2018 was indeed another year of change for us but as our friends and family know --- that just keeps our juices flowing!
While Roger was puttering on the boat or working, I continued to explore Victoria, and doing it with my girlfriend Jodi from Parksville, made it even more fun.
 |
| Jodi and I enjoying a glass of wine at a restaurant overlooking the Inner Harbour |
 |
| Fan Tan Alley is a neat place to visit in Chinatown. Only 6' wide at the widest point, it used to be the site of brothels, gambling, restaurants and opium dens. If only these walls could talk....... |
 |
| On a foggy morning, the Inner Harbour holds a mystical feel to it. |
 |
| You'd hardly know that an hour later, a number of yachts and boats would be visible just meters away from the channel marker. |
 |
| The BC Legislative buildings lit up at night and viewed from the Johnson Street Bridge close to our condo |
One of the big pluses of living in Victoria is the ease of getting down to see Brad, Anette and Magnus. I made a quick visit, and before heading out to dinner with them, Anette and Magnus gave me another tour of this incredible company.
I don't think Magnus is fully aware of how cool his dad's job is, and that his friends' parents probably don't work for companies who give staff annual vacations to Hawaii, have personal trainers, laundry service, a barber...to name only a few perks. Brad has worked hard to achieve the success he's having and we couldn't be happier or more proud of him. As we love to say, "BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) for the win!"
 |
| Valve's Reception area |
By November 12th, we were ready to head south with the trailer to get Roger set up in Benson, Arizona. We passed just west of the devastating fires in northern California, with thick smoke blocking the sun and the smell of smoke permeated everything.
We love doing wine tastings when we're traveling and decided to make a side trip to Paso Robles, California to allow Roger to visit the home of his favorite wine, J. Lohr. The tasting room was wonderful and allowed us to try wines that are not exported and available only to wine club members (which we would have joined but they do not ship to Canada). It did not disappoint.
Paso Robles is a really lovely town near San Luis Obispo, and is touted as being the "next Napa" because of the number of wineries and quality of wine they are producing. It is definitely worth a visit.
Campgrounds on the way south varied from basic to luxurious as we found in Paso Robles. We stayed at Cava Robles, and it took camping to a whole new level.
 |
| The clubhouse was hosting an art show and wine tasting during our stay. |
Ten days after starting out from Victoria, we arrived in Benson, Arizona. Roger is staying at a very nice RV Resort, and happy to be able to cook his own meals, and not have to pack up everything when on his time off.
 |
| The campsite has great views of the mountains and sunsets. The resort also has a pool, and many other amenities. |
 |
| We were glad to be able to see the Grey Cup that was covered by a US network |
With a few days to go before the job started, we were lucky enough to visit our dear friends, Sandy and Jo who now live in Prescott, Arizona. We've known them for more than 20 years when we first started going to Idaho and stayed at their campground. We are always able to pick up where we left off from previous visits and spent two days exploring the beautiful countryside in this part of Arizona.
Since the late 1800s, Prescott, Arizona has enjoyed a rich cowboy history where the likes of Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp were just two of many notable and sometimes infamous visitors to the town.
Sandy and Jo built their home with a 180 degree view of the mountains. It is stunning and reflects their great taste.
Well into their 80s, Sandy and Jo continue to inspire us. Sandy rides her horse almost daily, and Jo is an avid traveler. I can only hope to be like them when I grow up.
 |
| Left to right: Heather, Jo, Sandy and Roger |
Back in Benson, we went to the Kartchner Caverns which are some of the most spectacular caves we've been in. Unfortunately we weren't able to take photos, but if you're ever in the area, they are definitely worth seeing.
Surprised to read that Arizona also boasted a wine region close by, we headed off. Well, all we can say is that California has absolutely nothing to worry about. Really.
 |
| Best thing we got at the winery was the glass. |
 |
| Arizona sunsets are in technicolor. Spectacular. |
I headed home, and Roger started work on the project. We rendezvoused 3 weeks later in Kansas for Christmas, and what a great time we had.
Brad, Anette and Magnus arrived in Kansas a couple of days before us and it was a wonderful reunion with them, and Colin, Karen and Cooper. The red carpet was rolled out for us, and we had a blast.
We got to experience the energy and excitement of a university basketball game. Complete with t-shirts for Kansas State, we got totally swept up in the fun despite not knowing many of the game's rules!
 |
| Left to right: Heather, Roger, Colin |
 |
| More than 18,000 fans were at the game and they were VERY vocal! (Magnus enjoyed the cheerleaders and the dogs that entertained at half time) |
 |
| Family dinner at Eddy V's Clockwise from bottom left: Cooper, Heather, Colin, Roger, Karen, Anette, Magnus and Brad |
 |
| Lots of laughs and talking over the holidays. Such a special time for all of us. Left to right: Colin, Cooper, Brad, Anette, Roger, Magnus and Karen |
 |
| Nana sandwich! |
Back in Victoria, we welcomed in the new year with our good friends from Qualicum Beach, Bev and Stu Shaw.
 |
| Lots of laughs that night as well and we're grateful for our continued friendship despite our move to Victoria. |
So, 2018 has come to a close and we're on the cusp of a new year.
My hope for you is that 2019 is filled with joy.....with good health....with the spirit to make your part of the world a little less crazy...and that your days are shared with people you love.
"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one."
Brad Paisley
No comments:
Post a Comment