…of squid, mince pies & ‘kanji’ of the year…

 

….”Squid’s in!: How to cook Britain’s new national seafood”…”The world’s largest mince pie factory-in pictures”…”December 12th is Japan’s Kanji Day”…

 

SOMETHING ABOUT….“if climate change’s silver lining is that we get more cephalopods on our plate, we should at least do them justice and cook them properly”…“low and slow or fast & hot.”

SOMETHING ABOUT…“being in Bamsley, UK and producing 720 pies a minute rolling off 3 production lines.”

SOMETHING ABOUT…“the day to choose ‘Kanji of the year’, a Japanese character chosen by the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society, to represent best, the events of the year means “GOLD”, representative of the high number of gold medals won at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the shift to minus interest (“interest rate” is “kinri” in Japanese), Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory, and Piko Taro, a singer of ‘PPAP’, who’s known for wearing a gold-colored animal print outfit.”

Cheers to another marvellous Advent Festive Season Monday that sings—HOPE, PEACE, & JOY & smiles–‘1st rate: go for the gold’ !!!

…of plummet, summit & drum it…

…”Loonie closes at lowest level in more than a decade”…

As the price of gold fell for its 10th consecutive day, the loonie continues to slide too.

Our Canadian economy is weakening along with commodity prices, consumer confidence, and amid speculation that interest rates are about to rise in the United States.

Uncertain times—throw in an election or two or three and behind-the-scenes European countries’ posturing and a roller-coaster ride may just be about to activate.

Vancouver’s prized convention centre, often home to ‘meeting-of-the-minds’ gatherings of folks from all over the world on topics conventional & unconventional, will go full circle today with the launch of the Circle Craft and Craft Council of BC annual Summer Craft Market. Check out Jack Poole Plaza today through Sunday to see the fine craftsmanship of artisans extraordinaire!

As the old saying goes–crafts & summer markets quip–great savings for those who flea (or should that be flee?…)

Tourists and locals alike, never skip a beat when it comes to finding a bargain or drumming up enthusiasm for a fine adventure amid the vast variety of landscape that is British Columbia!

Be it, in and around Vancouver, on the North Shore mountains or the Gulf Islands, or even venturing further into the Cariboo or the Okanagan & the Kootenays, there is much that can put a fine rhythm to a vacation or exploration day!

what will be the percussion in your today?!…

Wherever you may be & whatever’s your Thursday ‘song’— let the cadence swing!!!

…put a lilt in your kilt!

…a spring in your step!

…a flutter in your heart!

Thursdays are for thrilling!!!….Cheers to a fine day!

…first…

‘Twas June 1 yesterday, the 1st of June! Summer is fast approaching!

When is the last time you tried something for the 1st time?

We live in a world of no end of possibilites for first time adventures and experiences!

As Nike would say to our hesitations about anything—just do it!

Never say never!

At first thought
Right? Glance
Seconds?

More or less
Imagine!
You could be right

Firstly, I say unto you
Fear not
Path anew, high road

Bonnie, marvellous, numero uno
Carpe diem
1st rate

…of good ships & lolipops…

As I write this morning, Olympic Team CAN has achieved 9 medals at SOCHI2014!!! 4 golds, 3 silvers, & 2 bronze!

Kudos & congrats & more to come!…..

Cheers to CAN can do!…that’s the spirit!…..

Is Vancouver ready for 45,000 more wealthy new immigrants?

A question in today’s media that seems to provoke some heated commentary that’s all over the map!….”An amazing story about how more than 45,000 wealthy Chinese are on a waiting list to come to British Columbia through the country’s “investor” immigrant program. The number of “investor” applications from wealthy Chinese is six times higher than that for all other English-speaking countries with investor programs combined…”

Cheers to ready or not, a situation that merits some thought!….opportunities, challenges, evolution & impact examination!…..

With glowing hearts let’s see all people—our Canada & our Vancouver rise!…..

A sad news report sights the death of entertainment icon Shirley Temple. The namesake of the non-alcoholic cocktail with the swizzle stick umbrella, popular with the young & young-at-heart, “was the dimpled, curly haired child star who sang, danced, sobbed, and grinned her way into the hearts of Depression-era moviegoers—she was 85.”

Cheers to an entertaining, medal winning, tummy ache-free kinda Tuesday!

…hot & cold…

Some patriotic pride this morning to note Canada’s mention in a freeze-frame capture-the- moment google doodle that celebrates 1947’s February 3rd, -63C in the First Nation village of Snag, Yukon—coldest temperature ever recorded in Canadian history.

A reminiscence that gives a whole new meaning to that idiom “chill”…. G o O g L e … in ice cubes in an ice cube tray, quite clever I must say!…

Thoughts of February being “Apple Month” in British Columbia, make for a heartwarming segue to suggest in Vancouver’s brief upcoming cold snap this week, some homemade apple cider with spices & cinnamon sticks might be a nice idea on return to hearth & home at the end of a busy day!…

Cheers to “I spy, with java, granny Smith, a dash of maple syrup, allspice berries, whole cloves, lemon & orange peel, & two cinnamon sticks, something that smells delicious!…..”

Well, it seems the much hyped Super Bowl NFL game yesterday was a bit of a bust for the Broncos of Denver, but westcoast Seattle fans no doubt delighted in the Hawks soaring to victory! By all accounts, Vancouver’s hospitality industry enjoyed a good sports bar day between early morning soccer & later in the day football…

Cheers to get ready, get set, go to cheering on our Maple Leaf Olympic teams as the Sochi strivings for gold, silver, bronze get underway on Friday!…

“Down the hatch” to a thirst quenching fine February day & remember “it doesn’t matter if the water is cold, warm or hot, you’re gonna have to wade through it anyway!”….

Wade on!–with enthusiasm!

….Markets…

There seems to be so much preoccupation with the markets.

It’s up, it’s down, it’s up.  The trading day has started flying high.

There’s a gold rush to sell coins and unused unwanted jewelry….a meltdown.

The outlook for the UK and US is subdued despite the locking in of interest rates for a time.

Two words come to mind…..uncertainty and confidence.   There will always be uncertainties relating to the economy and financial markets.  That is as certain as a dollar is worth a dollar.  There are just so many variables and in our “global world” we are linked in whether we’ve signed on to LinkedIn or not.

It seems the circulation of money….economic growth might fare better if a circulation of confidence could encompass all nations.

What gives you confidence?  I know for me, a plan or sense of direction goes a long way in it.   Even the best made plans can go sideways but adapting, revising, being alert to factors in it have been shown to be key.

Summertime can be a time for backing off on plans and just being more relaxed and spontaneous in things. Folks go on holidays, relax into tourist mode, take time to just be.

Imagine closing your eyes and experiencing the aromas of fresh brewing coffee, hot from the oven bread, pungent cheeses or spicy meats.  Imagine a place where you can delight in the sights of shimmering seafood, warm baked goods, and plump ripe fruit.  A place where all can be confident about finding just a little somethin’ for themselves that would be good!

Now head to one of your local markets and treat yourself!   In Vancouver, that might be Granville Island….”the King of Vancouver destinations and the Public Market the jewel in the Island’s crown!”

Cheers to a majestic Wednesday!…..may it be splendid.