Dawn's Blog

Night Sky

2011-09-12T18:43:00.004-07:00

Summer is coming to an end, however the sunsets are still just as beautiful.

Santa's coming?

2010-11-21T23:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, the snow got us into the spirit so we were KINDA early this year in putting up the tree and decorations. Over a month early - a bit eager. I call it being festive.

Sun setting

2010-11-20T20:00:00.001-08:00

First Snow Fall of the Season

2010-11-20T19:52:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning to some snow and was so excited.

You can see it off in the distance that the mountains got a dumping, which inspired us to drive up to the mountains. So up to Bert Flinn Park we go, which is just 5 minutes away from us.

Spanish Banks - Autumn

2010-10-31T21:24:00.001-07:00

Our Wedding

2010-08-14T20:53:00.002-07:00

What a wonderful day! Intimate ceremony (somewhat - haha) and reception, surrounded by close friends and family - we couldn't have asked for a better day. You can view more pictures here.

BBQ Friday (Eve of Wedding)

2010-08-13T19:47:00.001-07:00

A great way to spend the eve of a wedding. The girls went and got our nails done and last minute running around during the day, Garth went skydiving, Farid just flew in from another province because of work and Kevin got everything ready for the BBQ.

Out of Town Family Visiting - Evening

2010-08-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

With Kathy & Dave flying in early as well, we all got together for dinner at The Boathouse at Kits Beach.

Kevin and sis.

What a lovely couple!

View of the sun setting at Kits Beach from The Boathouse Restaurant.

Out of Town Family Visit - Day

2010-08-11T23:28:00.003-07:00

Mom's here a couple days early for the wedding, so we thought we'd take her out on the town to see the sites.

Pitt Lake

2010-07-16T23:18:00.008-07:00

We were headed to Golden Ears Provincial Park for a hike, however there was either a bear capture or an accident on the road leading into the park. We had already waited about an hour to get in and we decided to give up. On the way back, there was a sign to go to Pitt Lake. Love it when we accidently discover a new place to venture.

Flashmob - Waterfight in Stanley Park

2010-07-10T22:53:00.010-07:00

Those poor people who were expecting to have a nice stroll through Stanley Park, or having a nice quiet picnic with their family. They had to clear the area - pronto! And without warning.

Happy Birthday Dolly!

2010-06-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

TD Jazz Festival (Gastown)

2010-06-27T22:43:00.001-07:00

Enjoying bevvies @ Chill Winstons while listening to some live jazz.

Look who's turning 6!

2010-06-14T22:39:00.001-07:00

He was so thrilled to wear that birthday hat. He whipped that thing off the instant I put it on him. The things he has to go through. Hey at least he got a cookie and ice cream.

Lazy day

2010-06-12T22:28:00.001-07:00

Beach

2010-06-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

That's a huge clam! You may have to eat that with a fork and knife Max!

Drop ... it! Drop ... it! Guess he's not listening. I'm sure he'll drop the crab once it pinches his nose.

Jellyfish - ewwww!

I'm a little hot. I'll just wait here for my Dad.

Low Tide - Spanish Banks

2010-05-15T22:05:00.004-07:00

Dolly's first experience with low tide in the Pacific Ocean.

Max, Kevin and Dolly enjoying low tide.

The eagle has landed.

Balcony Garden

2010-05-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

This year we're going to try to grow some strawberries, tomatoes and some herbs.

Hopefully it will flourish and provide us with an abundance to enjoy.

Almost Summer!

2010-05-09T21:58:00.003-07:00

Go Fish! and Spotted Prawns

2010-05-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Every year in May spotted prawn season opens up and False Creek @ Granville Island has a spotted prawn festival. We're always anticipating the day the prawn season opens because we go and get a few pounds to start... We brought Dolly with us to try the famous their fish and chips and fish tacos at Go Fish! while Kevin waited in line for the prawns to come back to port. Fresh as can be!

Line up for Go Fish!

Line up for the boat to come back with freshly caught spotted prawns for the public.

Happy that we've got ourselves some freshe spotted prawns! MMmmmmMMM!

Woody Woodpecker

2010-05-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

He's not too bright this one - pecking away on our balcony.

Full Moon

2010-04-27T21:44:00.004-07:00

Times like this you wish you had a telephoto lens for your DSLR and not a point and shoot camera on auto zoom.

Spanish Banks

2010-04-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

Taking Dolly to one of our favourite spots to bring Max. She'll be frequenting here, I'm sure, after today.

Wood (Black and Whites)

2010-04-11T21:35:00.002-07:00

Whistler - Spring Boarding

2010-04-08T20:38:00.018-07:00

Dolly's first year in BC and we figured we should bring her to Whistler to do some boarding, since she's been prepping at Blue Mountain in Collingwood. That didn't prepare her for the hills here.

Bevvy after a fun and long day on the moutain.

Helmet heads!

Horseshoe Bay

2010-04-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Even though we've been here numerous times, Dolly hasn't and she's been in BC for a couple of months now. We thought we'd bring her to see the Sunshine Coast from Horseshoe Bay. This is also one of the ports where you can catch the island ferries.

She's so darn cute!

Third Beach - Stanley Park

2010-03-28T20:32:00.004-07:00

Location of our wedding ceremony in August.

Location of wedding reception.

Cherry Blossoms

2010-03-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Every year there is a Cherry Blossom Festival. These are just some trees by our place. Next to Autumn in Ontario, I'd have to say this is one of my favourite times of the year in the lower mainland (BC).

Afghan Horsemen - Farid's Birthday

2010-03-20T20:09:00.006-07:00

Farid and I have been wanting to go to The Afghan Horsemen for quite some time, however Kevin and Andrea (not so much - could be the name of the restaurant). You would see this place just before you would enter into Granville Island and people Farid knew had raved about it. Since it was Farid's birthday, Andrea wanted to surprise him. He was very surprised and everyone really enjoyed the food here. We were stuffed and because it was a day after snowshoeing - we were also ready to pass out right after.

Cake was brought in - definitely not a traditional Afghani dessert. Haha!

Special martini for the birthday boy.

Annual Snowshoeing - Mt. Seymour

2010-03-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

Salt Tasting Room (Gastown)

2010-03-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

We ventured to the Salt Tasting Room with our besties in tow because it was a prospect for one our venues for our wedding reception. Even though it's mainly charcuterie, cheeses and wine (really - what's not to love), we thoroughly enjoyed it however we were looking for more of a sit down dinner. We'll definitely be back.

Wine to complement the tasting platter below.

Sleepy Head

2010-03-10T19:39:00.003-08:00

Canada Vs. USA - Olympics

2010-02-28T19:33:00.006-08:00

Max just getting into the spirit. Go Canada Go!

Waiting patiently for the game to start.

Is there something on my cheek?

Farid made us a honking lasagna to fill our appetite for the much anticipated game. We were in a food coma if I recall correctly.

Sunsets and Sunrises

2010-02-24T19:26:00.006-08:00

Because we have a corner unit which faces south/west. We get the sunrises (if we're up early enough) and sunsets. Here are some images of them both. Sorry but I never tire of them.

Sunrise.

Sunsetting over Burnaby Mountain.

Burnaby Mountain off in the distance.

Jericho Beach in February

2010-02-20T19:13:00.009-08:00

Jerico Beach - North shore mountains off in the distance.

Jerico Beach - Downtown off in the distance.

Low tide.

Do I have anything on my nose?

Older model Citroens - great day for the car club to be out.

Vancouver Olympics

2010-02-15T14:01:00.019-08:00

In case you haven't heard, there was a little something called the Olympics that were happening in town. At first this had a chain linked fence all the way around it - which looked horrendous. With all the uproar, the city removed it.

MMMM German food and beer.

Kevin enjoying a little sum sum.

Granville Street was blocked off to cars and pedestrian only. This building is where there were HUGE lineups to go and 'ooh ah' and touch the medals.

Rounds of Cheese - where people were waiting for a sample ... to go with their free glass of wine (from Italy)

Live City in Yaletown - where all the concerts were happening.

Us taking the pond pickle from Yaletown to Granville Island to see other happenings around the city.

I think they jumped out the rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland and wanted to see what all the commotion was going on in the city.

Sunrise - View from our place

2010-02-14T19:23:00.002-08:00

Looks like a forest fire in the background, but it's just the sun coming up. Beautiful!

Super Bowl

2010-02-06T21:32:00.005-08:00

Need I say more?

Hwy 99

2010-01-18T21:34:00.001-08:00

Lookout from the Sea to Sky Highway. We were on our way home from a day of boarding @ Whistler and had to stop to take a shot. Unfortunately, it was too bright and the sky looks white from the way the light was hitting the camera.

Andrea's Birthday Dinner

2010-01-15T21:16:00.027-08:00

It's been a while since I posted some pics of food on this blog. And trust me we've had our fair share of restaurants in this city, but for some reason I keep forgetting the camera. Well this isn't a restaurant but it sure felt like it. Farid sure knows how to jazz up pizza & nachos.

Chef A La King. Homemade Guacamole, homemade salsa. If he could grow the vegetables, make the cheese and chorizo himself, he would.

Even the crust was homemade.

Mmmmm Mmmm Goood!

Okay Farid, I guess you can have some of the pizza you made. I think Max is eyeing that last piece. And to top it off, cake for dessert! And if you're wondering, it wasn't homemade.

AND if you're wondering where the birthday girl is, she's camera shy. She'd kill me if I posted images of her in her birthday suit!

Buntzen Lake Trail

2010-01-10T21:03:00.020-08:00

We've been here numerous of times, but we haven't done the actual trail which follows the Lake all the way around. Our friends, Margaret and Mike, were so kind to show us the route. It's just as beautiful when you get to the other side.

Kevin, Mike & Molly taking a break and taking in the view.

Mike taking a picture of me, taking a picture of him.

Molly

2010-01-08T20:41:00.002-08:00

She's a 10 yr old Belgian Shepherd who's just in love with Max. AKA Max' girlfriend. Yeup she's a cougar. She is the sweetest thing on Earth.

Dawn

2010-01-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

Max - How Come So Glum Chum?

2010-01-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

View from the 'Office'

2010-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

I guess I can't complain. This is the morning sun breaking through.

Max All Cuddled Up

2009-12-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

Sshh he's sound asleep!

Fog - Point Grey

2009-12-26T20:24:00.003-08:00

Boxing Day - Spanish Banks

2009-12-26T20:00:00.009-08:00

We never get tired of this view and it's one of our favourite places to go with Max. We're always here for hours on end.

When we got there, the fog was just starting to roll in... and as time went on it started getting heavier you couldn't see across the ocean.

Atop the tree, you will see a spec. An eagle is perched up there.

Closer view.

Max is unsure of what that is lurking out in the water.

Yeup it's Boxing Day and there's a paddleboarder out there.

And kayakers too.

West Vancouver - Christmas Dinner

2009-12-25T19:26:00.017-08:00

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree.

To another Christmas together!

Andrea & I

Sharyn & Kevin

The men hovering around the roast beast.

Oh Farid... Pink is so your colour!

Random Shots

2009-12-25T19:18:00.009-08:00

Frostbitten poinsetta.

Frozen cobweb.

Rocky Point Trail - Christmas Morning Walk

2009-12-25T18:58:00.025-08:00

This picture would've been alright if the sun wasn't in my eyes.

Christmas Morning from our Balcony

2009-12-25T18:55:00.007-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T18:54:00.002-08:00

Kevin & Maxy

2009-12-23T18:52:00.001-08:00

Holiday Get Together @ Our Place

2009-12-12T18:38:00.018-08:00

Andrea & Farid opted for The Grinch Martini. Delish!

The maraschino cherry was to represent the Grinch's heart.

Farid, Andrea, Margaret & Mike

I had the Yellow Snow Martini. You can figure that one out.

Farid, Andrea, Margaret, Mike, Stephen, Aaron, Alison & Kevin (L-R)

Waiting for Santa

2009-12-07T18:36:00.002-08:00

Mt. Seymour Trail

2009-12-05T18:29:00.015-08:00

We were missing the snow so we decided to head over to one of the local mountains for a little hike. This trail led us right to snowshoe trails, which by mid December and for the rest of the 'winter' season you would need if you were to venture up here.

Too Cool!

2009-11-22T22:03:00.009-08:00

Kevin and Dolly sporting their hats.

Dolly & I @ Shabusen

2009-11-22T22:01:00.005-08:00

Prospect Point - Stanley Park

2009-11-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Aquarium

2009-11-22T21:42:00.023-08:00

Dolly came to visit for an extended long weekend so we took her around and showed her the sites, which included the Vancouver Aquarium.

Another baby beluga was just born a few months before her visit and was yet to be named.

Maxy Clause

2009-11-14T20:56:00.015-08:00

When my sister came to visit, she also brought gifts for our dog, Max,

courtesy of our Mother, aka Grandma to Max. Of course, I couldn't let her go back without having him sport the outfit for our Mother to see. Kevin ended up calling him the Pope.

The poor guy, he must really dislike us for doing this to him.

Mt. Seymour Lookout

2009-11-14T20:47:00.021-08:00

Port Moody - Inlet Park

2009-11-03T20:20:00.018-08:00

Perfect morning to stroll Inlet Park and watch the fog lift as the morning progressed.

Morning Sun Trying to Break Through

2009-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Salmon (Spawning Season)

2009-10-25T19:56:00.021-07:00

We were fortunate enough to check out the salmon coming up the Coquitlam River to spawn in Port Coquitlam. Of course, Max had to be on a leash or else he'd be having a feast.

Here's a video Kevin created of our encounter as well.

Buntzen Lake

2009-10-25T19:49:00.020-07:00

Besides the spectacular view, trails and fishing, this lake is also great because

there is an off-leash beach area just for doggies.

Sharyn's B-day

2009-10-24T19:44:00.008-07:00

Cheeeese!

Prepping to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl!

Happy Birthday Sharyn!

Rainbow

2009-10-21T19:37:00.006-07:00

Rainbow appearing in the East after a rainfall.

Shoreline Trail - Port Moody

2009-10-12T19:29:00.019-07:00

Dusk

2009-10-03T18:28:00.002-07:00

A view of the evening sky from our place.

Max - Oh the Life!

2009-10-01T19:12:00.008-07:00

Morning Fog

2009-09-30T19:19:00.002-07:00

SFU - Burnaby Mountain

2009-09-29T18:10:00.013-07:00

Here are some images of Burnaby Mountain (Simon Fraser University), Kevin took from our balcony just after a rain fall. You can see the movement in the clouds through each picture. Time lapse would be great right about now.

Nature (Random)

2009-08-30T17:28:00.013-07:00

A sign of fall.

An abundance of blackerries.

Spanish Banks (Low Tide)

2009-08-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

This is our favourite time to go out to Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach, during low tide and first thing in the morning. We can walk out for miles. We never get tired of this view.

Maxy digging for clams.

Other doggies and their owners out as well.

Comox - Vancouver Island

2009-08-23T18:01:00.047-07:00

Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival - Whistler

2009-08-16T16:53:00.034-07:00

Crankworx was in town so we thought we'd go and check it out with Andrea & Farid.

The gang (minus me).

These guys are just waayyyy too cool!

Jericho Beach

2009-07-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

A typical Wednesday night on Jericho beach.

Kevin's part of a beach volleyball league and how can I not want to go and watch every week?

Harrison Lake - Dragon Boat

2009-07-25T18:44:00.004-07:00

Judy's Birthday Dinner

2009-07-18T21:50:00.003-07:00

Then afterwards we all decided to go for a little walk by the water.

Besties 2

(L - R): Me, Andrea, Sharyn & Judy (birthday girl).

Can you tell that Kevin was taking the picture?

Besties 1 :-) Sharyn & Judy.

The four of us (Andrea, Farid, Kevin and I) made the trek over to West Van to celebrate Judy's birthday with her. It was good times had by all.

Black Mountain - Cypress Provincial Park

2009-07-11T17:24:00.003-07:00

If you look through the haze, you can see Mt. Baker, in Washington, in the background.

Max and I did this hike while Kevin was away in Toronto and I really wanted to show him the spectacular view on top. The tough climb paid off and the view didn't disappoint.

Shannon Falls - Squamish, BC

2009-07-04T17:35:00.008-07:00

Canada Day - '09

2009-07-01T18:22:00.006-07:00

Aaahhhh paparazzi!

And then the National Anthem.

Singing Happy Birthday to Canada!

Yeup - matching shirts. Courtesy of Andrea. :-)

Vikki, Andrea & Sharyn (Andrea's Mom)

Even Sammy got into the spirit and had his own Canada Day shirt on.

Judy, Brock & Sharyn invited us over for Canada Day festivities. We all walked out of their place disgustingly full and with lots of cake to bring home.

Max

2009-06-23T20:33:00.002-07:00

Just a couple shots of Max. I couldn't resist.
He likes to sit underneath the table and put his paw on Kevin while we have dinner.

Hollyburn Mountain - Cypress Provincial Park

2009-06-23T19:34:00.004-07:00

Off in the distance you can see Lions East & Lions West Mountains.

The view from the top of the summit.

Crazy that there is still some snow up here and it was 20C+ outside.

Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival

2009-06-20T20:10:00.005-07:00

Team One and Team Too.

The above photos are courtesy of Barb who is also a team member of Concord. This year she didn't race and took pictures from the festival for us. She did a wonderful job.

Dal & her puppy

2009-06-15T20:23:00.004-07:00

Max wondering what the big fuss is all about.

Dal's new 10 week old puppy, Veruca. The poor thing got her ears cropped and had to wear a party hat for a few weeks.

Cabin Lake, Black Mountain - Cypress Provincial Park

2009-06-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Finally made it to the top of Black Mountain.

Cabin Lake

Max is lovin' the fact that he can roll in snow in June.

The mountain to the right is Hollyburn Mountain.

Yew Lake

Kevin was in Toronto for this weekend and Dal wasn't supposed to be by until later in the evening, so I decided that Max and I should have some bonding time and hike up a mountain together.

Sunset from Spanish Banks

2009-06-12T19:24:00.003-07:00

Low Tide @ Spanish Banks

2009-05-26T22:01:00.004-07:00

Some eagles soaring ... trying to find their next meal.

We placed it back in the sand and covered it with dirt. The poor thing tried to snip Max' nose.

And find # 2!

Oh found one!

When it's low tide, you can walk out for miles, which we quite often do. Today however Max found some crustaceans in the low waters and sniffed them out of the mud. Too bad we didn't have a fishing license so we could take the crabs Max found for us home.

Deep Cove Dash - Dragon Boat

2009-05-25T22:36:00.004-07:00

Concord Pacific Flying Dragons

My first actual race - what did I get myself into?

Opening Ceremonies

The event was the Deep Cove 200 M Dash, held in beautiful Deep Cove.

Clam Bake

2009-05-24T21:11:00.001-07:00

Each pot contained, potatoes, corn on the cob, mussels, two different types of clams, praws and fresh local dungeness crab. It was sooooo good! Kevin cooked all of these on the BBQ.

When Kevin and I went to San Francisco last year, two years ago, we had our first clam back ever. We were reminiscing about it as we walked past the pier by Granville Island where the fisherman would dock their boats in the afternoon to sell their fresh local prawns which were caught that day. This inspired Kevin to make a clam bake of our own.

Hanging out at the Beach

2009-05-17T21:49:00.002-07:00

It was the start of the long weekend so we thought we hit our usual spot early that afternoon before it would start to get full. Definitely a great way to start off a relaxing weekend.