2023 Reflections

2023 did not start with a bang, but the bonk to the head in December 2022 meant that Mary took some time to recover from her concussion while Andrew started back to (paid) work at his old company. His popularity and hard work were quickly recognized so he interviewed and moved IT teams to the infrastructure side. Due to Canadian regulations he is not a systems engineer like counterparts down south, but Mary is advised there is technical work when the guys aren't sending memes on Teams. 

The new role included some adventures. Andrew shared many romantic moments with his coworkers, including cigars on a sunset cruise on a yacht, watching a sea turtle lay their eggs on the beach, and drinks strolling outside in Miami. While Montana is not the first choice for many tourists, Andrew yet again enjoyed beautiful sunset vistas on a local tour. Andrew promises Mary that Russ is too short to be his type and not to worry.

The Alberta summer was defined by the wildfires and their smoke. According to Climate Justice Edmonton, the smoke even had the rude timing to impact weekends moreso than weekdays. We luckily had built air filters for COVID safety and acquired another quiet computer fan Corsi to help with the smoke. Mary has built a portable filter for her work trips that also came in handy for a friend's bachelorette getaway for laughs and relaxing soaks in the mountains. 

The one Jasper camping trip starting with a smoky drive, but weather reports showed decent air in the mountains. It was very hot for June and time was spent splashing in the river cooling off and skipping river rocks. Alas the fires became worse, displacing many in a scary time. A smaller impact for us vacationers was the closing of the Yellowhead highway, so the drive back took the longer scenic route through the Icefields Parkway. 

The spare bedroom/ office was great for hosting. We welcomed friends from the Maritimes who needed a safe place to crash. It was lovely to host and get time with them, for all it felt short and flew by. They graciously spoiled the cats as sitters when we drove to Saskatchewan to visit Andrew's family.

We had a wonderful summer road trip to see family in Saskatchewan. Mary joined for her first tours in the Moose Jaw tunnels. The cool underground was a welcome reprieve from the heat wave, with an educational bonus. Many long overdue hugs were had. 

Andrew's niece Holly returned with us to Edmonton. There was some swimming (but not enough!), walks for ice cream, fires for roasting, and some Sailor Moon for goofy fun. Raspberries were picked and jammed as has become tradition. Unfortunately some jam went into the wrong bag for Holly's first plane flight home, but Andrew swiftly shipped more out for summer sweetness.

The summer was full from hosting, traveling, to wedding season (and even a little lawn bowling). Andrew's sister stayed in the fall for lab work for courses and we hope to see her again soon.

Mary unfortunately had a second September autoimmune manifestation. It is hopefully not heat triggered, though a weekend biking around the city for ice cream, farmer's markets, and the Fancy Ladies Bike ride preceded it. Andrew's culinary inclination and patient humour was a loving match for Mary's inability to operate. There is no diagnosis yet (but it's not lupus!), but care is progressing and the health care system experience has been very different from what those in overwhelmed ER's might see. The rheumatologist does not have an exact answer (autoimmune and maybe something connective tissue?), but did provide meds in case of another flare and a referral to the next specialist in the diagnosis process. Having the answer to "Why is Mary tired all the time?" is a relief. 

Friendsgiving

Thanks to a friend, we re-downloaded Pokemon Go. It has prompted many walks together around the neighborhood and served as relaxing gentle exercise. Mary regularly takes lunch walks with friend who work/ live in Oliver, so hopes to pull ahead of Andrew soon. Marches and protests also double as excellent Pokemon time!

Andrew continues to work hard on the townhouse. Hopefully 2024 will bring more of the 'fun work' with smaller projects more focused on aesthetics and comfort. Now that cats are recognized as the ecoterrorists that they are, Mary and Andrew could not let them roam outside to the river valley to murder birds (or be eaten by coyotes). Andrew constructed a catio on the upper balcony for them to enjoy some sunshine and chitter at birds. With the warm start to winter they still go out daily (though admittedly not always for very long).

Bübi had a chipped canine addressed and we got to experience the joy of a dosed toddler uncoordinatedly moving through the house before going the appointment. Unfortunately, he caught an infection and after was in daily for hydration and care. It worsened and our vet had us take him to the animal hospital for around the clock support. While a scary time, we found joy and laughter from his shaved tummy and drunken hunts for treats in a cone. The hospital stay did the trick and while his kidneys took a little damage, for now he is back to being an energetic goof asking for play and pats.

Esme and Andrew have been very sweet while Mary and Bübi keep having health adventures. They are always quick to offer cuddles or conversation.

Happy Holidays! We hope to see more folks in the New Year. 

Bonus views:

Smoke!

2022 Highlights - Pandemic in Style

Staying home has become more luxurious in some big ways! This year had no exotic getaways, but some big changes. (And Andrew did try downhill skiing for the first time in Fairmont in January.) 

 

In the spring we welcomed Inigo (Bubi, lil man, punk, etc.). Andrew taking a break from waged work was a big boon as kittens have lots of energy! Unfortunately our little tiger has had ongoing health issues, so both of us being home has been helpful.

 

Mary was thrilled to be recruited to a new role in May. She has been enjoying her team at the non-profit and grateful to be working for a decent cause. The switch gave time for a road trip to Kelowna. We hiked in snow to a waterfall, sipped wine overlooking the lake, and hiked some more on a perfect day full of wildflowers in bloom.

vegan calamari - A+

mandatory vacation mini golf

A friend catsat while we were away, but we realized that it would be nice to have a furry friend for Bubi. After a failed foster trial (aggressive, but cute) we successfully welcomed Esme (Esmerelda Weatherwax). She is an excellent companion--loving to cuddle, play, and scream when not given enough attention or food.

 

still learning to share spaces

Summer weekends were busy! We were fortunate that our Jasper camping trip coincided with friends and their kids exploring the park. We shared giggles over the fire and enjoyed a short hike with their family. A fun river float down the Bow and good company reminded us Calgary is alright sometimes. 

 

However, the love of the Oliver neighbourhood is real. When an adjacent town home went up for sale we had to look. Mary fell in love with the river valley views and Andrew fell into labour, becoming a full time renovator extraordinaire, gutting/rebuilding the kitchen and so much more.

Summer excursions included bike rides around the city to get scoops of the best vegan ice cream. It felt appropriate to toast the new home with cones! The balcony views are a treat all on their own.

Mary has maintained her most time-invested hobby: physiotherapy. Receiving, not providing. Injuries of note: a bike lane spinout, a cross-country ski concussion and whiplash, and various inexplicable bruises. Fortunately a new, low(er) impact sport has been identified:

Lawn bowling!

Fun for the whole family

 

The club is located at the Alberta Legislature Grounds, a perfect short weekend stroll away. We've introduced a handful of friends to the sport and are always happy to host the curious. Debate Alumni sweated through a hot summer introduction on the green and will hopefully be lured back (this time with freezies and more cooled drinks).

 

                                               

 

 

 

Andrew is returning to work in the new year at his old company. This luckily means mostly WFH. For now, we have many leftovers to eat and naps to catch up on. Mary's concussion ensures lots of rest and quiet time for this cozy holiday season. It was a simpler Christmas than planned, but ended up perfect with the good company (including a friend who joined for dinner).

 

 

Meowy Christmas!

 

 

Best wishes for a fabulous New Year! We look forward to seeing everyone as the days bring more sunshine.

 

 

2021 Highlights

 Another year in the pandemic has meant another year of wilderness adventures. We have been very lucky to be WFH for the majority of the pandemic, so scheduling trips outside has been important for sanity and to touch grass.

Mum and Bob were able to come join us for one of our trips to Jasper. The Wilcox Pass trail still had snow and we were able to cool off from the heat with snowballs and some butt-bogganing down the heights just hiked.

Before realizing sliding down was more fun

First camping trip to Banff was during a smoky heat wave.
Fortunately there are some good spots to dip into the water and cool off!

Campfire popcorn experiment - success!

The heat waves this summer were intense, especially in a shared office without AC. We booked a few nights in a hotel at the end of June to sleep comfortably. Mary was thrilled that the hotel had a pool and enjoyed getting some private swimming in as she hasn't renewed her gym membership for pool access for safety.

Mary has continued to volunteer at Prairie Urban Farm in the season. It provides good exercise and sunshine as well as delicious fresh produce. The Food Bank has been the winter volunteering location of choice the past couple of years.

Jasper flowers at Edith Cavell meadows

Our big trip this year was to Vancouver and Haida Gwaii. Andrew had not been to Vancouver since he was little, so Mary played tour guide. The mobi bikes (rentals around the city) worked well so all travel was on foot, bike, or transit in true Vancouver style. Cycling around Stanley Park after visiting the aquarium (otter time is always cute) worked up appetites for tasty vegan restaurant fare. Visiting the archeological museum at UBC was a good introduction for some of the history and culture of Haida Gwaii. There were also many sci-fi filming locations nostalgically appreciated!

We took a 4 day tour with Moresby Explorers that we would not hesitate to recommend to anyone who is comfortable with the occasional pee in (very beautiful) forests. Our tour took us to watchmen sites that brought ancient and modern stories to light on the ever changing archipelago. We saw bioluminescent plankton in quiet water reflecting the stars, had an impromptu mycology tour and successful hunt, saw the artwork of totems returning to the earth, and laughed often over excellent meals.

View from our rustic stay at Rose Harbour

Few poles remain standing - these are a
protected UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hot springs island was an important addition after
short wood fire heated showers at Rose Harbour

Urchin and a new poet friend who shared their art in performances by the fire (small world - we share a friend)

In October we moved a whole block. There have been many beautiful sunsets enjoyed and the double balconies will be welcome for summer hosting. While it has been nice to be able to work in different rooms with the extra space, Andrew gave his notice and will be taking some time off to start the New Year. Mary is looking forward to being fed many tasty meals. Andrew has mastered aquafaba meringues and mousse just in time for the holidays.

Merry Christmas! We hope your holidays are safe and cozy and look forward to seeing more people in a less crazy time.

Attenbro's Galapagos

 There are only so many photos one should take or share from vacation... Fortunately we were joined on our adventure by a local expert to reflect upon the scenery. 

Galapagos is known for the odd birds that make the islands their homes. Penguins and frigates abound, but it is the boobies that adorn t-shirts and amass in numbers. 

We also encountered a variety of reptiles happy to sun themselves in the warmth of the equator. They are a ways removed from their mainland kin, snorting salt and swimming or climbing trees for flowers.

While the birds may thrive, it comes with a cost.

These islands are often associated with Darwin's expedition. It has been a long time since adventurers braved volcano heat and extended voyages with minimal fresh water. 

Our predictions for the rest of the year were a bit off. I think this poor fella's training may have to continue for an event in 2021 (2024)?

The Galapagos is highly rated as a destination for elderly couples. They come to the mangroves from around the world. The majesty and beauty of nature. We sailed on the appropriately named 'Beagle' and took pangas to excursions.

While the equator gives lots of sun, ocean currents from the deep ensure that the water is very cold. We still went in for snorkeling at least once a day and often twice. Thank goodness for the buoyancy of salt water and suits to make it easy to swim alongside various critters.

There were sharks, rainbow fish, eels, and corrals. Occasionally playful sea lions would take a break from nap time to cool off in the water as well. The sea turtles were absolutely gorgeous show stoppers every time.

Our last full day on the islands brought excellent luck - a giant dolphin pod! The bell rang on deck and everyone rushed to get into swim suits and onto pangas. Sunscreen was too slow, there were dolphins to see! We'd been fortunate to see a dolphin pod on an earlier day, but we'd been returning from and island so merely motored alongside. This time, we got to swim near as well. We'd drop out, the dolphins would overtake, then we'd get back in the pangas to motor ahead and jump in the water once more. Mary was incredibly fortunate and ended up going a slightly different direction than most. She was on top of multiple mums and babies and estimated 3-4 dozen pass by while she was in the water.

It's hard to be as graceful with fake flippers.

Gratuitous there were lots of photo dump now:

The Beagle's tourists + guide

The Beagle itself

Gardens and Monkeys

Andrew finally caved and bought a hoodie to stave off the morning chill. Which is well, since we took an early-ish train to Arashiyama--a district in western Kyoto nationally designated as a place of scenic beauty! It was only a few degrees that morning but the sun was out and doing its best. Arashiyama is known for temples, its monkey park, and the famous bamboo grove. Once off the train we made a beeline for the grove, as it fills up very quickly with tourists even in the off season.

Found these cuties on the way

These ones too

The walk was about 700m and had a small shrine in the middle. A crew was harvesting some bamboo as well; I hadn't considered that the grove was an active farm before seeing that. After exiting the path we found a small park, and saw our first cherry blossoms! We weren't sure if we would be too early in the season to see them, but this bodes well for the final days of our trip. They are very fragrant; the pink smell more fruity, the white more floral.

Tucked in to the south of the bamboo grove is Tenryū-ji, a 14th century Zen temple that features a beautiful garden. Over the years it grew to incorporate over 150 shrines and subtemples, some of which have survived. The complex was devastated by no fewer than five fires over the centuries, and most of what you see today was reconstructed after the most recent fire during the mid 19th century. The main temple itself--what you're allowed to visit anyway--is fairly empty. Mostly large, open, tatami-floored rooms used for tea ceremonies.

Wood carving of Gautama Buddha

If you're ever in the area, check out the garden but skip the temple (admission is separate). It's open-air and you can see most of what's accessible from the grounds anyway.

After our time in Tenryū-ji we walked south a few blocks and found ourselves at the foot of a small mountain. If you've been following the blog you know what that means! Lucky for us the trail was paved and there happened to be a convenient monkey park partway up, so we stopped there. This protected area houses a troupe of 140 Japanese Macaques, which is larger than one you'd find in the wild. These monkeys live for about thirty years, and are found the farthest north of any primate (with one notable exception writing this post). They've documented and named every macaque living here for as long as the park has been around, which is about forty years! For a paltry 100¥ you can even feed the little rascals peanuts or apples, what's not to love?

Getting all the sun they can

One can only feed them from inside the hut

The monkeys were very docile around humans, even walking up to and around the groups on the observation deck. There was clearly a pecking order between them however, with some larger males chasing off smaller ones from the feeding area. Babies weren't safe either, and we had to hand bites of apple directly to the small ones to avoid them having it stolen. For example, check out this clip.