Penny for the Guy?

Here in B.C. it's some sort of tradition to set off firecrackers on Hallowe'en ... ? I guess in that way it takes something from Guy Fawkes day, which is in a few days ... And apparently a lot of B.C.ers don't know it's just a B.C. thing ... There's a bylaw this year requiring a permit to set off fireworks in the region, but unless that's wacky guns, there are a ton of fireworks going off outside as I type, and they've been erupting with some frequency all evening.

My parents are out visiting, and they both seem happy to be having a bit of a break. We spent most of Monday downtown Victoria, starting with a delicious breakfast, then heading to Craigdarroch Castle where we spent a couple hours admiring woodwork and architecture, and the ability of women to wear corsets and still participate n some semblance of a life ... They left yesterday morning for Tofino, a big surfing/tourist place over on the West Coast of the island. I wish I could've gone with them, but I'm sure I'll get out there eventually ... They get back to Victoria tomorrow night, so we'll get to spend a bit more time together before they head to the mainland on Saturday to visit some friends.

And in other news: I'm excited about seeing Transformers again on Saturday.

More other news: The Knights finally put together a bit of a wining streak, after getting Mason back. The Leafs have yet to accomplish such a feat.

gobbly gobble

Hope you all (all 2 of you who read this) had a great Thanksgiving! Sounds like the family had a good get-together, and some 'lovely' (because that's subjective) weather to go along with it.
I decided to stay in Victoria, thinking it would be a quiet, relaxing time, in which I could be thankful for peace. However, I actually ended up being pretty busy...
IVCF Friday night saw me being part of the worship team (there were two of us, both playing guitar), and then hanging around for a long time after, chatting and teaching people to play euchre (is anyone in Ontario aware that it's not well known out here on the West Coast?). I was up early Saturday morning to head to friends' for breakfast, which was very lovely and muchly appreciated! I hung around for a while after eating, playing XBox and going for a walk in the woods. I got home just in time to see the start of the Leafs game, and also watched the Canucks game following it, both of which were fantastic, and in both cases the right team won 4-3 in overtime!! I won't say anymore about that, although I could.
Sunday I went to Arbutus Christian Fellowship, as Alison and I are considering switching from Trinity to the aforementioned church. This Sunday's experience was definitely an indicator that this could be a good decision, but I'm still praying about it, and it's not definite yet ... Sunday evening I was invited over to a friends to watch 300 with a group of people, and invitation which I had to accept. I mean really, if someone invited me to a disgusting jail cell in the depths of an abandoned, rat-infested warehouse to watch 300 I'm not sure I could turn it down. That could actually potentially add something to the experience. :) So yeah, that was fun.
Yesterday I did attend a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner, with the requisite turkey and stuffing. Thanks to Brian (and yes, I told him, because it's not like he's ever going to read it here) for preparing that delicious stuffing, and for co-hosting. In other news ... well, there's not really any. Alison returned home safely after being in Vancouver all weekend. I'm at work today, and trying to think of creative ways to spend my time (what's left, after finishing this blog). Hazelnut coffee is good, but does hurt my stomach. My nephew has a name (Everest), and from all accounts is just darling.

This post has been brought to you by the characters '(', ')', and my dream where the brakes of the car I was driving didn't work.

there is a season ...

So we did finally get Internet at home, a couple weeks ago, but it’s been limited to Alison’s computer, so I guess if I need an excuse for not blogging lately, that could be it … or I could use the fact that I’ve been really busy …

Anyway, there’s actually news to share! As of last Friday I am now the aunt of two (outside the womb) children, rather than one. My nephew (as of yet, unnamed) was born on the 28^th at 4:44pm Eastern time; he’s just darling. This is one time I’m really glad for the technology of today, as otherwise I would feel much more disconnected from this event. Yet another thing to look forward to about going home in December.

This past weekend was really great, a nice way to spend the weekend that brought September to a close. A group of students from IVCF (Victoria div.), myself included, obviously, went up to Cowichan River Bible Camp for the weekend, heading out Friday afternoon, and getting back Sunday afternoon. It was a really nice time of fellowship, worship, and fun. I think highlights for me were spending time in prayer and conversation alone by the river, and playing 1 ½ hours of barefoot soccer in the rain. Oh, and I can’t leave out mention of the food, which was fantastic!! Thanks to Grace Fryer!! I also really enjoy that chapel; I would have no qualms about having church there every week. Something about small, rustic churches makes me feel at home.

The NHL regular season opens tonight!!! I’ve got a lot of teams I’m going to be pulling for this year: the Leafs and Canucks, as usual, top my list, but I also like the Penguins, and am hoping the Blackhawks can spend less time in the bottom of the league. I still can’t help liking Buffalo, and I think they’ll be okay, despite losing Drury and Briere – that means more ice time for Pominville , of whom I am a fan.

Autumn feels like it has set it here in Victoria, but the colours pale in comparison to Ontario. However, there is the crispness and the occasional wafting of the scent of woodsmoke through the air.