A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/secret-admirers/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

Nothing too spicy about that, but yes indeed, it’s dark outside.

Now, to be honest, it is only 6:00 am and it IS November.  BUT it was also dark outside when I was done work yesterday.  Even if I hadn’t worked later than usual, it still would have been darkening.  But, because I didn’t leave work until almost 5:00 pm (I usually get to work around 8:00 am), it was dark.  Meaning it felt like it was time for bed by the time I got home.  Every year it’s the same.  How do I find my motivation for doing anything after work when it feels like I should be sleeping?

I understand bears a lot better now.

I should also mention that it doesn’t help that the kitties are always quite ready to snuggle up and sleep on my lap at this time of year (well, they are ready to sleep any time of the year, but they are MUCH more snuggly when the temperature goes down).  It’s hard to take pictures of kitties after they settle on the lap, but here is Jasper trying to make up his mind about a little “settle on em’s lap and convince her that she’s right and it’s time for hibernating rather than cleaning the house” time.

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/no-apologies/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

It was hard getting up this morning, I don’t deny it.  We were out a bit later last night as the optical shop Kevin has his clinic in had their “Christmas” party last night (I use quotes because it isn’t Remembrance Day yet, and still feels a bit early for Christmas stuff…except for Christmas music which I confess I have been listening to as I make suppers and do chores – so sue me!)

Anyway, we were out later than usual, and definitely late for me since I get up a lot earlier than Kevin given that I start work earlier.  And then we had to watch The Walking Dead before bed (in case they told us anything about Glenn…which they didn’t…Damn them!!!).  So, the alarm this morning was a bit of a shock.  But I’m up and blogging, coffee in hand, and slowly waking up now.

So, the party last night was at the Sticky Wicket pub, which is part of the Strathcona Hotel downtown.

We could have walked (given that we live a 10 minute walk away), but it was rainy, and I’ve been sick, so we drove.  I decided I should be the driver designate since it was Kevin’s party.  So, it was one beer early on and then a fancy hot chocolate later for me.

The room was nice – I think it was called the Maplewood room, and I’m pretty sure it was because the bar and assorted wood trim is made of maple.  We were the first ones there, which was a little embarrassing since we are NEVER the first ones anywhere!  Hence the empty room in the pictures.

Nice chairs too.

Supper was an assorted buffet that was pretty good

And then they had everyone pick a gift from a selection of colourful piles.

This is me taking pictures – I don’t normally take selfies, but the reflection was kind of cool.

And then we went home to kitties, The Walking Dead (come on guys, is he alive or what??), and bed.

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/your-days-are-numbered/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

It was a rainy Saturday, I was lazy (and still coughing a bit).  We went out for a bit later in the day (you know, at the time when you think it must be getting close to bedtime and it’s only 4:00…)

But most of the day was spent like this.

Oh, and I took a picture of Elliot with the flash on the old iPhone – thought it was a bit spicy, so here it is.

And now it’s Sunday and laundry awaits.  Sigh…

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/truth-serum/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

So, I’m home again.  It’s kind of like I never left.  But yesterday was jam-packed with workshop activities and then driving from downtown Vancouver to the ferry terminal (I never forget why I live in Victoria and NOT Vancouver), then on the ferry for a couple of hours before driving my companions home, and then finally me.  I do love driving, just not necessarily in traffic…in the rain…in the dark…

This was some of workshop day

And the view from the main room where the workshop took place (excuse the window glare…) – a dreary, rainy day, so probably a good day to be inside at a workshop.

And then, home at last…cozy in front of the fire (thanks Kev!)

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

Yes.  Yesterday was a day of meetings – well, really one day-long meeting.

Here was lunch…

After the meeting, we got a tour of the new Inspiration Lab at the Vancouver Library (http://www.vpl.ca/programs/cat/C1051/).  A cool set up of sound studios and computers where people can book space and equipment to record and digitize things that have already been created (VHS tapes, pictures, etc.)

Yes – this is IN the library, right next to the stacks!

Gotta say, I like this library.  Cool architecture,

a shopping mall/food court

And its own pub

Complete with literary quotes (and LOTS of TVs showing football and hockey…)

I think I need to get myself a library card (or maybe I’ll check first to see if the Victoria library has a pub too…)

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/trains-planes-and-automobiles/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

So, here I am in Vancouver.  Survived the drive from the ferry terminal to downtown Vancouver, as did my passengers.  Today is Planning Meeting day, and tomorrow is the workshop.  Then back the way we came and home for the weekend.

Unfortunately I am on the 3rd floor, hence this view.

Not sure what this is below my window…

A pretty standard room (not very spicy!)

We trekked out to find a pub for dinner – given that it was game night (Vancouver played last night here in town), some places were pretty full so we ended up at the St. Regis Hotel’s Bar and Grill.

– the beer was good and the pizza not bad.

My companions (the same who braved the ferry and drive with me) tried the deep fried pickles (I can’t – I’m one of those gluten free types) and said they were not bad (maybe not as good as the reviews they read).  Don’t know.  Guess anything is open for deep frying (including sticks of butter, from what I’ve heard tell…)

Now it’s time to get myself up and ready for the walk to the meeting.  Not a very spicy day, I grant you, but I’ll see what I can spice up for tomorrow!

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/singin-in-the-rain/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

Someone said yesterday that my post was a sad poblano – not very spicy.  Truth is, I don’t know in general how “spicy” any of my blog posts are, but I’ll try to do better 🙂

So, for some spice, here is supper last night – a cumin lamb, spinach, coconut milk stew.  Ok, it wasn’t as spicy as I could have made it, but I know now what I need to add to give it more of a kick next time I make it!  It was, however, pretty yummy served over rice.  Sure glad my taste buds are coming back.

As for today, today I am going to Vancouver leaving Kevin to take care of the kitties (and himself) for a few days .  It is for work, but it should be a bit of fun too.  Except for the part where I get to drive me and my two passengers to downtown Vancouver – probably in the rain.  Not my favourite thing.  But once we’re there, I’m sure it will all be good.

And now, a little kitty gallery to end my post.

Kitty measuring cups mom and dad gave me for my birthday

Elliot posing up a storm

Jasper

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/million-dollar-question/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

So, lately I’ve been a bit of a slug.  Actually, let’s face it.  I’ve been a slug for a year.  I mean, really.  I finished my first marathon last year before my 50th birthday, and since then I’ve barely run at all.  Sad.  So, I need to start again.  Trouble it I have been sick for the past couple of weeks (and now have this cough that won’t quit – have I mentioned that?) and also have to travel to Vancouver for the last part of the week for a workshop.  But then, no excuses.  So, it’s time to get back on the training wave and do this!  Marathon 2016!

And just in case you are wondering, my uncle Bob (who did a lot of running in his day) gave me this after finishing my first marathon last year.  I won’t tell you what it means – you can figure that out 🙂

And now…Jasper!

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/companionable/ AND in non-avoidance of NaNoPoblano 2015 https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015

This is my weekend in a nutshell.  I was still feeling pretty crappy (remember that cough that won’t quit?  It won’t!)  Hallowe’en is a day I normally love, but it was left for Kevin to get us in the spirit with our decorations!  I handed out candy, but we only had 3 doorbell rings.  Last year over 30 kids, this year 6.  Kind of sad.

Mom and dad had us over for dinner on Sunday to celebrate my birthday (which is on Hallowe’en).  I could almost taste the food!  Just to be clear, this is a comment on my cold, not mom’s cooking which I know was yummy.  Dinner finished off with my favourite gluten free cupcakes from Origin bakery.  And thus, the weekend was over.

Now onto the week – the first week of November, and the first week after the time change which will wreak havoc on my after work activities now that it will be pitch black by 5:30…sigh…

A response in avoidance of the Daily Post’s Writing Prompt https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/1984/

And here I am, really back at last.  In addition to my daily avoidance, I am also starting a new month-long blogging challenge with, for me, no rhyme or reason to it other than to blog every day for the month of November.  This is the challenge known as NaNoPoblano 2015 (https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/nanopoblano-2015)!

Today, I’m starting off slow.  I’ve been sick the past 2 weeks.  Nothing serious, just a flu/cold with a nagging cough that won’t stop (please stop…) that took me out for several days.  But, Kevin has been taking care of me, it was Hallowe’en last night, and we in Canada have a new government (we NOPED Harper!!), so there is lots to make me feel ok.

But, for today, let’s stick to my comfort zone.  You guessed it:  kitty pictures!