Pocketful of Memory Cards

Today is British Columbia's first official " Family Day " - a statutory holiday for those of us not employed by the Federal Government. Today I'm very grateful that B.C. has joined Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI and Saskatchewan in giving it's residents a welcome vacation day during the long stretch between New Year's Day and Easter. Christmas 1997 I'm grateful for my family and friends spread right across this beautiful country from Saltspring Island to The Bay of Fundy with a side trip to Nova Scotia. I'm also grateful I'll talk to my son and spend some time with my daughter and husband today and I'm very grateful for the technology that allows us to talk to and see family members near and far. I'm grateful my east coast relatives are weathering the big snow storm and weren't affected by the watermain break. I'm grateful for my Auntie Linda, one of my biggest supporters. I'm grateful for my Aunt Norma...

I needed to visit  Mosaic Books yesterday so while I was downtown I poked around Bernard Avenue.   I was pleasantly surprised to see how busy it was despite the "revitalization" underway  at the avenue's west end.   Mosaic was full of people as was  Funktional , owned by the creative and vivacious Chantal Coutour. Nicole and Marisa had a steady stream of stylish young women coming and going while I was visiting  Blonde . I only saw a few brave souls along the boardwalk however.  It was sunny but chilly! Earlier in the day we'd been to Cedar Creek Beach with the dogs and though the water looked frigid,  Max didn't seem to mind.  Without any hesitation, he wandered into the lake for a drink.

Our view this morning from the upper level of Cedar Creek Dog Park. A quick stop to enjoy the sunshine at Gyro Beach after picking up a few groceries.

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This first Monday in February I'm feeling grateful for the things that keep my sometimes deluded optimism alive.  I always hope for the best but often I secretly expect the worst. I'm extremely grateful for John and Ellie, owners of  Mr. Sandless who refinished our hardwood floors last week.  They're about 15 years old (the floors, not John and Ellie) and though they were pretty good in most spots, a swath of grey, bare wood led you up the stairs and into the kitchen.  We never did get around to putting a rug under the dining room table so the chairs had scraped things up pretty good despite the felt pads under the legs.  After all the stress I've been through with contractors on this reno it was such a joy to have things turn out better than expected. I'm grateful the usual suspects were able to make it to our annual January Wine and Dine this year and we added two more couples.  We enjoyed a delicious three course meal for $25 at Chop . I'...

This morning my routine was disrupted by a whining Ridgeback.  I pulled the sliding glass door back and forth several times but Max didn't seem to want to go out.  I'd fed him and there was lots of water in his dish.  I tried the "Lassie Routine" - asked him if Timmy was in the well and walked past him to see if he'd lead me to discover Pitou in need of help.  He watched me walk away, a piteous look on his face.  I think he was upset because his routine was disrupted this morning.  Max usually lies on the couch for a bit after breakfast, as does Pitou.  Our living room and dining room furniture is now in the kitchen as we're getting a light re-finish of the hardwood floor today. It seems the dogs are not happy with that arrangement. As soon as I put something a little more comfortable on the floor, Max took up his usual spot.   He still looks a bit worried though. Cats on the other hand, are more adaptable..... ...