Highline Hospital November 2011

Two days before we left on our vacation Gene broke his little finger playing basketball. This is really bad because now he can’t go swimming or diving on our trip.

Cruise from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco

We took a 3 day mini cruise from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco with our good friends Bonnie and Dennis. Bonnie and Dennis live in Arizona, so they flew up late Friday night. Saturday morning we took the train from Seattle to Vancouver and caught the ship. Here is Gene sitting on the balcony enjoying the sun and a drink before we leave port.

Here is Bonnie and I enjoying cocktails before dinner.

And the guys, Gene and Dennis, enjoying their drinks.

Gene and Bonnie decided to take naps (in separate rooms!) so Dennis and I hit the bar scene.

We hit rough seas during the night and the following day. Everyone took to their beds except me. I roamed around the ship, spent time in the library reading my book, and making new BFF’s for 2 days. I met a lot of interesting people. This one woman said her and a group of friends took the train from LA to Seattle. Spent a few days enjoying my beautiful city and then was catching the train to Vancouver to catch the cruise ship. They found out 10 minutes before they were to leave for the train station that their travel agent made the train reservations for Vancouver Washington not Vancouver Canada! Crazy! They had to hire a shuttle to get them to the cruise ship and they almost missed the boat. I wouldn’t be using that travel agent again! Here is Gene enjoying his day of seasickness with his favorite toy, the remote control.

They had to cover the pool because the water was poring out of it with the motion of the ship.

Our last day on the ship and the weather turned out beautiful. Here is Bonnie and I with Alcatraz behind us. That’s Gene’s hand behind Bonnie.

Love the Golden Gate Bridge! There was a touch of fog coming in.

Here is a picture of The Princess from the port in San Francisco.

And it just wouldn’t be San Fran without a picture of a seal sunbathing.

Or without Gene shopping!

We spent some time on Fisherman’s Wharf before D & B’s son picked us up. We spent some time at Kevin’s before Gene and I had to head to the airport and home.

Not another pair!

I was at Nordstrom and couldn't resist a glance at Toms shoes. They are burlap and soooo cute! Yes, I bought them.

Toms Shoes

I love my Toms shoes and everything it stands for. When you buy a pair of Toms shoes a pair will be donated to a child in need. One for one. Here is a picture of my very first pair.

They are so comfortable I went and bought another pair. This pair has pictures of faces and hands. Yes, I have my feet on my desk at work.

My next pair says Carpe Diem, seize the day, all over them in black and gray.

This pair is just a basic dark brown. Heck, they are so comfortable I could wear them everyday.

My first pair already has a hole where my little toe is.  But not to fret! They are still the first pair I pull out the closet to wear around the yard.

Check out www.toms.com to find a store near you to purchase a pair. Or just buy them off Toms website.

Victoria, BC August 2011

In August we took a float plane from Seattle to Victoria, BC. I’m not too keen on little planes, let alone the larger ones, but it is a fast way to get to Victoria. I believe it is less than an hour flight.

It’s unbelievable how close you get to the space needle.

Gene holding the door and Paul helping Terri out.

Kurt exiting the plane

Kurt and Sabra taking a leisurely stroll.

Kurt and Sabra

Three happy guys. One a little bit happier than the other.

Terri, Gene and Kurt down by the water.

Here are pictures of the Parliament during the day and one lit up at night.

Stopping for lunch, Gene, Sabra, Tery, Terri, and Kurt

Tery, Sabra, and Terri

Paul, Kurt, and Gene

Big Bad John bar. Check out the bras hanging from the ceiling.

It was a fun weekend with some great people.

Here we are waiting for the plane so we can go home.

Gene on the airplane heading home

Kurt got to sit in the cockpit.

We must not have taken off yet since my eyes are still open.

Terri and I on the plane. I was putting in ear plugs because it gets very noisy.

View of downtown and the Parliament as we fly out of Victoria.

Arizona May 2011

Over Memorial Day we flew down to AZ and spent 5 days with our good friends the Clarks. Here is our first night out for pizza. 

We always make a stop at the Flea Market

Dennis is making music and Gene is doing his dance.

Then we drove up to Prescott and they were having an Art Fair in town.

 Bonnie and Dennis getting cozy with a giant lizard

Yes, Gene made a purchase. Not at the Art Fair but in a small shop.

On Memorial Day we had a B-B-Q and invited Trish down. It’s the first time we have seen her since our trip to Europe.

Bonnie cooling down

Gene enjoying the pool

Our last night we hit happy hour and I couldn’t resist buying clams. Can you imagine buying steamer clams in AZ? I only received 6, but they were delicious.