Rememberance Day Service West Vancouver

Lest we forget...  Sunday, November 11, 2012.  Every year we troop down to the Memorial Service at the Cenotaph, across from the West Vancouver Library, located at 20th and Marine Drive.  This service is to pay tribute to the men and women who have layed down their lives for the safeguarding of freedom and democracy. This is a very touching ceremony that always brings a lump to my throat.  Rain or shine, the Memorial Day Parade is well attended, so make sure you get there early.

The parade begins at 10:45am followed by the service at 11am at the Memorial Arch.  After the ceremony, refreshments are served in the library.  Brush up on your Vera Lynn, as there is usually a sing-song as well.  I hope you "pack up your troubles", and join the community at the Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Salmon Fishing at Ambleside, West Vancouver

While walking my dog along the doggie walk at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver in August, I witnessed a seal catch and devour a huge salmon.  This was quite a sight.  The seal basically grabs the salmon in their mouth, then crash down on the water to stun and kill the fish. The seal does this several times.  Once he has the salmon under control, he rips the salmon apart and eats it.  It's a little gorey to watch, but much like a train wreck, hard to look away.

Here are some photos of this seal grabbing some sushi for dinner.  This happened where the Capilano River meets the ocean.  The salmon running in this area are Coho and Chinook.  It's hard to tell by the photos, but this salmon was huge, and must have taken a lot of strength to harness, as it was basically thrashing away for its life. 

What more can I say?  Seal - 1, Salmon - 0.  Hey, a seal's gotta eat, too! 

Remembrance Day - November 11, 2011 - Don't Forget!

Here's a reminder about the various services being held on Remembrance Day in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.  Remembrance Day is a service in honour of our Veterans and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. This is an annual community event, all members of the public welcome.  This is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers, celebrate the gift of freedom, listen to the words of the poem, In Flanders Fields, give 2 minutes silence, and gather with friends and family of the community. 

I have a special connection with Remembrance Day, as my grandfather fought in Gallipoli during the Great War, as part of the Royal Navy, and my father manned a mine sweeper during World War II, also with the Royal Navy. 

North Vancouver:

Remembrance Day Service & Parade
11:00 am Victoria Park Cenotaph - Keith at Lonsdale Ave. 2nd largest in Canada.

Please gather at 10:30am.
Following the service a parade will march off north on Lonsdale Avenue.

West Vancouver:

This service is in honour of our Veterans and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. This is an annual community event, all members of the public welcome.

Time: 10:50 am - 12:00 pm
Place: Parade leaves 18th Street and Marine Drive at 10:50am; Service at the Memorial Arch 11:00 am, just outside the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

LEST WE FORGET...

Digby, the Amazing Diving Ducktoller

Here is my entry for the Active Rain VBloggers' Talent Contest.  Ok, I'm not really the talent here, but I'm showcasing my dog's talent.  I may have had a hand in encouraging my dog, but really, he's the one doing all the work.  Yes, I have a diving dog.  Actually, Digby is a Nova Scotia Ducktolling Retriever, or "Ducktoller" for short.  They were bred to go hunting for ducks with the hunters.  The hunter would hide in the tall grass, and the Ducktoller would dance along the shore.  This "attracted" or "tolled" the ducks to shore.  Once in good range, the hunter would shoot the ducks.  The dog would then swim out and retrieve the ducks. 

As you can see, Digby was born loving the water.  When he was a puppy, a labrador played with some rocks in the river.  Digby observed this, and tried to emulate the other dog's behaviour.  Eventually, he took things a step further, and would plunge his nose into the water.  Digby is now 11 years old, and has taken rock diving to a whole new level.  I hope you enjoy the attached video. 

JUST CHILLAX'IN - CAFFE ARTIGIANO - WEST VANCOUVER

Having a laid back day today.  The past few days have been very hectic, so today, I decided to declare a day off!  The sun is shining and Spring is in the air.  After taking the dog for a nice long walk along the seawall at Ambleside Beach, my daughter and I walked over to Caffe Artigiano, sat outside, and savoured a delicious, creamy, Italian-style latte. 

Caffe A. is noted for their wonderful latte art, and have won many competitions.  If you're looking for a coffee that will keep you revving throughout the day, this is the caffe for you.  The orange-pecan biscotti chaser was delicious, too.  Life doesn't get much better than this.  Sometimes you just have to take time out, stop and smell the coffee.

House for Sale in Ambleside, West Vancouver, BC

SOLD - over asking

$1,698,000

Captivating ocean & city views from this special character house in Ambleside, West Vancouver, BC.

Spacious charming rooms with the warmth and endearing qualities of classic finishing.

Master bedroom with peaceful mountain views. Bright & sunny beautifully landscaped lot. Double car garage with lane access.

On a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Ambleside, one of West Vancouver's most desirable locations. Close to schools & shopping.

Features

* Heated floors in upstairs & basement bathrooms
* Wood burning fireplace in the living room
* Zoned heating for efficient & comfortable heat control
* 2 car garage with lane access
* Gas fireplace in the study
* Sprinkler system
* Security system

Amenities

* Only a few houses from Hay Park
* Close to Schools, Public/French Immersion
* Close to shopping & public transit
* Close to community centre


Listing #V885692
Provided By Macdonald Realty Ltd.

Jeffrey Sefton
Macdonald Realty Ltd.
604-263-1911
jeffrey@sefton.ca |www.sefton.ca

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