Sunday, July 8, 2012

Random Photos Downtown Vancouver

 Our World Tuesday Graphic


I had to go downtown to the Sears store. Sears has been located here in this downtown building for well over a decade.  Before it was Sears it was, Eaton's; a company that went out of business.  Sadly, Sears is moving out of this downtown location as it's lease it up.  I will miss it even though I don't get there that often now that I don't work downtown.

After doing my shopping research,  I was so tired.  I walked around for hours, testing this and testing that. When I left the store, I had to take a rest on one of the many benches that line the street just for that purpose. I decided to take some random photos.


The big stores are open late on Sunday until around 7 p.m.  Many of the smaller stores close at around 5 p.m. and some stay open until 8 p.m.   People like to walk in the downtown area as there are lot of places to eat, movies to see or places to sit and have a drink and people watch. It was a very hot day.  It is actually only about the 4th hot day we've had since April because it's been raining so much.  On this day many people were in shorts which I never used to see downtown and I'm not sure I actually like the look but people are trying to stay cool.  Many of the ladies are also dressed in nice summer dresses.  Some are dressed in hot jeans.  I like to wear capris (short pants) in cotton, and a light top on a hot day. I also wear my hat and sunglasses and take water with me.





In the photo below, you will see the signage at a bus stop. It is a little underexposed  but I thought those of you who live elsewhere would like to see it.  Right below the bus sign is a street map which indicates the different places to catch buses or light rapid transit (like subway but it is over ground). Some idiot has already defaced the map by scribbling on it. Why people feel the need to deface public property, I will never know! Someone has to be pay for all that, meaning the property taxpayers.





Right across the street from where these signs are located is a culinary school. This particular place is where the students cook meals daily and the public can have a fine dining experience. I ate there once many years ago and it was quite good.



On another corner of the street there is a new Shopper's Drug Mart which is a pharmacy in a huge chain of pharmacies of the same name.  This shop wasn't there the the last time I was on this corner.  It's been awhile since I've wandered downtown. to this corner.  The last business there was a bank.



It is a rather large pharmacy. As you can see it is two stories high.


I zoomed in on the back of the 2nd floor to where the "green mural" is located. This mural has been there for years and years, and years!  LOL.  It was there when the bank was there and the bank was there ever since I can remember.  I used to think the mural was rather ugly but now I think it looks rather nice.  Funny how one's tastes can change.


Here is another  helpful piece of signage below. These maps and helpful aids are all over the place these days. I wish they existed when I first moved to the city.


In the photo below you will see where I am going to catch the light rapid transit to the connecting bus home.  For a few stations downtown, the rail is underground.  But for most of this particular line, the rail is above ground. It can be a good way to see the city and some of the suburbs going east.


I'm linking up with Our World Tuesday this week.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Good Report

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, 
younger men as brothers.
1 Timothy 5:1

Many of my regular readers know that both my aunt and uncle are having cancer challenges. After learning about these challenges, I made my way north to visit them, though they live in different towns. I wrote about my uncle's situation here and about part of my journey to see him here.

My uncle's surgery took place today. Though the surgery was fraught with dangers due to his advanced age and ill health, he apparently came through it with flying colours. He is now recuperating in ICU for several days. The doctor even said he may be released early as he is doing much better than expected though I am hoping they will keep him long enough to rest and make sure he is strong.

We were also told that my uncle would have to wear a colostomy bag but praise to God, it appears the doctor was able to perform the surgery so as to avoid this result.  This means my uncle gets to remain in the place he calls home, rather than be moved permanently to the hospital where they have a floor for seniors who need medical care. Since the colon has to be sewn back together after removing the cancer, we continue to pray for a good healing of the wounds and no leakage or infection.

I can't tell you how overjoyed the family is!  I want to thank everyone who prayed for my uncle.  My aunt too is doing fine though the doctors are keeping a watch over her. In her case, both sides of her breast areas were causing alarm. But after a few tests the doctor doesn't feel it is a return of cancer and he is keeping an eye on things.  I've known this since I visited with her in May but I don't think I reported it here in case you were praying, and wondering.


I hope you all have a pleasant weekend. I know I will.

UPDATE JULY 16, 2012

After doing well initially, my uncle had a setback. It seems that putting the intestines back together did not work. Since his first surgery my uncle had to have emergency surgery on Thursday. Then on Sunday he was operated on again and given a colostomy bag but he did not regain consciousness. He passed into glory today at 5:35 p.m. PST. His mortal body will be laid to reset sometime this weekend. His immortal body has been welcomed into Heaven.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Beautiful Skies Over Vancouver

Skywatch Friday


I  like the skies over Vancouver today. After weeks, make that months, of rain, we are finally scheduled for a week of sunny weather.

I also like this macro geranium photo I took with my smart phone so I am reposting it. It will be a submission for Floral Friday.


Monday, July 2, 2012

Pretty in Pink & Green





My pink geraniums have finally blossomed. As you can see more blossoms will be out soon. The colour is a deep pink.

These pretty blossoms make me happy despite the lack of sunshine.






















This macro was taken with my smart phone.





















The tomatoes are coming along nicely. This photo to the right shows the growth of the large tomatoes.
We also have some cherry tomato
plants but I don't see any tomatoes
coming out yet.









I love the array of colour now that all the flowers are in bloom at the same time. The rain is starting to beat down the pansies too much but we are expecting sunshine all week and warmer temperatures.



I'm joining Our World Tuesday with this post. Why don't you click here and see what else people are sharing around their worlds.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

A Drink to Canada's Birthday!

Canada's 145 years old today and so I had a drink in Canada's honour and to my health.


Juice: 3 small bunches of spinach, 1 medium carrot, 1 med-large tomatoe, 1 small yellow pepper, 2 stalks of celery & fresh ginger to taste.


I've long given up going out with the crowds to enjoy the day and watch fireworks. Instead I'm spending a quiet day relaxing at home. I'm watching movies and later will watch a rebroadcast of the nationally televised birthday celebrations from our nation's capital city, Ottawa. Later, we'll have some made from scratch pizzas with lot of fresh veggies for dinner.

What are you doing for Canada Day celebrations? 
Whatever you and your family/loved ones are doing, I hope you thoroughly enjoy it.


HAPPY CANADA DAY 
TO CANADIANS AT HOME AND ABROAD!
BONNE FÊTE CANADA!

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