Last night was the annual Martin Sexton concert at the West End Cultural Centre. Martin was brilliant, stunning, fantastic, haunting, inspiring... just spectacular. He is the only performer that can lose me in his music. The entire audience watched him in awe - all were completely captivated by his talent. Truly, an amazing performer, I can't wait until next year's concert.
Here is just a little taste of last night's show. (I'd suggest saving this file to your computer first before playing it.)
Here is just a little taste of last night's show. (I'd suggest saving this file to your computer first before playing it.)
It seems that fall has come much too early this year. This is likely because of our non-existant summer. I believe we had a total of two weeks of weather that was 20 degrees or above. Now the leaves are starting to fall, and the trees are taking on their cool weather colours. I won't be able to use my little herb garden that I've enjoyed all summer, and before you know it, that awful white stuff will once again lay cover to the ground. On the bright side, we will have our cozy new basement all ready to go for some good winter evening cuddles in front of the TV.
Bonjour, ou bon soir mes amis! Comment ça va aujourdhui? Nous avons très bien.
We just got back from Quebec City last night. What a wonderful trip. It was very relaxing, and a nice way to celebrate our first year of marriage together. We were somewhat disappointed to have to leave last night, mostly because we missed the arrival of the Queen Mary 2, the largest Atlantic cruise ship ever built, to the pier in Quebec City by just two hours. We thought we might see it from the air, but flew out in the opposite direction.
The trip started out with a flight to Toronto, and then from there a quick one hour flight into Quebec City. The language barrier became evident immediately. Although I am fairly good at reading and understanding French - so long as it is spoken slowly enough - in Quebec, it seems the faster you speak the better. We got into Quebec in the early evening. I can't even remember now if we walked into Old Quebec that night or not. We had a very nice view from our hotel room, looking down the street towards the St. Lawrence river with Old Quebec and the Chateau Frontenac in the distance.
After enjoying the breakfast buffet on Friday morning, we headed out to Old Quebec City, just a few blocks from our hotel. We toured the many cafés, bistros, stores, boutiques, historical buildings, statues and homes. Every street has something unique and interesting about it. I took many pictures, but it would take forever to put all of them on the web for you to see. The Chateau Frontenac is a mighty building, which I took many pictures of. I'm mostly intrigued by the roof, which is a lovely shade of green and looks beautiful lit up at night. I took this picture of a café, trying my best to imitate a great photographer - Diane Levit.
The evenings were always spent at a nice restaurant with Frank and Jeanne. We would usually finish our meal around 9:00 p.m., and make the trek back up to hotel, enjoying the lovely lights of the old city around us. My night shots didn't work out too well - I'll have to tweek my technique. In the evening, there are usually a lot of people out in th horse drawn carriages. These are always neat to see, but often leaves a bad smell in your nose when you happen upon fresh horse "waste" - be it solid or liquid.
The fall colours were not yet in their prime in Quebec, but we did find at least one tree that was showing it's fall colour.
On our second last day, Ryan and I boarded the M/V Louis Joliet for a guided tour on the St. Lawrence River. We felt like real tourists, but much enjoyed views of the city (our hotel is on the left, the building that looks like it is wearing a hat), and the Montmorency Falls.
On our last day, we ventured back into the old city one more time. We had a light lunch at a café and then headed back to the hotel until we left for the airport. There is probably more to say about the trip, but we will just have to wait until we can tell you about it in person.
We just got back from Quebec City last night. What a wonderful trip. It was very relaxing, and a nice way to celebrate our first year of marriage together. We were somewhat disappointed to have to leave last night, mostly because we missed the arrival of the Queen Mary 2, the largest Atlantic cruise ship ever built, to the pier in Quebec City by just two hours. We thought we might see it from the air, but flew out in the opposite direction.
The trip started out with a flight to Toronto, and then from there a quick one hour flight into Quebec City. The language barrier became evident immediately. Although I am fairly good at reading and understanding French - so long as it is spoken slowly enough - in Quebec, it seems the faster you speak the better. We got into Quebec in the early evening. I can't even remember now if we walked into Old Quebec that night or not. We had a very nice view from our hotel room, looking down the street towards the St. Lawrence river with Old Quebec and the Chateau Frontenac in the distance.
After enjoying the breakfast buffet on Friday morning, we headed out to Old Quebec City, just a few blocks from our hotel. We toured the many cafés, bistros, stores, boutiques, historical buildings, statues and homes. Every street has something unique and interesting about it. I took many pictures, but it would take forever to put all of them on the web for you to see. The Chateau Frontenac is a mighty building, which I took many pictures of. I'm mostly intrigued by the roof, which is a lovely shade of green and looks beautiful lit up at night. I took this picture of a café, trying my best to imitate a great photographer - Diane Levit.
The evenings were always spent at a nice restaurant with Frank and Jeanne. We would usually finish our meal around 9:00 p.m., and make the trek back up to hotel, enjoying the lovely lights of the old city around us. My night shots didn't work out too well - I'll have to tweek my technique. In the evening, there are usually a lot of people out in th horse drawn carriages. These are always neat to see, but often leaves a bad smell in your nose when you happen upon fresh horse "waste" - be it solid or liquid.
The fall colours were not yet in their prime in Quebec, but we did find at least one tree that was showing it's fall colour.
On our second last day, Ryan and I boarded the M/V Louis Joliet for a guided tour on the St. Lawrence River. We felt like real tourists, but much enjoyed views of the city (our hotel is on the left, the building that looks like it is wearing a hat), and the Montmorency Falls.
On our last day, we ventured back into the old city one more time. We had a light lunch at a café and then headed back to the hotel until we left for the airport. There is probably more to say about the trip, but we will just have to wait until we can tell you about it in person.
Yay! Tomorrow we are finally off on our trip to Québec City! I am really looking forward to the time off to relax. I realize that it hasn't been that long since our last trip to Fair Hills, but this will be much different. I am most excited to see Old Québec City again, take lots of pictures, spend time with Ryan, and sit in the hot tub!
I am not looking forward to all the walking that much. My siatic nerve has been reminding me of it's existance a little bit lately. Hopefully relaxation, and my new hikers will take care of it.
Can't wait to post some pics! Take care! Au revoir!
I am not looking forward to all the walking that much. My siatic nerve has been reminding me of it's existance a little bit lately. Hopefully relaxation, and my new hikers will take care of it.
Can't wait to post some pics! Take care! Au revoir!
Our first anniversary evening was quiet and relaxing. We ordered supper from the local Chinese joint, C.K. Café. After supper, Ryan turned on the tube to catch some Monday Night Football action while I took a nap. Later in the evening we went over to my parents place, who presented us with the traditional gift for the first wedding anniversary... paper! We showed them our new camera, and everyone wanted to have a picture taken. It was also proven that even after a year, people are still thinking up new ideas for using our heads on the notepads we gave out as favours at the wedding - this one is a classic from my dad.
Wow, time flies! Just a year ago today...
GUESS WHAT everybody! I FINALLY got my digital camera. Now I can take all kinds of pictures to link up here. I am sooooooo happy. We just picked it up on Saturday, so I haven't had too many opportunities to take any really interesting photos. I played with it at the Bomber game on Sunday, and tried out some of the features, like sepia mode - which I love! The game was finally a good one too, with really nice weather. After the game we saw a flick, and then headed to Boston Pizza for supper while Ryan watched some football.
Hopefully this will increase the interest of this site some. We leave on Thursday morning for Quebec City. I can't wait to put the camera to use there.
GUESS WHAT everybody! I FINALLY got my digital camera. Now I can take all kinds of pictures to link up here. I am sooooooo happy. We just picked it up on Saturday, so I haven't had too many opportunities to take any really interesting photos. I played with it at the Bomber game on Sunday, and tried out some of the features, like sepia mode - which I love! The game was finally a good one too, with really nice weather. After the game we saw a flick, and then headed to Boston Pizza for supper while Ryan watched some football.
Hopefully this will increase the interest of this site some. We leave on Thursday morning for Quebec City. I can't wait to put the camera to use there.
Going back to work after a long weekend can be a drag, however, I'd like to say that today I really appreciated being at work. It's not always that I enjoy the work itself, but I truly work in an unusually good atmosphere.
Robin, our receptionist, moved into Rosenort after marrying her high school sweetheart Johnni. They bought Ryan's grandma's house, and have been living here for about four years now. Robin is not only a co-worker, but she has become a fabulous friend. Without realizing it, we have been using each other for advice, consolement and confidentiality since she started working here. I tell her things that I would never talk to another soul about, due to the fact that when working in such close quarters with someone, moods and attitudes shine through brightly. We have had days when we've both nearly been in tears, and others where we've been in tears because we have laughed so hard.
Frank is our production manager. It's tough to describe Frank, but his hobbies include cars, buying cars, fixing and driving old cars, posters of old cars, music and spirituality. Well, Frank just got engaged, and he has been floating around here on a cloud for weeks.
Justin and Reg are our pressman, and although I don't chat with them a lot, the two of them have a joined sense of humour that baffles us all. For example, here is a joke that Reg came up with that was shared at coffee break (please keep in mind that we do printing for a company called Meridian Industries who manufactures grain bins):
Joe and Dianne have been dating for a long time, but Joe has not been able t decide if Dianne is the woman he should spend the rest of his life with. One day, while driving through the countryside, Joe reads a sign that makes him realize he must marry Dianne. The sign was on a grain bin, and it said "Meri-dian".
Joce is our finisher. She trims up all the printed work, folds things, collates things, packages things. She is a fine Holdeman women, who has never moved our of her parent's home - she's 63. She will often laugh at our lame humor, but will become quiet when spiritual topics arise.
And last but not least, is my boss. My father. My mentor. I cannot believe that it is so easy for us to work together every day. Somedays I think it has put a funny twist on our father/daughter relationship, but it makes us strong.
All these things combined make for a fairly pleasant work environment that I am very happy to have. It will be tough when the time comes to leave this place, knowing that another job like this would be hard to come by.
Robin, our receptionist, moved into Rosenort after marrying her high school sweetheart Johnni. They bought Ryan's grandma's house, and have been living here for about four years now. Robin is not only a co-worker, but she has become a fabulous friend. Without realizing it, we have been using each other for advice, consolement and confidentiality since she started working here. I tell her things that I would never talk to another soul about, due to the fact that when working in such close quarters with someone, moods and attitudes shine through brightly. We have had days when we've both nearly been in tears, and others where we've been in tears because we have laughed so hard.
Frank is our production manager. It's tough to describe Frank, but his hobbies include cars, buying cars, fixing and driving old cars, posters of old cars, music and spirituality. Well, Frank just got engaged, and he has been floating around here on a cloud for weeks.
Justin and Reg are our pressman, and although I don't chat with them a lot, the two of them have a joined sense of humour that baffles us all. For example, here is a joke that Reg came up with that was shared at coffee break (please keep in mind that we do printing for a company called Meridian Industries who manufactures grain bins):
Joe and Dianne have been dating for a long time, but Joe has not been able t decide if Dianne is the woman he should spend the rest of his life with. One day, while driving through the countryside, Joe reads a sign that makes him realize he must marry Dianne. The sign was on a grain bin, and it said "Meri-dian".
Joce is our finisher. She trims up all the printed work, folds things, collates things, packages things. She is a fine Holdeman women, who has never moved our of her parent's home - she's 63. She will often laugh at our lame humor, but will become quiet when spiritual topics arise.
And last but not least, is my boss. My father. My mentor. I cannot believe that it is so easy for us to work together every day. Somedays I think it has put a funny twist on our father/daughter relationship, but it makes us strong.
All these things combined make for a fairly pleasant work environment that I am very happy to have. It will be tough when the time comes to leave this place, knowing that another job like this would be hard to come by.
We had a great time in Fair Hills this weekend. We left home on Thursday after work, and drove out to Fargo. We spent the night at the Radisson. On Friday we shopped at the West Acres Mall until 1:00, and then made the trip out to Fair Hills, in the Detroit Lakes area. Friday was a beautiful day, and Ryan headed out to the golf course as soon as we arrived. I found a place on the deck of our cabin, and relaxed as others began to arrive.
Friday night was a highlight, as Jer & Bonnie, Myron & Tracey, Steve, Ryan and myself hung out on the deck until about 1:00 a.m. - each with his or her own selection of beverage, and a lot of seeds.
Saturday was gloomy, but once again Ryan found some golfing buddies, and they headed out onto the course shortly after breakfast. I spent most of the day with Bonnie and Gina, and running around with the kids on the gold cart. Saturday night at supper the rain started to come down. I haven't seen a down pour like that for a long time. It was kind of cozy, as we were all gathered in the dining hall at the time. The rest of the evening was spent in the Lodge, and Ryan and I participated in the volunteer play for the talent show. Emily told a joke, and Jeanne was forced into played the string game.
Sunday was overcast, but some of the brave ones still tried to get in a round of golf. Jeanne, Steve and I went to the flea market, but we were rained out pretty quickly. Ryan got soaked out on the golf course, so when he returned we put on our swimsuits and hopped into the hot tub in the rain. It was a good time.
Monday was of course another beautiful day, but we had to pack up and hit the road. We had a good drive home, and was lucky enough to catch Ryan's cousin Dave Murray at the border. I think he may have saved us a few duty-dollars.
It was truly a joy having so many loved ones around on the weekend, primarily the ones we don't see very often. We had a great time with Steve, Ang and Emily, as well as Myron, Tracey and beautiful Elijah. It was also a blast to hang out with Jer, Bonnie and Gina. We love them all!
Friday night was a highlight, as Jer & Bonnie, Myron & Tracey, Steve, Ryan and myself hung out on the deck until about 1:00 a.m. - each with his or her own selection of beverage, and a lot of seeds.
Saturday was gloomy, but once again Ryan found some golfing buddies, and they headed out onto the course shortly after breakfast. I spent most of the day with Bonnie and Gina, and running around with the kids on the gold cart. Saturday night at supper the rain started to come down. I haven't seen a down pour like that for a long time. It was kind of cozy, as we were all gathered in the dining hall at the time. The rest of the evening was spent in the Lodge, and Ryan and I participated in the volunteer play for the talent show. Emily told a joke, and Jeanne was forced into played the string game.
Sunday was overcast, but some of the brave ones still tried to get in a round of golf. Jeanne, Steve and I went to the flea market, but we were rained out pretty quickly. Ryan got soaked out on the golf course, so when he returned we put on our swimsuits and hopped into the hot tub in the rain. It was a good time.
Monday was of course another beautiful day, but we had to pack up and hit the road. We had a good drive home, and was lucky enough to catch Ryan's cousin Dave Murray at the border. I think he may have saved us a few duty-dollars.
It was truly a joy having so many loved ones around on the weekend, primarily the ones we don't see very often. We had a great time with Steve, Ang and Emily, as well as Myron, Tracey and beautiful Elijah. It was also a blast to hang out with Jer, Bonnie and Gina. We love them all!
So, Steve, Ang and Emily arrived yesterday evening. It was really nice to see them - and Steve shaved his head! Crazy! We met up at Branigan's for supper, and celebrated Steve's birthday.
I'm really beginning to want that new digital camera. I'd love to be linking pics up here, but until I have the camera, it just doesn't work. Ryan isn't as thrilled about the digital camera like I am. He especially doesn't see the necessity of posting pics onto the blog. He won't stop the purchase of the camera, but I'd like it if he were more on board with the decision. If anyone can convince him that digital is the way to go - you can call him at...
A friend of mine sent me this link the other day. I'm curious to know what others think of it. I like the idea, and I'm in the right mindset to make it work for myself. Take a look at it, and let me know what you think. I love the fact that it doesn't have ATKINS plastered all over it.
I'm really beginning to want that new digital camera. I'd love to be linking pics up here, but until I have the camera, it just doesn't work. Ryan isn't as thrilled about the digital camera like I am. He especially doesn't see the necessity of posting pics onto the blog. He won't stop the purchase of the camera, but I'd like it if he were more on board with the decision. If anyone can convince him that digital is the way to go - you can call him at...
A friend of mine sent me this link the other day. I'm curious to know what others think of it. I like the idea, and I'm in the right mindset to make it work for myself. Take a look at it, and let me know what you think. I love the fact that it doesn't have ATKINS plastered all over it.
