Queen's window by David Hockney installed at Westminster Abbey

Love it!

The design is alleged to mirror the Queen’s “craving for the countryside”

A David Hockney-designed stained glass window celebrating the Queen’s reign has been revealed at Westminster Abbey.The Queen’s Window within the north transept replaces one of many constructing’s few remaining clear home windows.Hockney, who created the design on his iPad, mentioned the hawthorn blossom scene is ready in Yorkshire.

Westminster Abbey mentioned the end result “displays the Queen as a countrywoman and her widespread enjoyment of, and craving for, the countryside”.

Hockney mentioned: “The iPad is back-lit like a window, it is a pure factor to make use of.”

“I learnt one thing about glass. It was a problem.”

The Queen has not seen the completed window, however an optimistic Hockney mentioned: “I hope she’ll prefer it. I am certain she is going to.”

Itty Bitty Book Review: "The Only Café"

The Only Café" by Linden Macintyre

This was a Brock House bookclub choice and we had an excellent discussion yesterday.  I must say I've very impressed with the books and the level of discussion in this group.  This novel is based on real events in Lebanon. MacIntyre covered some of these events.  What I mainly took away from the novel was putting into question the whole idea of journalism and what truth is. A rather scarey thought.

Richard comes bearing great gifts!

Richard dropped over yesterday afternoon and brought us some really cool gifts from Japan.  It sounds like they had a great trip even after a rocky start with the typhoon.  And of course they had an aftershock from the big earthquake when they were visiting Grace's family in Sapporo. ..not too big apparently but woke them up.

Our loot...two fans with stands, one blank white paper so I can paint on it, some very renowned apple brandy, and a baseball hat from one of the famous Japanese teams...perfect!

One of the uncles drove them up to the distillery for the apple brandy and it is only available to buy there so very special.  And very special to us as well since we have loved our Calvados in France (French apple brandy). Richard thought we'd enjoy it given the French connection.We just had a wee taste and it was wonderful!  We get some good Calvados in Palm Springs at Trader Joe's too.

Jim loving his new hat.  I don't think I'll get a chance to wear it.

Thanks so much, Richard, for the very thoughtful gifts.  It was great to see you and have you safely home....whew.

Thinking of Palm Springs

Well, of course, at lunch the other day the talk turned to Palm Springs since we all go there in the winter.  I'm on a FB page to do with PS and this came up yesterday.  I see that the temps get into the 90's next week so that's a break for people. Everyone will enjoy the cooler weather.

Sunny day at the University Golf Course

We met Nicki and Stan and Brian and Susan yesterday for lunch. Lots of fun and laughs and great food. We all really enjoyed it. It's so nice to be able to get out there easily now that the roadwork is finished. Nicki mentioned the wonderful sunset Monday night and the big full moon and that reminded me of the photos I took.  I didn't get one of the moon but maybe I'll remember tonight.

One amazing lady!

A lovely Sunday afternoon chez Liz

Liz's bookclub read Brave New World for their selection this month and since Jim is "Mr. Huxley" she asked us to come as special guests. We really enjoyed meeting her friends and there was an excellent discussion (as well as food and wine!). Like most men, Jim had never been to a bookclub and he was very impressed with the discussion. I was too and delighted to be invited to participate when I'm in town.

Thanks so much, Liz!

First edition cover

Some humour

Grafitti Grandma

I'm not too sure about graffiti but Lisbon seems to really encourage it. I love the idea of old folks getting involved!

"If you’ve ever thought you’re too old to try something new, take a look at this and think again. A non-profit organization in Lisbon, Portugal took “arts and crafts” to the next level and taught a group of elders how to graffiti their way around town! Graffiti, or street art, has typically been an art form for those of a younger generation… until now.
This is a wonderful example of how art, fun and a positive attitude can eliminate all generational boundaries. Just put a can of spray paint in someone’s hand and set them free and watch them become a kid at heart!"

Kyoto

Richard and Grace are in Kyoto now.  Donna said it's a great place and I'm sure they are enjoying it.

"Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It’s also known for formal traditions such as kaiseki dining, consisting of multiple courses of precise dishes, and geisha, female entertainers often found in the Gion district."

And this wonderful sunset the other night.... my photos from the balcony

That time of the year when The Sylvia is changing

We were at The Sylvia for lunch last week and got a great view of the Canada geese crossing back and forth in the crosswalk close to the hot dog guy.  Great memories and we miss the area but are loving UBC. One great thing is being so close to Brock House. We started a wine course there yesterday...great fun so far!

Drinking in sunsets

These came up on Pinterest for me. It's a bit difficult to give credit but thanks to everyone who posted these wonderful photos!

Artist Trading Card Meeting

Susan and I went to the meeting yesterday and there were lots of people there!  I collected 15 cards.  It was fun to drive out together and it's always interesting to see the amazing creative stuff these people do.

Susan's card is the Canada Goose...love it!

Sunny in Sapporo

Richard and Grace have arrived in Sapporo and are looking forward to spending time with Grace's family.  It looks like the weather there will be partly sunny and 25C.

On this rainy day...

Not that I'm complaining since we really do need this rain but it's also nice to think of sunny climes in places we love.

Lunch with Donna at The Secret Garden Tea Room in Kerrisdale

We had a great lunch and a super visit on Wednesday!  The food was delicious and the decor and place settings were just charming. We each got the half sandwich and cup of soup (wonderful lentil and bacon) and it came with a very generous salad. I had the panini and Donna had the Roasted Turkey.

Roasted Turkey & Cranberry Relish on Whole Wheat

Oven-roasted turkey, cranberry relish, mayo, and crisp lettuce. $16

Secret Garden Panini on White

Turkey, bacon, avocado, and parmesan Caesar sauce on white. $16

The cup of soup was literally in a little teacup.

And a teacup for the sugar cubes.

They had a lot of colourful paintings by Jill Charuk that you could purchase.  Donna has one of her paintings over her fireplace.

Now, if I hadn't just bought a teapot this size I don't think I could have resisted the polka dots.

A very nice display of silver.

And a children's table with the book that probably the tea room's name was taken from.

Lots of goodies to take home but we both resisted.

Lots of china everywhere.

Another Jill Charuk

I loved the cushions that were all around.

And we did some browsing of shops including Hagar's Books.  This was a very appropriate bookbag for Jim!