Neale's blog

Snow for winter 2012

2012-01-21T21:04:00.000-08:00

We did have snow this winter and some cold temperatures. Quite bracing. Now (Jan. 21) we're back to normal with absolutely no snow on the ground. Will it return?

Bike Art book

2012-01-21T21:01:00.000-08:00

My son, Russell Adams, is one of the artists featured in this book of "Bike Art" from artists throughout the world.

Russell's artist statement

2012-01-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is what Russell had to say about his art work. His artist name is RUSL.

2012-01-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

Here's Russell's page in the book showing some of his work.

Christmas Puzzle

2012-01-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

Here's the 1,000 piece puzzle that David, Granny, and Ros (and me, just a little bit) put together this Christmas and New Year's season.

Setting up the little reindeer

2011-12-30T10:42:00.001-08:00

Setting up the lit raindeer, originally uploaded by NealeA.

Finn and Rosalind put up the reindeer at the top of our steps. It's a Rudolph, of course.

Frankie and Jane

2011-12-30T10:40:00.001-08:00

Frankie and Jane, originally uploaded by NealeA.

Among our Christmas activities was a visit to the light display at Van Dusen gardens. Everyone enjoyed that.

Drum

2011-12-30T10:38:00.001-08:00

Drum, originally uploaded by NealeA.

In the museum was an exhibit on Bhangra music - modern Indian pop - including some drums to play.

Crab

2011-12-30T10:36:00.001-08:00

Crab, originally uploaded by NealeA.

Finn and I went to the Vancouver Museum a few weeks ago. The crab sculpture in front is fun.

Birthday cake

2011-12-05T00:57:00.001-08:00

And here we are with the birthday cake and Frankie, Finn, and Rosalind

Games at the party

2011-12-05T00:50:00.001-08:00

At the party Margery and Finn played keep the balloon in the air.

In front of my house on my birthday

2011-12-05T00:48:00.001-08:00

This is what was on the lawn and in front of the house on my birthday.

Wonder who put up the 40 flamingos, two penguins, a pig and a cow.

Russell at the computer

2011-10-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Russell at his computer. I lost my camera so I took this on a cell phone that Russell got me. Seems to work okay when there's sufficient light.

Frankie at demonstration

2011-10-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

I think Frankie (held here by Johnny) enjoyed the sounds and colours and excitement. He's now 7 months.

Occupy Wall Street in Vancouver

2011-10-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here was part of the demonstration. A few thousand where there. After gathering on the north side of the Art Gallery and listening to speeches, the group marched north on Hornby, crossed, and south on Howe, then back to the Art Gallery for more speeches. Instead of listening to the second set of speeches, we went for lunch.

On the steps

2011-10-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

At the Occupy demonstration, Ros and I met Finn, Jane, Frankie, and Johnny on the south steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery. This is a composite picture but it does show how we were sitting.

Lighthouse Park

2011-10-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Sign in Lighthouse Park with advice I would try to follow if the occasion arose ("Don't panic") but wonder if I'd be able to.

Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver

2011-10-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. The day was cloudy but while we were in the park the rain held off, except at the very end. The weather didn't keep a few people from sailing.

Blue Whale

2011-10-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Blue whales are big. Skeleton in the Diversity Museum at UBC.

Roof of BC Place

2011-10-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

Before the game, the roof was opened. It did let in air, but the hole seems small... so much money was spent for a stadium with a hole in the roof that's not very large compared to the size of the place!

Opening kickoff

2011-10-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Lions kicked off. Ball is in the circle. Not much scoring in the first half, it picked up in the second. Being at a game is certainly different from watching on TV, though they had really big screens at the stadium. You may not see the game as well, but you catch so much more atmosphere. Especially the vuvuzela!

Opening of renovated BC Place

2011-10-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

Half time at BC Place during the Lions-Edmonton game, the first in the renovated BC Place. This remotely controlled blimp dropped tiny footballs to people. Smoke in background was from fireworks set off on the field. The Lions won. Fun, even though a guy four seats to my right kept blowing a vuvuzela--very loud!

Bounced Baby

2011-09-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

At the party we had before sending Naomi and Nick off to Europe.

Grandkids are growing

2011-09-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Finnegann, 3, and Frankie, 6 mo. We seem to get along.

Poppies

2011-07-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

I love poppies. I just wish they stuck around longer.

Big kids

2011-07-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Rosalind and Finnegann about to descend.

New Vancouver Stadium

2011-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Our "crown of thorns" half-billion dollar stadium revamping (hey there, Gordon Campbell) will certainly do one thing: give Vancouver a unique downtown skyline. Less than two months from completion.

2011-07-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Great Granny Kellett and Frankie

Frankie

2011-07-07T01:33:00.000-07:00

Frankie at 3 1/2 months. My second grandson.

Finn

2011-07-03T16:26:00.001-07:00

Finn, originally uploaded by NealeA.

This is an MMS message. Please go to mms.telusmobility.com/do/LegacyLogin to view the message.

Rosalind on Bridge

2011-07-03T16:21:00.001-07:00

Rosalind on Bridge, originally uploaded by NealeA.

This is an MMS message. Please go to mms.telusmobility.com/do/LegacyLogin to view the message.

2011-07-02T14:10:00.001-07:00

Introducing myself on Prezi

Introducing the family

2011-06-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

Frankie now smiles and attracts a large audience - Great Granny Kellett, Father Russell, Mother Jane.

Dry Ice in water - this is what happens

2011-06-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Russell and Finnegann do a science experiment with dry ice.

Ros in the rain

2011-05-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Come rain, come shine, my dear wife continues to cycle. This was returning from a field trip at the Vancouver Aquarium that she took two sets of students to. Most met her at the aquarium after going there by bus.

Election Night in Canada

2011-05-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

Oh darn, now we're in for four years of Harper government. This from CBC on election night. The results were close to final -- the Conservatives needed 155 votes for a majority. Well, it's what the people wanted (or at least 39.6 per cent of them did).

Frankie

2011-04-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Francis, the latest grandson, at five weeks, taken on Easter weekend at the Bukers.

2011-04-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

We have a new roof (and a smaller savings account). On the left Ros is the old roof and Ros coming up to inspect it. That roof lasted 16 years; we hope this one will last longer.

Finn Up a Tree

2011-03-06T00:12:00.000-08:00

Finn enjoys climbing. Here is in our old pear tree in the back yard.

Lions in the morning

2010-12-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

A view from our window in winter.

Christmas Train

2010-12-19T08:50:00.001-08:00

Christmas Train, originally uploaded by NealeA.

The finished train, with the construction crew.

Christmas Train

2010-12-19T08:49:00.001-08:00

Christmas Train, originally uploaded by NealeA.

Finnegann and his father Russell put together a gingerbread train.

2010-11-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

For Hallowe'en, Finnegann decided to be a ladybug. (His mother was a bee; his father a moth.) Rosalind gave Finn a small ladybug in the same colours as his costume.

2010-11-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Maple in our back garden. I love its colour.

2010-11-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Rosalind - she has such a great smile!

2010-10-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

Returning on the ferry we took each other's picture. A nice weekend break it was...

2010-10-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

In downtown Victoria Sunday morning after church at the Cathedral.

2010-10-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

Playing charades after Thanksgiving dinner.

2010-10-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

With Naomi at her home on Burleigh Crescent where she and Nick live with several others.

2010-10-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

A friend along the way. Actually a statue of "Roy" beside the trail in Saanich.

2010-10-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

We cycled into Victoria from the ferry via the Lochside Trail. Stopping for some water.

2010-10-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ros and I went to Victoria for Thanksgiving with Nick & Naomi and their household. This is on the ferry going over.

Healing Prayer

2010-10-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

I'm part of the Healing Prayer team at Christ Church Cathedral. After taking Communion people can come to an alcove or chapel in the church and pray with two members of the team, and receive an anointing. These pictures are set up by members of the team to show what we do - we would never picture people who actually come up. Who has come up and what prayers they have requested is strictly confidential.

2010-10-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Finn and I made pizza one evening. Here's the result (before cooking).

FinnAtTheTop

2010-08-29T07:56:00.001-07:00

FinnAtTheTop, originally uploaded by NealeA.

Finnegann all by himself decided to climb to the top of this jungle gym. He's a climber. His dad was, and I think I was, too, although now I'm not happy at height. One of my earliest memories, which I think dates to Finn's age (2 1/2), is of an apparatus like this with a metal flag on top.

2010-07-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my grandson Finnegann performing (or not) at Sorrento Centre, July 8.

2010-06-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

It's amazing who you meet on the street - Ros with friends near Kingsway and Knight (Cedar Cottage Mews)

2010-06-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

In Nova Scotia anything out of the province is "away."

2010-06-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Just spent several days in Nova Scotia. Had dinner with cousin Maureen Docuet and her husband Lee. Treated to lobster, and what a treat!

2010-04-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

Finn and I went to the park Thursday while his father worked for a while at our house. Great fun.

2010-04-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

If this works it's really neat. The spider will follow your mouse. From http://abowman.com/

2010-03-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

Back home to the mainland. This ferry was heading off to the Sunshine Coast.

2010-03-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

A stairwell.

2010-03-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

An architectural detail at Rivendell. It is a really nice building. I'd recommend the place to anyone who wants to rest, read, and meditate for a few days.

2010-03-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

A sign in the cafe where we ate.

2010-03-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Before we left we checked out Killarney Lake. I'd like to return in the summer, when it's not raining!

2010-03-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

There's a large labyrinth for meditation, but the path is a bit tricky to follow since it's made up of irregular stones. Or maybe I just got impatient as I tried it.

2010-03-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

We both got some reading and writing done, and had talks along with our walks.

2010-03-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

And she was interested in this slime mould. She has to buy this stuff for her biology class to examine.

2010-03-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

As always, Ros was on the look out for interest flora. I think this is some sort of lichen.

2010-03-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

There are lots of places to walk and enjoy the woods. It was raining lightly most of the time we were there, but that was all right.

2010-03-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

During Spring break, Ros and I spent a couple of days at Rivendell, a retreat centre on Bowen Island. It overlooks Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and the new road to Squamish.

2010-03-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Finnegann with his horsey, a gift from Bettina Gruver. He really likes it. The toy comes from Germany and was played with by Bettina's children, now in their 20s.

2010-03-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

One of the many, many posters and banners in the city during the Olympics. These on a bridge. They created a festive air.

2010-03-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here is many of the media tent's volunteers. At the desk in the centre was the person in charge of the operation. A friendly group. What we're doing here is having a glass of beer of wine after the men's gold medal game (that Canada won; the women took silver).

2010-03-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

Here's where I worked during the Olympics, in the media tent at the curling venue. Occasionally I would get to see the curling. There were up to about 30 journalists working out of here. I tried to be useful... but mostly made sure only accredited people were in the media section, and handed out some pages of statistics.

2010-02-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

A bit of hyperbole, I think. Nicely designed poster, though...

In uniform

2010-02-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

Here I am in my Olympic uniform.

The Olympic torch relay

2010-02-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

The Olympic torch today (Feb. 11) came along King Edward Ave., about half a block from our home. While I've complained that the relay has little to do with the Olympic's athletic competition, people certainly enjoyed it and were having fun. Tomorrow the opening ceremony, and on Sunday - Valentine's Day - come my first day as a volunteer at the curling venue. Last night Ros and I took in the final dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony... they've certainly spared no expense to try to make it grand.

Reception for the newlyweds

2010-02-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

We had a party Feb . 6 to introduce Nick and Naomi to many of our friends in Vancouver, most of whom hadn't been able to go to Victoria for their wedding last August 23. It went well. The bicycle wheels had decorated the reception.

Countdown clock & Georgia Hotel

2010-01-28T20:53:00.001-08:00

Countdown clock & Georgia Hotel, originally uploaded by NealeA.

Here's the Countdown Clock at the Vancouver Art Gallery. The Olympics are almost upon us... just 20 days, 4 hours, 32 minutes, 10 seconds to the opening ceremony. That was this week, Wednesday?

2010-01-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

Granddad Don made a puppet show stage for Finn (and another for Elliott) for Christmas, which he - and several adults really like. Uncle David was putting on the show with a snake that Finn got for Christmas, and Don is participating somehow.

2010-01-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

Finnegann's biggest gift was a renovated wagon improved and painted green and yellow by his dad. The boys at the part were Finn, Elliott, and Mika.

2010-01-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Here Granddad Buker reads to Finnegann and Don's other grandson, Elliott, from one of Finn's birthday books.

2010-01-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

Finnegann turned 2 on January 2. Here Jane holds him as Russell presents the cake. In the background (in the silly hat) is Conrad, Russell's friend and father of Finn's friend Mika. (These are Ros' pictures.)

Van Dusen Light Show

2010-01-03T23:10:00.001-08:00

The Gardens presented a light show - quite simple really, lights turned on and off to music, but still quite effective. (Ros shot this video with her little camera.)

Van Dusen Christmas Lights

2010-01-03T22:40:00.001-08:00

P1024959, originally uploaded by NealeA.

We finally got to the Van Dusen Christmas lights display on Jan. 2. Had hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and wandered about looking at the lights strung up all around the grounds.

2009-12-31T12:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas lights! We always have to see Christmas lights. This is a home on the 1300th (west) block of 13th Avenue.

2009-12-31T12:43:00.000-08:00

After Nick and Naomi left for Ontario on the airplane, we had a quiet Christmas evening dinner.

2009-12-31T12:42:00.000-08:00

Another Santa asks David if he's been a good boy. (The Buker-Adamses had gone Christmas morning to Rosedale to be with Jane's family.)

2009-12-31T12:41:00.000-08:00

Granny Kellett ("Gran-gran") appreciates a thank you from Finn.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

Finnegann wonders about Santa (as played by Naomi) - who is this creature with a beard? Here we are on Christmas Eve at the Buker-Adamses.

2009-12-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

But Finn is willing to sit on Santa's lap. I think he thinks he knows who it is, but he didn't say.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here's Santa! Christmas Eve at 45th Avenue.

XmasLetter-2009-forWEB

2009-12-23T12:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas Letter – December 2009

We hope this finds you in good health and enjoying some relaxing time with family and friends. It has been a wonderful year as Neale has begun a proper retirement and our daughter Naomi got married--without too many family arguments. It helped that his parents, Ken and Sandie, live so far away, and we also are separated by the Strait of Georgia, so both sets of parents just HAD to trust them!

The school year from January to June was busy for Ros as she took her Biology students on a field trip to the Vancouver Aquarium and continued to teach junior sciences to grade 8 and ESL students, as well as staying active in her union on cycling initiatives and other policy matters She also continued to play and umpire field hockey, attend NDP meetings and rally voters to turn out for the May provincial election but not enough of them did to change the government!

Great Uncle David with Finnegann, Neale & Margery in background

In April, Ros’ brother David Kellett took a five week holiday to Britain to visit family and friends and came back with cheerful news and much gratitude for all the generous hospitablity he received – he also took lots of photographs to share with us.

In May, Naomi defended her master's thesis on aboriginal land claims and the negotiation processes and got top marks! Granny Margery, Neale and Ros were able to attend her Convocation service in June.

The climax of our summer was Naomi's marriage to Nick Melchin on August 23 in Saxe Point Park in Victoria. Nick comes from a strong family from Ottawa, Ontario and has two brothers, Derek and Pat. Both brothers assisted at the wedding, as did David Kellett. Naomi's oldest friend Roseanns Roberts and her brother Russell were flower people. The Reverend and Retired Canon Herbie O'Driscoll conducted the service, both in the park and at the chapel later.

The weekend was a joyful family gathering as relatives came from California, Calgary, Parksville (Vancouver Island), London (England), Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal for the event. As at her older brother's wedding, many guests travelled by bicycle in the wedding procession both to the ceremony and on to the reception. We really feel our family has grown to encompass the Melchins (and vice versa).

The bicycle bride before her wedding.

Neale worked hard for the Anglican synod from January to June and retired from full time work on June 30. He completed six issues of the diocesan newspaper TOPIC as well as travelling to Victoria for the Anglican Editors conference in early June. Many, many people came to his retirement party, held at Margery Kellett's and well-wishers from all the media worksites he had been employed at came out to Roast and Toast.

Russell, Jane, and Finnegann (somewhat older).

In mid July, son Russell left to got to CAT – the Centre for Alternate transportation- in Eugene, Oregon. His wife, Jane, and son, Finnegan, (age 2 year next Jan. 2) stayed in Vancouver but were able to go and visit him twice for week-long visits during his five-month apprenticeship program. He will return Dec 16 and try to set up a similar centre here in Vancouver. But we also got to see him three more times during this time as he returned for 2 weddings and Canadian thanksgiving!

On August 1, Jane's brother Johnny married Hilde Festerling at Johnny's family's home in Rosedale, BC, and we met many of the the couple’s relatives from across BC and the USA.

In the fall, Ros went back to teaching at Eric Hamber High School, and is now engaged with more ESL (English as a Second Language) science classes. Neale did more travelling, visited Russell twice and took the train to Davis and Berkeley California for American Thanksgiving. Neale’s brother Chuck and wife Dena prepared the 30 lb turkey for 21 friends and family – their “children” Jeremy and Leah Belzer Adams came home, as well as Neale’s brother Mike with his wife, Lori, and sons, Tristan and Zachary. Naomi flew down and Russell came by auto to have a great celebration – Ros, meanwhile, attended a political convention to ensure the next provincial election will be more successful for her New Democratic Party!

And so at this time we relax and take stock a little more, at this time of the year, and give thanks for so many blessings, including your friendship. Happy new 2010, we look forward to seeing you, perhaps, at the Olympic games!

Nick at left and Ros at right in the wedding procession after the ceremony.

ROS
NEALE

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and Prosperous New Year!

In a roommette on the train

2009-12-12T11:39:00.001-08:00

In a roommette on the train, originally uploaded by NealeA.

We shared a small compartment on the train which made up into two very narrow beds, one on top of the other, so we could sleep overnight. Here Russell is drawing me (while I was drawing him).

Amtrak

2009-12-12T11:36:00.001-08:00

IMG_4735, originally uploaded by NealeA.

Russell and I took the Coast Starlight from Davis to Eugene and I went on to Seattle and by bus to Vancouver. It was great being with my son on the journey - just as it had been wonderful to drive down to Eugene in October with daughter Naomi.

Charades

2009-12-12T11:33:00.001-08:00

Charades, originally uploaded by NealeA.

We played Charades after dinner, and of course brother Chuck was the most energetic participant.

Thanksgiving table

2009-12-12T11:30:00.001-08:00

IMG_4705, originally uploaded by NealeA.

Naomi had flown to San Francisco, and Russell had driven down with his friend Joe. Great time!

Turkey at the Belzer-Adamses

2009-12-12T11:29:00.001-08:00

IMG_4704, originally uploaded by NealeA.

We all went in to Berkeley on Thanksgiving for dinner. Some 21 people were around the table, and the turkey weighed 30 lbs.