The Problem with Deforestation

The best part about having the Paralympics in our city is the opportunity to drive groups to events. Tuesday I drove a group from a day program,full of enthusiasm and excitement to see a sledge hockey game between the USA and Japan.

They offered us free tickets to join them so we got into see most of the game. Amazing to see the speed and skill played on ice. Very impressive.

Its been a wonderful experience to have the Olympics and Paralympics in our city. I am very proud of all that has been accomplished by our athletes and the response by spectators. A once in a lifetime experience for sure.

Stopped by my fave coffee place this morning to get a java to go. Rolled up the rim to win and I did! $100 gift card. Made my day, put a skip in my step and a whistle in my walk!

The Olympic fever that hit Vancouver is still alive and well. In fact, it's awesome. I've never seen such patriotism in my life. Lots of red mittens still being worn, toques (yes that's what they're called) and Canada scarves.

Impromptu singing of "Oh Canada". My fave?

Driving a bus of 12 'mentally challenged' adults home from their day program and listening to their deafening version of our national anthem. You gotta love it. Nothing else mattered to them than singing with gusto. All the little hissy fits on the bus, 'who gets to sit beside who today', 'i don't like you anymore but tomorrow i may just be back in love with you' dilemmas gone.

Priceless.

Weekend Away

Chris and I snuck out of town early Sat morning and headed for the west coast of Vancouver Island. I've only been there once before and it was many many years ago. it's beautiful. Long Beach lives up to its name. The ocean is so vast, big high waves and surfers were in their glory.

One thing we love to do is people watch and people listen. Sat night we went to a place that was recommended by the front desk at the cottage where we were staying.

Real conversation:

We were sitting at a table by the window and I had my back to the front counter. It wasn't a formal restaurant so you could either eat in or take out. A woman came in by herself and the owner/cook/server asked if he could help her.

"I don't have much time, how long would it take to get a piece of fish and chips to go?"

"not long, I'll get it ready for you."

"No, that's too long. How long for a curry bowl?"

"About 6 minutes. Would you like one to go?"

"No, that's too long. Maybe I'll have fish. Why do you charge $14 for fish and chips to go?"

"Because that's the price. Would you like some to go?"

"No, well maybe. Maybe I'll have a burger. How long would that take?" "Why do you have a fish laying on its side that looks like it belongs in a museum?" "Your city hall is really run down, you should do something about it. We're having a whale exhibit next weekend, can I use your fish for a demonstration? It's for the children. You should let me use your fish." and so on and so on..............

Finally she ordered something and in the meantime she kept the guy from cooking her meal to go and we laughed hysterically behind her back. Way too funny.

We were the only seated guests so when we went up to pay at the register I asked him, "Can I borrow your Captain's bell? Why is your Captains' bell just sitting there doing nothing?"

He laughed and said, "Wow, crazy lady, too much pot"