House Red

I am in the liquor store, buying two bottles of my current House Red, Montalto Nero D'Avola Cab Sauv, which was on sale for a ridiculously low $10.99. For Canada, that is cheap. It is worth more.

The cashier says, "Can I see two pieces of ID?" I think she has said "Are you going to a Christmas Party?" I say, "No, they're on sale!"

She gives me a very, very blank stare and repeats herself. I sheepishly pass over my driver's license. My boyfriend, waiting outside with our dog, taps on the glass and laughs. "She's 30!" he mouths.

Up

My BFF Angie: "Can we go for a hike?"

Me: "Sure!"

(Above: St. Marks Summit on the Howe Sound Trail)

Angie: "Can it be a long one?"

Me: "Sure."

(Above: From the hilariously named Mt. Unnecessary)

Angie: "Is seven hours too long?"

Almost. But the views made up for it.

Grapes and Sun

Just got back from our 2nd annual trip to BC's Okanagan. Perfect small town BC getaway: fabulous scenery, local wine, lots of Dairy Queen.

(how had I never had a Peanut Buster Bar? I digress.)

Above, Road 13. They have a castle!

The view from the lake at La Frenz (used to be the Canadian $100 bill!).

One Malbec for the wine rack.

Seared Albacore Tuna Salad at Hillside Estate.

Also had some Cabernet Franc, my new favourite wine.

The lake from Soaring Eagle.

Didn't check my email for 3 whole days. Didn't get burned. Perfection!

Ole!

I would love to read away the day in one of these chairs.

While an authentic Barcelona chair is not in my budget, should I go for the expensive copy in leather or the cheap one in pleather?

Image

Sold!

I'm now house poor. Yeah! Here's our new apartment living room. Balcony to the left, den to the right, boxes of wood floor front and centre. (If you look really close, you can see Mozart eyeing up the neighbourhood from the balcony.)

These rain clouds have a silver lining

Why am I making stew in June? Because Vancouver is cold and rainy, my friends. Following the suggestions, I added garlic, lemon juice, and extra herbs. Delicious!

I am now excited about lunch for the rest of the week.

Rosewall Creek

Last weekend, I got to take one of my friends on my favourite hike on Vancouver Island. You park in Rosewall Creek Provincial Park and walk under both the "Old Highway" and the "New Highway." Then, you follow the creek for 45 minutes to a spectacular waterfall.
And of course, you have to stop at Qualicum Foods for sandwiches for the trip. (I worked there in the late 90s right after high school. I can still remember produce codes. Bananas, 4011. Green peppers, 4065. I could go on.)