Red Tide in False Creek

Red Tide
Originally uploaded by iTripped

So I probably should not eat fresh, locally caught shellfish for the next week or so. During yesterday's trip in to the office, I noticed that we have a red tide in the creek. At first I just thought the water was all churned up by the development going on for the Olympic village site, but the ferry operator informed me otherwise.

While the look is definitely different, I cannot wait for the waters to clear up. Something about clear water just looks better to me.

Interminably slow day

Ever have one of those days that feels like it just won't end? I'm having one of them now. Things are just dragging along at a pace that is too slow to maintain morale. It's not that I am bored - I have plenty to do, be it work or other. But holy crap, today is just plain old uninspiring.

At least tomorrow is a Friday.

UPDATE: Funny how a song can change one's mood. No sooner did I post this when a favorite song of mine came on and now things are fun again.

I'll try not to whistle while I work. And yes I added this photo of a Corvair I took in Halifax just because.

Cambie St. Bridge

Cambie St. Bridge
Originally uploaded by iTripped.

It's been a while since I blogged from my flickr account. I almost forgot how to do it. Anyway, coming into work today I noticed that the water was very calm - it was a really nice morning. Days like today remind me of why I like living in this city.

The reason I was on the water was because I had Louise with me. That meant I was not able to take the skytrain like usual, so we took the aquabus instead.

For two days I have smelled nothing but cigarettes, even though nobody is smoking around me. I think I might be coming down with something. So far I feel okay though, so hopefully I can beat this with some healthy living and vitamin C.

Pirate treasure in Halifax

One of the few things I miss about living in the Maritimes has got to be the food. Well, it would probably be closer to the truth to say that I really miss just a few dishes in particular. There is a whole lot of stuff available there that I have lost my taste for, and an even greater amount of things available here in Vancouver that I really could not get back east.

One of those things (other than lobster, which I can still get here) that I really do miss would be deep fried pepperoni. It is served as an appetizer in some pubs and we used to get it quite often while going out on the town in Halifax.

So on Saturday I found myself with some spare time between visits. I spent the later part of the day visiting many of my favorite spots in Halifax. I had several goals to accomplish: I wanted to visit my favorite park, I wanted to do a little gift shopping, and I desperately wanted to find a place that still served this dish. I had to inspect the menu on about a dozen places before I found a venue that still served it.

But it was worth it. Or, to say it in a more Nova Scotian way, 'Boy, I tell you - it was some good!'

Sleep deprived in Shubenacadie

My flight was uneventful, but I was not able to sleep. Luckily I brought a good book to read on the plane, since I wasn't really in the mood to pay $5.00 for a pay-per-view movie (and another $3.00 for uncomfortable headphones). At least the selection they had was somewhat current.

My flight arrived ahead of schedule, but I still had to wait until 7:00 am to get the rental car as the rental agency didn't open before then. Again, the book to the rescue. At this rate, I'm pretty glad that I brought two books since it is looking like I will get through them both.

I arrived at my sister's place early enough to visit with her two children before they headed off to school. It seems I get back just often enough for them not to forget me entirely. After the whirlwind of activity, the house seems strangely quiet - in a nice way. I find myself posting here while my sister gets ready. I expect this to be a rare moment, since most of my family go without computers.

Oh yeah - I stole one of her pictures from Peggy's Cove for today's post.

Unscheduled trip to Nova Scotia

My grandfather passed away on the weekend, so I will be making a hasty trip across the country to attend his funeral. I really wish that I had been able to make the trip back while he was still alive, to see him once more at least. I suppose this is a lesson for me to learn. If anything, I suppose it is a small mercy that I did not see him while his health was so poor. My memories of him will always be fun and silly, which is just the way I want to remember my grandfather.

Because the trip is last minute, I will be flying solo. It is amazing to me that airfare from here to NS is more expensive than airfare from here to Germany. I'll try to post updates if possible, but I can't make any guarantees about net access while visiting relatives who don't own computers.

Thank you, Vancouver Canucks

Okay, first things first: last night my wife came to the conclusion that the Canucks obviously lost their game against Anaheim the other night because I did not drink beer while watching. You know what? She is absolutely right. Every time the Canucks have won, I have had beer while watching the game.

Tonight, I remedy this.

Seriously though, I have had a lot of fun watching this team play this season (and into the post-season too!) There have been frustrating nights to be sure, but there have also been nights where we see some of the fan favorite players come out and perform. I don't need the Canucks to win the Stanley Cup to consider this season to be a success. They have already done that for me. My desire to have them win stems only from the fact that I don't want this post season party to end any sooner than it has to. I just hope that the players are having as much fun on the ice as I am in front of my TV while I watch them play.

Anyway, my lucky beer is already being chilled in the refrigerator. I'll be doing my part to ensure a win in Anaheim tonight! Go Canucks Go!

Cops and Robbers

I saw this scene as I was driving home one night last week. The men in blue were out doing their jobs and had their suspect sitting on the curb. His car was parked just outside the picture and is what the one officer is walking toward. One thing about living downtown - the police presence is much more visible. As a non-criminal, I like that.

Later in the week we sold a dining room table and chair set - to another cop. She was an officer who worked in the Delta area and was saying that even out there, they noticed increased activity whenever the Canucks won a playoff game.