New House

We have finally moved in to our new place and it was a whirlwind. Catherine and I frantically, moved, cleaned and moved some more to empty our former residence into our new digs. We have both become increasingly pleased with the location, neighbourhood and home ownership in general. The project list has begun and the first task was to unpack and set up. Check. First thing done on the list and now to the real projects, the renos, landscaping, painting and upgrading that will make this place shine. Here is the place as it is now...peachy!

Leprechaun Kicks and a Bridge

So surfing old pics is a great way to find a story stored in the ol' memory banks. I found the photos below to go along with this little diddy. When Catherine and I traveled to Disneyland, I believe it was '06, we took Ronnie's Corolla and burned rubber the whole way (Haha kidding! Although I did manage a speeding ticket upon our departure from LA...more on that another time). The little green Corolla served us well with our tent, cook stove and Disney coupons. This was to be California on the cheap. We camped the whole way down. One of the campground's we selected was on the outskirts of San Francisco in San Rafael. It was located in a small oak woodland that looked south toward San Francisco Bay. There was beautiful vistas and really unique dune and serpentine vegetation. There was some nice walking trails all round the park and after we set up shop we went for a walk.

The location was a great jumping off point to San Fran. We crossed the bridge, that is the Golden Gate Bridge, which is amazing and impressive. We toured the fish market, China town and looked out to Alcatraz. We couldn't get out there because you had to book way in advance to get a tour. We shopped at the Bubba Gump Shrimping Co. and Catherine visited Macy's and we looked for shoes. We alos visied Lombard Street, the windiest street in the world (also very steep). We jumped on packed street cars and sailed around downtown. However we did manage to get on a street car that was too full, stalled out and started rolling backwards down one of the busy streets. The driver stopped the slide but we all had to disembark and walk. Catherine and I walked to the outdoor skating rink and marveled at the huge line up of Californian's and tourists trying to go for an incredibly packed skate. (I hate line-ups because we would have joined in the fun)

In the end Catherine performed some masterful Leprechaun kicks at our campground and I took one of my favorite pictures. California will be visited again!

Skies

I am endeavouring to write more, add photos and share. It is in great part due to Yolande Henry (thanks mom) and also Grandma Hickey that I am inspired to write about the things that are important. The things that are really important. The little things, everyday stuff, love, family, friends, the earth, social justice, peace... To this end I compiled a variety of skies from places that were a part of inspiring times in my life, regular times in my life, places I felt connected to the planet...most importantly all of the photos help me see life as the beautiful thing that it is and the opportunities in life that have been afforded me.

And now for a good laugh. I have spent a long time hunting these photos and need to go to bed. I will write more right away...I swear.

Moose...amazing!

Came across this video in the archives and thought it was kind of hilarious. Living in the north of BC has certainly made this experience ordinary rather than extraordinary as it is for the city folk of south eastern Ontario. We had a moose in the schoolyard in town twice last week and on Thursday I watched another swamp donkey stroll across the local ski hill while I was there patrolling. I let him do his thing.