Sometimes I just like to watch those around me during a sermon. It can be VERY entertaining.
Take this past Sunday for instance. In front of me sat a guy maybe in his 30's and next to him, a bit of a looker and a bit over done up. So, I was intrigued.....
Was he a boyfriend or husband? From the rear, no way to tell. Skin coloration was not the same, ears either, nor hair. He was dressed casually, she to the nines. Could he be significant other? No, sitting too far apart. And so went the mental games through the singing - which annoys me greatly!
Sermon starts. She starts wiggling her foot, eventually her entire leg. Back and forth, back and forth. The pew is starting to creak in front of me. Could she really bust through this thing? Pastor is talking about death and his reactions to his parents deaths this year. Vibrations are now going through the floor!
Then he switches subjects, on to adultery. Vibrating girl in front of me has frozen to the pew. Not a breath, not a twitch, not a movement the entire time he is on the subject. As he continues on to another subject, she is back to slowly wiggling her foot, her color is returning to normal from the ghastly white she had become.....
And now I knew. She was sitting next to her father and she has a little problem the pastor hit upon.....
Oh yeah she has been in my prayers. Obviously, she feels convicted over her behavior - enough so I would betcha that she is not going to be in church next week.....
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Travelling Crud and Thoughts
Well, one thing seems to remain a constant in my life - Kris just does not travel well. I don't know why it is that every time I travel - I get sick. No not head colds or infections; think gastrointestinal distress. So, tummy has not managed to settle down yet. And, a growing boy does need his nourishment, eventually! On the other hand, I just might lose those 80 pounds I had on my to do list for this year!
Picked up some Barry's Fine Irish Tea last week and it is a strong brew - that is for sure! Very satisfying and I am enjoying the first cup of the day as i type this.
I have to admit I have had little peace since my father died. I had spent so many decades praying that his heart would be softened just enough to at least listen to the truth of the Gospel. That was actually one of my reasons for get my education at nights in Apologetics, to be able to show him truth and be able to counter long dead German philosopher's opinions. It crushes my spirit to think he willing and knowing preferred the thought of no eternity, versus a reality of a God and Creator. Sigh, a brilliant man and yet dumber than a stump when it came to seeing outside of himself.....
But, writing about my father has been helpful to me, I guess in starting the process of letting go and accepting the reality that some will not listen, nor see, nor seek, nor even notice that maybe there had been a tremendous change from whom I was - to whom I became, when I came to being a Christian. To the end, I was still the troubled teenager to him.
I have also been rather amazed that people have been reading it! Seems Indians, Russians, Ukranians, Poles and yes even Germans have an interest in the tale. Who would have thought! One of the readers even commented, via email, that perhaps it ought to be the basis of a book. Yeah, but then the amount of work that would take would be horrific! And really, there are not enough explosions or car chases in his life story to make a money grossing films these days. Reality is oft times quieter and far more deadly than fiction.....
Well, time to go and think up what will be the next installment in my father's story.
Picked up some Barry's Fine Irish Tea last week and it is a strong brew - that is for sure! Very satisfying and I am enjoying the first cup of the day as i type this.
I have to admit I have had little peace since my father died. I had spent so many decades praying that his heart would be softened just enough to at least listen to the truth of the Gospel. That was actually one of my reasons for get my education at nights in Apologetics, to be able to show him truth and be able to counter long dead German philosopher's opinions. It crushes my spirit to think he willing and knowing preferred the thought of no eternity, versus a reality of a God and Creator. Sigh, a brilliant man and yet dumber than a stump when it came to seeing outside of himself.....
But, writing about my father has been helpful to me, I guess in starting the process of letting go and accepting the reality that some will not listen, nor see, nor seek, nor even notice that maybe there had been a tremendous change from whom I was - to whom I became, when I came to being a Christian. To the end, I was still the troubled teenager to him.
I have also been rather amazed that people have been reading it! Seems Indians, Russians, Ukranians, Poles and yes even Germans have an interest in the tale. Who would have thought! One of the readers even commented, via email, that perhaps it ought to be the basis of a book. Yeah, but then the amount of work that would take would be horrific! And really, there are not enough explosions or car chases in his life story to make a money grossing films these days. Reality is oft times quieter and far more deadly than fiction.....
Well, time to go and think up what will be the next installment in my father's story.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Puyallup Fair
Went to the Puyallup Fair with Dutchman and his wife yesterday. Sort of was a shocker when he called first thing in the morning and said they were in town and we ought to do the fair.
I am so stiff and sore today! I imagine that he is worse though as his back is giving him lots of problems and the doctors really do not know why yet. Lots of little breaks.
Fred Oldfield (a western artist) had his museum open and I had a great time checking out all of his paintings and memorabilia he as collected across his many years. Cool guy.
Also photographed quilts I saw and like to send to Gaelic Girl, once I photoshop them down in size! For some reason my camera really likes to create huge photo files! I have yet to figure out how to get them down in size and since the camera is wearing out I probably will not worry about. ;^)
The art area was really good to. I was really surprised to see that Middle Daughter's mother-in-law had a painting there and it was quite good! Since it was for sale, I probably would have bought it, were it not already sold! (it was only $40)
I also spent a great deal of time looking at the jams - yeah, mine would not have even placed. sigh. For some reason mine keep separating on the bottom. But, tomorrow oldest daughter is coming over and we are going to try again.
For my western Washington state readers, you ought to go check out the animals. Some breeds I have never even heard of before! And the mini-donkeys just loved me.
Well need to find some tea and wake up.
I am so stiff and sore today! I imagine that he is worse though as his back is giving him lots of problems and the doctors really do not know why yet. Lots of little breaks.
Fred Oldfield (a western artist) had his museum open and I had a great time checking out all of his paintings and memorabilia he as collected across his many years. Cool guy.
Also photographed quilts I saw and like to send to Gaelic Girl, once I photoshop them down in size! For some reason my camera really likes to create huge photo files! I have yet to figure out how to get them down in size and since the camera is wearing out I probably will not worry about. ;^)
The art area was really good to. I was really surprised to see that Middle Daughter's mother-in-law had a painting there and it was quite good! Since it was for sale, I probably would have bought it, were it not already sold! (it was only $40)
I also spent a great deal of time looking at the jams - yeah, mine would not have even placed. sigh. For some reason mine keep separating on the bottom. But, tomorrow oldest daughter is coming over and we are going to try again.
For my western Washington state readers, you ought to go check out the animals. Some breeds I have never even heard of before! And the mini-donkeys just loved me.
Well need to find some tea and wake up.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Photos From Victoria, BC
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| BC Museum's "widow maker" mine drill. |
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| Rest Area in Buchardt Gardens. |
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| Craigdarroch "Castle", one of Victoria's impressive 19th Century homes open to the public. |
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| Backside of the Empress-Fairmont Hotel. |
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| Victoria's inner harbor and the Clarion. |
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| Ivy orcas swim in front of the Empress-Fairmont Hotel. Their flower gardens are nice too! |
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| This totem, in Totem Park, I watched being carved back in 1983! Empress in the background. |
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| Small totem in Totem Park, BC Museum in the background. |
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thick Irish Skulls
So, Gaelic Girl aka the Munich Grease Spot, is up and about this evening. Outside of being mostly purple and green - she looks normal, but no real memory of the accident. One can certainly thank the good Lord for making her skull so thick! Looks like she will make tonight without any meds.
For me, I am exhausted and thinking about finally calling it a night (er, morning!). Certainly been one trip for the record books.....
For me, I am exhausted and thinking about finally calling it a night (er, morning!). Certainly been one trip for the record books.....
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Grim Reaper
Between the time change of being back in Munchen and hardly any sleep - this guy is on his lips today! But, I should share that it is not exactly all my fault!
Gaelic Girl was not paying attention and managed to get in a fairly bad accident. Can't say exactly what happened (as I wasn't there) and she really does not remember. All I can piece together is that she was ejected out and onto the street, just in time for a bus to almost turn her into a grease spot! Yeah.
She is made of sturdy stock so in not too bad of condition considering. However, if anyone is looking for someone to photo to be a postal child for spousal abuse, holy cow!, she has the perfect purple, green and yellow covered body for it!
Luckily, she has a very good insurance plan. So I sat up with her last night as she drifted between pain and drugged rest. Sigh, usually this is the other way around! But, I managed to think on our finality and also read an Agatha Christie or two.
John 8:21-30
Being prepared to meet "the Grim Reaper" is not a matter of what you know, but whom you know!
1. Face the truth of your finality!
I am sure that ten seconds before GG's accident the last thing to go through her mind was that she was about to position herself well at dying! I know I really do not think in terms of "hmmm, this just might kill me!"
And, yet, we all have an upcoming appointment with death. Solomon, said it so well, ".....a time to be born, a die to die....." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
2. Quit playing with universalism!
So many in this world, heavens! in our churches, believe that there is some form of a balance sheet which will be tallied to decide our place in Heaven. Sorry, but there is no tally, just a Book of Life. If you have accepted Jesus' payment on the cross for your sins - your name is there. If you thought it was a juggling act of being good and hopefully that will offset your sin - sorry, your name will not be in that Book of Life and Heaven will not be your home. Your choice. Jesus' way or the low road.....
3. Abandon your "do it yourself savior" kit!
It is never a question of comparing your works/deeds/whatever to other people to justify why you should be in Heaven. If you wanted to do that comparison then you would have to compare your righteousness, not with someone else's, but with God's. Our sins are an affront to His righteousness - so any comparison is going to go real badly for mankind in that instance.....
4. Look to the Lord!
You can not find the guarantee of Heaven outside of Jesus. If you think you have, I am sorry you think so, Scripture just will not be on your side. Jesus' forgiveness is free, easy and available right now, where you are. There are no magically prayers or rites or words, just you talking to God and agreeing with Him that you are a mess and really need His help, forgiveness and someone to help onto the road to a new life. And if you are sincere, He will answer. Well there is a slight cost - your pride. Because you will be admitting that you do not have the answers, you do need help, and that there is indeed someone greater than you.....
So, I am calmed sitting here, knowing that GG could be called home through a turn to the worse, or will recover to continue to serve Jesus' cause, in whatever capacity is required. Of course, I will mourn the loss of my best friend should she not recover.....
Gaelic Girl was not paying attention and managed to get in a fairly bad accident. Can't say exactly what happened (as I wasn't there) and she really does not remember. All I can piece together is that she was ejected out and onto the street, just in time for a bus to almost turn her into a grease spot! Yeah.
She is made of sturdy stock so in not too bad of condition considering. However, if anyone is looking for someone to photo to be a postal child for spousal abuse, holy cow!, she has the perfect purple, green and yellow covered body for it!
Luckily, she has a very good insurance plan. So I sat up with her last night as she drifted between pain and drugged rest. Sigh, usually this is the other way around! But, I managed to think on our finality and also read an Agatha Christie or two.
John 8:21-30
Being prepared to meet "the Grim Reaper" is not a matter of what you know, but whom you know!
1. Face the truth of your finality!
I am sure that ten seconds before GG's accident the last thing to go through her mind was that she was about to position herself well at dying! I know I really do not think in terms of "hmmm, this just might kill me!"
And, yet, we all have an upcoming appointment with death. Solomon, said it so well, ".....a time to be born, a die to die....." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
2. Quit playing with universalism!
So many in this world, heavens! in our churches, believe that there is some form of a balance sheet which will be tallied to decide our place in Heaven. Sorry, but there is no tally, just a Book of Life. If you have accepted Jesus' payment on the cross for your sins - your name is there. If you thought it was a juggling act of being good and hopefully that will offset your sin - sorry, your name will not be in that Book of Life and Heaven will not be your home. Your choice. Jesus' way or the low road.....
3. Abandon your "do it yourself savior" kit!
It is never a question of comparing your works/deeds/whatever to other people to justify why you should be in Heaven. If you wanted to do that comparison then you would have to compare your righteousness, not with someone else's, but with God's. Our sins are an affront to His righteousness - so any comparison is going to go real badly for mankind in that instance.....
4. Look to the Lord!
You can not find the guarantee of Heaven outside of Jesus. If you think you have, I am sorry you think so, Scripture just will not be on your side. Jesus' forgiveness is free, easy and available right now, where you are. There are no magically prayers or rites or words, just you talking to God and agreeing with Him that you are a mess and really need His help, forgiveness and someone to help onto the road to a new life. And if you are sincere, He will answer. Well there is a slight cost - your pride. Because you will be admitting that you do not have the answers, you do need help, and that there is indeed someone greater than you.....
So, I am calmed sitting here, knowing that GG could be called home through a turn to the worse, or will recover to continue to serve Jesus' cause, in whatever capacity is required. Of course, I will mourn the loss of my best friend should she not recover.....
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Hoch Die Tassen!
That's right it is time for all good Germans to go on a 17 day drunk!
Well, actually, I do not like beer very much, I sort of have to choke it down. Pilsner Urquell, Murphy's Stout and Bohemia being the only exceptions. If I drink a beer a decade that is about it for me.....
And, no, I am not the clown in the picture. And, yes, Deidre will never forgive this photo.
:^)
Bottoms Up!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Last Thoughts on Victoria
Things to do: Buchardt Gardens, BC Natural History Museum (particularly the third floor and fossils on the second floor), sightseeing the waterfront, shopping Wharf and Government Streets, Antiquing up Fort Street, Craigdarroch Castle, Greater Victoria Art Gallery. If you are not on crutches, there are some wonderful old communities to tour.
Hotels are well, pricey! I have stayed through the years in the Empress, Quality Inn (ex Courtyard Inn), James Bay Inn, the old Fairview (now gone) and Craigmyle Bed and Breakfast. Favorite would have to be Craigmyle, but for closeness to the harbor Quality Inn is good and cheaper than the Empress by 50%.
My suggestion concerning hotels - join up with choicehotels.com, it is free and can save you significant coin on accommodations!
Getting to Victoria is varied too. You can take the Victoria Clipper (catamaran ferry) and be there in 3 hours, Kenmore Air ( seaplanes) and do the trip in 45 minutes, or drive and take a car ferry either out of Port Angeles, Washington or Tsawwassen, BC, Canada. The Black Ball Ferry, out of Port Angeles, drops you right downtown Victoria. The BC Ferry runs out of Sydney on Vancouver Island and a bit of a drive out of town. Both work well. For this trip, i took the Clipper due to the crutches, but I do prefer to fly in the little DeHavilland Beaver!
Next week I ought to have my pictures ready for putting up, so who knows what you will be subjected to!?!?!?!?!?
Hotels are well, pricey! I have stayed through the years in the Empress, Quality Inn (ex Courtyard Inn), James Bay Inn, the old Fairview (now gone) and Craigmyle Bed and Breakfast. Favorite would have to be Craigmyle, but for closeness to the harbor Quality Inn is good and cheaper than the Empress by 50%.
My suggestion concerning hotels - join up with choicehotels.com, it is free and can save you significant coin on accommodations!
Getting to Victoria is varied too. You can take the Victoria Clipper (catamaran ferry) and be there in 3 hours, Kenmore Air ( seaplanes) and do the trip in 45 minutes, or drive and take a car ferry either out of Port Angeles, Washington or Tsawwassen, BC, Canada. The Black Ball Ferry, out of Port Angeles, drops you right downtown Victoria. The BC Ferry runs out of Sydney on Vancouver Island and a bit of a drive out of town. Both work well. For this trip, i took the Clipper due to the crutches, but I do prefer to fly in the little DeHavilland Beaver!
Next week I ought to have my pictures ready for putting up, so who knows what you will be subjected to!?!?!?!?!?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Happy, Angry, Sad.....
Stumbling around on my my computer today and found pictures of my first three girlfriends on the internet! Wasn't exactly looking for them but it was one of those "guess whom has been searching for you on the internet" things. Just for laughs I clicked the button.
So, I am HAPPY to have found pictures of them, as I did not have a camera that film was available for here in America (closest thing was a 136 and no longer made when I came over), so no photos or really bad ones from friends. ANGRY because this stirred up a great many memories for me. And SAD because, well, I hate losing friends and each was very special in my life.
And throwing caution to the wind, as I do try and respect people's privacy:
HAPPY - This is Helen. She was my first girlfriend and the only one through all of high school whom pretty much would even talk to me. I thought life would have kept us together. I guess I was wrong, we were both young and idealistic and probably stupid as well. Lesson: long distance relationships do not work - was driven home terribly hard. It did not help that her older sister became my father's seventh wife - though I never saw her again as it was.
Seeing this picture really has cut into my heart. I guess unresolved wounds really do not go away. I trusted her unconditionally and never had the chance to really get to what did happen to have sucked her into the arms of another. I am sure it was for the best, the whole father marrying her sister thing really would have made for a real mess a decade later!
Thirty years later my father went way out of his way to try and get me to call her and see if she would have me back. I can't think of why he did this, unless it was some form of dementia setting in. It is possible she never wants to see or hear from me again! But, I still covet her friendship, if that ever should happen again (pssst! I am on facebook!).
ANGRY - Second up and several years later was Deborah. You know her as the Swedish Model in this blog. This probably is the WORST photo I have ever seen of her! She really did not look much like this at all and I think this must have been taken from her driver's license! And yes, she really is Swedish and was a model, as was her mother on both counts!
We met at her church, I had popped in for Sunday services and something "happened". I think if she had looked like this, nothing would have ever "happened"! LOL! I was very happy with my bachelor status, was not looking for anyone in my life. Somehow, with neither of us even trying we captivated each other. But, her parents hated me - I was German and had no understanding of their customs or Christian ways. I was just barely even a Christian myself! And having now been a father of three daughters, I guess I can better understand their reaction to me - especially if she was anything like my daughters at home!
Well, enough said about her, her story is documented elsewhere in this blog. Lesson: females are fickle and never to be trusted with your heart.....
SAD - Which brings us to Patricia. Poor Patricia, she had the worse of it from me. My heart was destroyed by the two women I had trusted and there was nothing left. Our parents were actually behind this mess up - they decided that we would be great together. From father's stand point I was Hapsburg/Kyburg and titled, she was House of Burgundy - so, close enough for government work! Unfortunately, I doubt Patricia really liked men, she trusted me and thought me an oddity, but no there was no love in her for me. And as I said, my heart was dead.
We did not exactly part company on very amiable terms, for which I am eternally sorry. I really did want to be her friend but she had these ignoble ideals about men and I just got tired of fighting with her. It was so bad that believe it or not I never talked to another blonde woman again! Yeah, it was in God's humor he gave me two blonde daughters to adopt and then a "pseudo-blonde" internet friend whom was to be very pivotal in changing my life.
As for Patricia, we are again friends albeit on FaceBook anyway. I guess she has gotten beyond the problem and I look forward to seeing her again one day - without all of the "pressure". Was there a lesson to be learned from my relationship with Pat? Yeah, do not let parents interfere with your love life! Sheesh!
As I think about on all of these young women, they all had the same traits in common: strong willed, self assured, very intelligent. They had their difference too: Helen was musically gifted, Deborah was an artist and Patricia super organized (think of administrator type!). And they all had the same problem: incredibly low self esteem. Honest I do not know why any of them should have - they all had way too much going for them!
Well, I am past the memories now and can get on with my day.....
:^)
So, I am HAPPY to have found pictures of them, as I did not have a camera that film was available for here in America (closest thing was a 136 and no longer made when I came over), so no photos or really bad ones from friends. ANGRY because this stirred up a great many memories for me. And SAD because, well, I hate losing friends and each was very special in my life.
And throwing caution to the wind, as I do try and respect people's privacy:
Seeing this picture really has cut into my heart. I guess unresolved wounds really do not go away. I trusted her unconditionally and never had the chance to really get to what did happen to have sucked her into the arms of another. I am sure it was for the best, the whole father marrying her sister thing really would have made for a real mess a decade later!
Thirty years later my father went way out of his way to try and get me to call her and see if she would have me back. I can't think of why he did this, unless it was some form of dementia setting in. It is possible she never wants to see or hear from me again! But, I still covet her friendship, if that ever should happen again (pssst! I am on facebook!).
We met at her church, I had popped in for Sunday services and something "happened". I think if she had looked like this, nothing would have ever "happened"! LOL! I was very happy with my bachelor status, was not looking for anyone in my life. Somehow, with neither of us even trying we captivated each other. But, her parents hated me - I was German and had no understanding of their customs or Christian ways. I was just barely even a Christian myself! And having now been a father of three daughters, I guess I can better understand their reaction to me - especially if she was anything like my daughters at home!
Well, enough said about her, her story is documented elsewhere in this blog. Lesson: females are fickle and never to be trusted with your heart.....
We did not exactly part company on very amiable terms, for which I am eternally sorry. I really did want to be her friend but she had these ignoble ideals about men and I just got tired of fighting with her. It was so bad that believe it or not I never talked to another blonde woman again! Yeah, it was in God's humor he gave me two blonde daughters to adopt and then a "pseudo-blonde" internet friend whom was to be very pivotal in changing my life.
As for Patricia, we are again friends albeit on FaceBook anyway. I guess she has gotten beyond the problem and I look forward to seeing her again one day - without all of the "pressure". Was there a lesson to be learned from my relationship with Pat? Yeah, do not let parents interfere with your love life! Sheesh!
As I think about on all of these young women, they all had the same traits in common: strong willed, self assured, very intelligent. They had their difference too: Helen was musically gifted, Deborah was an artist and Patricia super organized (think of administrator type!). And they all had the same problem: incredibly low self esteem. Honest I do not know why any of them should have - they all had way too much going for them!
Well, I am past the memories now and can get on with my day.....
:^)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Dining In Victoria
My last trip to Victoria was back in the early 1980's - so one should anticipate change, but I had hoped for oh so much more! In a word, the dining was horrible!
The hotel had an attached cafe, so I did all of my breakfasts there. The food was good, similar to home, but one would hope for selections that you do not make at home. At least that is always my philosophy with restaurants - if you can make it yourself: stay home. But, like most hotel spots - the food was edible and not a bad price.
Lunches were a little harder. The area restaurants were ghastly! Greasy, undercooked, over priced. It took all I could do not to the blame the service staff and still tip them! Lunches ran about $25. Best I had was a Dim Sum in Victoria's tiny Chinatown. There at least most of the selections were good but the bad was sooooo bad it really killed off the good!
My favorite dinner spot used to Milos, where the food has fallen to only resembling Greek food and short changing the customer is apparently the standard practice. Probably too afraid of not getting tipped I imagine.
So how about tandoori? In most Commonwealth countries there are great India places to dine. And yes I tried one but again the food really lacked in almost all regards. Sigh.
And, although too much to hope for, there is the Rathskeller for German food. In my note book I had noted this served Holstein style of cooking and pretty good. Well, those days seem to have been long gone. The menu read much the same, however the food was the absolute WORSE of the entire trip of eating failures. Sigh.
So where did I end up, since obviously I did not starve? The Old Spaghetti Factory served up not only the best meals but also the cheapest! There was just one drawback - you may well not get what you order. So, it appears to be copying Italy for originality of service! My seafood fettuccine morphed into spaghetti with Mizithra cheese (bleech!). I did insist on my original order and after some teenage attitude coming my way did get exactly what I had coming to me. Never piss off a teenage waiter.... The hostess was most apologetic and I never did see said waiter there again during my stay.
So, when in Victoria: Museum Cafe, Lee's Dim Sum and The Old Spaghetti Factory were all ok food sources... Just be sure to bring a bag of beef jerky with you so you will not starve if you try elsewhere.
The hotel had an attached cafe, so I did all of my breakfasts there. The food was good, similar to home, but one would hope for selections that you do not make at home. At least that is always my philosophy with restaurants - if you can make it yourself: stay home. But, like most hotel spots - the food was edible and not a bad price.
Lunches were a little harder. The area restaurants were ghastly! Greasy, undercooked, over priced. It took all I could do not to the blame the service staff and still tip them! Lunches ran about $25. Best I had was a Dim Sum in Victoria's tiny Chinatown. There at least most of the selections were good but the bad was sooooo bad it really killed off the good!
My favorite dinner spot used to Milos, where the food has fallen to only resembling Greek food and short changing the customer is apparently the standard practice. Probably too afraid of not getting tipped I imagine.
So how about tandoori? In most Commonwealth countries there are great India places to dine. And yes I tried one but again the food really lacked in almost all regards. Sigh.
And, although too much to hope for, there is the Rathskeller for German food. In my note book I had noted this served Holstein style of cooking and pretty good. Well, those days seem to have been long gone. The menu read much the same, however the food was the absolute WORSE of the entire trip of eating failures. Sigh.
So where did I end up, since obviously I did not starve? The Old Spaghetti Factory served up not only the best meals but also the cheapest! There was just one drawback - you may well not get what you order. So, it appears to be copying Italy for originality of service! My seafood fettuccine morphed into spaghetti with Mizithra cheese (bleech!). I did insist on my original order and after some teenage attitude coming my way did get exactly what I had coming to me. Never piss off a teenage waiter.... The hostess was most apologetic and I never did see said waiter there again during my stay.
So, when in Victoria: Museum Cafe, Lee's Dim Sum and The Old Spaghetti Factory were all ok food sources... Just be sure to bring a bag of beef jerky with you so you will not starve if you try elsewhere.
Buchardt Gardens
So, your right foot is blown out, you can barely stand, what ya gonna do!? Go for a visit to a garden with miles of trails, thousands of stairs and people prone to kicking your crutches! Oh yeah, bad idea.
But, the gardens were lovely as usual. Lots of humming birds visited with me at my frequent stops where I was occupied icing down my foot. Lots of strange looks - but then again, women opened doors for me! Without the injury I know for a fact none of them would have even cast me a second look. I actually tested that hypothesis once just to see and sure enough - man on crutch gets talked to, doors opened for him, etc. Guess without a motherly instinct, Kris is indeed invisible ... LOL!
Now why bring up this boring post? Because I have a travel tip for you! I looked at booking this jaunt to the gardens through the online travel agent, had another opportunity to do so through the Victoria Clipper, again through my hotel and even checked with the visitor's bureau on the waterfront - they were all basically the same: $30 for the bus fare, $34-37 for the admission ticket.
Actually cost! (drum roll please!)
Riding the BC Transit bus number 75 - $5 round trip
Admission to the gardens: $29 full adult fare
Ok, so I or you can easily save $30 just by catching a public bus and not have someone else handle your tickets for you!
Also there is a high tea at the gardens, $28 - however, everyone was pre-booking at $29.50-34 per person. But, it was not worth the price. Crowded seating, a few dainties, some sweets and tons of noise. The Empress was more pricey but a better deal concerning room and noise levels. Foodwise, slightly better.
But, the gardens were lovely as usual. Lots of humming birds visited with me at my frequent stops where I was occupied icing down my foot. Lots of strange looks - but then again, women opened doors for me! Without the injury I know for a fact none of them would have even cast me a second look. I actually tested that hypothesis once just to see and sure enough - man on crutch gets talked to, doors opened for him, etc. Guess without a motherly instinct, Kris is indeed invisible ... LOL!
Now why bring up this boring post? Because I have a travel tip for you! I looked at booking this jaunt to the gardens through the online travel agent, had another opportunity to do so through the Victoria Clipper, again through my hotel and even checked with the visitor's bureau on the waterfront - they were all basically the same: $30 for the bus fare, $34-37 for the admission ticket.
Actually cost! (drum roll please!)
Riding the BC Transit bus number 75 - $5 round trip
Admission to the gardens: $29 full adult fare
Ok, so I or you can easily save $30 just by catching a public bus and not have someone else handle your tickets for you!
Also there is a high tea at the gardens, $28 - however, everyone was pre-booking at $29.50-34 per person. But, it was not worth the price. Crowded seating, a few dainties, some sweets and tons of noise. The Empress was more pricey but a better deal concerning room and noise levels. Foodwise, slightly better.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Not As Remembered.....
Well, they do say you can never go back - and certainly this highly modified (from planned) trip was proof of this adage!
I got in late so stopped off at the pub located within the hotel. Thirty years ago it was a pretty nice place as I remembered, today it is the hangout of hookers taking a break and stupid drunk tourists. Needless to say, I did not return during the course of my stay - even though it was the most convenient place to be given the crutches.
The drunk tourists were by far all American, the kind whom should never be allowed back in the country (any country!). Massively misbehaved, wholly unacceptable behavior and clothing that definitely should never have been offered for sale! Just image the rudest of tee shirts you could find in a scummy shop and you would not even reach the depravity of these! Yeah it was not pretty.
The "hookers" were another story - pretty much all very young teenage girls, obviously fake ids to even be there and drinking. The bar keep should have been ashamed of himself! I have not seen such sheer clothing since the 1970's (and I had so hoped those fashions were LONG gone forever!) But, even those without see through clothing were not in good taste either. Most mild tee shirt seen was "This shirt would look good on your bedroom floor!". Yeah, right. The effect of this kind of behavior is not only horrible for the girls but its toll on the young men - whom might otherwise be behaving themselves is despicable as well!
Oh how my heart broke for those youth in Victoria. Drug abuse was wide amongst the kids on the streets. And this of course comes with a boat load of problems for those kids and the culture.
It honestly broke my heart.....
I got in late so stopped off at the pub located within the hotel. Thirty years ago it was a pretty nice place as I remembered, today it is the hangout of hookers taking a break and stupid drunk tourists. Needless to say, I did not return during the course of my stay - even though it was the most convenient place to be given the crutches.
The drunk tourists were by far all American, the kind whom should never be allowed back in the country (any country!). Massively misbehaved, wholly unacceptable behavior and clothing that definitely should never have been offered for sale! Just image the rudest of tee shirts you could find in a scummy shop and you would not even reach the depravity of these! Yeah it was not pretty.
The "hookers" were another story - pretty much all very young teenage girls, obviously fake ids to even be there and drinking. The bar keep should have been ashamed of himself! I have not seen such sheer clothing since the 1970's (and I had so hoped those fashions were LONG gone forever!) But, even those without see through clothing were not in good taste either. Most mild tee shirt seen was "This shirt would look good on your bedroom floor!". Yeah, right. The effect of this kind of behavior is not only horrible for the girls but its toll on the young men - whom might otherwise be behaving themselves is despicable as well!
Oh how my heart broke for those youth in Victoria. Drug abuse was wide amongst the kids on the streets. And this of course comes with a boat load of problems for those kids and the culture.
It honestly broke my heart.....
Monday, September 5, 2011
Catholic Versus Presbyterian Ideology
I stumbled across this knee slapper some time ago and have been meaning to post this but life has too hectic for me to do so. At last I have some peace and can now share this!
Now, which church would you want to go to in this town based on billboards?
As for me, my rock collection can go to heaven with me? I feel the need for a rosary already! Humor aside, I find it refreshing that these two churches can heckle each other without loss of life.....
:^)
Now, which church would you want to go to in this town based on billboards?
As for me, my rock collection can go to heaven with me? I feel the need for a rosary already! Humor aside, I find it refreshing that these two churches can heckle each other without loss of life.....
:^)
Stats
Every weekend I check the stats on my little blog. Always interesting to find out what people are searching for or reading. I learned about this from my cousin whom is a bit bolder than I am - always clicking on everything - and often killing his computer - which I get to fix!
Anyways, it has amazed me that since 9/2010, every single week, the same post has generated them most reads and downloads! Utterly amazing to me! Because it is not much of a post, just four real life stories that I guess are hitting home with people. So, I guess that is cool, or I am about to be sued?
I also am amazed at the readership - and how I wish a few of you would leave a note and say something about yourselves! Russia, Vietnam, India, China are all regular foreign visitors. Single readership from most of the European countries, and whom in Switzerland is reading up on me? I know it is not my family, none of them own a computer!
And then there are the Americans, outside of Robin no one s says anything! Frustrating, and I love that you do comment on occasion Robin!
So drop a comment and then I can visit any site you have as well!
Anyways, it has amazed me that since 9/2010, every single week, the same post has generated them most reads and downloads! Utterly amazing to me! Because it is not much of a post, just four real life stories that I guess are hitting home with people. So, I guess that is cool, or I am about to be sued?
I also am amazed at the readership - and how I wish a few of you would leave a note and say something about yourselves! Russia, Vietnam, India, China are all regular foreign visitors. Single readership from most of the European countries, and whom in Switzerland is reading up on me? I know it is not my family, none of them own a computer!
And then there are the Americans, outside of Robin no one s says anything! Frustrating, and I love that you do comment on occasion Robin!
So drop a comment and then I can visit any site you have as well!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Musical Saturday Morning
I am posting this a little late as I was in transit to Canada, when I would have usually posted. Sooooooo:
This month's selection is OMD. Probably best known for their, If You Leave, you might recognize this song from that horrible movie - Pretty in Pink, bleeeeech! And yes I know a ton of people whom loved that movie and even more whom loved that song. But, honestly, that was not their best song by far!
So, what is OMD's best to my mind? Well, you will shortly find out but first let me qualify this with the keyboard is wholly inappropriate to the song - downright irratating!, the drummer wants to be the poster child for rotator cuff damage and the music has nothing to do with words about a love gone bad, now sad - too bad put your big boy panties on dude! I have no clue what is wrong with this band - this is true of almost all of their library. The lead singer I have seen a few times through the years, always a different look - makes wonder if he is still trying to either fit in or define himself. Always best to just be yourself!
But, I like this song the best and really want to drive the Dihatsu they used for the filming......
This month's selection is OMD. Probably best known for their, If You Leave, you might recognize this song from that horrible movie - Pretty in Pink, bleeeeech! And yes I know a ton of people whom loved that movie and even more whom loved that song. But, honestly, that was not their best song by far!
So, what is OMD's best to my mind? Well, you will shortly find out but first let me qualify this with the keyboard is wholly inappropriate to the song - downright irratating!, the drummer wants to be the poster child for rotator cuff damage and the music has nothing to do with words about a love gone bad, now sad - too bad put your big boy panties on dude! I have no clue what is wrong with this band - this is true of almost all of their library. The lead singer I have seen a few times through the years, always a different look - makes wonder if he is still trying to either fit in or define himself. Always best to just be yourself!
But, I like this song the best and really want to drive the Dihatsu they used for the filming......
Friday, September 2, 2011
Rewards of Taking A Walk
So, plans have sort of changed for me. I had planned a cycling adventure on Vancouver Island in Canada, but that sort of got messed up. I was trying out some new lighter pedals on my bike and managed to roll my right ankle right off the pedal and into the realm of pain. Lots of hot soaks and ice packs for the poor dog, as Dutchman calls it.
Wanting to see how I could do with walking short distances - after all I need to do something now that I will be in Canada and cycleless! I walked down to the corner, about 100 yards turned around and suddenly my nose was assaulted by the earthy-rich smell of truffles! Yes, somewhere around me there were truffles to be found! And find them, I did indeed!
So now I have about 8 ounces of luscious white truffles awaiting tonight's dinner. Whatever shall I make?!?!? I am thinking Italian here.....
Oh, yeah side tracked myself I am so excited!
Back to the trip! So, I will not be posting for the next week and a half - unless I find some free wireless as I am touristing about. I will be easy to find - just look for the really big guy on crutches with ice packs hanging out his pockets.....
Of course, if I manage to find myself in need of more prayer than usual (and I really do hope you remember this klutz daily in your prayers!), I will have the kids posting something on here. Sigh, I really do hate being a klutz, it is a daily assault on my body.
Wanting to see how I could do with walking short distances - after all I need to do something now that I will be in Canada and cycleless! I walked down to the corner, about 100 yards turned around and suddenly my nose was assaulted by the earthy-rich smell of truffles! Yes, somewhere around me there were truffles to be found! And find them, I did indeed!
So now I have about 8 ounces of luscious white truffles awaiting tonight's dinner. Whatever shall I make?!?!? I am thinking Italian here.....
Oh, yeah side tracked myself I am so excited!
Back to the trip! So, I will not be posting for the next week and a half - unless I find some free wireless as I am touristing about. I will be easy to find - just look for the really big guy on crutches with ice packs hanging out his pockets.....
Of course, if I manage to find myself in need of more prayer than usual (and I really do hope you remember this klutz daily in your prayers!), I will have the kids posting something on here. Sigh, I really do hate being a klutz, it is a daily assault on my body.
Dreamland
Son and I crossed swords again last night, however I held my cool and just keep repeating what the problem is and asking how it was going to be solved without him addressing his many problems. Of course there is no resolution, sigh.
So it was a restless night in dreamland, partly because I half expect him to go off on me in one of his delusional rants and try to settle the score with a bat or knife while I sleep. Yeah, no way to live but what you are stuck with when you did not give tthe boot a year ago when he really needed it. Sigh.
But, it was interesting in that I was dreaming in French last night. Was I so stressed out that I was reliving the 1966 uprising in northern France? It was a horrible time and many of my friends were killed - hacked to death, when we got off of our school bus. All that saved this little German's hide was that my cooking instructor was the wife of a national hero from WWII and his word was THE law. Of course, that did nothing to help those already dead. And people wonder why I have problems with the French! Sigh.
Why can't I have a nice dream, on a warm Mexican beach with unending mojitos and some pleasant amigas. Apparently that would be too kind for my mind to do to me.
Sigh.
So it was a restless night in dreamland, partly because I half expect him to go off on me in one of his delusional rants and try to settle the score with a bat or knife while I sleep. Yeah, no way to live but what you are stuck with when you did not give tthe boot a year ago when he really needed it. Sigh.
But, it was interesting in that I was dreaming in French last night. Was I so stressed out that I was reliving the 1966 uprising in northern France? It was a horrible time and many of my friends were killed - hacked to death, when we got off of our school bus. All that saved this little German's hide was that my cooking instructor was the wife of a national hero from WWII and his word was THE law. Of course, that did nothing to help those already dead. And people wonder why I have problems with the French! Sigh.
Why can't I have a nice dream, on a warm Mexican beach with unending mojitos and some pleasant amigas. Apparently that would be too kind for my mind to do to me.
Sigh.
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