The Birthday Boy

 

The Event: Brent's 40th
The Place: Siams on Lake Union
The People: Fun friends

 

 

Victoria, BC

Last weekend I had the chance to escort a class to Victoria, BC. While I don't like driving the vans, I do like Canada. On Friday we left Seattle and headed for the border, the Canadian border, that is. We spent some time in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia. Stunning. We then hopped the ferry for a short trip to Victoria. Saturday was a free day for me, and then Sunday we headed on to Duncan. By Monday I was ready to go home. We left at about 9:00 am on Monday morning and rolled into Seattle at about 4:00 pm. A great weekend which has left me behind in all my work.

Lunch in Vancouver

On the first day of the trip, the class stopped in Vancouver for lunch at Shaughnessy's (I think). Beautiful grounds, although it was a little uncomfortable with the picketing grounds crew - they were on strike.

Chinatown in Victoria, BC

I got a chance to go to Chinatown while in Victoria...mmmm...dim sum. Why is it that food served on little plates is still as expensive as food on big plates?

On the way to Duncan...

The class spent one day in Duncan to visit a native cultural center. The drive to Duncan took about an hour or so. Since we were early, we stopped at a lookout point. Here is a shot of my roommate, Susan, and her mom, Jennie.

Cowichan Cultural Center

I had the opportunity to go to the Cowichan Cultural Center in Duncan. There was an amazing display of totem poles as well as this huge mural. Here the class poses in front of the mural.

Cowichan Cultural Dance

The highlight at the Cowichan Cultural Center was the native dance presentation. A dance troupe of boys and men performed several dances...it was very captivating. I only wish the pictures could fully show what we experienced.

Victory Dance

Bella - Sophia!

 

My god-daughter Sophia modeling a Starbuck's cup.

Happy Flowers

I was over at a friend's house for dinner a couple of weeks ago, and she had this beautiful bouquet of flowers on her table. They were just stunning...I had to take some pictures.

Flowers Part II

Awaiting Mira Grace

I saw Callie and Phil a couple of weeks ago in church and had to take a picture of them. Callie is due on the 20th - their first child, and the first grandchild for Jim & Cherie (Callie's parents).

Callie - Profile Pic

Isn't she just adorable?

Mariners in August

August was horrificly busy...I went to Tucson (see below) and started school. In the midst of everything, I also made it to a Mariners' game with Kari, Kristi and their mom. Here's a shot of Kari and mom. Beautiful, but we still lost.

Safeco Field

Ashley & Bob

In August I got to catch up with my friend Ashley. Here she is pictured with her dad, Bob. Ashley is a senior in college and just came back from a semester abroad in France. The stories sounded wonderful and made me think of that movie w/ Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline - French Kiss. Love that movie.

Tucson, AZ

I visited Tucson in August (yes, August). I had the chance to visit a former student, now colleague. Autumn and her husband, Jacob, were wonderful hosts for the 3 days I was there. While Autumn and I worked away on our research project, we did have some time for fun. On the first night they took me to this charming restaurant. The food was great!

Dining Highlight

The best thing about this restaurant is that the staff come by your table to make your salsa for you!

Table Shot

Good-bye Tucson

Before driving off from the W. home, we took a farewell shot. It was a wonderful couple of days and I'd go back to visit Jacob and Autumn again - not so much the weather.