Merry Christmas

Hello everyone! I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything. This is an extremely hectic time of year and I've had a lot going on. And now I am away and am not sure as to how often I will have internet access. In the new year, however, I will be back (hopefully in full force). In the meantime, I wish you all a very merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday season, peace, joy, love and all the rest.

Seasonal Entertainment

I have been very quiet as of late. Life continues to flurry about like the snow that has wafted down in thick flakes all day. My schedule fills up in a frenzy and at the end of the day I hardly have the energy to sit down at my computer to keep you informed of all the happenings in Kootenay Bliss. But much is happening. It is a very busy time of year and the festivities are now well underway that will undoubtedly carry us full speed ahead into the new year.

Last Saturday evening, I had the lovely honour of attending an intimate piano recital in a private residence out at six mile. The approximately fifty of us in attendance listened completely rapt to the beautiful Ivana Cojbasic, a seasoned recitalist, a soloist with orchestra, and a chamber musician who has played to critical acclaim in Yugoslavia, Hungry, Italy, France, Mexico, and the United States. This talented musician was the first prize winner of the first annual International Piano Competition, "Frederick Chopin," in Rome and also won the fifth prize and a special jury award at the 16th annual International Piano Competition "Franz Liszt" in Lucca, Italy.

On the repertoire for that evening's performance were a series of enchanted sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, Ludwig van Beethoven and Sofia Guvaidulina. Ivana's technical mastery and interpretation particularly of the pieces she played by that last composer were astonishingly powerful. The evening wrapped up with champagne punch, decadent desserts and stimulating conversation. I must say there are some things we really know how to do right here in the Kootenays. It was a most lovely evening, indeed.

Mysteries

Imagine

Imagine. You drive into Horseshoe Bay, join the queue, and then turn off your engine. You are off on a great adventure. You get out of your vehicle and take a little stroll while you wait. You pass a mother with her child. You hear the child exclaim, “But Mom, you said we were going to see a fairy. All I see is a big boat.” You chuckle to yourself as you continue on. Time passes quickly and the next thing you know, you’re boarding that big boat. You cover your ears as the horn blasts loudly. The boat leaves the terminal. It meanders its way along the coast, through the islands and across the straight. You pass numerous abodes: large houses, estates, mansions, little cottages, cabins and make-shift shelters. They dot the hills and cliffs. You wonder about the people who live there, where they work, what they do, who they are, these people who are so tied to the water, so exposed to the elements. Water, water, water, water, water. Wind. The ferry approaches the other side. We are now nearing the Nanaimo terminal. You patiently wait to be signaled off. You disembark. You drive through the town and head north on the Island Highway. You continue along following the pack of cars that came before you. Slowly they disperse along the way. Just north of Parksville, you take the Highway 4 exit towards Port Alberni. You drive along the narrow, winding, twisty highway across the island.
You take in the views of snow capped mountains and rushing streams as you traverse the passes. You travel through dense forests where the trees loom high overhead obstructing the few rays of autumn sunshine fighting to get through. You pull over into a small parking lot alongside the highway. This is Cathedral grove.

You get out of your vehicle and stare in awe at these ancient towering giants some of which are 800 plus years old. The huge branches stretch out above draped majestically with moss. The largest tree in this particular grove has a circumference of 9 metres and stands a proud 76 metres high. It was once much taller, but its top snapped off in a horrific windstorm in 1997. It is still, however, a sight to behold. The air seems denser, thicker, moister. Your breathing is as slow and calm as the zephyr which gently moves through the trees. You listen to the forest speak. You take in its noises, you breathe its peace. You are transported to a place where time doesn’t exist. It doesn’t matter. After thoughtful meditation, you decide to continue on to your final destination. You pull out of the parking lot and onto the winding highway a much calmer you. You continue along towards BC’s rugged west coast. Before you even get there, you can almost smell the salt in the air. You finally have it…your first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.

You pull into the famed Long Beach with its miles of pristine sand. You rush from your vehicle and head straight for the crashing waves. You follow the thundering roar of the surf and disappear into the sheets of ocean mist. You spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the coves and beach, checking out the tidal pools, watching a few brave surfers ride the giant curling waves, following the shore birds, mesmerized by it all. You end it all with a glorious west coast sunset.

Lest We Forget

On this eve of this Remembrance day, I encourage all Canadians to watch this tribute to Canadian soldiers in honour of the men and women who have sacrificed their "today" that we might have a "tomorrow." Although by nature I am more or less a pacifist, I acknowledge that many of the freedoms that we are blessed with today are a result of the sacrifice that others have made on our behalf. I don't take our freedoms in this country lightly. There are many places in the world where individuals are persecuted for speaking their mind, acknowledging their beliefs and speaking out about injustices. There are many of us, who have lost relatives somewhere down the line in our ancestry because of their differences or unwillingness to blindly follow those with power. Although I do not believe that all wars fought are justified, I have a great respect for the soldiers who have chosen to actively stand up for our beliefs and values and to fight for our freedoms. At the same time, I feel that we all have a responsibility. Even without an active war in this country, it is still possible for our freedoms to slowly be usurped. I hope that we will all have the courage to stand up and support our neighbours when we know that something is wrong and I hope that when the time comes, there will be someone there to stand up for us.

The Bottle of Wine

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally. "What in bag?" asked the old woman. Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, "It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband." The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: "Good trade."

The Scream

We did not choose death, but neither did we fully embrace life. We lingered in the shadows of mediocrity, afraid to show our faces for who we truly were. It was in this state of putridity that we began our slow decay.

A Fowl Life

He sits like a duck...waddles like a penguin...and squawks like a bird.

I found this friendly little fellow wandering around Long Beach. I'll be posting some pictures of the area shortly, but in the meantime thought I'd share his photo. He waddled right up to me in the most leisurely manner. He was not shy at all. In fact, he came so close that I had to change the lens on my camera to get a proper shot of him.

Obviously not camera shy at all, he would pose, then shift back and forth on his little webbed feet, eying me coyly to make sure I was catching all of his antics on film. This went on for quite a while. When I would take a step back, he'd follow as fast as his unstable little legs could carry him. Perhaps he thought I had some treat that I would bestow upon him for posing so nicely.

Finally he stretched up his fluffy feathered wings, let out a little squawk and plopped back down onto his belly exhausted from all the fuss.

Does anyone know what type of bird he is?

Let There Be Light

I'm going to warn you straight off...this probably won't be the most exciting post for many of you. But last week I had the pleasure of visiting with Cheryl over at Free Range Living. For those of you who don't know, she's in the midst of building a house. So we got to talking about all those fabulous finds that one incorporates into their living space that gives the space its charm and makes it yours. Now I love antiques and for the past couple of years have been collecting, of all things, light fixtures. I know, it sounds positively boring, and if you were to send me into a regular lighting store I would be bored silly for sure. But just look at these gems! Character and charm and most of them probably cost way less than what you'd pay for some gaudy bauble in your regular lighting store. Where do I find them...well, let's see.

This one is one of my absolute favorites. I wasn't sure when I first got it, but I must say that I think it looks fabulous. There's a little store in Spokane called Revival Lighting that carries about the best selection of antique fixtures I've ever seen. They also carry some reproductions but this one is an oldie. They clean up and rewire anything that comes into their possession, so all you need to do is have it installed. Although they have a website, most of their antique selection is not online, so you would have to actually visit the store if you would like to see what they carry.

I hung this charmer in my entryway. I can't remember if it was found in Fort Langley or Cloverdale. In either case, there are lots of little antique shops in those areas for perusing. None of them specialize specifically in light fixtures, however, if you mull around enough, you just might happen upon one or two. I was told this one came from Belgium, I don't know how I would verify it, but I like it just the same.

This is another one of my all time favorites. I purchased this one off of a friend who deals antiques (one of the many things she does). This one she got a real steal on from of all places, EBay. I had to get the thing rewired, but that really wasn't very complicated and I think it was well worth the effort. The funny thing is that my parents have a very similar light fixture in their house. They live in an old heritage house that was built in 1895, although I think the light fixture is probably from about the 1920's

This little art deco number from the 30's comes as a pair. I have them installed on both sides of a little desk nook.

And this final find, also a pair, was another EBay special. They were just what I was wanting for my bedroom. Well, there you have it...a whole post on my collection of light fixtures. Happy hunting.

Things I Love About Nelson # 6: Cottonwood Market

Every Saturday from the end of April to the end of October an area just on the edge of town called Cottonwood Market magically comes to life. I try to go as often as I can.

It's more than just a spot to buy local produce. It is the largest market in the West Kootenays with a unique setting beside some waterfalls and a small park. It's the stomping grounds of young and old alike and is a mecca for the diversity that colours this region.

It's a time to mingle, zen out and take it all in. It is a spot where one can find organic farm products, ethnic baking, preserves, crafts, import clothing, jewelry, and various collectibles or used items.

It's also a spot to mellow out and listen to some local musical talent, be it a band with a Latino flare or Russian gypsy music. The locals aren't shy about rhythmically moving to the beat of the drum, stomping their feet or simply nodding their head to the flow of the music.

One can attend every single market and honestly say that no two are ever alike. Creativity and a unique culture unquestionably flourish here. There have been many visitors who I have taken to Cottonwood and the response is almost universally big eyes, gaping mouth, nodding head and then finally, "ah...this is Nelson." If you are ever in the region, make sure you stop by the Cottonwood market where tourists and locals alike converge for an unrivaled Kootenay experience.

Beary Beautiful

Seems like I've not had time to post in a bit now. I've been on the run for the past two weeks...just a few steps ahead of the law. But I'm coming up for air shortly. In the meantime, aren't they beauties? They seem so cuddly and played so well together that it was tempting to go for the bear hug, that was until I got a closer look at the claws on those paws.

Meet Buster (named him myself).

And this is Gretta the grizzly. She's only slightly smaller than Buster.

Check out the claws on that baby! He seems pretty docile, but all it would take is one friendly swat.

"There's a crazy woman over there busy taking photos. What should we do?"

"Just ignore her. Perhaps she'll go away."
"Quit staring at her, or she'll know we're talking about her."

If you go out in the woods today...you better not go alone...

Planning

There are some roads that we perhaps would never have ventured down if we knew where they were going to lead. At times there are unavoidable completely unpredictable twists. However, I still believe that the best way to get to where we are going is to know our final destination. After that we can decide how we are going to get there. Oh yes, it is perfectly normal at times when we are half-way there to decide that we'd rather be going somewhere else. We might do an about face or venture down some off the beaten path. Sometimes we are in a hurry and will hop onto the autobahn, and at times, we'd rather take the scenic route and enjoy the journey. But however we choose to get there, we must first know where "there" is.

moon rising over Kootenay Lake

~ Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.

Peter Drucker

Random Bits of Happiness

Yesterday was Canadian Thanksgiving. I thought I'd list some of my favorite things, those things for which I am thankful, those things that in their little way or sometime big add to my happiness. So, in no particular order...


Cuddles, thunderstorms, blowing bubbles, listening to the waves lap upon the beach, a smile, a hearty laugh, Scrabble, sunshine on a crisp autumn day, coffee with friends, dark chocolate, finding seashells, picnics at the beach, travel, stimulating conversation, learning, my bed, feather pillows, family, hugs, Christmas, steaming cocoa, chattering squirrels, the wind through my hair, mountains, light fluffy snow, art, music, snuggles, candle light, high speed internet, a thoughtful word, a secret shared, a swim under the moonlight, a clear starry night, dinner with friends, Sunday brunch, Earl Grey tea and cookies, people watching, bare feet on green grass, soft kisses on the forehead, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, random acts of kindness, comfortable silence, family, childhood memories, creativity, whipping cream, crunchy leaves beneath my feet, autumn colours, roller coasters, ice cream, blog reads, fresh air, a fire on a cold snowy night, foreign films, unspoken understanding, a good book, eureka moments, hot stone massage, comfort food, a glass of wine, antiques, architecture, dressing up, dressing down, a day of skiing, a secluded cabin, unexpected visits, a thoughtful gesture, a sense of humour...

So what makes you happy?

Things I Love About Nelson #5: Locally Grown Talent

Nelson is unique. Anyone who has every been here knows it. We're an interesting lot but we would have it no other way. Here are a couple videos of local talent. The first two feature clips of Charles "one man" Ross performing parts of the Star Wars Trilogy at his "day job." Obviously he is no longer in Nelson, but if he were, no one would think his performance in a diner to be out of place. That's just the way we are.





In this video, the guy you see on the right is another local Nelson boy. My understanding is that he and his friend threw together this catchy little rap just for fun. When word spread about the popularity of their ditty, McDonald's approached them and asked if they could purchase it for a commercial. The irony is that Nelson doesn't even have a McDonald's and has never really wanted one.

Changes

Okay, I'm feeling the need to quantify. I guess I'm feeling a little morose lately. I think it's in part the weather, perhaps the darkness descending upon us, the rhythmic slowing down as we edge our way towards winter. But also, it's changes in my own journey through life, changes that I embrace, but also the struggle to break free and move forward, the excitement of the new, but the drain of energy to put the old to rest.


All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter into another!

~Anatole France

Summer is Over

There is nothing like the crisp, sunny autumn days where feelings of summer continue to lurk in our subconscious. Cold nights are followed by warm days. The light hint of gold in the trees lures us to wonderful paths that wind up the mountainside providing superb views over the expanse of forests to the peaks beyond. It's hard to not cherish the near deserted beaches and the clear blue skies.

That describes most of September...summer hardly around the corner. In fact, scarcely two weeks ago daytime temperatures reached almost 30 C. During that time I was busy collecting and stashing like that greedy, chatty squirrel in my parents back yard. I pillaged my father's garden, at his request, of course. Mainly, I harvested a large portion of the remaining basil. Nothing quite like the sweet aroma of a large bouquet of basal in the kitchen. Most of it went into a few batches of pesto that are now in my freezer.

Now on the eve of October, it feels more like November. This morning the mountain tops were lightly dusted with the white stuff. Since then it's been dreary and wet. I'd rather sit in front of the fire wrapped in my quilt, drinking cocoa and reading a good novel than even slightly peek my nose out of doors. I still have a few vegetable in my own garden which should be brought in soon. Of course I'd like to think that I'm still going to have a sunny day or two over the next few weeks to complete some of those outdoor chores.

Random Conversations

An Arab fellow leaves his male pack and approaches me. He opens with, "So, are you German or are you American?" I am little taken aback, first, at the boldness with which he asks his question, but mainly at the thought that there are only two possible choices for me and they are either German or American. Why is it that when I travel or even when I don't no one ever asks me if I am Canadian as if that couldn't ever be a possibility? In any case, feeling rather singled out with no previous conversational lead up to this particular question, I reply, “Are you trying to determine my ethnicity, or would you like to know which country’s passport I carry?” Then it's his turn. He gives me a somewhat stunned look not quite sure what to say next, so I smile and shrug my shoulders. End of conversation. What would you have done?

Hot Pepper Jelly

It's the time of year when one feels like hunkering down sheltered from the elements' unpredictable fits of rage. Here in the Kootenays we've had a few days where I wanted to do nothing more but curl up with a good book in front of the fire. After a bit, I decided that I better make myself useful and do something with the bag of hot peppers I purchased at Cottenwood market last week. I had hot pepper jelly in mind. I was first exposed to the stuff a few years ago when my aunt gave me a jar that she had made. This nippy stuff is great on a cracker with a bit of cream cheese...or any kind of cheese for that matter. It's also a great marinade for chicken or other meats and I am sure that there are a myriad other uses that I have not yet discovered. In any case, this is very simple to make and a bit goes a long way.

Hot Pepper Jelly

1 C seeded green bell peppers, finely chopped or ground
1/4 C jalapeno peppers, finely chopped or ground,seeded if desired (or more to taste)

(I personally put all the peppers through the food processor. I used all red pepper to get the lovely colour you see in the picture and did not need to add any food colouring. I also used all hot peppers with varying degrees of heat. I imagine if one used all green coloured peppers the jelly would probably come out a nice green colour.)

4 C sugar
1 C cider vinegar
1 (6 ounce) packet liquid fruit pectin
3-5 food colouring (optional)

1. Mix peppers, sugar, and vinegar in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes.
3. Take off heat, add pectin and stir.
4. Return to heat, and bring to a full rolling. Boil for 1 minute.
5. Pour into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars to within 1/2" of top.
6. Wipe tops of jars and seal the way you normally do (either with wax or metal lids).
7. Store in a cool, dark place.

Makes about 5-6 half-pint jars. To serve, stir to soften, pour over an 8 oz block of cream cheese, and spread on assorted crackers.

Shiver Me Timbers

Avast! Today be International Talk Like a Pirate's Day. Arrr! That's right ye varmit scums. Dust off yer boots, grab ye selfs a rum and drink that cellar dry. But first make sure ye know yer name or you be walkin the plank to visit Davey Jones' Locker. Arrr!

My pirate name is:

Mad Mary Read

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though,
are more than just a little bit. Even through
many pirates have a reputation for not being
the brightest souls on earth, you defy the stero-
types. You've got taste and education. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Okanagan Grape Muffins

Lots going on with many pictures and stories to share, but sometimes life just doesn't give you much time to breathe. So I thought that in the meantime I'd quickly share this muffin recipe which uses Coronation grapes. Coronation grapes are a seedless, sweet indigo-blue grape with crisp juicy flesh and an intense tart taste. This particular variety was developed right here in BC at the Summerland Agri-Food Research Centre using natural traditional methods. They are basically a seedless (or semi-seedless variety of the Concord). For those of you who haven't been lucky enough to have been exposed to Coronation or Concorde grapes, they are the tastiest grape I think I have ever had the pleasure of eating. They come around but once a year and are only available for a few short weeks in the fall. They are expensive, but in my opinion, well worth the splurge. I imagine you could use any seedless grape variety in these muffins or simply substitute any berry of your choice.

Okanagan Grape Muffins

2 1/2 C flour
1 C sugar (I only use about 3/4 C)
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 C buttermilk
2 medium eggs (well beaten)
1/2 C melted butter
1 1/2 C Coronation grapes

Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line muffin tins with paper cups. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the centre. Add buttermilk, eggs and melted butter. Stir until ingredients are just combined. Lightly fold in grapes. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown on tip. Cool in pan. Makes 12 muffins. Enjoy!

The Intangible

Absence is to love as wind is to fire; It extinguishes the small. It enkindles the great.
~Comte DeBussy-Rabutin

When it Rains

It seems like I need to go away to get noticed. Okay, I'm only joking about that. But while I was gone, I not only received a Rockin' Girl Bogger award, but Debbie over at One Step at a Time thought I was worthy of a Nice Matters Award. That is very sweet of you Debbie and I feel duly honoured to be thought nice enough to receive this award. And if I could give it back to Debbie, I certainly would as she has got to be one of the nicest bloggers out there.

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded, please pass onto others whom you feel are deserving of this award." So, without further ado, I pass this award onto:

Cheryl over at Free Range Living. Her blog is like comfort food. To read it makes you feel like you've known her for years and are sipping tea with her in her kitchen. Wait a minute...I have known her for years. Still, she is one of the nicest gals I know, full of inspiration and positive influence.

Chani over at Thailand Gal. Her thought provoking posts always inspire good discussion.

Mark over at Naked Soul. Wait a minute...can I give this award to a guy? Mark is always challenging personal growth in his readership, in a caring manner that is sensitive to others' backgrounds.

Rowena over at Rubber Slippers in Italy. She always sees the most positive, beautiful things wherever she goes and has the most delightful adventures. I enjoy her commentary.

Pinks over at Pink Pages for her boundless, positive energy. It's fun to follow her journey through life.

Of course there are many other nice bloggers out there. Many of them, I've noticed have already received this award. Check out my sidebar if you are looking for more.

Rockin' Girl Blogger

While I was off exploring the world, the lovely Pinks gave me a Rockin' Girl Blogger award!!! How cool is that? Doesn't she just rock! So I am now officially a Rockin' Girl Blogger. Big thanks and hugs to you Pinks!

Now it's my turn to pay it forward and award five other Rockin’ Girl Bloggers. I have to tell you, if I read your blog, you rock. So I bestow this award, in no particular order, to the following female bloggers who inspire me and keep me blogging:

Jeanine over at Bohemiam Girl. I've only started reading her blog, but she has fabulous photos, an amazing garden and can write to boot.

Annie over at If Only I Could Learn to to Write Right actually is a writer. She writes poems, short stories, novels and can transport you just about anywhere through her writing and you will also find some lovely pictures of the English countryside.

In JBelle, over at Notes from the 'Kanewa, I think I have found a true kindred spirit in all things travel related. If you pop over there, you will see what I mean.

Carrie at Life in the City for her wry wit and endlessly entertaining stories

As Mone over at Headlost says, she is just a "Rock 'n Roller," so how could she not get the Rockin' Girl Blogger award? Great photos and some funny adventures as well.

Now I hate to limit it to just five because like I said all the female bloggers I have linked to deserve a Rockin' Girl Blogger Award. I think some (or many) of them have already received it. In fact, if I remember correctly, I think Sirdar awarded me with a Rockin Girl Blogger awhile back, but obviously I was having a blonde moment as I didn't figure out what I was supposed to do with it until this time around (Sorry about that).

Medevial Help Desk

Here is some good Norwegian humour for any of you out there frustrated with your computer or technology in general. It seems that there have always been issues in keeping up with new technology.

Wordless Thoughts

I am that fool
who hears a speechless voice
that murmurs wordlessly
in my mind's heart and sends me whirling
into the world of metaphors to find a comparison
t0 arouse an abyss of precious and immeasurable understanding.

Crossing Boarders

Finally…the plane lands. Now before I go on, I must let you know that the night before I left, I had only had about four hours sleep. Further, I’ve never done well at sleeping in moving vehicles. So in total, I had only had at most five hours of shut eye in about 48 hours. All this to say that I was probably a bit of a mess. It was in this state that I made my way through customs. I handed the young man at the booth my passport, opened to the picture. He took it. He looked at the picture, then at me, then back down at the picture. Still looking at my passport, he inquires, “so, where are you off to next?” Without thinking, I reply, “I’m kind of tired, I think I am just going to make my way downtown and then look for a hotel.” He and his colleague next to him immediately burst out into peels of laughter. They don’t even try to contain their giggles. He gives me a wide grin and then with smirk still on his face says, “So how long will you be staying in the country?” To which I reply, “Oh,” slight pause, “now I get it…this isn’t friendly chitchat to pass the time while you’re determining whether or not I really look like my passport photo. This is actually part of your job.” Then the second round of loud guffaws ensues. At this point, I am sure that he thinks that this is utterly hopeless. With a flick of the wrist and a smile, he waves me through and tells me to have a good time. And I could have sworn that I heard him say that the men in white jackets would be waiting for me down at the end of the hall.

Any guess where these photos were taken? If you’re not quite sure, don’t worry. More photos and proper hints are on their way.

The First Leg

The first part of my trip went off without a hitch. I took the airport shuttle out to catch my flight. The driver, Robin, a vivacious Australian, chatted up a storm. Turns out we have some similar interests in alternative health. I now know where and when all the best Chi gong classes take place and have the name of the best doctor of Chinese medicine in town. I intend to check it all out when I get back.

The first leg of my journey I had a suit from Vancouver sitting beside me. And no, I did not dare ask what he was wearing. Turns out this city slicker had just been up for a mountain trek “boot camp.” I am so amazed that these city folk pay big bucks to have someone take them up mountain trails that I’ve done for free my whole life. And then have someone fix them healthy meals that we make for ourselves at a fraction of the cost. He went on about his trepidation at possibly seeing a bear or other wildlife and talked about the struggles of steep mountain peaks and low oxygen levels. They were taught about “detoxification,” and encouraged to drink these health tisanes in the morning which made him rather nervous. He chattered on happily until the loud whirl of the dash 8’s propellers droned out all other sounds.

If you’ve never flown in and out of the Kootenay’s, Nelson’s nearest airport is quite an experience. The mountains are nestled so tightly together that it’s been rated one of the worst airports in North America. As the plane takes off, it heads straight for the mountain in front of it as it’s gaining altitude, making a tight turn at the last minute and then another and then another before it is eventually high enough to fly off to it’s destination. The pilots in recent years seem much more adept at maneuvering these tight angles than in the past. Only the most experienced pilots come in and out of this airport.

(Okay, now it's your turn, and I admit that some of you will have an unfair advantage. Tell me where I took that first photo. Hint...it's not so far from home.)

Going, going....

Gone...
As you see, I am off. I will try to post pics with snippets when I have time and can find an internet cafe or wireless. Your job is to figure out where I am...anywhere along the way. Let me know, and if you guess right, there just might be a special prize in it for you.

They've Got My Number

Gone are the quiet days where the phone refuses to intrude on my peace and serenity. That's right, they've got my number. The calls are queued up and continue non-stop. "Would you like to donate to this?," "Can we interest you in that?" Well, they've found me. This is the latest.

Me: (Phone ringing, me picking up) Hello.
Them: (silence then ever so light click) Hello, is Mr or Mrs Jones there?
Me: Sorry, you have the wrong number.
Them: (Deep sigh and then with sassy American twang) Ma'am, we might have the wrong name, but we don't have the wrong number.

Uhm...trust me...ya, you do.

Now, if I thought I could hold it together...this is really how I would like the conversation to go:
http://howtoprankatelemarketer.ytmnd.com/

Coming Soon...

...to a Blog Near You:

Where in the World is Carla?

Stay tuned - Details to be announced.