Down at Spanish Banks yesterday....

Isn't the snow on the mountains just amazing! We were down on a weekday and surprised to see the concession open this time of year.

 

Modernism Week in Palm Springs

 It looks like this is a full program with in-person attendance with Covid  protocols. I hope it's successful. PS has really been hit hard with the pandemic for the tourist and snowbird dollars it depends on. We've enjoyed many events over the years. This looks like a wonderful selection of cars!

One of the events that caught my eye.

Fins and Tails - Classic Private Car Collection

In the 50s and 60s, modern design was everywhere, expressing the exuberance of the new post war prosperity. Modern Architecture was no longer for the wealthy and expanded with the growing middle class driving their new cars out to their new suburban modern homes. The automobile industry was equally forward thinking, designing the cars of the future for today with big fins, exotic modern styling and big engines to help rocket you off into the coming space age!  

Today, as so many people come to Palm Springs to restore midcentury modern homes, they realize that one of their most important and fun home accessories is a beautiful vintage car parked in the classic modern carport. The tour offers the opportunity to view a large collection of restored classic American and European collectable cars that are now in private ownership. So come and view these beauties in person while enjoying a morning mimosa.

This event is sponsored by the Palm Springs Modern Committee - non-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of Desert Modern architecture and design.  

$25

Things to Know

This event it for all ages.
Hand sanitizer is provided at check-in. Face coverings required for guests over 2 years old. Guests will be provided with a mask if necessary.
Directional signs or ground markings will be used to guide guests.
The exhibit covers a large area of cars in a warehouse setting with wide open doors.
There will be tape distances of 6’ apart at check-in area and surrounding the cars.
Staff will be onsite to limit the number of people entering the warehouse at one time.
The organizer of this event is Palm Springs Modern Committee. 

Event Check-in Location

Myanmar

Donna Hogge gave a very interesting presentation on Myanmar (Brock House Travel Series) today and it reminded me of my very brief time there when it was called Burma.

I was there briefly on a teachers' trip in 1988. The B.C. government was wanting teachers to know more about the "Pacific Rim" so this trip was organized and we visited Hong Kong and Thailand. I shared a room with a fellow teacher, Sylvia, and Jim stayed home and looked after Richard  She was an adventurous traveller so we stayed on a while longer to go to Kathmandu in Nepal for a few days. She said it would be cheaper to buy our flights when we were in Bangkok. Well, it happened to be some major festival and no flights were available so we stayed on in Bangkok.

We did various things like going out to a local beach called Phuket. Then she had this idea of hiring a car and driver and going to The Golden Triangle. We learned later it was a big drug trafficking area and a very dangerous area to be in for that reason and also there was shooting going on.

"The Golden Triangle^[1] is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers.^[2]The name "Golden Triangle"—coined by the CIA^[3]—is commonly used more broadly to refer to an area of approximately 950,000 square kilometres (367,000 sq mi) that overlaps the mountains of the three adjacent countries."

Our driver was great and he took us off the beaten path to see some temples tourists never saw. Sylvia wore quite a bit of gold jewelry and once when we were in the middle of nowhere looking at a temple we both looked at each other and wondered if our driver was going to rob us and leave us there. Well, obviously he didn't. We gave him a big tip and were very glad to get back to our hotel. We had a big gulp of what we called "Mekong Fire Water"...some very bad brandy we picked up at the market.

We also stayed in Hong Kong for a few extra days and went out to the New Territories and had fabulous shrimp for lunch. We had seen the fishermen hauling it in fresh and delivering it to the restaurant in a big basket.

A few of the very few photos (of photos) I took on the trip.Those were the days when I took almost no photos 

Me and Sylvia in front of a temple.

These boys asked us to take their photo. 

Hong Kong Harbour. Quite a combination of old and new.

I did snuggle up to this elephant...it was an amazing experience to hug his trunk.

One morning in Hong Kong we got up early before all the crowds and walked in Victoria Park and saw people doing Tai Chi and some kind of thing with poles, also walking their birds. The birds were in cages.

We did lots of shopping and bought lots of fake watches and fake designer stuff although I did buy a real Seiko watch in Hong Kong for Richard. He specified he didn't want a fake. The Thai people were incredibly friendly and if Jim had been along I'm sure he would have spent most of his time sitting on the sidewalk talking with them and learning the Thai language. He certainly wouldn't have been interested in the shopping or getting up early for the tours.

Red Telephone Boxes on my mind

 Just for fun I looked at Wiki to see what they had to say. What is particularly cool about the entry is the mention of other top British top 10 design icons. I have always loved the design of the Concorde and saw one on the tarmac at Orly Airport, France and also was able to go inside one at Seattle's Museum of Flight while Jim was slaving away in some university library.

Red telephone box

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An example of a K6, the most common red telephone box model, photographed in London in 2012.

The red telephone box, a telephone kiosk for a public telephone designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, is a familiar sight on the streets of the United Kingdom, Malta, Bermuda and Gibraltar.

Despite a reduction in their numbers in recent years, the traditional British red telephone kiosk can still be seen in many places throughout the UK, and in current or former British colonies around the world. The colour red was chosen to make them easy to spot.

From 1926 onwards, the fascias of the kiosks were emblazoned with a prominent crown, representing the British government. The red phone box is often seen as a British cultural icon throughout the world.^[1] In 2006 the K2 telephone box was voted one of Britain's top 10 design icons, which included the Mini, Supermarine Spitfire, London tube map, World Wide Web, Concorde and the AEC Routemaster bus.^[2][3] Although production of the traditional boxes ended with the advent of the KX series in 1985, many still stand in Britain.

Interesting link to the "top 10 design icons"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/01_january/27/culture.shtml:

And my beloved Concorde. Quite a contrast in design and function.

Buy an iconic red phone box in Edinburgh

"Now, one of the iconic boxes found near one of Edinburgh's most famous locations has just gone up for sale - and it could be yours for less than the price of a new car. 

The Jubilee phone box, which can be outside the National Library for Scotland, on George IV Bridge in the capital, is on the market for just less than £8,000."

Now, since it has heritage status you can't alter or move it but as the article says you could use it for a small business...coffee or shop, bookstore. etc. according to the folks doing the listing for sale. It's in front of the National Library of Scotland so I think it could house a successful business. 

Great idea to see these wonderful phone boxes preserved.

Prince Philip dies at the age of 99

I think this photo says it all about their special relationship and I liked Tony Blair's tribute.

Former prime minister Tony Blair said: “Our whole nation will be united in sadness at the passing of Prince Philip. 

“He will naturally be most recognised as a remarkable and steadfast support to the Queen over so many years. However, he should also be remembered and celebrated in his own right as a man of foresight, determination and courage. 

“He was often way ahead of his time in protection of the environment, in reconciliation between religious faiths and of course in the creation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which remains one of the most innovative and effective programmes for the betterment of young people anywhere in the world.”

Ken Burns six hour documentary on Hemingway

As you would expect with Ken Burns, it was extremely well done and very engaging to watch. I have read quite a bit of Hemingway mainly in my university days. It was interesting to be reinroduced to Edna O'Brien as I have read quite a bit of her fiction in the past and now reading her memoir borrowed from the library on my Kobo. John McCain was so enthusiastic. It was really quite an experience to hear him. 

"This is partly a function of the commentators assembled. Biographers and literary historians abound, but the most enthusiastic advocate for Hemingway’s 1940 novel of the Spanish Civil War, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” is the late Sen. John McCain, who modeled himself on the novel’s hero, Robert Jordan. The fiction writers who appear — among them Tobias Wolff, Mario Vargas Llosa, Edna O’Brien and Abraham Verghese — are somber and sometimes ambivalent about Hemingway’s work." 

I'm quite sure I didn't read "Death in the Afternoon" which is about the art and beauty of bullfighting.  That would not have appealed to me because of the subject and also that it was non-fiction. In 1972, we went to a bullfight when we were in Spain. I would never go to one again. but it was a fascinating experience. This very cruel spectacle taking place with families and little girls in fancy dresses in the audience and the obvious enthusiasm  and exciitement for the spectacle. The European Union allows it to continue because it is an important aspect of Spanish culture although its popularity is declining in Spain. The EU is very big on fair treatment of animals and only free range eggs and chickens are allowed and pigs have to be given special toys that engage their intelligence. 

Our copy of "Death in the Afternoon" is within arms' reach beneath our Alice Munro collection. I picked it up and read the first page. Hmm....this may just be the Hemingway I read...or maybe not. I am a little intrigued at what my reaction would be.

Buy Nothing West Point Grey UBC

 Lots of interesting items come up. Good way to get rid of things and save items going into the landfill. The groups are very localized so you don't have to travel far to get items. These were on my FB page the other morning and there was lots of interest for them. They generally do a draw when that happens. 

I haven't participated yet but it's been fun to look at the postings. 

Info on what it's all about and how it started:

https://buynothingproject.org/about/

To Gift: Vera Moda plush leopard jacket. Size Large. Pickup Wesbrook

To Gift: Fila windbreaker, size 38. Pickup Wesbrook Village. I will do a draw on Tuesday evening if there is a lot of interest.

To Gift: Zara dress with tags. Size large. Pick up Wesbrook

Gifted. Two table runners in new condition; one very long table cloth in GUC. Please take all. Pick up 11th and Sasamat.

Itty Bitty Book Review: "The Thursday Murder Club"

 "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman

For me, this is just about the best thing I could read in these challenging times.  A murder mystery with humour and as Carol said "light but not too light".  There are also some things to think about so not just total escape. My next read will be our  friend's murder mystery that is waiting on my Kindle. It apparently has humour too. As much as I like P.D. James there isn't really much humour in her mysteries but of course, lots of ideas and things to think about.

Tartan Day today....who knew?

I thought I was pretty much up with things Scottish in Canada but I didn't know Canada had a tartan. I suppose I should have known that. It seems Ottawa has celebrations but they are postponed this year to  April 18. I wonder if they might be cancelled altogether. The only image that downloaded was the facemask. 

What Do People Do?

Tartan Day celebrations include parades with pipe bands, highland dancing and sports, and other community gatherings with Scottish-themed events. While a variety of tartans are displayed, the maple leaf tartan is Canada’s official tartan.

Public Life

Tartan Day is an observance and not a public holiday in Canada.

Background

On October 21, 2010, the Minister of Canadian Heritage officially declared April 6 as Tartan Day. It is celebrated on April 6 because it is the anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, the Scottish declaration of independence. In Canada, the day originated in the late 1980s in Nova Scotia, where it was declared an official day by the provincial government. It then spread across the country, with many provinces joining in.

NEW DATE - APRIL 18, 2021

I was wondering if the US was into this and it seems every state has a tartan and the day is celebrated for a very good reason. I didn't know this either but the resolution is fairly recent.

Background

The Scottish Declaration of Independence was signed on April 6, 1320. The American Declaration of Independence was, in fact, modelled on this particular document. Almost half of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent.

The US Senate Resolution on National Tartan Day was passed on March 20, 1998. From that point onward, National Tartan Day was designated as a day for all Americans, particularly those of Scottish descent, on April 6 each year.

It seems pretty much every country in the world has a tartan. This is a great link and you can view all the tartans that countries have. It's pretty amazing the influence Scotland has had on the world.

https://www.internationaltartans.co.uk/national-tartans

This is the tartan for Spain. 

...for France.

...for Japan.

I can't seem to let this go...it's all so fascinating. I put a hold on this at the library.

How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It (or The Scottish Enlightenment: The Scots invention of the Modern World) is a non-fiction book written by American historian Arthur Herman. The book examines the origins of the Scottish Enlightenment and what impact it had on the modern world. Herman focuses principally on individuals, presenting their biographies in the context of their individual fields and also in terms of the theme of Scottish contributions to the world.

A lovely Easter dinner chez Donna

 It was so wonderful to get out and be feted and treated to a wonderful dinner. It was so much fun and we felt very spoiled especially since we came home with lots of leftovers. I won't be making dinner for two nights. Thank you so much, dear friend. It was a very special evening and so appreciated.

And I just had to take a photo of these wonderful flowers I bought at our local florist. This is a small business just a couple of blocks away and we have been trying to support them as much as possible. It's such a lovely variety. 

Hannah & Samuel Flower Shop on Western Parkway

Happy Easter to all my blog readers!

 

Fish and chips....missing our C-Lovers

This is from the "Scotland Now" newsletter I've been getting. Fish and chips was a recent topic since Good Friday was coming up.

"There is something about a Scottish fish and chips... that first crunch of perfect golden batter mixed with the sharp tang of salt and vinegar (or salt and sauce for our East coast pals)."

The "sauce" would be a brown sauce like HP I believe but not really sure. 

Well, we did have some good fish and chips in Scotland but the best we've ever had were in Whitby, Yorkshire on the hill overlooking the North Sea after visiting the wonderful Whitby Abbey.

Whitby is a seaside town in Yorkshire, northern England, split by the River Esk. On the East Cliff, overlooking the North Sea, the ruined Gothic Whitby Abbey was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for “Dracula”. Nearby is the Church of St. Mary, reached by 199 steps. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, in the house where Cook once lived, displays paintings and maps. West of town is West Cliff Beach, lined with beach huts.

Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees in the season opener in NYC!

 

What a start to the season! They won in overtime 3-2 with the relief pitcher Merryweather doing the most amazing pitching. One of the announcers commented it was one of the most entertaining opening season games he has ever seen. It came right down to the wire. I have a soft spot for New Yorkers so wouldn't have minded if they won the opener that was in their home park but thrilled the Blue Jays won. I think the stands were at 20% capacity and it made a a real difference for fans, viewers and players.

They are planning a full 162 game season this year although I suppose anything can happen. They played a 60 game season last year so it will be great for fans and players if they can pull it off.

Jane Austen Day on April 10

 Well, we usually have some speakers and a fabulous buffet lunch catered by The Banqueting Table at our usual meeting place at St. Phillips Church but this year our wonderful executive folks have planned a virutal JA Day. They have also organised 9 other virtual meetings since everything shut down last April.  The other day I received a program of events, a placemat, a bookmark, and a teabag (we actually usually have wine) in the mail. I really do admire all the effort so many people have taken to try to maintain some kind of normalcy in these crazy times.

Bookmark and placemat designed and printed by Joan Reynolds, one of our members. Great work, Joan!

And good on JASNA for alway using this group to cater our lunches:

The Banqueting Table is a non-profit catering company serving North Vancouver and the Lower Mainland since 1998. With passion and determination The Banqueting Table delivers the highest quality food and service for all occasions.As a social enterprise, The Banqueting Table provides employment opportunities to single mothers and women who wish to re-enter the workforce.  Women learn job skills and regain self-confidence while preparing food and catering to a variety of events.Our aim is to teach food preparation and customer service while encouraging teamwork and fostering a positive work attitude.  The Banqueting Table is a launch pad, encouraging the women on our team to explore their own interests and career paths when they feel ready to take that leap.  We make educational scholarships available to our women each year.

And what would Jane Austen have to say about April Fool's Day?  I've always had a problem with April Fool's Day as there seem to be too many jokes on the side of cruelty rather than good wit and humour that everyone can appreciate. I guess you might have to have the wit of Jane Austen to really pull it off.

This is from the "living, read, girl" blog:

Yes,it's April Fool's Day and who better to celebrate it with than Jane Austen,who loved amusing diversions as well as making sport of her friends and neighbors along with being lovingly mocked in kind?

Loch Ness Monster

It's been rather fun getting this newsletter. I was amazed at how much of an economic benefit the monster has. 

From "Scotland Now Newsletter"

"The Loch Ness Monster has reportedly been spotted for a fifth time this year after a dark shape appeared on the surface of the water.

According to the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, the elusive creature was spotted when the shape moved across the famous loch for a few minutes before disappearing behind a tree."

The world-famous monster is estimated to bring in around £41 million to the Scottish economy through tourism."

We got vaccinated, Monday, March 29!

We were eligible to call Friday at noon. I got through on the fourth try at 12:30 and waited about 10 minutes on hold. I guess we were lucky they were opening up a clinic at UBC Monday so we were there on the first day. It's only about a 10 minute walk and we were early but they took us right way. It was nice to see people from Westjet helping out. I guess that's the closest we'll get to taking a plane anytime soon.

The clinic is in the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at 2405 Wesbrook Mall. We can see the building from our apartment. We got the pfizer vaccine and the person who gave you the vaccine will be contacting you when you can return for the second dose according to the yellow sheet we received.

No suckers but they were giving out stickers if you wanted one:)

This is where we waited for 15 minutes after the vaccine.

Itty Bitty Book Review: "Transcendent Kingdom"

 "Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi

This is a novel my other bookclub is reading and I found it quite fascinating. I will look forward to discussing it. 

She's made a pretty impressive start as a novelist. From Wiki:

Yaa Gyasi (born 1989) is a Ghanaian-American novelist. Her debut novel, Homegoing, published in 2016, won her, at the age of 26, the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Award for best first book, the PEN/Hemingway Award for a first book of fiction, the National Book Foundation's "5 under 35" honors for 2016 and the American Book Award. She was awarded a Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Literature in 2020.^[1]

Her debut novel Homegoing was inspired by a 2009 trip to Ghana, Gyasi's first since leaving the country as an infant. The novel was completed in 2015, and after initial readings from publishers, was met with numerous offers before she accepted a seven-figure (1 million)  advance from Knopf.

What we were doing on March 27 five years ago

 I always do my blog the day before so since we're not doing very much these days I thought I would look back five years ago.  Looks like it was Easter and I'm looking at the same colour of tulips beside my cat. 

From my blog:

Richard and Grace and John and Carol came for Easter Dinner last night.  It was great to have everyone together and I did a stress free holiday dinner....raclette.  I love dinners where you can do everything ahead of time then just relax with guests.  Carol brought over a wonderful chocolate cake and we all have lots of leftovers from it...thank you,  Carol!