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Showing posts from September, 2014

An unplanned day in Chicago

In an earlier post I was heading off on the public bus to Hartford airport.  A two dollar trip to the airport?  Count me in especially as I had loads of time   I checked in and all was well until we were informed the incoming flight to Chicago was delayed.  So delayed in fact that I would have about 15 minutes between flights.  Eek!  I talked to the gate agent and she agreed it was too close especially when my next flight was at another end of the building.  So she first started booking me for overnight in Harford, 6 a.m. to Washington DC. then Toronto then home.  UGH!  I said can't I just go to Chicago and stay over...then I jokingly said "Paul McCartney is playing Chicago tomorrow night...could I possibly fly out Thursday morning".  She just gave me a "look" over her glasses - well you can't blame a gal for trying right?  I did manage to talk her into an evening flight out of Chicago.  They gave me three food vouchers and overnight in a hotel...I must conf

A day at the Vancouver Aquarium

Nowadays visiting an aquarium or zoo seems to be a controversial thing to do.  (I am not even going to comment on that as it would be a blog post of its own)  When Julie said she wanted to visit the Vancouver Aquarium I advised her to do that the day after I left or else I'd do something else while she was there.  So I am sure she was quite surprised when we were discussing what to do on our last full day together and I said to her "why don't we go to the aquarium?".   It was a great day out and I make NO apologies for it.  This is a facility that rescues sea mammals & is active in local and international conservation.  While I don't approve of circuses who use live animals and I don't support zoos or aquariums that use the animals solely as entertainment I do think this one is a good one and my conscience felt clear.  The aquarium is in Stanley Park and has been renovated since I was there fifteen years ago.  So come along while we meet the various finn

Guess what's happening in my life?

I know the blog has been awfully quiet lately...I am working on a post about visiting the Vancouver Aquarium that I should be able to hit the "publish" button on this weekend hopefully.  But what has occupied me this week is the final plans for my big adventure finally were sealed in stone this week... Here's a hint... Yep, I'm moving to London!  Not permanently (sad to say) but for six months - as long as the British government will let me stay without a visa.  Back in the day (1980 to be precise) I did have a five year patriality visa/certificate due to British grandparents and and I had plans. Sadly they never came to fruitation due to a pair of overprotective parents....and me trying to please the parents... but let's not go there... So finally I am doing it and I am beyond thrilled.  It's the right time in my life to do it.. I live in a small apartment (which I will keep as I adore it and don't want to be "homeless" when I come bac

A beautiful walk in Canmore

Canmore is a town of about 12,000 people a short ten minute drive away from Banff National Park.  It is nestled in the Rocky Mountains with Kananaskis, a popular area for winter activities and hiking close by.  This town is an alternative to staying in pricey touristy Banff townsite with gorgeous hotels and bed and breakfasts.  Mind you, it is getting more touristy than when I was there last but still not as bad as Banff is.  The day after the CVF convention in Banff we headed out to do the 11 km walk there and spent that night in the Hostel Bear  before heading east on the Trans Canada Highway back home the next day. We arrived into Canmore in the rain so quickly legged it to a coffee shop for a cup of joe (and some of us greedy ones who may not be named had a cinnamon bun as well..)  Once the shops were open we had a quick look and before long  behold the skies cleared and off we went.   Judi did the 5 km walk while June and I did the 11 km walk.  A lovely couple from Edmonton wer