Home

I've been back in Melbourne for a week now. My jet lag is dissipating and Spring has properly arrived to welcome me home. It's a warm day today (22 degrees) and I spent a fair bit of it weeding and tidying up our little courtyard garden. The sun is gorgeous and warm and the wonderful scent of jasmine, lilac and roses waft down our street and laneway.

I'm lucky to feel at home in two places in the world. I had a beautiful visit back to Victoria, BC to spend time with family and dear friends.... and I had a blissful return back to Melbourne, walking right into the embrace of the man I love.

Where's home? In this land here, which continues to offer me surprises, opportunity and a future full of potential.

Thanks for Food!

The turkey is a great holiday bird.

Dad carves.

It's a ridiculously American vegetable dish for holidays, but it has long been my favourite: Yams baked with marshmallows, butter and brown sugar. Ambrosia!

Ubiquitous pumpkin pie.

Island Scents

There are some scents that evoke particular moments from one's past, and memories of these moments flood in pretty strongly when you haven't smelled those scents for a long time. In the past three weeks, during my stay in the "country of my origin", these are the scents that have been triggers for me. (In no particular order...)

• Tim Horton's kiosks
• Salt air
• Creosote on the wharf pilings at Fulford Harbour
• Wet cedar chip trails being warmed by the sun
• Dry oak leaves and pine needles
• Mom and Dad's coffee brewing in the morning
• Walking past Roger's Chocolates on Government Street
• Turkey baking in the late morning
• Pebble beaches

Bedtime Stories

In my best Australian accent, I read Wombat Stew to Aubrey before he went to bed.

He takes pretty good pictures for a 4 year old.

It was the best friend dinner! Lori and Peter made the best bbq ribs in the world with rice and green beans... with lots of good red wine and a Blueberry galette for desert.

Sunny

Weather in Victoria has been ridiculously gorgeous this last week. It got grey and soggy today, but on Wednesday, we drove to the breakwater and enjoyed the warm afternoon sun and light breeze.

Canadian Television Good Times!

Australians should check out this alternative to Dancing With the Stars!

"From hockey skates to toe picks, catch all the action on CBC as former NHL players team up with professional figure skaters... all in the name of charity."

Pretty funny, eh?

Big Brother

My older brother lives in Seattle, and he and my sister-in-law have 6 kids. I feel like the crazy aunt who blows into town every three years.... and it was kinda like that on Sunday when I flew into town on a little sea plane for lunch! It was brief, but very worthwhile as I got to see 4 of the 6 kids and have a great chat with my big brother.

Dan and I at the Sea Plane Terminal

Dan, from the plane.

Marcus, Sophie, Christian and Robin.

Friends

It was big time friend time on Saturday night. Josie and Lori organized a dinner and wonderful people came along for a catch up. Lots of hugs all around!

Kevin

Josie

Jacqui, Glenn and Andrew

Linda and Jenn

Cathy

Marilyn

Lori

Visit with the Demmings

On Friday, I had a fantastic visit with Ross, Tanya, Roan and Jolina Demmings. As always, great company, great food and great martinis! I enjoyed seeing their beautiful home, made even more beautiful by recent, epic renovations.

Canadian Gothic

We went on a walking tour of Langford and Goldstream, and I appreciated the new,Vegas style improvements to the main drag: neon signs and illuminated, musical fountains.

Jolina and Roan shared their favourite books with me.

In the morning, we went to Roan's soccer game.

Weather Report

We've had beautiful weather in Victoria for the last two days!

Images of Indian Summer on Vancouver Island....

An Arvo at the Inner Harbour

My sister Sarah and I.

In front of the Parliament Buildings.

With the Empress Hotel in the background.

Mom and Dad.

Reclaiming childhood.

Autumn is Fall

Assorted squash at the Farmer's Market down the road from the parents' place.

Good As!

I had such a great visit in Calgary with the Calkins family! How cute are these kids?! And how good is this friend?! Good as!

Darcy and I in the airport before farewells.

Sleeping Katy

Sam and Max on the turtle in the mall.