December 23rd

Lily is flying to Vancouver today for Christmas. Above is her Travel Papers (passport), which will be attached to her kennel while in-flight.
Merry 1st Christmas Lily!

It's Still Not Christmas

In case you missed it (I did - the only night it was cloudy!!!) here is what everyone was talking about - the lunar eclipse, as seen from Toronto. Thanks Jenn for passing this along to me.

My friend passed this clip along to me. It was produced by her friend Dan Sokolowski and I thought I would share it with you. 'Tis the season of the Winter Solstice. Here is how much sun you would see if you lived in Dawson City. http://sokcinema.ca/solstice08a.mov
Thanks for the Iris!

The Nativity

For all you techies out there and people under 30: (sorry but you'll have to remove the Google ad -- "x" on top right hand corner of ad -- when it pops up, as I cannot figure out how to remove it)

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas ... dinner tonight with Cousin Frank, opened early gifts from Brooke (loved your gifts B!!) who will spend Christmas down south. Everything I do these days relates to Christmas. Good thing I stayed in town this year.
Haven't seen Frank and Anne for about a year. He did advise me that a Hungarian friend of his will soon be bringing back Hoorka so will let me know when he cooks it up. Still has the kennel and tourism is booming. All in all, he is the same as I saw him a year ago.

SR & Brooke brought Lily who behaved exemplary as usual. I will miss that little one when she goes south with Brooke.
More visiting this week and before you know it the weekend will be upon us and you know what that means ... so I better be good till them!
Oh, and that lunar eclipse that is so special I won't be able to see again in something like 300 years, I cannot see tonight unless the clouds quickly scoot away. Hope the skies are clear wherever you are.

Happy Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching. Already had my Book Club Christmas and my Golfing Foursome Christmas. The cookies are baked and being gifted to the neighbours tomorrow. The pics are for my bud and one day I hope she can share the cookies with me here in the Yukon! Now that would be a picture worth taking!


This weekend will see a Hungarian meal (Chicken Paprikas) being served to family ... haven't seen cousin Frank for ages so will be fun sitting down and breaking bread with him. Brooke leaves soon for her Xmas with her family, so the gift exchange will take place before she leaves. SR is spending Xmas with me this year - I will look forward to that. And, is my luck changing ???, I won my Christmas turkey -- so so lucky!!

If you've been reading my blog, you would have seen the dump of snow we have already had. Now the thermometer is dipping with a high pressure system descending upon us this week. Temperatures between 20 and 30 below zero. We are so lucky here escaping the snow, snow, snow of parts of Canada and the States, escaping the floods of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Yes, it may get cold, but living in the Yukon, we are not only prepared for that but expect it.
I do wish well to all those experiencing the harsh conditions Mother Nature is throwing their way.

And, just heard this on the radio recently, so here's a heads up for all of you. There will be a lunar eclipse December 21st beginning about 1:30 AM Eastern Time (so I believe that makes it 10:30 PM on December 20th Pacific Time). It is also called the Christmas lunar eclipse. It will be the first total lunar eclipse to occur on the day of the Winter Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere) since 1638. Worth a look.

And a Happy note to us northerners, December 21st is almost here ... !yeah! ... after the shortest day, longest night (on December 21st, sunrise in Whitehorse is 10:10 AM, sunset is 3:48pm, a total of 5 hours and 38 minutes of daylight), the tides turn and every day will bring more daylight - can't wait.

In case Christmas sneaks up before my next blog, The Best of the Season to all my readers!

The Cone of Shame

Brooke sent me these photos taken last night of poor little Lily. Continue down and watch the movie exerpt which will explain just how she felt.




This excerpt from that fabulous movie UP explains Lily's first experience last night:

Hungarian Dogs

Always said those Hungarians are a talented lot!

Winter

Winter is finally here. In the "olden days" our first skiff of snow appeared around October 11th and by Hallowe'en we were in full blizzard mode and -30 temperatures. Not this year. Last weekend saw our first real bout of snow - it seemed not to stop snowing for days and our snow banks were building higher and higher and higher. Today it stopped and the temperatures dropped. We are lucky in the south of the territory - our "cold" snap stopped at around -20. Not two hours north of us, the temperatures are at the -40 mark. One thing that never ceases to amaze me is that when it is bitterly cold the skies are the most clear shades of blue and the little sun we do receive cloaks the trees in a golden glow. It is beautiful. And we are lucky as well in the fact that we have the clothes to dress warmly. Cold weather comes as no surprise when you live north of 60.


My friend just sent me an article on the weather in England. "Up to 20cm (8in) of fresh snowfall is expected to fall on the east of England on Thursday, with London and the South East also being hit by more blizzards. " Winter won't stop there causing airport closures and chaos on the roads. Ahhh winter!

A New Addition to the Family

SR & Brooke adopted Lily from the Mae Bacher Animal Shelter. She is a lovely 4 month old who was actually born in the shelter.


She won't be a very big dog (look at her paws) but she is a happy addition to the family!

Christmas shopping

My bud sent me this - two different varieties in fact. As Christmas is coming, and shopping is on everyone's mind, wouldn't it be nice to experience an event such as this!

Seems the birds came late this year. On their way south they stop in to my yard to eat the berries of my mountain ash. I had to look up their arrival on a blog from a previous year and they are a bit late, but not by much - about a week and a half.
It never ceases to amaze me when they come. The huge flock blackens the sky as they swoop down on the trees, eat in a frenzy, then all swoop up and away in unison. A few minutes later, back they come...again and again and again. It's fascinating and I do enjoy watching them every year.

I Know Hallowe'en's Over, But ...

Was just on my cousin's blog and saw this photo ... it made me laugh so thought I'd share it with y'all. Here's the caption that went with the photo:
The pumpkins are out ready for Halloween. In the concourse where I work there was a pumpkin carving contest the one pictured here is the one I thought was the best. Boo!!!
Thanks for that one Joe!

Housing

Just in case you were wondering:

The world’s most expensive home is complete. The $1 billion (£630 million), 27 storey tower block in Mumbai is the home of Mukesh Ambani — the richest man in India, fourth richest man in the world –, his wife and their 3 children.

As well as having a health club with a gym and dance studio, at least one swimming pool, a ballroom, guestrooms, 9 elevators, a variety of lounges and a 50-seat cinema, the tower also has 3 helipads on the roof, and a parking garage with capacity for 160 cars in the lower floors.

The family quarters are understandably on the top floors, where they enjoy an incredible view across Mumbai and the Arabian Sea. Experts say there is no other private property of comparable size and prominence in the world.

A taste of the Jersey Boys

Forgot to add this. Enjoy!

Jersey Boys

OK, I didn't leave my last blog entry on a very high note, so here is a happier topic. While in London, England, we went to see the Jersey Boys. My review of the production: If you haven't already seen it GO AND SEE IT. It is fabulous. Although it had been playing for 2-1/2 years, there wasn't an empty seat in the house. And the audience was stamping their feet, clapping their hands and some were even singing. At the end of the production, I didn't see a face that wasn't smiling.

The Dirty Dozen

I know this can get to be too much, what with chemicals on our food (i.e. The New Dirty Dozen), chemicals in our household cleaning products, chemicals on our household furnishings (i.e. your rugs, drapes, couches), but the latest one that I have been viewing is in our everyday cosmetics.

Here is an exerpt from the Suzuki Foundation:

"Some of the ingredients in beauty products aren't that pretty. U.S. researchers report that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors...."

It goes on to list what they call the Dirty Dozen, a list of 12 chemicals, why they are used and what harmful effects they can possibly have on humans (which I took into my washroom and found that all the products I have contain at least one of them!!!!!). To read the findings of this foundation, Click Here . They also suggest a sensible approach to stocking your shelves with safer products ... take the list to the store when replenishing your stock and choose wisely.

Brooke also showed me this site, cosmetics data base, in which you can research the products you currently use. We were surprised to find that just because a product is very very expensive, cost doesn't necessarily raise the safety factor.

I know I sound like doom and gloom, but I believe it is better to be informed so we can make better choices for ourselves, our families and our planet.

The Hockey Game

They are at it again. While I was travelling, the McLean Girls sang the national anthems at the Cannucks hockey game. In case you missed the game, here they are on Youtube.

A Journey's End

This year's fashion previews directly from London, England ... fake fur is IN this winter, from coats to boots to hats to purses. If it is fake fur wear it and you will be ahead of the styles in North America!
Also IN is the ked's rubber toed running shoes, from the regular cheap ones to designer $$$$ ones.

It is fun to see what is on the 4th Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Went to visit the National Gallery and of course wandered through the square. By the way, they are dissuading people from feeding the pigeons which cause a huge mess on everything in and around the square. Large money fines if found feeding the pigeons. Back to the 4th Plinth. If you have not heard of it, check out this site: click here . While on the site don't forget to click on the HOME page where you can vote on the next piece of art to be displayed on the Plinth. I've already voted but won't tell you which I picked.

Above is a section of Trafalgar Square with the National Gallery in the background.

And more England pics, just to prove I was there.

Is that a new Beatle crossing Abbey Road???? This photo is for Jennifer who talked me into partaking in this very touristy venture, then was too ill to watch me live on the web cam. So Little Jennie, this one is for you.

Ya Sas Greece

Our last day in paradise. Here are my thoughts,

THINGS I WILL MISS:
*the weather, lots and lots of sun and little little little rain
*the beaches - no matter where we travelled there
was a beautiful sandy (and sometimes pebbley) beach near-by
*the SEA, the feeling of the water caressing my skin, the temperature:perfect for swimming, the crystal clear water in which you can always view the sea bed ever so clearly, even in port
*Kalimera, Ya sas, to legariosmo parakalo, (this last, even though I didn't really like receiving the bill, loved asking for it and feeling the words rolls right off my tongue
*afternoon Ouzo
*local wine - loved the taste and the price (2 euro 80 for a litre, albeit in a plastic bottle)
*the olive oil, served with every meal
*the patisseries, baklava etc.
*fresh baked bread
*yoghurt and honey - every morning for breakfast - the best in the world
*the Cretans who kept giving us treats, tiny sweet green grapes, cheese, raki, wine - the gifts never stopped

THINGS I WON'T MISS:
*see through toilet paper
*sandpaper towels
*their driving habits: beeping horns, tailgating, double/triple parking, fast, fast driving and passing on curves
*finding nowhere safe to walk without the possibility of being run over, even on a sidewalk
*road systems that are too narrow to accommodate two (small) vehicles, never mind a vehicle and a tour bus
*showers with hand held wands and no shower curtain
*souvenir shops
*shop hours - close between noon and 6 PM and other times if they feel like it

Paros

We made it to Paros. This is the island that is next door to our favourite Naxos. We just took the long way around. Above is the Church of 100 doors. Ninety nine are visible. The 100th door is hidden and will be made visible when Istanbul comes once again under Greek rule. (we weren't suppose to take photos in this church, so I hope nothing untoward happens to me for this!)

Cats, cats, cats and more cats. Where ever you look and especially wherever you eat there are cats. One tried to hop up on our table the other day to help himself. They seem to be a way of life here.

Order a cup of coffee and you never know what you'll get. This was our cup of Greek coffee during our rest stop this morning.

Get off the ferry in Paros and this windmill is the first thing you will see. It is in the middle of the roundabout. It holds the tourist info office which as this time of year is closed. Mid October is the time all the shops, restaurants, tavernas and hotels are on the down-swing. A good time to be saying good-bye to a lovely island.

Next stop, London, England. (Culture shock?? maybe)

Crete

The huge Anik Lines Ferry took us on an overnight journey from Crete to Pireus. We landed in the wee hours of the morning to catch an early ferry to our last island - Paros.

We have seen fabulous sunsets. This particular one from the beach in Paleochora.

Ah Paleochora, the last time I visited was 1972. As was Matala, it is much different today although the beach is still beautiful, the people friendly and the outdoor cinema still operating!!! In 1972 it showed the movie 1/2 on a tree trunk and 1/2 into the night sky. In 2010 it showed Zorba the Greek on a white wall they had built which was a vast improvement, although the film broke three times and had to be repaired before continuing. It was so much fun under the stars!

The roads in Crete - fabulous. The ones we drove were all paved and two lanes. The National Road in the north of the island is the pride and joy of the people. The major roads leading south are large, with good signage and lots of room to drive. What a pleasure!

From Iraklion to Chania. If I didn't know better, I would think we were in Venice!! The old port is very Venetian and very friendly. While in Crete, I cannot remember a meal where were were not given a bowl full of tastey green grapes, a hunk of cheese, a bowl of yoghurt and always a wee carafe of raki. The people of Crete are most generous.

When you see this, you definitely know you're in Chania!

For Kayla

Yes Kayla, I am lucky and since you have studied Knossos at university, here are a couple of photos I took while there. It was very impressive, very large (and very hot that day). Enjoy!

On the Move

In our favourite restaurant in Matala, Sirtaki, right on the beach. Our waiter and friend (Fierry) took this photo with the caves lit up in the background. After dinner we were given (as a treat) goats cheese, grapes and raki. Raki is a raunchy wine made from the grapes that have already been squeezed to make wine, so you can imagine the taste. But after a shot or two you are smiling and enjoy more!



Such a typical scene, I just had to add it.
These are the tavernas where the best Greek coffee is made.

And speaking of the best Greek Coffee, here is the lady that makes the absolute best in our opinion. She is in the wee town of Voron where there is a fabulous museum. We had a few laughs with her and her friend although we couldn't speak Greek and she couldn't speak English.

If you ever drive by and see this sign, stop! This is her cafe and she does make the best coffee.

So Debbie tripped in Matala, where she was 37 years ago, and now it's my turn. We are now in Paleochora in the south of Crete where I was 38 years ago. As for both of us, we couldn't recognize the villages today. I did revisit the outdoor cinema though. 38 years ago I watched a movie which was shown 1/2 on a tree trunk and 1/2 into the night sky. Today, they have a white wall on which to show the movie. Lask night we watched Zorba the Greek. How apropo!

Matala

We took a ferry to Iraklion. Although I've been to Crete in the past, I do not recall Iraklion. Now I know why ... it is large, noisey, dirty, smelly ... need I go on?? So we rented a car and drove to Matala. If you want to know why I chose Matala, this web site about says it all - click here

If you own a boat and are looking to name it, here is one you probably haven't thought of.

The beach at Matala is lovely - although filled with tourists you can still find a good spot to lounge. And if you are thirsty there are bars lining the water front. The caves are now a major tourist attraction rather than merely sleeping accommodation for young travellers. They were fun to explore though and I can certainly see the attraction. The sign now says Roman Burial Ground, but there are no signs of dead Romans in the caves.

Yes Joni, the scratchy rock n roll is now replaced by CD players, the Mermaid Cafe is no more and the starry dome in lessened by the city lights, but all in all I'm glad I came to see what I missed in the early '70's.
Oh yeah, we did find a left over hippie whose face is leathered by the sun and who plays old Cream and Jim Morrison and the Doors kind of music from his house - very very loud (an nostalgic). Perfect on an evening when the wind is in from Africa!
(In case you don't know, the above references come from Joni Mitchell's "Carey")

Santorini

Ah Santorini. Everyone we spoke to said "you HAVE to go to Santorini". So here we are. The ferry ride from Naxos takes about two hours. It arrives at the port in Fira, the capital city. The first think you notice is that you are at the sea level and the town is barely visible at least 1,000 feet straight up a rock cliff. The ride up to the town is dizzying with hairpin curves and busses and vans cutting off the road from opposing traffic when they make their turn around the hairpins. Once on top the view is phenomenal. The town sits on the edge of the cliff, like they say "between the sea and the sky".

We had to laugh today at the above photo. The tour bus was turning left onto this road, but couldn't make the turn because this car was parked there. He was honking and honking and no one came. He tied up traffic in both directions on the main road while he waited for the driver of the auto to return and move the car. About 10 minutes later a girl in an orange dress came running, hopped in her car and drove away, allowing the bus room to turn. I'm sure glad I wasn't that girl in the orange dress!

This is the view fromthe city to the old port. You can see the stairs winding their way up to the city. One can walk, take a donkey up, or take a cable car from the bottom.

Today there were eight - count them - EIGHT - cruise ships in. Oh my, the number of tourist was unbelievable in town. This town IS very touristy - shop after shop after shop after shop after shop ... the prices in the restaurants are high, accommodation is very expensive and I think the majority of shop sellers and waiters are getting a bit tired of serving all of us. You can probably tell that despite the beautiful view, we are not impressed and wouldn't advise people to come here. Look in a book, see the beautiful views and save your money. Now, having said that, tomorrow we are taking the local bus to Oia (pronounced Ee-a), a village on the north west coast. Perhaps our view will change after that trip.

Bye Bye Naxos

Comment for this photo: Use your imagination!

P.S. Look at the smile on D's face!



And yet others get the ol' baker. This is the same baker that we met 4 years ago. He is still grumpy but I can make him smile.

So every evening we go for our early evening cocktail which happens to be ouzo. And every evening we go to the Captains Cafe which is right across the road from the port. We sit and watch the ferries come in and go out and watch the old Greeks fish off the end of the pier. Tonight, our last night, we called our waiter Vassilis over to chat. He and his twin brother Nikos run the family bar. They work every day from early morning to late evening from April until October with ne'er a day off, and they don't complain. In fact, they like it. AND he is the same person that served us 4 years ago AND he remembered me to the point of the fact I've changed the colour of my hair (I now have foils)! We said our good-byes, the brothers trying to get us to ensure we will visit them again in one year's time.

On the way home we stopped into our patisserie - Rendezvous. Our cute little server from 4 years ago is not there anymore but a jolly old fellow (whom I believe may be the owner) has served us many many times this year. He was also sorry to hear we would leave the next day.

Perhaps we should stay!

What would a trip to Naxos be without a stroll around the Portara. This is a trademark of the island. Over to centuries the people have given it the name Portara - meaning huge door. It is a marble gateway into what was once a temple dedicated to Apollo. The temple was built in the 6th century B.C.


A walk through town in the evening. Even the Greek Orthodox priests need to line up to use the ATM.

Here is the Proof! Debbie does swim in the sea. We have moved from our "Greek beach" to the tourist beach. It is more sheltered, fine grain sand (no need for our little water shoes) and in the afternoon that is all one can do - put your hot body in the water.

We had an incident at our new beach the other day. A German fellow was staring intently into the water when his girlfriend entered the water. He told her to get something from shore which turned out to be a camera and together they got close to the surface of the water and started taking photos. Nosey me swam up to them and asked what they were looking at - it was a JELLY FISH which swam into the shallow water. Ìsn`t it beautiful` he said and he started to pet it...(a bit weird if you ask me but ...). As the day went on more and more people started to take photos of the jelly fish (so I always knew where it was when I was swimming). Then some children were looking at it by the shore. A large Greek man entered the water to see what everyone was looking at, saw it was a jelly fish, went to shore, picked up a child`s plastic pail, re-entered the water, picked up the jelly fish in the pail and deposited it on the sand on shore (I was hoping that young German man didn`t see this!) And so, the jelly fish was drying out in the searing afternoon sun. When I finished swimming and was entering the shore, I thought I`d look at this sea creature to see if it was yet dead. A young child (a regular Greek swimmer) took a paddle from a paddle ball game that everyone plays on the beach and was rolling this poor jelly fish back into the water. He did wait until the big fat Greek man was out of site before he did this. He kept flipping it and flipping it and flipping it until finally it flipped into the sea. It looked like it was regaining conscienceness by the I wandered away. We swam in the same bay this afternoon and there was NO jelly fish, so it must have swam back to it`s family in the deep sea.