It just seems like yesterday but it was a week ago on Saturday February 13th where I found myself wandering downtown Vancouver taking in the sights and sounds of the Olympics. The plan was to wander until about 3pm then head to Molson Canadian Hockey House to watch Canada’s Women’s hockey team take on Slovakia. After the game I was to enjoy Barenaked Ladies no they were wearing clothes, yes really I am telling you the truth.
I had decided to get a VIP pass to enjoy some extra hospitality and I am glad I did as I was sitting right in front of the stage and the service was very good. As soon as I found my seat I was approached by one of the many servers who introduced herself as Emily and a beer appeared in front of me almost instantly. During the night it seemed anytime I was thinking I was thirsty there was Emily with another drink for me. Very impressed with the service and attention to detail.
After about an hour I noticed a commotion behind me and turned around to see the Premier of British Columbia Gordon Campbell going through shaking hands. Later I noticed a lot of flashes going off and I turned to see none other than The Great One Wayne Gretzky entering and sitting 10 feet away from me. He stayed for a little while and then exited to another large cheer and many cameras going off. Being a VIP is pretty damn cool, you never know who you are going to see. The concert started about 9:30 and went to about 11:15pm with the guys playing some of their new stuff and of course the hits. I am not sure who was having more fun, the capacity crowd or the Ladies but they definitely put on a great show. Very unforgettable experience and a great way to enjoy the Olympics. Pictures coming soon.
I just finished watching the Vancouver Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies. I was quite impressed with the sets and the performers. I kinda felt a sensory overload during a couple of the performances or would you call them stories? I am not sure what it was like for those in attendance but I certainly felt a great sense of pride as the performances unfolded. I must admit I was impressed that such an eclectic group was selected to bring in the Olympics Flag, I did get a little emotional when I saw Bobby Orr walking in with the flag. The best kept secret and the most speculated event was the lighting of the Olympic Flame. For me the choice was obvious and when I saw Rick Hansen wheel up the ramp I knew the last one to touch the flame would be The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. To have those great athletes together was a really nice tribute to their accomplishments and it was a great way to open what has been a huge undertaking to plan and implement.
Tomorrow, Saturday I am heading downtown Vancouver to visit some of the pavilions and attend some of the free events. Later in the day I will be front and centre at Molson Canadian Hockey House to watch Canada’s Women’s Hockey team take on Slovakia and after the game will be entertained by the Barenaked Ladies and no they will be wearing clothes, I am referring to the band. I am certainly very excited for the upcoming events and am a very proud Canadian.
As I watched the outdoor Winter Classic from Boston’s Fenway Park yesterday and saw Number 4 Bobby Orr skate onto the rink, it brought back great memories. Back in the early to mid 70’s I was a huge fan of Number 4 and when I was playing road hockey everyday after school and all day Saturday and Sunday I was Bobby Orr going end to end and scoring.
For one Christmas probably 1974 or 75 I was given a Boston Bruins jersey and my brother a Montreal Canadiens jersey.
I obviously did not realize at that time that this would be the first jersey of my collection which now numbers 40. I am thankful that my Mother held onto this old ripped jersey. I am not sure if my Mom understood the significance of how she displayed the jersey but I am just glad to have it.
It is hard to believe how quickly time flies, the cruise was almost three weeks ago. Never sure where the time goes but oh well. A brief synopsis of the cruise follows…
We arrived bright eyes and bushy tailed in San Diego after an uneventful flight (I will not get into the hoops Air Canada made me jump through to get on the plane!). Again I was joined by my friend David on this trip. As this was Grey Cup Sunday and we were in a US city we decided to explore if there was a possibility of seeing the game anywhere. We ended up at the Tilted Kilt a fine establishment with great “views” and even though they tried to find the game for us there was no joy in San Diego for us, well except the “views” at the Tilted Kilt. After spending some quality time at the Kilt we headed out to explore downtown San Diego and see what there was to see. After a day of exploring and enjoying the “views” we headed back to our hotel in preparation for the next day and our cruise.
On Monday we boarded the Carnival Elation and after a buffet lunch I enjoyed my first umbrella drink a Cozumel. The ship sailed a little late due to a medical incident (we later found out) but once you are on board you really do not care. The pampering begins as soon as you are aboard and does not stop till you are kicked off. Day one on board was very relaxing and after a very delicious dinner we went to the show and wandered around the ship. As this was the week right after US Thanksgiving the crowds were a little thin so the late night activities did not have as many people as we experienced in the past.
Continue reading 'The Cruise December 2009'»
Well not quite if I look outside but it is 11 days until I head for the Sun. My cruise out of San Diego leaves in 11 days. Did I say it is only 11 days till my cruise. Not that I am counting as the Carnival Website provides a countdown for me, now isn’t that a great service. Carnival is in the Eastern time zone at Midnight it is 10 Days!
What is the saying about it when it rains it pours….I came home last night and nothing seemed out of place except in the middle of my bedroom carpet was a leaf. Now it may seem strange that a leaf on my carpet would catch my attention but for some reason it got me thinking. As I looked around my room I noticed a drawer not quite closed correctly. This triggered me to look around my house, I grabbed my large Mag-light and started to go through my house. In my basement I discovered a window in the back of my house had been pushed in. When I looked closer I saw that the window had been pried off of its tracks.
I put the window back together and immediately started a search of my entire house checking all areas as I now knew someone had been and could possibly still be in my house. After an exhaustive search I found no one in my home but did find another window unlatched and my back door unlocked. During my search I noticed my valuables were untouched which caused my to look deeper to make sure I had not missed anything. At this point I think the shock had worn off and I got very angry as I realized my home had been violated.
It looks like the scum must have been scared off because they did not get any of my valuables, they just took my feeling of safety which we all feel in our homes.
Some stuff I found while Googling
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
finally…
They give unconditional love and undying loyalty in return for regular meals and an occasional pat on the head. – Jon Winokur
Over the past few months I have been wrestling with a decision which I did not want to make but knew I would have to make at some point. Some decisions are easy or seem easy, this one was one of the most difficult decisions I think I have ever had to make.
Yesterday, Saturday October 24th I took Tara to the Vet for the last time. Over the past few months she was getting more and more confused and I believe less aware of her surroundings and people. I was forced to block off the stairs as she would fall down the stairs periodically. As the time went on I begin to see that she was not enjoying a good quality of life but really just surviving.
After almost 15 years together it has been a long journey together and we had some great adventures. While some people would not understand the connection, Tara was a part of my family and a true friend who no matter what was happening in life, no matter what kind of mood I was in, she would give me unconditional love.
Now as I look around my empty, quiet house I am expecting to look over beside me and see her sleeping peacefully. A part of my heart has been ripped out and I have an emptiness which is so painful I am not sure when this pain will fade.
Good Bye Baby Monster.
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