An Evening with Il Divo

This was part of Trista's birthday present, tickets for her and Debra to attend "An Evening with Il Divo". It was a fantastic show.

I took in this film while they were at the concert.

One more on a beautiful day

The tourist season is well and truly upon us in Victoria although you wouldn't think it from this picture. The causeway looks pretty empty.

Sunday at the Inner Harbour

You can see the "Blue Bridge" aka the Johnson Street bridge in the background of this picture. It is a well known and loved landmark that will be replaced soon with a modern generic albeit efficient bridge.

Happy 21st Trista

Happy Birthday dear darling daughter. We were blessed by the Lord to have you and look forward to many great years to come.

Trista celebrating her 21st birthday with her girlfriends.

Car and bike show at Pearkes Arena near our place

Great old bike in mint condition. Reminds me of my old SR500 single. Well, kinda.

Clayton WILL own one of these some day.

One of the classic muscle cars - Barracuda.

Trip over the Malahat

I drove up to Deep Bay to pick up Debra and had a lovely dinner with Mom and Dad and Jenny.

The view from the summit of the Malahat was stunning. If you click on the picture, you can see Mt Baker in the distance.

We are in for nice warm sunny weather until next Wednesday (at least).

On her way to Deep Bay

Debra at the train station downtown Victoria. She travelled to Deep Bay to visit with her sisters and parents and celebrate her sister Jenny's 50th birthday.

Happy 50th Jenny!

Happy Birthday Jenny! We wish you the Lord's blessing on many more wonderful years.

Old Joe's Trail today at lunch

Beautiful sunny day in Victoria with temperatures they say around 16 degree's but it feels warmer.

Purple flowers in our garden

Sunday bike ride

Rueb and I went for a Sunday bike ride on the Lochside Trail. The statue I am beside is "Roy" and he is located on the trestle bridge over Blenkinsop Lake.
The weather is beautiful and brings people out in droves. Lots of walkers, runners and cyclists on the trail. This is also Swiftsure weekend (sailing) and although the sun and warm temperatures are great for spectators, it is not the greatest for the sailboats.

Saturday morning garage sales

Debra and I were out for a couple of hours this morning garage saling and then stopped for coffee at Starbucks. We always order a doppio long shot espresso. We are not into the mocha/soy/chi blah blah blah drinks that cost many $$.

My iPhone screenshot

Random Photo

I have an iPhone from work and love it. There are so many applications that you can download onto to it make it multipurpose for both work and play. This was my "home" screen which has now changed since I downloaded a couple more apps and moved them around.

Victoria Day Parade

They said the crowds lining the route were in the 10's of thousands.

There were 19 High School Marching Bands from the US and a total of 132 entries in the parade.

As you can see above, lots of vintage vehicles.

The bands were great (and the rain held off for the most part).

The Thrifty Foods synchronized shopping carts parade team - hilarious.

Another one of the talented marching bands.

After the parade, we took in the noon showing of Ocean Oasis at the IMAX. I had seen this earlier this year with Trista, but this was Debra's first time. It is a great film and highly recommended. Debra and I then went for a bite to eat at a cafe on Government Street. A very nice way to spend the holiday. We hope you had a fun/restful/enjoyable/etc Victoria Day.

Queen Victoria in front of Legislature

One of the many statues about the city.

Saturday morning on Government Street

Debra and I went out for breakfast on Saturday morning at John's Place on Pandora Ave in Victoria. Great food, great atmosphere. It was not quite 10 am when I took this picture and Government Steet was not alive with traffic and pedestrians. Apparently there were to be four cruise ships docking today which will help to put a few dollars in the local coffers.

Church sign

*Thanks Murr for sending this.

Visit from Mom and Dad B

Mom and Dad have been on their cross Canada trip visiting family and friends. They have already covered a fair bit of family visiting, with my brother Rob and his family in Alberta, Uncle Dave and Aunt Ann in the Okanagan, my sister Nancy and her family (husband Fred is Debra's brother) in Langley and us in Victoria.
On Tuesday night we had a couple of cousins over for a bite to eat and a visit with Mom and Dad. Pictured are cousin Colin and his new bride Anabelle with M&D. We also had over my cousin Mike and his partner Simmi. (Unfortunately we did not get their picture - next time).
We had a great visit and hope and pray for travelling mercies as they start their journey back to Ontario.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all the mom's out there.
A special one to my wife and mother of our children - the lovely Debra!

Our sons Clayton and Rueben

Trying to be really tall. Actually, they are both taller than I (Ray) am now.

Updated Bird Eye Cherry tree photos

This tree is fast becoming a favourite of ours. Unfortunately, like the Mt Fuji Flowering Cherry trees, the Japanese Maple and most of our roses, it is being eaten by caterpillars already.

Canucks grab series lead with 3-1 win over Blackhawks

Go Canucks Go!

Congratulations Colin and Anabelle

Cousin Colin and Anabelle got married on April 21, 2009. We wish them many blessings on their new life together.

You have to keep a sense of humour

Sunday bicycle ride with Rueb

Rueben and I went for a nice bike ride this afternoon. The weather was cooperative (after a nice rain overnight) with a high overcast and a temperature of around 15 degree's. We went to Ogden Point to see one of the first cruise ships of the season and were surprised to see one of Canada's submarines on this ship.

What a handsome young man! The submarine (see picture below and explanation) will be going into the Esquimalt graving dock. What a great investment for the Canadian Navy.

Submarine bound for Esquimalt

HMCS Chicoutimi is manoeuvred by tugs in Halifax Harbour April 1 en route to loading aboard the heavy-lift ship Tern for transport to Esquimalt. The submarine will undergo an extended docking work period (EDWP) on the west coast beginning in January 2010. Tern will travel via the Panama Canal and is expected to arrive in Esquimalt approximately 30 days after departure. Chicoutimi’s EDWP involves deep maintenance activities, select system and equipment upgrades, and repairs to fire-damaged systems. The submarine is expected to return to service in 2012.

HMCS Chicoutimi