My family is spread over the world!

IIt occurs to me that although the world is a big place, in many ways it is much smaller than it was when I was young! 

My daughter is in Istanbul, my eldest son on his way to travel in Europe.  He just back from Vancouver and Ottawa and the youngest son getting ready to do a wee road trip to Vancouver for a couple of days.  A month ago I was in Greece.  A trip of a lifetime.  A wonderful homage to being comfortable with one's self. A journey in so many ways.

Greece was fantastic!  Athens for two days.  Mykonos with a side trip to the mystical island of Delos. Then beach days on Naxos.  Santorini and climbing the volcano island.  Exploring Rhodes and then Istanbul to meet up with the girls!  Wow!

So many special moments and memories.  Athens:  the first view of the Acropolis, the Happy Train and drifting off to sleep.  Trying to figure out the first ferry ride.  So many ruins.
Mykonos:  The cobbled alley streets.  My little 'apartment' and its view and cute red balcony.  The sunsets. The little fishing boats bobbing in the harbour.  Petros.  So many stores. 
Delos:  Oh magical windswept and barren.  Such history.  Marble and mosaics.  Shrimp nibbles on my feet.
Naxos: Beach days. Bruchetta ala Grec.  Meltemeri restaurant.  Kastro.  Hidden alleys.  Moon over the monastery.  Motorcycles.
Santorini:  Caldera, stairs and views views views.  Volcano trek and 3 wonderful Toronto women! Cats. Crowds and boats. Late night ferry.
Rhodes:  Walled city of surprises.  Gardens and churches, mosques and clock towers.  Palaces and cannon ball Courtyards.  A huge harbour.  Labryinthe like alleys and streets.  Mango Hotel and the Mango Special. 
Istanbul:  Steph & Stef. The bombshelter and university.  Blue Mosque and Agia Sofia.  Internet cafe's and zee beeg Amerikan Mall.  Nay nay.  Giggles, boat rides and lots of fun! 

I have over 1200 pictures!  Yay.  I cannot wait to go back and explore some more.

How perfect - Music and thoughts

Sitting overlooking the meanderings of Peachfest goers.  Their voices carry up to my condo balcony and they sound much like the Sims City program people!  So I sip my wine, and breath the cooling air.  My IPhone is playing Stan Getz's Desafinado (a welcome throwback to my early teen age years, I can almost see me dad sitting here too)  It was a very hot day in the Okanagan. I went to a friend's 40th birthday get together and enjoyed the company of others, the sun on my arms and face, feet in the pool and a little 2 year old running around reminding me of how fast time has passed (my little girl just turned 21 - how did that happen?!)

We have purchased this condo on the waterfront, but do not yet live here. We visit on the weekends and it is a wonderful little escape that is only minutes from the Dollhouse we live in.  We will move here one day, yet to be determined when that will be.  But when we do it will be good bye to the raking of leaves, the shovelling of snow and the general up keep of a 80 year old home!

He isn't home yet.  On his way back, but that was over an hour ago, so I guess it is the long road home (the Parrot is across the street...) Oh well, I am enjoying my music, wine and thoughts.

Talked to my young friend and she is missing me and I am strangely missing her.  She is the human equivalent of a labrador puppy (and would kill me if she saw this!)  But she is a whole lot of joy wrapped up in drama and her overhwelming need to be petted, loved and heard.  Absurd at times, amazingly funny and so over the top loving, you cannot help but fall into her web and smile.  I shall see her on the September long weekend. And it will be WONDERFUL.

John Lennon's #9 Dream is playing now.  The candles on the table flicker as I type, their glowing red columns becoming more translucent as the night scurries along.  Lights dot the mountains across the lake, looking like small little fires.   Blackberry wine 2010 from Elephant Island - it is a sip of yummy summer - all berry and makes me think of grass and sun and bees buzzing under a limpid cherry tree drooping from the scorching sun. Yum.  If you ever get the chance, go visit Elephant Island in Naramanta BC.  It is a beautiful little gem hidden amongst the orchard.  The wine isn't sweet , it is heaven!

Tom Cochrane's acoustic version of White Hot.  The guitar just pleases me.  I am really very easy to please.  The kindness of a driver letting me merge.  Have I mentioned this fabulous wine?  When my youngest says something pleasant.  The Okanagan.  My pink toes.  Coffee in the morning.  The world is full of small greatnesses, you just have to notice them.

To end:  Jason Mraz: Sunshine Song!
Love peace and hugs!