Snapshots: "It's getting Hot in here..."

Six signals from the last few weeks that truly mean summer has arrived...

Sun and solitude on the patio.

Shopping at the Vancouver's West End Farmer's Market.

Hiking Quarry Rock (Deep Cove)
It should be noted that this hike followed our hour of paddle boarding in the cove below. We were quite impressed with ourselves!

In my mind, Cider truly means it's summer. This little Gem is produced in the Nicola Valley. Totally Quenching on a hot day, and a great drink before setting off to the ballpark...Left Field Cider Co.

...which is exactly what we did. Opening night at Nat Bailey Stadium. For the Schedule of the Vancouver Canadians, click here.

Pink Pedicures and suntanning at 'Not Yet Park'- Our private sanctuary by the water, where we head when the bodies are 'Not Yet' ready for Vancouver's more trendy beaches. Also known as 'Pasty Park'. Just doing the general public a favour! You know you're truly ghostly, when even the sunless tanner doesn't improve the state of affairs!

Summer Nights.

I laugh at the title of this post. Today is only our third day of sunshine and warmth, after what was a rain-filled June, and already we are celebrating. As Vancouverites, we complain about the rain, then can be found half naked at the first sign of summer. True to form, we are also the first to complain when the temperatures become even the slightest bit uncomfortable.

As the temperatures climbed, I figured I should take advantage of mom and dad's new deck, and have the girls over for dinner. Dinner soon turned into 2am, and two of my guests didn't leave until after the Wimbledon final Sunday morning! A successful evening!

The true reason behind the 2am departure of my guests: 'Paradise' - Katie's amazing cocktail

4 parts cooled Earl Grey tea
 3 parts Malibu
2 parts apple juice
Handfuls of Mint, Strawberries, and Ice

You'll praise her and make this one again. Trust me, it's a keeper!

Following muffins in the morning, we all shed a tear along with Andy Murray. It was truly a great moment in sport, as he graciously attempted to compose himself, supported by all of Britain, after his loss to Roger Federer. While Murray is often criticised for his conduct, his post match reaction on centre court today, allowed us a small glimpse of the incredible pressure he is under. I don't think there was a sole out there who couldn't sympathize with him in that moment.
I thought about Andy Murray periodically throughout the rest of day as I spray painted deck chairs, suntanned, and prepared to head to Patrick's gig. I wondered what he was doing, how he was coping, and just exactly how one puts that behind them, tends to injuries, and prepares for a hometown Olympics, a mere two and a half weeks away.

I'll be watching.

Black Pine.

So the move wasn't all hard work. When it was complete, we had time to play. My parents headed up to the ranch early, followed the next day by Heather and Josh. Nicola and I were the last to arrive. I should mention, that this was just in time to watch them move my last box from the horse trailer into the small log cabin. Brilliant!

The long weekend was full of great food, good company, and a little regression as we happily took part in activities from our childhood. Please ignore the frog catching attire. I'll admit to owning pink Crocs, but this is the only place I wear them. I promise!

View of the Big Ranch House from the Barn

My spot for some summer reading while everyone else was out for a ride (I don't do horses!)

However, there are those who do...

My father (the weekend Cowboy),  my Mom, and Nicola, on Quattro, Skipper, and Kokanee

Arson, who was less than pleased to be left behind

Let the Frog Hunting Begin (laugh all you want, they are functional!)

Our first victim - don't worry, it was a catch and release program

A river runs through it...

If this isn't an ad for Hunters, I don't know what is!

Happy Canada Day!

a reason to hydrate

We also did some wildflower picking

An Aspen Grove on our flower quest

After a long day, it was time for some vino. New Spot. Tough life.

Happy Hour.

The Florist hard at work

And what is a Black Pine weekend without an impromptu band practice? Patrick and 'Coldwater Road', along with 'Jason and the Diatonics' arrived at the ranch from their tour at 5am on Sunday morning. After sleeping a few more hours, we devoured a delicious breakfast of french toast and fruit salad (props to Nicola and Heather), and then were treated to a show.

"I'm with the Band..."

Here's a little taste of the rehearsal. Both Bands are concluding their tour at 8pm on Sunday night July 8th, back in Vancouver at the Electric Owl. They would love for you to come and support them. See you there!

Moving.

I hate moving. I should actually be more specific. I hate packing. I am the worst packer on many continents! I am so terrible, that it usually takes a small army of girlfriends to send me off each summer, to the many summer jobs I have held in faraway lands.

Last week I had to pack up my entire apartment, in order to move back in with my parents while I wait to leave for England. What's in England you ask? My boyfriend is. I will be staying with him for a year in order to complete my masters in London, and give the relationship the chance it deserves.

It goes without saying, that packing my apartment was not enjoyable. This 536 square foot bachelor apartment took me two weeks. Two weeks of doddling (I am very easily distracted), that probably could have been condensed into two days.

The final day prior to the move was by far the worst. My parents, and youngest brother were helping me, and decided to complete the move a day early, in order to beat the rain. They had to transport the contents of my place up to our recreational property ('The Ranch') for storage in an open horse trailer and pick-up truck.

I needed some fuel. What better place for a quick feast than 'Ho Ho Yum Yums' (a name lost in translation...at least I think!). This is a fast food Chinese restaurant on Davie Street, a block from my place. The food looks great (for Chinese fast food), and smells delicious, but the aftermath can be devastating. So much so, that we nicknamed a strapping lad from my past 'Ho Ho Yum Yum'. He always seemed like a good idea, and never was. Similar to this fast food indulgence.

My meal. There's fried rice beneath it all. No, I didn't eat the entire thing. Yes, I was out of commission a few hours later.

The boxing continues...

What do you do with items you no longer have a need for in Vancouver's West End? You put them out in the lane of course! This is my fruit bowl being closely examined. Yes, he took it.

When the packing was complete, I was extremely thankful for my movers (Mom, Dad, and Chris), who helped load it into the Horse trailer, and ranch pick-up truck, and drive it up to Black Pine. Stay tuned for the weekend that ensued. 

Goodbye little apartment. Hopefully it's time for BIGGER and better things (it's quite difficult to be smaller you know).