of times an image is viewed. Next, the day and time of the upload may have an impact on the number of views. This is due to the fact some people surf the most recently uploaded ones. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the quality of tags can greatly affect the number of times an image is seen as searches play an important role.
I'm only mentioning these because at times there are photos that I like, which don't always perform well. The photo below was taken at Deception Pass. It's located nine miles north of Oak Harbor, WA and nine miles south of Anacortes, on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound.
I like this photo but after 24 hours only one person has bothered to look whereas silly photos uploaded at the same time have been seen dozens of time. Who can figure?
I'm only mentioning these because at times there are photos that I like, which don't always perform well. The photo below was taken at Deception Pass. It's located nine miles north of Oak Harbor, WA and nine miles south of Anacortes, on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound.
I like this photo but after 24 hours only one person has bothered to look whereas silly photos uploaded at the same time have been seen dozens of time. Who can figure?
Sunday, April 02, 2006
A Nice Weekend
We had a nice trip going to Sequim yesterday and returning late this afternoon. It was about 250 kilometers (150 miles) each way excluding the half hour ferry between Keystone and Port Townsend, Washington.This picture to the right comprises my two high school buddies, their wives, and Jay. I took the picture overlooking Dungeness Spit, a five mile strip that runs along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
We want to thank Bret for organizing the event and for the wonderful suites in their hotel.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
A Capital Idea
I typed OTTAWA into the search box found to the right under my photo and address. Some entries showed up but they were just references to postal addresses. There was no evidence that we travelled there twice. I figured that I should add this picture of the Canadian Parliament taken in November of 1998. We had flown into Montreal and visited Quebec City as well as Ottawa.
You'll never get much out of my eJournal and images if you just stop by and occasionally read an entry. There are now literally hundreds and hundreds of comments. Try a search to see if you can locate something you're interested in.
You'll never get much out of my eJournal and images if you just stop by and occasionally read an entry. There are now literally hundreds and hundreds of comments. Try a search to see if you can locate something you're interested in.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
One Road Trip Revisited
If my eJournal and images is a scrapbook, then today, I'm just going back to paste in some new memorabilia from events which occurred five years back. On several occasions, I've mentioned this topic here. Pardon my repetition.
In the entry from yesterday, I mentioned my preference for owning cheap transportation and having copious amount of free time, rather than possessing the keys to an expensive automobile. I thought I should put my entry where my mouth is.
In this photo Jay is standing at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. It was taken in the middle of our ultimate, Canadian road trip. In June and July of 2001, we headed east until we couldn't any more. Then, we turned around and headed back to Vancouver although we were actually 1,200 kilometers closer to England than home.
In the entry from yesterday, I mentioned my preference for owning cheap transportation and having copious amount of free time, rather than possessing the keys to an expensive automobile. I thought I should put my entry where my mouth is.
In this photo Jay is standing at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. It was taken in the middle of our ultimate, Canadian road trip. In June and July of 2001, we headed east until we couldn't any more. Then, we turned around and headed back to Vancouver although we were actually 1,200 kilometers closer to England than home.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Life's a Beach
One side-benefit from turning manic and neurotic due to Flickr, is I'm finally, if ever so slowly, paying attention to my photo suitcase. I've resolved to use a few minutes of my time each day to scan. I find getting the image off paper and into a digital file is quite satisfying. It's nice to get a photo out of a dark storage closet and out onto the Net. It's like I'm setting it free. I am liberating it.
The downside might be having such an abundance of pictures means I may become quite lazy with my blog entries. These weekly pages used to be mostly text and now they've become mostly jpg's. Of course this might all just be a phase.
We've been quite fortunate at being able to walk many different sandy beaches such as those in Bali, Phuket, Kenya, and the Maldives. All the Gulf countries had beaches. Although we visited, we really can't count Turkish beaches as we were there during the winter. Does Juhu Beach of Mumbai count? Of course, we been to most populated areas around the circumference of Sri Lanka. Yes there have been more; for example English Bay in Vancouver, and on the opposite side of the continent, Ft. Lauderdale.
The beach above did stand out for being a bit unique. This newly liberated photo was taken at Waikiki Beach in April of 1998. Now, after nearly eight years of languishing in the photo suitcase, it's available for viewing on computer screens world-wide. This beach was special because it was the only one where I could imagine Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) of Hawaii Five-O running around in a three-piece suit!
The downside might be having such an abundance of pictures means I may become quite lazy with my blog entries. These weekly pages used to be mostly text and now they've become mostly jpg's. Of course this might all just be a phase.
We've been quite fortunate at being able to walk many different sandy beaches such as those in Bali, Phuket, Kenya, and the Maldives. All the Gulf countries had beaches. Although we visited, we really can't count Turkish beaches as we were there during the winter. Does Juhu Beach of Mumbai count? Of course, we been to most populated areas around the circumference of Sri Lanka. Yes there have been more; for example English Bay in Vancouver, and on the opposite side of the continent, Ft. Lauderdale.
The beach above did stand out for being a bit unique. This newly liberated photo was taken at Waikiki Beach in April of 1998. Now, after nearly eight years of languishing in the photo suitcase, it's available for viewing on computer screens world-wide. This beach was special because it was the only one where I could imagine Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) of Hawaii Five-O running around in a three-piece suit!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Let the Sun Shine
The weather this weekend is going to continue being wonderful. I didn't talk much about this subject in January except perhaps to complain. Last month we broke a record by having rain for 29 days of the month. So, it is only fair that we've had a high-pressure system parked overhead for the past week. It's been even nicer as I am between classes and have been free.
Yesterday, I took a little drive. Normally, these areas are reserved for summer picnics. Yet, seeing the sun, I packed up the camera and headed for Buntzen Lake, and the Belcarra Regional Park. They are only about twenty-five kilometers (fifteen miles) from the apartment. You can see the red line on the map seeing my route.
I am even putting in the fourth slideshow of the week. Click here to open it and see seven of the photos I took yesterday.
Yesterday, I took a little drive. Normally, these areas are reserved for summer picnics. Yet, seeing the sun, I packed up the camera and headed for Buntzen Lake, and the Belcarra Regional Park. They are only about twenty-five kilometers (fifteen miles) from the apartment. You can see the red line on the map seeing my route.
I am even putting in the fourth slideshow of the week. Click here to open it and see seven of the photos I took yesterday.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Gung Hay Fat Choy
Photo taken from inside a restaurant in Chinatown, San Francisco.
Read more about that trip: my eJournal and images: 10.05.2003.
Labels: places, San Francisco
Thursday, January 12, 2006
On the Road Again ... But Where?
Oh no! He's not going start singing the praises of Flickr again, is he?
I've got over 1300 photos on my Flickr account now. Some are daily digital pictures while many are old, scanned photographs. It's nice knowing that if I were anywhere on the globe, I could show people the view from my balcony, my childhood dog, or Jay and me atop the Empire State Building. Although images are added as one gets the chance, locating a specific one is as easy as typing in a tag word.
I found the picture from a trip through Washington State when I looked for photos tagged with 'highway'. (Try clicking the word yourself.) Other images that come up include roads in France, Kuwait, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and northern British Columbia.
I see this as an exciting new way to interact with personal pictures. This method cannot be duplicated when pictures are all tucked away in silly albums. It'd be a logistical impossibility. Flickr gives rise to a complete shift in the concept of photo storage and retrieval, eh?
I've got over 1300 photos on my Flickr account now. Some are daily digital pictures while many are old, scanned photographs. It's nice knowing that if I were anywhere on the globe, I could show people the view from my balcony, my childhood dog, or Jay and me atop the Empire State Building. Although images are added as one gets the chance, locating a specific one is as easy as typing in a tag word.
I found the picture from a trip through Washington State when I looked for photos tagged with 'highway'. (Try clicking the word yourself.) Other images that come up include roads in France, Kuwait, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and northern British Columbia.
I see this as an exciting new way to interact with personal pictures. This method cannot be duplicated when pictures are all tucked away in silly albums. It'd be a logistical impossibility. Flickr gives rise to a complete shift in the concept of photo storage and retrieval, eh?
Friday, December 02, 2005
Half a Calendar Back
It's wet and spitting snow outside. On a day such as this, it's nice to think about the warm, green days of summer. Here's Jay in Portland, Oregon.
Friday, November 18, 2005
They Do Highways Right
There's not a single toll booth between here and Tijuana.
US Interstate 5 is a very important chunk of asphalt. Although it's probably not environmentally-correct to admit, I love being able to roar through Seattle during non-peak hours. It reminds me of a video game.
This photo was taken on our way back from a summer trip to Portland, OR.
US Interstate 5 is a very important chunk of asphalt. Although it's probably not environmentally-correct to admit, I love being able to roar through Seattle during non-peak hours. It reminds me of a video game.
This photo was taken on our way back from a summer trip to Portland, OR.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
A Storm's Brewing
I found out that I'll be teaching on Monday to Thursday afternoons. I had thought I'd be able to get the weekend course but actually find this just as good. The course is still marked as an intensive, but it will be a bit easier as it's spread out over twice as many days. The Pre-technical Communication course lasts just five weeks, so I will have off the majority of December.
On another note, I have been scanning old photos to include on Flickr and I've got over 100 added already. I will be doing this for a while as I figure that I'll eventually upload at least 1000! I've discovered that fading old photos can come through of the scanner quite satisfactorily. Here are some zebras. I shot them with a camera when Jay and I were on vacation on the Kenyan safari. (Click the picture to load the current, scanned images in MY ATTIC on Flickr.)
On another note, I have been scanning old photos to include on Flickr and I've got over 100 added already. I will be doing this for a while as I figure that I'll eventually upload at least 1000! I've discovered that fading old photos can come through of the scanner quite satisfactorily. Here are some zebras. I shot them with a camera when Jay and I were on vacation on the Kenyan safari. (Click the picture to load the current, scanned images in MY ATTIC on Flickr.)
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Less Than Six Months Ago?
I don't know how this photo was skipped in my uploads to Flickr on the first go around. Sometimes, I worry that there are a great many places in the world to which I want to visit but not enough years of life to reach them all.
We did a fair job this year making it to NYC, London, and Paris. We also saw Frankfurt, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Oh, and I mustn't forget July's trip to Portland, OR. It's surely a world city too!
We did a fair job this year making it to NYC, London, and Paris. We also saw Frankfurt, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Oh, and I mustn't forget July's trip to Portland, OR. It's surely a world city too!
Labels: Flickr, New York City, places
Friday, July 29, 2005
What've I Got?
The weather was extremely nice during the trip to Portland. I can't believe that it's Friday already. I must spend several hours preparing the materials for this weekend's classes. More importantly, I must take time to finish correcting the midterm examinations! I think I'm suffering from a short vacation hangover.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Hot Days in the City
I'm a bit late getting in a posting today. We were out exploring before most of the city was up. Yesterday was an interesting day too. I'm glad I brought my walking shoes. Portland's streets are quite clean and surprisingly tree-covered. There appears to be quite a lot of recent development and I couldn't help make comparisons to San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC. All are a bit quirky. Portland although small, or perhaps BECAUSE of being smaller, now beats Seattle on my opinion list.As we've been walking around, I've been thinking about the wonders of the human mind. We sort of know that we can continue to learn information without running out of mind space. On most day-to-day activities it is of little consequence. Yet, when figuring out a new city, we don't automatically forget other cities we've learned about. Portland, OR is not replacing Istanbul, Turkey. Over time the exact names may disappear but knowledge of the 'lay of the land' remains intact. I think I've always been a bit special. Let's test: As you are reading this, do you know the compass directions? I am always aware of which way, say, the Pacific Ocean is. I've met many people who never know where they are.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Portland, OR or Bust
We've only been there in passing. Portland, Oregon is more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) south. We have a few days off and it looks as though Jay will be working pretty much full-time during August; therefore, we're heading there today.The weather report shows the stalled high-pressure system hanging overhead with highs on Tuesday at 33C (over 90F). Phew. I'd better pack the sunglasses and some extra sunblock.
Driving leisurely, it'll take the better part of the day just getting there. (I am positive we won't be on the road at dawn.) So, we'll stay for three nights, returning on Thursday. I'm not sure if I'll be updating the blog during the time away. Yet, you can surely check the reports upon our return to British Columbia.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Okanagan Trip - Day #3
It was already time to head home. Before hitting the road, we ate a traditional breakfast at a little greasy spoon. We drove along through Kamloops and stuck to Route 1 through the desert, grasslands, and finally thick forests of the coast. The mini-van showed around 1300 kilometers for the total trip by the time we'd parked here at 8:00 pm.Labels: British Columbia, driving, Okanagan, places, road trip
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Okanagan Trip - Day #2
The second day saw us driving up the valley. We did winery tours and had a nice leisurely picnic lunch at a roadside BC park. This was my day to drive. Although we thought we might stay in Kelowna, the crowds prompted us to continue along to Vernon. After a short evening shower, we saw the most intense rainbow that I've ever witnessed. The night was spent in a somewhat cheaper suite. Everything all seems to work out well without reservations of any type.
Labels: British Columbia, driving, Okanagan, places, road trip
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Okanagan Trip - Day #1
It was a good day. We were able to pack the rented mini-van and get on the road by 9:15 am. After sliding out to the city of Hope, we took Route 3 to Osoyoos. It was 35 degrees Celsius upon our arrival. We stayed on the third floor in a suite overlooking the lake.
Labels: British Columbia, driving, Okanagan, places, road trip, Tim
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Bragging: My Adopted City
By a stroke of luck, I'm able to continue discussing yesterday's topic. I mentioned how hard it is to stay excited about where one lives after being there a long time. Then, out of the blue, a way to do so fell right into my lap.Playing tour guide and giving advice is perhaps the best way to rekindle pride in one's home. Being able to suggest activities to out-of-towners can get one reacquainted with the joys of an area. Actually, Vancouver, BC is a beautiful place and merits a lot of bragging. It's blessed with geography, an environment, and a multicultural society, that really make it special.
I received an email from a retired teacher who taught me in Grade 5 in Sunapee, NH. He was a fairly new teacher in 1969/70! Ken Greenbaum and his wife will be coming out to catch one of the avalanche of Alaskan cruise ships that depart from here. Jay and I recall a stunning time aboard one. As the Greenbaums will be arriving two days early for their August departure, they asked for suggestions on what to do. There's a lot.
The picture to the right shows Jay before the quite formal, famous 'Captain's Party' on board an Alaskan Cruise in 2001.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Bridges to the Past
On Wednesday, my entry briefly mentioned the first summer in BC. After finding a place to rent, we had to find out about things around our new home in British Columbia. I love the feeling one has when exploring an unknown area, when every direction contains new experiences. It takes a great deal of work to keep up that inital love and awe for one's surroundings.
The last and only time we visited a private tourist attraction,
the Capilano Suspension Bridge, in North Vancouver was the summer of
our arrival.
I can't imagine living without personal transportation. Even though I frequently use public transit in order to get downtown, it'd not be convenient for learning the 'lay-of-the-land'. As soon as basic shelter was obtained, next, came a basic vehicle. Simply put, there are places we would never have seen were it not for truck ownership. My original plans were to make the brand-new, little Ranger last 12 years as that'd work out to $US 1000/year. Now that it's just a year shy of a decade, I think I can safely extend that original estimate.
The last and only time we visited a private tourist attraction,
the Capilano Suspension Bridge, in North Vancouver was the summer of
our arrival.
I can't imagine living without personal transportation. Even though I frequently use public transit in order to get downtown, it'd not be convenient for learning the 'lay-of-the-land'. As soon as basic shelter was obtained, next, came a basic vehicle. Simply put, there are places we would never have seen were it not for truck ownership. My original plans were to make the brand-new, little Ranger last 12 years as that'd work out to $US 1000/year. Now that it's just a year shy of a decade, I think I can safely extend that original estimate.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Vineyards and Orchards
There's recently been talk (and email) from the guys. We're all considering taking a trip for a few nights in mid-June. The Okanagan is one suggested destination. I love heading over the Coastal Mountains and seeing just how quickly we can go from the Lower Mainland's temperate rain forest to the semi-desert of that area. It's a leisurely, half-day drive. The particulars of a plan haven't been ironed out. Yet if it develops, I'm sure it'll make for a good time.
This is a digital picture taken on a 2002 trip when my camera
was nearly new.
This is a digital picture taken on a 2002 trip when my camera
was nearly new.
Labels: British Columbia, camera, driving, Okanagan, places, road trip
Friday, May 20, 2005
Things Are Looking Up
Vacation photos are generally funny creatures. They usually consist of 'one -of -me -in -front -of -this -famous -object' or 'us -standing -with -a -vista -behind -us'. After vacationers return to a familar old rut, I guess the pictures act as the definite proof of actually having been away.
Occasionally, even on a vacation, a scene can catch my eye though. I call the resulting attempts my 'artsy' photos. We were in NYC a short enough time so that I never neglected to look up when outside. Here are two examples of the reason why:
Image #1
Image #2 
Click on either picture to view a larger version in a new browser window.
Occasionally, even on a vacation, a scene can catch my eye though. I call the resulting attempts my 'artsy' photos. We were in NYC a short enough time so that I never neglected to look up when outside. Here are two examples of the reason why:
Image #1
Image #2 Click on either picture to view a larger version in a new browser window.
Labels: places
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Why Vacations are Important
Vacations are good for you. First, they are great because they throw a person out of any ordinary routine. One is forced to regress to the most basic needs of food and shelter. In addition, most day-to-day thoughts are relegated to the back burner while new experiences overwhelm one's senses. Lastly, getting away gives one the chance to step back from life and, in a way to which one never generally admits, realize there are many different patterns for human existence. One becomes a little less central in one's own view of the world.
Experiencing these feelings can be exciting and is nearly always beneficial.
Have you read the trip entries which I've been belatedly adding about
our trip to NYC?
Experiencing these feelings can be exciting and is nearly always beneficial.
Have you read the trip entries which I've been belatedly adding about
our trip to NYC?
Labels: New York City, places