Marley and Me

Sniffles, itchy eyes and wheezing have been the norm for me whenever I have been around pets.  This for most of my life until…..Marley.  Imagine my delight! For the first time I was able to pet my niece's new puppy without the dreaded allergic reaction.  Marley is so cute, has tons of energy and the most amazing presence.  She is just great!  ( my niece is too by the way!!)  Wonderful weekend and a new friend.

Look Again

If you think you are driving into the set of a dentist or insurance company commercial being filmed, look again. 
Yes, all these lovely people appear joyful and carefree. The breeze is delicious as the wind gently strokes the grass and leaves in the trees.   Beaming proudly, the sun warms our skin. All the while everyone's pearly whites are glistening as they smile.  On second look you may even think you happened about a group outside the church after service.  A father and son cheerfully throwing a football, the women in circles laughing together. Even boy scouts in uniforms are about tending to a small outdoor stall offering treats. The perfect day!
This pure setting belongs to the state of Washington. The best and cleanest rest stops I have ever visited.  This is what you get in Schrag.  Make sure it's on your route next time you travel between Spokane and Seattle.

The next Rest Stop even had landscaping...

Say What?

When most people think about a road trip, many fond childhood memories emerge. Growing up in Quebec, one of the things to look forward to while travelling outside the city were small shacks on the side of the road with all sorts of treats. Stops were made for ice cream, French fries in small brown paper bags and if you wanted to go wild even fireworks could be picked up to insure a good time. How times have changed... On my last foray in the US, as always, I was on the lookout for a tasty snack, checking all the signs for upcoming goodies. Being Canadian, you can imagine the sharp intake of breath, as the utter shock raced through my body while my head made a double take to be sure I had read right. No cotton candy or popsicles were being offered here, but guns and ammo. Yes, unreal.  This is just something you would not see in Canada.  Really makes you reconsider giving the finger to the crazy driver cutting you off.

Notice the parking lot huge enough to compete with any Target store parking lot….
Sorry guys, the pic is not great but it goes to show you it took me a while to recover.

Urban Art at Koi

Koi is very active in supporting arts and culture in Calgary.

Right away when you walk in you know you are entering a creative space.  The walls are all black, the stage is set, an intimate feeling prevails. It's the spot to hang out at with open mics on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as great food.  What a fantastic venue for my Urban Series " Distinctively Altered".

http://www.cafekoi.com

To see the full collection check out my website at: Core Vitality Art

On A Birthday Note…

A special day indeed.  One of the precious days when a certain "health nut" gives herself permission to eat anything she wants.  Decisions, decisions.  

Brett keenly asks me where he can take me out to that evening.  Excitedly, I spend a part of the morning pouring over menus of the best restaurants in the city trying to make a choice.  The selection is impressive.  However, at the back of my mind, I feel a small desire forming and as it makes it's way forward I realize I want to eat at home.  Sometimes a simple, basic meal prepared together IS the favourite food. For my birthday supper I had an amazing homemade cheeseburger with chips ( yes, people real chips from the bag…:) and a root beer.

Thanks Brett for a wonderful day!

P.S. Sorry , no pics.  Just dove right in and realized more than halfway through, I had not taken a photo of the feast.  Take my word, it was delish!

  

Dice

For us, a gathering with friends and family always means one thing.

Games!

One of our favourite games is simply called "dice". It is said to be a Brazilian dice game.  We do not know the name of this game, probably because it was  picked it up randomly by my nephew while he was travelling around the world.  

We were lucky enough to have the weather cooperate and  were able to play outside in a beautiful backyard surrounded by trees.

I'VE BEEN NAUGHTY

There they are quietly trying to blend in with the cabinets.  

Sssshhh don't tell Brett….