Tofino, BC - Another Room with a View

Above is a shot from my room in Tofino, BC last Sunday at sunset. Many of you know my favorite place on North America is the NO CA coast in the Redwoods. I think I may have to change that. Tofino, BC was the most amazing place and so lush. My friend Kim picked me up from the airport yesterday and when I told her I wanted to move up there she kidded me, "Wanna live on a commune up there?" Our running joke is that someday I am going to start a commune sometime/somewhere in my life, and I always thought it would be in the Redwoods, but I am now rethinking this. I just may start one in the rain forest on Vancouver Island. Something I discovered during the last two weeks: I am drawn to water, which is funny to me as I hate swimming for many reasons. But I think I could get used to being on a boat or living on a houseboat. I also fell in love with Victoria, it's no wonder it's a tourist trap. Go visit!

Nanaimo, BC - Room with a view.

Above is Downtown Nanaimo, BC. This is the view from my room. Nanaimo is about the size of Eugene, OR, but on the water. Off to Tofino, BC on the west coast of the Island tomorrow afternoon. Again, I think I could live by the water.

Canada, I Love You: Message from the Queen.

From Kids in the Hall:

My Grandma

Above is a picture from the deck on the ferry I road on from Vancouver, BC to Nanaimo, BC on Wednesday. For the hour and a half on the boat all I thought about was my Grandma as she exposed me to the ferries back when I was kid. Her name is Ann Piccolotti. We took a trip in the eighties from Seattle, WA to Whidbey Island, I think I was ten. My Grandma always took me to new places and we had such great adventures. This was my first trip to Seattle and I remember being in awe of the tall buildings and the water. She is still alive and living with my Aunt Tony and her partner Wanda in Florida. Grandma has severe dementia, which has saddened me. As I finish my 36th year I reflect on all the people in my life that loved me unconditionally. She will always be number one on my list of favorite humans, and I regret any poor judgements I made that she had to deal with. God bless her and all grandparents that helped raise us. I also miss my Grandpa. I so wish I could talk with him now and discuss politics and the social condition of our society. He was a wise man and I wish I had tapped into the wisdom rather than being selfish and not paying attention. My hope and resolution is to be more grateful. Love your elders.

Banff, Alberta Canada

During my last two weeks in Canada I had the pleasure to visit the Canadian Rockies. Above is an ice sculpture sign we found in Lake Louise. I got the lucky end of the stick. The other guys were in frigid rural towns. I spent the last three weeks with a fellow Manager, Laurie. I can safely say we are now friends and the best road warriors ever!! Here's us with Kirby, such a cute and fun pup.



Here's me after supper in the Banff Springs Hotel. Check of the scenery behind me, this was my view during the meal. I am not one to be overwhelmed with mountains and valleys as I grew up in the Northwest, but this took my breath away. I had the best Mac and Cheese ever. It was made with a delightful truffle sauce, came with grilled cheese sandwiches and served with homemade Ketchup. The Canadians love their ketchup! Over the years I've eaten Mac and Cheese with ketchup, so I was very pleased. Dessert was Chocolate and banana bread pudding with an amazing chocolate sauce and fruit. I also like this photo because I look thin.



Me after dinner outside the Banff Springs Hotel. . . Check out my new wool coat I bought just for my time in Canada. . .



We stayed at the Rundle Lodge, a wonderful place. We got a great deal as it's the slow season and the economy is not doing too well up there. . .



Some Rocky Mountains. . .









It's been so stressful, but side trips like this and a little retail therapy makes it all worth it. You all must visit Banff sometime in your lifetime. Amazing!!

Oh, I just joined Facebook. This too is amazing and so much fun!! I've found so many long lost peeps. Off to Vancouver Island, BC on Tuesday. Can't wait to visit Victoria!!

When I think of a place. . .

. . . I think of Home. A few blogs ago I posted a Youtube video of Whitney singing Home from The Wiz. Below is Diana Ross singing the same song live. Most may know this version better. This song brings me to tears in so many ways. I can't tell you how brilliant I think it is. It's a whole new meaning to me now.

It's such hard work up here in Canada. Lovely people and country, but I am a bit homesick. I hope you enjoy. I was just a kid when this song was composed. . .

Canada Pix

Here are some photos of my journey. I've decide the next two weeks I'll get some more interesting pictures.

The first week and last day was spent in Calgary. I just love the Evergreen trees in Canada. They are gorgeous and seem to be so different than the trees we have in the Pacific Northwest. I have to do some research to find out what they are exactly. They kind of look like nobel firs, but with a deeper, darker green. Calgary's skyline. . .



From Calgary to Edmonton, AB. On Monday I spent the afternoon in Maidstone, Saskatchewan at the Royal Canadian Legion. Here's a picture of a wall at the legion of Queen Elizabeth of Windsor, you know I just love the royals (The Queen is one of my favorite movies) and now that I have a passport I am going to plan a trip to England. . . to see J and O.



From Maidstone to Medicine Hat. Here's a pix of the Alberta Prairie, lot of cows and we came across two herds of Elk. Wish I could have caught a picture of the Elk. . . and at least the cows. I guess Alberta Beef is world famous. . .



Last leg of the road trip. My counterpart did a fantastic job driving the whole week. She got us everywhere safely. The weather was fantastic both weeks, well the skies were clear, anyway. It was still freezing and mostly below freezing.



I am now home for two days. It's so nice to bond with the kitties and Jim. Lots of naps in my future. Back to Edmonton on Monday. I am hoping I won't be in customs for 1.5 hours this time around. The Road is My Home, my Home the Road. I can now safely say the sky is my home as well. Getting a lot of airport experience.