Sunday in Vancouver

Alright, then.  Weeks later, let's tackle the February Vancouver trip again.  

I did a lot of walking in Vancouver.  Up early in the morning, then setting out to stroll and take photos of local art

and scenery and buildings.  I would head to a nearby Starbucks first and fortify,

then get going.  On the Sunday morning of the trip, I headed (post-Starbucks) through Robson Plaza,

then down around the Vancouver Public Library,

past BC Place Stadium,

and on into Gastown

before returning to the hotel. 

A good walk.

I was able to relax a bit, then it was time to make myself pretty

and catch a bus to meet up with Remi

at Chez Celine.  Nice to get to a neighbourhood I pretty much have never visited before, and nicer still to catch up with a former grad school classmate and friend whom I hadn't seen in far far too long. 

We each had a breakfast sandwich with an all-too generous serving of fries,

and when the meal was done, we strolled in the neighbourhood before he got in his car to return home and I caught the bus back to the hotel.

I don't think I napped before dinner.  I am pretty sure I read a bit.  As dinnertime approached, I made myself pretty again (ha!), and took a leisurely amble, indirectly heading to the restaurant. 

Dahlia was where Mark had chosen for a family meal.  It seems that he and Linda go there regularly for the oysters and are known to the staff.  It's a handsome space in a hotel lobby. 

I did like the oysters,

and I thought the scallop crudo was also good. 

My chicken milanese was fine enough. 

The two Gibsons I had were great. 

The service was alright.  Verdict:  Lovely space, maybe great for a cocktail and oysters at the bar.  But no matter.  Here's the embarrassing thing:  I had not seen Bella since before the pandemic.  No, nothing bad between us at all.  It was really happy seeing her at long last and catching up, sitting next to her at dinner.  We were missing Nigel (who is thriving in Bolivia, it seems) and Marie (who really should have been there, but ah well), but it was a nice family dinner just the same.

And that was Sunday!  Another fine day in Vancouver, and another full day ahead.... 

Merp is here!

The big sister arrived yesterday.  Yay!!!

last 40th birthday post (I think)

I know, I know: we're all a little sick and tired and bored to tears of Peter's 40th birthday.

Suck it up, princesses.

;-)

No, not a lengthy post in terms of words here. I think I've gotten across the essence of our Vancouver vacation for my birthday, and I think I've commented enough on the celebration itself. Want photos? Check out Flickr!

We hosted two get-togethers for the birthday, one at the condo in Vancouver, and one here in Chicago. Casual, easy affairs. Nibbles and wine at the first. At the second we attempted some fun cocktails. Nice to see friends, catch up, have a good time of it. Special thanks to Brian who made both gatherings - again, I very much love how our Vancouver and Chicago lives can overlap.

Some photos from both, then, with thanks to all who came. May it not take until my 50th to see you again!

(and with that, let's move beyond the birthday postings for another year...)