I woz 'ere ....... living in Eastbourne .... now
I hopped the Atlantic and some continent ...
usually known as North America ...
landed on the far west Prairie lands in Calgary ...
stayed overnight ... and then hopped on again to:
Vancouver Island .... I am now living here (for a while) ...
I am in clarification mode re settling in ... and will be back blogging as and when I can ... lots to sort out - I'm staying with Emily Hobhouse's great niece ... so will learn lots from Jenny in more ways than one ... and will pick up things about my own mother and her family ...
Saw this:
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| Greenland ... all in the pink ... |
then this ....
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| Calgary Airport - chilly, but could have been worse |
Happy Anniversary to our Queen and Prince Philip on 70 years ... just longer than I've been around!
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| Camera in hand in the early days of their marriage |
Right I'm off ... tea needed ... but I'll be back and around as and when ... life is interesting!!
Looks like I didn't make that clear ... I'm here for at least 6 months ... ?!?!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters ... Inspirational Stories
Enjoy your trip. Vancouver Island is beautiful. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYou are in a beautiful setting, quite a bit north of me, but sharing the same coast. I like the photo of the young Queen and her husband.
ReplyDeleteI hope your time away is wonderful. And am sure it will be.
ReplyDeleteYou're here? On Vancouver Island? Welcome, Hilary! I apologize for the weather, it's the rainy season here ... should be a good reminder of home :)
ReplyDeleteVancover Island. Lovely place. And now you're in my time zone ;) (I'm way to the south, though.)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you popped in - I was starting to worry about you!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your gorgeous surroundings. I was Almost There for my holiday last month. :-)
Have a great time, Hilary! Will be thinking of you and your journey!
ReplyDeleteI guess you will be leaving for awhile? I hope you have a wonderful time and that it is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for being here for me ... I've moved across to the Island for a while - not permanently ... but will settle down and then be around your blogs - lovely to see you all ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWow, Hilary! Vancouver Island. That's wonderful. I wish you much joy in your six months' away from Eastbourne. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteDenise :-)
Gosh, Hilary - sounds like an adventure! Enjoy - and look forward to hearing from you in due course. I don't know how Eastbourne will cope, though...
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary I LOVE Vancouver Island. Victoria is like travelling back in times sixty years (maybe only back thirty years from Eastbourne!). I am sure you will have a fabulous six months.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s unimaginable Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Enjoy your visit to this wonderful country. Sorry you are still so far away, would love to have met you.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful time on this adventure. Canada is a wonderful country, albeit cold at this time of year.
ReplyDelete@ Denise - thanks ... it is amazing: I've had one brief visit about 20 years ago ... hope this time to get a chance to look around a bit more. For now ... tis settling in to the locality.
ReplyDelete@ Mike - it is an adventure ... and I shall enjoy. I think Eastbourne will merrily cope without me ... and if they miss me - they'll welcome me back anon - which is good to know!
@ Bazza - I'm hoping in due course to see a bit of the area - main reason is to spend time with Jenny ... but also experience life locally, as well as Victoria - which I had a dash in to see Butchart Gardens last time I was here.
@ Jo - I will enjoy my time here ... and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the country ...
@ Arleen - fortunately not cold at the moment - just very wet ... not used to that either ... Eastbourne has a very pleasant climate!
Thanks everyone I am looking forward to settling in and enjoying being in Canada for a while ... cheers to you all - and Happy Thanksgiving to those down south ... Hilary
Fantastic! Have a great time. Calgary Airport looks a little different from when we were there in the summer.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you made it okay! Like I mentioned before, we were there 25 years ago -- hard to believe it's been that long.
ReplyDeleteLot's of wonderful things to see and do there. Butchart Gardens is at the top of my list. If I were going to be there as long as you are, I'd want to see it at least twice, once in the spring and again in the summer.
Enjoy your stay!
Wave to me--I'm only about a thousand miles south (Southern California)! I've considered moving to Vancouver Island. Hmm...
ReplyDeleteJust a wee trip? Have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeletewow - quite a leap across the pond. Welcome to this side of the world. Let the Canadian adventures begin. Such nice folks and pretty scenery. Best of luck and I look forward to reading about new observations. Settle in and sip that tea. Start watching ice hockey, eh!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've landed in a beautiful place! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteYou're in my neck of the woods, sort of, in that you're in Canada. B.C. is just beautiful. I honeymooned there, and thoroughly enjoyed Vancouver Island. That was 20 years ago, and I have been back several times since.
ReplyDeleteHappy Travels to you,
Andrea
Wow, how exciting . . . I hope you have a wonderful trip. I will look forward to hearing about your adventures. Take care and have fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a major move, sounds exciting. I have been up to the island a number of times. My first was to visit Burchardt(sp) Gardens, view killer Whales and eat fresh salmon. I have returned many times enjoying the good life found there. Hope all goes smooth for you.
ReplyDeleteYou will learn so much and pass it on to us, as you always do.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Wow!!! Hilary, that's wonderful! I can't wait to hear more about it! What an adventure!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your time there
ReplyDeleteI hope ou soon settle in and have a wonderful time over there.
ReplyDeleteWhat? You are not in Eastbourne anymore? I will have to have pictures of Eastbourne on my blog so you won't get homesick!
ReplyDeleteVancouver Island, you will love it, I am sure. x
Have fun and stay warm!
ReplyDeleteYou're in my part of the world, Hilary. I live in the suburbs of Vancouver in Port Coquitlam. I've lived in Vancouver proper, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Langley and now PoCo. We love Vancouver Island (what part are you living in at present?) Most British people land in Victoria, but there's more to the Island than our capital.
ReplyDeleteThis is the rainy season in the Lower Mainland, but the island boasts that its weather is better. Hope you are enjoying yourself. Please do let us know on the blog how it goes.
Hello Hilary. I wondered where you had gone. Travelling far this time - enjoy your new surroundings and rest, take lots of photos and have an exciting, enjoyable time. You definitely will have a white Christmas! Kim xx
ReplyDeleteO Wow !
ReplyDeleteNow that is a surprise you having moved from sleepy Eastbourne to Vancouver Island; I have a couple of friends there who live in Duncan.
Oh wow Hilary, that's fabulous. How wonderful. Enjoy. x
ReplyDelete@ Anabel ... Calgary was pretty bleak - but I was glad it was 'warm'!
ReplyDelete@ Mike - safe and sound ... various hair-raising moments in the time organising things and then here - things to deal with ... but managed to drive around yesterday in the teeming rain ... Butchart Gardens are magnificent - and I'm looking forward to a longer visit next time ... and to see lots of areas.
@ Jacqui - don't come now - it's wet!! I've visited briefly before ... but this time am looking forward to some good look arounds ... could visit SoCal though sometime ...
@ Holly - yes 'wee' ... it'll pass in a flash I guess ... but it's an opportunity to take up ...
@ Joanne - a wee hop ... but I'm now here for a while. I'm not sure how much jaunting around I'm going to be able to do - but I'll take whatever opportunity arises and jump aboard to experience all things. Not started the ice hockey scenario yet ... suspect Jenny might not watch that!
@ RO - I gather it's lovely ... I've had one brief visit before ... but more time now ...
@ Andrea - that's why I asked you re your weather - I knew I was flying in! Glad I'm here though ... not so cold.
@ Suzanne - an opportunity I couldn't resist ... I'm sure I'll get out a bit ...
@ Steve - it has been a major move ... still I'm here. Once I have some time I'll be out seeing things for the first time and I hope getting another chance for some repeat trips later on. It seems a happy place ...
@ Janie - yes I suspect the learning hat is already on ... just need to settle in first ...
@ Val - something I couldn't refuse ... and yes an adventure it is.
@ Jo-Anne - I'm sure I will ...
@ Patsy - it'll be fine and lots to experience ... so wonderful too
@ Kay - nope ... I've upped sticks and done a huge jump! I doubt I'll be homesick ... Vancouver Island is pretty amazing ... and I'm sure I'll be happy here ...
@ Truedessa - thank you ... so far it's relatively warm, rather wet though ...
@ DG - I am in your part of the world and I've spotted Port Coquitlam ... I'm in Cobble Hill. The rain will go away I'm sure, then snow, then Spring - roll on Spring!
@ Kim - yes this is where I was getting myself ready to move to ... it was a traumatic time sorting everything out to move. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the area ... and I expect a white winter is on its way sometime!
@ Mel - it's a surprise to me ... but here I am .. this is sleepier! I'm near Duncan - I think that's the main local town ...
@ Maddy - yes a surprise to me, let alone family, friends and bloggers ...
Thanks so much to you all ... amazing to have blogging friends following one around the world - who'd have thought ... see you around soon ... cheers Hilary
I'm looking forward to reading more about the trip. Cheers, Hilary!
ReplyDeletebonjour mon Grandblogmom ...
ReplyDeletebienvenue au Canada!! Bienvenue sur l'île de Vancouver. J'espère que vous passerez un merveilleux séjour et que vous verrez beaucoup de choses intéressantes. vous envoyer l'amour et beaucoup de gros câlins.
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteHow's it goin', eh?
Oh my, you was here and now you're there. Vancouver Island, as you well know, is a most familiar place to me. A spectacular place to spend some time.
Congrats on surviving a night in Calgary. Yes, I'm kidding.
Welcome to a place eight time zones behind. Now I'm typing from the future.
Have a wonderful time. Who knows, you might still be there when I next get over to beautiful BC.
Gary
@ Lynn - thanks and I hope I can get out and about a bit ... but being with Jenny is the main thing ...
ReplyDelete@ Lenny - merci beaucoup pour les gros calins ... I had to look that up - but I'll take it in English!!
Good French ... are you learning that - because it looks grammatically very good ... that's not though! Beaucoup de choses interessantes ... yes at some stage!
@ Gary - the girl has landed! And I could well be here when you next get over .. that is definitely in the future though!
Cheers from a very misty American Thanksgiving day ... Hilary
Oh how fun Hilary! I imagine some great adventures await you, and in the meantime wishing you ease and grace as you settle in.
ReplyDeleteHello my friend Hilary!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely and great time!
Lots of (((Hugs)))
@ Debbie ... yes a little change - great adventures I'm sure await me ... but for now I'll be grateful when things settle down!
ReplyDelete@ Sonia - good to hear from you and yes I'm sure all will turn out well ...
Cheers and hugs to you both - Hilary
Enjoy your stay. Life is indeed interesting! Happy Anniversary to the Queen and Prince! I had to look up the reasoning why he isn't a King! I get it. :)
ReplyDeleteHow very exciting and good for you! I hope you have a wonderful stay and enjoy yourself immensely!
ReplyDelete@ Rosey - life is, as you say, interesting ... and I'm glad you were able to clarify why Prince Philip is only a Prince ...
ReplyDelete@ Betsy - it's being interesting and will be very exciting ... for now I'm settling in ... and I definitely will enjoy myself.
Cheers to you both - Hilary
6 months! Wow! Enjoy! You will have lots to explore for sure. Looking forward to learning and traveling with you. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
How wonderful Hilary. I've seen much of the world but have never been to Canada which is remiss of me since my Mother is Canadian and I have family there! Enjoy.
ReplyDelete@ Jess - yes perhaps longer, but I suspect not much time in the daily course of life for travelling around. Though hopefully I'll work something out ...
ReplyDelete@ Keith - you certainly have travelled ...perhaps now is a good time to get over here ... ?! I'm looking forward to getting out and about a bit -
Cheers to you both - Hilary
Wow, so we're living on the same continent for a bit. That makes us almost neighbors. :) Ok, still quite a distance apart, but fun to think that you are over this way. I hope you enjoy your stay; I hear it is beautiful there. Take care!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely 6 months! Hope it will be and that you enjoy exploring!
ReplyDelete@ Karen - yes I'm here for a while ... and up further north a little- but on the same piece of land. I'm sure I'll enjoy my stay - and I was reassured today the cherries come out as too the tulips and then it's lovely ...
ReplyDelete@ Elizabeth - it will probably be longer than six months ... but that's good for a start ... and I'll get a chance to explore at some stage - off to Victoria tomorrow for a talk, I gather ...
Cheers to you both - and thanks for the visit - Hilary
Have a wonderful time Hilary - 6 months will let you get a good feel for the place. Enjoy every minute.
ReplyDelete@ Fil - thanks so much ... and will probably be longer than six months ... which will give me a good time to settle down ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteMissed all your news as we are on Nevis at present, then the UK for Christmas. Hope you are not too cold. Will catch up properly later when we get to the UK should (!) have more time I hope. Have great Christmas, Diane
ReplyDeleteYay, Canada! Oh, I do hope you get to visit Victoria Island while you're there, and especially the Emily Carr museum!
ReplyDelete@ Diane - enjoy your break ... warmth, sun and sea sound wonderful on a frosty morning! Not too cold yet - though the snow will come I gather.
ReplyDelete@ Deniz - yes I'm living on Vancouver Island ... and will at some stage get down to Victoria to explore and see places ... slow but sure times. I'd spotted the Emily Carr museum was there - so it's definitely a place to visit ...
Thanks to you both - cheers for now - Hilary
Wow, Hilary! You are in Vancouver. What a big adventure, and I hope it proves stimulating in the right way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Juliet - yes on the Island ... and it's a big change - it'll be a fascinating journey ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteYOu have me drooling! Yummy! Have a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary, it me, from the future... 5th January to be precise! I realised, while deep in my novel, that I'd missed many posts of yours, especially this exciting relocation news! (So, I've been scrolling back to find it.)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to learning all about Canada from you over the coming months. Have a fantastic time :-)
@ Kelleyn - many thanks ... good to see you here ...
ReplyDelete@ Annalisa - it's now the 6th here! Thanks re the relocation news ... it was a rush ... and yes it'll be fun to write about Canada and the area out here.
Cheers to you both - Hilary
Sorry about spamming you with comments Hilary. I finally read back until I found this one about you moving to Canada.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Americas. I'm just a bit south of you in the other American continent.
Hi Emily - delighted to see you ... wherever you pop up! You are way below me in Ecuador, but I'd love to get down there ... suspect that's not an option, but who knows! It'd be lovely to pop down to the States to have a look around - again another probably remote possibility - again who knows - cheers Hilary
ReplyDelete