Soon to head off on their belated honeymoon, my son and daughter-in-law leaving their beach ceremony last summer — I love this shot, taken on the path between our place and our neighbours’. . . .
Made me happy: Visit to Victoria to catch up with my son and his wife. Stayed at Inn at Laurel Point at a very good rate in the beautiful Erickson wing, overlooking Victoria’s harbour. Late brunch on Sunday with Zach and Joey at Zambri’s. Yummy food, mimosas & coffees, exciting chat about the younger folk’s upcoming (delayed) honeymoon to France and Italy. Later, heading back to ILP, we ducked out of the rain to shelter in Munro’s Books, emerging with a stack of reading to keep me happy for a few weeks. . . . And then after some quiet time in our gorgeously appointed room, we headed out again to meet the newlyweds at Ebizo Sushi. We’d forgotten how good really great sushi can be, having learned to tolerate mediocre for convenience’s sake. New resolutions have been made. Highly recommend you check out this modest-looking spot next time you’re in our province’s capital.
Drove back early Monday morning through glorious sunshine along one of the most scenic routes you could ever imagine in your own backyard (we are so lucky, here on Vancouver Island!) — the Malahat’s elevation offers stunning views of the island-dotted Salish Sea. And our halfway stop, as it so often is? The Mill Bay Serious Coffee that got me through all those early-morning drives to University of Victoria when I was doing my “doc.” My fondness for their version of brioches has not abated — rather, it has infected Paul such that neither of us can resist. Nor need we.
Back home, caught up on marking. Almost ready to give these papers back at Wednesday’s exam (which I have yet to complete writing). Then just 3 sections of exams to mark, grades to collate and file, and I will be free to begin prepping for September’s classes. Might take a little break first. Just maybe. . . .
Meanwhile, as I began . . . visiting with a splendid son and daughter-in-law, who can show their parents some of the city’s best, who know good food and drink (DIL being a sommelier, bien sûr), who relate interesting experiences and stimulate lively conversation. . . especially when said son picks up the tab for the most expensive of the above meals and announces he’s treating — ah, well, it makes a mother proud! and Happy!
And yup, re-upped the book supply. ‘Cause, you know, I didn’t have stacks of unread by my bed, on my desk, nest to my armchair. . .
Oh you've dined at two of our favourites.
That's a lovely image of the two of them. I hope you have a frame for that one! I cannot help but think that should they have children they will be gorgeous.
I love the happiness that is obvious in your post today mater.
Do try Drumroaster Coffee at Cobble Hill one day just for fun. Their coffee is my go to brew.
Have a great and joy filled week.
Okay, Drumroaster is on the list . . . although it will be tough to drive by Serious without grabbing a brioche! 😉
That is a lovely picture of your son and daughter-in-law. I can not go away from home without visiting independent bookstores. The bookstore in each place is different. I always leave with a treasure trove of books that I share with my sister-in-law. Marking is one thing that I do not miss in retirement. A sommelier in the family must be a good thing. Bonne Journée.
And Paris has such a richness of bookstores. We've spent some happy browsing hours there. . . As for the sommelier in the family, definitely a good thing! Bonne Journée a vous aussi!
I love the photo of the bride and groom walking forward and looking backwards just for a moment. And her shoes!
Happiness oozes from your post today, mater.
Aren't her shoes great?! And you're right — perhaps that's why I love this photo so much — the walking forward but looking back. . .
There is nothing better than a stack of books waiting for you — now that I read on a Nook, I can have just as many waiting for me without inducing guilt or the need to dust!
Oh, believe me, I have stacks and stacks on my Kobo as well. But the ones I suspect I'm going to love, I try to buy in paper, and I don't really mind dusting them. . . . shelves and shelves and shelves of them! Mind you, I haven't made the big transatlantic moves you have. Something like that might change my patterns.
I can see I have some catching up to do on your posts! So glad you had such a delightful visit to Victoria. Munro's is one of my favourite places – so close to my office that I can stop in every day.
The wedding photo is one of the prettiest I've ever seen.