Skipped Work & Went To The PNE!

Wednesday I skipped work and my mum, aunt and I went to the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. It is a large yearly fair that has been going on since 1910. 

 Even though I am trying to be on a diet I had poutine with grilled chicken on it for dinner. You're supposed to eat naughty at a fair, aren't you? If you have never head of poutine - it is French Canadian and consists of french fries covered in cheese curds and gravy. Hardy low cal.

There was an ABBA tribute bank playing in the park. They were excellent, but what was even a better show was watching one guy who was sure they were singing only for him. Blowing kisses, holding his lighter and spinning - awesome!

The main reason we went to the fair was to see The Proclaimers. I've wanted to see them since the late 80's. Finally it worked out and they were wonderful. They sang all the songs I wanted to hear, they were funny and they were excellent musicians. PLUS - there were a number of men in kilts attending, which certainly wasn't hard on the eye!

What Do You Wear To A Funeral?

My great aunt Nora died at the end of July. She lived in Cupertino, CA, but her funeral was some place north and east of Mission BC - by Stave Lake & Golden Ears. Reeeeeally far out there from the lower mainland. On the way back we drove home through Burnaby and East Vancouver. I guess I haven't been through these places much, because it was like a whole new city. Businesses that had only Filipino writing on the front, strange apartment complexes, funky old house tucked away between industrial buildings - it was like being in another city!

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My beautiful cousins Heidi and Christie and I - a thorn between two roses. It seems a bit unfeeling taking smiling photos at a funeral, but I hadn't seen them in quite some time and was really happy to visit.
They we dressed, as was I in an modest black dress, which we thought appropriate for a funeral. I was shocked at the attire some of the attendees wore - capris, shorts, tee shirt, a bright red dress so low cut I could almost see nipples. ITS A FUNERAL! Can't you dress up for a few hours? Am I the only one who thinks this?

It was my grandmother's sister who died. At 85, she still has 4 brothers and sisters alive, so she is luckier than most. But - Nora was her best friend . Auntie Nora was always nice to me, always wanting me to visit. Just until a few years ago, she sent me a cheque in the amount of my age for my birthday!

My cousin Chuck works for Yahoo! in Cupertino. They not only gave him a paid week off to attend the funeral, the offer of more time if he needed it, they sent this bouquet of lilies to my grandmother! 

Lunch & Presents With Insomniac's Attic

On June 9th I won Insomniac's Attic $100 giveaway at her online store! I was travelling to my dad's in California at the time, and did not realize this until a few days later. I felt horrible because it looked like I couldn't even bother to respond, but I had no idea I'd won! Anyway... Insomniac herself was planning a visit to Vancouver in July, so we met up for lunch at Granville Island, and she brought my winnings!. The ONE photo I took of us ended up being corrupted on my camera :( 

It was such a lovely day at Granville Island, my mum, Insomniac, her daughter and I had lunch in the main part of the public market. Even though I hadn't been there in like 6 years, I was so happy they still had pierogies. We went tooling around shopping and Insomniac bought me an espresso ice cream at Rogers Chocolates! It was so awesome meeting someone whom I had so much in common with and she was SO nice! I wish Calgary wasn't so far away!

This is what I chose from her shop:

Silver Austrian Spider - It is so delicate and lovely, I'm going to convert it into a brooch. 

Bela Lugosi Mug - I used this immediately, as you can see it is filled with brownies and ice cream.

Edward Gorey Mysterious Messages Cards - My best friend just got engaged, so I sent him one congratulating him. These are so lovely I think I'm going to frame a few.

Gothic Metal Wall Plaque - I hung this up right away, but I need to find a way to secure it more soundly, I don't want anyone to steal it!

Grandma's House

I've been at my Grandma's quite a bit lately, unfortunately there is no internet there. I amused myself by cooking, baking and taking photos! 

Like my aunt, my mother and I, my grandma collects head vases. These are on the fireplace mantle. What Canadian home is complete without a giant elk head? The snowshoes add to the ambiance, but sadly the whip and shotguns that hung there forever are gone.

My grandma used to to sew quite a bit, and I've previously take quite a few of her patterns. But looking through her stash, I found a few more oldies. The little fellow on the right is a thermometer from Buirntisland, Scotland, which is where my grandfather was born. This was is his bedroom and I've always wanted it, so she gave it to me!

Tons of creepy dolls abound in my grandma's house.Quite a few are not politically correct, but they're vintage and innocently collected. On the right is a "bad" oil painting of my grandma holding me as an infant. This hangs in pride of place in the living room, much to my aunt's dislike!

Happy Christmas!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I managed to finish my eyeball dress at literally the eleventh hour Christmas eve. It's Butterick B5603, which seemed easy enough, especially looking at Roisin's dress. BUT when I tried it on, the underbust seam was on top of my bust! The pattern seems to have no allowance for any bust projection whatsoever. I even cut a larger size than normal, and added an inch to both the skirt and bodice - to allow for my height. In the end I had to cut the straps off and re-sew new and different ones.

Max playing with his gift from my father.  - Giving my aunt a "facelift" after Christmas dinner.

Seeing the King Tut exhibit in Seattle. They wouldn't allow pictures inside :(

My grandmother was in hospital Christmas day. I brought in lights, presents, crackers and dessert, but it was still depressing. One night in the bed across from her was a a druggie who had OD'd and talked to himself and Jesus all night. The next day a woman replaced him and then died. Fortunately my grandmother is doing better and I bet will be out by Wednesday or so.

My mum and I went to see the bright nights train ride in Stanley Park on boxing day. It is so corny, yet so wonderful.

Orpheum + Vancouver Sympony + Christmas + Barenaked Ladies?

Friday night my mum and I went to see the Barenaked Ladies with the Vancouver Symphony at the Orpheum. I know, I know... the Barenaked Ladies? But they were awesome! This is the third time I've seen them, and they are just as good as they were 12 years ago even though Steven Page & his voice are not with them anymore. They sounded great with the symphony and did several Christmas songs mixed in.

The Orpheum is a wonderful place to visit no matter the show. Being there one cannot help but think of The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, we even parked at the library - which is also in the movie.

Before the show I got to go to Dressew, The Spaghetti Factory & The Bay. The basement at the Bay was packed with Christmas stuff, I got some crackers for Christmas Day. Much to my surprise there is a Topshop in the Bay taking up a whole floor! I only got to look for a minute because we ran out of time.

I have been accused many times of only liking the Barenaked Ladies because they are Canadian. (always by Americans!) When you listed to Canadian radio, there is a certain amount of Canadian Content that is required to be played, so you hear songs you wouldn't normally hear on American radio. Thinking about it I have seen many "Canadian Content" bands - and liked them!

Here is a top of my head list, but don't judge me too harshly, I was forced to see some of these!

Great Big Sea x2

k.d. lang x5

Thr Tragically Hip x2

Stompin Tom Conners

Hedley

Hot Hot Heat x2

 Anne Murray

Nickleback

Michael Buble

Avril Lavinge

Daniel Lanois x2

The Tea Party

Neil Young

Alanis Morisette

Marie Mai

The Kids In The Hall x2

Garou

54-40

Tim Hus

Paul Brandt