This hardy rosebud started last summer and survived the winter, just opening with the sun of Feb. I rescued the rosebush from a dumpster two years ago.
Friday, February 22, 2013
First colors of spring!
This hardy rosebud started last summer and survived the winter, just opening with the sun of Feb. I rescued the rosebush from a dumpster two years ago.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Double-whammy city planning
Twice in the last week I've visited an urban planning meeting/open house here in Vancouver.
The first was regarding the congestion of the popular Kitsilano/Point Grey and suggested several proposals to make this area more cyclist and pedestrian friendly. I've cycled along West 4th Ave and think it's like running a gauntlet between traffic and parked cars so would be glad for some improvement, yet the curbs for bike lanes threated to cut off Chestnut St for drivers turning right off Burrard St to get to the marina and public boat launch - as boaters we felt we should bring attention to how difficult it is for vehicles with boat-towing trailers (think any watercraft over 10 feet, including sea kayaks, dragon boats, sailboats and powerboats) to turn corners and negotiate roundabouts in "traffic-controlled" neighbourhoods. While I applaud Vancouver's efforts to become more environmentally green, please do not hinder recreational watersport enthusiasts.
The same meeting alluded to but did not officially address the expansion of the Seawall promenade from Kits beach to Jericho. I had previously supported this wholeheartedly as I'd personally prefer a waterfront view than looking at gorgeous but pretentious (unwelcoming?) homes. As it stands now it's great for walkers and dog lovers but not cyclists, rollerbladers, and wheelchair/disabled users, and city developers are increasingly obligated to make natural spaces accessible to all. But my walk along the proposed development area revealed that this is the last stretch of pristine coastline of Vancouver, with sandstone cliffs and important breeding grounds for smelt. I'm glad I took the time to explore that area instead of trusting an objective map, and I encourage everyone to personally research well before making decisions and to be informed about what's being done in your own backyard. Now I feel that the Seawall could extend along waterfront that's already developed (the graffitied concrete retaining walls that support the waterfront homes), but not at the sacrifice of this wonderful geology.
The first was regarding the congestion of the popular Kitsilano/Point Grey and suggested several proposals to make this area more cyclist and pedestrian friendly. I've cycled along West 4th Ave and think it's like running a gauntlet between traffic and parked cars so would be glad for some improvement, yet the curbs for bike lanes threated to cut off Chestnut St for drivers turning right off Burrard St to get to the marina and public boat launch - as boaters we felt we should bring attention to how difficult it is for vehicles with boat-towing trailers (think any watercraft over 10 feet, including sea kayaks, dragon boats, sailboats and powerboats) to turn corners and negotiate roundabouts in "traffic-controlled" neighbourhoods. While I applaud Vancouver's efforts to become more environmentally green, please do not hinder recreational watersport enthusiasts.
The same meeting alluded to but did not officially address the expansion of the Seawall promenade from Kits beach to Jericho. I had previously supported this wholeheartedly as I'd personally prefer a waterfront view than looking at gorgeous but pretentious (unwelcoming?) homes. As it stands now it's great for walkers and dog lovers but not cyclists, rollerbladers, and wheelchair/disabled users, and city developers are increasingly obligated to make natural spaces accessible to all. But my walk along the proposed development area revealed that this is the last stretch of pristine coastline of Vancouver, with sandstone cliffs and important breeding grounds for smelt. I'm glad I took the time to explore that area instead of trusting an objective map, and I encourage everyone to personally research well before making decisions and to be informed about what's being done in your own backyard. Now I feel that the Seawall could extend along waterfront that's already developed (the graffitied concrete retaining walls that support the waterfront homes), but not at the sacrifice of this wonderful geology.
Lastly was the public consultation of the Parks Board to discuss the pooling of funds from Vancouver community centers - effectively redistributing wealth from richer neighbourhoods to poorer ones, to offer consistant services and facilities in all branches. I attended to support two friends speaking on behalf of the marina who have seen the effect such decisions have had on our services and facilities, and let that serve as a warning... Did you know that the measure of whether a dock piling needs to be replaced or not, is whether it has any holes in it the size of a rat's head??!! 73 people signed on to speak that night, almost all of them opposed to this move, the discussion (debate?) lasted until 3am and made the local press for several days. The Parks Board then voted in favour of "managing" our resources despite our protests. Nice.
What do we learn from all this? As cynical as it sounds, I think we should put our voices to what we support, yet enjoy what we have while it lasts, before it's taken away from us. The only constant is change.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
A date with the coroner...
As promoted by CBC radio, I attended the 2013 Human Library Project held at the Surrey Public Library on Saturday Jan 26; http://www.cbc.ca/bc/community/blog/2012/12/cbc-vancouver-human-library.html
It seemed like a novel (pardon the pun) idea to bring people together for one-on-one dialogue with someone you might never otherwise consider talking to. I signed up to read the Coroner "book" for an insight into the career and otherwisejust general interest - most people that know me know I have a small collection of skulls to admire their form and evolutionary origins, and many think that's just macabre. Having some time to kill (heh) before my 20 min appointment with the coroner, I signed out the Live-in Caregiver "book", for a very different read - a warm meeting with a mom from a foreign land, who misses her kids while raising other people's, and who genuinely believes in helping others. A great read I'm glad I stumbled into!
It was both an informative and pleasant experience, and I look forward to doing it again next year. I encourage others to request this be offered in their local libraries.
It seemed like a novel (pardon the pun) idea to bring people together for one-on-one dialogue with someone you might never otherwise consider talking to. I signed up to read the Coroner "book" for an insight into the career and otherwisejust general interest - most people that know me know I have a small collection of skulls to admire their form and evolutionary origins, and many think that's just macabre. Having some time to kill (heh) before my 20 min appointment with the coroner, I signed out the Live-in Caregiver "book", for a very different read - a warm meeting with a mom from a foreign land, who misses her kids while raising other people's, and who genuinely believes in helping others. A great read I'm glad I stumbled into!
It was both an informative and pleasant experience, and I look forward to doing it again next year. I encourage others to request this be offered in their local libraries.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Robbie Burns Day!
One of the joys of living in a multicultural city is that we can visit other nationalities' culture with relative ease. I attended the Robert Burns reading marathon (5 hrs 41 min!) at SFU Harbour Center.
While there are a few Robbie Burns Day celebrations offered this weekend, I opted instead to have dinner at home; haggis made in-store from Jackson's Meat and Deli (2214 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6K 1N8. They have a selection of exotic meats, including camel, ostrich, wild boar, and musk ox), neeps & tatties, and a wee whisky flight (Glenmorangie, Glenlivet, and Laphroaig) from our boat rations. And a CD of bagpipes! A modest offering that I felt turned out well.
While I had originally thought to post the Address to a Haggis here for being proud and festive, I opted instead for To a Mouse since it brings a tear to "my e'e".
Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beastie,
O, what panic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi' bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' murd'ring pattle!
I'm truly sorry Man's dominion
Has broken Nature's social union,
An' justifies that ill opinion,
Which makes thee startle,
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
An' fellow-mortal!
I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave 'S a sma' request:
I'll get a blessin wi' the lave,
An' never miss't!
Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It's silly wa's the win's are strewin!
An' naething, now, to big a new ane,
O' foggage green!
An' bleak December's winds ensuin,
Baith snell an' keen!
Thou saw the fields laid bare an' wast,
An' weary Winter comin fast,
An' cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro' thy cell.
That wee-bit heap o' leaves an' stibble,
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou's turn'd out, for a' thy trouble,
But house or hald.
To thole the Winter's sleety dribble,
An' cranreuch cauld!
But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
Still, thou art blest, compar'd wi' me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e'e,
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
While I had originally thought to post the Address to a Haggis here for being proud and festive, I opted instead for To a Mouse since it brings a tear to "my e'e".
Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beastie,
O, what panic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi' bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' murd'ring pattle!
I'm truly sorry Man's dominion
Has broken Nature's social union,
An' justifies that ill opinion,
Which makes thee startle,
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
An' fellow-mortal!
I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave 'S a sma' request:
I'll get a blessin wi' the lave,
An' never miss't!
Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It's silly wa's the win's are strewin!
An' naething, now, to big a new ane,
O' foggage green!
An' bleak December's winds ensuin,
Baith snell an' keen!
Thou saw the fields laid bare an' wast,
An' weary Winter comin fast,
An' cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro' thy cell.
That wee-bit heap o' leaves an' stibble,
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou's turn'd out, for a' thy trouble,
But house or hald.
To thole the Winter's sleety dribble,
An' cranreuch cauld!
But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
Still, thou art blest, compar'd wi' me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e'e,
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wineries of the Lower Mainland, BC
I have found the quality and ease of navigation around some wineries' websites to be both daunting and occasionally irritating just finding the most basic information, so I've compiled a list of the wineries in the Lower Mainland, and using a new mapping software program have made a map here for your ease and convenience. This is a work in progress, so stay tuned for further updates.
These wineries are all an easy drive from The Big City of Vancouver, yet are often overlooked and thus warrant my promotion for wine enthusiasts visiting BC who haven't the time or inclination to trek out to the Okanagan. Some I've visited, others not (yet). Some offer tastings, others not. Some I've enjoyed, others I'm not too keen to visit again - hence my reviews here;
Isabella Winery - This was our first stop of the afternoon, it looked like a small operation tucked away around the industry of the river. Isabella had quite a selection of wines, focusing on fruit/berry wines, and a clean and spacious tasting room. Unfortunately I saw it as rather haphazard in its presentation; there were no prices on the merchandise for browsing customers, no information notes or product menu at the bar, no recommended order to sampling the wine and truthfully very little attention or assistance at all. There were some novel fruit wines - passionfruit, pomegranate - but I was overall disappointed and am unlikely to return.
Lulu Island Winery - And here we have a stark contrast to the first found just down the road. A large facility well posted with ample parking, a clean and spacious showroom, and welcoming and knowledgable staff that not only introduced us to each wine but also gave us an impromptu tour of the facilities. No wonder that they're on the tour bus route! We purchased a cranberry wine and a raspberry wine that I'll enjoy with warm weather spring dishes.
Sanduz Estate Winery - Well presented, it seemed pretty quiet inside during our visit. Perhaps they are a well-kept secret? We got a rhubarb wine I found refreshingly herbacious and tangy, reminiscent of an IPA beer or grassy Sauv Blanc that'll suit well fish, chicken, and/or salads on the patio. The black currant wine is a fun alternative to conventional red wine that delivers a fruity punch. A friend had requested we pick up a bottle of gooseberry wine for him as well to be later shared with a delicious barbecued salmon.
Westham Island Estate Winery - Somehow passing through the tunnel and leaving the highway into Ladner has an almost instantly calming effect, moreso as we drive mostly straight flat roads through agricultural land that we know ends at a bird sanctuary. Almost exclusively fruit wines, friendly staff, small boutique that was packed that day. Make this a full summer's day for the family by tying in a visit to the attached Bissett U-pick farms, aforementioned bird sanctuary, ice cream just down the road, and picnic benches and grassy spots along the river.
Wellbrook Winery - I've seen their sign from the highway and have been meaning to visit for over a year. They were kind enough to let us sample their wares just before closing time, and poke around the shop seeing many locally grown/produced merchandise. I could tell they pride themselves on their blueberries. I was impressed at their operation, going beyond producing products to being an active part of their community; two weeeks later we returned for a Blueberry Festival hosted on their grounds which showcased a variety of artisans, businesses, and organizations, and included a pie-eating competition (yes I participated, no I didn't win, no I'm not posting photos), a show&shine with beautiful autos, model trains, quilts, small falcons and owls, plants, preserves, music, and fun games for the kids. They offer cooking classes too, so check the website for details.
These wineries are all an easy drive from The Big City of Vancouver, yet are often overlooked and thus warrant my promotion for wine enthusiasts visiting BC who haven't the time or inclination to trek out to the Okanagan. Some I've visited, others not (yet). Some offer tastings, others not. Some I've enjoyed, others I'm not too keen to visit again - hence my reviews here;
Isabella Winery - This was our first stop of the afternoon, it looked like a small operation tucked away around the industry of the river. Isabella had quite a selection of wines, focusing on fruit/berry wines, and a clean and spacious tasting room. Unfortunately I saw it as rather haphazard in its presentation; there were no prices on the merchandise for browsing customers, no information notes or product menu at the bar, no recommended order to sampling the wine and truthfully very little attention or assistance at all. There were some novel fruit wines - passionfruit, pomegranate - but I was overall disappointed and am unlikely to return.
Lulu Island Winery - And here we have a stark contrast to the first found just down the road. A large facility well posted with ample parking, a clean and spacious showroom, and welcoming and knowledgable staff that not only introduced us to each wine but also gave us an impromptu tour of the facilities. No wonder that they're on the tour bus route! We purchased a cranberry wine and a raspberry wine that I'll enjoy with warm weather spring dishes.
Sanduz Estate Winery - Well presented, it seemed pretty quiet inside during our visit. Perhaps they are a well-kept secret? We got a rhubarb wine I found refreshingly herbacious and tangy, reminiscent of an IPA beer or grassy Sauv Blanc that'll suit well fish, chicken, and/or salads on the patio. The black currant wine is a fun alternative to conventional red wine that delivers a fruity punch. A friend had requested we pick up a bottle of gooseberry wine for him as well to be later shared with a delicious barbecued salmon.
Westham Island Estate Winery - Somehow passing through the tunnel and leaving the highway into Ladner has an almost instantly calming effect, moreso as we drive mostly straight flat roads through agricultural land that we know ends at a bird sanctuary. Almost exclusively fruit wines, friendly staff, small boutique that was packed that day. Make this a full summer's day for the family by tying in a visit to the attached Bissett U-pick farms, aforementioned bird sanctuary, ice cream just down the road, and picnic benches and grassy spots along the river.
Wellbrook Winery - I've seen their sign from the highway and have been meaning to visit for over a year. They were kind enough to let us sample their wares just before closing time, and poke around the shop seeing many locally grown/produced merchandise. I could tell they pride themselves on their blueberries. I was impressed at their operation, going beyond producing products to being an active part of their community; two weeeks later we returned for a Blueberry Festival hosted on their grounds which showcased a variety of artisans, businesses, and organizations, and included a pie-eating competition (yes I participated, no I didn't win, no I'm not posting photos), a show&shine with beautiful autos, model trains, quilts, small falcons and owls, plants, preserves, music, and fun games for the kids. They offer cooking classes too, so check the website for details.
Monday, January 7, 2013
This quiet, grey January morning
Currently visiting my old stomping grounds of White Rock, and I awoke this morning acutely aware of the quiet stillness. No traffic, no loud groups on the sidewalk out front, a contrast to the West End downtown neighbourhood I live in now. This isn't a particularily sleepy town but a noticeably different vibe. Very nice. When I lived here I felt restless and bored with the stillness, but at the moment it seems appropriate. January is my least favorite month, as the weather is dreary and there's no holidays to look forward too. I've decided that I need a better relationship with January, to better appreciate that it stimulates introspection and thought instead of distraction and entertainment.
Now for warm porridge and a second cup of coffee.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
New Year's Day @ the Watershed Bar and Grill
The new year is off to a sunny start here in Vancouver, and after the rush and festive panic of Christmas I find myself in a somewhat quiet and thoughful headspace. While I'm typically not one for lofty goals or new year's resolutions, nor posting online every detail of my meagre existance - really, do your several hundred Facebook "friends" need to know you're eating a ham sandwich right this very minute?? - I have decided that I should blog more. More importantly, I should give thanks and credit to a job well done that would otherwise go unnoticed, and use my tiny online voice to promote businesses and causes I support.
A short jaunt up the highway yesterday took me to Brackendale, a town near Squamish. It was a scenic drive there and seemed a worthwhile destination to watch the annual Eagle Count along the river. What else would we do on a day when many/most businesses are closed? What wasn't closed was the Watershed Bar and Grill (41101 Government Rd, Brackendale BC, (604) 898-6665), which was very busy feeding the masses coming in from the cold off the eagle-viewing dykes. Our waitress informed us that they were one of the few businesses open New Year's Day, and were also understaffed. I had been to the Watershed before and recall I was impressed, and now reminded again as she apologized for the wait and gave us our beers on the house. Surprised again when she took off an additional 30% from our shared appy for having to wait for the bill. It was no trouble as we were seated already in the heated enclosed patio enjoying the view. Having little business sense myself I feel this was a thoughtful gesture but an unnecessary expense for them - any other pub in Vancouver could've made us wait for food and drink, then taken our money and ushered us out quickly to make room for more paying customers, and tough luck if we don't like being processed like cattle.
So there is customer service, and thus my thanks, and generous tip, and continued promotion and loyalty whenever I'm up that way again.
A short jaunt up the highway yesterday took me to Brackendale, a town near Squamish. It was a scenic drive there and seemed a worthwhile destination to watch the annual Eagle Count along the river. What else would we do on a day when many/most businesses are closed? What wasn't closed was the Watershed Bar and Grill (41101 Government Rd, Brackendale BC, (604) 898-6665), which was very busy feeding the masses coming in from the cold off the eagle-viewing dykes. Our waitress informed us that they were one of the few businesses open New Year's Day, and were also understaffed. I had been to the Watershed before and recall I was impressed, and now reminded again as she apologized for the wait and gave us our beers on the house. Surprised again when she took off an additional 30% from our shared appy for having to wait for the bill. It was no trouble as we were seated already in the heated enclosed patio enjoying the view. Having little business sense myself I feel this was a thoughtful gesture but an unnecessary expense for them - any other pub in Vancouver could've made us wait for food and drink, then taken our money and ushered us out quickly to make room for more paying customers, and tough luck if we don't like being processed like cattle.
So there is customer service, and thus my thanks, and generous tip, and continued promotion and loyalty whenever I'm up that way again.
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