How often can you say that? Although only scheduled to be gone overnight, the pink garage has been dismantled. I can see the grass on the lawn for the first time since we left last August. Want to see what was inside? It's the Coupe de Thrill unpacked, their Burning Man art car off to…

Not in this house, especially one filled with creative types. And B's creativity levels far exceed one person's worth. Look closely, what's hiding in my yard? No, not another school bus, but a portable garage. In hot pink. He couldn't get the white, grey or cool camo variety, it's shocking pink.  Now why might he…

I have a soft spot for long, close to the ground dogs, having had close relationships in my life with a Basset Hound and my two Scotties, MacTavish and Gracee.  Blogless Marsha, our friend, Phyllis, and I recently had the pleasure of attending the Palm Springs Kennel Club Dog Show.  As for the giant canine…

…well maybe not all the rain, which wouldn't be a good thing. Taking a break from the Christmas sunshine in California stories, to report on our break from the rain in beautiful British Columbia. When we moved to Canada, 32 years ago, people asked us why we would choose to relocate to such a cold Canadian climate?…

I was thinking, why are we referring to our time away as a vacation? As in C's complaint observation that he spent his entire vacation down south replacing flooring. Vacation from what? We're retired. Every day is either Saturday or a vacation.  More lessons: Pavlova goes well with Rioja Who says you can't have pavlova…

Apologies for the absence, we were in California with the entire family and friends. While there we talked about a co-worker of my daughter's, who at the end of each day reflects on what was learned on that particular day. You can tell she worked in academia. A nice concept, though. And although I can't…

Over the years we have simplified our Christmas traditions to a table top tree and no gifts, stockings only. Thinking back to more frenzied times, I have an appreciation for those working families who maintain the cultural expectations and customs. I don't know how you do it. Christmas aside, like all retirees I know, I don't know…

It's our 33rd anniversary, our longevity as a couple lasting more than half our lives, as C pointed out. We agree that a sense of commitment to get through life's hurdles is a given, but I wanted to think beyond that. If we knew what we know now, 33 years and 1 day ago, what would be…

Upon arriving in Santiago I mentioned that I'd post about our souvenirs later, the criteria being an item light in weight and unbreakable. I gave another hint in this post where the photo of the Camino symbol of the city of Navarette appeared, our favourite symbol on the Way. So, we took the big step to…

We're out of data and by the time you read this we'll be close to arriving back home in Vancouver, having cruised across the Atlantic with 20 friends and family, who met us in Barcelona to celebrate and help us sail into retirement. Our Camino dream came true and that's how it seems now, a…