Family bonding

My americano (with soy milk!) is sitting loyally beside my computer, CBC radio is buzzing in my ears, and I have a moment to post a few pictures on my blog. Life is good. I've been taking it easy the last few days, hunkering down in my cool apartment with a good book (Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris) and some good TV shows (My Name is Earl and Strangers With Candy). My horoscope told me to hibernate and I did. Also, my family wore me out with their summer visits, and I needed to be lazy for a spell.


These are my folks David and Darlene. Michael and I had one day off while they were here, so we took advantage and went to Salt Spring Island for a whirlwind tour. So far Hornby Island is my favorite of all the islands. Salt Spring was ok, but I think it's a little big, really. However, I really enjoyed the multiple lakes for swimming, and I successfully convinced my mom and Michael to join me for a dip in Cusheon Lake. I wish you could have seen my mom's face as she inched her way into the water, which wasn't as cold as she made it seem. The snarl on her face reminded me of the grimace I make when I have to drink my evil, herbal supplements. I'm sure she wishes she could be in the lake right now, though; my parents are visiting Shannon in San Francisco, which is currently surfing a heat wave.


This is the view that we're blocking in the first picture. We drove to the top of Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring, and even though there were some nervous moments due to the state of the road, the view was worth it, as you can see. However, we were promised eagles and vultures and we didn't see any, so don't believe the hype.


This is my uncle Stephen and the horrendous car he had to rent during his visit. He's upset about the size of the windows, which don't allow the driver to see much of anything. He got Michael pretty worked up about it too. Stephen was visiting from Ireland and we're sad that he had to go home. He's currently reading one of my favorite books (Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Tom Robbins) and I've asked him to write me some comments on it, a book report if you will, which I may post on this blog (if his writing is up to par). I'll ask my dad to do the same because he just happens to be reading the same book. They must be brothers.