Sunday drive to Forks, WA AKA Twilight Central

Rialto Beach - on Sunday drive to Forks

One of my favorite places in the world!

Lake Crescent - on Sunday drive to Forks

Working hard at the library

OK Casey, here's the pictures!

More morning commute pictures

On my way up towards Snoqualmie Pass heading to my Saturday library job. The fog and sunrise made it appear as if the hill was on fire.

The Vancouver Olympics - the Olympic Flame

Waited in line two hours to get to the viewing platform for an unobstructed view of the Olympic torch. Got to meet some wonderful people including "borrowed" police from all over Canada. That's one way to a free trip to the Olympics! The view of the harbor was spectacular!

The Vancouver Olympics - the hockey game

The game was Norway vs. Switzerland. The Swiss fans were painted and very excited. The ice was decorated with the Olympics emblem. The game was close and went into overtime but Switzerland won.

Scenes from the Olympics

Canada Place and Canada Hockey Place - more to come after I figure how to upload my pictures.

The Vancouver Olympic Experience Is ...

... the friendliest host country imaginable.
... chatting and sharing with strangers from other countries.
... riding the skytrain everywhere and helping lost strangers find their way.
... one big street party - half of downtown closed to traffic.
... getting excited about the Paralympic Winter Games and hearing the athletes stories of overcoming adversity.
... cheering for the US, the best athlete, the underdog or our new friend's country
... a jacuzzi after walking all day!!!
... being blown away by natural beauty, man-made beauty and the sheer number of people in one place.
... homeless people on the street and dreaming of a more perfect world.
... hockey with no fighting (almost).
... searching all over for those elusive red mittens.
... queuing up for everything and meeting patient friendly people every time.
... people wearing their country's flags as capes.
... learning hockey terminology from a new French Canadian friend.
... quality time with one's spouse.

Thanks Jan and Maxine for the Love is ... idea.

RIP Stormy

Sister-in-law Julie and family just lost their beloved pup Stormy. I remember Stormy and friends greeting us whenever we would visit. He was the loving chasing digging hunting member of the pack.

I know how much pets attach themselves to our hearts. A dog's love is healing and unconditional. First heard of the Rainbow Bridge poem from the Greyhound Pets Inc. website. Thought it might be appropriate to share, if you aren't already familiar with it.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All things Irish

Found this background and thought it was appropriate with St. Patricks day coming up next month. Also, when we go to Vancouver this week-end are looking forward to visiting Irish House 2010!

The 9,000 square-foot Irish House will house 750 visitors at a time at the temporary site, conveniently located adjacent to Doolin’s Irish Pub in downtown Vancouver. The Irish House site will facilitate Doolin’s trademark ‘Irish family feel’ in ambiance, culture, and music.

The Irish House will be a welcoming gathering place with a boisterous traditional Celtic atmosphere. During the day, the pavilion will feature family-friendly entertainment with music and cultural exhibits. Multiple televisions and projection screens will run highlights of the Games. In the evenings, the true Irish pub culture will come to life, and visitors will experience a party where it will feel like every day is a St. Patrick’s Day party.

Local and international media personalities will be in attendance throughout the two weeks, with familiar names such as Red Robinson, Dave Abbott, Ron Coleman, and Jim Byrnes invited as guest MCs. The official opening on February 11 will kick off with The Most Reverend J. Michael Miller – the Arch-Bishop of Vancouver performing a blessing on the pavilion. A traditional Celtic Standing Stone monument, custom designed and created for the Irish House 2010, will be a featured display piece in pavilion and auctioned off on Saturday February 20.

February Book Club

Had a wonderful visit last evening with the book club ladies. We laughed and cried and supported each other. Had a celebration for the three of us with February birthdays (thank you so much). Loved the Zorro discussion, now want to read the original and see the movie. Book club ladies really do rock!!!!!

P.S. Just added the new book club selections to the list at the bottom of this blog.

Morning commute

Took this picture from the bridge at Everett Station. Loving the longer days - no more going to and from work in the dark. Also our building is partially uncovered from the re-siding project. Now we can see what the weather is like outside!

Are you ready for puppybowl VI?

In case you wanted a superbowl alternative or catch it before or after the superbowl!

Praying for the people of Haiti

Keep finding myself thinking about them, was looking for the right words to pray for them and found this.

We pray for Haiti

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:
God of compassion
Please watch over the people of Haiti,
And weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
With a sense of your present love,
And hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
May they find you and be comforted;
Guide us as a church
To find ways of providing assistance
that heals wounds and provides hope
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffer
We all suffer
Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.
(Adapted from Book of Common Worship)

— Bruce Reyes-Chow, Gradye Parsons and Linda Valentine

Then I found a wonderful video from WFAA TV in Dallas Fort Worth about a TX family who returned from a mission trip to a Haitian orphanage just 1 day before the earthquake. They were just able to welcome their adoptive daughter home.