About Me

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Delta, British Columbia, Canada
I took very early retirement from teaching in '06 and did some traveling in Europe and the UK before settling down to do some private tutoring. As a voracious reader, I have many books waiting in line for me to read. Tell me I shouldn't read something, and I will. I'm a happy, optimistic person and I love to travel and through that believe that life can be a continuous learning experience. I'm looking forward to traveling more some day. I enjoy walking, cycling, water aerobics & and sports like tennis, volleyball, and fastpitch/baseball. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby and I'm enjoying learning all the bits and bobs of my digital camera. My family is everything to me and I'm delighted to be the mother of two girls and the Gramma of a boy and a girl. I may be a Gramma, but I'm at heart just a girl who wants to have fun.

Friday, May 14, 2010

R is for Rest and Relaxation

Click on the photos to "embiggen."
Friday was restful. After all we've been going through lately, we decided to go somewhere near the water with our books, buy some fish 'n chips and diet Coke, and relax in the warmth of a magnificent May day. Our drive took us to Garry Point, in the nearby village of Steveston just across the river where the mighty Fraser River empties into the Strait of Georgia's salt water.
First up was lunch at Pajo's...if you've never had their fish 'n chips, it's a must! Later on, I traipsed back for frozen yogurt mixed with fresh fruit - blackberries for Lorne and peaches for me. Another must!

We settled into our fold-up chairs facing the sun and the water and as Lorne settled in for a good read, I picked up my camera to see what I could see. Children playing near the edge of the water, older people relaxing at picnic tables or on benches looking out at the various types of boats that went by - whale watchers, car freighters, pilot boats, tugboats and sailboats.















After reading for a while myself, I decided to go for a stroll over to the Japanese gardens. Steveston is well known for being a fishing village, especially known for its salmon cannery. And Japanese Canadians formed a large part of the population of the village until WWII when they were shipped out and interred in the interior of the province. From the garden commemorating those Japanese Canadians, I found a few great vantage points for some photos.




































From the Japanese gardens, I meandered down to the point where stands a memorial for fishermen who have been lost at sea. I'd been there before, but just to admire the view. This time, I actually looked at the memorial and was amazed at the incredible visions!




































I leisurely strolled back to our little peace of paradise, and on the way, managed to capture a candid shot of Lorne looking relaxed (albeit a big haggard) as he absorbed the warm sun rays while reading his latest find. And I'll leave you with my favourite shot of the day, a contrast to my "old man," this little boy who was enjoying tossing a stick into the water and waiting patiently for it to return so he could throw it out again. Ah, the gentle joys of childhood and a day of rest and relaxation.











17 comments:

Trubes said...

What lovely writing Leslie and such fitting pictures.
We go to a place in North Wales called Anglesey, which is a small Island. There is alovely little seaside village called Rosnneiger. It has a fab fish n Chip Cafe, run by an Italian family, so, we settle ourselves on the beach and DT goes uup there to get our lunch whilst, I set up our fold up table.
A bottle of chilled Pino Grigio, to wash it down...deliceux...
There is a RAF Air Sea recue base across the bay so they carry out exercises over the beach ......and ...
Guess What?
Prince William is stationed there! So, we shall probably see him, hopefully, next time we visit!

Love n hugs to you both,
Di.xx

Chris said...

Sounds idylic and your photos are so good, The memorial had the most amazing pictures. Isn't strange how we sometimes go places but miss thinghs then find them when we look more closely.
Fish 'n chips perfect for a seaside visit. My home town in Wales has the wonderful fish 'n chips and italian ice-cream!
Lovely post Lesley
Chris x

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

So happy for you both, that you could go and relax in the sun! Wonderful photos, and a great place to visit. :-)

Shrinky said...

It looks idyllic, Leslie, and a very well earned break for the pair of you to enjoy a little respite and tranquility. A beautiful post, hon, just like it's author (hugs).

nancygrayce said...

Beautiful...just the place to rest and relax! I hope things will go well in the days to come. When does L start treatment?

Sylvia K said...

What a lovely place and how wonderful for you both to get away and relax after all you've been through recently! I'm so happy for you! Love your photos and it does indeed look like a wonderful, relaxing day! Hugs to you both!

Sylvia

Carol said...

You took some great photos, Leslie. I enjoyed the stroll with you. Sitting on the beach with a book sounds wonderful to me!

Tumblewords: said...

A lovely place for R & R, and surely you're deserving of that!

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

or some reason, I feel ready for a nap or some sort of respite! I love the detailed metal work images.

Kim, USA said...

Great shots. And it looks like the place is peaceful and serene. Happy Wednesday!

ABC Wednesday

photowannabe said...

So happy you took some time for a well deserved rest and some relaxation. I think its just what the doctor ordered. Its what both of you need more of. Great post Leslie.

ChrisJ said...

Lots of interesting photos here -- especially on the monument or whatever it was.

Hildred said...

What a nice post, Leslie, - and good that you had this day of Rest and Relaxation. You caught a great picture of Lorne, reading under the trees.

Roger Owen Green said...

Boy, these obscure pop songs are REALLY stuck in the brain - Relax by Frankie goes to Hollywood.

Anyway, I hope you and yours are well-RESTED.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Mara said...

What a great way to spend an afternoon. Very relaxing indeed!

Vicki said...

Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for sharing!

Beverley Baird said...

What a lovely spot. Gorgeous photos of a much needed relaxing day! Glad you had that in the whirlwind of all you have been going through.