Going out to Opera

No, not the musical sort. I got free tickets for the opening of a club downtown called 'Opera'. So, Daniel, Fiona and I got our slap on, and trekked downtown for the occasion. However, we didn't get in, even after waiting over an hour at the door. I now know what a sardine truly feels like. Apparently there was some 'guest list' we had to be on....hmm. So we walked over to Peel Pub for a drink instead. I really didn't pick the right night to break in my new shoes, did I?!
xox

A Trip to the Biodome

The Biodome is where four ecosystems co-exist, in downtown Mtl. Anyone who's completed elementary school, or Guides or Scouting will have come here on a field trip. I hadn't been since probably the age of 12, so when Daniel suggested we go...how could I resist??? Out of all the climates (tropical forest, Laurentian forest, St-Laurence Marine, and Arctic/Antarctic) the Laurentian was the best for me. It was cool, fresh, it smelled Canadian. I always love watching the beaver busily building their dams. (Sorry for the tongue twister!) The Biodome exhibits and cares for the animals very well, so I never get the impression these animals are being kept in captivity. Their living spaces are large and realistic. Plus, at the end of your visit, when you've decided that when you grow up you want to work with animals, you can visit one of the best gift shops I've ever been to. ;) I'm definitely going there next summer, it's a great place to go.
xox

Me, outside the Biodome

An otter asleep

Daniel, in the tropics

A beaver, swimming about.

A skulking iguana.

The most persistent Penguin I've seen.

Fronds, or anenamies... you decide. :)

A big fish

A Puffin!

THE gift shop!

Flying with Pierre

Ever since I arrived in Canada, Pierre has said he wanted to take me flying. He was a fighter pilot, and now works for the Quebec Government. So, on fine day, Pierre phones me at work, and says: "It's a nice day. Feel like going flying?" Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity. I am always amazed at how far you can see. I could see the downtown core, the Oratory, my house, the Bd'U pool, my old school, and much more. I felt as we were suspended in mid air, that we were staring at a snap shot way down on the ground. The cars, barely moving and no sounds to be heard. Pierre was crazy enough to let me fly the plane too! (apparently, I didn't do too badly!) It was an awesome experience, and thank you Grumpy for everything!
xox

The plane

JAC and MAC

Heading towards Downtwon, Mtl

My (old) House!!! (the pale yellow one, with the dark roof)

The Bd'U pool, and Barn

A Baie d'Urfe Visit

I planned it perfectly, that I went to the Baie d'Urfe pool awards night. Here, I met up with a family I used to babysit (ages ago) now, they are the ones who can lift me up...I feel so old!
It was great seeing all the faces I grew up with, and realizing that they haven't changed too much.

The Hamilton Visit

I had an absolutely awesome time visiting my Sister Allison, her Husband Kevin, and my three nieces. The girls are growing up so much, and their lives are full, and fun. Catherine started off our visit together, then she flew to England to visit our parents. I then got to spend some great quality time with my nieces, my sister and brother-in-law, and many other friend and family along the way. During my visit, my cousin, Ian was married, and we welcomed Carolyn to our crazy clan. There, I saw my three aunts, and all of my cousins on that side were together (for the first time in my life). My mother is one of four girls, and the strength they grew up in has not only been taught to me, but is something I am extremely proud of.
I also met up with an old friend of mine. Elyse has been my friend ever since we were 3, and throwing equal tantrums and fits at Mums & Tots. We went to school together, guides together, fought. laughed, wrote letters, and somehow we've kept in touch. The last time I saw her, we were 9...11 years ago. It was as though we'd seen each other yesterday. She and I went to the Hamilton fair, where we won a snake and a teddy each!
Throughout this visit, I wished those 5,000km between the East coast and England we merely a stone's throw away. However, they're not, so I cherish the time I have.
Thanks all you C-Ss for an AWESOME visit! I Love you all, and I'll miss you.
xox

Happy 20th Daniel!

On the 17th, Daniel turned 20. Though he may be out of the teens, he's still a kid at heart ;)
For his special night, his Mum, Pam took him, Fiona, and me, for dinner at Med restaurant downtown (very trendy), and then to see the show STOMP!. Daniel and I saw that show in London last summer, and it was well worth seeing it again! Happy Birthday, Dude.
xox

T minus One Month

Hey Y'all! I'm in Hamilton having a blast visiting my Sister and Brother-in-Law, and my three beautiful nieces. Today we're having our pictures taken. Lat time we had these done was before I moved, and that was 4 years ago. A lot has happened since then, so I figured it was time to do them again. For Catherine, a BMus degree from McGill (way to go, Thing!); for Allie, two babies; and for me, a big move, and starting University. I think this is a great way to mark all of these great milestones. I'm taking loads of pictures, and I'll post them when I'm back in Mtl. Till then! xoxoxox

The Cape Cod Vacation

It was planned several month ago that I might travel to Cape Cod with Pam and Co. It looked for a while like I wouldn't be going, but then my pans changed. I had the opportunity to spend the week camping with Pam while going to beaches, getting horribly burned, visiting the JFK museum, go Whale watching, go to an aquarium, and all the while testing fish and chips every where I went, smelling the sea salt air. I miss living so close tot eh water in England (when I'm in OXON), so when we went swimming in the Ocean for the first time during the trip, it was such a relief to be back in the water!
there's so much I could write about, but any description I would give, could hardly do it justice. I'll just post the photos, and let you make up your own minds.
xox