"I feel I'm incredibly fascinating and this blog bears witness to that simple fact. Friends, from far and wide, are often pestered to keep abreast of my life and opinions. I offer my most sincere greetings to random visitors as well."
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Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Spring Cleaning
I hope this appears in my eJournal and images today!
I recently took a pile of clothes to the Salvation Army Thrift store. I got rid of all a great many shirts sized XL. Some were, of course, too favourite to say goodbye to. Due to the fact we seem headed into spring, I thought it was time to move the short-sleeved shirts to the front of the closet. After all, I will be able to start wearing them to the class that runs five weeks from next Monday. "Damn," I muttered, "they are mostly XL." I went through them and found eighteen that are now sitting on the floor for donation. I have no idea why I had so many. Who can wear more than one shirt at a time?
I don't want to appear to be ungrateful. The usability of Blogger.com is a pretty good deal, considering what one has to pay for it. Well, it free so that means it's pretty good for nothing.On a totally unrelated note, I did a little spring cleaning today. The weather was cool but it was very sunny. The blue of the sky seemed to sear one's eyes. The buds are finally peeking out from the branches of trees and bushes. All in all, it made me want to throw away old junk.
I noticed yesterday the post to my domain wouldn't work. The site just appeared to keep publishing with no results. I woke up this morning and yesterday's entry was there. It looks like the same deal is occurring today. Working on blogger.com is only annoying as the folks at the web site never seem to respond to trouble. In fact there hardly a place to actually complain. It's frustrating just having to wait it out in hopes that the problem will eventually be spotted, reported, and fixed.
I recently took a pile of clothes to the Salvation Army Thrift store. I got rid of all a great many shirts sized XL. Some were, of course, too favourite to say goodbye to. Due to the fact we seem headed into spring, I thought it was time to move the short-sleeved shirts to the front of the closet. After all, I will be able to start wearing them to the class that runs five weeks from next Monday. "Damn," I muttered, "they are mostly XL." I went through them and found eighteen that are now sitting on the floor for donation. I have no idea why I had so many. Who can wear more than one shirt at a time?
Labels: blogging, weather, weight loss
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Digging Out or Mowing?
The morning news is on and it's showing the aftermath of the snow storm back east. Cars were all over the road and people were busy digging out. They've had quite a bad winter, I guess. We had a fair amount of snow this winter but generally it's been quite nice. British Columbians from the Metro-Vancouver area like to brag about our mild winters. Nothing sticks on the ground in the long term. I have no golfing photo to include but I did find an image in My Daily Picture Parade. It was taken on March 10, 2006 the day after snow flurries occurred here exactly two years ago.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wishing a Bad Climate on Others
My most recent vacation ended almost exactly one week ago to the hour. When we got off the plane at YVR last Sunday it was a beautiful afternoon. Actually, that situation has continued throughout the week. Today, again, has been wonderful. Two weekends and a full dry week around here in February is quite a pleasant rarity.
We had fine weather throughout our Mexican cruise too. The sky was deep blue during most every day from Long Beach to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. I must admit it was nice returning to hear the weather in Vancouver had been awful while we were away. Does that make me a bad person? Apparently, there had even been snow here during our trip.
I've had to rely on the fickleness of people's poor memories. It is really easy to locate weather forecasts for upcoming days but nearly impossible to find any account of the history of recent weather.
We had fine weather throughout our Mexican cruise too. The sky was deep blue during most every day from Long Beach to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. I must admit it was nice returning to hear the weather in Vancouver had been awful while we were away. Does that make me a bad person? Apparently, there had even been snow here during our trip.
I've had to rely on the fickleness of people's poor memories. It is really easy to locate weather forecasts for upcoming days but nearly impossible to find any account of the history of recent weather.
Labels: Mexican cruise, Mexico, weather
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Sure, Mr. Gore.
I was thinking what a very cold winter we've had this year. We should've expected it here during an El Niño year. Still, we feel as if there's been more snow than in the previous eleven winters in Metro Vancouver. Snow has, of course, fallen this winter in many other places too. 
Here are two pictures I've recently received by email. The first is from a former Emirati student. I taught him when I worked in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He wanted me to see some white stuff which fell at high elevations in Ras al-Khaimah. The second photo comes from an area known for snow just a little south of here. Still, it's cute to know that there's a two storey log cabin behind the person and under the snowbank. It's Joel and Lynne's place at Snoqualmie Pass in Easton, Washington.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Is More on the Way Tonight?
Of course I ran into the theories of Benjamin Whorf because of my background in linguistics. Although first trained in chemical engineering, in this mid thirties, Whorf went to Yale to study linguistics. During that decade, Benjamin Whorf continued at Yale but as an Anthropology lecturer and never really worked in the field of linguistics. He and fellow academic, Edward Sapir, did have an important contribution in their theory of the Principle of Linguistic Relativity though.
Basically, this idea stems from Whorf's study of the Hopi language and the realization that one's reality is affected by the language one uses. The idea extends to the notion that an individual's thoughts are shaped by the specifics of their language. In the 1940's, Whorf referred to Eskimo languages having seven distinct words for snow.
That statement has erroneously become part of an urban legend. Some accounts now hold the total count in the hundreds. Moreover, there's not a single Eskimo-Aleut language. Lastly, as as my ESL students will attest, there are a number of ways to reference snow in the English language. What actually is the different between sleet and hail?
SNOW
By clicking the big word above, you'll go to my 67 Flickr images which currently have that tag.
Basically, this idea stems from Whorf's study of the Hopi language and the realization that one's reality is affected by the language one uses. The idea extends to the notion that an individual's thoughts are shaped by the specifics of their language. In the 1940's, Whorf referred to Eskimo languages having seven distinct words for snow.That statement has erroneously become part of an urban legend. Some accounts now hold the total count in the hundreds. Moreover, there's not a single Eskimo-Aleut language. Lastly, as as my ESL students will attest, there are a number of ways to reference snow in the English language. What actually is the different between sleet and hail?
SNOW
By clicking the big word above, you'll go to my 67 Flickr images which currently have that tag.
Labels: New Hampshire, weather
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Transportation Nightmare: 3 cms
It doesn't snow enough around these parts for the cities in invest in highway snow-removal equipment. Consequently, on those few days a year when snow sticks, the roads are slick and quite dangerous. As I don't have snow tires on my truck, I only venture out on the highways after things melt.
This shows the bottom of Sixth Street in New Westminster. We wanted to buy vegetables, but we shop uptown at Kin's in the Royal City Mall. As Translink offers two for one rides on Sunday, we decided to take Jay's monthly pass and the bus. When it eventually came, it went over to Eighth and up. It seems beyond what you can see, on the upper part of the hill, several Translink buses had gone sideways.
We travelled back via 22nd Station and even the SkyTrain was recovering from switch problems due to this ice. Transportation becomes so difficult around here when a few centimeters of snow falls. Clearly, here's another reason why the rest of Canada can snicker at the west coast.
This shows the bottom of Sixth Street in New Westminster. We wanted to buy vegetables, but we shop uptown at Kin's in the Royal City Mall. As Translink offers two for one rides on Sunday, we decided to take Jay's monthly pass and the bus. When it eventually came, it went over to Eighth and up. It seems beyond what you can see, on the upper part of the hill, several Translink buses had gone sideways.
We travelled back via 22nd Station and even the SkyTrain was recovering from switch problems due to this ice. Transportation becomes so difficult around here when a few centimeters of snow falls. Clearly, here's another reason why the rest of Canada can snicker at the west coast.
Labels: New Westminster, weather
Monday, January 21, 2008
Hex triplet #007FFF
It was one of those days when residents in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia brag a little. Many folks might not be able to muster such blue in their imaginations. Crayola, the crayon people, never quite managed a blue that'd match today's sky either. If you're nerd enough you might even know the title has something to do with blue. The sun was brightly shining and although we don't have to trudge through snow, it was sparkling on all local mountains. The lack of clouds made it cold; however, we can even manage to brag about that. Whereas it was dangerously cold in many parts of Canada, we had to deal with temperatures just a few degrees below zero on our scale and over twenty-eight on the other one.It's nearly impossible to feel bad on a day such as this one. A colleague did mention that statistically January 21st is the most depressing day of the year. I like the fact I was able to dodge that bullet today, at least partially due to the weather.
Labels: weather
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A Lack of Cholecalciferol
Okay, don't always believe our collective chorus. We always maintain how great it is not to have to shovel snow out here. What we sometimes forget to mention is that we sort of pay for the avoidance by putting up with non-stop rain for five months in a row. There are weeks on end when sunshine is only a distant memory.
A strange thing occurred to me today though. I found myself really enjoying my drive into BCIT. It was nice to have the windshield wipers working hard to give me a clearer view of the soggy environment on the other side of the glass. I really felt as if today's weather was how things were supposed to be. I really didn't mind that it had been raining for the entire week.
Oh, my God! This is my twelfth winter here and I guess I must qualify as a bona fide native of British Columbia now.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Four Months Ago
Yesterday's snow completely melted. The rain has wiped it all away and it also caused flooding. Yet, the Pineapple Express has brought the temperatures up to around 13 C degrees.
It doesn't seem that long ago that I took this picture at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, in Delta. This is the area where part of the Fraser River joins the Pacific.
It doesn't seem that long ago that I took this picture at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, in Delta. This is the area where part of the Fraser River joins the Pacific.
Labels: Fraser River, weather
Friday, November 30, 2007
A Diary Entry
On occasion I back away my usual blogging habits. Today, for example, I'm going to shy away from digging up too much from the distant past. Neither will I complain about some device or another that didn't quite live up to my expectations. I won't even paste in some random text from life. Rather than the usual, I do exactly what a blog is supposed to do. I'll simply say something about today.
I was at BCIT this afternoon administering my final exam in the computer lab. We started out with a one-hour review. The listening and writing sections of the
examination took three hours. I used that time to correct assignments for my other class.
On the way home, the odometer on my truck turned to 70,000 miles. That's not too much considering I bought it in July of 1996.
It's very frosty outside at the moment, so I have the fireplace cranked up to setting #3. There are rumours of snow over the weekend, even down here near sea level. I hope the weather doesn't interfere with my full-day, weekend classes.
I was at BCIT this afternoon administering my final exam in the computer lab. We started out with a one-hour review. The listening and writing sections of the
examination took three hours. I used that time to correct assignments for my other class.On the way home, the odometer on my truck turned to 70,000 miles. That's not too much considering I bought it in July of 1996.
It's very frosty outside at the moment, so I have the fireplace cranked up to setting #3. There are rumours of snow over the weekend, even down here near sea level. I hope the weather doesn't interfere with my full-day, weekend classes.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Seasons Create Variety
I took this photo on the way home from class at the BCIT Burnaby campus. I avoid heavy traffic to New Westminster by winding my way through a rather complicated maze of side streets. Of course, it's dark at five o'clock in the evening at the end of November.
It's cold in the evenings now too. It's going to be clear for a few days and that'll cause the temperatures to dip further. Although we're in Canada, the rain and drizzle generally prove to keep things relatively warm. Tonight it's going to be freezing though.
Still, I like the weather during this season. It seems to match my preconceived idea of what should be happening during this time of the year. I can't expect actual sleigh rides for Christmas in Vancouver; however, shorter days and cooler weather help create an appropriate motif.
Labels: weather
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Climate Change
Unlike today, the weather was superb yesterday. It was clear and warm. The photo shows my building as photographed from the New Westminster City Hall. Mt. Baker lies about 60 miles away in Washington State.
I experience the, often profound, affects of living in a place where the weather can be bipolar. When the sun is out, I have the overriding feeling that I've got to get outside. It's as if I don't want to waste any of limited times of nice weather. This is followed by overwhelming guilt if I fail to walk around in the sunshine. In the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, seeing the sun is such a precious gift for about two thirds of each year!
I experience the, often profound, affects of living in a place where the weather can be bipolar. When the sun is out, I have the overriding feeling that I've got to get outside. It's as if I don't want to waste any of limited times of nice weather. This is followed by overwhelming guilt if I fail to walk around in the sunshine. In the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, seeing the sun is such a precious gift for about two thirds of each year!
Labels: mountains, New Westminster, weather
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Warm and Cozy
From year to year it's sort of easy to forget just how rainy Vancouver can be. This summer wasn't the greatest but now that autumn has arrived, so have the constant clouds and rain.We have more of this to look forward to until next May!
As we've been here many years now, the climate at this time of year isn't depressing. In fact, I rather enjoy when it gets like it's been today. I turn up the gas fireplace one notch and feel all .. snug as a bug in a rug.
When growing up in New Hampshire, I had a similar feeling when a nor'easter blew up the coast burying us in snow. In the Persian Gulf, I felt this way when a shamal blew in with its accompanying dust.
I guess this joy at being inside says something about me.
It shows I am relatively lazy.
Labels: weather
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
I'm Still Waaaaaaiting ...
If it's midweek then the sun simply must be out. This has been a summer with cloudy, cool, and even wet weekends. Yet, I think every single Wednesday has been fabulous. It shouldn't matter much to me as I'm not working. The sky hasn't a cloud. The sun in the spotless blue is casting rays on all objects providing them with a yellower than normal hue. From the balcony, Mt. Baker, in Washington state, sits stubbornly behind the hill still wearing a cover of white snow down to its shoulders. Ah, this has got to be considered one of those summer afternoons!
Right at the moment though, I'm waiting to hear the buzzer from down at the front door. The UPS guy should arrive shortly. Yesterday at this time, he tried but wouldn't you know, I happened to be at work. I've only gone to campus once in August; but imagine, it happened to be the exact day on which my Creative Zen replacement was to be delivered!
A note said that UPS would try again today.
Right at the moment though, I'm waiting to hear the buzzer from down at the front door. The UPS guy should arrive shortly. Yesterday at this time, he tried but wouldn't you know, I happened to be at work. I've only gone to campus once in August; but imagine, it happened to be the exact day on which my Creative Zen replacement was to be delivered!
A note said that UPS would try again today.
Labels: Creative Zen, errands, weather
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Hot 'nuf for Ya?
Here's a cool thought on what promises to be a hot summer day. In 1911 Niagara Falls frozen solid enough to walk across. This picture was sent to me in an email from an ex-colleague from Dubai days. It's been in my inbox for quite some time. I figured that today was a good a day as any to include it here.
Labels: Canada, Niagara Falls, weather
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Are We Happy, Yet?
Damn, I hate the fact an improvement in the weather might affect my mood. Well, perhaps it's more than just the sunny, blue sky. Am I feeling good because:(Note: The correct answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE.)This bottle of BC Growers Sparkling Watermelon Cider is empty The Canadian dollar is worth more than 96 US cents I completely finished up all teaching obligations this week I could easily avoid work for a few years, if I chose to I'm glad we chose to make Vancouver home There's not much I'd change about my life, if given the chance British Columbia's tourist advertising campaign keeps telling me I'm living in the best place on earth?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Hot Dogs and Hamsters
We're continuing to make all the changes needed for summer. I don't mean getting out the camping gear as we eventually threw away the aging tent. I'm thinking of the adaptation needed closer to home. First, I was still wearing long-sleeved shirt during June but that has, at last, changed. Also, the extra blankets came off the bed a while back. Even meals are more prone to showcase local produce and other summer fare. Life, it seems, is being lived with the balcony doors open. It's obviously summer as Jay is keeping the hamster cool by wetting down the cloth that covers its cage. It's not entirely impossible living with a daytime temperature of (27C) 80F.
Of course, having to bear the heat is a matter of perception. It's pretty safe to assume around these parts the mercury will fall back to around 16C (60F) at night. Now, who are we kidding, that's not bad at all. And the hamster stays up all night to enjoy it.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Not Crossing the Strait
The weekend is on its way. Earlier in the month, we thought we might head to Salt Spring Island. After all, we thought, the weather is bound to improve as we get closer to the end of June. It really hasn't. Sunday is due to be a complete washout; therefore, we decided not to make a three day weekend at this time. I begin with a new class on Monday and work only two of the next five Fridays. Jay can take a sick day when the weather on a future weekend promises sunshine.I don't think we've been over to Vancouver Island yet this year. Last year we cruised through Victoria on a Holland American cruise from San Diego. I think the last time we were on a ship of BC Ferries was after Christmas in 2005. The fares and cost of vehicle seem too expensive to just pop over for a quick unplanned journey!
Labels: BC Ferries, British Columbia, Vancouver Island, weather
Monday, June 18, 2007
A Little Miss(ing) Sunshine
Blogging about the weather is probably the ultimate way of showing that one has nothing pressing to share. It's an easy topic just as mentioning the weather is probably a safe way to begin a conversation with a stranger.
Wait, that might not be the case everywhere. I guess it can be commented on here because of the fact it varies. When I worked in some of the countries in the Persian Gulf, there was seldom any need to catch the weather forecast. In fact, I even assumed that getting a job in the meteorological department must've been due to having connections and knowing someone with influence. The nightly weather on television could frequently be the same, word for word, for months at a stretch. After all, the weather was often simply hot or very hot.
I wish that were the case here at the present. I think it's been an awful June. We're still running the gas fireplace at night. The grey and cold have seemed more like the middle of a normal February. I'm not complaining but I'd welcome the chance to use a little rub-on sunscreen.
Wait, that might not be the case everywhere. I guess it can be commented on here because of the fact it varies. When I worked in some of the countries in the Persian Gulf, there was seldom any need to catch the weather forecast. In fact, I even assumed that getting a job in the meteorological department must've been due to having connections and knowing someone with influence. The nightly weather on television could frequently be the same, word for word, for months at a stretch. After all, the weather was often simply hot or very hot.
I wish that were the case here at the present. I think it's been an awful June. We're still running the gas fireplace at night. The grey and cold have seemed more like the middle of a normal February. I'm not complaining but I'd welcome the chance to use a little rub-on sunscreen.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
It's Almost June
There's hardly a thing that feels better: I'm sitting with my notebook on my lap in the recliner and the balcony sliding door is wide open.
I have been very aware of spring's arrival this year. I charted the progress by what I had to wear when going out the door. The thick jacket changed to a thinner one several weeks ago. Then a week or so back, the jacket stayed in the closet. For a few days, I wore both a t-shirt and a short-sleeved shirt. Last week, I once skipped the t-shirt. Although, I've not left the house without any shirt, it promises to be that type of weather tomorrow.
It was so nice today, it's ironic, if not a little criminal, that I taught in a windowless classroom all afternoon. On the way home, however, as if a sign of consolation, I was aware of the many birds singing in the trees. I was driving with the side window down. I sort of wonder why they're all so silent all winter. They truly seemed happy and that made me feel the same way.
Everything looks better with a little green to cover up things around
the edges.
I have been very aware of spring's arrival this year. I charted the progress by what I had to wear when going out the door. The thick jacket changed to a thinner one several weeks ago. Then a week or so back, the jacket stayed in the closet. For a few days, I wore both a t-shirt and a short-sleeved shirt. Last week, I once skipped the t-shirt. Although, I've not left the house without any shirt, it promises to be that type of weather tomorrow.
It was so nice today, it's ironic, if not a little criminal, that I taught in a windowless classroom all afternoon. On the way home, however, as if a sign of consolation, I was aware of the many birds singing in the trees. I was driving with the side window down. I sort of wonder why they're all so silent all winter. They truly seemed happy and that made me feel the same way.
Everything looks better with a little green to cover up things around
the edges.
Labels: New Westminster, SkyTrain, weather
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Learning in Groups
Wouldn't you know! The sunshine is now streaming in the windows and it's going to be 18C degrees today. All those drenched people who tried to start summer over the long weekend have an opportunity to dry out, I guess.It's a tad hard to concentrate on classwork knowing the weather's so nice beyond the window sash. My current group just started last week. If the first assignments are any indication, they have quite well-developed skills. The group is very small with just thirteen students and this seems nice as I've taught some terms that are double this size. They do demand a lot of attention though. I don't mind that. After all, my attention is what they're paying for. Still, it is amazing how tired four hours of class can make me. It's not physical rather I get tired from answering all the questions and trying to stay one step ahead of them.
I look back on my own time on the desk side of the classroom, and wonder what teachers thought of the various groups in which I learned. It's hard to believe how the quality of one's educational experiences are affected by those around one. It works for both the better and worse, I suspect.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Tannary Park
When we went over to this Surrey park this morning, it was still cloudy. This scene is looking back at downtown New Westminster across the Fraser River. Our building is the second tower from the right.
By the time we went to Richmond in the afternoon it had even become sunny. Thanks for Victoria Day dinner, folks. It does seem a little cold out for nearly the end of May, doesn't it?
By the time we went to Richmond in the afternoon it had even become sunny. Thanks for Victoria Day dinner, folks. It does seem a little cold out for nearly the end of May, doesn't it?
Labels: Fraser River, New Westminster, Surrey, weather
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Close to One Hundred
The routine now includes an afternoon nap. I guess that's fine as this is vacation. It's better to do morning things and the evening ones for it just seems too hot in the afternoons. It's presently in the high 90's Fahrenheit. In fact, the TV is on and we're getting good television shots of the 150-200 acre brush fire in Griffith Park. Still, we've not seen any yellow smog while here.
Last night, we did go to Venice Beach and walked north to Santa Monica. We took a familiar bus back towards our hotel, stopping in West Hollywood on the way. We didn't stop at Beverly Hills as none of our movie-star friends are in LA at the present time.
This morning, we went for a tour of the Kodak Theater. It was interesting to see the location and behind the scenes of the modern Oscars. We also bought tickets at the Pantages for tomorrow evening's performance of Wicked. If you had the choice of Hollywood Walk of Fame stars, whose would you stand near for a photograph? I decided on Bette Davis. After that, we followed the directions from www.metro.net to find a specific vitamin / sports supplement shop but ended up at the wrong address. Still, the air conditioning works well in most buses and although all the streets look the same from the window, I feel as if we're seeing some of real LA.
Last night, we did go to Venice Beach and walked north to Santa Monica. We took a familiar bus back towards our hotel, stopping in West Hollywood on the way. We didn't stop at Beverly Hills as none of our movie-star friends are in LA at the present time.
This morning, we went for a tour of the Kodak Theater. It was interesting to see the location and behind the scenes of the modern Oscars. We also bought tickets at the Pantages for tomorrow evening's performance of Wicked. If you had the choice of Hollywood Walk of Fame stars, whose would you stand near for a photograph? I decided on Bette Davis. After that, we followed the directions from www.metro.net to find a specific vitamin / sports supplement shop but ended up at the wrong address. Still, the air conditioning works well in most buses and although all the streets look the same from the window, I feel as if we're seeing some of real LA.
Labels: Hollywood, Los Angeles, weather
Monday, May 07, 2007
Then, Summer Arrived!
I'm back at the hotel pool just as I was for yesterday's entry. The water's cool but the outside temperature is 35C or almost 95F today. The wind and the fact it's dry means can say it's no sweat.
Last night, we took a bus down to Santa Monica and walked out on the Pier and along 3rd Avenue which was full of trendy shops, restaurants, and folks out and about. I'm glad I had my jacket I'm easily fooled by LA maps as distances look short but take hours, literally.
This morning we headed downtown first and saw there really is a there out here. We also took a bus to a famous farmers market. There was also shopping nearby and the CBS studios. As I'm standing in the water up to my waste with my laptop perched on the lip of the pool, I'll let you look up the exact information in Google if you are keen of it.
We'll soon probably get ready to head toward Venice Beach this evening.
Last night, we took a bus down to Santa Monica and walked out on the Pier and along 3rd Avenue which was full of trendy shops, restaurants, and folks out and about. I'm glad I had my jacket I'm easily fooled by LA maps as distances look short but take hours, literally.
This morning we headed downtown first and saw there really is a there out here. We also took a bus to a famous farmers market. There was also shopping nearby and the CBS studios. As I'm standing in the water up to my waste with my laptop perched on the lip of the pool, I'll let you look up the exact information in Google if you are keen of it.
We'll soon probably get ready to head toward Venice Beach this evening.
Labels: Los Angeles, weather
Saturday, April 28, 2007
It Has Sprung
This is how it's supposed to work. Having the rainy days during the work week is fine as long as the weekend has bright sunshine!I was wondering, should we eventually decide to spend winters away during retirement, which months that would include. Although Vancouver cannot be classed as the frozen north, even for a veteran of the area, the gray cloudy days can get a might depressing. The wet weather doesn't really begin in earnest until November though. Then things start turning the corner in March.
May, as it turns out, is generally my favourite month for the weather and watching everything flower and green up. Maybe this is fresh on my mind as the garden shop at the Superstore this morning looked busy, indeed!
Labels: weather
Monday, April 23, 2007
Unable to Avoid Repetition
I sometimes find myself repeating myself! I'd rather think it's not a sign of age. After blogging for so long, I'm bound to occasionally say the same thing twice, or thrice. The times when I do say the same thing, it may be because I'm trying to include a quick entry. Or stating the same thing over could be a result of writer's block.Today's a great example. The weather this morning was lovely but I found myself finishing my correction of midterm exams. I drove to campus in the afternoon and had a good, abet tiring class. So, here it is evening already without so much as a word in my blog.
So, when I talk about fine weather and how spring is here, I will repeat concepts mentioned herein in the past. I love living here for many reasons but one is simply the marked change of seasons. Time spent overseas in places without four, unique sections of the year, made me appreciate getting back to them all the more.
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.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Old Proverb Doesn't Hold Up
Many of my photos may not be worth a thousand words. Some don't merit more than a few dozen. Oh well. I do have to admit that it was so nice this morning I went out for a little walk around the block. I guess I can correct those assignments tomorrow morning! The sky was frightfully blue. Although the grass was a luxurious green, I took this photo of the side of a neighbourhood church.
Labels: weather
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Longing for Green
I need to see some green.
The white on the ground here was pretty for about a day and a half. It is unusual to see it sticking on the ground here. The uniqueness of the white scenery has lost its luster quickly. Now, I am ready for a deluge of typical January rain. Even though there was an additional dusting of snow last night, I want it all to melt. I am ready for the green winter grass of a typical Lower Mainland winter.
Until that happens, I can look at the photo above taken last fall in Sri Lanka. This ambrella fruit tree is near the driveway at Jay's house. I miss green.
Labels: weather
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Snow Causes Headaches
Getting home yesterday evening was a challenge. My class usually runs until 5:00 pm. Yesterday, however, I was looking out the window and the snow was really coming down. Thinking that evening classes may have been canceled, we didn't have access to the Internet in the classroom. I chose to cut things short by a half hour.
I didn't save much time in getting home though. After leaving BCIT at 4:30 pm, progress was extremely slow. I thought after getting up Royal Oak, it'd be smooth sailing. In fact it seemed to take forever. Finally, I parked on Columbia Street, in front of the SkyTrain station in the new parallel, back-in spaces. Although nearly home, it would've been impossible to get up Church Street and into this building.
Yes, I grew up in New England and back at a time when it had winters. Doing wheelies on the frozen lake in a Pinto taught me more about winter driving than all the driver's manuals on earth could have. Yet, there are a number of reasons why I was very stressed out last night:
I didn't save much time in getting home though. After leaving BCIT at 4:30 pm, progress was extremely slow. I thought after getting up Royal Oak, it'd be smooth sailing. In fact it seemed to take forever. Finally, I parked on Columbia Street, in front of the SkyTrain station in the new parallel, back-in spaces. Although nearly home, it would've been impossible to get up Church Street and into this building.
Yes, I grew up in New England and back at a time when it had winters. Doing wheelies on the frozen lake in a Pinto taught me more about winter driving than all the driver's manuals on earth could have. Yet, there are a number of reasons why I was very stressed out last night:
My commute to New Westminster was nearly two hours for the trip that generally takes twenty minutes. After an hour, some food, and a change of clothes, I returned to the Columbia Street and my truck. Then, I spun and slid my way up Church Street and into the building. My truck was finally safely housed downstairs at about 7:30 pm.The Vancouver area barely gets enough snow to merit an adequate number of road ploughs. So, when it does fall and the highway department crews are going full bore, they simply cannot keep up. Nobody puts on snow tires, much less carries chains! The majority of drivers have little experience on slippery roads. Many streets and highways here have substantial inclines. I drive a rear-wheel drive pick up truck but there's nothing in the back right now.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Packing It In
We're in the midst of being hit by a pineapple express. The warm air accompanying the storm is even dumping rain high on the local ski hills. It's too wet to go out if not necessary. Since I have no class until next Monday, I'm sitting in by the gas fireplace today. Earlier, a sudden down-draft even blew it out once.Anyway, it was a great morning to pull down the string of Christmas lights and pack the few ornaments away. I don't like seeing strings of coloured lights burning through the end of this month. To me, some things are only special when they are of a short duration.
Labels: weather
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
I'd Prefer Blue to Grey Today
I haven't really noticed that each day has been getting longer for a half week. I think the lengthening of the days must quicken toward spring.
The short days combined with the cloud cover are making for the current deficit in the sunshine department. I heard that we may get a few rays tomorrow. There's even a chance that the sky may lighten later this afternoon.
Unfortunately, right at the moment, outside is looking quite grey and dreary. I've added this picture only so I can recall what a clear sky looks like.
The short days combined with the cloud cover are making for the current deficit in the sunshine department. I heard that we may get a few rays tomorrow. There's even a chance that the sky may lighten later this afternoon.
Unfortunately, right at the moment, outside is looking quite grey and dreary. I've added this picture only so I can recall what a clear sky looks like.
Labels: weather
Monday, December 11, 2006
Today's Food for Thought
It's one of those mornings where I have to keep the inside lights on. It's grey and is promising to stay rainy all week. This is the time when air ticket sales to sunny destinations must soar.Still, this season I haven't felt depressed by the extended darkness. In fact I feel upbeat about most everything. I'd not change a thing in my life even if given the chance. I'm pleased with relationships, finances, and the minutia of everyday existence.
Being happy is surely impacted by outside influences but it's probably more affected by brain chemistry. Clearly, there's an interaction between the environment and what's occurring in the old grey matter. Perhaps if the details of one's world are lined up right, then suitable endorphins are released.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Sit On It
In yesterday's entry, I was waxing poetic about the beauty of snow. Now, a mere 24 hours later, I've changed my tune. Frozen precipitation is falling again. I rushed home from BCIT after my class as the roads were getting slippery. We aren't prepared for this here and there isn't adequate equipment to take care of the winter roads.
I realize how after ten years I've become a real Vancouverite. The white stuff now annoys me and I am longing for a nice, warm winter rainstorm. Everything has been thrown for a loop because of the unusual weather. If we have to reschedule more classes because of future road conditions, I will scream.
Labels: BCIT, complaints, weather
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
If It Stayed, We'd Ignore It.
Rather than adding an entry to this blog, I should be out walking around. Even though the cold snap is forecast to remain for the week, I know that the fresh snow will, fairly soon, melt away.Driving into campus this morning was wonderful. Instead of feeling stress, I was in awe of the scenery. The snow was still covering all the trees. I generally head to BCIT via Canada Way; however, when I looked ahead it appeared very crowded. I turned down Tenth Avenue to Kingsway. The traffic was moving fairly slowly with only a few jerks speeding past and ignoring the icy conditions.
When I turned at the Safeway, I knew that the panoramic scene from the top of Royal Oak would be stunning and the view surely lived up to my expectations. The sky was clear and sun was out. The mountains were all covered in white. Now, I truly know what is meant when people day, "It nearly took my breath away." I'm pretty butch but it was so beautiful I could feel tears welling up ...
Labels: weather
Monday, November 27, 2006
An Unexpected Day Off
The rest of Canada has a bit of a humourous perception of Vancouver. Many think the west coast is inhabited by flower children who eat mostly tofu, spend a lot of time meditating, and do a bit too much weed.
This laid back attitude cannot be erased easily. In fact, it might be further reinforced by events today. There was a storm that turned to snow this weekend. Between 5 and 15 cms of the white stuff fell.
Today, all schools are closed. This is a bit of trouble for my class at BCIT. As we'll miss this morning's class, it'll be necessary to somehow 'make up' four hours of missing instruction. This week was already going to be a long week with the final examination scheduled for Friday.
Six inches of snow can close almost all of this city and throw the transportation system into a tizzy. No wonder why people from eastern Canada sometimes giggle at us.
This laid back attitude cannot be erased easily. In fact, it might be further reinforced by events today. There was a storm that turned to snow this weekend. Between 5 and 15 cms of the white stuff fell.Today, all schools are closed. This is a bit of trouble for my class at BCIT. As we'll miss this morning's class, it'll be necessary to somehow 'make up' four hours of missing instruction. This week was already going to be a long week with the final examination scheduled for Friday.
Six inches of snow can close almost all of this city and throw the transportation system into a tizzy. No wonder why people from eastern Canada sometimes giggle at us.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Guilt-Free Laziness
It's after ten o'clock in the morning and the lights are on. Another blustery day is upon us. The rain is again pelting the windows. Water is accumulating in cracks and crevices. The wind is whipping off any remaining autumn leaves.On days such as this, I can see why the newspaper is full of advertisements for sunny destinations. It's a day like this when I realize why some retirees wish to get of the area from November to March.
Yet, there is a part of me that enjoys the inclement weather. It is carte blanche to laze around for the day. There'll be little guilt in doing next to nothing today.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Batten Down the Hatches
It was forecast to arrive yesterday and it did so with a vengeance.I was rather impressed by the winds which bent the trees and blew around small objects that weren't tied down. There are a number of storms every winter which blow in off the Pacific. I'm used to rain and grey skies. Consequently, I shouldn't have been surprised by the situation.
Still, it was a substantial weather system. It blew out the gas fireplace. It created impassible roads. Trees were toppled. Although it stayed on here, power was lost to many households. I could see the windows slightly bend in the gusts.
As I was in all afternoon, I quite enjoyed it.
Labels: weather
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Winter Mowing
I periodically send out test messages to those in my email address book. People seem to be changing addresses less often. I chalk this up to a larger number of people avoiding their ISP's mail for a permanent online service. I did get a note back from an ex-colleague in Ontario. We had worked together in the United Arab Emirates a decade ago. The photo to the right has not been altered. It was taken in front of our building on Carnarvon Street in New Westminster. The grass really was this green yesterday afternoon. I want to include a snippet of my emailed response.
"I am happy to hear that events went well on your visit here. We were away in September but I'm glad you ran into some good weather while visiting. Vancouver's weather can be great right through the end of October. As I'm typing, the sun has come out of hiding. It had vanished during the last four days. New rainfall records were broken. After moving here, I found the initial winters on this coast a bit depressing. It's because of the all the grey days. One does more than 'get used to it' and now I actually look forward to the wet months. It's better 'n traipsing around in snow."
Labels: New Westminster, weather
Friday, August 25, 2006
Says Who?
Where I live, we can't say the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. In the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, the grass usually stays green through the entire winter.
Yet, we've hit quite a dry stretch. Presently, it's unusually brown!
Yet, we've hit quite a dry stretch. Presently, it's unusually brown!
Labels: weather
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Discussing the Weather?
As even on a workday, there's no need to get up early. I think I've forgotten what an awful sound the alarm clock makes. Surprisingly, this morning there was a Sunday wake up call from mother nature. A huge clap of thunder sounded early; it must have been before six, I think.The weather has been quite dry and the sky bright over the past few weeks. I don't mind a bit that things look quite gloomy outside the window at the moment. Anything that stays completely constant seems boring. (Is it really a wonder why people on long-term treatment with Paxil get suicidal?) Unlike most other places, even if the temperature gets up to 30C (85F) degrees during the day, it's generally around 18C (65F) at night in the Lower Mainland.
Labels: weather
Thursday, May 18, 2006
'Sun' is a Beautiful Word
This week the weather's been glorious. The skies have been blue and the sun strong. It is a comfortable temperature for short sleeves but not too hot and muggy. The mountains around Vancouver are still out and capped by snow. In a word, this weather can't be beat.It's funny though; the day goes pretty much unnoticed from the office or classroom. I notice the green grass, flowers, and leafy trees only when walking between buildings on break.
As I don't work on Fridays, I'm at the beginning of a 4-day weekend. Next Monday is Victoria Day in Canada. This signals the beginning of summer. Well perhaps summer starts later officially, but campgrounds open and touristy things go full force from this weekend. And so, just as usual, it appears that the fine weather we're having may disappear by the weekend ...
Labels: weather
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Declaration of Appreciation
As a rule, people are very quick to notice when things don't go their way. On the other hand, they're much slower to appreciate those times when things turn out well.
Last week I didn't teach as I was between different intensive courses. The weather turned out to be wonderful during these days of freedom. I took the photo above on an afternoon trip to the Buntzen Lake picnic area. I couldn't have asked for bluer skies. Now this week, I'm again in the classroom and the weather has turned horrible. It's cold and quite miserable outside.
Therefore, today's entry is just a public declaration to show how much I appreciate the way things seemed to work out.
Last week I didn't teach as I was between different intensive courses. The weather turned out to be wonderful during these days of freedom. I took the photo above on an afternoon trip to the Buntzen Lake picnic area. I couldn't have asked for bluer skies. Now this week, I'm again in the classroom and the weather has turned horrible. It's cold and quite miserable outside.
Therefore, today's entry is just a public declaration to show how much I appreciate the way things seemed to work out.
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 25, 2005
It's Finally Lifting
It feels as though we were waiting a long time for the mist to disappear.
Just yesterday, the environment cleared a bit and this morning seems even more fog-free. I can see the other side of the river from the window. But damn ... I'm so fickle. I already miss it.
The week of fog made everything seem comfortable and close. During these times just sticking around the house feels wonderful. I rank the recent fog in the same category as a strong nor'-east'a snow storm along the North-American Atlantic coastline or a good shamal dust-storm in the Persian Gulf.
Just yesterday, the environment cleared a bit and this morning seems even more fog-free. I can see the other side of the river from the window. But damn ... I'm so fickle. I already miss it.
The week of fog made everything seem comfortable and close. During these times just sticking around the house feels wonderful. I rank the recent fog in the same category as a strong nor'-east'a snow storm along the North-American Atlantic coastline or a good shamal dust-storm in the Persian Gulf.
Labels: weather
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
A Deceptive Shroud
Lately, you might have a little trouble seeing something even if it's quite near. There's been constant fog since last week. When I went to class at 12:30 yesterday, it wasn't too bad. I took the picture when I got there.
The fog grew thicker though. It was especially dense yesterday evening. When I was driving back from BCIT at 5:30, I had to take it easy. Few other drivers seemed to be doing so.
The fog made me feel a tiny bit strange. I wasn't scared but the whole world did seem unusual. Perhaps mysterious is the best adjective I could use to describe what it accomplished. It made even the well-known seem vague and unique. It brought deceptiveness. I could have been led to believe that nearly anything was lying around the next corner.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Hey Buddy, Got a Light?
So far, November has consisted mostly of rainy days.
Nine years ago, after arriving from the sunny Middle East, the winter was especially rough. I got a bit depressed because of all the cloudy, dark days of Vancouver. I could have been easily talked into blue light therapy. (No, that's NOT related to anything which goes on in a K-Mart store.)
Now, I welcome this part of the year. I feel relaxed rather than depressed. I love how windshield wipers tap out a rhythm when driving. I love the warm feeling when sitting near the gas fireplace. The hot tub is never better than when rain is pelting on the nearby glass.
Most importantly I have learned to respect the changes of nature. I've heard it said that drugs such as Prozac do indeed get rid of depression; it's just they also get rid of life's highs too. Similarly, I wouldn't be able to fully appreciate the blue sky of a spring day without celebrating the weather we're having right now.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Who Says Length Doesn't Matter
Today is wet and gloomy. It's also very dark this morning. This is the downside to living away from the equator. The days are going to continue getting shorter for another two months!We've got that little reprieve at the end of the month when we play around with the clocks. From 2007, the US is going to lengthen Daylight Savings Time by another four weeks a year. It will be observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. Canada won't have much choice other than to go along. The justification is to save energy. However, I anticipate a big brouhaha about reinstating the present number of weeks after a few kids get mowed over while waiting for their school busses in the morning darkness.
Okay, who remembers HOT DOTS?
Labels: weather
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Wet and 'Wilds' Don't Mix
I feel sorry for locals who planned a summer camping vacation this week. From the beginning of June until just this week, the weather had been very nice. This summer, the nights have been a bit cool but, generally, there have been mostly pleasant sunny days.Yesterday, I walked down to drop something in the postal box. It wasn't raining but was misty enough so, because I wear glasses, I had to look down at the sidewalk. Things smelled warm and wet. (That's unlike our winters when things smell cool and wet.) I know it isn't bad compared to the devastation that can be wrought by weather. Yet, it would be an awful way to spend precious vacation time.
In 2001, we camped across Canada and back. Click the thumbnail to load a larger image taken in an Ontario campground. It wasn't raining in the photo!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
When Do the Leaves Turn?
Although I spent the first 22 years of my life in New Hamsphire, I had to look on the Internet to find when the fall foliage seasons are.
Labels: New Hampshire, weather
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Cake and Ice Cream
It seems as if the weather's going to continue to be great for most of the week. Hot days are okay but fortunately, it always seems to cool down enough in the evening. This place, I've picked to live, really is ideal. With Jay working, I don't want to pack a picnic or anything. I was wondering what to do today. Maybe it's time to run to Walmart to buy hamster food. I am even tempted to look on NCIX.com to see if there's anything that intrigues me.
Just when I was wondering what I could blog about today, my iPaq buzzed with an event message. Happy Birthday, Sujay.
Just when I was wondering what I could blog about today, my iPaq buzzed with an event message. Happy Birthday, Sujay.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Lazy, Crazy, Hazy Days of Summer
It's nice to have summer visiting us. I love a day without clouds.Now, the only problem is that I will be teaching today. I've seldom taught on July 23rd. I can be sure of this fact as it's my birthday today. I don't ever remember having taught on my birthday before. This is how I used to spend the summers!
I will keep adding a few shots like this every week until I make a noticeable dent in the photo box that dad sent. Maybe I should find something where I'm wearing a shirt, at least! After all, my eJournal and images is public.
Labels: New Hampshire, weather
Friday, July 08, 2005
Gray July
When people don't know each other they can always discuss the weather. Around these parts, people can complain about the rain. We saw news reports last week of the heat wave in the middle of the continent, but I had to light the fireplace!June was not very sunny. So far this July has been a bit of a washout. Today, it is again overcast and ugly outside. Yet things can change fast.
Labels: weather