Journey Home

Welcome to my newest follower gennyhoka. I hope you find many things here of interest.

Morning came early on Sunday after a late night of packing and sorting. A quick phone call from mom at 8:30 a.m. was the prelude to more feverish packing and sorting and bagging things up for the garbage bins. A quick shower and last minute instructions for my brother and I was off to the bus depot for my journey home.

I always like to get to the depot early and be first in line. Today was no exception. Thankfully my luggage wasn't over the limit as it has been the last few trips. It costs a lot these days for oversize luggage. My clothing needs aren't exceptional but all the paraphernalia that I have to take with me add up to a lot of extra weight. (Click on each photo to enlarge.)

The weather today was spectacular. A perfect day for a bus trip. It was eerily quiet at the depot today. The lady at the ticket wicket says it has been that way all week though by the time it came time to board the bus the bus was half full. A perfect load as far as I'm concerned since it means I can have a seat all to myself.

Scenery as always, was spectacular. Just an hour and a half outside of Vancouver, the weather changed significantly from brilliant sunshine to lots of low lying clouds in the mountains and the air was really brisk.  I've put in a few photos here for your viewing pleasure. The rest will be uploaded into a slide show and added a little later. Enjoy!

I'm home to rest awhile!

Come, Rest Awhile
Come, rest awhile, and let us idly stray In glimmering valleys, cool and far away. Come from the greedy mart, the troubled street, And listen to the music, faint and sweet, That echoes ever to a listening ear, Unheard by those who will not pause to hear­ The wayward chimes of memory's pensive bells, Wind-blown o'er misty hills and curtained dells. One step aside and dewy buds unclose The sweetness of the violet and the rose; Song and romance still linger in the green, Emblossomed ways by you so seldom seen, And near at hand, would you but see them, lie All lovely things beloved in days gone by. You have forgotten what it is to smile In your too busy life­come, rest awhile. by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Click here for more Blue Monday.

Before and Almost After ~ To New Beginnings

A few weeks before Christmas there was a huge fire a few blocks away. It destroyed several old buildings, all of which housed restaurants, funky coffee shops and hip clothing. Read about it here.

It was several more weeks before I could take these photos of what was left behind from the fire.

The photo below is where the Mexican restaurant, Zocalo used to be. I never had a chance to try it.

Just the other side of Zocalo was a funky coffee shop called Lugz. It had a long and loyal following.

The photos below show the remains of two long standing restaurants: Slickity Jim's Chat n Chew and the wonderful, Kishu (Japanese restaurant). The Kishu is a chain of japanese restaurants in the City and this particular one did not have a website of it's own.

Somewhere along the line I did take some photos of food I ate at the Kishu. The food there was always tasty and also good for the budget.


Yesterday, as I was on an errand, I saw these scenes ...

A lot of clearing has gone on since Christmas. I am eager for the rebuilding to take place and I do hope the previous owners are able to continue with business though I see that Slickity Jim's Chat n Chew is now permanently closed.

The hip clothing store was affected by smoke damage but was able to re-open within days at a location just a few doors down. I am not sure what all the others owners and staff have ended up doing but whatever it is, I know it must be trying times and I send out positive thoughts and prayers for their rebuilding efforts in these recessionary times.

I also send out my best wishes and prayers for each of you my blogging friends and your families. May God hold you close in the palm of His great hand in 2010. May He give you a blessed New Year despite whatever raging circumstances there may be around you, as you keep your heart and mind focussed on Him; the great and sovereign Creator God.

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26