It’s hard to believe that this was the eighth South Surrey/White Rock Fall Art Show since we’ve moved to the area. I’ve participated in three or four. It’s a fair amount of work. You’re allowed to exhibit up to three framed paintings, a basket of smaller paintings and a selection of art cards. A two…

Fifty years ago I bought my second sewing machine. My first was an inexpensive budget model Brother bought at Woolco. Within a year I graduated to a midrange Kenmore that has faithfully served as my reliable workhorse. I think it cost $150. It’s well made with metal parts; only the plastic end piece and carry…

We’re on our last camping trip of the year, to the same location as last year’s final one with the same friends. Does that constitute a tradition? A search tells me the first time is an event or one time choice. The second, a deliberate repeat that establishes a tradition. The third cements it into…

The house is set up for our participation in the South Rock Art Walk. We are two of 35 participating artists. The calm classical music is playing and we are enjoying the quiet before things get going. Schubert’s Ave Maria is playing and it brings to mind a scene neither of us can erase from…

Chuck and I will again be displaying watercolour and wood art from our home during this year’s South Rock Art Tour, Sept 19 and 20, address on map. Hope to see you here. Samples of seven new 5×7 art cards in my collection, $6 each or 3 for $15.

This is a picture of Janett 23 years ago, prior to her arrival in North Vancouver as our homestay student. This is Janett now. So happy! Twenty three years ago Bryant was 12 years old, about her daughter Emma’s age. Emma pointed out that Janett has known our family longer than she has known her…

Living on the BC coast of Canada it’s easy to attract summer company. When I lived in Omaha NE, not so much. The past five weeks have been a whirlwind. You’ve read about the first two with Mari, KC, Bella dog and puppy Luigi, whose energy in particular I miss. Shortly thereafter, Bryant arrived with…

In anticipation of a houseful of guests I have undertaken sheet inventory to assemble five beds. So many mismatched sets, how does that happen? The usual family scapegoat comes to mind. BRY-ANT? That’s the spelling of his name in my exasperated parent accent. He’s had a number of RV’s over the years the contents of…

I love when the kids return to the nest. This time it was Mari, KC, Bella the grand dog: and 12 week old Luigi, technically the great grand dog. Bella’s recent litter have all gone to their new homes, but M & KC agreed to look after Luigi while his dads were getting engaged in…

Driving out of Malakwa we resisted the urge to stop for a third ice cream lunch, but if we did, banana fudge might have been my choice. Our next gas break was scheduled at Costco in Kamloops. I also wanted to pick up a gift for Rika as she and Mack bailed us out big…