2024 travels before the New Year

 My vicarious travel continues across British Columbia, Canada.

Whistler, where the 2025 Invictus games will be held,  in February, some in Vancouver as well. The  ski runs are numerous!! and amazing.

Then not far from Vancouver, is Cypress Mountain. The night skiing has begun.

This was edited with a  B&W filter, I can only imagine the thrill of being there. And just 30 minutes from  North Vancouver, a dream that is really true. 

Down here, I am getting the rivet press into action, and all the new rivets, delivered by Hamish himself, we met at Sanson, so much traffic,  and SO  many thanks to you and the Green Beans  NZ staff, and then the other day a quick trip into Palmerston North, a visit to K Mart, and some nifty little containers for different colours. 

With messages from  Green Beans to stock up, I did just that. I guarantee there are enough to last me for ever !!!

 Originally for a Weber or similar BBQ, I have commandeered it before anyone decided to buy it. A few more containers next visit for some  bag hardware and it will all be neat and tidy.

Quotation of the day,  from Michael Bond, author of " A Bear Called Paddington" ,

" A wise bear always keeps a marmalade sandwich 

in his hat in case of emergency"

Greetings from Jean

Christmas and then 2025 will arrive

  Christmas and New Year Greetings to all my friends across the oceans.

We had a very quiet day, phone calls ,video links south and way further North, older daughter arrived, we  will fly south to see  younger daughter and son-in-law in January in time for Hugh's birthday. Older daughter joins us on the flight half way down.  Friends are staying to look after Boris and Smokey.

In Vancouver the rain continues, not as cold as when Josh was way further north, Season Passes for skiing at Whistler are sold out!!!

Grand-daughter is north of us, a  phone call then a wonderful card with words I will always treasure.

Santa arrived early here, but his  huge parcel wasn't opened until Christmas Day. Very practical, and SO easy to use, the front axle swivels, the tyres are pneumatic, and Hugh has made a removable thin wood base so that any firewood thrown in will not damage the floor.  

We had a few more phone calls, another video link, and  some gardening before the drizzle set in.

On a random note, my  Bernina QE 440 had a check up a few weeks ago and Barry tells me it has now  stitched  a magnificent  11,178,765 stitches !!!  , from March 2008 to  October this year. If it is anything like our previous Bernina machines, it will outlast my sewing days for sure.

Quotation of the day, author unknown ,

With the new year on the horizon,

 I wish you all go forward with faith, hope, and courage, 

love and laughter,

and family and friends to share the year ahead.

Greetings from Jean

British Columbia in December

  I continue to learn more every day about Canada and its winter temperatures.  Weather reports are very detailed and updated regularly. 

The range went from a balmy 4C in Vancouver to a perishingly cold -20, REAL FEEL according to all the weather reports was -28C !!! some even said " Very Cold".

The road web cams are amazing, and updates before you travel are very useful.

Then there is the Pine Pass Facebook page, where followers write in,  give the updates and states of areas along the highway. Moose, deer, timber spilt, man and his dog missing, And the best " I'm driving to ???,Do you need anything picked up or taken?  Real outback generosity.

Some images of the web cams.  Powder King skifield  access road

Highway 97, at Highway 16 Junction, Prince  George

Highway 97, North of Prince George

Powder King access road, on 18th December. 

Snow tyres are essential, and in some areas you are advised to carry blankets, food, a torch, and extra clothing.

From the vicarious travel, I understand that 4  layers of real winter clothing,  fleece lined long boots, and air activated hand warmers ( that last the whole day in your gloves) are the norm,  when working outdoors for many long hours, and " a whole new respect for those who work in these conditions all the time " was a comment.

Meantime back home, a dear friend Jenny Benton has a huge sorrow, as Robin passed away suddenly at the end of November. His memorial service has been held in Levin. Sympathy and caring thoughts from so many have been sent .

The  panels are still in their original condition, I'm waiting till 2025 to tackle them and find patterns to do them justice. I have read that a non stick needle is a great help.

Quotation of the day from Khalil  Gibran

" When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight"

Greetings from Jean