Wineries!

Richard and Mike spent one morning golfing and both had the best game ever.  They loved the course (Fairview) and hope to go again before we leave on Saturday.

On Wednesday we went to a couple of the wineries.  A bit of a drive north to Oliver.  It took around 40 minutes.  The road was long and windy as it snaked up the hillside.  We finally arrive at Blue Mountain Winery.  Did a tasting of three wines and selected a few to take home.  Breathtaking views.

Then we descend the hillside and arrive at Blasted Church Winery.  Here we sample several wines and again purchase a few.   Good thing we don't continue our winery visits as I can't afford to spend more on wine even though it's so good.  This winery has a gorgeous pool and bar area and we think perhaps you can stay here.  We are informed that this belongs to the owner however they do book weddings and special events.  Hmmmmm....food for thought!  What a great venue!

Then we go into Okanagan Falls for ice cream.  No trip to this area is complete without a trip to Tickleberry's for ice cream.  So good on a hot day and it is hot!!!

Family time!

When it starts to cool a little and the sun is setting we go for a walk along Lakeshore drive to the dog park.  It's a nice little piece of sandy beach and there is some shade there so it works for little Jamie.

You can see our resort at the other side.  Great location.

Gorgeous birds!

I was housesitting in east Vancouver when I spotted this bird just outside the window.  At first glimpse I thought it was an owl.  I'm told it is a Cooper hawk.

Another bird that I spotted on the other side of the house is called a Flicker.  Isn't he beautiful?

I so enjoy this house.  The garden is amazing and the kitty I keep company is just a love!

Vacation in Osoyoos

A week with family in Osoyoos.  Just arrived today and got settled in.  It's very warm but beautiful!  The place we are staying in is on the lake but also has a pool.  

Mike barbecued steak tonight.  

My grandson Jamie seemed very happy to be here and finally out of the car.  5 hours in a car tried his patience but he's all smiles now!

Dressed to Kill.....

A really good time was had by all!  Who would have thought Cindi Lauper and Cher!  Concert was last night and it looked like it was sold out.  Everyone on their feet....dancing in the aisles.  

Cindi Lauper sang her heart out...she was amazing.  Girls Just Want To Have Fun got everyone up!

The costumes and dancers with Cher's show were great.  It was like seeing a bit of Cirque de Soleil all in one!  Cher is 68 and amazing.  Her voice sounds just the same.  She performed I Got You Babe with photos of when she and Sonny were together.  Real tear jerker!  What a career she has had.  If We Could Turn Back Time really had meaning!

Not the best pictures but what can you do with just your cell phone?  At least we were close enough to take these!  Late night for us :)

All that jazz.....

It's time for the Vancouver Jazz Festival.  What a great selection of entertainment in downtown Vancouver and it's free!!!

One of our favourite acts was Andrea Superstein.  So good!

The crowd was great....everyone enjoying themselves!  Dogs, kids....people watching was fun!

There was also a stage where the jazz bands from local schools performed.  They were really good.

And of course you couldn't have an event without the beer gardens....aaaahhh!  A cold one on a hot day!

Kingfisher Spa

This weekend I went to Vancouver Island and met my friend, Bev for a little R&R.  After taking the ferry over to Victoria I met Bev at Butchart Gardens.  I have wanted to visit these gardens for a long time and finally I am doing just that.

The gardens are beautiful and the weather is perfect for strolling through them.

Bev packed a wonderful picnic lunch which we enjoyed tucked away in a lovely corner of the gardens.

We continue through these fabulous gardens....

The next day we head up Island to Courtenay to the Kingfisher Spa.  What a treat to relax in the pampering atmosphere of the Kingfisher.

View from our room.

Bev's daughter, Deanna and her granddaughter, Sunny came to visit us.

What a great time we had.  Stopped at Qualicum Beach for a stroll on the way back to Victoria 

and then the ferry ride back to Vancouver.  What gorgeous weather we had.  We were so lucky.  

Perfect holiday!