tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68763115886512948592012-01-27T14:00:29.702-08:00Living, Learning And Bashing Through The Madness!Alliumnoreply@blogger.comBlogger381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-10225480488973051062008-11-28T20:26:00.000-08:002008-11-28T21:34:34.663-08:00

It warmed my heart today to walk into the Thirsty Camel downtown, for a quick lunch before a haircut and library trip, and be told by Ilan that he was refusing to take money today because it was Buy Nothing Day. In an effort to further awareness of the absurd over-consumptive nature of our society, Ilan suggested a trade for food today. He simply asked that you offer something of equal personal

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-74503954073048073682008-11-17T18:17:00.000-08:002008-11-17T19:27:26.896-08:00

I like to read- a lot. I was thinking about making a post last week about books I've been enjoying this month. I was thinking about it again yesterday noticing how perfect the day was to stay in a read with it's gloomy fog.This month I've read:The Order of Good Cheer by Bill GastonWow. I really enjoyed this book. The author lives here on Vancouver Island and the book takes place in both 

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-61660210552336238382008-11-16T18:07:00.000-08:002008-11-17T19:26:06.556-08:00

Larry GamboneNovember 16, 2008 at 11:50 am ·I will be interested to read your alternative to a ward system, Ann. But I think we have to realize that “at large” is a deliberate rigging of the electoral system to favor the more privileged section of the population. Vancouver used to have a ward system, but it was abolished in the late 1930’s when it looked like the CCF could take city hall, since

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-76789957055850659762008-11-15T21:32:00.000-08:002008-11-16T11:05:26.132-08:00

Congrats to the successful candidates in the 2008 Nanaimo Civic Election. Specific congrats to Fred Pattje! I have to say that I'm pretty let down. A lot of the results lead me to believe that not many voters were making informed choices. I mean, come on, Angela Negrin getting as many votes as she did must have more to do with irritation towards Gary Korpan. Sure, his lawsuit against her is

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-25831464036798613952008-11-12T15:21:00.000-08:002008-11-13T17:39:35.256-08:00

Go Nanaimo Blog has put for a list of candidates that he would endorses as worthwhile.Vote for Change in NanaimoNanaimo is at a crossroads. The old city council has dug us into a hole by borrowing tens of millions of dollars to build the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, aka Port of Nanaimo Centre, without the necessary hotel. Some current council members, especially Korpan, Bestwick, Manhas,

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-47191502322677317822008-11-05T20:44:00.000-08:002008-11-05T21:47:54.581-08:00

  You just can't make this stuff up. I just had to share after I read some of these posts. Hotel deal alive or deadJames YoungerMy feeling is it would not matter much who was to building it. [dangling] Can it be built? [tidy paragraph]With the current financial crisis and other concerns. [not compete sentence] A hotel is needed to make the convention center [centre] work, I think that is a

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-34897305508912165812008-10-28T21:53:00.000-07:002008-10-29T18:13:28.758-07:00

James Younger is clearly an unintelligent, uneducated, low functioning twit. It would appear that his only real cause, and therefore the only topic that he has devoted any "intellectual" time to, would be the very narrow spectrum of municipal issues that would confront him on a trip to the corner store. In plain speak, the only things that really bother him are those that get between him and his

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-33078004107941836102008-10-16T11:53:00.000-07:002008-10-16T11:55:02.538-07:00

We don't eat out often but there are a few restaurants in town we like to patronise. It would be impossible to mention eating out in Nanaimo without mentioning the fabulous Thirsty Camel downtown. The Thirsty Camel however is not to subject of today's posting. I wanted to write about Amrikko's Indian Grill located in Departure Bay.Buying a meal from Amrikko's always leaves me uneasy and yet I

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-2905330471447946582008-10-08T18:07:00.000-07:002008-10-14T17:01:47.008-07:00

I hope everyone eligible to vote will get out there tomorrow and cast your ballots in the Federal election!I'm making turkey supper tonight. I'm making entirely too much and am considering seeing if anyone doesn't have plans tonight to come over and help us eat this feast! Who doesn't have plans though?I'm making my turkey Elton Brown style starting first with brining it overnight. For the brine

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-61078576325791049492008-10-08T15:25:00.000-07:002008-10-08T18:21:59.142-07:00

I'm really interested in what's going to happen with the Federal election next week. I haven't posted all that I wanted to with my various thoughts throughout the campaigning but I thought I would share some of my somewhat random thoughts in the few minutes I have free here.NDP. I read a few blogs that are obvious NDP supporters. I always read with interest despite the fact that I would never

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-48017714600282970502008-10-07T22:48:00.000-07:002008-10-07T22:59:53.543-07:00

This happened this last weekend but I thought it was worth forwarding for others who haven't heard yet...Wilderness News, Oct.4, 2008Cathedral Grove being logged by Island Timberlands! Speak up!Yesterday, logging began by Island Timberlands in Canada's most famous old-growth forest, Cathedral Grove, near Port Alberni. Millions of tourists from around the world have visited Cathedral Grove within

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-8241362443118894952008-09-23T18:37:00.000-07:002008-10-29T11:32:09.664-07:00

It's a busy week this week so I won't be blogging much. My husband is currently out of town for a two week fund raising for cancer event all over the island and my grandfather is in the hospital again and really unwell. I'm finding little time being a single parent to my two kids and much too distracted with worry for my grandfather so I'll be back soon!I've been really enjoying reading Gord's

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-57817826593492196552008-09-16T20:27:00.000-07:002008-10-29T11:32:39.454-07:00

I know it's a bit early for the upcoming civic elections but I'm finding it difficult to discover what exactly candidates running are hoping to accomplish when and if they are elected. I've been to a few websites like Fred Pattje and Pat Squire and while their sites are professional looking (even with the classic token pictures of each chatting up seniors) they offer no real insight into their

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-79136783701813423052008-09-14T17:18:00.000-07:002008-09-14T17:27:49.121-07:00

It was the Gabriola Fall Fair yesterday. Anyone else go? It was a beautiful day. Perfectly sunny yet cool enough that the walk uphill from the ferry terminal to the Commons was lovely. I did sadly get a really bad sunburn on my shoulders though.There was so much to see. I was impressed with the HUGE garden protected behind a deer proof fence. There was music being played as well as highland

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-78159424524510011912008-09-11T20:04:00.000-07:002008-10-29T11:33:02.610-07:00

Further to my post about South End Representation and Gordon Fuller's running for city council I was in touch with Gord today. He was kind enough to email me some information about himself to facilitate anyone looking online in getting to know who he is and what he can offer the City of Nanaimo. I replied to him with the sentiment I share now: I think he would be an asset to the City of Nanaimo

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-74108655280859403362008-09-07T13:15:00.001-07:002008-09-07T21:48:42.915-07:00

We were walking downtown today to watch the finish line of the half marathon. My husband had been volunteering earlier in the course and we wanted to cheer on a few friends we knew running. I couldn't believe all that was set up at the end of the race. I've seen these tent contraptions where runners could cool themselves off before where the tent is strung with small hoses spraying mist.

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-62149064720589617512008-09-06T13:00:00.001-07:002008-10-29T11:33:20.190-07:00

I saw in the paper today that Gordon Fuller is going to run for Nanaimo city council. While I'm glad to see an article about him, for gawd sakes could then not use a better picture? I'll save the rant on the dodgy editorialising by the local newspaper for another day. Go Nanaimo Blog also makes mention of Gordon here (with a normal photograph of him even). I wish there was more about Gordon

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-57299080813127903162008-09-05T10:43:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:14:11.476-07:00

I noticed the South End Community Association now has a blog of their own. http://seca1.wordpress.com/ This will be a good opportunity to stay up on what's going on in the South End. I see that they already have a number of good articles about the South End being split into different ridings for Provincial elections and updates on Deverille Park. It's worth a look.

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-42021582870826939872008-09-05T09:45:00.000-07:002008-09-06T18:13:54.704-07:00

I decided to take on the challenge that Dilling accepted recently here to post a photo of her night stand without cleaning or tidying it first. Thanks to CindyDianne for the challenge.First off, I'm a little disgusted at the dust on and under my night stand. I'm going to tidy that up today!So here it is. Mid-century modern in style. Like Dilling, I use a battery operated clock. Leftover from my

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-90803694643397543792008-09-03T19:35:00.000-07:002008-09-03T19:54:44.696-07:00

This is one of my favourite hearty soups to make. I've tweaked the recipe my dad shared with me years ago. I've never been that good at following recipes anyway. I had this for supper tonight!It might seem strange to cook these vegetables with peanut butter and curry but I assure you it's a wonderful blend.In a large pot pour a large splash of tamari and some water (maybe a few tbsp each). Add 1

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-13315429034254729932008-07-28T08:46:00.000-07:002008-07-28T08:53:27.508-07:00

I find it so terribly ironic that I'm out of town and missing my namesake's event. I'm in Vancouver for the time being and am very much looking forward to getting home and sleeping in my own bed again. Visiting with family can be a tiring obligation. Looking forward to catching up on blogs and blogging myself when I return!

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-64532849467939944852008-07-12T09:51:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:14:43.174-07:00

As you probably read in the paper today the Island Corridor Society is looking to increase support in renewing and enhancing the train corridor on Vancouver Island.I've written before in support for rail travel here. I wholeheartedly believe in the logic behind developing affordable and extensive train services on Vancouver Island, all over BC and across Canada. I was excited to read about what

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-48430837383774225792008-07-10T12:58:00.000-07:002008-07-12T10:59:01.105-07:00

I meant to post this the other day but alas, I must have hit "save" instead of "publish".The Living Room with not be hosted in the Balmoral Hotel like the VIHA originally wanted. It's bittersweet news since this low barrier program will no doubt be pushed on some other building in the south end of Nanaimo. We'll just have to keep our ears to the ground for last minute notice of where they intend

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-90432990383550603232008-07-09T18:50:00.000-07:002008-07-12T11:55:55.336-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I put mine towards a Xtracycle that I've been coveting for the last two years. It finally made it up to the top of my priorities list. When I was looking to buy one in Canada I noticed that they could be found in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. I chose to spend my money in Saskatchewan, knowing that richer Alberta and Ontario don't need it as badly. I bought my Xtracycle at

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-55881821331057101812008-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:002008-07-07T08:32:03.699-07:00

This was supper last night. Corn on the cob with marinated and barbecued veggie kabobs. It certainly was lovely last night and today looks like it will be as well. Hope everyone enjoys the day!

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-38671949711475196532008-07-06T13:24:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:15:21.401-07:00

Negative option marketing is morally questionable business behaviour and yet it seems the city has embraced this policy with enthusiasm. Go Nanaimo Blog has laid out the Cable Bay Lands Project quite clearly. The city wants to take 39 hectares from the Regional District of Nanaimo to add to it's 420 hectares and allow an Alberta developer to come in and build a high density resort. The city has

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-7771302360339251142008-07-04T09:44:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:15:37.805-07:00

Thanks to Dilling for the heads up with this post. Despite the lack of adequate notification to people who live in the south end of Nanaimo that this meeting was taking place it was reported that about 120 concerned neighbours attended. It was so crowded that the hosting South End Community Association put a speaker in the hallway so attendees could hear those speaking into the microphone inside.

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-56736424858573933622008-06-30T18:50:00.000-07:002008-07-01T08:32:31.233-07:00

Happy Canada Day! I have so much I want to blog about but haven't had the time. And heck, with the heat, who wants to be inside anyway? Hope everyone is having a great long weekend.The watermelon and homemade pizza is beckoning from the patio table!Allium

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-55575582493461957342008-06-27T07:05:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:15:58.550-07:00

Okay so the title doesn't totally work but hey, it's catchy.It's becoming more and more expensive to drive vehicles and fly airplanes these days. Prudent people are increasingly trading in their gas guzzlers for more efficient cars or even trying to go car free as often as possible. Buses and bikes are seeing more use as a result. Airlines are also scaling back on flights and even reducing

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-66095837817990036562008-06-21T12:16:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:16:15.220-07:00

Further to this posting...Why put needed sidewalks on busy roads where they don't exist when you can just redo perfectly satisfactory sidewalks you already have? This is the corner of Albert and Kennedy downtown Nanaimo and not the only sidewalk getting a facelift. I don't even know what more there is to say about this.  On a more positive note, while walking downtown to get some groceries from

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-50413730207191492752008-06-16T09:51:00.000-07:002008-06-16T11:21:04.371-07:00

I'm actually pretty disturbed to find out that my vinyl shower curtain is not only made in an environmentally irresponsible fashion but is also actually off gassing every time I have a shower. The majority of the off gassing is apparently taking place in the first month of the shower curtain's out of the package life. What kills me is that when I replace it it's just going to go to the landfill

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-58174624900430542952008-06-14T19:06:00.000-07:002008-06-14T19:28:18.706-07:00

What a perfect beautiful night for sushi! I'm not sure if what I make would be considered 'real' sushi since I don't use seaweed to roll with and I don't always use fish but it's damn tasty. I actually don't care for the taste of seaweed much so use rice paper instead. For those interested in making sushi and haven't given it a go yet I'll add my basic recipe!Sushi rice is best to make earlier in

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-29250949880072200592008-06-14T07:07:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:16:44.720-07:00

NNBThey should clarify that distinction to "most drive to walking destinations". I walk often and I find "dangerous" to be a better descriptor than anything else when it comes to walking in the city of Nanaimo and the fact that it's dangerous seems almost entirely attributed to the lack of sidewalks this city has built. Is this problem exclusively a South Nanaimo problem or are there a lack of

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-43227183481975702212008-06-12T13:08:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:17:05.247-07:00

I don't like to drive often but needed to do a big grocery shop this morning at the Thrifty's downtown. Sitting at the intersection of Victoria Crescent and Nicol Street waiting for the light to change offers a sad sight. So many "shady" characters hanging out next to the highway on the same strip of grass that announces "Welcome to Nanaimo" or some such sign. It was hard to see the sign past the

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-51630615646536910202008-06-11T09:03:00.000-07:002008-07-05T15:45:20.942-07:00

I swear I won't go on and on about tv but this is a hilarious comic that needed to be shared!

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-77971501616968794262008-06-10T18:20:00.000-07:002008-06-10T19:09:32.115-07:00

Sunny with cloudy periods. I'll take that. I'm just happy for it to dry up a bit here. It's not a terrible thing for it to be at least warm in summer! The evening sun is coming in my living room window and my dog is sprawled out, soaking up the heat on the hardwood floor. Curry is doing it's thing in the crockpot and I just need to finish up making the naan for supper. I must get out for a walk

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-47143328188664734912008-06-09T12:52:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:17:43.422-07:00

One of my favourite things to do when I'm walking around town is to look at houses. I particularly love old heritage homes, but really any house is fair game when it comes my 'constructive critiquing'. "What the heck were they thinking when painting that house pepto PINK and all those odd additions... tsk tsk... They really should address the water damage thanks to all the stucco." The one thing

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6876311588651294859.post-38117157209709584352008-06-09T10:02:00.000-07:002008-09-07T14:19:26.812-07:00

I'm hoping this blog will give me the opportunity to comment on where I live, the unsustainable and short sighted choices we make and some of the many possible alternatives. I first started thinking about writing this blog on one of my many daily or evening walks around Nanaimo. I mainly walk in the downtown and Harewood area since this is where I live. I'm constantly blown away by the way people

Alliumnoreply@blogger.com0