Merry Christmas!
As the world continues to spin, we are still trepidatiously emerging from the pandemic and finding the light in our daily lives with friends and family. As we normalise our lives, travel still seems like a good antidote.
Kite surfing in Cabaret |
Check out the sunny pics Hola ! Surfs up!.
Sign says: environmental initiatives to enhance habitat for Black Bears. Gladed ski trails increases biodiversity of the forest = key food for bears.
We always look forward to tip toe through the tulips come spring.
Barbie and I beach! |
Swell is a boutique surf camp with great instructors and staff who really care for their guests |
Yoga with Molly |
Sadly, due to climate change, the Rideau Canal did not freeze last winter for skating magic. It was deeply missed, as it is Ottawa's way of coping with a long cold winter, and finding community with young and old of every skating ability. It is the longest outdoor rink in the world at 7km one way. Rideau canal skateway
| We certainly still had winter to deal with! |
Staying warm cozied up with Paula! |
Dr Seuss tree by Mother Nature |
Visiting Marisa with a little liquid warmth |
Marisa is happy because she has butter tarts. Its not the liqueurs |
Adrian kept the neighbours happy and warm with regular boulangerie deliveries from his Cordon Bleu class. We love carbs and gluten in this household! He even crowned Queen Cheryl for the Fete des Roi.
Ensuring we didn't miss the good parts to Canada's winter, we headed to Whistler, BC for a ski holiday with friends. It is not just fabulously beautiful, but fantastic ski terrain.
Ninja says, "point your skis downhill Adrian!" |
Fantastic weather all week. No fog! |
Gabriel plans to avoid the bears |
Sign says: environmental initiatives to enhance habitat for Black Bears. Gladed ski trails increases biodiversity of the forest = key food for bears.
Yum. Humans, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside |
Doesn't look that hungry? |
Avoiding dangerous head first falls. Think the graphics are clear |
"Long arms" Gabriel on selfie duty |
Ninja and Ghost skiers |
There is a very narrow ridge to ski along before heading into the bowl |
Glorious views! Find the Ninja and Ghost! |
Jill and Pam warming up with hot chocolate |
Did you toot?
Champion skiers |
The splendour just isn't captured in a photo |
Lucky weather day to get to Peak Lookout. Breathtaking |
Top of the world! |
The Tulip Festival always makes me appreciate our nation's capital.
We were invited to attend the 75 years of UN Peacekeeping commemorative ceremony marking International Day of UN Peacekeepers at the National War Memorial. Adrian served with the UN in the Golan Heights. I served with the UNHQ in Haiti and as the NDHQ Logistics Officer supporting the UN missions in the Middle East and Africa.
And they think they're funny standing on their tippy toes! |
Wonderful reunion in Stratford with Allyson and Stephanie. |
Adrian and E on a camping adventure |
We were invited to attend the 75 years of UN Peacekeeping commemorative ceremony marking International Day of UN Peacekeepers at the National War Memorial. Adrian served with the UN in the Golan Heights. I served with the UNHQ in Haiti and as the NDHQ Logistics Officer supporting the UN missions in the Middle East and Africa.
We are also so pleased the Queen honoured us
at Jackson's birthday party
Spring also seems like the ideal time to travel to Europe. Sadly, our best efforts to teleport landed us at the French Embassy
I was grateful to combine remote work and holidays in Nova Scotia.

Paula, E, me and Priya. |
| The Queen even posed for a family photo, Corgi included |
Spending time on the picket line with Laura during our strike |
Croissants in France |
and the British High Commission on our bikes.
Laissez-les manger de la brioche!
Ginger snaps in the United Kingdom |
E practicing to swim the Channel between the two countries |
E headed a little further to India |
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| View from my "office". The bald eagle with the massive wing span came frequently. I was in awe every time. |
As I've been negligent on creating any blog posts this year, you're getting the Nova Scotia overdose of sea side pictures now.
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Always happy to visit Karen-Anne and Dan in Cape Breton |
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Preparing for the open water swim to Sloan's island |
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Are you sure there are no sharks here? Shark Tracker |
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Are we trolling Large as shark bait? |
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| I'll keep safe on land in Josh's private squash court! |
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58 years of marriage has you twinning with your outfits. |
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Aunt Kelly offers the unusual, but traditional birthday gift of fish. Willy Krauch's world famous smoked salmon. |
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Fancy canned fish from Portugal offered by Dan |
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Out for coffee! |
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Unfortunately Mom broke her hip this summer. She has lost the use of her legs due to additional medical issues |
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| Mom spent her birthday in hospital. She moved to a nursing home in Dec. |
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Mom's cheery attitude after 4 months in hospital is exemplary |
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So many fancy boats in the harbour this summer. The super yachts (no pics!) have also found this remote piece of peace. |
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The vibrant Halifax harbour |
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Meeting up with Lonnie and Anya |
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Big Pam and Little Pam |
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| Cousin Janice |
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Dorothy and Sam's cabin |

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Hard to say "Farewell to Nova Scotia" with sunsets like this |
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E lifeguarded at an overnight camp for mentally disabled adults. She absolutely loved the hard and rewarding work. |
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Speedy Leanne at the Army Run I came in 2nd in my age category! Do I mention I got slotted into the 60-64 age group? Makes me look faster |
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Delicious dinner and fun at Laurie's in Montreal |
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Our annual trip to Montreal |
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Catherine and Joseph made me an incredible birthday dinner! |
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A wintery walk along Rideau River |
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An evening at the NAC |
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Happy Christmas! |
Wishing family and friends
a joyous holiday season filled with health.
May 2024 bring peace to all of us!
Pam, Adrian and E







































