tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29802591712177030782024-03-05T03:11:56.776-08:00Life with MikaLife, heart-breakingly beautiful.
This is my attempt to find clarity, which will come out sounding like a really bad version of "deep thoughts"Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-55937864795316069052012-02-01T21:01:00.000-08:002012-02-01T21:18:34.353-08:00A Day in the Life<div>Tom is a great traveler. I love the fact that in spite of being a lactose intolerant, germaphobe - he really immerses himself in the local culture.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's festival season in Bali, a two day period when people believe that good and evil spirits inhabit the earth. Tom was able to visit a small village and capture some of the festivities.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbh5uQH7kPPZZaVjAdCmF9VAxjYoWszUn2e4RcKJFMllT2WWzl0XHSPg321YFPIgBppxRPpXM44t0i8SQ_nX6OgznOifRx0kK_MCaJrcroSI51hf-HNfIfsLgJ9jgXpjHQPO8QFFl5cY0/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbh5uQH7kPPZZaVjAdCmF9VAxjYoWszUn2e4RcKJFMllT2WWzl0XHSPg321YFPIgBppxRPpXM44t0i8SQ_nX6OgznOifRx0kK_MCaJrcroSI51hf-HNfIfsLgJ9jgXpjHQPO8QFFl5cY0/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704400562172695378" /></a><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93lj8J2qrnqneVWp8EYccmynjwPWl5E-Ju2eBrdJwHNkUNLKvLRBvMnYE1cJNKo2mgW6WNI_ZPGK3Ml6m-rsyEMEif9d71y3RPMadDdWqM_pxzFWW8BFf86YVmCVgir52oezb0fktLGg/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93lj8J2qrnqneVWp8EYccmynjwPWl5E-Ju2eBrdJwHNkUNLKvLRBvMnYE1cJNKo2mgW6WNI_ZPGK3Ml6m-rsyEMEif9d71y3RPMadDdWqM_pxzFWW8BFf86YVmCVgir52oezb0fktLGg/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704400311027838674" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNIvJEgxdUcnyXRIi8T-vlr9pcMdxHJdVamO6b8z8_ypphMbefMTR-NK2gCvWKeoWoGpZ-GTcDg83I403dKCP6o2u43QcJHhTZ8LzMHWfRx_w4v0o-jdagdFe58P6uECATW7PlhR9CPI/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNIvJEgxdUcnyXRIi8T-vlr9pcMdxHJdVamO6b8z8_ypphMbefMTR-NK2gCvWKeoWoGpZ-GTcDg83I403dKCP6o2u43QcJHhTZ8LzMHWfRx_w4v0o-jdagdFe58P6uECATW7PlhR9CPI/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704399974742306994" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10QTBrbRcPd05BCSv7rZuOMgAc-5eD9TYFtS4esjLgkGJ2ND7QSjgcy9KTDuYY3wZDLL5vd6sNcXA-HfgB2TzAJR6NxtYdxoYlbEAxL5uvxwz7Ogt1kCXHjTb1fqCI2NM84SboPCiyRk/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10QTBrbRcPd05BCSv7rZuOMgAc-5eD9TYFtS4esjLgkGJ2ND7QSjgcy9KTDuYY3wZDLL5vd6sNcXA-HfgB2TzAJR6NxtYdxoYlbEAxL5uvxwz7Ogt1kCXHjTb1fqCI2NM84SboPCiyRk/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704399634919574530" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8I4zB8GN4ujd-ZIQI4ziuajLwRLAjW2Dc_HWsnaMVkioUy4XRq8MrIlVGEBcxLBwyxu2lF12xp8YHYYmdCAjGhUfRJL8fkKt_eCwr_e8OhxkHC4jveAKr6I_59DSit2ONYX188clpw4/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8I4zB8GN4ujd-ZIQI4ziuajLwRLAjW2Dc_HWsnaMVkioUy4XRq8MrIlVGEBcxLBwyxu2lF12xp8YHYYmdCAjGhUfRJL8fkKt_eCwr_e8OhxkHC4jveAKr6I_59DSit2ONYX188clpw4/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704399381308527362" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfvc49LnkZigvCyvOW8FeRcjdDX-W7lPIAMovoO-wiVkp4xx8ETmTScpTUaUFWnA2XvoTouROsqSK76ryx-TDVvuG5mZn3ceJoMFGe3tEMbvRAFlIQRVXb8_n8y-P4LF3UlYJlp0CbYc/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfvc49LnkZigvCyvOW8FeRcjdDX-W7lPIAMovoO-wiVkp4xx8ETmTScpTUaUFWnA2XvoTouROsqSK76ryx-TDVvuG5mZn3ceJoMFGe3tEMbvRAFlIQRVXb8_n8y-P4LF3UlYJlp0CbYc/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704399094261616466" /></a><br /></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-83398433444855533092012-01-31T10:16:00.001-08:002012-01-31T10:30:23.361-08:00The Simple Beauty of Life<div><span class="Apple-style-span">A few months ago we lost our beloved pug Tex, since then I've been at a loss for words. While I want to write something moving and profound, I'm really struggling to find words that do him justice.<div><br /></div>In the meantime it seems appropriate to share these images from Tom, who is currently exploring Bali. His photos do a much better job of capturing what I cannot say - the fragile, </span>beauty of life.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dEBPI3wPOy71DFZOq3EM-sBuyGXqa4uMZuON8n9ysVRxdSx82zQmbm7SSss6W88vpbz4omt0mOgLNV8hLy_7JXmn2scfns4RW7W0LR9qYO49XoCe22mP5X93ObD0dYe6eZFKONuRYWU/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dEBPI3wPOy71DFZOq3EM-sBuyGXqa4uMZuON8n9ysVRxdSx82zQmbm7SSss6W88vpbz4omt0mOgLNV8hLy_7JXmn2scfns4RW7W0LR9qYO49XoCe22mP5X93ObD0dYe6eZFKONuRYWU/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703864152106444002" /></a> <div>At the elephant sanctuary</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN2Rbe2jBFsM1R-RfRmcj7FRQNz68nIVepBSvMVPZBduWDhB0zT5FRNwHsJMcOvp6y9xgyfUmd-TtenimV0ke69bLv9jGRxAHYbzPKD6ypt_bymQI6eWdEES1uSb8E4jIoPSgPfH1Gig/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN2Rbe2jBFsM1R-RfRmcj7FRQNz68nIVepBSvMVPZBduWDhB0zT5FRNwHsJMcOvp6y9xgyfUmd-TtenimV0ke69bLv9jGRxAHYbzPKD6ypt_bymQI6eWdEES1uSb8E4jIoPSgPfH1Gig/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703863838707684146" /></a><div>The water temple</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-OPwuFrkFjt8QIVyd2WREciZ7an4pkycFCj260aOZFl377pyA1q60fUh_fP9IvVGRK0Eq6GrfZE4isfvqwSROlOrErv291HoYtjh8EGKIsjbn-sULyl0Bb2J4O_w6jSZc-191uCLzxo/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-OPwuFrkFjt8QIVyd2WREciZ7an4pkycFCj260aOZFl377pyA1q60fUh_fP9IvVGRK0Eq6GrfZE4isfvqwSROlOrErv291HoYtjh8EGKIsjbn-sULyl0Bb2J4O_w6jSZc-191uCLzxo/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703863444117322866" /></a><div>Balinese dancer</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WO27uv524qJ-WOzlPqWWHxGLjcoVWJZBOQ7Yl0s0MzoX0neZd8j9zlFqDHWARv5oVcxQJqaZ4pmuHOsT-0vfi9uFzNSeGltKznw1YiY3BZthlWFRZY_tYW30P9bbr6yr9Stuhs19uWc/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WO27uv524qJ-WOzlPqWWHxGLjcoVWJZBOQ7Yl0s0MzoX0neZd8j9zlFqDHWARv5oVcxQJqaZ4pmuHOsT-0vfi9uFzNSeGltKznw1YiY3BZthlWFRZY_tYW30P9bbr6yr9Stuhs19uWc/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703862940261075282" /></a><br /><div>Locals with attitude</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PtkBM5RbUsZP1sH686PffJY9_O_pfeGQv9xHAhBFkx0bl3_-veja99DlGnBOowgo9MRUJzzFZtPr5pQXJe7n4hUsU0drK78OmsyY4qkodfAvm8xqT7zSWikW0e5PlEAcwqJFZGYhq6Y/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PtkBM5RbUsZP1sH686PffJY9_O_pfeGQv9xHAhBFkx0bl3_-veja99DlGnBOowgo9MRUJzzFZtPr5pQXJe7n4hUsU0drK78OmsyY4qkodfAvm8xqT7zSWikW0e5PlEAcwqJFZGYhq6Y/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703861919712360306" /></a><br /><div>I wish I could master this look, have a feeling it would be very effective</div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-9400334937370449622011-10-16T20:26:00.000-07:002011-10-16T20:59:14.912-07:00On the Mall<div>I'm currently in DC, which just may be one of the best "people watching" places in the world. Everyone should come here, regardless of their nationality. A city of museums, motorcades, monuments - it all happens here.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4hXg79b-c6kdTEEYOb7y9qcr-NeVvNJzV38tFadzbl3QNKj1pC9x8NQ3zfWLqyXfmr84SkqPlIA3hZblQ0_bvH-nd9IoMeUjWtGgEbFsh__qRcWW-fpv2TtqooiGk4oAx67P_gKfogg/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4hXg79b-c6kdTEEYOb7y9qcr-NeVvNJzV38tFadzbl3QNKj1pC9x8NQ3zfWLqyXfmr84SkqPlIA3hZblQ0_bvH-nd9IoMeUjWtGgEbFsh__qRcWW-fpv2TtqooiGk4oAx67P_gKfogg/s400/IMG_1040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664298331009912210" /></a><div>I'm sure Freud would have a field day with this one.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIXsny-hnkDOkP6VAUACW1BQBioMZzqD88nEakBG0lUT5D9VxVg_qVDILUrfAO37ZrR-WRU35sGS1zhbPpZQYwsjkYH6flMIq0LZHAM7r1Dou03fh_mj4oQQaRdbCdPRGUSpwY46tTSc/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIXsny-hnkDOkP6VAUACW1BQBioMZzqD88nEakBG0lUT5D9VxVg_qVDILUrfAO37ZrR-WRU35sGS1zhbPpZQYwsjkYH6flMIq0LZHAM7r1Dou03fh_mj4oQQaRdbCdPRGUSpwY46tTSc/s400/IMG_1058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664298314734334402" /></a></div><div>Everybody likes Abe, but back in the day he wasn't exactly Mr Popular. I think history will also be very kind to Obama.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GYfX0JZTXZGySwXHIlXG3TBWOnz6owfVxNizTBGxMyF-RCO2WQ2TJVNDdZdT-X-ad_tCllYJ4PzZtPsTDkSbMsHM7YftNkUxAEslnruYweQqy5p9YKttS2OwvD01doJ7cm9aXyHceqc/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GYfX0JZTXZGySwXHIlXG3TBWOnz6owfVxNizTBGxMyF-RCO2WQ2TJVNDdZdT-X-ad_tCllYJ4PzZtPsTDkSbMsHM7YftNkUxAEslnruYweQqy5p9YKttS2OwvD01doJ7cm9aXyHceqc/s400/IMG_1068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664298310456648658" /></a></div><div>Grand buildings and beautiful light.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsjoz9hGkxmiNBrM-R-BbLkm8W-sFjeu4lp7vGbl1NlO_gE7Iy9_CATsIYwP7bwLA-XEvyN-1YM8Ke3qPh1MsGOlg9KziFHCeRsfyQ9wsW0qRSosQIYSZb1FZQP_1Vqhq5yYnGD4menk/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsjoz9hGkxmiNBrM-R-BbLkm8W-sFjeu4lp7vGbl1NlO_gE7Iy9_CATsIYwP7bwLA-XEvyN-1YM8Ke3qPh1MsGOlg9KziFHCeRsfyQ9wsW0qRSosQIYSZb1FZQP_1Vqhq5yYnGD4menk/s400/IMG_1077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664298302004459074" /></a></div><div>Very exciting to be here when Martin Luther King's Memorial was dedicated. The city is full of old freedom fighters who lived to see the day. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIGQpl9W3BqVWoz0K_4VOW1FHeMODgXzFWrTPl0gP-Gm8O1W8dG36kOzYuP2O3HQ3d_Z-Srx4ds3CtfL_UFHg5caL7YC552yHjnkTjg0C9V-TbZuemE35Jmc-EzINdvUAGdoC992hsm8/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIGQpl9W3BqVWoz0K_4VOW1FHeMODgXzFWrTPl0gP-Gm8O1W8dG36kOzYuP2O3HQ3d_Z-Srx4ds3CtfL_UFHg5caL7YC552yHjnkTjg0C9V-TbZuemE35Jmc-EzINdvUAGdoC992hsm8/s400/IMG_1071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664298293349197986" /></a><br /></div><div>There is something bittersweet about the beautiful, golden light of fall. </div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-87953010678508567572011-10-02T21:20:00.000-07:002011-10-02T21:29:03.217-07:00Tex Gets Wheels<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyV0Kd9KlUpwYabAjUAQ8b8flUQholUGmB-ITeAkmFH76JQZOIhgzlvnanE7ir2hWhLECn1Ree5-AWG_0h3dQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-64412779882021017812011-09-23T22:56:00.000-07:002011-09-23T22:58:32.316-07:00Unlikely Angels<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; ">When Amber first moved into our neighborhood Tom freaked out, in his defense she was a bad ass looking dog. It didn’t take us long to figure out that she was a gentle giant, an oversized pitt bull cross with a heart of gold. Tom could never get her name right, always calling her Angel. After awhile I stopped correcting him, wondering if his subconscious was telling us something.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; ">Amber didn’t have an easy life, spending her early years in and out of shelters before coming to live on our block. We were always worried about her, the house she lived in was in shocking disrepair and the police were frequent visitors. Eventually I came to realize that her family needed a special dog, and there was no mistaking her love and devotion.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; ">Yesterday Amber passed away, leaving us with a profound since of sadness. Over the years I’ve learned so much from watching this sweet, gentle soul - who never gave up on her humans, loving unconditionally.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; ">Like Amber, most of the angels who have touched our lives come in unlikely packages. Not to mention the fact that both of our pugs have crooked halos.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; ">Rest in peace sweet girl.......</span></span>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-60276637170929202942011-09-05T20:42:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:09:29.403-07:00Grand Canyon<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Seventeen million years in the making, it truly is a Grand Canyon. There are some places that everyone should experience, places that humble you and make you think about your place in the universe. A few photos from our recent trip:</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdedjFntBIQPbz-wMBciJBHUAIcqacqWED06w2rki3rjw4Lo7rasf6WZcXGnDyTcu4_Qs-9Vu9ejfZ2e5uIy7xMcZUzZbd-KxetpyEPl06UOb2bhfhMaj3Ho-TrFyt1Zpq-JDA2JhpnyI/s1600/DSC_5504.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdedjFntBIQPbz-wMBciJBHUAIcqacqWED06w2rki3rjw4Lo7rasf6WZcXGnDyTcu4_Qs-9Vu9ejfZ2e5uIy7xMcZUzZbd-KxetpyEPl06UOb2bhfhMaj3Ho-TrFyt1Zpq-JDA2JhpnyI/s400/DSC_5504.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649089791827747522" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Tom really is the photographer in the family - amazed that he managed to capture these two ravens dancing over the canyon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRInHRb9n_psoNzhQ_JBMPy5gjUdDtqi6IoCY-jeOWxVYnBoqAbE4kAxEfAlPFg44KomgGxxjg20AZ6V2-ZDFNJCs_V0tHnScRV_1KHl0Rktcw9OzeWnfQyTPCxnBAO8qm_G9kfWiYfg/s1600/DSC_5513.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRInHRb9n_psoNzhQ_JBMPy5gjUdDtqi6IoCY-jeOWxVYnBoqAbE4kAxEfAlPFg44KomgGxxjg20AZ6V2-ZDFNJCs_V0tHnScRV_1KHl0Rktcw9OzeWnfQyTPCxnBAO8qm_G9kfWiYfg/s400/DSC_5513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649089782712772642" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Another Tom photo, love this unusual shot of raven in flight.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaEO6OdJFTVcAsxSb-3fj86tY3ovfone1XvZg6JokZMbJ8-gfbsScAqjEnHKbjqPORyqa8NayIEWgdYov90x15Bx6a5CDt3lU_OxHYeJFl4MdVjNxr_ekMjEuvHR7eKaPxPmzdz_PmGw/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaEO6OdJFTVcAsxSb-3fj86tY3ovfone1XvZg6JokZMbJ8-gfbsScAqjEnHKbjqPORyqa8NayIEWgdYov90x15Bx6a5CDt3lU_OxHYeJFl4MdVjNxr_ekMjEuvHR7eKaPxPmzdz_PmGw/s400/IMG_1500.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649089781248356882" /></a>i</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">My iphoto of Hopi House.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QP5d9TS7CO1byah5fBm5OYqKbt0VicbUKUZj1C9R3GJiRUkMc5j2icrxbmQBj0f8do2nJ0zMNUicgKR5dyBqxQQx9hXN9mm8N1M7zjmUIB52xH0IZXOnpXrDhhR2xt85AoLq8A6R5wQ/s1600/iPhoto+Library.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QP5d9TS7CO1byah5fBm5OYqKbt0VicbUKUZj1C9R3GJiRUkMc5j2icrxbmQBj0f8do2nJ0zMNUicgKR5dyBqxQQx9hXN9mm8N1M7zjmUIB52xH0IZXOnpXrDhhR2xt85AoLq8A6R5wQ/s400/iPhoto+Library.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649089775730736866" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Retro photo of me during my first visit to the Canyon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pIRfZ_Lfz9eoNZD3bxnhgdUxYJlb_QbPAje9aPEgUTgG3NCtNNeGHvCb99WVBZ4ZtuXAY-RBhCKRQ4jdqft2apXNVGa-og5pXxI5QPSQkxHvNtXP9slrb6lhyEy-BMW2X4WaHFFpLOo/s1600/DSC_5441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pIRfZ_Lfz9eoNZD3bxnhgdUxYJlb_QbPAje9aPEgUTgG3NCtNNeGHvCb99WVBZ4ZtuXAY-RBhCKRQ4jdqft2apXNVGa-og5pXxI5QPSQkxHvNtXP9slrb6lhyEy-BMW2X4WaHFFpLOo/s400/DSC_5441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649089766816578818" /></a><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Fast forward 25 years to our recent visit.</span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-11316333531557767732011-08-19T11:34:00.000-07:002011-08-19T12:11:04.859-07:00Adios Beautiful Sedona<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">A few more photo's from our amazing Sedona Adventure.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUey-lslQvEH-RQsWMB-zh7mon9O9XkNBFyBXmxbzDFBxcEQk4l95AxkoesDdQLNqhXGVGYGuHL3plxHI2EVgPYdF14gqCmfAxgViYvLhwPsLIKWi4kcwNpP4PROZSvno4C4CAyaggek/s1600/IMG_1411.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUey-lslQvEH-RQsWMB-zh7mon9O9XkNBFyBXmxbzDFBxcEQk4l95AxkoesDdQLNqhXGVGYGuHL3plxHI2EVgPYdF14gqCmfAxgViYvLhwPsLIKWi4kcwNpP4PROZSvno4C4CAyaggek/s400/IMG_1411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642642630417412706" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This may just be my favourite iphoto ever!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIGsnypvsIM-pRH2QRuDKeazO3-j8Hiw9p-tOAPzqasYgeUWOXBnyrJLzJ7-NmeHG-OaO4qnSvqZotcNXteciLkKr5yi6cUB8fb5X3Q2RkdSPMoV2klDQm1Cdx_lyHYtILSuKzPNi29k/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIGsnypvsIM-pRH2QRuDKeazO3-j8Hiw9p-tOAPzqasYgeUWOXBnyrJLzJ7-NmeHG-OaO4qnSvqZotcNXteciLkKr5yi6cUB8fb5X3Q2RkdSPMoV2klDQm1Cdx_lyHYtILSuKzPNi29k/s400/IMG_1292.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642642625802928914" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I realize this would work better with a long flowing caftan / minus the flip flops, but you get what I'm feeling.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt0-3E4R_Il6LeaObQ92f-zSVIUawNulV8RYlpylXvYhIgHjlDQg5GzXGXSs9OKloIXf_30BgvZnOq4Y0b30bHwSbPkhtGamYpnx8a2QqxLE2E5iKKCRSVtD0RkwIsah6U2CZa1AupC8/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt0-3E4R_Il6LeaObQ92f-zSVIUawNulV8RYlpylXvYhIgHjlDQg5GzXGXSs9OKloIXf_30BgvZnOq4Y0b30bHwSbPkhtGamYpnx8a2QqxLE2E5iKKCRSVtD0RkwIsah6U2CZa1AupC8/s400/IMG_1220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642642617868472466" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Amazing vistas.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMg0NhxihnHIREcb9uzFnLa0woSfGhXGPfOI8598RGzkEEFH-5QaWDf4K-AB_1iWUFDjmwaxUQDVHQrlXJrx70ToIA1pHLfWUnprvwZ8BMFScxjZihOSBOXr2kuUFbXPQUE1ize7l1Ss/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMg0NhxihnHIREcb9uzFnLa0woSfGhXGPfOI8598RGzkEEFH-5QaWDf4K-AB_1iWUFDjmwaxUQDVHQrlXJrx70ToIA1pHLfWUnprvwZ8BMFScxjZihOSBOXr2kuUFbXPQUE1ize7l1Ss/s400/IMG_1312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642642614451443746" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Love the view from this old tree.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2znSEp1CtCD9BYC7AIMi7h5aEFpXiS5oW07o6YOWJ2Ahc0cGXA7T249FSf5LndT53ufy6JBtp2eq5R-Sn_jT3v7SZV3epBLvuSl8ExKGoc7_gq9594sTjKUL2z7fzKZ9nhpxGiWWur0/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2znSEp1CtCD9BYC7AIMi7h5aEFpXiS5oW07o6YOWJ2Ahc0cGXA7T249FSf5LndT53ufy6JBtp2eq5R-Sn_jT3v7SZV3epBLvuSl8ExKGoc7_gq9594sTjKUL2z7fzKZ9nhpxGiWWur0/s400/IMG_1211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642642604555631618" /></a>
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Sedona has churches - which to me is very strange. Is it really necessary to build a place of worship when God provided so many wonderful natural places? </span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-88129961838404553782011-08-19T06:58:00.000-07:002011-08-19T09:16:00.396-07:00L'Auberge<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Tom often accuses me of being a hotel snob, which is probably a fair assessment. In this day and age finding a great room is a no brainer, as long as you're willing to do the research - you should be able to have a great experience at any price range.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I've wanted to take Tom to Sedona for years, so our hotel really needed to be special. After going to all of my favorite internet sources I narrowed it down to two properties, Enchantment or L'Auberge. The comments on Trip Advisor convinced me that L'Auberge was exactly what I was looking for. Guest reviews for both properties were overwhelmingly positive, but what really impressed me about L'Auberge was the fact that the General Manager took time to respond to the few people who had a negative comment. It was obvious that they were listening to their guests and committed to providing the best possible experience.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We were not disappointed, L'Auberge was magical. Charming cottages in a stunning natural setting, but what makes this place so special is the staff. Every person who works there is lovely, and they're not faking it. You get the feeling that they really care about this place, and enjoy working here. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Thank you L'Auberge, we will most certainly be back.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89Bx-IGN5dZi7rn5L-BNdopQaCw7mDNfmLcrBCPelNldiItMQneokT5VfO_Iumf-jAeOKtQ-eMhEY7K8v0rE3N-GyUPARBkjfh0G-nTyPeo44O685CL23t_1vzc2QDae1Ovs9r5yCsKM/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89Bx-IGN5dZi7rn5L-BNdopQaCw7mDNfmLcrBCPelNldiItMQneokT5VfO_Iumf-jAeOKtQ-eMhEY7K8v0rE3N-GyUPARBkjfh0G-nTyPeo44O685CL23t_1vzc2QDae1Ovs9r5yCsKM/s400/IMG_1108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642570864336669090" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We had a creekside cottage, which included a fireplace.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QIQC7ZiJloxL8P7LJwucwmbN1UDC8bpwWROjnt5DJgVuDykjtgBPys90Ax6-nHopOzFliQr0EpLzWMfV200THikN34Qz2yfMXL9PTpfTqwcVVHAvBunB8kXkZ8WOTh0xGX1rN05K-58/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QIQC7ZiJloxL8P7LJwucwmbN1UDC8bpwWROjnt5DJgVuDykjtgBPys90Ax6-nHopOzFliQr0EpLzWMfV200THikN34Qz2yfMXL9PTpfTqwcVVHAvBunB8kXkZ8WOTh0xGX1rN05K-58/s400/IMG_1189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642570860252381154" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Great deck overlooking Oak Creek.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3-yq7OxgYZw6UW57ZlKQTQGtS9q4H8Thg8yyBp7ZU6CjLw8Fooo7_NlkvVskFnbmnm5tCpvL-QqyklxH9hvyJAKTX4yGIu-GkD8ENkuQSGtUnfx5PzqFk8Q-yoRByPDLNv7xMvNuR5E/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3-yq7OxgYZw6UW57ZlKQTQGtS9q4H8Thg8yyBp7ZU6CjLw8Fooo7_NlkvVskFnbmnm5tCpvL-QqyklxH9hvyJAKTX4yGIu-GkD8ENkuQSGtUnfx5PzqFk8Q-yoRByPDLNv7xMvNuR5E/s400/IMG_1464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642570850982516210" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This is the first time we've ever had a private outdoor shower. Absolutely loved it! What a great idea, wish we had one at home.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0cM_Rh5kMD4QaHSlZKYcnVCW53mwpHAsMdqQrjr0vxlWMhieMf6PKoDS9CUGdkg25rh-6gqyJjH6Uzzf2yi8xLeVr6PSfesLhb_Tx6YuW0oQcM0v5T8sQx1D9LkLaBsrRxPHurVl79I/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0cM_Rh5kMD4QaHSlZKYcnVCW53mwpHAsMdqQrjr0vxlWMhieMf6PKoDS9CUGdkg25rh-6gqyJjH6Uzzf2yi8xLeVr6PSfesLhb_Tx6YuW0oQcM0v5T8sQx1D9LkLaBsrRxPHurVl79I/s400/IMG_1457.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642570850211239586" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">A great place to read a book and take in the view.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmLEV40vWf9N36_s7j45bO1F7VVoXc8qkdG4_mEXYMT96FQbMmDm72pnQ8-0JF8TXC64BDYh3jdWjkjECeULZHJ-rs034iMWpxhsyQeuEmEEM4CwCHi_PzXjMk3dq65cdnRW7ZVNO8KA/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmLEV40vWf9N36_s7j45bO1F7VVoXc8qkdG4_mEXYMT96FQbMmDm72pnQ8-0JF8TXC64BDYh3jdWjkjECeULZHJ-rs034iMWpxhsyQeuEmEEM4CwCHi_PzXjMk3dq65cdnRW7ZVNO8KA/s400/IMG_1461.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642570839293695634" /></a>
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Dinner is a bit of a splurge but well worth it. Many of the locals shared stories of celebrating life's milestones here. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful dining area, bathed in soft candlelight under a canopy of stars. </span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-80111735419415733092011-08-16T22:47:00.000-07:002011-08-16T23:06:12.193-07:00Cathedral Rock<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Different views of Cathedral Rock at Sunset.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMbLq5-dn2cC9ztMNSkPc_TIi0kMd8JI-bjGwZcxjKC7XwgFoStQ3lF-zT8NE7KJZMrU3x50Q2Zq4Qz-l-YqYZlJLsTrYMiNZzLRMPi6XqGU5OhQnNh-yZIOJonoka6p6hJIg1p9PQz4/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMbLq5-dn2cC9ztMNSkPc_TIi0kMd8JI-bjGwZcxjKC7XwgFoStQ3lF-zT8NE7KJZMrU3x50Q2Zq4Qz-l-YqYZlJLsTrYMiNZzLRMPi6XqGU5OhQnNh-yZIOJonoka6p6hJIg1p9PQz4/s400/IMG_1230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641700929105766722" /></a><div>Reflecting pool
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKZ6Fj34GEQIgf6sPlkXO6mMrEx87mQPJLN7s-ENlUIlf3xOKVxdnaE03pfEq66eplpltjKDZvbB5orspoBL_uyEvyQLKeQBmQrBFk-hOA3yu50EnKQuBug11ES_BsJXLZbQIr2pEpLA/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKZ6Fj34GEQIgf6sPlkXO6mMrEx87mQPJLN7s-ENlUIlf3xOKVxdnaE03pfEq66eplpltjKDZvbB5orspoBL_uyEvyQLKeQBmQrBFk-hOA3yu50EnKQuBug11ES_BsJXLZbQIr2pEpLA/s400/IMG_1272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641700098145519794" /></a></div><div>Beautiful woman taking in the view.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekXpS8dAUWoXarTfoyg4OmfrbKFDaEKV5-Qah94ujWZ16xWeFxEVyA36Nkg0BEXlDVnIRzQYOYPTBKmZhvp_ETYEQ8QYqiRkYkh4WxwizsewNmLyfSVi3m7y3jMQ-vHnjIEMWfxvemZ4/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekXpS8dAUWoXarTfoyg4OmfrbKFDaEKV5-Qah94ujWZ16xWeFxEVyA36Nkg0BEXlDVnIRzQYOYPTBKmZhvp_ETYEQ8QYqiRkYkh4WxwizsewNmLyfSVi3m7y3jMQ-vHnjIEMWfxvemZ4/s400/IMG_1241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641699335685104850" /></a></div><div>Golden light on red rocks.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fXe-Ld9gg1QkP1zyfGQ4SRfxt6LTF0ue-lAUtI2LMseBcfVYSZyb0s9U0uXI8PeTID2khyphenhyphenwciw15YrMTpPxTzKT7cKUUJd23CmR7aMkicbm8S-W2JABaIFSPakuXm88YF2k3zHPdd10/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fXe-Ld9gg1QkP1zyfGQ4SRfxt6LTF0ue-lAUtI2LMseBcfVYSZyb0s9U0uXI8PeTID2khyphenhyphenwciw15YrMTpPxTzKT7cKUUJd23CmR7aMkicbm8S-W2JABaIFSPakuXm88YF2k3zHPdd10/s400/IMG_1267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641699329091617426" /></a>
<br />Stepping stones.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfkDr9jWFWhokbdA_aCoBra4MtMMvjc0kQz2dqAQuDKlBqN9pFMkorsMVEFAw7iNuuEGfAyOHguR6V0kvl7qA5vOdxpuTkyL0rf4jegfKmNlaN2wtuRkC9ypQx99JXjWyEvOJwUmcJoI/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfkDr9jWFWhokbdA_aCoBra4MtMMvjc0kQz2dqAQuDKlBqN9pFMkorsMVEFAw7iNuuEGfAyOHguR6V0kvl7qA5vOdxpuTkyL0rf4jegfKmNlaN2wtuRkC9ypQx99JXjWyEvOJwUmcJoI/s400/IMG_1283.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641699316024127522" /></a>
<br />Sunset</div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-87662894687583203402011-08-15T19:00:00.000-07:002011-08-15T19:58:47.445-07:00Vortex Power<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Tom and I are in Sedona, one of the most beautiful places on the planet. So lovely that even Tom, who can be a little jaded, said this is what heaven must look like. Having just come from Vegas we thought it might be a good idea to seek redemption and spend our first day here looking for a vortex.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">One of the first things you notice about the locals is they have their own unique vernacular. After hanging out at the local coffee shop, we quickly figured out that in order to fit in one should make liberal use of the word "energy". This is a no brainer for me, being an old hippie at heart, but for Tom it's a bit of a stretch. I'm trying to coach him, teaching him phrases like "I only do things that bring positive energy in my life", "awesome energy man", "you ok dude? -your energy seems a little low".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We finally get to the vortex and find another couple there, taking a few snap shots and doing their best to feel the vibe. They eventually leave in frustration, complaining that other than a twinge in their 6th chakra, they're just not feeling it. Once they leave, Tom and I are feeling less inhibited, and do our best to feel the love. </span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxOlxRvSbR04yNWaHGahGj8MGS_F6uAgKsHWN8tLRvMuDpQ1rYOZBqTbOU8yeUgbae1hT0zdh_wvHncjk-Wi6yL5klnfHhfSwFNvme_nofal6C0ureBCSNReH6gpPoTeTBA334QswumA/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxOlxRvSbR04yNWaHGahGj8MGS_F6uAgKsHWN8tLRvMuDpQ1rYOZBqTbOU8yeUgbae1hT0zdh_wvHncjk-Wi6yL5klnfHhfSwFNvme_nofal6C0ureBCSNReH6gpPoTeTBA334QswumA/s400/IMG_1066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641269877141334978" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I am intrigued that all over the world, people leave stones at sacred sights.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55gKuh-jX9cHnsiP9qoZLeZ19VdR3Bh3eQn4l3nmZte9HJa_QPIdm8YENj__wjuQ9fnIGo5it0mNSFEwy1GYa1r2mljHE5uPC6tJE_-wq__xdfZ8FgGv5dB9uC46I2G4EDPiYL_CgIDI/s1600/DSC_4903.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55gKuh-jX9cHnsiP9qoZLeZ19VdR3Bh3eQn4l3nmZte9HJa_QPIdm8YENj__wjuQ9fnIGo5it0mNSFEwy1GYa1r2mljHE5uPC6tJE_-wq__xdfZ8FgGv5dB9uC46I2G4EDPiYL_CgIDI/s400/DSC_4903.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641269869752043602" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Going with the stone theory I decided to see if I can channel the power. Yea, I know I look like a geek, but sun protection is important people.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUHk5tF_oZCDi9f6m83Q-to7dlmFZilxo65nfx0B4c39MMv5W3i-0cZ8gLSnC1c33Bu-cOvQuvZfA0NDcX9ZmDRUhAWpQD8XqJ_-HRwTEltXPb5NStTmu5ZfvtGUljllfKnfmI0JAtG0/s1600/DSC_4939.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUHk5tF_oZCDi9f6m83Q-to7dlmFZilxo65nfx0B4c39MMv5W3i-0cZ8gLSnC1c33Bu-cOvQuvZfA0NDcX9ZmDRUhAWpQD8XqJ_-HRwTEltXPb5NStTmu5ZfvtGUljllfKnfmI0JAtG0/s400/DSC_4939.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641269862589578722" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Tom takes my advice and tries meditating by the stone wheel.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmI1Tqlk2qq9CeEZKM9fAI_J7Ner3GogUP9IB8TUMY76PUol354l0O-VjYlhPl3Bz0QMWLNZP_esRgjmkgShLIvCp-Q5Mt5DWvErczvke0vao5jRNRM4OHty7Yhtyv5w0IIfOQGhbZdM/s1600/DSC_4948.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmI1Tqlk2qq9CeEZKM9fAI_J7Ner3GogUP9IB8TUMY76PUol354l0O-VjYlhPl3Bz0QMWLNZP_esRgjmkgShLIvCp-Q5Mt5DWvErczvke0vao5jRNRM4OHty7Yhtyv5w0IIfOQGhbZdM/s400/DSC_4948.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641269860657032594" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">When that doesn't work, he turns into a whirling dervish.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6F1PWeyOic0AVxWRFRzxq6HPYNhfSdnSoU8Gw0xQjDPWJvSDCUgEM7rmfbMal_DMeGP83R9zNXQS4VRfqYJXyvZywXuOpclH-rq576MVwnVqSIIwJsGlnr_dkDFGh00qjHZkY26rDdg/s1600/DSC_4971.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6F1PWeyOic0AVxWRFRzxq6HPYNhfSdnSoU8Gw0xQjDPWJvSDCUgEM7rmfbMal_DMeGP83R9zNXQS4VRfqYJXyvZywXuOpclH-rq576MVwnVqSIIwJsGlnr_dkDFGh00qjHZkY26rDdg/s400/DSC_4971.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641269855122707714" /></a>
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Tom is determined to feel the energy, no matter what it takes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Even though we weren't hit by lightning bolts, I suddenly realize that my bad knee is feeling better than it has in years. I'm thinking tomorrow we take a different approach, perhaps focus our breathing so that we can get past our mind chatter - and really feel what the universe is trying to tell us. Who knows, maybe I'll even ask one of the local shamans to help us in our quest.</span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-37036858546965925252011-08-14T21:59:00.000-07:002011-08-14T22:54:17.102-07:00Karma<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Our last day in Vegas and we woke up to a very light rain. Not sure what came over him, but my lovely husband blurted out "That's just great, why do they have to end their drought during our holiday"? As soon as Tom said it he felt horrible. Truth is Vegas was getting to us.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Even though we had a crazy weekend there, something about Vegas just didn't feel right. It was one of those holidays when you try to pretend that everything isn't over the top, that children aren't starving in the Sudan while you're stuffing your face at the all you can eat buffet, that people willingly spend a couple of c-notes to hear Celine Dion sing. No matter how you spin it, there is something weird about Vegas.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Our last night there turned into a cross between Hangover and Date Night. A few highlights:</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LTnomthQ_TPfNO_cbnNV9ONqcwe1HNC_iPiU2z2GNF1qINfHxJe-t-gfCu6KuQYvdNCxo0C1LrnvjJxxpwpjqRj_Dajh4iph5hwTq_yjZbeb4T4vMV9LHHkNgyf2L1kO-5zTB5Tw8oM/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LTnomthQ_TPfNO_cbnNV9ONqcwe1HNC_iPiU2z2GNF1qINfHxJe-t-gfCu6KuQYvdNCxo0C1LrnvjJxxpwpjqRj_Dajh4iph5hwTq_yjZbeb4T4vMV9LHHkNgyf2L1kO-5zTB5Tw8oM/s400/IMG_0980.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640944729122706386" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The evening started out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">okay</span>, just the two of us hanging out and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">chillin</span>.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqNbKQ-h7PXpza0aD3dyDQphF0_i893VqueZ62wCcnCNegB70ni04CKcT0Sz5TPTSNUAZbzMAkfUCXGnzMBUqdO0G95ccR5tTun_bPIfxYQ8kts32abTH4u4xU5L8xbmHsVl8FBeXxQU/s1600/IMG_0990.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqNbKQ-h7PXpza0aD3dyDQphF0_i893VqueZ62wCcnCNegB70ni04CKcT0Sz5TPTSNUAZbzMAkfUCXGnzMBUqdO0G95ccR5tTun_bPIfxYQ8kts32abTH4u4xU5L8xbmHsVl8FBeXxQU/s400/IMG_0990.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640944727821929602" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Loved the desert sky after the summer storm.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMKMYhsbWUInkyosdnqzhzFQYXED-GGyE3kQnIn2rr9mqSH6mY6zcJJGbI9gMpNtxx1DKWqvhvDuaGIKcKK7D1R-0IwDSR6M8rsLhvN7GRFrxHLyOuYtAhK3pr4obqGK5EBRLAjwByC0/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMKMYhsbWUInkyosdnqzhzFQYXED-GGyE3kQnIn2rr9mqSH6mY6zcJJGbI9gMpNtxx1DKWqvhvDuaGIKcKK7D1R-0IwDSR6M8rsLhvN7GRFrxHLyOuYtAhK3pr4obqGK5EBRLAjwByC0/s400/IMG_0995.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640944720463228146" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Enjoyed the bright lights of the strip.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjHIPIssSh-TvXfgQZpc9lwyio-Lb26xxcYpqJTFKHwSwpKGDLLBBwEEdTBDsgggirsT62sJCcuVh9SY_aACxYKxBPBpF33ZvOUU0C0n4-wAMnopgCp5QyGJ1cfjws74jr5rAO6tGQHw/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjHIPIssSh-TvXfgQZpc9lwyio-Lb26xxcYpqJTFKHwSwpKGDLLBBwEEdTBDsgggirsT62sJCcuVh9SY_aACxYKxBPBpF33ZvOUU0C0n4-wAMnopgCp5QyGJ1cfjws74jr5rAO6tGQHw/s400/IMG_1004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640944708544833410" /></a></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Scored the best table in town for dinner.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtZmtOZU84V7orAYywZlz4tFRQlubQ2r8P62c4Y9J44BoumcBH01muyWgZ2H8ltGWqmqDTgywGCg3pQ7NEzJdjbsUJfzizY_iLB1c-edJQkm4O8YuNOL4VUPNOrkSHQ1wErM917j1Rus/s400/IMG_1015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640944700123639010" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Shortly after the show started, something went terribly wrong. Just as the fountain was at it's peak (maybe as tall as a three story building) a freak gust of wind blew the mountain of water directly onto the patio, and our heads, and clothes, filling our dinner plates. We (and my brand new dress) were seriously drenched, I'm not sure I've ever been that wet in my life, even while taking a bath. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Maitre</span> De was horrified. He apologized profusely, and insisted this had never, ever happened before. Tom and I had a good laugh, after all - karma is a bitch.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-88183655918887639982011-08-13T00:19:00.000-07:002011-08-13T00:30:58.122-07:00Crap<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Today our Vegas adventure continues. Highlight for me was watching Tom play craps. Poor guy is so Canadian that he would end up apologizing to the table when he rolled craps on the come out. I guess it didn't help that I would say things like "baby needs a new pair of shoes" right before he threw the dice. </span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVqYpL5J26b5-IRHNFeOINIMOaPvTr6-nlJtHRSq4pGW67X4QhhFz5PNn8zyoWikoCNSyjhmtHKC_6uiEOvxX2NKqMxx4nQzwvcQDxRvZBDy5lacLCu-fUzb4ojLv-NeKejV1vYzY-bI/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVqYpL5J26b5-IRHNFeOINIMOaPvTr6-nlJtHRSq4pGW67X4QhhFz5PNn8zyoWikoCNSyjhmtHKC_6uiEOvxX2NKqMxx4nQzwvcQDxRvZBDy5lacLCu-fUzb4ojLv-NeKejV1vYzY-bI/s400/IMG_0948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640237598078561746" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Hanging by the pool in the afternoon.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT4DQxQDLl88UPQ6YJHIWTK8FhsMG2N3y60eQnUKcjh8Tywec5srHd39maOib07qHQmU7AQOUoGV3Z4u9_rP0DpOvgLcEraOV0OEMbUTBa9xGQR1THkNy1tC9xhPuuTdleMTBDg0Hb8I/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT4DQxQDLl88UPQ6YJHIWTK8FhsMG2N3y60eQnUKcjh8Tywec5srHd39maOib07qHQmU7AQOUoGV3Z4u9_rP0DpOvgLcEraOV0OEMbUTBa9xGQR1THkNy1tC9xhPuuTdleMTBDg0Hb8I/s400/IMG_0927.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640237590918143698" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Why have we been going to Europe all these years, when we could have just gone to Vegas?
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBOpmGT9LYu2GT4LOV-Wy5r0Z41nJ9f8yspkNiS18YrtqlDkY3DrxGCR79EPU2qFWi5Bx1EpC4VYttJAx9ncM6uqJynR9pHW-z1c2afMov6bprevRYJ8ag9l2lPCcwUHgsPAnPyc1D1M/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBOpmGT9LYu2GT4LOV-Wy5r0Z41nJ9f8yspkNiS18YrtqlDkY3DrxGCR79EPU2qFWi5Bx1EpC4VYttJAx9ncM6uqJynR9pHW-z1c2afMov6bprevRYJ8ag9l2lPCcwUHgsPAnPyc1D1M/s400/IMG_0957.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640237583041398978" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Looking like a test pattern.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedV6cSNL9eE7VnBNeMN2ga_KdHBICYkm-xA6sYhT2E21Y0udikLFc5fH2G5X0Qpv-t34EGeLMkba8JJv6C1b2vGXzJN_1nG9T23x5aFlFPzJCr7ZYJsPoz1Vzo5tgFbH1Qm0oWdE7JIE/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedV6cSNL9eE7VnBNeMN2ga_KdHBICYkm-xA6sYhT2E21Y0udikLFc5fH2G5X0Qpv-t34EGeLMkba8JJv6C1b2vGXzJN_1nG9T23x5aFlFPzJCr7ZYJsPoz1Vzo5tgFbH1Qm0oWdE7JIE/s400/IMG_0955.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640237577278669170" /></a>
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The giant buddha at Tao. </span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-58352957382829332802011-08-13T00:10:00.000-07:002011-08-13T00:18:09.161-07:00Viva Las Vegas<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Bright neon lights, all that's missing is Elvis.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignQd3JZTfCgMi-uaq7j3Ab8W_dh4WdKrCJc_V1hhgCntB9wVclv9vwSYW3Vg614DH_qQH9lAgpyR6iuRVHnpwJlI8Tad7CE9t2bHmVx5cFa9-jCW8jWbBEofNeoka6WoP51uZAI7ViUA/s1600/IMG_0970.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignQd3JZTfCgMi-uaq7j3Ab8W_dh4WdKrCJc_V1hhgCntB9wVclv9vwSYW3Vg614DH_qQH9lAgpyR6iuRVHnpwJlI8Tad7CE9t2bHmVx5cFa9-jCW8jWbBEofNeoka6WoP51uZAI7ViUA/s400/IMG_0970.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640235344760353986" /></a><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrGCIEWno8he12UwlL0kt_CS5RINiCTttGgR1DGjFvtIbWB70_vMhEodDRQhjhJ0xY9V1KEbzhokiHdXvTGMc_9A-bpL9ROKmVbDRcb4Mj-WD-OWfeGM89WHADnJf584rkIgfokivp-U/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrGCIEWno8he12UwlL0kt_CS5RINiCTttGgR1DGjFvtIbWB70_vMhEodDRQhjhJ0xY9V1KEbzhokiHdXvTGMc_9A-bpL9ROKmVbDRcb4Mj-WD-OWfeGM89WHADnJf584rkIgfokivp-U/s400/IMG_0962.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640235339507312690" /></a></div><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsTSq5F0pdy8t3Sp6RYELypx4qamqX-6LGUpdSRUMfbFw6PwH1MLHwjiqwaD9i4s5p1qgHKbChEV76C5Gpw-1d9fLdaPTtQXgdyoEPT1unQC4mB6pcv4XPPUfqPrzl6nyOqiaUAsNlrk/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsTSq5F0pdy8t3Sp6RYELypx4qamqX-6LGUpdSRUMfbFw6PwH1MLHwjiqwaD9i4s5p1qgHKbChEV76C5Gpw-1d9fLdaPTtQXgdyoEPT1unQC4mB6pcv4XPPUfqPrzl6nyOqiaUAsNlrk/s400/IMG_0964.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640235334824534498" /></a></div><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jDOXEdUYSHXGLHdtQ3QEPObgOZYqd9FUXT50zJQv4YiMBbniuULaYGZHuGDn7MLMjHKAhl-NjBn6c7xrkhyphenhypheniFTThlky4UbV-qb0X4OTEWB9n8ziMPoCHaL_Lktw0e0BnqpGysGKpxT4/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jDOXEdUYSHXGLHdtQ3QEPObgOZYqd9FUXT50zJQv4YiMBbniuULaYGZHuGDn7MLMjHKAhl-NjBn6c7xrkhyphenhypheniFTThlky4UbV-qb0X4OTEWB9n8ziMPoCHaL_Lktw0e0BnqpGysGKpxT4/s400/IMG_0972.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640235312645518130" /></a>
<br /></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-72587093659631691542011-08-11T23:36:00.000-07:002011-08-11T23:45:38.547-07:00Lady Luck<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Shortly after hitting the strip, Tom made a $5 bet on a slot machine - and hit pay dirt!</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1gIdoymEKC26xFxRVIC_ZoSaiz4KcMOYxi1omQjvFXn9mQIHwfEHtm4Knh93U9evdL_knUzlOqUL7F6DEI3SbcJSNI8HHpE6KLPjwVCrP9necCpRvblp3NNjfnJq3XWbfwTFattCPds/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1gIdoymEKC26xFxRVIC_ZoSaiz4KcMOYxi1omQjvFXn9mQIHwfEHtm4Knh93U9evdL_knUzlOqUL7F6DEI3SbcJSNI8HHpE6KLPjwVCrP9necCpRvblp3NNjfnJq3XWbfwTFattCPds/s400/IMG_0920.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639855842029260834" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Winning $547 and change, is this for real?
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF-BbT7QaMKgxXiOXRj8fhmT6TXIk87Nm5n9KnPDpkYjvq38Gb0sNYRePHn6IYhxMvtuXyFBpHlouKPPirAgkgDAImq1h9uN3b5Uhd3n6fwlNSHR-2-PK4Apx72XKGtc-Nly-ftcpAuE/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF-BbT7QaMKgxXiOXRj8fhmT6TXIk87Nm5n9KnPDpkYjvq38Gb0sNYRePHn6IYhxMvtuXyFBpHlouKPPirAgkgDAImq1h9uN3b5Uhd3n6fwlNSHR-2-PK4Apx72XKGtc-Nly-ftcpAuE/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639855390412854066" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Yea Baby!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG95kMbTV0XAhu5LP0kt0znePqNGAv9qHtsQ-GhxSZaEcNXDu84W5_4r-Wq93d4T6I6M-2qUhhvaK06lHHCwdpWZ9RcGNSfspSIt8ii7vC8bat7WtEhYCSKmhAPx9O0jr9bKYMh_LbjTU/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG95kMbTV0XAhu5LP0kt0znePqNGAv9qHtsQ-GhxSZaEcNXDu84W5_4r-Wq93d4T6I6M-2qUhhvaK06lHHCwdpWZ9RcGNSfspSIt8ii7vC8bat7WtEhYCSKmhAPx9O0jr9bKYMh_LbjTU/s400/IMG_0916.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639855382451404274" /></a>
<br />Vegas baby!</span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-84186424787895174912011-08-11T23:30:00.000-07:002011-08-12T00:01:01.753-07:00Vegas, Baby!<div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Tom and I are in Las Vegas, which is kinda weird, as we don’t really see ourselves as Vegas people. Not to mention the fact that most people have the good sense to visit in the cooler months of fall / winter, avoiding the scorching heat of summer.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span>
<br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">In spite of our hesitation, we started feeling the Vegas vibe when our plane landed. As soon as the wheels hit the tarmac we couldn’t help but notice the other passengers’ liberal use of baby, as in “yea baby”, “vegas baby”, “you know it baby”. Maybe Vegas wouldn’t be so bad after all.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span>
<br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The true Vegas test came when we checked into our hotel. Many of our friends advised us that when checking into a luxury hotel, there is an unspoken rule. All one has to do is casually slip the desk clerk a $20 - and voila - a swanky upgrade. This just didn’t seem right to us, both having worked in hotels in a previous life. What if we offended the desk clerk? What if our friends were having a little fun at our expense?</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span>
<br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">All day we had been arguing over which one of us would have to slip the tip, but as everyone knows paper beats rock, so Tom had to go for it. He casually handed the clerk his passport, with Andrew Jackson peaking out, and we were soon informed by the young man that the hotel would be more than happy to upgrade us to a beautiful suite - with a beautiful view of the strip, compliments of the hotel of course!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span>
<br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">As they say in Vegas, we hit the jackpot, people. This may just be one of the coolest hotels we’ve ever stayed in. </span></span></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk7XCJ5qcIQPdV1amISuzcnODVUVVeJevs-YFPWYNxpg62zjpb8N8TmCGvdrApU-C_MiV9LxrRkKO6RxtIv33NIfLQ3SuMDi2YFsnD8ptQ117e30OgwGzuDdKtgohVFkY71zW1eHwAsA/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk7XCJ5qcIQPdV1amISuzcnODVUVVeJevs-YFPWYNxpg62zjpb8N8TmCGvdrApU-C_MiV9LxrRkKO6RxtIv33NIfLQ3SuMDi2YFsnD8ptQ117e30OgwGzuDdKtgohVFkY71zW1eHwAsA/s400/IMG_0932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639853671735173698" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The living room in our hotel.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx-pfgL10Z3AkL1zdLU819UbEMEY0g1LXNA6eK9OSdRMlPyMEuspkqxEu85Hq8gpHrYKRTwi70UwsZidIFVrd6rpXkxZq01axB6XJPUPNVwLuuZEm8hautwm5mz-mZiTZqs05td2h1D4/s1600/IMG_0933.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx-pfgL10Z3AkL1zdLU819UbEMEY0g1LXNA6eK9OSdRMlPyMEuspkqxEu85Hq8gpHrYKRTwi70UwsZidIFVrd6rpXkxZq01axB6XJPUPNVwLuuZEm8hautwm5mz-mZiTZqs05td2h1D4/s400/IMG_0933.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639853666571480786" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Bedroom
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENf_VMaDlRoX3x6hnVxHRCwlJdvUYzA_-9WhyHTlxEreuQsIAQa73wTTFjYKLN3LjkQVEYnrE4dxLAIzu9vhuHyki2VHSzIF7ehlk6xgUrqECztpL_P3nAlhiOAbYev9-roSNoHzJX6w/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENf_VMaDlRoX3x6hnVxHRCwlJdvUYzA_-9WhyHTlxEreuQsIAQa73wTTFjYKLN3LjkQVEYnrE4dxLAIzu9vhuHyki2VHSzIF7ehlk6xgUrqECztpL_P3nAlhiOAbYev9-roSNoHzJX6w/s400/IMG_0934.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639853663177681682" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Love the tub.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmf69msFLPR7D3ALUOCD5pSRixtfWeb3D7gQEhiVgrkd4ujYFmfo6upVsaNfKdPOuxwBZFNQ6CHWXRd9CDZfmL33_YRI45rrrwNJXWN_abrSXEi1cjgPDa-3xsFhIz1IT2w_28oMl26o4/s1600/IMG_0940.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmf69msFLPR7D3ALUOCD5pSRixtfWeb3D7gQEhiVgrkd4ujYFmfo6upVsaNfKdPOuxwBZFNQ6CHWXRd9CDZfmL33_YRI45rrrwNJXWN_abrSXEi1cjgPDa-3xsFhIz1IT2w_28oMl26o4/s400/IMG_0940.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639853657970031906" /></a>
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The view from room.</span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-55477088466541650032011-08-10T20:03:00.000-07:002011-08-10T20:21:52.853-07:00Pug Separation Anxiety<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">PSA - Pug Separation Anxiety - hits Tom and I every time we have to leave Tex and Maggie at home. Our son Tyler and his girlfriend Jane will move in and take care of them, with the help of Jade, our fabulous dog walker / friend. A week with three of their favourite peeps, full of love, pug games and absolute mayhem. Not to mention the fact that we've left 12 pages of in-depth pug instructions. Still doesn't make leaving them any easier.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY2dogMDxyD4TUkLLqLn90NTiNZUS80kB4Dc8JfOdd6JH3voVqk5p322bWAuQSyruykaV0UWSJ6opdIYiULAzKHcu39Bqw2qF_BpWFOLQ8RkZ-Z_QqYvCdgBv068pTqaZEI2B_kbeevw/s1600/IMG_0865.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY2dogMDxyD4TUkLLqLn90NTiNZUS80kB4Dc8JfOdd6JH3voVqk5p322bWAuQSyruykaV0UWSJ6opdIYiULAzKHcu39Bqw2qF_BpWFOLQ8RkZ-Z_QqYvCdgBv068pTqaZEI2B_kbeevw/s400/IMG_0865.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639429712984711954" /></a><div>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtLB3oLc443vO7nWOGFxFN6yizDfeZbXbmpM-8eQtt7tq2vskDueWhmIPt9_ELesAwjKw9LWVG82azwlLlMSxR5FsIgdi1JePNzvkEDQvSXf8TW4m88RCpfmjhKEAeFgdxJ7oQekEAwo/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtLB3oLc443vO7nWOGFxFN6yizDfeZbXbmpM-8eQtt7tq2vskDueWhmIPt9_ELesAwjKw9LWVG82azwlLlMSxR5FsIgdi1JePNzvkEDQvSXf8TW4m88RCpfmjhKEAeFgdxJ7oQekEAwo/s400/IMG_0780.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639429705094358114" /></a></div><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbfdoJX4YQNjUtirBVzcyAyfMzLo9XiVy7jnFzffPQGMGZ9u1CQj6bB2LPHjMw669eKbRJmAFY3kzL7EmUwz9L1FNlFDcYrYYQdN5YV9OwvOgPC4hwLAgNl4BDguX993cYdZzjiued6g/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbfdoJX4YQNjUtirBVzcyAyfMzLo9XiVy7jnFzffPQGMGZ9u1CQj6bB2LPHjMw669eKbRJmAFY3kzL7EmUwz9L1FNlFDcYrYYQdN5YV9OwvOgPC4hwLAgNl4BDguX993cYdZzjiued6g/s400/IMG_0867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639429704664575058" /></a>
<br /></div></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-41745749437850891492011-08-09T21:08:00.000-07:002011-08-09T21:12:58.217-07:00Birdland<div>Today's photo comes from Tom, the real photographer in our family. Not only does he play the guitar but he takes a mean owl photo.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2hq4ubSvS-CHP-_GK6G9kc_ZErU7KzrJCHgoHOoNRm2q5EtPesSiP4QgHLAVVMbwqCyFmqZtL-ctvihPXu31rAr8GaV7N6iqIcRj-poKZrSrQtSFUQB6m6odutbRcWKtjrJqn9Kuv6c/s1600/DSC_2997.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2hq4ubSvS-CHP-_GK6G9kc_ZErU7KzrJCHgoHOoNRm2q5EtPesSiP4QgHLAVVMbwqCyFmqZtL-ctvihPXu31rAr8GaV7N6iqIcRj-poKZrSrQtSFUQB6m6odutbRcWKtjrJqn9Kuv6c/s400/DSC_2997.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639074573425807698" /></a>
<br />Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-60657850265681582582011-08-08T21:39:00.000-07:002011-08-08T21:53:39.219-07:00Summertime<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Nobody appreciates a sunny day like we do in the Pacific Northwest. Don't get me wrong, we don't mind a little rain, keeps things green and clean. It's just that we will never be jaded about a beautiful, summer day.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjDnl1uGyCMWvfnEAaPm5oaE0zt5FB4vMwQ2cgeojg9gc9fi6De2CSFKmBNYy4JjvoKPzDZk-3EiehpKWmoIe8ra0f8wpjccwGJBIa-pMNPp9S3juStPnfnt10T4XLDjTgi84BQ8fjok/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjDnl1uGyCMWvfnEAaPm5oaE0zt5FB4vMwQ2cgeojg9gc9fi6De2CSFKmBNYy4JjvoKPzDZk-3EiehpKWmoIe8ra0f8wpjccwGJBIa-pMNPp9S3juStPnfnt10T4XLDjTgi84BQ8fjok/s400/IMG_0810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638713044798121586" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">A glass of wine with friends on the patio is what I'm talking about.</span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BcSpGBysfNVyb_T_r2E-NBx-r8I9aBrx_OGivHou4uskcYLsr92T0Lh_-jJlCor4SN_Q9xNB0dabjzR3J1JuyzmwVP48Ztpe6dXSm1XKV1MhTCTFbjRf6ktpiUqJNy5lK1b0-dM9yTk/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BcSpGBysfNVyb_T_r2E-NBx-r8I9aBrx_OGivHou4uskcYLsr92T0Lh_-jJlCor4SN_Q9xNB0dabjzR3J1JuyzmwVP48Ztpe6dXSm1XKV1MhTCTFbjRf6ktpiUqJNy5lK1b0-dM9yTk/s400/IMG_0812.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638713041911387762" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Lush summer flowers.</span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YP_83IZ242w-MGa9rHNDKSU7gchIdOmTUYttboBSvjr0GwWChrOBvUHw1WtV8AmeKtzVBJDtVW6WpTMtr5nf0Zq8hX4ZeqklM58lQ-h6NAx5EFpTajAgNrjc9k6Ai_HuVvXOTXGjOLw/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YP_83IZ242w-MGa9rHNDKSU7gchIdOmTUYttboBSvjr0GwWChrOBvUHw1WtV8AmeKtzVBJDtVW6WpTMtr5nf0Zq8hX4ZeqklM58lQ-h6NAx5EFpTajAgNrjc9k6Ai_HuVvXOTXGjOLw/s400/IMG_0836.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638713036077526594" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Street banners.</span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F_caxvOEDa9vFw0yUYxZxoHqUWLw6mCh7h9RLAsyNIVipwQyN47dNnY-GGgjmyYSj70NB6OkPByvKtdFjodnb90vy-vatuxyPZlrpG_DXbvrdFAyLU2TLSct3lEO6K4vpJsiWNrXDew/s1600/IMG_0842.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F_caxvOEDa9vFw0yUYxZxoHqUWLw6mCh7h9RLAsyNIVipwQyN47dNnY-GGgjmyYSj70NB6OkPByvKtdFjodnb90vy-vatuxyPZlrpG_DXbvrdFAyLU2TLSct3lEO6K4vpJsiWNrXDew/s400/IMG_0842.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638713028609446626" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">View of Burrard bridge from Granville bridge. </span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Az6O3DlnVuDwMqMkcS5ehYGSYBIoADpD0X_qeIntYhxGhSNKXxcf9AdCf8fTK87sm3_iOrN5On1kAcBE8fO4Kg8mMYXXTFxcxE_VoP28tYZqM6sXQUF34UsWvjmDPc5p57SxzW9BADI/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Az6O3DlnVuDwMqMkcS5ehYGSYBIoADpD0X_qeIntYhxGhSNKXxcf9AdCf8fTK87sm3_iOrN5On1kAcBE8fO4Kg8mMYXXTFxcxE_VoP28tYZqM6sXQUF34UsWvjmDPc5p57SxzW9BADI/s400/IMG_0860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638713020923257250" /></a>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Interesting reflections.</span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-64148028322671387542011-08-07T20:59:00.000-07:002011-08-07T21:40:08.650-07:00A Dogs Life<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Now that Tex and Maggie are 15 people often ask us for advice on how to raise an older dog. I have a standard answer, explaining that it takes a great deal of love, luck, prayers, a dedicated vet, and good dental hygiene. While all this is certainly true, it is much easier than explaining that in my heart I really believe they're still here because they know their humans still have so much to learn. As crazy as it sounds, my pugs have been two of my greatest teachers. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Today's iphotos, dogs in the hood:</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKn2l-uH6_yOQlozCSxTDzSKtRQy94dQbDW2Gr9809IUhTG3llQx5yvbY2pEWoYdqunOcmZs-bUi5mZ1iIK-t8-Qx193n1-DdG79sY7SQTVw6Cy80lvz3eDz4EvKlwlZh1H8RXXK8pc0/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKn2l-uH6_yOQlozCSxTDzSKtRQy94dQbDW2Gr9809IUhTG3llQx5yvbY2pEWoYdqunOcmZs-bUi5mZ1iIK-t8-Qx193n1-DdG79sY7SQTVw6Cy80lvz3eDz4EvKlwlZh1H8RXXK8pc0/s400/IMG_0775.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638330740447692578" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">My sweet Maggie, who was originally our neighbour's dog, before coming to live with us. Everyday we are so grateful for our beautiful girl.</span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT7n8HzqNEEdGC9K8eZxf2_Sp6IFzAQBrkop2GjFhDnup1apHRubnWi5xbTuBFRJPaIANLYZUOql6IK0sdou7_C5jzwuBjskmJndpvey1R32XVOMssR3Aehsze-Dc5iVZE51c6YfxMCk/s1600/IMG_0778.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT7n8HzqNEEdGC9K8eZxf2_Sp6IFzAQBrkop2GjFhDnup1apHRubnWi5xbTuBFRJPaIANLYZUOql6IK0sdou7_C5jzwuBjskmJndpvey1R32XVOMssR3Aehsze-Dc5iVZE51c6YfxMCk/s400/IMG_0778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638330733618585634" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">My Tex - aka the Dali pug - a sweet, wise, old soul.</span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlVN2KlNxAGCVZ8MwJMS5cS4i_Uqm6iX1aiiWqgh7ZYk7gvs9tMp_7EK8JL2-HqcwmQ1mGPauIe2mTO_plktntyPv1A9uD_dvxC1TbCjtgbvX-NSPdWnBZDuFOna251fJKXfppP6yyPk/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlVN2KlNxAGCVZ8MwJMS5cS4i_Uqm6iX1aiiWqgh7ZYk7gvs9tMp_7EK8JL2-HqcwmQ1mGPauIe2mTO_plktntyPv1A9uD_dvxC1TbCjtgbvX-NSPdWnBZDuFOna251fJKXfppP6yyPk/s400/IMG_0808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638330729518656274" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Like Paris and New York, Vancouver is a dog loving city. We met this wonderful bloke on our walk today.</span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOWkDB9Gig7FIEFKUhsMdEoe30MinOmLc3scmAE8fSDpr7K4C6jU21La2hNKFDFB-1bEsQk_VIpwVJhrdwLiu8qUPePE3C6VQBrbqUzp4ar_HuEVZcoK5IlFVD85zTYL9oaJya3Yyu50/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOWkDB9Gig7FIEFKUhsMdEoe30MinOmLc3scmAE8fSDpr7K4C6jU21La2hNKFDFB-1bEsQk_VIpwVJhrdwLiu8qUPePE3C6VQBrbqUzp4ar_HuEVZcoK5IlFVD85zTYL9oaJya3Yyu50/s400/IMG_0815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638330723956374642" /></a>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">A beautiful day in the park with your best friend, does life get any better? </span></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-396253870852636612011-08-06T22:14:00.000-07:002011-08-06T22:32:03.858-07:00Joy of Life<div>Joy of life, finding beauty in the simple things.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bC8CsLrgKqGHkX4rO2vzYxw-HvLP_9bLFdqtHH6mLk4gNFcdECE_zz4fxacyrCqkn_yVatHAv-HEijUi6eeEZCHlrkqbpWZEzXYQR2ECBKO6HkEvL1fkzIBeZ9ZxgtXLTtmV5ZouQhM/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bC8CsLrgKqGHkX4rO2vzYxw-HvLP_9bLFdqtHH6mLk4gNFcdECE_zz4fxacyrCqkn_yVatHAv-HEijUi6eeEZCHlrkqbpWZEzXYQR2ECBKO6HkEvL1fkzIBeZ9ZxgtXLTtmV5ZouQhM/s400/IMG_0767.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637979807875283378" /></a><div>Even though it's a cliche, a gorgeous sunset.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBpYaqP5pgJ5RPefhlHnnD_8xzJPK0rF4TKRbFjTvKKiFqztss8w1aBAxWs6UIdbbgPhnp4dtUbYEALQRYaQnfxaK08RzNe5yLQrH1UUGNAYqNRneN1ibzI4Wq4xM32hZFyZ1WDkPQUE/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBpYaqP5pgJ5RPefhlHnnD_8xzJPK0rF4TKRbFjTvKKiFqztss8w1aBAxWs6UIdbbgPhnp4dtUbYEALQRYaQnfxaK08RzNe5yLQrH1UUGNAYqNRneN1ibzI4Wq4xM32hZFyZ1WDkPQUE/s400/IMG_0757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637979788460717954" /></a></div><div>Yin and yang, life in balance.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aWN0EsvDxE3zMymB7uMINalbFCNr7h1zQ1I5mZy-iMIVHqbAVnsimSgULru8KPTsIANzUC9mXtuzySTw4MkHtUREnk_RSPXrYpns6rk3MHGRLUjfhbDl9PlLt-pZmj8rcyCQCJ3t3dY/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aWN0EsvDxE3zMymB7uMINalbFCNr7h1zQ1I5mZy-iMIVHqbAVnsimSgULru8KPTsIANzUC9mXtuzySTw4MkHtUREnk_RSPXrYpns6rk3MHGRLUjfhbDl9PlLt-pZmj8rcyCQCJ3t3dY/s400/IMG_0737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637979785044305890" /></a></div><div>Don't stop believing, stop in the name of love, stop and think about it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4ZfJ8lMBRDxpN3OSQ46QKyATMtbIKod7cC3ZvpegpCQrYmGgP-LmLoSxKQqxjvFIO_AcEe6EmVYxZu5xclx_BOMHPiV1LkAql-WpUVdIdEecV_7aV9QZKHijQs9cPB_odl43mJrvqWM/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4ZfJ8lMBRDxpN3OSQ46QKyATMtbIKod7cC3ZvpegpCQrYmGgP-LmLoSxKQqxjvFIO_AcEe6EmVYxZu5xclx_BOMHPiV1LkAql-WpUVdIdEecV_7aV9QZKHijQs9cPB_odl43mJrvqWM/s400/IMG_0732.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637979783616153026" /></a><br /></div><div>Going for a ride and letting the wind blow through your hair.</div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-33698466849946327382011-08-05T22:31:00.000-07:002011-08-05T22:44:17.400-07:00The Market<div>Living by Granville Island has changed the way we shop / eat. Gone are the weekly trips to the grocery store, now we buy what we need each day. Fresh, organic and local when possible.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V_vNZX_4AzA0IoW2RQp-HYxnoQO-rWiKEHTctZux0gvs7Te189t43KVRy038feSUPHOL97ESStdRZ1AgrGYCri2vqw4RoiIZ-eiFsLS2EBzYa92dU4UL18EPnfs9wScpBIGmeSWRnYM/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V_vNZX_4AzA0IoW2RQp-HYxnoQO-rWiKEHTctZux0gvs7Te189t43KVRy038feSUPHOL97ESStdRZ1AgrGYCri2vqw4RoiIZ-eiFsLS2EBzYa92dU4UL18EPnfs9wScpBIGmeSWRnYM/s400/IMG_0722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637612987821520514" /></a><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TO-tardzxV5NwCZX1CX-JA4eBan0Garh7SX8aOjpgupr5T7zywXTnDUXhjF7gdFOFAUwDE-OnC6NiuIPQag5EPQQaYREVNOxiyAYD3uPAh6tToxfBPpa-K6w8UmqUo5_bCSK0ucdYcM/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TO-tardzxV5NwCZX1CX-JA4eBan0Garh7SX8aOjpgupr5T7zywXTnDUXhjF7gdFOFAUwDE-OnC6NiuIPQag5EPQQaYREVNOxiyAYD3uPAh6tToxfBPpa-K6w8UmqUo5_bCSK0ucdYcM/s400/IMG_0727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637612982778660674" /></a></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2f30zr9TEwL3HXbkiEBXsgGNprY8_dvzlZ3HsWALeKBZSQ0NTNSTsmvflC6nqHwPzt619sa5a2sbAM40sFkJIYJvUSJ6NkqiL18VMEFOXCAPp2cG23wh0kavHl5afmfiCwC1HqSNjuA/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2f30zr9TEwL3HXbkiEBXsgGNprY8_dvzlZ3HsWALeKBZSQ0NTNSTsmvflC6nqHwPzt619sa5a2sbAM40sFkJIYJvUSJ6NkqiL18VMEFOXCAPp2cG23wh0kavHl5afmfiCwC1HqSNjuA/s400/IMG_0718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637612978077627986" /></a></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdVOj0UItLULuVAx44TmVek-byNQVkwss7AGkyFIOsyTQNPesnMqP1xdaWMhBhszh5P109ByDjHM2G-h8HO1nGKcRcTsp5og4KnAx6JUI7HO5rQ3WO0vIDesyaEH1HV-TUQtEtFO_xVc/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdVOj0UItLULuVAx44TmVek-byNQVkwss7AGkyFIOsyTQNPesnMqP1xdaWMhBhszh5P109ByDjHM2G-h8HO1nGKcRcTsp5og4KnAx6JUI7HO5rQ3WO0vIDesyaEH1HV-TUQtEtFO_xVc/s400/IMG_0716.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637612968866275154" /></a></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4kD4acfzTNfBxFtN1FP-vYYBxn27KQx6ecMWix-qtXyzqWviBQJ34p0kRMU1l6CeqiqBKcv2G6ah3e9ubF7vlTyVnkaEcThDsgjR2DGR19uBe3D-YV7kvrO0qlOXen9wbVETHL6CsOs/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4kD4acfzTNfBxFtN1FP-vYYBxn27KQx6ecMWix-qtXyzqWviBQJ34p0kRMU1l6CeqiqBKcv2G6ah3e9ubF7vlTyVnkaEcThDsgjR2DGR19uBe3D-YV7kvrO0qlOXen9wbVETHL6CsOs/s400/IMG_0712.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637612966486146210" /></a><br /></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-88542080288637542542011-08-04T21:19:00.000-07:002011-08-04T21:33:35.691-07:00Simple Things<div>The beauty of an average day....</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkJ24tBiFhBpJrmVF4GWYDXr0iQRoJwceWSoBCPYQ01UJlFqcTyMJyaKz600kkdQxEWt2KZCJobk4eWoF2H9t_VjrYRNMf1c3AaAZB5msJXPkRY9r_iJawa9nXK9tl6hO5o_Gsvo2ZUY/s1600/IMG_0683.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkJ24tBiFhBpJrmVF4GWYDXr0iQRoJwceWSoBCPYQ01UJlFqcTyMJyaKz600kkdQxEWt2KZCJobk4eWoF2H9t_VjrYRNMf1c3AaAZB5msJXPkRY9r_iJawa9nXK9tl6hO5o_Gsvo2ZUY/s400/IMG_0683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637223419184692754" /></a><div>My lovely girl is always cheerful, even in the morning.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0XG-VLdCf56RTE_2N-omHQkkqNmMLnAsJb_eY7F8mA4k4NL6_DN0faLgbs_XvHlUsvzIEUrEwEFRDmUZvf6OU05lxFyObHAIIvAGWxuUV203aHOfP8FNjPQxhAcrHZL6XZvg-YrFQ3E/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0XG-VLdCf56RTE_2N-omHQkkqNmMLnAsJb_eY7F8mA4k4NL6_DN0faLgbs_XvHlUsvzIEUrEwEFRDmUZvf6OU05lxFyObHAIIvAGWxuUV203aHOfP8FNjPQxhAcrHZL6XZvg-YrFQ3E/s400/IMG_0686.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637223418372805890" /></a></div><div>A glimpse of English Bay while walking home over the bridge.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzbExlLRaU10TLTiNOlHVhbUT81PYObL_xOrQKfPXmGCnOUY8CbtDkAcUp5CnScxABxD9aBXLJySQSY41UBTlJ-4l-d4ZNdtugXE8d_Qo5aFPvbnjQLZSl3ogiRLAIkN6qNhxeOzhkSE/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzbExlLRaU10TLTiNOlHVhbUT81PYObL_xOrQKfPXmGCnOUY8CbtDkAcUp5CnScxABxD9aBXLJySQSY41UBTlJ-4l-d4ZNdtugXE8d_Qo5aFPvbnjQLZSl3ogiRLAIkN6qNhxeOzhkSE/s400/IMG_0600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637223410808068402" /></a></div><div>Sun, glorious sun.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS4txTKtixVFxoQ4Iq2_o4wQQ4GJNyiP5GSJqanZuF24yDIwrc4uzBsWykJblv9_1RswQwxk0Y8KUt71NSFXJGOCoh_CHe5QtZ_FCi_HiC9Z0tociJzkfYGHLl8v527B3S_3JT4JCkWU/s1600/IMG_0689.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS4txTKtixVFxoQ4Iq2_o4wQQ4GJNyiP5GSJqanZuF24yDIwrc4uzBsWykJblv9_1RswQwxk0Y8KUt71NSFXJGOCoh_CHe5QtZ_FCi_HiC9Z0tociJzkfYGHLl8v527B3S_3JT4JCkWU/s400/IMG_0689.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637223392409561906" /></a><br /></div><div>A modern take on Shakespeare in the Park. (Granville Island) </div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-73465693437571968022011-08-03T21:24:00.000-07:002011-08-03T21:46:06.993-07:00Living for the City<div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I like living in the city. I am always amazed when friends and colleagues move to places like Calgary so they can afford a big house. No offense Calgary, but I would never leave Vancouver for your endless suburbs. I also believe in high density living, the world needs nature more than it needs another sprawling subdivision. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">For years architects and anthropologists have been studying our moving from the front porch to the backyard - and the profound impact this has had on our society. It’s a theory that I find fascinating, and even though Tom and I aren’t spending our evenings hanging out on the veranda, we are very connected to our neighbors. When you live as close to your neighbors as we do - you learn to work things out, and take care of each other.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Vancouver is one of the great cities of the world, a rare combination of urban sophistication and nature. While living here, we’ve had raccoons, coyotes, otters, beavers and even a cougar wander through our hood.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Today’s photos, a glimpse of life in the city.</span></span></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hXmSPf9siytXVQIIvhlfu3ImhU9ZyYBczQBwkJCDNRdPuGasUjcGJzQaENTz9FjAmiNokosfeipIhAUDS9DLWtRooQP7IMJ_odlieC2gPi0G2QF1LRm97PIHF-5Rsc6SL1nTwvhTpnw/s1600/IMG_0662.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hXmSPf9siytXVQIIvhlfu3ImhU9ZyYBczQBwkJCDNRdPuGasUjcGJzQaENTz9FjAmiNokosfeipIhAUDS9DLWtRooQP7IMJ_odlieC2gPi0G2QF1LRm97PIHF-5Rsc6SL1nTwvhTpnw/s400/IMG_0662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636853943370907314" /></a><div>My morning commute. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLR5RrJmoBlEmVe_kyGjggMeVR-ug_9p7-Qa_JkzpkExp0gt1xOiZy_AapFgzm-9ZAuSTs8Ji42HZ_uGPwucS1kZLS051sLE1nzEkz1yL5v1PPzKfgTV1pzzkEkMtWV7VYP4DaY4Ij6uI/s1600/IMG_0672.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLR5RrJmoBlEmVe_kyGjggMeVR-ug_9p7-Qa_JkzpkExp0gt1xOiZy_AapFgzm-9ZAuSTs8Ji42HZ_uGPwucS1kZLS051sLE1nzEkz1yL5v1PPzKfgTV1pzzkEkMtWV7VYP4DaY4Ij6uI/s400/IMG_0672.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636853408315246290" /></a></div><div>Vancouver is often called the city of glass, which makes for many pretty reflections.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpZTtbvWvH4ydYzCXy7-qujmERrky6JSXq8PfWd7Vov_afctypR8kLQlZFV7dvWXzmC10dzCx3b4b7ken74C8Xs2Jn5ByPI0S2LGC_Elk2xx0xy43bl77CRDRCf7ODpT5Pi1IrSggN98/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpZTtbvWvH4ydYzCXy7-qujmERrky6JSXq8PfWd7Vov_afctypR8kLQlZFV7dvWXzmC10dzCx3b4b7ken74C8Xs2Jn5ByPI0S2LGC_Elk2xx0xy43bl77CRDRCf7ODpT5Pi1IrSggN98/s400/IMG_0671.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636853402550638466" /></a></div><div>The olympic torch.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAH1gL0ErhQsrdnqtwy4h_Qwm6TCze4vCcBiVO4jXD2d0It1dXZKG-l3VgrJ2sr0reXZROJsmRHV3eu656qhi-XLLoEG13GelOB4ct_710_fZzuqesn3WaM0gLGUkCkM_oXe3xqA6s6E/s1600/IMG_0667.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAH1gL0ErhQsrdnqtwy4h_Qwm6TCze4vCcBiVO4jXD2d0It1dXZKG-l3VgrJ2sr0reXZROJsmRHV3eu656qhi-XLLoEG13GelOB4ct_710_fZzuqesn3WaM0gLGUkCkM_oXe3xqA6s6E/s400/IMG_0667.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636853398577170450" /></a></div><div>I love this giant rain drop, appropriate for a city that embraces the rain and all of our wonderful shades of blue and green.<br /></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AX2cCM87d8gstYZuHgEGFa28yj3w9ME-rh1sinTCaXWGqsVK1tzCpvhXGE6_TVN-4vf91DA525ALFjgAMjh0WRmF33kXamSMMLT7MMlazWVxtXHpb3QYPRSyb_I34Etm-Z-kpiz0xH4/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AX2cCM87d8gstYZuHgEGFa28yj3w9ME-rh1sinTCaXWGqsVK1tzCpvhXGE6_TVN-4vf91DA525ALFjgAMjh0WRmF33kXamSMMLT7MMlazWVxtXHpb3QYPRSyb_I34Etm-Z-kpiz0xH4/s400/IMG_0675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636856009996794690" style="cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div>The view from our office, looking down at the Marine building, a wonderful art deco building.</div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-15220314258824322402011-08-02T22:42:00.000-07:002011-08-03T15:02:08.420-07:00Project 365<p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 12px Helvetica"><span style="LETTER-SPACING: 0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">A few years ago my honey started something we like to refer to as Project 365, the intent being to take and post at least one photo every day of the year. He lasted all of 14 days before he moved on to bigger and better things.</span></span></p><br /><p style="MIN-HEIGHT: 14px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 12px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="LETTER-SPACING: 0px"></span><br /></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 12px Helvetica"><span style="LETTER-SPACING: 0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Now that I’ve discovered the iphone I’ve decided to pick up where he left off. Just to be clear, I’m not and never will be the photographer Tom is. Nor am I a purist, I plan to use every cool filter and special effect I can find. My goal is to create a photo diary of my wonderful, wacky life. Who knows, maybe I’ll even convince Tom to make the odd guest appearance.</span></span></p><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Today's photos from Spanish Banks:</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wTSo0tr4O_L4EU3swhDTKyoWxGvrQWRDSahC6r-S3WwB5USA2F-iCuceXstrHdDOEJTL9GQB9yMpZnGgoox38slUsSC4QKbz15wd3mCIEwxObkGtQsbw2XsImRWkIXJL8D9Bx_3z8-8/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636502277240876530" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wTSo0tr4O_L4EU3swhDTKyoWxGvrQWRDSahC6r-S3WwB5USA2F-iCuceXstrHdDOEJTL9GQB9yMpZnGgoox38slUsSC4QKbz15wd3mCIEwxObkGtQsbw2XsImRWkIXJL8D9Bx_3z8-8/s400/IMG_0650.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWKBFkkTCb62TUqr28Ut4h56i3Qoys_-La4TxDdZdD9EnKiQvLZF4RyH4IFrxyuKT1Oo9i7pD4AnQg6AK8l80FLn0DZvFDLRuLZjPCxxeetQKSKgQTeQrPv9sxZStGmr-sVDqlfvTaT0/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636502275612595122" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWKBFkkTCb62TUqr28Ut4h56i3Qoys_-La4TxDdZdD9EnKiQvLZF4RyH4IFrxyuKT1Oo9i7pD4AnQg6AK8l80FLn0DZvFDLRuLZjPCxxeetQKSKgQTeQrPv9sxZStGmr-sVDqlfvTaT0/s400/IMG_0646.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdY41P08UbejBvsKJMMqPyQYdtUXfZxxQbxw4V-X46b3GodyOIpNauxl-7mtfyMo05uEWVK8tR7U4MG2EZCgLXzykp8qHwLsgzt1RaxB_M_80wGqh4yvmm00RlCHAm7qQlCCqC78T14k/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636502268785077186" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdY41P08UbejBvsKJMMqPyQYdtUXfZxxQbxw4V-X46b3GodyOIpNauxl-7mtfyMo05uEWVK8tR7U4MG2EZCgLXzykp8qHwLsgzt1RaxB_M_80wGqh4yvmm00RlCHAm7qQlCCqC78T14k/s400/IMG_0640.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXEAC2GCcaTy8tEi4f8xzYcy5ivDHv_o-l7nPbdxHYr90RuePTnSjQowZGqvti50eG0Xwl7xqJGPxwFD-GE9rXT2opL9TphH7zs_KcFdee_TCbjfwHsPlfo-2t4sfA7mMoJp0CkbG71E/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636502267510179058" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXEAC2GCcaTy8tEi4f8xzYcy5ivDHv_o-l7nPbdxHYr90RuePTnSjQowZGqvti50eG0Xwl7xqJGPxwFD-GE9rXT2opL9TphH7zs_KcFdee_TCbjfwHsPlfo-2t4sfA7mMoJp0CkbG71E/s400/IMG_0639.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmFNh_5SRX8ehARf_c7iGFHoshs-fRkpd_kIlp2FY3G6sO8QLfJSR7xmclccMJbP7xUc6XJbZfufOa8dciC3IPoj0CscY_Se6-LFc0yofUaaAMUCKlX-lY09kMwr9FCwF-WOw3Z1O0Fs/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636502261075701218" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmFNh_5SRX8ehARf_c7iGFHoshs-fRkpd_kIlp2FY3G6sO8QLfJSR7xmclccMJbP7xUc6XJbZfufOa8dciC3IPoj0CscY_Se6-LFc0yofUaaAMUCKlX-lY09kMwr9FCwF-WOw3Z1O0Fs/s400/IMG_0631.JPG" border="0" /></a>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980259171217703078.post-59423538086905776362011-08-01T21:57:00.000-07:002011-08-01T22:23:48.996-07:00Wheels Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXqFFWQMfXlrYEXpQzFyl4a-eC1_OQgKv-_mhh_y0xo0SbA_lTvTAPa33hMqiBHYq756GyoUwhcC7xAP5-R5HDZRzLDp_W4R9UqmLuDOHYiK9-RS0jTr8ND26dARL6A0HcNtmzGY9p8s/s1600/271327_10150740845895381_772950380_20020672_1088701_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXqFFWQMfXlrYEXpQzFyl4a-eC1_OQgKv-_mhh_y0xo0SbA_lTvTAPa33hMqiBHYq756GyoUwhcC7xAP5-R5HDZRzLDp_W4R9UqmLuDOHYiK9-RS0jTr8ND26dARL6A0HcNtmzGY9p8s/s400/271327_10150740845895381_772950380_20020672_1088701_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636119950498584898" /></span></a><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:130%;">I recently took a photo of this old car as it reminds of of my first set of wheels, an old Buick Wildcat. It was my grandfathers pick, his criteria being “you could drive into a brick wall and maybe not kill yourself”. I didn’t really appreciate it’s classic beauty at the time, not realizing the fenders provided a certain cool factor. Eventually I realized that if I was going to keep driving it I would probably need to start dating a mechanic, and if you’ve met Tom you know how that story ended (when we were dating we had to roll down the windows of his Ford Fiesta as it was literally smoking inside the car).</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:130%;">For years after the Wildcat I drove sensible cars, based on advice from the men in my life. At one point we bought a Mazda and logged over 240,000 miles on it, but truth is it was always more Tom’s car than mine. He loved pointing out to anyone who would listen that our little car had traveled the same distance as from the earth to the moon!</span></p></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptrNbgtTzylD2_mVAiuRSdv0MxQqRWWPQvFTvKY0vfm_t7txktXI7bOYO7LGK_80yahICIhyphenhyphen3KxZu-Fd25zAWjEBRfN9IPnyT6G3yMtXkl6Z6em0wv_UpMtPvmwTWCCy0HHFG0iH7mrs/s1600/home.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptrNbgtTzylD2_mVAiuRSdv0MxQqRWWPQvFTvKY0vfm_t7txktXI7bOYO7LGK_80yahICIhyphenhyphen3KxZu-Fd25zAWjEBRfN9IPnyT6G3yMtXkl6Z6em0wv_UpMtPvmwTWCCy0HHFG0iH7mrs/s400/home.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636119944703653266" /></a></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:130%;">It wasn’t until I got Tex and Maggie that I gave myself permission to buy a convertible. Anyone who has ever loved a dog will tell you that they come in two models:</span></p> <ul> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:130%;"> sensible dogs that ride firmly ensconced inside the car </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:130%;">dogs that have one mission in life, to hang as far out of the car as possible</span></li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:130%;">It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that top heavy dogs, like bulldogs or pugs, probably shouldn’t be allowed to defy gravity at 70 miles an hour. Getting the convertible seemed like a good compromise, and the pugs got to feel the wind in their fur (with Born to be Wild playing in the background).</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlp9fdfCiFncx6VmKUeXWb93bfG4zQenpL5BRO1OCnEiYIokmzkRC4Xk7U7RH9j-x9SN1WEcU4YZhpowBOoOUWgcSbGZemYNYqqpVmHe7h4G5qOs5Is-ojrliDxu8ErLebpzANacbjjek/s1600/DSC_4316.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlp9fdfCiFncx6VmKUeXWb93bfG4zQenpL5BRO1OCnEiYIokmzkRC4Xk7U7RH9j-x9SN1WEcU4YZhpowBOoOUWgcSbGZemYNYqqpVmHe7h4G5qOs5Is-ojrliDxu8ErLebpzANacbjjek/s400/DSC_4316.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636119943105371666" /></a><br />Tom recently took this great photo on the streets of Victoria, which we've agreed to not even show Tex and Maggie, lest they get ideas.<br /></span><br /></div>Mika Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915634259738677109noreply@blogger.com0