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Renaissance Revival

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Coast Culture We've had some stunning sunrises recently and moonsets.  This was  the moon against a foggy backdrop. The long range forecast that suggested we were going to enjoy a cold winter could not have got it more wrong.  It has been wet and warm.   The UK has had more snow than southern and coastal BC.  Whistler has snow in the alpine but it's patchy and thin at village level.  Other resorts in western North America are enjoying similar poor conditions, unlike the Atlantic Coast. We have therefore deferred any trips up the mountain; though are scheduled to spend a week in Whistler late February.  Fingers crossed.  If snow conditions improve later in the season we may go up again in March and April, but book at the last minute.    That said, January has not been a quiet month.  The Coast Music Theatre Co are putting on a production of Guys and Dolls at the end of Feb, and Fred has been busy making costumes. While Fred’s b...
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Warning - Rant Coming On ......

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The Best of ... I can't be the only one hugely irritated by the current  newspaper  trend where every other page has 'The 10 best ......', the 50 of this or 100 of that.  Pubs, holiday destinations, rural retreats, market towns, places to live, albums, films, stage shows, male footballers, female footballers, ski resorts, goalies, TV shows, video games ............... etc.  The list goes on and on and on.   It will be closely followed by the best of 2025 reviews and summaries, and then predictions for 2026.  And who the hell decides what the best are?  Seems to me that newspaper writers (it can't be called journalism can it?) are running out of things to write about so a list is Googled, assembled in a self-justified order and the story is done.  Lazy.  Does anybody actually read them? Canadian, US, UK papers are all at it.   Rant over. So I thought I'd reflect on my 50 best  .....  No, you're spared!  Davis Bay ...
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New Cronk Arrives

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It's a Boy! Grandson no 2 has arrived, weighing in at a healthy 8lbs. Born 29th October, Laurence (Laurie) Alfred River is home, putting on weight and making his presence felt.  Grandson no 1, has assumed the role of big brother and after a complete indifference to his sibling's impending arrival, has proved to be a caring and gentle big brother.   Not sure how long this love-in will last; I suspect until the little one starts knocking over big brother's creations or 'borrowing' his toys. Mum, baby (and Dad) are all doing fine albeit getting re-acquainted with diapers and sleep interrupted nights. Cherubini's Requiem on Remembrance Day was a huge success.  Two packed and appreciative audiences, with the singers accompanied by a small orchestra, all brilliant musicians.  If you have not heard the Requiem, there is a great recording on  YouTube .      Rehearsals have started for Handel's Messiah which the Coast Messiah Choir and Coast Messiah O...
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What trans-Canada trip?

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Summer's Over! There have been some stunning sunrises and sunsets It's been a month since we got back from our epic trans-Canada trip and memory fades quickly once you start getting back into a routine.  And we are definitely back into a routine.   If there is an enduring memory of the trip, it is that we now have a better, first hand, understanding of the sheer scale of Canada.   We have hardly scratched the surface of the country and there is a lifetime of adventure in BC alone.  Methinks planning for a Yukon trip next year will be underway shortly, plus bits of Alberta and BC. Renovated stairs Since returning to the West coast the focus has been helping Nick and Lizzie get the final phase of their renovation project finished, ahead of the arrival of Sebby's sibling in a few weeks time.  And no, we don't know if it is a boy or a girl.   My focus has been on adding an Oak veneer to the grotty old painted stair treads, cutting and installing ...
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