Christmas and New Years Round Up

Sorry I haven’t updated this in sometime.

Christmas Eve Russ and I spent the evening with Andrea and Alix at their place to have a great dinner. Alix has always been a fantastic cook and her sweet corn pudding was delicious! MMM mmm MMM.

After dinner, Andrea turned on her Wii and we all worked off some much needed calories. .This was my first time playing Wii and I have to say it was fun, graphics are “cute” and “cartoonish” but I guess that is what makes it fun.

Christmas morning I opened up my presents to some great stuff Russ had gotten me, shirt, tie, cuff-links as well as some cologne I’ve been wanting.

We got dressed and headed up to Theresa’s for Christmas morning breakfast. Theresa is another amazing cook and she made some great fruit salad, homemade cinnamon buns and some hot coco with Baileys. MMM.

Later on we had Russ’ mother over for our traditional turkey dinner and had a great time.

My sister, mother, and niece Samantha flew in from Toronto over the weekend and we spent time shopping, and baking my pan dulce again, which I have to admit I’m getting better at. 

New Years Eve was spent at Andrea and Alix’s again with Theresa, Mike and another couple who I hate to say I’ve forgotten their names. We played Wii again and had fun playing golf, tennis, and bowling. Great fun.

New Years day was a day of shopping and finally relaxing.

This holiday has been fantastic, with spending time with friends and family.

Thanks to everyone who has made this past year so wonderful and special, and thanks to all who have been apart of my life for many many years!!!

Happy Birthday Gladys

I want to wish my oldest sister a fantastic and wonderful birthday.

I haven't been there for her birthday in over 6 years and I wanted to let her know that her baby brother misses her and wishes the most wonderful birthday!!

Love you always.

Parent's Visit So Far

Well I think my parents are enjoying their time here in Vancouver so far.

After picking them up at the Airport on Friday night (flight was delayed 20 minutes), we drove home and had a fun little chat and ate some bbq chicken I cooked on the bbq.

On Saturday, we woke up had some breakfast at home. Russ went down to the local coffee shop and picked up some yummy treats which we all indulged in. We packed the extras up with some fruits and headed into Whistler. We of course first stopped off at Shannon Falls where we took a couple of photos until my camera died. Luckily I had the charger in the car and managed to charge it on the rest of the way up to Whistler.

It was a nice drive, Russ and myself have been enjoying it lately and I thought they would as well. They were impressed with the mountains and the great weather that was happening. Granted I had to close the sunroof and put the air conditioner on as my mother doesn't like wind in the car (it's all about the hair).

We had a good fun filled time in Whistler and then headed home. Russ ended up staying behind on this trip.

On Sunday we headed into Fort Langely and walked around abit. I was surprised to see the interest in antiques my father has. Russ and him where getting along great in that department.

After a few hours there, we headed into White Rock, but didn't realize that there was a festival going on. We couldn't park anywhere it was a horrible drive through the town. On that note we stopped by for a pizza, which I thought was over priced at $22 for a peperoni pizza, but enjoyed it.

On Monday we went to Granville Island and took the water taxi over (or put-put as we like to call it here). We had fun going through the market and then headed back home. We then later headed to the mall so my mother could buy Samantha, Steven and Justin their "back to school bags". So do you guys fear, your bags are coming :) We all later went and ate at Poncho's one of favourite Mexican Restaurants in the city and one my mother has been to before.

As for today, I'm back at work and the weather has turned worse. No more sunshine today, just drizzly rain. As such my mom is cleaning the condo (hey I didn't force her, but it gives her something to do), my dad is going to make some stew which will warm up our bones.

Oh and mom and dad are enjoying Junior and he is having a blast with them.

I'm glad they are here and you don't realize how much you miss them until you see them.

Parent's Up Coming Visit

My parents are coming to visit me this coming weekend for a full week. I haven't seen them for almost 2 years and it will be nice to see them again. Of course they will be staying with Russ and I, and it will be a slight challenge to fit 2 more grown ups in this small 584 sq ft condo. I hope they don't mind the cramp quarters when they are here.

I don't know what we will be doing during the full week they are here. My plan is to at least get them up to Whistler the weekend they are here. I'm sure they will enjoy it, especially the wonderful drive up to resort town. Afterall Russ and myself have travelled that route lately this summer on our quest for a close camping site.

It will be a busy time at work next week as well so I hope I won't have to stay late on any of the days and get them out and around. I hope they won't be too bored and it will be great to have them visit.

Looking forward to seeing you Mom and Dad!

Doggie Makeover Madness

It's been awhile since I blogged about Junior and I thought I would do this today.

This weekend Junior went in for his very first dog grooming. I was of course complete scared about it. I've heard horror stories of what some dog groomers have done, either to the dog themselves or just claiming the dog was worse or required more than is necessary.

Well to keep a long story short, I was proven wrong with Davie Groomers. They were awesome to deal with. They answered all my questions and were very understanding as this was Junior's first grooming.

We dropped off Junior at 9:30 am in the morning and by 11:30am they had called me to let me know he was ready to be picked up. Being just around the corner when they called, I rushed over to get a good look at the new Junior. All I have to say is WOW! Davie Groomers did an awesome job! Junior is now looking like a miniature Schnauzer.

I have the images of his before and after shot here or on my flickr (link) page.

Happy Birthday Amanda

Happy Birthday Amanda!!!

WOW, it's very hard to believe that 28 years (OOPS 27 years) ago you were born. I of course was only 11 years old at the time and because of your birth, everyone made fun of me by calling me "Uncle Gus". Boy I hated that :) But you never called me Uncle Gus, which was was always nice! :)

Now that the years of changed, I don't mind being called Uncle and it's always nice that you will always have an Uncle that is close to your age. :)

Hope you have the best of birthdays!!!

Love,
Uncle Gus!

EDIT- OK SO I screwed up, you are 27 years old!!!

Happy Mother's Day

Today is a very special day for mom's out there. I have to send a very big wish to my mother back in Woodbridge, Ontario a BIG and HAPPY Mother's Day!!! Though I can't be there in person you will be in my heart all day. I know I probably wasn't easy to raise when I was a child and we've had our moments, but the end results speaks for itself.

I have to give other best wishes to both my sisters, (Gladys and Maria) who are both mothers and have done an amazing job of raising their children. I'm sure it hasn't been easy, but I'm sure you both have enjoyed the end results.

Last, but not least, a special wish also goes out to Russ' mother on this day. She hasn't been in the best health these days and everyday is more precious than the next for Russ. We will see her for dinner tonight.

Big HUGs to all of them!

Steven's Communion

This past Sunday was my Nephew and God Child Steven's First Communion.

Now for all those catholics out there, this is a big deal. This is where you have the Eucharist for the first time (represents the body of Jesus, similar to when He broke bread and gave it to His Apostles).

As I couldn't be there for this family occasion I hope everyone had a good time.

Don't worry Steven, your card is in the mail. Your mother can explain why there as a delay...UGH!

Damn Those Mites and Other Fun Bits

I took Junior to the vet on Saturday to get his booster shots (2nd shots, one more to go) and during the examination we found out that Junior has ear mites. The symptoms have been there for a few days now, he scratches his ears alot, shakes his head. So now I have to give my lovely boy some ear drops once a day for the next 2 weeks. He's pretty good at taking them actually, he seems to know that this is going to help him in the long run.

I also went out to dinner with Andrea and Theresa on Saturday night to the Atlantic Trap and Grill. This is a bar with very "East Coast" feel, alot of music, alot of drinking and alot of partying. They usually have bands playing on Thursday and Saturday nights and you can check out their April Calendar on the following link. We had some good grub and I stayed to watch a bit of the band (Pearl Jim) who I would categorize as a fusion jazz/funk/celtic band.

Also on Saturday and Sunday Russ and I started our spring clean frenzy. We tackled the deck and started removing all the dead plants and just some general cleaning. We bought some new planters that stand 3 feet high and had a hell of a time trying to figure out if we should just add soil to part of the container or the whole thing. We ended up just adding gravel to 1/3 of it and then dirt to the rest. Now with such a small deck (8x8) I was thinking it wouldn't take so long, but it is still not finished and I still need to remove some plants from the window boxes and decided what plants to put there this season. Boy I've become a gardener, but not like many, I do not find it relaxing at all! I enjoy the finish product and don't like the journey to it. But that is just me. :)

Mom's Surgery

Today my mom is going through an Angioplasty [wiki]. Though this procedure is fairly regular and few risks, one has to remember that is a heart procedure none-the-less.

My prayers are with my mom as she goes through this procedure and I know the recovery will take sometime.

This wonderful Youtube.com video shows the procedure. My sister Maria tells me it will only take about an hour and then they will observer her for 4 hours afterwards.




UPDATE: Looks like she won't be going through this procedure after all. The doctors have told my mom that upon reviewing the case, it will probably do more harm than good. She has to go through a stress test and see. There some blockage in her artery but they say it doesn't suffice to do this procedure as they can probably treat it with medication. PHEW!

Happy Birthday Dad

Yet again I have a birthday greeting to send out. Not just any birthday greeting, but this one is for my Dad.

So Dad, if you are reading this, Feliz Compleano!!!

Spend it well and don't overwork. Surround yourself with family and enjoy the grandkids!!!

Ok I've said it all.

:)

Happy Birthday Ernie

OH MY GAWD...OK the birthdays keep coming and coming.

Happy Birthday to my niece's husband Ernie. (Sorry I'm getting old and I don't have a "Blackberry" (hint hint) to keep things on track)

Hope you have a fantastic birthday and enjoy yourself today.

Love
Your Uncle-in-Law

Happy Birthday to my Sister Maria!

Well today my lovely sister turns the big 4-0.

I remember fighting with her on the couch when we were little, kicking each other, slapping each other, throwing things at each other and just plain yelling at each other. Ahhh the good old days. Now we are more civial to each other. Hmmm do you think it's age related?

I do miss not seeing her as often or talking with her as often. So to my baby sister (even though you are the middle child) I wish you all the best on your 40th birthday!!!

With big hugz and kisses!
Your Brother!

Happy Birthday Danny and Gwen

WOW two more birthday wishes to send out today.

First, Happy Birthday Danny. Danny is married to my sister Maria. Hope you have a fantastic day and don't party too much at the Pub.

Secondly, Happy Birthday Gwen. Gwen is Russ' mother and is celebrating her 80th birthday today! I'll be seeing her later today and will give her all my best!

And folks the birthdays will continue, I have 2 more in the next couple of weeks so keep an eye out!

Happy Birthday Samantha

I was told my lovely Niece that today was her birthday!

I have been occupied with work and Junior so my days have been all screwy. Not to mention being on the other side of the country doesn't help things.

So to my LOVELY NIECE Samantha, HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY!!! (WOOHOO bells, whistles, horns, confetti)

And now you don't have to scowl me anymore. :)

Have a great one!!! Miss you lots!

Love Uncle Gus

Happy Birthday Adrian

Today is my eldest nephew Adrian's birthday.

On behave of his FAVOURITE uncle in the world, hope you have a fantastic 21st birthday.

Now you are legal to party anywhere in the world, just make sure you do so responsibly.

All the best to you on this day. (sorry I don't have more recent picture of you)

Love your Uncle!

We are all Adjusting

Well it is now a week that Junior has joined our little "clan" and the adjustment is coming along fine for all of us involved. I definitely forgot how demanding it is to have a puppy around. You have to constantly keep an eye out on him so he doesn't do "his business" and you have to make sure as he investigates his surroundings he doesn't get into any area that he is not suppose to be.

Junior also had his first vet visit with me on Saturday. I was surprised to find out that Junior isn't as young as we thought he was. By the vet's assessment, Junior is more like 4 - 5 months old as he is already getting his adult teeth. This was alittle shocking as I thought I was getting an 8 week old puppy. Not that this really matters as he is so LOVED now it would be heartbreaking to have him "exchanged".

The good news with this all is that he is in great health, didn't whimper at all when the vet gave him one of his shots. Also this now allows us to be alittle more "aggressive" in our potty training.

I've decided to use the Crate Method as it is more beneficial to all parties involved. Basically he is in his crate at night, or when we need to be away from the house. This will allow him to get use to not going potty where he sleeps. Upon letting him out of the crate (his "room") we immediately take him outside. He has been doing great these past couple of days on this method, only 2 accidents.

I'll try to post about other things, but for right now, it's fun being a "parent" even if it is to a puppy.

Meet Junior

After a world wind trip on Saturday and returning Sunday from Vernon British Columbia, I am proud to introduce Junior to the world. Junior is a black and white (though kinda brownish) miniature schnauzer pup. He is 8 weeks old and adjusting very well to his new life in the big city of Vancouver.

I'm sure there will be some challenges ahead, but he's just so cute!!!

EDIT: Another recent photo, better quality

Parental Urge

For all those who know me, they know that I have been wanting a dog for a few years now. I haven't gotten one for a few reasons.

1 - Russ had a gorgeous cat named Chelsea and I didn't think it would be fair to intrude in her space,
2 - I have been busy with work and didn't think I could manage my time
3 - I just didn't have the cash.

Lately all 3 reasons have been put aside, we no longer have Chelsea (link), I have been able to manage my work time and commitments, and lastly cash flow has been great.

I have been making a few calls to some breeders lately and I am getting closer than ever to have a new 4 legged family memeber. I'm definately eyeing a Miniture Schnauzer and hopefully within the next 3 months or so I will be able to introduce him/her to the world.

The Ivy Bridge

So my sister Maria and her husband Dan have entered the world of pub owners. They are now part owners of The Ivy Bridge in Brampton Ontario.

I know it has been a long process, but they finally have it open and doing fairly well. So if you are in the Brampton area, stop by and say hello! You never know who you might run into there, a judge, a police chief or just a very nice person behind the bar.

All the best on the venture sister dear!!!

More photos can be seen on my Flickr page