WE'LL MISS YOU ROY!

On August 22nd, Michelle's brother Roy passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, it was a tragic loss that hit the family hard.
Yesterday, we all headed to Roy's farmhouse outside of Nanaimo, BC for an afternoon CELEBRATION OF LIFE... it was fantastic. Over 100 of Roy's close friends, old co-workers and family from all parts came to the house to share stories and fond memories of Roy. Ofcourse there was sadness but mainly there was laughter and that I'm sure is what Roy would have wanted.

I only met Roy a handful of times as he lived on the Island and rarely came in to Vancouver but man, was he a funny guy. He was a man's man, big into hunting, fishing, camping and working on his farmhouse (a shabby one level house, turned into a beautiful two level home - mainly done by him). He liked things done his way and he wasn't afraid to tell you that, no, it's fair to say that Roy lived life to the fullest and had a good time doing it. Roy was also big on visitors, his door was always open, his kitchen was always full and his hot tub was always ready. He (and his wife Debbie) were always happy to have guests, share in some laughter and they always made you feel welcome. Michelle and I were planning on visiting in October, it's a shame we never got to go sooner.

I think the best part for me personaly, in this whole "celebration of life" day that we experienced, is seeing people come up to share stories and memeories of Roy - Roy's daughter, his brother Robby, his sister Teri and his best friend Elvis. I kid you not, Roy's best friend is an Elvis Impersonator who gave an amazing speech and even sang two songs - the King is alive and well and living on Vancouver Island.

Now that we are home and the day has passed, it's kinda hit home again. I wish I had known Roy better and Michelle wishes she could have spent more time with Roy but we are both happy with our memories of him as those will last forever. We'll miss you Roy.

Birthdays, Star Wars & Those Little Donuts

It was a busy weekend but before I get to that, allow me to say a very belated, very happy Birthday to our lovely friend LESLEY who has turned 29... yet again!

Anyway, we celebrated another milestone this weekend, the 30th Birthday of the fabulous VICTORIA. Not only was it her 30th, but it was the first birthday she's spent in town in the last decade or so. We opened up our humble abode to Vic's friends and family to celebrate the event and Lorissa even made one of her kick ass CAKES for the night. Sweetness!

Then on Sunday, we visited the PNE. For me there are two reasons to go to the PNE every year: 1) SUPERDOGS and 2) THOSE LITTLE DONUTS. Both of these favorites were there in full effect as well as Sand Sculptures, Corn Dogs, Flying Canucks, Farm Animals, Star Wars, Home Shows, Games and Rides. The PNE is still worth a visit every now and then, good times.

GASTROPOD

So last night, Jason & Saisha, Todd & Ali and Michelle & myself went for dinner at GASTROPOD. According to the website: Gastropod is a restaurant featuring modern European cuisine in a chic and inviting setting. The philosophy of the cooking emphasizes balance and innovation. The ingredients are prepared using the most contemporary techniques, while expressing an affiliation to traditional haute cuisine cooking. Each dish is a creation of Chef Angus An and reflects his desire to present flavours and textures in newly delectable ways.

Although the portions seemed small, the food was fantastic and we all left feeling satisfied! All six of us tried the taster menu (One appetizer, one main and one dessert for one fixed price) and tried a multitude of different items (Venison Tartar, Cumcumber Salad, Oysters, Lamb, Chicken & Salmon), all of which were unique and tasty. The prices are a bit steep but their ingenious cocktails and original food make a visit to Gastropod worth while for any special occasion.

Gastropod = Thumbs up!

WE ARE FAMILY

It was a big family weekend. Why? The Hoiem's came up from Portland. Victor & his girlfriend Chanda were already here. Cousin Marco is staying with my parents while attending school and finally, Gina's mom came by for a visit. Talk about a full house!

It was also Ida & Albert's daughter Sofia's first birthday. Man that's a lot of family shenanigans.

Take a look at the action HERE

TIKI BAR TV CAST ON TORRENT

My friend ELIZA is the host of a new online show called TORRENT and she came by the Tiki Bar to interview the cast of TIKI BAR TV. It was my first time interviewing with the main cast as well, cool! It's a fun little segment although in the end, it appears that I am Portuguese. Oh well, I'm a Portuguese guy playing a Russian on an online show about Drinking - things could be worse!

FAMILY REUNION

LAVERNE attended her first family reunion on the weekend, meeting up with mom TINKER, her five siblings (BOZLEE, EASTON, ELIZABETH, AMICA and EMMA) and here half-sister ZOE. It was a Boston Terrier Festivus like no other with all eight dogs, running, jumping, fighting, swimming and eating everything in sight at our Breeder's backyard in Cloverdale. Getting all the pups together solidified a few things for us though:

1) Bozlee is huge, the biggest and strongest of all the litter

2) Laverne is a potato, exactly like her mom Tinker

3) Laverne although small, is about the same size as her other siblings, thus it is a small-sized litter.

4) Boston Terriers are awesome!

We took a bunch of pics and posted some HERE, Chad also took pics and they can be found HERE.

We knew it was a good day when Laverne slept everywhere she could for the remainder of the day, she was tuckered out!

Can't wait for the next Boston Terrier reunion!

BACK FROM VEGAS...

...and man are we tired.


Along with our friends THE DALLS (Michelle & Bill) and THE DAVIDSONS (Caz & Rob), we spent five days & four nights hamming it up in the City of Sin, Las Vegas.

***We ate our faces off (Deep Fried Sausages? Are you kidding me?)...
***Drank our livers silly (Yard Stick Margaritas?)...
***Gambled more than needed (Roulette, Let It Ride, Slots and Blackjack)...
***Got our "shop" on (Puma for me, Betsey Johnson for Michelle)...
***Saw a Cirque show (Mystere @ Treasure Island - awesome!)...
***Went clubbing (Tangerine, Tao and Pur)...
***Bought a Time Share (not part of the original plan but a good deal is a good deal)!


All in all it was a memorable trip and the photographic proof is right HERE!!!


Vegas Baby... Vegas!