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It’s never much been known for being a sandy beach, but Goose Spit Park always has the best sun and most gorgeous views. Being that it’s situated on a sandbar, the shores are completely exposed, and the blue sky meets the even bluer ocean on both sides. It felt great to finally spend a day in the sunshine, armed with lime chips, water and yummy coconut oil. Mostly, it was nice to lay alone and listen to the ocean.

Charley and I are about to take a walk around the block as she so loves doing, before I snag a bit more sunshine and head to the Kingfisher Spa for an indulgent pedicure. Tonight our family’s firing up the BBQ with our oldest family friends for some together time. I am sure there are many more photos to come in my kickoff to Summer 2008.

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On an unrelated note, my mom and I once again went to Crown Isle Resort’s Timber Room for dinner last night. Being that it’s a first class golf resort, one would have certain expectations with regard to service. However, if you can believe it or not, the service was even worse than the last time we went in May. The food’s not bad and the environment beautiful, but it certainly doesn’t make up for being completely neglected and forgotten about. We won’t be going back.

Considering the amount of rain Vancouver’s had lately, the trip I was to make with friends today to Playland was subsequently cancelled, leaving us all to make other plans. My buddy Duane is headed to California in the morning for a week of sun and fun, and his closet was desperately depleted of cargo shorts. When he suggested hitting up the mall, I was definitely game. Being that I want to save most of my cash for my Tofino surf trip in July, I was very good when it came to spending. Aside from picking up a few Bumble items (which I am dying to use), I came home mostly empty-handed.

Neither of us had eaten prior to meeting up, and I’d been wanting to check out the new Cactus Club in Vancouver’s business district. We sat on the patio with cold drinks and while I ate my chicken fajitas, Duane consumed what he considers to be “breakfast.”

It was bigger than it looks. Yum.

My weekend has gotten off to a most excellent start. Though Casey tried to wake me around 5am for cuddles, I stayed in bed until 7:30 after a relaxing evening of Deadwood, Deadwood and a little more Deadwood. I checked into a Hidden Language hatha yoga class at 9am to get my “Om” on, which is the way I wish I could start every single day. After a little downtime, I grabbed Benji and Casey and headed to Crab Park for one big doggy playdate to enjoy this unexpected sunshine and warmth. Benji, of course, was more than ecstatic to see his buddy Peanut after so long.

May I present to you my afternoon in photos…

This is, undoubtedly, the best photo of Casey ever taken. All he needs is a bow tie!

Dogs like me - what can I say?

Casey never failed to take a 10-15 second rest in the shade after each and every fetch.

This van pulled over to the side of the road - twice - and kept on going. It totally creeped us out.

Peanut and Benji are always so happy together. Kinda like that Turtles song.

In a few hours, I’m headed to the Chinatown Night Market with Jen, so expect to see some verrrrry interesting photos after the venture. And being that I’ve only seen it once, we’re headed to the theatre to see Sex and the City for a second time - I’m freakin’ excited!

After my last run of an exhausting (yet exhilarating and fantastic) day of snowboarding on Mt. Washington over the Easter weekend in March, I knew that I’d be zipping my snowboard up in its case and leaving it there until opening weekend in December, 2008. For most people who love the slopes in winter, that idea is a bit depressing. Some pick up on other hobbies to keep them occupied through the summer months, such as surfing or wakeboarding. And there are others still who know that there doesn’t have to be a dozen feet of fresh powder on the hill to have a blast at Mt. Washington.

As I quickly learned on a solo trip up the mountain last summer, I believe it’s quite possible that Mt. Washington offers more activity choices when the hot sun is shining down than when snowflakes are falling. The big draw is targeted at mountain bike enthusiasts, who take advantage of the open lifts and rugged terrain. One of Mt. Washington’s biggest events of the summer is happening August 23, 2008: the Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle III. I checked it out last summer and was blown away by the scale of the event and also the excitement…not to mention the dozens and dozens of sweaty, dirty men. Here’s hoping my usual partner-in-crime tags along this year.

(For more information on mountain biking and related events at Mt. Washington, including seasons lift passes, visit their “Down and Dirty” site here.)

Fortunately for the rest of us who prefer not to get down and dirty, Mt. Washington offers a mitten full of other activities, ranging from riding the lifts to take in astonishing views, hiking, camping, bungee trampoline, mini golf and disc golf. In addition, all of the mountain’s shopping and dining facilities are open, so if the craving for Fat Teddy’s yam fries strikes you in the middle of July, so be it! Mt. Washington also appeals to the “plant geek” in all of us, with tons of information identifying the various flora and fauna that grows abundantly on its hills.

With activities set to kick off on June 20 (that’s only three weeks away, folks) and mountain biking gearing up for a June 30 opening, lets hope the last remnants of our wicked 07/08 snowfall melt soon!

If you’re planning on heading up this summer for a day of adventure high above the Comox Valley, my recommendation is that you snag yourself an Alpine Action Pack ($21 for adults; additional pricing found here), which gives you an entire day of unlimited access to the scenic chairlift rides, bungee trampoline, mini golf and disc golf. However, in this girl’s opinion, it’s worth it to just hang out on the hill for the day and take in the summer culture up there - with or without riding to the top.

Visit Mount Washington Alpine Resort online for all the information you need to make your summertime trip to the Comox Valley a memorable one.

The fabulous West Coast has been blessed with amazing sunshine over the last three days, and I couldn’t be more in love with it. I don’t think I’ve worn anything with sleeves since Friday morning on my way to work. Island times have been very good (which goes without saying when I’m with my family and Charley). Yesterday I spent the majority of my time with my aunt and managed to pick up a few things I needed - like a fully stocked first aid kit!

This morning I woke to find the sun pouring directly onto my face through the window, which was much appreciated being that I had plans to visit Kitty Coleman’s Woodland Gardens today for their annual Art & Bloom festival.

Of course I had to bring my little Wiggle Bum with me for the adventure. The sights, sounds, smells and herds of other dogs proved to be a bit overwhelming for her, but I know she had a lot of fun.

I’ve long wished to be a collector of pottery, but for some reason, was always deterred by sticker shock. However, today I found this really beautiful piece to kick off my collection, crafted by a Qualicum Beach-area potter by the name of Darrel Hancock. His claywork is exactly the kind I want to accumulate: simple designs, smooth lines and finishes in the blue and sand colours of the beach. Another plus - his pieces are totally affordable.

After some downtime, my mom and I met up with my aunt at The Timber Room, one of the two dining rooms at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community.

The view was to die for, the warm air was scrumptious on my skin, my cold water shrimp and coconut curry Kohoku rice bowl tasted oh-so-good (and was wonderfully paired with my first glass of chardonnay of the summer season) and the desserts speak for themselves.

The service, on the other hand, left something to be desired.

I’ll let you decide what’s richer: the strawberry-doused New York cheesecake or the gold fire hydrants.

It’s up and at ‘em early tomorrow for your humble narrator. Vancouver is awaiting my return, as are two wonderful puppies. My mom will be joining me for a few days in the city this week, so though my posting will probably be less consistent, expect a log jam of photos from yours truly.

I normally love rain, but this is just depressing. We’re on day two of nothing but cold drizzle in downtown Vancouver. Naturally I’ll be Island-bound for the coming long weekend, but not before dropping the boys off with their Nanny and Papa for a couple days. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the sunshine and warm air promised for the weekend really do make an appearance because I’ve been dying for the chance to rock some flip flops and a new sundress. Mostly I plan on taking it easy and relaxing with Charley, but on Sunday my mom and I are heading out the door and down the street, literally, to Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens for their annual Art and Bloom Festival.

Photo: Kathy Birkett on Flickr (Used With Permission)

Photo: Kathy Birkett on Flickr (Used With Permission)

This is the sixth annual Art & Bloom Festival. The show is focused on presenting a limited variety of art forms. Emphasis will be placed on original works by painters, potters, sculptors, glass blowers, original stained glass designers, garden art and other unique art forms.

Photo: Kathy Birkett on Flickr (Used With Permission)

Photo: Kathy Birkett on Flickr (Used With Permission)

I remember visiting this very same place as a child with my family to pick out Christmas trees. In recent years, it’s been transformed from a Christmas tree farm to an exquisite garden within nature.

Regular admittance to the garden is $6 for adults, $2 for those 5-12 years old and free for toddlers. Rates may vary dependent on the event (ie. Christmas Carols at the Barn), and unfortunately, rates for the Art and Bloom Festival aren’t specified on the website. Luckily enough, dogs are more than welcome on the grounds, provided that they’re leashed and picked up after.

For more information, visit the website. Check back after the weekend for my review and personal photos of the event.

It’s getting late and I have toenails to paint, so here we go…

That’s all I’ve got for you tonight, kids.

Is it wrong that I blogged about the Children’s Festival and a naked-ish man in the same post?

Last week’s post about the impending summer season got the ball rolling in my head, and I’m actually finding myself looking forward to sunny days and hot nights. However, thinking about such things has turned into somewhat of a slippery slope. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve put any sort of significant punch of new items into my wardrobe. I got to thinking about what I need to stock up on, and the prospect of shopping has got me rather excited. It wasn’t until I was walking home from the office today and did some mathematics in my head that I realized I might be a few dollars short of what I need want, ideally, to stock my closet.

Photo: cmdrray on Flickr

Let’s do the math together, shall we?

_____ _____ large tote, Coach, $398.00
_____ _____ _____ wedge shoe, Keds, $59.99
_____ _____ skimmer shoe, Keds, $39.99
_____ _____ _____ perfume, Holt Renfrew, $80.00
_____ _____ _____ dress, Bebe, $159.00
_____ _____ hoodie, Lululemon, $80.00
_____ _____ pants, Lululemon, $80.00
(*specifics have been redacted to keep your prying eyes away from my much-coveted items)

In addition to this, I’ll need a couple pairs of dressier sandals (Steven Madden wedges?) as well as a minimum of two sundresses. Creating some cushion for a few random accessories and maybe a couple cute tops to go with my new favourite jeans, let’s say that’s an additional $300.00, all in.

SUMMERTIME GRAND TOTAL: $1,196.98

Sooo…does anyone have any super ideas that’ll put a cool $1,200 in my pocket and fast?

Updated - Where There’s Oil, There Will Be Blood

Being the huge fan of ‘No Country For Old Men’ that I am, I was thrilled to learn that it had won the Academy Award for Best Picture several weeks ago. However, after watching ‘There Will Be Blood’ last night, I am singing a different song. ‘Blood’ was completely robbed. Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance was so brilliant that it was often overwhelming just to watch him on screen. His presence is, very simply, satiating. Kudos to the Academy for awarding him the Best Actor trophy.

What I appreciated most about the film as a whole was its authenticity. Despite the quality production of any given period piece, one tends never to forget that they’re watching sets, costumes and props. Not so in this case. They might as well have transported cameras and recording equipment 100 years back in time and shot this film. The movie was just released on DVD yesterday (in eco-friendly packaging, I might add) so if you haven’t yet experienced Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece, do so now.

Photo: Paramount Vantage Pictures on Hampton Roads

Though you wouldn’t have guessed by the weather in Vancouver this past Saturday, it’s technically springtime and not long before summer hits. Summertime is something I have come to have hugely mixed feelings about. Many of my childhood memories of July and August are fond and quintessential, filled with slip n’ slides, ice cream trucks, cherry trees, beach days, neon swimsuits, racing bikes up and down the street, lemonade stands, camping and building forts on the patio using blankets and lawn chairs.

The days of summer are no longer what they used to be, with my taste for the time of sunshine soured by living in the city. (Tangent: I am convinced my blog causes me to come off as massively cynical at times). Summertime in Vancouver for “grown-ups” is a completely different game. Now it’s about martinis on patios, frivolous boat cruises, scantily clad men and women cavorting on both beaches and sidewalks and line-ups on hot nights at even hotter nightclubs. Don’t even get me started on the fireworks at English Bay either. It’s as though a certain hedonism emerges when the days heat up; it’s seemingly inexplicable.

Yes, that’s Casey sunning himself on his back at Jericho Beach.

It’s because of this that I almost dare to say that I dread summer. Or perhaps it’s simply because I’ve long been a bigger fan of winter; probably because I prefer jeans and Uggs to shorts and flip flops. Whatever my reasoning, summer is inevitable so here is an attempt at creating a laundry list of things to look forward to in summer 2008 – simple pleasures and exciting endeavours.

Okay, your turn: what are you most looking forward to this summer?