braids and parrots

We took the girls to the last Tuesday evening market and Vanessa had a turquoise hair wrap done in her hair - awesome!

Next day we went to the Parrot sanctuary and with the noise and the birds landing all over us, it was an amazing experience. Amber had a green parrot and a cockatoo vying for her attention.

Nessa had Andrew on her arm, followed by Angel, the cockatoo.

Miki and Nana got into the act, too, with a variety of birds all over them!!

Mini golf and bumper cars.

What is a kid holiday without mini golf...! We played both 18 hole courses at Riptide, both fun and challenging.

Lots of fun holes, one inside a cave, if you please.

Nautical and car motif runs all through the place.

The bumper cars are a hoot - the girls enjoyed 2 separate runs on them. Ice cream completed the day!

Girls Week!

Vanessa and Amber are here for our annual Girls Week! Amber arrived Sunday eve, and Nessa on Monday noon, and it was 33 degrees, so we spent the day at the beach!

The girls had fun with the boat, and walked/swam over to the sand bar.

Once the tide went out enough to expose some sand, they had a go on the skim board.

We had supper at Lefty's, then home for some scrabble, computer time and enjoying the evening as it cooled down.

Vancouver visitor

Our friend Kevin, who we met in Puerto Morelos, came to Parksville for the weekend. It was so hot one evening, we just went down to the beach, walked around in the warm water, and enjoyed the lovely evening.

Sunday we attended Jazz in the Garden, at Milner Gardens. As the wonderful music played, we sat on the porch of the Milner House and had tea.....perfect.

Milner House was built in 1929 and this waterfront home has had many royal visitors over the years. The Milners left the home and 70 acres to be enjoyed by the public forever. Amazing gardens, many events such as the jazz concert throughout the year, and of course, always tea served with all the style of an era gone by.

The music went from 12 to 4 and included many well known jazz musicians as well as some very talented young adults who had attended Phil Dwyer's music camp this summer. All in all, a fabulous concert by the sea.

Friends!

We were back at the Beach Club again to have lunch with Victoria friends, Sheila and Anne. Another great meal on the beach....!

Anne and Sheila are renting a dear little cottage on the beach in Qualicum for the week, so we were glad to share some time with them in our hood, for a change!!!

Birthday fun!

It was Stanley's 39th birthday, so we all gathered at Lefty's to help her celebrate!

The Birthday Girl and Gladys.




After supper we went back to Stanley, Gladys and Mo's to cuddle with the animals.....


And have Birthday cake!!! It was a fun evening.

Mo and the Prince of the House.....!

Weekend fun

Margo and Pam came for the weekend, and despite some rain, we had a lovely time. Went to the Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, bought some goodies, tasted some wine, and saw the farm again.

One of these lovelies had twins just 2 weeks ago, who we saw with the kids (human variety) last week, but who were missing in action this day. Probably back in the barn all warm and cozy.

We also attended a concert at Knox United Church, starring Shari Ulrich and daughter, but these three talented young brothers were the opening act, and played wonderful jazz.

Shari and daughter Julia Graff played, sang and were so personable and charming. Shari has a new cd and played some of those new tunes, as well as some of the old ones we are all familiar with from long ago. She still has an amazing voice and moving, meaningful lyrics in all her music. Great show, which we attended with Maggie, Ingrid, Sandy, Gladys, Margo and Pam, and came back to our place afterwards for a glass of wine.