Coquitlam

The Victoria BC News January 2009

Greetings from misty Victoria. The winter chill that has beset the majority of Canada seems to have avoided this part of the island, and we’ve been enjoying daily temperatures in the 6-8c range for the past few weeks. In contrast, Winnipeg has recorded -49c recently without wind-chill. I can’t imagine what it must be like.

2009 arrived with little of the festivity that characterises the New Year in South Africa. The Drake family spent the evening glued to the tube, and hardly noticed the stroke of midnight. No fireworks to watch nor any other sounds of celebration for that matter. Cousin Mark, Colleen and daughter Shannon visited for the day on the second, which proved a great reason to clean and tidy the house. Even Stephen did his bit with the vacuum cleaner, and inspected the rest of the home pointing out dust and such like. I thought I must be dreaming. Schools kicked-off in the second week, and both Stephen and Rebecca are busy studying for exams. I’m really pleased with their progress and painless transition into the Canadian system.

For my birthday the family decided a bicycle was in order, and I now have a similar, but larger, model to Rebecca. Despite the cold weather we been on a couple of long rides, and even managed to get as far as Colwood some 25Km from home. Victoria has many dedicated cycle routes to enjoy, but on this particular day the snow still covered some of the trail forcing us to phone for Mum’s taxi rather than to struggle our

way home. I’m pleased to be able to cycle again, considering I’ve not tried since the age of 16.

Rebecca started with a paper round in December and despite battling with snow earlier on has managed admirably. It does mean an early start each day, which at this time of the year is none too pleasant. Because of delivering over Xmas, she also benefitted from lots of tips along the route. The job was ‘delegated’ to Mom when we spent a few days with Mark and Colleen in Vancouver before Christmas. Sadly, this was the time of the worst snow, and poor Ines struggled and slipped around the route muttering ‘never again...’

The snow tried its hardest to scuttle our Vancouver trip with nearly a metre falling after we arrived on the mainland. The children had their first real experience of significant snowfall, and also the challenge of digging our bus out on two occasions. Our activities were curtailed to

Grouse Mountain (-20c)

Lionsgate Bridge from Stanley Park

some extent, but we still managed to visit Glynnis Brassil, Ken Mitchell, Grouse Mountain, Dusil Gardens and Burnaby Village. Walking to Coquitlam Mall was interesting to say the least, and I think that by the time we left the novelty of snow had diminished somewhat. I am impressed by how well the Dodge managed the snow and ice on all-weather rather than snow tires, and surprised to see so many SUV’s and 4x4’s struggling to make progress. I understand it was the second or third worst snowfall on record in Vancouver.

It was great to meet Ken Mitchell, partner Pam and his mom, Peggy. Ken is an ex-South African dentist from Westville (who looked after my Dad’s teeth) who departed SA some 14 years ago to set up a practice in Vancouver. We were entertained royally, and it was great to share experiences and ideas. We look forward to seeing then over here before too long.

Luckily Glynnis was home from extended globetrotting last year, and we were able to visit. She also donated a bar fridge which has yet to be filled. Yes, booze is expensive!

Spending time in Coquitlam with Mark and Colleen was a real treat. Cousins David and Audrey from Kamloops arrived upon the same day, so there was quite a house full. The children

really enjoyed spending time with their new-found cousin Shannon. Given our small family, it’s great to have re-connected.

Unfortunately, Ines (being low down in the hospital food-chain) had to work much of the Xmas period. However, work is proving both interesting and challenging, and she’s setting down and making her mark on the pharmacy culture. Having completed her ‘probation’ she’s now a fully-fledged permanent member of staff, so now we have all the associated medical coverage which was not available initially.

We arrived home via the ferry from Vancouver on Christmas-eve. Snow the night before had threatened to keep us in Coquitlam, but the roads were just passable for the trip to the terminal. Unlike previous years, we enjoyed Xmas dinner on the 25th with just the four of us. Traditional fare is enjoyed far more with snow on the ground outside rather than 30c plus as is the norm for Durban.

Our home is largely complete as I write, and there’s little in the way of purchases required (thank goodness). As mentioned before, the guest suite is fully furnished and available for bookings! Blue, our 20 lb Ragdoll, has taken over as the Alpha male in the house and has lost all signs of the nervousness and depression which prompted his adoption in the first place.

Victoria from the BC Museum (January)

The cold snap added to the challenges affecting the local wildlife, and the birds have enjoyed the birdfeeder. So have the squirrels, which are often found up to their armpits in the receptacle digging for nuts. Paw prints in the yard suggest regular visits by racoons, although only Ines seems to spot them on the way to the bus stop and back. Rebecca also found a huge owl on her paper-round recently.

As for me, the pursuit of employment has been frustrating to say the least. Despite many applications and submissions of my résumé, it’s been rare to even elicit a reply. Of course the economic downturn and the lack of industry in Victoria have compounded the challenge, and at present I’m considering some additional study in the computer field to add to my marketability.

Back in Durban, my Dad chats to me daily using Skype which is a great way to keep in contact. Sadly, he’s been suffering with what appears to be circulation problems in his legs that started shortly after his trip to the UK last year. We’re hoping another medical opinion will diagnose a remedy, and maybe some physiotherapy will be the answer. In addition, he’ll be having cataracts removed by our eye specialist friend Bill Nortje quite soon. I’m confident he’ll regain his usual good health soon.

Well, that’s all from me, other than to wish everyone all the very best for 2009.

Chris, Ines, Stephen & Rebecca

Note Sharks Logo!

Stephen, Colleen, Audrey, David & Rebecca

Dusil Gardens Illuminations

Shannon & Mark

Burnaby Village