Conquer Cancer

Home safely from The 2015 Ride to Conquer Cancer. Thanks a ton if you donated.
I raised $2,874 and the CTV team (only 22 strong this year) raised $78,033.
Altogether the 7th annual ride raised a total of $8.4 million .
This year 2,087 riders in BC took part under  challenging conditions!
Riders got soaked quickly in the heavy rain at the start, but nothing unexpected. Problems began when the 80km/hr winds hit on the other side of the border. 2 riders hit by a falling tree. 1 rider hit by powerlines. Saw lots of riders have their bikes blown out from under them, and hit by branches and debris. I was blown off the road twice....but not hurt. At lunch they announced the ride unsafe to continue. So we waited hours (some people 7 hours) for trucks and coaches to arrive to take people and bikes to our Mt Vernon camp....including riders that had gone on ahead and had to be collected from the side of the road.
At camp.... those actually camping had to stay on mattresses in the barns or setup their own tents....as the organizers couldn't get the ride-provided tests to stay up! I had a hotel thankfully...and one of the few with power, so I was lucky!
The next day, they started the ride at 730am (late), and announced that as they couldn't clear the debris from a part of the route....they had made some changes, and the ride was now slightly longer and steeper! Was it ever! 131km, mostly uphill!
Anyway....home safe, if a little sore....and still proud to be part of such an awesome fundraising event.

Playing at Porpoise Bay

One of my favourite places to camp is Porpoise Bay, near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast. It was our second time there, and I think I might try to come back every year. We had a damp start to the weekend, only just beating the thunder and lightning to get the tent setup! We enjoyed a fabulous talk in then outdoor amphitheatre by the Sunshine Coast Astronomers Club....and it cleared up beautifully to look at Saturn through their high powered telescopes on the beach!

Vegas Voyage

My mum came to visit in July.....so of course, we decided....to go to VEGAS!
We stayed at the beautiful ARIA, went to see Cirque De Soleil's "O", and took in the usual Vegas sights. The highlight however was taking a 17 hour bus tour to The Grand Canyon...which was more breathtaking than I could have imagined....even in the 40+ degree heat!!!

Fab Food

Some great food experiences this curling season! Some fabulous.....some just interesting!
Everything from the cans of hot coffee from the vending machines in Japan....to an amazing lobster dinner in Halifax.

Curling Craziness

It's been a while since I posted.....so here are some 'catchup' blogs. In the spring I was, once again, priviliged to be asked to be part of the World Curling Federation TV crew. The time our adventures took us to Sapporo, Japan for the World Women's Championship......then to Halifax, Nova Scotia for the World Men's.
The weather was cold and snowy in both place.....especially Halifax where they were experiencing a series of snow storms in one of their worset winters on record! In Sapporo, our hours were long....but we got a little shopping in....and a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum.
In Halifax we had less of a tight schedule....so I enjoyed some beautiful waterfront walks....and experienced from amazing food! ....and yes, that picture is of a Karaoke Darts Bar!

Birthday Bash

Happy 7th birthday Rhys, who as usual, had multiple celebrations. The week ended as he celebrated with 18 of his friends....and special guest The Reptile Guy!

Circus Charm

Just before Christmas, Lily participated in a photo shoot at Vancouver Circus School....where she has taken Aerial Silks classes on and off for quite a few years. Here are a few of my favourites:

Fabulous Fall

OK. It's been a while since I posted! Unforunately I can't catch you up with all the photos from the summer...but they are on Facebook, and of course in the yearly calendar if you received one.

Summer had the kids in Bike Camp, Drama Camp, swimming.....a couple of family camping trips to some beautiful spots in British Columbia....and a long weekend trip to Los Angeles to join Jason who was taking a course down there.

Here are a couple of my favourite pics from the fall. Rhys dressed up for Halloween, and Lily with her chalk drawing in the driveway....of a poppy for Remembrance Day. Hopefully it won't be so long between updates in the future. As usual, click to enlarge any of the photos.

Track Time

Rhys's first season with New Westminster's Track & Field Club has ended. The 'Track Rascals' program ended with a mini-triathlon....and a medal presentation!

Great Gift

Last birthday Rhys asked his friends for money to donate to cancer research, instead of gifts. A couple of weeks ago we finally got around to taking his container of cash into the BC Cancer Foundnation. They were so happy to see him, took a photo of him for their Twitter and Facebook feeds, and mailed him a thank-you letter!

Weekend Workouts

Hundreds of Chinese people making the most of the space outdoors in the park: exercising, classes, music practice...you name it!

Pondering the Palaces

The Forbidden City. Amazing, but unfortunately didn't have a whole lot of time there.

Wonderous Wall

Hiking the Great Wall. Can't believe I was actually there!

Beautiful Beijing

March and April I found myself working as an Associate Producer on the World Men's Curling Championships in Beijing. It was an amazing place, with fabulous people. Click to enlarge any of the pictures.