Then and Now!

Little E is sure growing up! It's such a blessing to watch her become her own little person! Grandpa and Grandma love to "babysit" and see these changes! She is such a happy and busy little girl so it isn't hard at all to say "yes! we'll watch her!"

One more of Halifax!

The architecture in downtown Halifax is fantastic! If you take the time you will see incredible detail in the old churches, courthouse and Dalhousie University buildings. All you need to do is take time to look and study what was so carefully crafted so many years ago but still standing for us to enjoy today!

Creative Shop Names

Downtown Halifax has some interesting shop/eatery names. Then there is the creativity in signage! How about "Durty Nelly's" or "The Split Crow Pub". You can also find "The Wooden Monkey" or "Five Fishermen". Further on you will find "McKelvie's Delishes Fishes Dishes" or "Elephant's Eye". Then nothing can beat the sign of the "Toothy Moose". There is no lack of "cafe by day and pub by night". Bravo to the owners of these establishments who dared to be unique in name choice and then going one step further to illustrate their establishment on their signage.

SEPTEMBER 16th, 2011

Highlights

VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM!

VIEW FROM THE TOP!

I (Lorraine) spent a lot of time the first number of days in Halifax walking around downtown. It is a very captivating city. Even all the business that happens in this capital city for Nova Scotia can't change the character of it's buildings, people and enjoyment of life. Most of my wandering around time was spent when the only people left strolling the streets were the tourists, like me! What was Peter doing during my time of being the camera lugging visitor? He was experiencing the business side of life. He had a few tours as well. His focused more on preserving city heritage, garbage and re-cycling etc.

We both loved exploring what Halifax had to offer on these very two different levels of living. The city is well beyond where we are at in Alberta, both in the sense of longevity and planning for the future.

For our few days of "together time" we played tourist.

PEGGY'S COVE (LOOKING OUT TO THE HARBOR)

PEGGY'S COVE (THE SHELTERED INLET)

Yes, those are lobster traps still being put to good use. They are slowly being replaced by the longer living version of compact metal boxes seen on the right. I still like the look of the wooden traps. I also like the Gingerbread and Lemon Sauce served at the gift shop/restaurant up by the lighthouse!

MAHONE BAY

This is a picturesque town we will go back and explore another time - when we have more time. I've been assured this will happen!

LUNENBURG

We started our exploration of this seaside town with a carriage ride through the streets. Our driver was an interesting fellow (complete with accent) that was a wealth of historical information about the buildings. He was the one to send us straight to the dry dock where the Bluenose II is presently being repaired. It's hull needs to be redone, so with all the rigging, sails, deck etc set aside it is being rebuilt.

THERE SHE BE!

These are a few highlights of our week in Halifax. I couldn't begin to post all the pictures we took of the beautiful architecture we saw in that short space of time. But I may try to share a few favorites. Watch too for interesting signs yet to come!

This & That -Friday

Our first full day in Halifax. My day was different being on my own for most of the day. Our time together will come. And there is so much to explore once Monday afternoon rolls around! I'm really looking forward to that!

Are the streets in downtown Halifax steep? Yes. The long blocks run parallel to the shoreline. The short ends run up the hill. In one short end of the block you climb one full floor. Our hotel is part of a full two block convention center and you go in one corner on "lobby" level. Go up two floors and come out on the opposite corner. Hmmm. Yes - they are steep!

I cracked open my first lobster last night for supper. Four of us at the table had lobster. We even fished them out of the tank. Actually the two gentlemen "caught" their supper, us two ladies just pointed them out to our waitress to catch for us! Lobster is good - I must say I enjoyed the claw meat the best! No need for melted butter. Rich enough without! Also had Calamari for the first time as well. Also a bit chewy. But enjoyed it as well. We had a good supper and lots of laughs at the end of our busy day!

Saw "pirates" up close and personal on our sailing vessel. Sailed under "sail power only" around the first battlement of protection the harbor offered on George's Island. Cannon openings still evident pointing out to sea as we rounded the island sailing back to the harbor.

Saw for myself Theo the Tugboat! He's not just in a picture in a file anymore. He's engraved on my own personal memory hard drive now!

Saw a group of the cutest little preschoolers/kindergartners having their lunch in the "Grand Parade" gardens. So adorable in their little raincoats and over sized rain hats sitting at the base of the arched monument in the center of the park.

Saw Pier 21 from the deck of the Silva. Looking forward to exploring more there later.

Saw starfish clinging to the barnacle encrusted pier and jellyfish drifting along before docking at the end of our excursion on the tall ship Silva

Saw the most interesting names for shops. Had lunch with a friend at a cafe/pub by night place called "The Shoe Shop". Wonder if that gives away the buildings original intent? How about a place called the "Toothy Moose". Or "Wooden Monkey" (Elizabeth Mae has an event there tonight). "McKelvie's Delishes Fishes Dishes" (had supper there the first night in town). "Five Fishermen" (no more, no less) "The Loop" (All yarn and needlework). "The Dust jacket" (out of print bookstore). "Salty's" (in a group of buildings called the Historic Properties)

Looking forward to checking out "Christmas by the Sea" and watch some glass blowing at "Nova Scotian Crystal". Also saw a pewter shop. Wonder if that's where "Sea Gull Pewter' comes from? Those last two are found down on the Wharf Board Walk. Looking forward to walking from Pier 21 all the way up to The Historic Properties.

So much to take in!

Being Grandpa and Grandma is fun!

"Hi Grandma, sure I'll smile for you"















"Hi Grandpa"















"What did you say Grandma?"





















"Grandpa and Baby E reading!"

Life is slowing down (somewhat) so last night we had the privilege and honor of babysitting a little Sweetheart! Life is slowing down too for her Mommy and Daddy so they can also take an evening break here and there and leave their baby girl with Grandpa and Grandma. It all fits together so nicely! We read books, we played with toys, G & G had a cup of tea and baby E had a bath! We just had to share with you some pictures from our newest rewarding adventure into the land of being Grandpa and Grandma! What a treat!

Let me help you!