Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
BREAKING NEWS!!! "Sea to Sky closure could last five days" Well, there goes the three day weekend in Squamish!
Wednesday, July 30 - 02:05:00 PM Katharine Kitts/News1130 Staff
SQUAMISH (News1130) -
SQUAMISH (News1130) -
Geo-technical crews now think it could be five days before they can clear the massive rockslide that's blocked the Sea to Sky highway in both directions between Lions Bay and Furry Creek.
A ferry may be brought in to help in the meantime, if infrastructure is able to support the move.
A geo-technical crew steps cautiously over the debris and boulders that now block the highway, a vital link to Squamish and Whistler completely vacant except for the crews and media standing nearby,.
Some campers at nearby Porteau Cove park heard the rockslide happen just before midnight.
"It sounded like dynamite," says one young girl who heard the boom. "This morning I found out it was rocks coming down."
The rubble is nine metres high in some parts and completely covers the highway, rail lines and stretches to the water below. Squamish RCMP say there are no confirmed injuries at this point, but there is no question a massive cleanup lies ahead.
A hillside in the Porteau Bluffs area collapsed just before midnight, sending approximately 15,000 cubic metres of rock and debris crashing down on the Sea to Sky highway between Furry Creek and Porteau Cove.
Some of the boulders now blocking the road are as big as semi-trucks.
Highway crews are now assessing the size of the slide and the stability of the slope above the road. Drivers are being told to go the long away around through Lillooet if they need to travel between Whistler and the Lower Mainland.
The Sea to Sky Highway is currently undergoing a half-billion dollar upgrade to ensure it can handle all the traffic expected between Vancouver and Whistler during the 2010 Olympic Games.
A ferry may be brought in to help in the meantime, if infrastructure is able to support the move.
A geo-technical crew steps cautiously over the debris and boulders that now block the highway, a vital link to Squamish and Whistler completely vacant except for the crews and media standing nearby,.
Some campers at nearby Porteau Cove park heard the rockslide happen just before midnight.
"It sounded like dynamite," says one young girl who heard the boom. "This morning I found out it was rocks coming down."
The rubble is nine metres high in some parts and completely covers the highway, rail lines and stretches to the water below. Squamish RCMP say there are no confirmed injuries at this point, but there is no question a massive cleanup lies ahead.
A hillside in the Porteau Bluffs area collapsed just before midnight, sending approximately 15,000 cubic metres of rock and debris crashing down on the Sea to Sky highway between Furry Creek and Porteau Cove.
Some of the boulders now blocking the road are as big as semi-trucks.
Highway crews are now assessing the size of the slide and the stability of the slope above the road. Drivers are being told to go the long away around through Lillooet if they need to travel between Whistler and the Lower Mainland.
The Sea to Sky Highway is currently undergoing a half-billion dollar upgrade to ensure it can handle all the traffic expected between Vancouver and Whistler during the 2010 Olympic Games.
Lunch hour adventure with Annie
Today Annie was victim to my obsession of the local harvest. A co worker of ours has a wonderful couple of acres here in the county. She has it all, beautiful gardens bursting with flowers, dogs, orchards, cats, sheep, goats, a chicken, and 70 (!) blueberry bushes. Heavenly! I don't need to plant any when I can trade her dark chocolate for "all I can handle amounts of blueberries." What a deal. So, I talked Annie into driving us the seven miles to her house and I picked a flat of blueberries. The same amount is probably in my tummy, this is nothing new... I absolutely love the northwest in the summer.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Top of the week to you!
Here we are, another week in front of us. Shaping up to be a fine one at that.
Corrie just left, gracing us for just the weekend. She flew in with her friend Lawson on Friday. John and I drove to Anacortes and picked her up that night and had dinner with Lawson's parents.
The rest of the weekend went pretty smoothly, doing some fun things that I tend to overlook doing here in Bellingham. Saturday morning we went to breakfast at the Daisy Cafe. I am pretty sure they have the best breakfast in town. Their menu is very creative with this wonderful local twist. Got to love it! Then we strolled around the farmer's market. That was a treat. I love the place but never seem to go unless I have company in town. I saw about dozen people I knew, even a high school chemistry teacher that remembered my name! I looked at hundreds of plants, finding the perfect lavender bush to bring home. I found my new favorite local artist, Sarah Bolerjack, she does intaglio prints. Her work was amazing. (Corrie bought a print!) It was great to see all the local farmers out with beautiful vegetables and flowers. Later that afternoon, Rafe took us sailing on his boat. It was my first time on his boat, what a treat! It was a blast! I made sandwiches and munchies, washing them down with a few margaritas. What an adventure! We topped off the day with a trip to the Pepper Sisters. It has been a long time since we had been there last, as always though, I loved the place!
Sunday we got up early, John and I had a lot of energy from two pretty inactive days. We drug Corrie up to Sehome with the crew (Bryan, Brandon, and Rafe). We ended up bouldering all morning. It was a blast! Corrie was a trooper, she hiked around with us, taking pictures and enjoying being in the woods. That group of guys is all star. As always they made her feel welcome. It is no scene by any stretch of the imagination. Climbing that day was incredible. I sent two problems that I had been working on from the ground and got on a couple newer ones that a re a bit harder. It is sure coming together! After climbing we came home and crashed and I got ready to have a BBQ in which Rafe and my parents would come over and spend the evening. We fired up the grill, cooking corn on the cob, chicken sausages and buffalo burgers. Mom had gone to Boxx Berry Farm and brought us a 1/2 flat of raspberries. Yummy! everything was great!
As fast as Corrie came, she left. It was fun having her here, short and sweet.
Corrie just left, gracing us for just the weekend. She flew in with her friend Lawson on Friday. John and I drove to Anacortes and picked her up that night and had dinner with Lawson's parents.
The rest of the weekend went pretty smoothly, doing some fun things that I tend to overlook doing here in Bellingham. Saturday morning we went to breakfast at the Daisy Cafe. I am pretty sure they have the best breakfast in town. Their menu is very creative with this wonderful local twist. Got to love it! Then we strolled around the farmer's market. That was a treat. I love the place but never seem to go unless I have company in town. I saw about dozen people I knew, even a high school chemistry teacher that remembered my name! I looked at hundreds of plants, finding the perfect lavender bush to bring home. I found my new favorite local artist, Sarah Bolerjack, she does intaglio prints. Her work was amazing. (Corrie bought a print!) It was great to see all the local farmers out with beautiful vegetables and flowers. Later that afternoon, Rafe took us sailing on his boat. It was my first time on his boat, what a treat! It was a blast! I made sandwiches and munchies, washing them down with a few margaritas. What an adventure! We topped off the day with a trip to the Pepper Sisters. It has been a long time since we had been there last, as always though, I loved the place!
Sunday we got up early, John and I had a lot of energy from two pretty inactive days. We drug Corrie up to Sehome with the crew (Bryan, Brandon, and Rafe). We ended up bouldering all morning. It was a blast! Corrie was a trooper, she hiked around with us, taking pictures and enjoying being in the woods. That group of guys is all star. As always they made her feel welcome. It is no scene by any stretch of the imagination. Climbing that day was incredible. I sent two problems that I had been working on from the ground and got on a couple newer ones that a re a bit harder. It is sure coming together! After climbing we came home and crashed and I got ready to have a BBQ in which Rafe and my parents would come over and spend the evening. We fired up the grill, cooking corn on the cob, chicken sausages and buffalo burgers. Mom had gone to Boxx Berry Farm and brought us a 1/2 flat of raspberries. Yummy! everything was great!
As fast as Corrie came, she left. It was fun having her here, short and sweet.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Diet Coke Crisis
I will be the first one to admit it, I love a Diet Coke. Sometimes it just hits the spot. I have really tried to decrease and limit the amount of artificial sweeteners I consume. I have honestly felt better in doing so. Just like most things moderation is key.
While at work, I constantly hear the cracking of soda cans being opened. I am within earshot of an office where the sound of Diet Coke s being opened is like clock work. Every morning at 7:30, probably before the computer is even warmed up, it starts. Then continually through the day.
I couldn't help but Google Diet Coke consumption and learn more about this Diet Coke craze...
I am going to think again when I am going for the DC.
For your reading pleasure:
Diet Coke
THE CULT OF DIET COKE.
By Eric Gillin
Don't Drink the Diet Coke
Diet Coke Addicts
By Lauren Gong
Yeah I know that they are not really credible sources but it is just food for thought....
While at work, I constantly hear the cracking of soda cans being opened. I am within earshot of an office where the sound of Diet Coke s being opened is like clock work. Every morning at 7:30, probably before the computer is even warmed up, it starts. Then continually through the day.
I couldn't help but Google Diet Coke consumption and learn more about this Diet Coke craze...
I am going to think again when I am going for the DC.
For your reading pleasure:
Diet Coke
THE CULT OF DIET COKE.
By Eric Gillin
Don't Drink the Diet Coke
Diet Coke Addicts
By Lauren Gong
Yeah I know that they are not really credible sources but it is just food for thought....
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Vicarious Vacation
Our friends, Az and Andy are a couple weeks into their road trip now. They seem to be having a great time experiencing what the Country has to offer. I can road trip vicariously through them, reminiscing of our trip. Sometimes I really miss that life style.
Here are some pictures that Az shared:
Here are some pictures that Az shared:
Boxx Berry Farm now has ripe raspberries. They are truly incredible. I teamed up with a couple of other women from work this week and have picked a good share. The vines were just sagging with the weight of all the ripe berries. Even more incentive to pick: $1.75 a pound. I want to get a considerable amount to freeze. What a treat! Next up... blueberries!
Well the garden saga continues. There is just so much to learn! Last night I came home to two of my planters engulfed in aphids. This happened overnight. What causes this? Where do they come from? I quickly got rid of the planters and sprayed off the plants around the infected areas, I am still a little leery about the situation. Good thing Google is just a click away. (All you need to know about aphids) I continue to fight the deer. They have decimated the fig tree that Dad gave me and continued to munch on the flowers. Arg!
We went to the Cololusses Theatre in Langly, BC, last night. Wow, a real movie theatre! It was great to sit in nice big chairs and be blown away by a big screen and thundering sound (we might have been a bit too close to the screen...). The flick: The Dark Knight. Batman...I am not going to spoil it for anyone but I would recommend seeing it. It is pretty darn good. Classic good vs. evil.
Corrie Stiles is flying in on Friday! It is going to be great to have her up here for the weekend. All kinds of fun to be had. Rafe's sailboat, festival on Lummi Island, BBQ, farmer's market....The list goes on.
Well the garden saga continues. There is just so much to learn! Last night I came home to two of my planters engulfed in aphids. This happened overnight. What causes this? Where do they come from? I quickly got rid of the planters and sprayed off the plants around the infected areas, I am still a little leery about the situation. Good thing Google is just a click away. (All you need to know about aphids) I continue to fight the deer. They have decimated the fig tree that Dad gave me and continued to munch on the flowers. Arg!
We went to the Cololusses Theatre in Langly, BC, last night. Wow, a real movie theatre! It was great to sit in nice big chairs and be blown away by a big screen and thundering sound (we might have been a bit too close to the screen...). The flick: The Dark Knight. Batman...I am not going to spoil it for anyone but I would recommend seeing it. It is pretty darn good. Classic good vs. evil.
Corrie Stiles is flying in on Friday! It is going to be great to have her up here for the weekend. All kinds of fun to be had. Rafe's sailboat, festival on Lummi Island, BBQ, farmer's market....The list goes on.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Cronk Guitars
Last night I finally hung out with my brother Bryan. It has been a long time since I have seen him. He has been living in Arizona, following his bliss. I think that he is up here, taking a break from the sun. We took him out to La Fiamma Pizza and did some catching up over a wonderful pizza.
We look over a couple of guitars that he had in his truck. I must say that they have improved wonders in his craftsmanship. They really look nice. I have no clue how they stack up tonally. His practice has paid off. I checked out his webpage on my lunch break. Wow, that was a mistake to do at work. Little risky, to say the least. I had no idea what I was getting into. Looks like he has been busy…. www.cronkguitars.com
Hmmm…. I will stop here. Biting my tongue, trying not to swallow it…..
We look over a couple of guitars that he had in his truck. I must say that they have improved wonders in his craftsmanship. They really look nice. I have no clue how they stack up tonally. His practice has paid off. I checked out his webpage on my lunch break. Wow, that was a mistake to do at work. Little risky, to say the least. I had no idea what I was getting into. Looks like he has been busy…. www.cronkguitars.com
Hmmm…. I will stop here. Biting my tongue, trying not to swallow it…..
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sky Valley Fun
Redneck round-up
Fun in Sky Valley! Little did I know that one could have so much fun in driving a beater old truck. Or should I say I had no idea the culture and following "wheeling" had. Apperntly I have been in the darkto this whole "sportsman" subculture. John and I squeezed, squished and crammed our little bodies in the back of Bryan's truck and went bouldering in Gold Bar (between Sultan and Index) on Sunday. Great move, considering the heat and sun. (I don't know how I used to climb in the sun constantly). It was worth it. We only saw one other group of guys climbing and over the course of the day I got a feel for the bouldering in the area. I completed a handful of problems, which I never do that often, so that feels incredible. I flashed a couple of V3s as well as several V2s. I am ready to get on some harder problems there. The climbing was good, the company was fun and the sights were beautiful. The road to access the place was the real beef of the day. First, turning off of Rieter Road, we had had to pick our way through the hoards of motorcyclist, four wheelers and these mutant trucks. The road, all three long argous miles of it, is puckered with monstrous potholes, rocks, boulders and washouts, oh yeah and did I mention, motorcyclists, quads and mutant trucks. Dodging this was more stressful than a day of climbing. Rafe almost knocked the window out with his head. That is just Rafe for you. I hope this guy has health insurance, he is a bit accident prone. We finished up the day with Zeke's. The best burger joint...really.
Over the weekend we also had a BBQ, cooking up some fish, ending up with a great big meal. Summer is hear and so is our fresh produce!! I love our house these days, it is so easy to have people over, the kitchen is huge, tons of counter space, the deck is nice and big, our living room is great to hang out in. I am feeling a bit settled, imagine that. It feels good!
I will not be bothering to go back to the Chuckanut Brewery for dinner anytime soon. Their beer was good and the nachoes as an appy were worth it. I have been to the new brewery twice since they have opened. I was excited to have a new establishment besides the floundering Boundary Bay. Friday we ventured there with the Dorrs', doing our Friday night thing. This time I tested the soup and salad. Usually enough food. Nope once again I left hungry. I have left there hungry each time. This means that I am either ravenously hungry or the portions are just too small. The menu is creative, but, it feels like that is where the effort has stopped. The food leaves one wondering if they had put any thought into the final product. They have some serious issues to work out until we can take them seriously.
I promise pictures soon!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Affenpinscher
Little did I know, a book of dog breeds could provide hours of entertainment. I suggest looking through one, fascinating! My favorite one: Affenpinscher! The cutest little one ever. Here is just an example of how cute the buggers are:
Of course I could never imagine having another dog with Natasha around. She is just to wonderful to have to share the spotlight with another dog.
Of course I could never imagine having another dog with Natasha around. She is just to wonderful to have to share the spotlight with another dog.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Home Improvement = Sence of Place
Well the window covering saga comes to a pleasant end. We arrived home after work yesterday and they were sitting on the front steps. My handy hubby had them up in an hour and what sweet retreat from the sun! Not only did our house become cooler instantaneously, I felt some privacy and a sense of coziness with them shut. Yep, I am this excited about window coverings, imagine that.
Moving to the outside of the house... I picked out a 'Thunder Cloud Plumb' to replace the tree/bush we removed a couple of weeks ago. The trunk is 1 1/2" in diameter, so it was as big of a tree that I could get with out being delivered. While at Kent's Nursery picking out the tree I perused the Rhododendron section. Wow, I have never seen so many varieties. They carry over 30 varieties. I picked out on with a variegated leaf, something that I have never seen. It is called 'President Roosevelt.' I also planted about three other small shrubs around our lot, making it feel a bit more hospitable. I am loving the place more and more every day!
Moving to the outside of the house... I picked out a 'Thunder Cloud Plumb' to replace the tree/bush we removed a couple of weeks ago. The trunk is 1 1/2" in diameter, so it was as big of a tree that I could get with out being delivered. While at Kent's Nursery picking out the tree I perused the Rhododendron section. Wow, I have never seen so many varieties. They carry over 30 varieties. I picked out on with a variegated leaf, something that I have never seen. It is called 'President Roosevelt.' I also planted about three other small shrubs around our lot, making it feel a bit more hospitable. I am loving the place more and more every day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)