vacation beauty

Here I AM. At the capital city of British Columbia! I never knew this city would be so enchanting~ Our family is staying in Hotel Rialto in downtown Victoria with the harbour front only a block or so away. So we either walk down all the old-style streets or take the water taxis. The Parliment Building and the Fairmont Empress Hotel are two of my favorite buildings; so full of antique charm...iLove all the quaint coffee shops and wonderful shops that line the streets. Another joyous thing was the ride from Vancouver on the BC Ferries. That was the biggest ship I have been on. Tomorrow we plan to visit the famous Butchart Gardens which I AM sure I'll enjoy. One of my best things is getting up early to go shopping and watch the city awake. And everyone who works in the shops and stores is so friendly and loves to talk. The boy that writes this is pleased. If you have never experienced this epic Canadian city, put it on your bucket list and get hopping! You'll love it--

dahlia dive

A the entrance of the Garden Center of Wal-mart in Camrose, there stands an elderly man. He is known to many as "the Greeter." As I walked into the Garden Center with my mother today, the elderly man, (he didn't have a name tag on today so that is why I cannot use his true name) said hello to both of us.
We then went on to look at some fire bowls and chimeneas for patio fireplaces. Approximately seven mintues after our arrival, a small gust of wind blew through the open door. It knocked a top-heavy dahlia off the top shelf and nearly on top of the poor greeter's head! He had a small scare as you can imagine. Calmly; he picked up the dahlia (which had not been damaged in its swift dive) and set it gently back on the shelf, this time leaning against a stone water fountain. Next he proceeded to get a broom to sweep up the potting soil which had not stayed potted during the recent fall, then swept up some more junk on the floor which had been dropped by a former passer-by. I thought to myself, "How wonderful it is to have such a well-trained employee! If I were the manager, I would be pleased..."

the tricks of the ocean

     after driving since 5:30 am 'til 4:00 in the afternoon, the Pacific Ocean was a glorious sight. The Oregon sunlight beat down upon the lush country and the day was calm. The travellers anticipation level grew higher as they neared Lincoln City. When they arrived, the city captured and enraptured them with its charm. As they approached their beach front rental house, the smiles on their faces grew broader.
     seagulls squawked above; I changed out of blue jeans into something more suitable for swimming. Then laughed out loud as I took the 52 steps down to the beach with speed! (iGot faster on those stairs as the days progressed) The hot sand nestled itself around my feet and between my toes. Ahhh! The salty ocean water swished over my ankles and I was taken aback by the icy coldness of it. I had never experienced such cold water near the end of June.
     Then, taking a deep breath, I dashed into the crashing waves for 28 seconds. Gasping for breath I splashed back to shore, collapsed on the warm sand, and let the heat soak into my body. once invigorated; I rose to the challenge and waded into the Pacific once more. I summoned up my strength to leap over an incoming wave. As the wave passed I landed with a thud on a barnacle-encrusted boulder. I screamed in pain as the saltwater scourged my bleading hands and knees. I stumbled back, lay upon the comforting sand, and dropped my head in defeat. The ocean had won this game. It had too many tricks to play on me. But that does NOT keep me from fighting this monstrous beast and playingin its ever-changing currents and tides! (but iDo wear a wet suit, mind you)