28 on 08/28/08!

I had a terrific "champagne birthday" yesterday.  Jean, Holly and I went for a nice walk, which started and ended at Coles Bay in West Saanich.  The rain even held off so we got to enjoy our picnic outdoors instead of in the car!  In the afternoon, Jean took me shopping along Oak Bay Ave and bought me a couple of shirts to go along with my other presents, which included this extension to our favourite game (yes, I was feeling spoiled!).   

We had also commissioned Anita Doornekamp, Mom's talented colleague, to draw us this artichoke.  She finished it in time for my birthday and we're thrilled with it; it adds so nicely to our growing collection. 

Dan's pencil sketch (2005)

David Blackwood (2007)

In the late afternoon, we dropped by Mom and Dad's as Dad is in town for the weekend.  Then we went for dinner at Stage, a stylish and delicious tapas-style restaurant on Gladstone that was very reminiscent of Jamie Kennedy's wine bar.  Definitely one of the best birthdays yet!

Mid-Summer Highlights

Aside from the rain and 16 degree temperature today, we've managed to enjoy the late July/early August sun.  A couple weeks ago, Jean, Holly and I took a walk through Gordon Head, which culminated at Glencoe Cove/Kwatsech Park.  It's a lovely, accessible beach area with high rocks, arbutus trees and lots of greenery.

Of course, we've also been making trips up Anderson Hill with the dogs, often before enjoying an al fresco dinner in Mom's garden.  It's so nice to make a meal of easy, fresh food: bread, cheese, smoked salmon, fruit, salads and our favourite frozen yogurt "ice cream" sandwiches!