Christmas On The Mainland

Terry and Janet (our neighbours) very kindly drove us to catch the ferry to Vancouver.  We were expecting Amy to pick us up at Horseshoe Bay.  It was quite the surprise when both Ian and Amy met us.  An even bigger surprise - they have a new vehicle.  It's a navy blue Grand Cherokee Jeep suv.  A family type vehicle.  Very nice and comfortable. 

Last bite of birthday cake

Christmas weekend started with a celebration of Wayne's 55th birthday.  We went to Little Billy's Steakhouse.  It was delicious.  Ian's ribs were the best we had ever eaten. 

Christmas Eve day was very busy.  We started off with breakfast at DeDutch in North Vancouver.

After breakfast we jumped back in the Jeep and headed for Cloverdale to visit the Sabourins.  Our nephew Scott was visiting his mom and dad with his family - Cassie, Kelsie and Riley.  Leeanne, Derek, Seamus and Spencer came over as well.  Great to see the whole family.

Back at Chez Swallingshead, we spent Christmas Eve sipping wine and enjoying a fondue.

Santa came

We love our Snuggies.

What a great cookbook!  I've made three recipes already.

Exercise

Then nap

 We had a very nontraditional Christmas feast - make your own pizzas.  Very yummy.  Some traditions however can't be ignored.  We love our Christmas crackers.  Silly hats and all.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

More Hiking - Westwood Lake and Buttertub Marsh And Our Christmas Potluck

Sunday afternoon, we decided to get some exercise.  The sun was shining and all was right with the world.  Westwood Lake Trail meanders around the lake for 6 kilometres with some secondary trails.  Six km, we can do that.  Yes we can!  However with a few wrong turns we ended up walking over 8 km.  I was afraid it was going to be dark before we got back to the truck.

Westwood Lake

Wayne contemplating life

I was afraid the trail was across these logs.  It wasn't.

Paddle surfing?

Mushroom growing in a tree

Weird or what?

Stream at the end of the lake

Colourful rocks in the stream.  Wonder if this is a geocache?

Our friends - Carol and Bob

We met Carol and Bob on the trail.  They were headed in the opposite direction.  Small world.

Just before dusk

Today  the Snowbird Hikers headed to Buttertub Marsh.  This is a short level trail, only 2 km.  It was a nice stroll with good company.  Great way to build an appetite before our Christmas Potluck.

Kathryn, Alex, Bev, Wayne, Colin with Scott at back

Buttertub Marsh

Heron in Osprey nest

This Heron flew across the marsh screeching all the way.  It was very impressive but my camera wasn't turned on - so no photo.

My rum cake

Tonight was our Christmas Potluck.  Approximately 60 people participated.  It was delicious.  Turkey, ham and all the trimmings.  I tried to show restraint.  Not sure how successful I was.

Wayne at our table

Back room buddies

Shirley scoping out the buffet before dinner

Ladies eating the last of the rum cake

Visiting Victoria With Marilyn and Tom

Sunday morning we set out for Sooke (just outside of Victoria).   Marilyn and Tom live in a beautiful subdivision in this lovely town on the southern end of Vancouver Island.

After catching up with each other, admiring Marilyn's new sewing machine and Tom's guitar, we set off to shop at Capital Iron.  This is our favourite store in Victoria.  It is 3 floors of interesting stuff - kitchen stuff, fabric, outdoor equipment, tools, gardening things and Christmas decorations.  Wayne and I bought each other our Christmas presents.  Next stop tea at Murchies.  I bought some delicious teabags.  A special Christmas mix with orange and spicy flavours.  We checked out a New Balance shoe store and then headed for the Keg.  This restaurant is one of the original Kegs.  We used to eat here back in the 70's when we were posted at CFS Holberg.  It's still as good as it was over 30 years ago.

After supper, we stopped at Walmart.  I bought a bread machine for $38.  What a bargain.  Then back to spend the rest of the evening, sipping wine and relaxing with old friends.  Great day!

The next morning Marilyn made waffles on her new toy - a Cuisinart breakfast station.  This gadget will make waffles and pancakes or omelets at the same time.  What a treat!  Wayne also had fun playing with their Kuerig coffee maker.  I was otherwise occupied lounging in the bathtub.  I really miss having a tub.

Thank you Marilyn and Tom for a great visit.

Wednesday, I thought I had an appointment at the spa.  Turns out I was a day early.  They squeezed me in for a waxing but I couldn't get my pedicure.  Boo hoo. We went to friends - Carol and Bob for  supper.  It was a lovely evening.  They bought a mobile home a year ago and have done a wonderful job renovating.  Other friends (Alvesia and Bob) were also at dinner.

We are having a wonderful time here in Nanaimo.  There are lots of activities and social events.

Here are a few photos of our trip to Victoria.

BC Legislature lit up for Christmas

Building murals

Scenes from the Malahat.  A mountain pass on the way to Victoria.  You can see a long way from here.

Mount Baker (This is in the USA)

Yacht club

Huge trees on logging truck.  Most of the trees are not this big these days.

This and That And The Other Things Leading to Christmas

Our Christmas Tree

  Tuesday, Wayne went to the second meeting of the Men's Breakfast Club.  They doubled attendance from last month.  Apparently everyone had a good time eating and talking.  Of course it's all hearsay to me as not being a man, I was at quilting club.  We're both having lots of fun at our varied activities.

Wayne has been promising a new trailer tire for Christmas.  Whoopee!  Well it's here.

Getting ready for new tire.  Terry supervising.

We have a new neighbour. Santa came to stay.

Wednesday night we travelled to Ladysmith to see the lights. Ladysmith decorates Main Street to celebrate the season.

Main Street Ladysmith

Coffee cup on Timmy's roof (Ignore the reflections)

Angel of the Forest

After sightseeing with Janet and Terry, we went for supper at the Crow and Gate Pub. It was very busy and the food very tasty.

Last night, lots of campers gathered together to sing carols.   Living Forest hired  a trio from the university music program to lead us.  They set up on the patio overlooking the water.  We sipped hot chocolate and cider while munching cookies and sang our little hearts out.  Such a great night.  Thanks to the Living Forest Campground family and staff.

Enjoying spiced rum in his hot chocolate

Janet and Terry

Our youngest caroller.  She's a great little hiker too.

The whole gang

As you can see, we had another fun filled week.  Loving the RV life.