It feels so good to get swimming again! I felt it was a bit breezy for Second Beach Pool today and one of our Beach Friends says the ocean water has been getting cooler these last few days. As usual, I think it will be pretty close to July before I do any ocean swimming. Then home to read this:
Scientists Blow the Lid on Sunscreen Myth
http://theunboundedspirit.com/scientists-blow-the-lid-on-cancer-sunscreen-myth/
Seems women who avoid the sun are twice as likely to die as women who sunbathe every day.
As always….just do what gives you pleasure in moderation and forget all the studies….i.e. enjoy life!
Monday, June 15, 2015
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Great news!
Grace won the Tom Fairley award last night at the Toronto conference. Congratulations, Grace!
Grace receiving her award:
And this is the book that she edited. We have seen the ceramic collection and it is magnificent. It's also kind of neat that Jim and I spent many nice times in the Koerner Grad Centre at UBC…a great place to dine, chat, and relax. We owe a lot to Mr. Koerner!
And more good news from Toronto from Jim. The Blue Jays are winning 6-0….they've won 10 in a row so this might make 11.
Grace receiving her award:
And this is the book that she edited. We have seen the ceramic collection and it is magnificent. It's also kind of neat that Jim and I spent many nice times in the Koerner Grad Centre at UBC…a great place to dine, chat, and relax. We owe a lot to Mr. Koerner!
About the Book
Like the ceramics he collected throughout his life, Walter C. Koerner was a survivor of turbulent times. Born in Moravia in 1889, Koerner fled his homeland shortly before the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. After immigrating to Canada and settling in B.C., he prospered in business and became one of the University of British Columbia’s most significant benefactors.
Today, the gallery in the Museum of Anthropology that bears Koerner’s name is home to one of the most exquisite collections of European ceramics in North America. The Koerner Ceramics Gallery is a testament to elegance, craftsmanship, and the beauty of everyday objects. Yet it is also a reflection of the complex socio-political forces at work throughout four centuries of European history.
A lavish celebration of this impressive collection, Koerner Ceramics highlights approximately two hundred functional and decorative wares from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. From Italian Renaissance maiolica, still considered by many to be the pinnacle of European ceramic art; to Haban pottery created by Anabaptist craftsmen, which carries the history of religious faith and persecution; to delftware from Holland, which was inspired by the Chinese and Japanese porcelain that arrived on Dutch shores in the seventeenth century—the pieces featured in this volume document the evolution of style, technique, and culture. This book is a fascinating, comprehensive, and visually stunning tribute.
And more good news from Toronto from Jim. The Blue Jays are winning 6-0….they've won 10 in a row so this might make 11.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
At our local tonight with locals….
We met Maureen and Helmet tonight at The Sylvia for dinner. It's so great to just walk down a couple of blocks with the wonderful views. Lots of fun as always. We do live in paradise.
Friday, June 12, 2015
News flash from the Vancouver Sun
Vancouver’s Om the Bridge yoga event has been cancelled following a week of controversy and organizers say they will look for another venue. Sponsors Lululemon, YYoga and Altagas announced Friday they were pulling out after backlash ensued over costs and the bridge closure among other issues. The event had been scheduled for June 21 on the Burrard Street Bridge.
Yeah!
Yeah!
Great letter to the editor and editorial cartoon on Premier Clark's closing of the Burrard Bridge for yoga...
And apparently the closure is going to cost taxpayers $150 K to close the bridge for her folly.
Clark’s yoga stance mocked
Re: Two mass yoga sessions planned for same day, June 6
If there was ever any doubt that Vancouver is a small-minded, parochial village (despite the highest real estate prices in Canada) this “celebration” should confirm it.
Perhaps the idea is to invent a new yoga stance; one can bend over so far as to stick one’s own head up one’s own backside and christen it the “premier position.”
ALAN GRAY
White Rock
And I see First Nation groups are planning to protest the event because it's National Aboriginal Day".
"Be an ally on National Aboriginal Day. Hold space for indigenous people, who continue to be systemically ignored by crashing by crashing Christy Clark's yoga party" one organizer wrote on Facebook.
Good on them for protesting as I think Christy Clark's comments on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report were rather empty and meaningless without any ideas for action.
Well, not quite sure why only yesterday's cartoon appears, not todays, but it's a good one too so I'll post it. Maybe later in the day the current one will appear online.
And I see First Nation groups are planning to protest the event because it's National Aboriginal Day".
"Be an ally on National Aboriginal Day. Hold space for indigenous people, who continue to be systemically ignored by crashing by crashing Christy Clark's yoga party" one organizer wrote on Facebook.
Good on them for protesting as I think Christy Clark's comments on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report were rather empty and meaningless without any ideas for action.
"Premier Christy Clark told the audience the B.C. government “deeply regrets the harm that was done to aboriginal children and their families and the lasting impact Indian residential schools have had on them.
“Whatever our ancestry, no matter when we or our ancestors came to this land, all Canadians share with aboriginal people a common sorrow at the cruelty and abuse that took place under the guise of education.”
Compare this to Ontario Premier's Kathleen Wynne's comments:
http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2015/06/premiers-statement-on-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-report.html
http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2015/06/premiers-statement-on-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-report.html
Well, not quite sure why only yesterday's cartoon appears, not todays, but it's a good one too so I'll post it. Maybe later in the day the current one will appear online.
Vancouver hit with early morning windstorm…you can say that again!
It woke us up and then later we were woken up with the sound of a chainsaw and chipper. I see from this article a tree fell on a car at Chilco and Pendrell…about 1/2 block from where we are so I guess that's what we were hearing.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-hit-with-early-morning-wind-storm-1.3110714
Some of our beach friends have been in the ocean and said it was lovely. Now, probably still not quite lovely for me but I was thinking of giving it a try this weekend. Well, I imagine this storm has cooled the water down so we'll see.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-hit-with-early-morning-wind-storm-1.3110714
Some of our beach friends have been in the ocean and said it was lovely. Now, probably still not quite lovely for me but I was thinking of giving it a try this weekend. Well, I imagine this storm has cooled the water down so we'll see.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Music at The Sylvia
It's so nice to be able to enjoy things again! We went up to The Sylvia tonight and really enjoyed a group with the celtic fiddle. The fellow was from Yorkshire. Lots of Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton music. Susan and Alan, you would have loved it!
Beautiful evening. I think a wee dram of scotch out on the balcony watching the last of the sunset is in order.
Beautiful evening. I think a wee dram of scotch out on the balcony watching the last of the sunset is in order.
The colour challenged among us...
Jim was passing by the dollar store today so I suggested he pick up a new shower curtain for his bathroom. He wanted a "solid colour" ….no floral, so I thought it best he pick it out. Well, he came back with this brilliant purple shower curtain…he thought it was blue. Now, the shower curtain is like the middle part….not the ends, which actually show up blue in the photo. Well, go figure…one of the mysteries of life.
Well, his response was "At least I know a shower curtain from a roll of TP"
I asked him what that was all about and he said it was a joke he remembered from Brian over 50 years ago, a high school friend who we recently made contact with.
"What's the difference between TP and a shower curtain?"
Well, most people respond, "I don't know."
"I'm not going to let you use my bathroom!"
Ok…maybe this post a bit weird…could be sitting out in the sun having a glass of wine…wonderful weather these days.
OK…so, just to ward off claims by Jim that the "camera doesn't lie", I took another photo with my Canon and didn't have the colour of the label to confuse the issue…now this is purple, right?
Well, his response was "At least I know a shower curtain from a roll of TP"
I asked him what that was all about and he said it was a joke he remembered from Brian over 50 years ago, a high school friend who we recently made contact with.
"What's the difference between TP and a shower curtain?"
Well, most people respond, "I don't know."
"I'm not going to let you use my bathroom!"
Ok…maybe this post a bit weird…could be sitting out in the sun having a glass of wine…wonderful weather these days.
OK…so, just to ward off claims by Jim that the "camera doesn't lie", I took another photo with my Canon and didn't have the colour of the label to confuse the issue…now this is purple, right?
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Pretty cool...
Interesting day today…Jim got this email in appreciation of the Complete Huxley Essays (6 volumes) he published and also a photo from a colleague from 1992.
From: steve sittenreich [sittenreich13@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2015 7:41 PM
To: sexton@camosun.ca
Subject: The Complete Essays of Aldous Huxley
Dear Professor,
It is now well over a decade since this miraculous set of Huxley's nonfiction hit the market. I am one of the many who are heavily in your debt.
Aldous Huxley, like Shakespeare before him, led a "life of allegory." His range as an artist was nearly unlimited and his intelligent powers seemed to have sprung up chthonically. .
For Aldous was a major author from the age of twenty. Had it not been for the disastrous impact of the double eye infection, he might have been a yet greater writer-- or he would have gotten mowed down at Paschendale or the Somme on that horrible first day.
Like Shakespeare, Huxley experienced a true organic development over long periods. Shakespeare was equally a master of verse and prose; Aldous was a master of fiction and nonfiction, short fiction and novels, biography and manifesto.
Please accept my appreciation of the work that you and Profession Baker have carried out in your monumental scholarly achievement.
Sincerely,
Steven G Reich Sitten
Long Island, NY
And this from a former colleague, long retired, at Camosun.
HI All
Every once in a while, I come across a photo from the old days that seems worthwhile making digital This is one from 1992--September. Sorry I don’t have email addresses for everyone here, so please do forward it if you want to……I think especially of John Stonehouse, Jim, Peter, and Debbie. Lovely photo of Leslie, isn’t it----but I have no connection with her daughter or son in law to know where to send it…
Maybe CCARE will have a file for storing “oldies” for use in the future or for fun now….
Cheers All
From: steve sittenreich [sittenreich13@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2015 7:41 PM
To: sexton@camosun.ca
Subject: The Complete Essays of Aldous Huxley
Dear Professor,
It is now well over a decade since this miraculous set of Huxley's nonfiction hit the market. I am one of the many who are heavily in your debt.
Aldous Huxley, like Shakespeare before him, led a "life of allegory." His range as an artist was nearly unlimited and his intelligent powers seemed to have sprung up chthonically. .
For Aldous was a major author from the age of twenty. Had it not been for the disastrous impact of the double eye infection, he might have been a yet greater writer-- or he would have gotten mowed down at Paschendale or the Somme on that horrible first day.
Like Shakespeare, Huxley experienced a true organic development over long periods. Shakespeare was equally a master of verse and prose; Aldous was a master of fiction and nonfiction, short fiction and novels, biography and manifesto.
Please accept my appreciation of the work that you and Profession Baker have carried out in your monumental scholarly achievement.
Sincerely,
Steven G Reich Sitten
Long Island, NY
And this from a former colleague, long retired, at Camosun.
HI All
Every once in a while, I come across a photo from the old days that seems worthwhile making digital This is one from 1992--September. Sorry I don’t have email addresses for everyone here, so please do forward it if you want to……I think especially of John Stonehouse, Jim, Peter, and Debbie. Lovely photo of Leslie, isn’t it----but I have no connection with her daughter or son in law to know where to send it…
Maybe CCARE will have a file for storing “oldies” for use in the future or for fun now….
Cheers All
I thought our garden was looking a bit lacking in floral….
Yesterday they cleared out the past blooming plants. I look forward to what they are going to put it. Now, this is the kind of gardening I like…no back breaking work and no bills from the garden centre.
Photo taken from our balcony.
Photo taken from our balcony.
Eric Norland sunset photo last night…love that the mountains are in it.
Monday, Monday, so good to me,
Monday, Monday, it was all I hoped it to be.... Palm Springs Sunset, 7:30PM
Monday, Monday, it was all I hoped it to be.... Palm Springs Sunset, 7:30PM
Monday, June 08, 2015
Sunsets
Enjoying a wonderful sunset here and just picked up a photo from Hal Castle in Palm Springs with their sunset.
A thank you from Carol
Hi Janice,
What a beautiful and thoughtful idea! I was so touched when I went to your blog this morning and saw what you had been up to. Now I have lovely images from Palm Springs,Yorkshire , Victoria and many points between to carry with me on Wednesday. What a montage, like a beautiful calendar! Loved your own ingenious contribution--the poppies, blackberry vines and seaweed--all wonderful in their own way. But of course it's the thought behind it that means more than anything, so thank you, Janice, and all your friends, for such a show of support.
Hoping you have a beautiful day.
Love, Carol
Sunday, June 07, 2015
Bunches of bouquets for Carol...
Carol is having a medical procedure Wednesay and I had this idea of taking photos of flowers around our area and sending them to her with hugs and best wishes. Then I thought, well, I know lots of people with lovely gardens so I'll ask them to send me photos too. And of course they came through….after all, they are my friends!
So, dear friend, these are all especially for you. Lots of people are thinking about you!
Well, these first ones aren't from someone I know but they were so lovely I had to include them. They are photos from Colin Sowa who is in a Palm Springs Neighbourhood Facebook group that posts lots of neat photos. These are what is currently blooming in Demuth Park... very close to where we have our condo.
And a couple of photos from Susan, our neighbour in Victoria.
And these are from Fern, who has the pleasure of tending to her garden while viewing the Gorge waterway in Victoria….
And these are from my friend, Linda, who is always good for a few laughs!
"We go away a lot and Cec didn't want to keep asking our neighbors to water our plants. Instead of going to Art Knapp we went to the Dollar Store! Too funny and I think they look great. Better remove them in October or the neighbors will get suspicious!
And from Patty,
Here are a very few shots in the garden, of what the deer leave alone!
The next few are from Susan and Alan's wonderful English garden in the market town of Otley, Yorkshire. We have sat in their garden and shared a glass of wine on many occasions. We have watched their two cats, one a real hunter doing "real" hunting and the other a wannabe hunter who wants to be part of the game but can't really do it. His strategy is to very proudly bring twigs and lay them by their feet. Very amusing. We have also been amused by watching mentally challenged doves feeding at their feeder. Each time they seem to have to relearn how to do it!
And these from Cindy, another Victoria neighbour.
Nothing too exciting in the garden today - Mr. Efficiency deadheaded the last still-blooming rhodo.
And these from Carole, another Victoria friend.
I love flowers and I am grateful to be living in a climate that can grow so many different kinds all year round. I always have in my garden ones that have been there for years and years and others I am planting for the first time. Each spring I love it when the new growth comes and the surprises that come too. Carole
Behind the colourful lilies is the tall curly garlic.
Rhodos were magnificent this year. They love my shady garden.
I have a homemade spray to deter the deer. It may be working! The deer have ruined all my roses over the years but his little bush is struggling to make a difference.
This is my front garden. It is a peaceful spot in the middle of the busy city.
And these from Donna. She recently sold her house and their new condo has lovely grounds too but these are from the house.
Such a good idea Janice. I attach pictures of the gardens from our home on
Wiltshire Street.
And these from Kate. I'm so glad she included her son Eliot (Derek and Mary's grandson) in some.
I love your idea! Admittedly, our garden on Richmond was much nicer than our current one so the final three photos are from there. The first of Eliot is in the camellia bush at his school and the maple tree is in front of a house on Island Road. Can’t wait to see your post!
And here are some photos from Susan, my Artist Trading Card buddy and who is always inspiring me with her wonderful art.
And from Erna who currently has some major landscaping being done and large amounts of soil being delivered so this is a tranquil spot at a friend's home.
And now, my gardens. Well, I actually don't have a single plant….being away half the year it just doesn't seem much point. Maybe I'll go to the dollar store like Linda! Or, I was thinking of floral indoor/outdoor carpet. But I have lots of lovely flowers around me.
Many of our apartment neighbours have great balcony gardens. This is taken from our balcony.
I went out the back to get some photos of the rhodos as there is a big park of them there but they are pretty much finished now. But I was pleased to see California poppies growing wild. These grew wild beside our house in Victoria and I just loved seeing them…I love "volunteers" you don't have to plant or tend…
The rhodos are magnificent when in season but most are pretty much like this now or worse.
And another thing that grew wild in our back lane were hollyhocks. They are beside the poppies.
And of course, Barbara Lowy's wonderful garden beside our apartment is always great to look at. Jim and I and many other people who grew up in Vancouver and who visited Stanley Park and English Bay a lot have admired this house standing alone among the apartments all our lives..
A son of the folks who own all the apartments that Hollyburn owns across Canada moved into the Penthouse a few years ago and insisted on a tropical garden being put in. We love it! There is often lots of floral but seems an in-between tim at the moment.
This year they added six hanging baskets and they look great.
Now, I made a real discovery by taking photos and looking more closely at this garden. All these bushes in the foreground here are actually rosemary! I have been meaning to buy a rosemary plant but never seem to be where they are being sold. Now I have rosemary a go-go.
And of course the Sylvia Hotel and its ivy….our local that we get so much pleasure out of.
The Sylvia's patio.
And now the "Garden of the Laughing Men".
It's unbelievable how many people from all over the world enjoy this installation. I defy anyone not to smile.
This tree has been a part of this building for a long time…love it!
These are blackberry bushes which will be bearing blackberries around August. There are loads of them along the seawall.
And of course, I would have to include a photo of seeweed!
Thanks again for everyone who participated!
So, dear friend, these are all especially for you. Lots of people are thinking about you!
Well, these first ones aren't from someone I know but they were so lovely I had to include them. They are photos from Colin Sowa who is in a Palm Springs Neighbourhood Facebook group that posts lots of neat photos. These are what is currently blooming in Demuth Park... very close to where we have our condo.
And a couple of photos from Susan, our neighbour in Victoria.
And these are from Fern, who has the pleasure of tending to her garden while viewing the Gorge waterway in Victoria….
And these are from my friend, Linda, who is always good for a few laughs!
"We go away a lot and Cec didn't want to keep asking our neighbors to water our plants. Instead of going to Art Knapp we went to the Dollar Store! Too funny and I think they look great. Better remove them in October or the neighbors will get suspicious!
I don't have a green thumb. Only two left ones. "
And from Patty,
Here are a very few shots in the garden, of what the deer leave alone!
The next few are from Susan and Alan's wonderful English garden in the market town of Otley, Yorkshire. We have sat in their garden and shared a glass of wine on many occasions. We have watched their two cats, one a real hunter doing "real" hunting and the other a wannabe hunter who wants to be part of the game but can't really do it. His strategy is to very proudly bring twigs and lay them by their feet. Very amusing. We have also been amused by watching mentally challenged doves feeding at their feeder. Each time they seem to have to relearn how to do it!
And these from Cindy, another Victoria neighbour.
Nothing too exciting in the garden today - Mr. Efficiency deadheaded the last still-blooming rhodo.
And these from Carole, another Victoria friend.
I love flowers and I am grateful to be living in a climate that can grow so many different kinds all year round. I always have in my garden ones that have been there for years and years and others I am planting for the first time. Each spring I love it when the new growth comes and the surprises that come too. Carole
And these from Donna. She recently sold her house and their new condo has lovely grounds too but these are from the house.
Such a good idea Janice. I attach pictures of the gardens from our home on
Wiltshire Street.
And these from Kate. I'm so glad she included her son Eliot (Derek and Mary's grandson) in some.
I love your idea! Admittedly, our garden on Richmond was much nicer than our current one so the final three photos are from there. The first of Eliot is in the camellia bush at his school and the maple tree is in front of a house on Island Road. Can’t wait to see your post!
And here are some photos from Susan, my Artist Trading Card buddy and who is always inspiring me with her wonderful art.
My garden isn't looking too spectacular this year - we had a hail storm a few weeks ago that ruined many things :( But, I've attached a few pics for you to use as you wish!
Blessings,
Susan
Susan
And from Erna who currently has some major landscaping being done and large amounts of soil being delivered so this is a tranquil spot at a friend's home.
And now, my gardens. Well, I actually don't have a single plant….being away half the year it just doesn't seem much point. Maybe I'll go to the dollar store like Linda! Or, I was thinking of floral indoor/outdoor carpet. But I have lots of lovely flowers around me.
Many of our apartment neighbours have great balcony gardens. This is taken from our balcony.
I went out the back to get some photos of the rhodos as there is a big park of them there but they are pretty much finished now. But I was pleased to see California poppies growing wild. These grew wild beside our house in Victoria and I just loved seeing them…I love "volunteers" you don't have to plant or tend…
The rhodos are magnificent when in season but most are pretty much like this now or worse.
And another thing that grew wild in our back lane were hollyhocks. They are beside the poppies.
And of course, Barbara Lowy's wonderful garden beside our apartment is always great to look at. Jim and I and many other people who grew up in Vancouver and who visited Stanley Park and English Bay a lot have admired this house standing alone among the apartments all our lives..
A son of the folks who own all the apartments that Hollyburn owns across Canada moved into the Penthouse a few years ago and insisted on a tropical garden being put in. We love it! There is often lots of floral but seems an in-between tim at the moment.
This year they added six hanging baskets and they look great.
Now, I made a real discovery by taking photos and looking more closely at this garden. All these bushes in the foreground here are actually rosemary! I have been meaning to buy a rosemary plant but never seem to be where they are being sold. Now I have rosemary a go-go.
And of course the Sylvia Hotel and its ivy….our local that we get so much pleasure out of.
The Sylvia's patio.
And now the "Garden of the Laughing Men".
It's unbelievable how many people from all over the world enjoy this installation. I defy anyone not to smile.
This tree has been a part of this building for a long time…love it!
These are blackberry bushes which will be bearing blackberries around August. There are loads of them along the seawall.
And of course, I would have to include a photo of seeweed!
Thanks again for everyone who participated!
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