All set for a new adventure-Dreaming Down Under

Here I am at last, wasn't able to log into here for a bit.
So I am all set for my next big adventure down under. It will be nice to be somewhere warm for part of our winter, who knows maybe one day I can spend more winter there. :)
Its drab, damp and cold or just the usual November weather. Layers are my friend for keeping cosy and hot drinks make me feel good.  It seems not that many months ago we were all soaking up the sun with cool drinks.
Hoping to have more boxes gone before I leave for find a storage locker to rent in my building.
But for now I have much planning and organizing to do.
Plus finding summer clothes--thin cotton ones.
I will have to scour the thrift and consignment shops for shorts and sun dresses.
This time I will be spending time in Cairns, Darwin and Tasmania places I have not seen. Plus revisiting Melbourne and Sydney. I can hardly wait!
For the first time every, I will be meeting a long time penpal of many many years that I have not met in Hervey Bay. Defintely exciting and photo worthy. :)
It will be the Wet season in the tropics - so no doubt will take a little while for me to aclimatize.
no worries
I know I will meet lots of people in my travels, meeting new and old friends, which is always Fun and Exciting!
So now I am making a List and checking it twice......what to bring, wear, the usual.
As I will be in a few different climates in my opinion, from the tropics to Tasmania to northern New Zealand.  As long as I have my camera and good footwear. :)

Inside Out, forgotten food and holy boxes

geez it was one of those nights- can blame it on maybe sleep deprived, full moon coming, Halloween soon.....of low blood sugar brain. or all of the above.
I decide to order greek but go to the wrong location.
So change of plans and go elsewhere for a salad. I realize as I am looking at the menu and taking off my coat- my shirt is inside out. So casually unfold my scarf a bit and place in the back of my neckline and just roll up the sleeves. But hey- did anyone really notice anyways! nope doubt it. LOL
oh well, it made me chuckle and also realize that the shirt really was More comfortable inside out it seems. As the smooth side was next to my skin and not the seams. ;)
But really does it or did it really matter? No I don't think so, which is like a comment on life. That is I think many of us owrry to much about the little things that really don't matter! But instead we should be looking at the 'Bigger Picture'.

So then  I eat half the salad and can't eat anymore- yup forgot the food.....realize when i get home.
      I go for another walk in the rain with Sasha, then take coat and wet clothes and hang them up again! Though am sure it was a productive walk in Sasha's opinion got t say hello to at least 3 dogs and find a very large stick!! well it was almost a small log- she was having problems carrying it.
It it wasn't raining so hard, I wood have taken a picture of Sasha- "Logging on" down the sidewalk. :)

Last night, while preparing for company my sis and i put a couple bankers boxes together to put some paper and clutter in them. And realize there is a big hole on the side of the boxes. Holy boxes....wasn't able to find the Walmart receipt. grrrr...though that will not stop me from complaining the next time I wam there. Just saying.
ok time for a snack---and soon off to the Land of Nod....
heck Sasha is already snoring!!! LOL

Its snowing a lot somewhere

It used to be occassionally - now it happens more often ...thinking of mom and wishing she lived down here. She's home bound and lives about 500 miles away.
As  time goes on my siblings and I wish that we could see her more often. Just to spend time together is so important.
We text and chat on the phone. But it would so  nice just to visit for tea or a meal.
Today and yesterday it snowed a lot where she lives.
I wish she lived closer her children, grandchildren and myself could see her every week. Life is too short and we would all like her to have the best quality of life available.
Thinking of you mom and being sad as I don't know when the next time I will see you.
xo

broken elevator, rain and abandoned ball

So late sunday afternoon one of elevators stops working or 'out of commision' as we used to say.
Monday early afternoon the elevator mechanic is working on the elevator.
I head out of my suite and press the button for the elevator and voila the door opens. But, silly me thinks the 2nd elevator is now working and I step into. Bad idea!
So for maybe less than 5 minutes--it always seems longer when you are in an intense or stressful situation - doors close and will  not open. I press the help or telephone button and the man in the speaker talks to me. Asking the usual questions, what is the problem or what is the address. Then says 'Remain Calm' --lmao.  Ok I take a deep breath.
Then about 2 minutes later, the door opens slowly and stiffly..like its been forecably opened. I think wow- that's quick service. I start to step out and I hear a voice. So I take a couple steps backwards- saying 'what?' Then 'hello I am right above you working on the elevator'.

So back out into the rain and some hot tea.
Walking in the rain and Sasha finds an abandoned soccer ball marked 'Joshua L'. It's amazing how excited dogs get over a ball of any size- its like they have won the lottery!
Ah the joys of simple things. If only we could look at life like that more often! Then we will have truly Won the lottery Of life. :)

the Week before Halloween and Friday night games

well the week started with monday- as any other week. (according to the calender it was Labour Day in New Zealand And the first quarter Moon). Good week for getting together with friends, lunch, dinner, tea and wine. Taking care of myself and money matters.
Good week for finding a Kiwi travel counsellor and starting the offical planning stages for my return to New Zealand and Australia! My last itinerary was complex which required a lot of back and forth and 'tweeking' shall we say to get all the components of air, tour and friends worked out. So thinking this one will no doubt be the same.
I am excited to get it all worked out and booked --then perhaps may also have ot renew my passport as well, since it wont have the required 6 months left on it.
Looking forward to meeting up with one of my Australian penpals,(Raewyn) of about 2 decades that i have never met! I think life is too short and time of is of the essence to follow one's dreams. She's in Hervey Bay, queensland - closest city being Brisbane as I  understand. Its going to very warm I am sure, but worth the trip. 
and hello sunscreen with SPF 60 :)
Will also be making a visit to my friend in north New Zealand in Whangarei - another beautiful place I must see. Looking forward to spending time with Lynne as well, its been awhile.
Of course, any other meet ups and visits with my other Australian friends would be great too. :)

          Today we have a rainy and slightly foggy and overcast day. Thankfully I have 2 raincoats as Sasha still needs to get out. She did one session of Frisbee and a short swim in the pond down the street - plus a walk. She's dry now for awhile- so thinking i should take her for antoher walk this afternoon.
last  night had friends over for board games and wines--fun. While one board game had us doing music trivia questions, humming and singing - another had us looking for letters on dice to find words. But wine makes it much better!
 The 3 dogs enjoyed playing amongst themselves.
Not an exciting Blog day!

November in October?

Its wet, gray and windy......I just want to climb in bed under the covers!
Had to throw my wet clothes in the dryer after an earlier walk. So not really motivated to do it again. But then again my companion in the fur and four paws may give me a sigh, a whine or a Look soon-(
   while standing downstairs, she starts staring at the floor as she noticed the water droplets coming off of herself. lol

She does enjoy a comfy nap, but I know she'd rather be running around outside fetching a ball or frisbee (disc) toy. Oh to be a dog....I know I would be ordering salmon and steak some nights. :)
Now she snores on the couch . Maybe she's dreaming of

riiping into a soft toy and shredding it to bits.

knock the stuffing out of it

then just pass out covered in its innards(?guts) or stuffing......
Rainy days----guess we could bundle up and sit on the balcony.
If only I could find a dry raincoat......oh almost time to get back out there, before its rain instead of light showers......

everyday there's something new

Wow I have been soo baad! I did not realize just how long since I posted here. yes i do have many excuses, but bottom line none of them would help get me back here.....
My big update is that I moved....from my home of nearly 21 years. It was so hard to leave, with so many memories. I miss that space in the spiritual way. I miss all the good neighbours I had on my cul-de-sac and the kids that would come play with Sasha.
But its been too difficult for me to go back for just a visit.
I still have boxes to un pack or get rid of. Even then its hard to open a box some days because of -again- the memories.
So its a New start and a New Life for Sasha and I. New address, new phone number, new friends, new home, new community. I even had to downsize everyday items like my vaccum cleaner and some furniture. Giveaway my big furniture and have some things built in.
Its surprising that there still is very little around when it comes to furniture and storage ideas for a small space. the market is still very limited and behind the times. Living in an urban and even suburb, condo's and apartments are a reality for many many people. Living in a smaller space can be more cost effective as well as a smaller 'footprint'.
Maybe I should consult help design solutions for this lifestyle---as I do have many ideas and learned from my own situation. :)
Oh yes, my other ongoing dilemma, having the Blackberry Blues! Yup my provider has had to replace mine twice. So that means am on BB #3 and still having the same issues! The battery doesn't seem to hold a charge. It freezes--let's just call this 'Freeze Frame'...LOL  It sends text messages induplicate sometimes or out of sequence. The strangest event was one day while texting it was scrolling through the conversation.....no fingers on the buttons. It was possessed--can relate it to someone having control of a computer from a remote site.  (insert Twilight Zone theme song ;)
No wiating to get my hands on my new phone- a definte upgrade. :)
         Oh yes, the dating site didn't work out so good. The one man I did see for several months, turned out to be a bad match. I blame the long distance situation. Though in reality it was not a huge distance, though there was an international border between us. He was different shall we say- although some days I was sure that The Aliens had hijacked his logic!!!
just saying.
My project now is planning a trip to depart before the end of the year......dreaming of Down Under once again. Going to sign off now.

And yes, I need to sign on  again soon.

weather's bleak, oil leak and single sight

so the weather has not been optimal- bleak, gray, rainy. Even a thunderstorm yesterday complete with lightning. Had to bring in the cushions on my new patio furniture and put a plastic painters drop sheet on one chair. Just when I was getting it set up nicely complete with a Feng Shui chime mini fountain and a lantern looking candle holder. All cozy looking for a glass of wine an reading a book with some light jazz music on. :) and then there's The Car....aka pain in the neck over the last couple years. Took the car back to OK as there has been a moderate to light oil leak over the last month. Turns out there is a leaking valve gasket? have the appointment booked with the dealer for the 17th since this is warranty work. have laid out clean paper towel on the garage floor so I can monitor it. though the intermittent oil burning smell has returned.
As I am sure- you know I am not thrilled about that.
Today a trip to the dentist for my crown first appointment and prep.
tonight I was working on a new profile on a single site...got my profile 96% built. So now to decide if I should sign up and give them money. hmmm
Decisions, decisions....
yes I would like to make a commitment and sign up. But it seems kind of costly! $$
wish I could have a free trial to see how good it is!
OK time to read a few paragraphs in my travel story book before going off to the land of Nod.
au revoir
xx

Sights of Santa Cruz, CA

Pebble Beach

San Francisco - Pebble Beach

From Macy's window- Union Square SF

airport delay musings and the comforts of home

In retrospect- I realize that I did have some interesting contents in my larger carry on thinking about it.
Sets of lacy underwear, a good supply of chocolate, a camera and my notebook computer were indeed the best and majority of items. :)
though wonder what someone would think had they searched or inspected my bag. ;)
But really since arriving home about 2 days ago, I am so happy to be back to the comfort of my home. My bed. My doggie and companion Sasha- privacy. Peace and quiet and on no real schedule until next week.
I wonder, how many of us really sit and take a moment or two to appreciate being home. What you have and what you take for granted. How good it is. To appreciate what you have.
What others do not have- a roof over your head, food and living in a safe town or city or neighbourhood.
To realize that day to day many of us take these things for granted.
It seems simple enough on one level --but really is it?
Having being about to travel to many places in the world to experience many things, I realize this more each day and each trip. I wish every person in the Western world could travel and learn this very important lesson.
By Western World I mean, North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand where many of us are fortunate to have a good quality of life.
So count your blessings.

No rhyme or reisling, full moon and security carrying on

OK its been a long day and there was at least one instance I wanted to hurt someone. I get to SFO airport allowing plenty of time more than 2 hours before my 1:05 pm flight. Impatiently standing in line and all I can think about is 'I need to pee now'. Get to the counter at last to find we are delayed and won't be boarding until 245pm. Argh. So Westjet gives me a $10 meal voucher- the up side.
I got for a walkabout about my ladies room run. then have my lunch and make my way to security between 145-210 pm. Security refuses me entry and tells me that I have too many personal items- Bulls**. I explain I have the exact same number as when I arrived and it is accepted on my airline. I am told that is the rule for the airport and that I must get an agent to escort through security. (crap)
I am not going to return to counter to stand in large line!!!
So tell the girl well my bag will be over weight if I stuff all in one bag....and once through security going to pull it apart back to how I had it. Carry on bag Nazi!
So when  I finally get to the gate I tell the agent there my experience- he is very surprised and has not heard of this before! And looks at my carry ons and says they are fine. Nothing wrong. So I am right.
Will call airline tomorrow and speak to someone to ask them what procedure I should follow if ever in this situation again.
Should I ask to speak to their supervisor?  have them page an airline agent?
Is there someone to complain or give my feedback to?
And tonight I discover, we have a full moon! Maybe there's why there are people acting odd, strange or being more erratic than usual.
So at least the people on the flight were pleasant. I ask for wine when  the cart starts coming around. Am told it is in the next cart. It comes and the wine is warm the attendant apologises for the wine being warm. Then says I don't have to pay for it! THANK YOU! hey just give me ice i Tell him! uhh
it is good to be home!!

the view from my hotel room window

Breakfast

Do Not Disturb, Berry Nice Breakfast and the singing behind the door

So breakfast arrived about 10 minutes early which is fine as my stomach was talking. A large bowl of Oatmeal which easily could of fed 2 people IMHO- and a bowl of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. (seasonal berries $12) Soy Milk on the side and a large pot of hot water so I can make my own tea! (always travel with a bit of my own tea since the quality varies from place to place) and a nice big glass of ice water.:)
(photos to follow -LOL)
That reminds me I should have a read of the 2 newspapers that came on the breakfast table as well.
At some point I start to hear singing in the next room, these type of rooms with adjoining doors I find that you can hear people more in those rooms. (note to self request non adjoining) Anyways, this man singing wasn't too bad really, have heard worse. But he was no Chris Isaak. Still it was entertaining.:)
Finished breakfast and tea while watching a bit of Dr. Oz before getting a call from a friend.

I am thinking I should ask if they have a 'Do Not disturb' sign as I really do not need a knock on the door before 8:30 am. Like to enjoy my 'not having to get up early to run off somewhere' time.
Besides I don't really need to have my room service and would rather just ring housekeeping if I do need something.
Another lovely morning out there and I know I really should go for a walk outside.
Expecting another call in about 70 minutes approximately.
Should test drive the shower and dress - but again am in no hurry. Its so nice not to be on anyone's schedule.
Siesta are ok anytime you can get one.

safe landing, taxi talk and friendship

So got little sleep last night a combination for excitement, missing Sasha and maybe being over tired.
Well the dishwasher was noisy- note to self run it during the day and get the appliance man to look at it. Thinking maybe the pump is going as it continues to get noisier.
So up at the crack of yawn after tossing and turning most of the night. Pill, breakfast, dressing and make up and zipping up the carry on bag. Glad I had the online check in organized the night before- it does save time that is for sure.
I figure the waiting around the airport and the gate times on either end is more time that the actual time in the air we spent. apparently pilot says its 1 hour and 4o minutes! Wow and flight was to leave at 10 am and land about 12:15pm. am sure that we left later by the time we were boarded and Had the mandatory safety talk and demo.;)

OK love Westjet but......now you pay for bag 2- which is fine if you are on a shorter trip . One bag is fine. Plus pay for food and sandwiches or only on flights 3 hours or longer. so a 2 hour or less flight--bring your own or buy junk food. Not many options.
got my bag and then headed to a taxi...chatted with the driver about the usual things like weather and where I'm from and travel. And he asks me if I do a lot of travelling on my own....I think he was curious why I travel alone. Interesting as many people seem to be intrigued at the fact that I travel alone.
Well there are more women traveling alone nowadays that say even 10-15 years ago. And yes perhaps I am IN head of that aspect of travelling. On the other hand, Dave in South Australia for example did not seem to think it was a big deal as he travelled many places on his own. But he is a man- and that is still a difference. As men travelling their own was and has always been more accepted in anywhere In the world.
OK time for more travel on my own.
Just noticing the other day that the expiry date of my passport is March 17- I think its  another sign that I Need to go to Ireland. IMHO
Now if I could just find a knowledgeable travel specialist to help me realize this dream!

While having dinner and drinks- kept thinking how well a Pina colada or a Blue hawaii can make the food go down better.  for example brussel sprouts and Lima Beans can seem so much more palatable. ( no offense to those who love those veggies) But liquor does make it quicker.....(sad rhyme I know)

Friendship is a wonderful thing that often we can take for granted day to day.
But it sure is great to have friends to talk to, vent with, eat with, visit with, bond with over retail therapy or a glass of wine. I especially like to have friends that I can visit in different countries and cities.:)
I just wish I could see those friends more often and that the distance was much shorter.
So hoping to reconnect with some of these friends while I am here in San Francisco.
and some retail therapy and a spa treatment would be wonderful!
time to get some sleep before breakfast time.
xo

NEWS FLASH- Its Raining Again (yawn)

Wow guess what it's raining again! LOL
OK yes getting tired of it- but being grateful for not having worse weather like floods, tropical storms, hurricanes- or other natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunami's.
But seriously we all need some Vitamin D and the warmth of sunshine- so please send some now.
Looking forward to landing in San Francisco on Sunday- just in time for lunch time. :)
Will enjoy some sunshine of course.
Looking forward to flying Westjet once again- as I always find their staff entertaining and nice.:)
Planning sightseeing, retail therapy, spa time, photography and even a bit of rest and relaxation--and of course reconnecting with friends. :D
Going to have fun of course and continue on the healthy eating(yawn)--OK there will be some drinking.
(just a little) Oh yes and I must do some research and observation of the male Californian.;)
Though I doubt there will be room for a random pair of binoculars in my suitcase. lol
Today I enjoyed some much needed massage therapy for my back and neck and other body parts- it was great.
Now for the goal list for the next couple months. 1) Research Ireland and more Importantly a travel specialist that can help me book and put together a great trip.
2)find a travel specialist to help me plan another trip to Australia and New Zealand (north).
Plus continue my research on Breast Reduction surgery.
OK time for a snack and off to the Land of Nod :)

Long drive, breast options and California

Last sunday had a drive out to Fort Langley to see my Intuitive reader. It had been quite sometime since I had seen her and had a reading. I always find it enlightning to say the least:)

Love, travel, career and health the usual subject matter. Of course, I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for the man surrounded by books, knowledgeable, well researched and that likes or enjoys travel. :)

For now, having fun will be important. Let the dating games begin! But should I be excited or afraid. LOL I suppose that is a normal reaction of the whole process, of a woman that was married close to 27 years and in a seriois relationship for a better part of 30 years. Let's get real that could scare anyone. yes, also there is a sense of relief and excitement of the New Life and Opportuities. But .....there is the "Unexpected".
There is always the Ying and the Yang of  most any situation.
And what to do with my New Life. A new look body, clothes, etc. The Sky is the limit.
So I am leading up to, is my research for a Breast Reduction. It is something that I have thought about for at the very least a few years or more. Reduce back, neck, shoulder pain, look slimmer, easier to exercise, sleep in certain positions, clothes fit better, better self imagine the list goes on.
So saw a plastic surgeon today. My right breast looks like it had an arguement with a black marker! LOL
      The long drive- what I had with the last couple of days driving about 250 kms in the last 2 days for work Audits for the bank. Looking forfward to my massage tomorrow. :)
and realizing that yes I need a full day od spa services to rejuvenate myself--part of a message from the reaidng I had on Sunday. yup feeling tired for a while. more than lack of sleep I am sure. feel like I have been dragging my butt some days more than others.
Spa meditation would be a very excellent perscription!
Getting slowly organized for my little trip to California. Can hardly wait its been just under 6 years since I have been there to spend time or vacation. It will be exicintg to catch up with many people- have fun!

one last thing...some advice I also got May 1st. Write more on your blog. And write more often period.
So going to have to make a conscious effort. Guess that means I need to tavel with my notebook and hope to have internet access the whole time I am away. :D
well until next time.....