Power Supply Problem....now repaired!

So, yesterday, while I was in the midst of writing a blog, Jeanette got back home and called out for me.  I was upstairs at our computer desk.  At that very instant, the computer shut down.

Yep!!!! It had to be her fault for calling out while I was busy on the computer.  The result?  NO POWER!!!  Hmmm....I tried the few things I could think of but quickly realized that it was a problem best left to the computer repair place nearby.

I predicted that the issue was a faulty power supply.  Sure enough!  This morning, the local computer store confirmed my suspicion; replaced the power supply and I was on my way back to the blogging world.

I still think that if Jeanette had not called out, the power supply could have lasted longer.  She doesn't buy my argument.  Oh well!!!!  LOL

Although we have two lap tops, I really enjoy the super big computer screen that is plugged into our desktop.  So, I held off on the blog till the repair.

Fall is showing its colours

Other than the power supply issue, the only other news was our little family Thanksgiving dinner that we hosted this past Monday.

Ginette is giving her mom a hand with the kitchen duties.

It was a quiet day for us - other than the kitchen job that Jeanette handles oh so well.  I spent most of the mid-morning to mid-afternoon reading  about Steve Jobs.  Interesting personality that guy had.  He kind of reminds me of one TV station boss I once worked with, years and years ago.  The thing is, I quite liked my TV station boss at that time....although most employees did not.  I thought he was quite brilliant.

A nice table centre that Jeanette put together.  She is a natural at this stuff.  I, on the other hand, would not even think about building a table centre.

Easton and his mom, Ginette, showed up earlier.  Dad, Trevor, had some stuff to take care of and he dropped by closer to the actual dinner time.  Jeanette and I (more I than her) had plenty of time to play, feed and generally look after Easton.  He's a fun guy to hang out with, that's for sure.

Easton is already at the dinner table.....!  Where are the others?

Here they are!  Trevor, Easton, Jeanette and Ginette pose for the obligatory blog shot.

So, the 10 lb turkey was fantastic, as usual, and the trimmings were awesome too.  What's not to like about a nice dinner with family.  And, I love turkey dinner.....anytime!

We did hear from our son and new daughter in law.  They called from Edmonton, on Sunday, while they were preparing their own turkey.

So that was the extent of our quiet but wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sure is nice to have the desk top computer back in service.  I can post this blog and get on with reading the blogs I've missed this past 24-36 hours.

Thanks for dropping by.

A Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Truly in the spirit of Thanksgiving and Halloween

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving and Columbus Day in the USA.  We're preparing to celebrate the day with a turkey dinner.

It has been a fun, long weekend of activities.  That is, in large part, due to some terrific fall weather that leads us to enjoy our favourite outdoor activities.

Friday morning started off with us dressed in layers.  By 10:00 am, the layers were off and we were sweating under the hot sun. Yes, we were on a golf course.  The Peace Portal Golf Course, that skirts the US border (on the Canadian side), is one of the oldest golf courses in British Columbia.

 Peace Portal Golf Course - South Surrey Golf Course / White Rock Golf Course, British Columbia

Early Friday morning golf round.....and I mean early.  Our Tee Off was at 7:38 am. 

Rick and Denis are focused on making solid putts.

Ron is working on a short chip shot.

Terry Fox Plaza at BC Place Stadium - Vancouver, BC

Saturday evening had good friend Rick and I attend the 1st place BC Lions CFL Football game against the 2nd place Calgary Stampeders.  Rick's daughter, Emma, and her friend came along too.  They were colourful in their BC Lions jerseys....and fitting colours they are for the Halloween season too!

They are true Lions fans!

The 1st place Lions - in spite of resting their two best receivers due to injuries -changed their long game play and managed to win the game with a short game strategy.  It was effective.  As a result, the Lions have a commanding 4 point lead in the CFL (Canadian Football League).

Inside BC Place Stadium - with the roof open!

Another beautiful setting on Sunday morning.

I caught this photo with my iPhone while on my way to the golf course on Sunday morning.

SNAKE GOLF Captain Phil - The tournament champion

SNAKE Golf Tournament Players

Sunday morning had us back on the golf links to play our season closing SNAKE GOLF tournament.  Four groups headed to the most recently opened Pagoda Ridge Golf Course in Langley to compete for the coveted SNAKE Golf trophy.  Our fearless Captain, Phil, took the honours.
                                                Pagoda Ridge Golf Course

The golf course owner (a Caucasian businessman) developed this stunning golf course to include the Great Wall of China.  It is quite something to see,to walk on and to challenge our golf skills. 

Only months ago, this river was raging and spilling its banks.  

We saw only one boat with lines out and that could only mean one thing!  Only our First Nations Canadians (native Indians) are allowed to fish the river 24/7.

Back home, after the tournament, Jeanette and I headed off for a three hour motorcycle ride that had us take a different route. It lead to a nice park along the Fraser River in the Abbotsford area.  Two other motorcyclists were.  We took a casual walk along the rivers edge. 

Our coffee place.

After a 30 minute stop for a coffee (me) and tea (Jeanette), we rode back home as the sun was setting.

Today is our Thanksgiving dinner.  Jeanette has been busy with preparing the turkey for the oven. She's also been multitasking with food preparation while talking with her mom - by phone - who resides in the Province of Alberta.

 Easton and his mom and dad will join us for dinner today.

 We hope yours is/was a great Thanksgiving. 

Thanks for dropping by.

Great Fall Weather Calls For Getting Out

Entering Fort Langley, BC

The fantastic fall weather continues to lure us outdoors.  We take full advantage of that!

A great outdoor/indoor restaurant that we've patronized a few times.

Beatniks Restaurant, in the Fort, never disappoints.  We've been there a few times for breakfast and, most recently, for dinner.  This is a nice little gem.  Although the temperatures were dropping on Sunday evening, it was still pleasant enough to sit outdoors.

While Jeanette enjoys a mint tea, she is texting her sisters in Alberta, before her meal arrives.

Easton is fairly new to ingesting a more solid breakfast of pablum.

Easton was over with his mom on Monday.  Jeanette took care of the little fella while his mom was resting from what her doctor has diagnosed as a case of bronchitis. 

Great motorcycle roads in the Pacific Northwest - Washington State.

Yesterday was ideal to cross the 49th parallel and head into Washington State.  The roads we ride in the area are underutilized during working hours.  We take advantage of that to enjoy the topography.  Great weather adds to the enjoyment.

Chuckanut Drive

From south Bellingham, WA, is a well known motorcycle ride called the Chuckanut Drive.  It skirts the Pacific Ocean. It's a scenic road that requires the rider to keep the speed down to enjoy the fantastic views along the way. That we did!

The trees nearly complete a full canopy.

Sheer rock walls on the left side - ocean-side on the right.

Ocean side.

We found a Bob's Burger and Brew restaurant near Burlington, WA.  This is one of 12 that operate in the state.  It never disappoints.  Jeanette enjoyed a seafood wrap and I chose a chicken wrap.  

Once our tummies were fueled - and the motorcycle too - we rode east in search of Highway 9.  That's a route that skirts the base of the mountains that include Mount Baker.  It never disappoints.

One view along Highway 9.

After six hours of riding, stopping to view the sites, and the required rest breaks, we returned home.

That sums up the past couple of days.  The weather girl forecasts a continuation of this fine, fall weather so we plan to take full advantage of that.  Do I hear GOLF, CFL Football, and more GOLF?  It's all possible!  More on that later.

Thanks for dropping by.

OUR ROUTINE RETURNS.

Following a couple of really busy weeks, our routine has returned in earnest.  The wedding is behind us, family and friends have returned to their routines and, as a result of that, so has ours.

Ready to close the slides.

Hitchin' and heading to the RV service centre nearby.

After our company left and we cleaned up the fiver, I made arrangements to have a local RV service centre re-pack the bearings and check the brakes.  By 10:00 am, last Tuesday, it was at the RV centre and, two hours later, the rig was back home and stored in its spot along the side of our home.  The bearings and brakes were in great condition.  Yeah to that!  Cost?  $202.00 - taxes included. 

Jeanette and Mariette @ the Botanical Garden

Jeanette and friend headed to the Botanical Garden, at the University of British Columbia, last Wednesday. 

Interesting way to view the botanical gardens

Mariette looking up towards Jeanette.

Easton came to spend the day on Thursday.

Easton's mom was under the weather - suffering from a cold - so we took him off of her hands for the day.  He got to play with Nana and Grand Papa while Ginette was home working off the chills.

When on his back, Easton flips over to his stomach and works his way around quite well. 

It''s just a matter of time before Easton is crawling and getting into cupboards.  Jeanette and I will have to baby proof some of those kitchen cabinet doors and drawers.

Nan and Easton enjoyed the beautiful outdoor weather.

Deni and Courtney returned from a few days away on Galiano Island.  They joined a group of friends (Jeanette joined in too) for a day at the Vancouver Aquarium. Kids of all ages can't help but enjoy the multitude of fish, whales, otters and more.

So many fish species to see!

Anticipating the beluga whale....

.....popping out of the water and washing down his/her handlers.

Stunning golf course.....and most unforgiving too!

I returned to our men's golf group on Wednesday afternoon.  Not having played in a couple of weeks, the irons felt a bit odd in my hands and that resulted in a higher than expected score.  I made up for that lapse when playing with a friend, this past Friday at the more difficult Redwoods Golf Course in Langley.

The evening had us join Courtney and Deni at Courtney's mom's home for a family barbecue.  Deni and Courtney headed back for Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday morning.

We failed to take photos of that evening dinner but we sure enjoyed the fun and food.  Doug did a great job with the barbecued chicken and, along with Barb, they were wonderful hosts.  Thanks!  It was fun to spend more time with Deni and Courtney before they headed back for their Edmonton home.

View of Vancouver harbour and the city from the 8th floor of the Vancouver General Hospital

Saturday saw Jeanette and I drive into Vancouver to visit my 89 yr. old aunt who is recovering from surgery.  She is really improving quickly and is already anxious to get back to her own home.   I can only hope I have her genetic traits!

My aunt's hospital room faced the helicopter landing area on the 7th floor.

 And that pretty much returned us back to our more normal routine.

Our fall weather continues to impress.  Nice warm days are hanging in - certainly for now - but we know that the typical fall rains are soon to come.  We're taking advantage of it for now though.

I headed off to our Sunday morning 'Open Mike' coffee session in White Rock this morning.  It was a perfect day to motorcycle out through all of the back roads in this area.  Once back, I had to catch up and follow the PGA Ryder Cup to its conclusion on television.   The USA failed to beat the Europeans.....when they well should have considering the good lead they had going into today's final individual matches.  Oh well.....there is always the re-match two years from now!  2012 Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Illinois, U.S.A. - RyderCup.com

Thank you for all of the nice  blogger comments (private email too) about our recent wedding related activities.  The entire event - and activities that led and/or followed it - went smoothly.  No hick ups.....no problems!

Thanks for dropping by.

The 2nd BIG EVENT In Our Lives This Year!

By way of explanation, the title for this blog reflects our son and new daughter in law's wedding, this past Friday, September 21.  The first big event of the year was the birth of our first grandchild, Easton Biro, this past April 10, 2012.

Courtney and Deni  -  September 21, 2012 

 

Easton - Born April 10, 2012

We have a lot to be thankful for!

The Wedding:     The previous blog focused on the pre-wedding events and a bit on the wedding itself.  This blog will focus on the wedding and post wedding events.  There are numerous photos in this blog.....and, trust me, I did edit several hundred out!.

So many family and friends came to share Deni and Courtney's special day.  The Vancouver waterfront was an idyllic location.  History | Brock House Restaurant

Exchanging vows!

 Two families merge. 

The Masters of Ceremony:  Cara and Brad (from Edmonton, Alberta)

With her father's recent passing and her mom's inability to travel, Jeanette's parents were present - with this photograph at our table.

The reception, held at the Brock House restaurant, included a sit down dinner.  Each guest was offered one of three entrées.  The food  presentation and quality was top class.

Deni and Courtney express their sentiments and thank yous.

MC's, Cara and Brad kept things moving along - with humour and tact.

Deni, Ginette and Trevor

Brad, Jamie and Darlene.

Sisters, Deb and Jeanette.

Good friends:  Rick, Denis and Odette

Good friends:  Mariette and Lorne (hidden from view)

Deni's boss, Jim and his wife, traveled from Edmonton for the occasion.

Aline and Garry made good on the MC's directive to get the bride and groom to kiss.

To get the bride and groom to kiss, guests had to come up front and emulate the method.  That was great fun.....and Aline and Garry stole the show!

The example!

The emulation!

Deb, Deni, Bob and Jonathon (Aunt, uncle and cousin from Calgary, Alberta)

Life long friends & former neighbours - David, Deni and Chris

Life long friend, Jesse

Deni with mom and family friend, Aline

R-L   Lorne, Gwen, Steve, Garry and Aline

Son & mother dance

Life long friends:  Steve, Deni and Gwen

Coutney & Deni take to the floor

Deni & sister, Ginette lead a dance number

Taking a break from the action.

The photos tell the story so there is little to add in writing.  Suffice it to say that it was a great evening of fun, friendship and celebration.  The 130 attendees were a joy to have join us to share this fine day.

About ready to leave the event.

THE DAY AFTER: An Open House

Jonathon looks in on his dad, Bob, as he prepares some libation for the crowd to come.

R-L:  Karen, Tina, Shania and Deb pitched in to prepare food trays for guests.

Karen, Jared and Tina prepared some nice trays.

Brad worked his magic with a watermelon, after Jeanette detailed how she wanted it carved!  Deb, Darlene and Jared keep a watchful eye on his work.

The result of all that cooperative work.

Ready for guests.

From 1:00 pm onwards, on Saturday, September 22, family, friends, neighbours and more dropped by to share some time with Deni and Courtney. It was an informal affair.

Deni exchanges banter with his cousin, Brad.

Long time former neighbours, Al (L) and Joan (2nd from right) got to meet Courtney and share some time with Deni too.

Fairly relaxed group

The renovated sun room came in handy too.

Late in the day, Deni and Courtney loaded up in preparation for their Gulf Islands trip to Galiano Island for a few days or R&R.

My sister, Paulette, spent some one on one time with Easton.

Sunday, Sept. 23, was spent lazying around the house, followed by a short drive to White Rock beach for a walk along the seaside.  Sister Suzie, Tina and sister Paulette enjoy a relaxed stroll.

Jonathon, Ginette, Trevor (pushing Easton) Karen and Jared enjoy the promenade on White Rock beach.

A view taken from the long pier that dots out from White Rock beach,

While some of us were walking the beach, Jeanette and her sister Deb were preparing this salmon and other goodies for the barbecue dinner we would be serving that evening.

Monday morning saw the last of our visitors leave for their respective flights back to their homes.  Jeanette and I started the cleanup process with large mounds of laundry calling for a washing machine and dryer.

While she was managing the indoor stuff, I cleaned and straightened up the 5th wheel and stowed those items that need stowing.  I made arrangements to take the 5th wheel to the local RV service centre this Thursday to have the bearings re-packed and the brakes checked out.  Following that, it will be returned to its hiding place next to our home. We are planning our snow birding adventure and anticipate leaving this December 30th, once our Christmas duties are completed.

Thanks for dropping by.