Calgary, Alberta

Another stop in our November tour was Calgary, Alberta-- the home of The Calgary Stampede and my Hubbie's Cousin Sandie.

Sandie and her hubbie Larry allowed us to use their home as our base of operations. We all went to Kamloops together and after we returned to Calgary, we tripped over to Banff which is about an hour as the crow flies. You can add another half-hour if you take the scenic drive.

The folks of Calgary are known for their hospitality. But, heehaw was it ever cold when we visited. (-20 to -24C) We loved the company though we were happy to head south to Las Vegas and warm our bones.

Banff, Alberta

This is the view from my window at the Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta.

Hubbie Doug and I passed a most agreeable two days here after Vimy's Birthday. Put this on your "must-do" vacation lists. The majestic Rocky Mountains have God's hand written all over them. What bliss to curl up by the fire with your lover and look out on nature's splendour.

I wasn't writin' but I sure have memories. The plot thickens.

The Birthday Girl

Here's a nice photo of Vimy Alexander on her 90th birthday.

We plan to attend the 90th birthday of her husband, Clarence, in July.

It was wonderful to listen to the stories of this couple. Life has changed a lot over the 90 years they've lived. Amazing.

Aurora Borealis over Kamloops, British Columbia

aurora over kamloops
Originally uploaded by Spatial Mongrel.

Here is a nice shot of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) over Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

We attended my hubbie's Aunt Vimy's 90th birthday in Kamloops. I'll find a pic of Vimy to post. Vimy was named by her father to commemorate the WW1 Battle of Vimy Ridge in France where many Canadian soldiers gave their lives. This battle was said to be a defining moment in Canadian nationality.

Another Bellagio Fountain Spectacle

Bellagio HOTEL Las Vegas fountain show

Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas water fountain show America song. Las Vegas Nevada. November 2006. View from Las Vegas avenue.

NaNoWriMo update

Thanks to everyone who cheered me on. Sadly, I didn't achieve the goal. At the outset my odds of finishing weren't great, but the challenge was worthwhile. I was diverted mid month by diversional travel which I will never regret. Despite my intentions I never found the round tuit.

I am tempted to give myself another 15 days after the holidays. My last word count was 14,888. I'm happy with it. Congratulations to those who achieved the 50K goal and to all who gave it a shot. I loved the process and the strange twists that occur in the plot when you allow the process to flow freely. I recommend you try it.

This is a photo of one lovely gentleman (my Father-in-Law) who provided me with a lovely distraction 10-11 November when we honoured veterans on Rembrance day.

Over the next couple of days, I'll show you more photos of my other non-writing activities. It was a hectic month.