Window on Vancouver April 26th

Photos:
1. Sun Yat Sen Gardens
2. View from our room at Fairmont Waterfront

It is now 2 days since we were introduced to Vancouver.

When we entered our room we encountered a window with a spectacular view. A view of Canada place, the water, Stanley Park, the bridge and the mountains climbing into the distance.

We have watched with fascination as boats go by, seaplanes take off and the light changes from day to night and back again. Oh, we have ventured out into Vancouver and moved around by foot and trolley bus finding our Vancouver.

However, the window seems to define our 3-day stay. An opportunity to glimpse into Vancouver and catch a sight of what is there, and what we have seen is beautiful.

The window was reinforced as we toured the Sun Yat Sen gardens in Chinatown yesterday. The windows gave unique views into the gardens and into deeper things.

Mind you my business of the past 2.5 decades has been visible. Debates about putting dangerous criminals in minimum security prisons, exporting drug dealers east to their home town to face outstanding charges (and thus curtailing the leadership of a promising drug ring) and the problems encountered by a city church as it sandwich and soup service encounters the modern health bureaucracy.

Jennifer & Graham's 2008 Canada & Alaska adventure
         DATE             PLANS 

• 23-Apr Wed Leave Home 
  
• 24-Apr Thu Fly Perth/Vancouver: Perth/Sydney 0015/00610 - Sydney/Van 1000/0700
  
• 24-Apr 26-Apr Thu - Sat Vancouver 
  
• 27-Apr 28-Apr Sun - Mon Rocky Mountaineer  Leave Van 0730 Arr Kamloops 1735
  
• 28-Apr Tue Banff  - meet up with Amy
  
• 29-Apr Wed Lake Lousie 
  
• 30- April to 7-May Thu - Wed Jasper 
  
• 8-May to 9-May Thu - Fri  Leave Jasper 1530 Arr Vancouver 0750
  
• 9-May Fri Vancouver
  
• 10-May to 16-May Sat Cruise Embark Van 1230 Sail 1630
  
• 17-May to 18-May Sat Alaska Disembark Whittier 0800
  
• 19-May Mon Leave Anchorage 1430; Arr Victoria 2124
  
• 19-May to 21-May  Victoria
  
• 22-May Thu To Vancouver 
  
• 22-May Fri Fly out 22nd depart 2355
  
• 24-May Sat Sydney 24th arr 0755
  
• 24-May Sydney/Perth 1010/1305 then West Coast Eagles@ Subiaco 1740

Reflection

In Mensland the young shop assistant talked of the days when petrol stations had people who pumped the petrol for you. I recalled the self serve at the corner of South road and Hampton Street, on the Hampton side and I suppose the west side, anyway the one with all the shops. Back in 1965 when I first drove a car, my old green FJ Holden, the self serve took 2 shilling pieces and a pound went a long way to filling up my car. I suppose after decimal currency it changed to 20 cent pieces.

DC 1966 when the bank shut for 2 days so we could get ready. I worked in the bank. we had ledgers done by hand, 2 big ones for A -L and then M to Z.

Picnic in the park.

We had talked about how to celebrate Turning 60. However, my ambivalence meant planning was slow, or non-existent. I toyed with the idea of a picnic, and then I found the scenic route to Alan Anderson park. While the park is about 2km from home by road, there is a great walk that is mostly off road. After walking to Canning road, the walk goes into Wallis park, around the lake, up between properties and through the bush to AA's park.It was a delightful find and sparked the possibility of this park being the place for a celebration.

Well, it happened and it was wonderful. There is a photo below and there are photos on flickr that capture some of the moments. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinlin47/

Picnic Party in the Park

Fortunate, flawed and persistent written October 23, 2007

When I reflect on my 6 decades I can see why Albert Facey saw his life as fortunate. Looking down the track I have been fortunate to have a loving father and mother, a family who cared for me, and friends who have constantly touched my life with support, challenge and insight.

I haven’t had to escape a war torn country, and my neighbourhood has never been bombed. Sure, I have had some extremely difficult times. Times when getting through the next 5 minutes was an achievement. Times when confusion, uncertainty and pain seemed to abound. However, it all occurred within a context where it all could pass and the possibility always existed for new opportunities to arise.

I believe the context was based on a foundation that was given to me by Ronis Beatrice Dinwoodie and Lindsay Graham Chapman. However, before them come lots of interesting people, mainly from Scotland and Cornwall but also from England and Ireland. How much of the dogged Scot and persistent Cornish miner is in me I don’t know. However, I do know the persistence has become a theme as I have journeyed these 6 decades. And of cour

In a pool chemical shop in Balcatta I discovered the persistence statement. In finishes with the words ‘Press On’. I imagine my Knuckey ancestors needed lots of persistence when they settled in 19th century Clunes. I imagine my father needed a lot of persistence in coping with my development, but not as much persistence as I have needed with myself. I remember reading a biography on Arthur Calwell. He made a statement along the lines that he was the hardest person he had dealt with. That has always rung true for me.

I guess that is an intro for the flawed bit. I believe I have made a contribution here and there through my work, my community involvement and most importantly family and friends. However, it is certainly a flawed one and could have been improved upon. I trust that I have progressed through the decades the contribution has become more mindful and more skillful. It is often a surprise when people compliment me and I have to work hard to acknowledge that just as I have had to work diligently to accept the criticism. I guess the advantage of criticism is it provides a foundation for improvement and forward motion. Perhaps, praise can also do that as we aim for the old Hampton High School motto of ‘Summa Peta’ – aim for the highest this is Hampton’s message …..’

And so these are my reflections on the day I celebrate 6 decades of living, and finally I launch my blog.

PERSISTENCE

Nothing in the world can take the place of PERSISTENCE.

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men and women with talent.

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

The Slogan "PRESS ON” has solved and will always solve the problems of human race.