Saturday, April 16, 2016

VANCOUVER LOVE


Our hotel 

Our much anticipated trip to Vancouver came and went in the blink of any eye.  6 days is really the average for us when we take trips but this one kept The Husband and I on our toes and it flew by.  This was our second time visiting and we were able to cover much more ground.  The first few days were work for The Husband but I managed very well to keep myself busy.  I'm getting ahead of myself though.  Of course there had to be some mishaps.  The Perils of Pauline often occur in Blondieville and this was no exception.  There's something about travel and airports...

At some point during our 4 1/2 hour flight I felt a sort of pricking in my chest area.  Like getting stabbed every few seconds.  I went to the washroom on the plane and pulled the zipper down on my sweater and saw the culprit.  The sharp underwire of my bra had poked through the fabric and was actually stabbing me in the chest.  I did what I could to poke and pull it into place and then went back to my seat.  Needless to say I fiddled with this for the remainder of the flight.  I was well aware that I might just be drawing attention to myself, the woman in the aisle seat pulling her zipper up and down and seemingly fiddling with her bosom.  But it was after all, a matter of life and death.

Long story short, we made it to Vancouver, got our luggage, went through customs and all the while I worried about bending or twisting...truly stabbing myself and dying in the most embarrassing way possible.  Finally I was able to get to a washroom. Can you imagine trying to undress and remove your bra in a 3 x 5 space when you are in a complete sweat?  I was so relieved to dump the offending garment in the trash bin, black and lacy and sexy as it was.  Then I had to deal with being braless and spending the next hour finishing up at the airport, taking a train to the area we were staying in and then a cab to the hotel.  I did all of this with my arms crossed over my chest as if it were cold.  No...it was 67 degrees and I'll be darned if I wasn't dressed for the 37 degree temps and snow that we were having in Chicago when we left that morning.  I looked like an idiot.  Bonjour Vancouver, Blondie has arrived.  ;-(



A view from our hotel restaurant~~

As I mentioned in previous posts, The Husband was invited to give a presentation to a large international group of people having to do with the legal field.  As an attorney for some 40 years, he is an expert in his chosen area of law and well respected not only in Illinois, but the entire U.S.  He worked so hard preparing for this and he totally aced it.  His portion of the plane fare, food and lodging was paid for so that was a plus for us, and the hotel was chosen by the hosting organization.  It couldn't have been a better choice.  Located in the Coal Harbour area, we were on the waterfront and within walking distance of some of the best sites.  My first view of the mountains was from our hotel restaurant.



The husband needed time and space to prepare for his presentation and was also meeting with people here and there so I was pretty much on my own.  I'm going to be brutally honest here,  I'm really not one to get around well by myself.  Yes, I did when I was younger.  In my twenties I did a ton of stuff independently, had no problem going here and yonder by myself, but after 30+ years with a life partner, you get used to doing things as a couple.  But I had to come to the realization that we aren't Bert and Ernie and that I had to put on my big girl pants.  I hadn't planned doing it in another country but with map in hand, I set out for a shopaholic paradise, Robson Street.  Now, I can get lost in a phone booth but I have to admit, I did quite well and I really had a ball.  Great shops and wonderful places to sit on benches and people watch.  After two hours of shopping and browsing I stopped for a light lunch.  I haven't had a meal alone in a restaurant in a very long time but I was quite comfortable.  As I made my way back to the hotel I received a text from The Husband, "Where are you????"  Ha!  He's the one who booted me out of our room!  Never underestimate a woman when shopping is involved. 



Emily helped me shop for this vacation.  She always makes me look at things with a fresh eye.  I wear way too much black and gray and I don't like patterns...I feel frumpy and/or clownish.  I wasn't too sure about several items, especially this top.  When she said it looked nautical I fell for it.  I actually wore it twice and as I teased on Instagram, I slept on it.  We had feather down pillows and I'm allergic.  Every time I thought of asking for synthetic it was late at night so I would lay a piece of my clothing over the pillow.  It kept me from waking with splotches on my face. This blouse was nice and soft.  Double duty.



Our brother in law, Jack, has lived in Vancouver for well over ten years.  He married a gal  from there and unfortunately it didn't work out but he loves where he is and plans to stay.  It was so great seeing him and he has a new friend, Isabella (Izzie).  The Husband and I had such a wonderful time with them at this restaurant, Cardero's.  Located in the harbor, we were swooning over the incredible yachts tied up to the piers.  I especially loved the nautical decor inside the restaurant; ship wheels, anchors, canoes and small versions of seaplanes hanging from the high ceilings.  The seafood was incredible and we enjoyed catching up with Jack and getting to know Izzie.  I can't say enough how impressed I was with the restaurant, the location, views, decor, service and excellent food.  



The harbor next to Cardero's



I was so lucky to meet up with two bloggers, seems I 'know' someone in every city  I guess that's probable when you've been blogging for 7 years.  Lori, from Family Trees May Contain Nuts (far right) and I have been blog friends forever.  Nancy, from Stonecrop Sisters, and I have been following one another for about 2 years.  We met at a restaurant a few blocks from my hotel.  We had a wonderful lunch and as always, I'm so happy and surprised when I meet bloggers and we talk and laugh like we've known each other for years.  That was the case here.  :-D




We drove up to Whistler, BC early Monday morning.  It was gloomy and raining but the drive was beautiful.  The sea on one side of the highway and on the other, mountains that changed from solid rock to sky scraping pines.  


As we neared our destination the sun came out and it was even more spectacular.



I did my research and found a hotel in Whistler Village where we could walk to everything.  It's called The Delta Whistler Village Suites.  This is a view from our room.  You can see the snow covered ski trails on one of the mountains.  We don't ski but I was feeling that athletic and adventurous vibe in the air.  I told The Husband we should take lessons in Michigan where there are a few places to ski, in fact our kids took lessons.  Well, it was a nice but fleeting thought.




We strolled through the village, stopped in a few shops and had lunch on a rooftop cafe.  The weather was perfect, all that was needed was a light jacket.  Many of the restaurants have heated outdoor spaces such as this one where we stopped for a cocktail.  




The Village looked so gorgeous lit up at night as well.  Everything is open a little later as the skiers go as long as they can.  There was a festival going on in the town as well, so there was live music here and there and a pretty happy crowd.  



Seeing the rings from the 2010 Winter Olympics made my heart skip a beat.  I'm glad I got this photo at dusk, it really looks cool, doesn't it?



We had to leave early the next morning for the two hour drive back to Vancouver.  We decided 'next time' we would stay in Whistler longer.  We never actually left The Village.  

Back in Vancouver we checked back into The Pinnacle.  I had viewed some other places to stay but this hotel was very nice.  I asked about upgrading our city-view room to a waterfront view.  It was $20 more and The Husband said I could come down to the restaurant if I wanted to see the water.  He's blunt like that.  The girl at the desk gave me a sympathetic smile.   When we arrived on the 18th floor I noticed our room was across the hall from our previous room...and yes, you've got it.  She gave us the waterfront view!  We had a small balcony and this was the view that evening.  That lit up structure in the center of this photo is actually a floating gas station.  It was not only a pleasure to watch the boats coming and going but there were many, many small seaplanes.  I have tons of pictures of them on my camera and I was able to zoom in on them as they were taking off and landing.  And they tied up to piers just like boats!  That was a new thing for me.



Our last day was very rainy.  Drenching rain and we wandered around with umbrellas and ducked in and out of shops and bars.  We ended up for dinner at a beautiful restaurant in the Westin Hotel where we celebrated our last night having seafood chowder, fish and gelato for dessert.  

I hope this wasn't too long or drawn out, or too busy with photos.  I haven't had a chance to look at the ones I took with my camera.  We arrived home late Wednesday night.  I think spring arrived in Chicago while I was gone.  I'm sitting outside as I type this, it's 75 degrees.  Unbelievable.  The Husband is cleaning out the shed and the dogs are lying in the sun.  I haven't sat still since I came home.  Grocery shopping, eye doctor, a visit with Emily who watches Elsie on Thursdays, and the annual visit to the vet with Milo yesterday.  You want to hear something funny?  Abby has been moaning and groaning about how old Milo is getting, 14 years old (young).  She thinks he's going deaf and blind.  So yesterday I asked Dr. B. just how old Milo is based on his records.  Well the darn dog just turned 12 last fall!  I couldn't wait to tell Abby.  Now, don't you wish we had that sort of luck?  Just a mere two year miscalculation on our age?

Quiet week ahead (I think).  I hope to fiddle around outside, I have some daffodils and early tulips coming up as well as grape hyacinths and snowdrops.  I'm going to plant a little 'salad garden' while the weather is still a bit cool...I think I'm going to give up the tomato plants in containers, I only manage to get about five ripe ones and that's not until late August.  :(

I hope you're having a great weekend and that you might just be having weather like us.  It's heavenly!  See you soon.

Jane 




72 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh what a fun trip and meet fellow bloggers too. Great pics and I enjoyed tagging along. Enjoy the warm weather.

The French Hutch said...

Your trip pics lovely and reminded me of my trip there last fall, first time. We stayed at the same hotel too. I enjoyed walking around and of course all the shops and restaurants. Nice city and we enjoyed it, just wish we had gotten to Whistler.
Happy Spring…...

Debby said...

Sounds like it was a great trip. I would love to go there someday. Perhaps after the election, lol.
You had beautiful views. It gets crazy when you return home.
Hugs

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful trip,, I'm so glad you had a good time, I have had a bra do that too but I just yanked the wire out,,lol,
you all must be so proud of your husband,, very accomplished fella,,
We just cross country ski but I love the feel of the ski villages, its so much fun,
You always make me smile ,,, you are so refreshingly honest.

Barbara F. said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip. Nice to combine business with pleasure. Poor Milo, I guess his vision and hearing checked out OK too?

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane, your trip sounded fabulous and yes, that photo of the Olympic rings is outstanding! I love that the girl set you up at the Pinnacle with a room with that view! Girl power! And now it's spring where you are- isn't that just great?! Hope you have the nice quiet weej you're expecting. :)
Rita

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane, your trip sounded fabulous and yes, that photo of the Olympic rings is outstanding! I love that the girl set you up at the Pinnacle with a room with that view! Girl power! And now it's spring where you are- isn't that just great?! Hope you have the nice quiet weej you're expecting. :)
Rita

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip!! I know you had a great time. So good to see your post!

Lynne said...

Loved your Vancouver recap . . .
And the added Whistler . . .
Sounds like a grand time . . .
And the "bra poke" story on the trip out was delightful . . .
Happy you survived . . .
Did anyone discover you were a braless wonder??

bj said...

lol on the poking wire.....i've been known to take my bra off and throw it away while on a trip....
sounds like you had a wonderful time..so glad.
xoxo

A Joyful Cottage said...

Oh, my heavens, the bra story had me laughing out loud. That's the kind of thing that would happen to me. I love it that you just dove in and set out on your own. Good for you, Jane! The whole trip sounds fabulous and how great that you got a water view after all. It was meant to be! I'm glad you showed us some photos of you, too. You're a lovely woman. Returning home to really nice weather it especially nice. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Hugs, Nancy

Fox and Finch Antiques said...

I think it is interesting to see an area in different types of weather. It gives visitors an idea of what it is like to live there. The village looks European, doesn't it? Vancouver has such a good reputation. What a nice place to visit. I've read about that giant forest preserve/park. What great planning, city and nature planted close together. I'm glad you had such a nice visit, combining family and blogging friends visits all with some freedom to roam!
Ginene

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Hi Jane,
Have to chuckle because I too have been there regarding being poked by a broken underwire. I'm glad you ventured out to explore and enjoyed your afternoon shopping. I have a boat neck 3/4 length Black with White small polka dots top. I adore it and get lots of compliments on it. Me too with not liking prints but French stripes and polka dots I enjoy. Jane I am fine with goose down and purchase allergy free because they sterilize it and prevent any allergies. BUT I do have sensitive fair skin and hate to chance a reaction with hotel pillow cases - so I make John pack extra white tee shirts for me to slip the pillow into. Another thing I relate to in this post and it continues ;-D

I checked out Cardero's web site and the restaurant looks amazing and I love sea food. What fun to meet up with blogger friends. Your photo capture of the Olymic rings is really cool, nice share. Funny about Milo's age! Just the other day John and I were trying to figure out if Simon is 5 or 6. we adopted him at 3 months of age, you might think we'd remember but nope!
Enjoy the glorious Springtime weather my friend.
xoxo,
Vera

Lisa said...

Jane
You have the best adventures! Canada sounds glorious it sounds as if your husband's events were successful and you got to go shopping and meet some fellow bloggers. That's a win/win/win!!!

Sarah said...

What a fun trip! I love to be on my own exploring. Glad you ventured out and had a good time. Fun to also meet up with blogging friends. I know it feels good to be back home though. There's no place like home! '-)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Vancouver looks amazing. The scenery reminds me of Colorado with all the trees, rivers, mountains, ever changing as you drive along, and so majestic. How fabulous that you got to meet up with two blogger friends. That's always fun! I find that underwire bras just aren't comfortable for me anymore. Trying to make the switch away from them but hard to find the right kind. I just posted about my tomato harvest. :) Have a good Sunday!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Love all the photos. Vancouver is a great city to explore and I would love to go back someday and especially visit Whistler too. I do ski, so that would be a dream!

Vee said...

Fun to see Vancouver and points beyond through your eyes! Glad that you had a great time and I am also happy to know that you were able to get out and about on your own...I have a similar affliction about doing things on my own. So fun to meet with fellow bloggers, too!

Mereknits said...

Your trip sounds amazing, I am so happy everything worked out, minus that darn wire in your bra. See if you were flat chested like me you would not have this issue. Love that you met up with blogging friends. I have only driven through Vancouver from a cruise ship to the airport but would love to go back.
Hugs,
Meredith

Susie said...

Hello braless Blondie....LOL Darn those underwires. I probably would have stuck a big ball of tissues under that broken wire. :):) I love all your wonderful photos. The Olympic rings was awesome. You looked good in the dotted top. I like dots, because you can wear floral print scarves with it. Or stripes. I laughed about the way you described checking in with your husband. I know exactly what you were saying. Glad you are home safe and having the same great weather we are at this time. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

It's me said...

Hello Jane what a wonderful post ...like the tulips ..happy Sunday...wonderful week love Ria x ❤️

Debbie said...

Your trip sounds and looks fantastic. Those darn underwires can be brutal. I've lost count on the number of times I've had to run to the washroom at work and pull that little thing out of my bra! I'm loving these nice warm days here, finally! I was beginning to think we would never get a spring!

Stacey said...

We love Vancouver too! It's so beautiful and there's so much to do.


There's not a female out there who hasn't wrestled with a wired bra at one time or another. You can actually pull the wire out when necessary. :)

So glad you had a nice time. I love that you meet blogging friends wherever you go.

emily barlocker scott said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who had bra problems on the airplane.

Jen Kershner said...

It looks like a great trip! I have to tell you that I am the same way about going out in strange lands by myself. I have become far more dependent on my better half than I would like to admit. Also, I have zero sense of direction. I have also been on a couple of business trips with my guy and have ventured off on my own while he worked. I once got lost with my sweet toddler Emma in Central park and another time I got lost in Barcelona by myself. I'm legendary for this stuff.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This sounds like a lovely trip, Jane...Wonderful sightseeing and visiting with family and bloggers. I would love to go there someday...thanks for sharing your experience!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks like it was a wonderful trip! Good for you for heading out on your own....!

Primitive Stars said...

What a wonderful trip Jane. Always love to meet fellow bloggers, what a blast. Thanks for sharing with us, Francine.

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Oh, I just laughed out loud about your bra adventure! I so understand because I've been right there! Ouch! Sounds like you had first class treatment all the way! Glad it was so great! Thank you so much for popping in to see me and please know how much I've appreciated your prayers for our little Carter!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

20 North Ora said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip Jane. Isn't it funny how you can meet a blogger for the first time and feel like you've known them forever? I've had this pleasure a couple of times. I went with John a lot when he traveled on business trips and loved it. I could always find so much to do during the day while he was working! Saw a lot of great places.

Have a great week!

Judy

Sonia said...

Nice trip..I've been to Vancouver Island but never Vancouver but certainly want to go there and to Whistler. Love your pictures and your cute outfits. How nice that you got to meet some fellow bloggers! Whistler looks beautiful! Hope you are getting rested up from your travels!

Carla from The River said...

Hi Jane~
We are off to Milwaukee tomorrow. I am so glad I got to see your Vancouver post. I love how you wrote up about your bra. I was laughing ... you are so fun!!! What did your husband say about all your arranging and rearranging? LOL
The photos are beautiful.
Thank you for taking us along today.
Carla

Unknown said...

Those darn underwire bras, painful! How beautiful the scenery is in Vancouver, breathtaking! Very exciting for your husband to be acknowledged in his field and I like how he loves to walk with you among the shops and restaurants, I think it's very romantic:)
Take it easy and enjoy Spring with your pups, I bet they miss both of you. Kathleen in Az

Unknown said...

Those darn underwire bras, painful! How beautiful the scenery is in Vancouver, breathtaking! Very exciting for your husband to be acknowledged in his field and I like how he loves to walk with you among the shops and restaurants, I think it's very romantic:)
Take it easy and enjoy Spring with your pups, I bet they miss both of you. Kathleen in Az

Kim said...

I love reading your posts, Jane, they are never, ever boring...and as one who also frequently has, um, incidents, I can appreciate your tales. The bra, oh my gosh, been there!! However not a plane or abroad, but I can only imagine!! Sounds like a great time!!

Kit said...

LOL!! You and your bra, I know just what you mean, it hurts when that wire goes! Glad you enjoyed our mountains here in the West. They are gorgeous! So nice of the hotel clerk to give you the view room. Happy Spring! Kit

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I have enjoyed catching up with you tonight. I enjoyed your trip so much and had a chuckle or two. I could hear about the up charge on the room, but that is men at times. The underwire bra made me laugh but it is not fun when you are being poked. Your grand daughter is growing so fast. Have a Happy Spring. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Jane, what a great post. Your trip sounds wonderful and your pictures are beautiful. You really captured some great ones.

Those darn bras can be very painful when that wire starts sticking you.

I love Vancouver and have been there a few times. I did get to Whistler for a conference and stayed at the Marriott. I loved the village and all the wonderful things there. We even had a dinner up on the top of the mountain where the skiers were.

Sounds like you and husband had a wonderful time. It's always so nice when the bill is being picked up by the company.

Sounds like Spring has finally arrived in Chicago and I know you are anxious to get out in the yard and at the Lake.

So glad that you got to meet some fellow bloggers. I just love meeting them and you always feel like you have know them for ever.

When you get a chance stop by and see my roses.

Have a wonderful week.
Hugs,
Mary

Courtney@Golden Boys and Me said...

Sounds like such a wonderful trip, Jane. I enjoyed following along with your pictures on Instagram too. Love that you ended up with the water view anyway! Enjoy that spring weather. We are having it here as well and it is glorious.

Suzanne said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time! The bra story is hilarious. Wouldn't that make a great opening for a book? Woman dies mysteriously on plane. All the passengers are suspects. And you already know the ending! And the weapon (bra) has disappeared, too! Have a great Monday.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Lovely photos of what looks like a great place to visit.

I will bet you that the lady who worked at the hotel and upgraded your room has been in that situation herself. Women stick together.

Theresa said...

What a wonderful trip! I haven't been to Vancouver but it sure looks like a place I would love visit:) Enjoy your week dear friend, get some rest! HUGS!

Lori E said...

It was so wonderful to meet up with you and Nancy for lunch. I really enjoyed the visit.
I am glad to hear you had a good time at Whistler. Well worth the drive wasn't it.

chateau chic said...

I loved hearing about your adventures during your trip to Vancouver...never a dull moment when you're along, I'm sure! Your photos are gorgeous...makes me want to go...and sounds like you had a fabulous time away.
Mary Alice

podso said...

Jane it sounds like a wonderful trip! How fun that you got upgraded to the waterfront room. And nice that you could do some things on your own as well as with your hubbie AND meet fellow bloggers. You are really good at doing that.

It looks like spring has arrived in Chicago.

shortybear said...

looks fun

Mary said...

So happy you guys had fun! Who couldn't have fun in Vancouver, one of the most awesome cities in the world!!
I would move there tomorrow. . . . . . . if possible.

I'll e-mail you soon - life is just so busy and I'm exhausted.
Love and hugs to you both - Mary

Scribbler said...

I LOVED seeing your photos of Vancouver, which has long been on my list. You are so funny -- your husband sounds like mine re the view. We got the morning glory seeds out after we chopped down a holly tree, so hopefully they will be popping out soon. The weather here is nuts.

I have never heard of a floating gas station, so you taught me something new.

Pondside said...

I'm so glad you had a good time! It's a good thing we didn't make plans as all you-know-what broke loose here and I am just getting things back to normal. Next time you're up this way.....

Melanie said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! The underwire story had me cracking up, but yet I know in reality, it wasn't so funny. There's no way I could go braless in public (boobs too big)...that would be one of my biggest fears. I won't even go out onto the driveway on Sunday morning to retrieve my paper without wearing a bra! lol
Hope you are enjoying our beautiful spring weather.

Kelly said...

What a great trip! I've never been there before. It looked very scenic. I'm sure you're glad to get back home and catch up on things around the house now. I always am after vacation. My dog is 11 and is about blind and deaf! He has a cataract in one eye and scar tissue on the other one. He doesn't hear us when we come home, so we have to find him in the house and let him know we're home. I hate to see him decline like this. However, despite his problems, he's just as feisty as ever when he's awake. So, I guess he's managing fine.

vintageandart said...

l loved reading all about your travels to Vancouver and beyond:-) Your photos are wonderful and l especially enjoyed seeing the pics of your visit to the Olympic village. l had a chuckle at you wearing your shirt on your pillow, who'd have thought it could be so versatile:-) How lovely to catch up with blogpals and have a coffee and a laugh together. Yeah wish l could lose two years with no-one knowing!!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Not too long or too many photos, Jane....loved hearing about your trip! We have Canada on our "bucket list," but most probably the western side. It's always nice to get home after a vacation, and even better when you come home to nice weather. It's about time, right?

I just wanted to let you know that I tried your recipe for Roasted Chicken Provencal....so delicious! I'm planning to do another one of those "What's Cookin'?" posts and plan on your recipe definitely being in the lineup. I cannot remember the last time I bought chicken thighs; I always do chicken breasts, so this was such a nice switch and didn't even get dried out when I reheated it for leftovers....YAY! So, thank you very much for sharing your wonderful recipe!

Warm hugs,
Carol

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jane, it looks like a lovely trip to a beautiful place. We flew up to Vancouver a few years ago and stayed in a hotel around the same area as you. We then took a cruise back to San Francisco and it was a glorious trip. So pretty up there and did rain for a few days then. I can't tell you the names of the restaurants we ate in but probably some of the same ones you did. My memory is terrible on these sort of things but I know I certainly couldn't have made it around without my bra!!..Happy Tuesday..Judy

Bluebird49 said...

Oh my--I have had the bra "stick" too, but never in a plane! I rather doubt I WILL ever have one there, because I can't see myself finally flying at my age when my husband won't even go to an airport.... :( Ahhh! But, I can do without another poke in the ribs or wherever with my underwire. (In fact, I've got it in my mind to STOP with the underwire! I shouldn't have to suffer any longer at my advanced age! ;) )

I love'd all your pictures, and I'm loving how you seem to begin your posts with beautiful flowers. They're so very pretty. And I'm glad you had good rooms and good restaurants. The thing I am most admiring of is you going off to shop alone! Ed wouldn't LET me do that. sigh

Somehow I knew that darling girl was going to give you a room on the side you wished for.

It's been in the '80s here! Argh! I cannot stand it!
xx Trudy

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Really enjoyed that you took us on your adventures, Jane! I have never been to anyof those places - you sure made me want to add it to my Bucket List!

I think the best part is actually meeting a fellow blogger in real life. I hope to one day, too. It's got to be the very best feeling!

Hugs! ♥

Kathleen Grace said...

I was just going through my Bloglovin list and I see I have somehow missed 2 posts! Guess I haven't been online as much for a while. The trip looks like fun, beautiful scenery! I HATE when the underwires break through, never at home, always when I'm out somewhere and have to deal with it as best I can. Ugh. I'm guilty of leaning too hard on black and grey in my wardrobe too, I really need to branch out, but it's hard! I have some more colorful experiments in my closet that seldom get worn. The polka dot shirt is adorable and dots are one of the few prints I really love.
Enjoy your Spring weather, I am over the moon with joy at the warmth. We have already begun planting our garden :)

Maggie said...

Hi Jane,
I loved reading all about your trip it brought back happy memories of our visit to that part of the world a few years ago.
Glad to hear Milo is still going strong, rock on!
M

baili said...

what a wonderful trip ,glad you enjoyed as it seems so exciting ,everything is great the hotel and all the place are well captured by you

Lorrie said...

So fun to read about your visit to Vancouver! It's such a beautiful city, with great food and shopping. Glad the weather was mostly good. Whistler is a stunning place to visit. The bra story made me laugh out loud - I can just envision it (and feel it).

susan said...

Jane, you are so funny, without even trying. I had the same experience - being stabbed by an underwear bra only I was at work. I no longer wear undewires.
Great photos - looks like a fabulous trip. How wonderful to be able to meet up with fellow bloggers. So glad you had such a wonderful time.

Linda said...

HI Jane...
Once again, I thought I had commented...apparently not!
I have had the underwire problem too....I stitch it closed, but I realize you could not do that on the plane! Too funny...
I know you had a great time...looks like first class all the way!
Glad you spent some "alone" time with wee Elsie...such fun times ahead for you! *wink wink*
Have a great weekend......we are off to the lake in the morning....
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Unknown said...

What a fabulous trip, Blondie! Sorry to hear about the loss of the bra. That happened to me at a local restaurant with friends recently. I was able to pull the offending wire out and put it in my purse--hardly missed a beat. Your story is much more dramatic! ;)
I LOVE that you were able to meet up with my blog friend, Nancy. She is a doll.
Happy weekend! xx

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Truly a lovely trip Jane and to meet up with fellow bloggers sounds like fun. so much to see and do. I have never been...one day. I can relate to the underwire bra thing. It is so uncomfortable with a wire poking you. Who in the world created bras? It's the first things I take off, when I get home. I am so glad you shared this post. You all look fabulous! Have a wonderful weekend. xo

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I'm so glad I'm getting to catch up with your posts! What a fun trip you had! You had me giggling with the whole bra mishap! Lol! I know several people who can't have feather pillows...good thing that blouse could perform double duty for you too. :) I'm in awe at those pretty views. The scenery there looks amazing. What a sweet gesture for that girl to give you the waterfront view too! Hope your week ahead is wonderful! xoxo

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Jane, it sounds like you had a fun trip! Your bra mishap had me laughing because I will use any excuse I can find to ditch mine. Well, depends on what I'm wearing I suppose. And at my age, the girls aren't as cooperative (perky) as they used to be so I probably shouldn't let them out without supervision (support). ha! I really enjoyed your post and am glad you had such a nice time! Thanks for visiting and have a great week! ~Cheryl

Saimi said...

Wow!!! What a fabulous trip. I've always enjoyed visiting Vancouver but then it's a little closer for us and doesn't require a flight. By reading your post i'm beginning to feel we have a few things in common. First off, I love how you refer to your husband as, the husband, I do the same thing when I post about mine haha, then we also have been married for 30 years,I've also been blogging about as long as you have and finally, well.....we are both blonde haha.

I hope you learn to ski, its really fun! I"m gonna add you to my list of blogs to follow as so I can keep up on more of your adventures! Hope you don't mind.

Saimi

Traci said...

You had me cracking up with your antics in the airport. I'm like you & have a lousy sense of direction. I'm not sure what happened because it used to not be that way. I tell Dean all the time that marriage made me stupid. LOL! Vancouver looks absolutely gorgeous!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Even though the weather wasn't perfect, it sounds like you have a wonderful trip to Canada. My husband jokes that my idea of roughing it is a room without an ocean view. I'm glad that in the end, you got your water view. It looks beautiful and it must have been enjoyable watching all the planes maneuvering in the water.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

I just loved Vancouver! It is definitely a city I could live in, especially surrounded by all that natural beauty. I think we ate at Cardero's, too. Loved seeing such a pretty city again through your lens!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

You had a wonderful trip and what an experience it must have been!
The scenery looks beautiful and I know that it was, you must have been in heaven just being in the midst of it all.
Sorry about the bra mishap.
I have a story to tell about my dear Mom. One time when she flew out to see my, her suitcase had popped open on the luggage carousel and there was her bra hanging out of it!
Happy Thursday,
Jemma

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Long time no see, my friend! I dropped by to see what you've been up to and loved seeing this cool trip. So glad you had such a good time. I have been MIA for a good long while now, but I still plan to return to blogging. I miss everyone, and though it seems to have changed, I still enjoy reading and visiting.

Your bra! I had a similar mishap IN A WEDDING. I was in my fortie, yes I know, and I sat down on the front row during the ceremony. Well, my long line bra was too long, and it pushed up when I sat. My boobs were sitting on a SHELF. All I could think of was, "Oh, my, the pictures!" So another bridesmaid reached up under my gown on the right, and I tugged on the left to try to bring it down. LOL The choir must have really wondered. Glad you weren't impaled on the metal. I hate metal in bras. Hate it. I would rather hang to my waist than be tortured.

Sending you great big hugs and hoping you have a wonderful spring into summer!

xoxoxox

Sheila :-)