SEATTLE WA

SEATTLE WA
Well, this is the last post of our trip back to Canada. After we left Denver CO we travelled to Seattle to visit Andrew (Willett). He is taking his Commercial Diving course there. It was really interesting to see what he has been doing the last few months.

Us driving from the airport and coming into Seattle WA downtown skyline.

Bryan, Andrew and Me infront of the Diver's Institute boat.

The dock with all the diver's project material for underwater tasks that they have to complete.

Andrew showing Bryan the air and pressure gauges for the divers.

Andrew showing us his dive gear.

After we finished visiting Andrew's school we went to our hotel and settled. Andrew joined us for the weekend at the hotel which was nice. It allowed us to spend a lot more time with him. The next day we walked to the harbourside of Seattle downtown area where we took in the Seattle Aquarium and the Saturday Market. Here are a few highlights:

Left: Seattle WA Harbour with city centre in the background.

Right: Seattle Aquarium

Left: Bryan fighting an octopus
Right: The famous 'Nimo'.

Left:

The 'Willet' Bird

Right: The explaination of how the 'Willet' startles their prey.

The sign reads, " In order to startle predators, the 'Willet' sits quietly until the last second and then 'explodes' out of hiding flying directly at the face of the trespassor in a dizzying blur of black and white wing feathers.

I know someone like that. I married him! (ha! ha!)

We had lots of fun looking at all the different sea and bird life at the aquarium. After the aquarium we went for lunch at this really neat little cafe and had soup in a homemade bread bowl. After lunch Andrew took us to the Seattle 'Public Market'. There was sea food on top of sea food to be found. Lots of fruit, veggies and people displaying their wares. A very very neat place to seee and lots to enjoy.

The entrance to the 'Public Market'.

For supper Andrew suggested Chineese food. We thought that was a great idea. He told us that the whole menu was made out of tofu. We have never had tofu before but Andrew assured us that even the chicken balls taste like real chicken ball. Well, Andrew was right. Everything we ordered did taste exactly as if it was real. Very neat. Great suggestion Andrew!

Well, the next morning we were on our way back to Sydney via Vancouver. Once in Vancouver things at the airport did not go as scheduled. We found out that we were not sitting together on the plane and a few rows apart as well. We were not impressed with that. The airline could not guarantee us that once in flight we would be sitting together so we opted not to board the flight and take the flight out the next evening.

This gave s a chance to call up my nephew Christopher Brompton and to visit with him the next day before our flight left in the evening. We spent some time in the hotel room and then went out for a really nice supper and then Chris drove us to the airport which was really nice. It was a real treat to see Chris and to have such a good visit with him. Well, we did finally make it back home to Sydney. I must say the weather when we got back was a lot nicer than in Canada and the USA.

Well, that concludes our 'Trip Back to Canada'. Keep your eyes on our blog for there are a couple of adventures that we've had since we've been back home that I have to post. I will try to get them posted as soon as possible.

Take care everyone and everyone take care of each other.

All our love,
Bryan & Maureen

DENVER COLORADO VISIT

DENVER COLORADO

After landing safely at the Denver CO airport Bryan and I along with Justin (a supplier support person from Perth) and Peter (a Dealer located abour 2 hours East of Perth) went directly to the NHL Hockey game between Colorado Avalanche and Calgary Flames. It was quite the experience. Bryan has been to many NHL hockey games but this was my first one. What a huge staduim. The game was good but to be honest Calgary could of played a lot better. I've seen better games on TV. But none the less it was great to see a live game.

Left: The huge arena in Denver

Right: Face-off at centre ice

Left: A scuffle at the Calgary end of the rink.

Right: The final score. Not good for Calgary!

From Left to Right: Bryan, Peter and Justin enjoying a beer with the game!

After the game we all went back to the hotel for it was late and the guys had an early morning the next day.

While Bryan was at the conference during the day I went to the pool, gym and of course to the shops. I even stopped in at Macy's. Didn't care much for the store. Quite pricey!

Joan, these pictures are for you! You wanted me to take some pictures of the "Rocky Mountains". Well, unfortunately, we were unable to get any closer than this to see the beautiful mountains. Maybe next year!

A view from our balcony of the 2 pools in the hotel complex. One was closed for the winter, the open one was heated along with the hot tub.

Left: A picture from the balcony of our hotel room. Looks like a storm is coming but it didn't turn into anything.

Right: A beautiful Denver sunset.

Well, that concludes our visit to Denver Colorado.

Next stop is SEATTLE WA to visit Andrew and see how he was doing at his diving school.

Take care!

Love,

Bryan & Maureen

Saskatoon Visit

SASKATOON VISIT

Our Saskatoon visit was great - the weather was not! Kamloops weather I thought was cold but Saskatoon was bitterly cold. From leaving Sydney at +30C to arriving in Saskatoon with a temperature around -40C was a real shocker. And it didn't end there. While we were there we experienced the coldest day in Saskatoon in many many years. A whopping -57C (with the windchill) was brutal! We survived and depite the freezing cold we were warmed by all our family and friends.

Bryan went to work while in Saskatoon but it gave him an opportunity to connect with his friends at work and to catch up on business.

Left to Right: Gerald, Gord, Trevor & Bryan - Having a 'Fox & Hounds Reunion'.

Bryan and I took a hotel for a night and invited the kids over for a visit. Adam was the last to leave and after we went for a soak in the hot tub we gave him his Christmas and birthday gifts.

Left: The four boys at the hotel room doing their favorite thing - watching TV!
Right: Matthew, Me, Carla & Andrew at the hotel room

Adam opening his gifts!

Andrew and Carla invited Bryan & I, Matthew and Adam to come over to their house for a Christmas dinner. It was a great time. They left their Christmas tree up for us as to make the dinner complete. Carla cooked up a wonderful tasty supper (with Andrew's help). After supper we spent some time with the kids just talking, playing guitars and keyboard. We even did some singing. It was really really nice to listen and hear the kids play and they played very well too.

Left to Right: Me, Carla, Andrew, Matthew & Adam

Us and Our Boys!

While Bryan and I were in Saskatoon we stayed at my parents house. Like I mentioned earlier the weather was really cold and there was a lot of snow. It was soooo cold that even my sister's dog 'Missy' needed a warm jacket.

Left: The snow piled up on my parents' deck outside.
Right: Missy getting ready to go home.

Bryan cuddling up with Mom & Henry trying to keep warm!

Usually once every Fall Mom and her five daughters go away for a weekend just to spend some quality time with each other. This year it wasn't possible so we decided that at least the 'girls' would go out for a nice long brunch. We celebrated birthdays for the month of January at the same time.

Clockwise: Me, Gail, Joan, Cindy, Debbi & Mom

One of the birthday gifts my sisters gave me to remember Canada. A Polar Bear!

My sister Debbie & Rick gave their daughter Kim and husband Deepak two kittens for Christmas. Kim came over to Mom's to show of her new fluffy pets. They are so cute! Here is Gramma with Kim and the two little jems.

One of the major events that occurred while we were back in Saskatoon was my Mom's 80th birthday. We planned a surprise birthday party for her. Family and friends all gathered to extend their birthday wishes to Mom. While the party went well Mom was not well that day. Her Tri-geminal Neuralgia (piercing nerve pain in the jaw) was really acting up and she was only able to stay for a short while. Mom was overjoyed with all the people who came for the party.

Above: Everyone singing 'Happy Birthday" to Mom.

After the party was over and the guests all my sisters, brother-in-laws and some nieces and nephews gathered at the lounge in the hotel where the party was held and we all just relaxed and enjoyed each others' company.

A couple of days later Bryan had to leave for the US to do some business there. He was traveling to a few different states and his final destination was Denver CO for a one week conference. I left Saskatoon about a week after him and met up with him in Denver CO and stayed with him for the conference.

The day I left Saskatoon Mom & Henry, Andrew and Matthew and I went to the Saskatoon Inn for Sunday brunch before I had to get on the plane for Denver.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our highlights of our 'Saskatoon Visit'.


The next stop is Denver Co.

Our love to all,

Bryan & Maureen

Our Trip Back to Canada - Kamloops, BC Visit

KAMLOOPS VISIT
Hello Everyone! Canada here we come!

Our visit back to Canada was wonderful. It was so nice to see family and friends. Our first stop in Canada was in Kamloops. We arrived on December 27 2008. We stayed with Bryan's family - brother Jeff, sister-in-law Susan and their kids Roman and Olivia. Bryan's Andrew was up from Seattle and his girlfriend Karissa from Saskatoon were there as well. We had such a good time. They planned a ski trip to Sun Peaks which was an experience on its own expecially for me who has never been on skis before. Bryan and Andrew went on the bigger hills while Karissa and I stayed on the beginner hills for the day.

Left: Jeff, Bryan, Slava, Andrew & Karissa at Sun Peaks Ski Resort
Right: Olivia, Susan, Andrew, Karissa and Jeff

Me on skis!

Bryan was very nice to stay with me for the morning and he gave me a few skiing lessons before he left for the bigger, more advanced hills. I must say he is a very good teacher but after going down the hill just a couple of times he took my poles away! It was such a good time.

Left: Picture of one of the more advanced ski runs
Right: View of the mountain top showing other ski runs and Andrew

When Bryan was on the more difficult runs he was able to snap a few really good pictures. The picture on the Left is one of pine trees covered with massive snow. Bryan said they call these 'snow ghosts'. The picture on the Right is of a look from coming down on one of the ski runs. Beautiful sights to see and I'm hoping that next year, no, I know next year I will try one of the more difficult hills.

This picture that Bryan took as well I think just sums up the beauty on the mountains. The sun setting, the snow brushed trees and the white powder for all to enjoy. My time at Kamloops was really enjoyable but very short. Bryan was able to stay another couple of days and took in one more day of skiing and visiting with family.

Our next stop - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Let's Get Caught Up!

Hello Everyone!



Firstly I will appologize for not having our blog up-to-date. Things have been very busy with Canadian company, Christmas and our trip back to Canada. But I know, that's no excuse! I hope to try and get caught up over the next couple of weeks so please keep checking things periodically to see what has been happening for us over the last couple of months.

As you can see we FINALLY got the motorbike out of customs. We got it plated on December 23, 2008 and took her out for a ride on Christmas day (which will be on the blog soon).

I will go back a couple months and post a few highlights on places we've seen, our Victoria trip, Canadian visitors, CNH Christmas Party, Our First Aussie Christmas, Kamloops visit, Saskatoon visit, and the Denver NHL Hockey Game.

Bryan has been very very busy since we got back from Canada and has been out of town the majority of the time. He is currently on his way to the state of Victoria (South of us). Victoria is currently going through severe bush fires and the total number of deaths as I am typing here is over 180 and expected to climb. Extreme heat and last night very strong winds (100 kms) have made the state an area of disaster. Please keep in mind and in your prayers the people in the state of Victoria. Bryan should be OK as he is driving through the North part of Victoria and the fires in this area are not as severe.

I hope everyone is fine and enjoy the blog.
Love you all and missing everyone!

Bryan & Maureen

Our First Aussie Christmas - Dec 2008

Our Christmas Day started out early. We finally got the bike approved for the road and that is just where we took her on Christmas Day - a long road trip. No place in mind except to ride North of Sydney. We passed many beaches on the way with people doing many different things from surfing on Christmas day to fishing to having a major bbq to just relaxing and enjoying the weather and being together with loved ones.

Left: Bryan all geared up and ready for a good ride!
Right: Picture of the approximate route we were going to take.

We decided to ride down the 'Coastal Highway' as to try and take in as many views as possible. One of the stops we made was at a look-out point for the 'Sea Coast Highway'. It is a bridge that was just completed about seven years ago along the ocean with huge cliffs backing it. The highway was made out in the ocean because the cliffside kept on falling on the existing highway. There is also a walking path that you can take.


Left: The bike with the 'Sea Coast' Hwy in the background.
Right: View of the 'Sea Coast' Hwy from the look-out point.

Above: Another view of the "Sea Coast Bridge'.

While riding on the bike I thought I would have a little fun! When we ride I take the pictures for Bryan's hands are kinda busy! I thought I would take a couple of shots of us on the bike. The picture of Bryan in the mirror shows that he has a black ball in front of his mouth. We decided to get microphones for our helmets. That way we can talk to each other (without yelling over the road noise) while riding. They work very well. We can also listen to the radio on them too.

We finally saw a beach that we thought would be a good place to have our Christmas picnic lunch at. Geringong was that beach. It was really nice for it wasn't crowded at all. We got out of our bike gear and into beach gear. The day until then was clowdy. Once we set up our blanket and lunch the sun decided to peek through the clowds. Nice of the sun to accomodate us! We had lots of fun peeling our King Prawns and enjoying the wonderful fresh taste of each morsel. Oh ya, we just had to have turkey as well so we bought some turkey breast slices and made up some turkey sandwiches to go along with our lunch. It just wouldn't be Christmas without the turkey!

Above: The two of us obviously enjoying our day and the King Prawns.

After lunch we went for a walk along the beach and yes even though it wasn't the warmest (about +25C) we had to go and get wet in the ocean as well. Then we decided to go for a walk along the coast and see what we could find. And we found lots. We saw a bunch of different kinds of crabs and lots of other little ocean life among the small pools of water along the rocky terrain of the coast. We found lots of big shells too.

Left: Bryan doing what he loves - climbing rocks.
Right: Me holding huge snail shells in each hand.

This was our first Christmas without snow. We enjoyed that aspect a lot! But something was mising. A snowman!

Above: Our sandman! I forgot the carrot at home, sorry!

After we were done exploring the coastline we changed and hopped on the bike again to see what else we could find. We drove up to the Illawarra Tree Top walk where you can climb up and see a fantastic treetop view but when we got there it was closed. So, we made our way back down the road and stopped in to see the 'Carrington Falls'.

Above: "Carrington Falls"

Above: View from the top of Carrington Falls.

Above: Close up of Carrington Falls. Note-picture is in color not black & white.

Our Christmas day was coming to a close. The sun was thinking of settling down for the night and so were we. What a day it was! Fantastic food wonderful companionship shared with each other and awesome breathtaking views. One could not ask for more of a gift on Christmas. Christmas 2008 will be one to remember so sure!

I'm getting there. Just about all caught up. Keep checking, I'm getting closer to being caught up!

Love,

Bryan & Maureen