Raspberrific

2010-01-07T13:36:00.001-08:00

McSweeneys

Cool online art/book store.

2008-08-10T13:37:00.001-07:00

2008-08-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

2007-10-23T23:14:00.001-07:00

2007-10-10T02:07:00.001-07:00

Claire's Home Warming on Saturday, October 13, 2007 from 5 PM onward.

2007-10-08T21:16:00.001-07:00

Okanagan Thanksgiving Long Weekend

I was back in the Okanagan over the Thanksgiving Long Weekend. Took in the East Bench with Kevin, tasted many great wines at the Okanagan Wine Festival Grand Finale in Penticton with Kevin, Tina, Marc and Mo, ate some yummy goat gelato with Kendra and attended a painting party at Kendra's new studio on Bernard Street in downtown Kelowna. You can check out all the photos on Flickr. Also, check out Kendra's webpage for upcoming watercolour painting classes. Links to the right.

2007-10-08T21:04:00.001-07:00

The 2007 Vanner Hike season is almost over. There is a slim chance we will be able to get in one more autumn hike. Check out the blog for more details and links to Flickr photos.

2007-08-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Shoes pounded the pavement as hard breathing became apparent in the crisp black air.
Silhouettes of naked trees dew closer as if their roots were pulling them forward.
Wet mist hung in the branches.
The movement of the shoes slowed and the rustle of dried, decaying leaves was heard.
Not breathing, the figure stood and the sounds of the surrounding life could be heard whispering through the tree branches and echoed off the cliffs and the waters surface.
Scared by what may lie in the forest or await by the ocean side, the person was confused by the haunting peace that was felt by the encompassing atmosphere.
A fog horn bellowed through the thick moist air.
They began to walk steadily forward to the opening in the forest.
When leaving the woods and the ocean side, they felt a slight relief but a long to return.

2007-08-25T19:28:00.001-07:00

Vision Girl Vision Girl
Vision Girl Vision Girl

Riding down the road in her Honda Accord,
All the way up to freezing Prince George.
With Claire you'll never, never be bored

She's not like you and/or me.
She sees things others don't see.
She's Vision Girl.

Vision Girl Vision Girl
Vision Girl Vision Girl

If you have a mark or a special eyeball,
Claire will point it out and share it with all.
You may not even see it at all

It's not up to you and/or me.
She sees things others don't see.
She's Vision Girl

- Nathan, Chemist at Advanced Chemicals Ltd. 1998

Stephen Avenue SW

2007-08-06T18:12:00.001-07:00

Stephen Avenue SW, originally uploaded by raspberrific.

Some shots on the walk home from lunch in Inglewood with Jennifer on Thursday afternoon, August 2, 2007.

Rollingdale Farm Gate Winery, West Bench

2007-08-04T15:44:00.001-07:00

Rollingdale Farm Gate Winery, West Bench, originally uploaded by raspberrific.

Check out my photos of the vineyards I visited in the Okanagan with Kevin in July.

2007-07-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

Recent activities have included Juliette's Wedding and a BBQ at the farm. Photos can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/raspberrific/sets/.

2007-07-01T20:18:00.001-07:00

Have hiked twice in the rocky mountains this season. Pictures have been posted to Flickr and you can check the schedule out at the Vänner Hike blog (links to your right.)

2007-06-17T18:58:00.001-07:00

Vanner Hike had a potluck to kick off the season. When will we actually get out to the mountains?

2007-05-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

2007-02-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

For all those of you who miss me, be sure to check me out in my new adventure coming to a theater near you. Producer, Kendra Smith.

2007-02-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

I am back in Canada now. My trip to Bolivia was amazing and I had a fantastic time. Very sad to leave and say good bye to all the people I met. I have posted a lot more photos on Flickr and upgraded to a Pro account. I have organized all the photos in sets. I hope you enjoy checking them out.

2007-01-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a shot of The Strongest football fans. I am going to try and post a few shots on Flickr.

2007-01-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Barb is now in the air flying home to Canada. Her flight to Peru from La Paz was likewise cancelled and she was on the bus at 8AM yesterday to Cusco. A bonus is more scenery of Peru (it is beautiful) and another meal at Jack´s. Yummy! While in Bolivia, Barb and I enjoyed La Paz´s nightlife, danced with the locals, took in a football game and sat on the winning side, bartered at the artisan market, and visited Lago Titicaca. Sad news is that my notebook has a virus (I don´t know) so I don´t have any pictures to post at the moment. This weekend I am chilling out in La Paz at my German apartment and a neighbourhood plaza. Hope to get the paints out and some reading done.

Since Wednesday January 24, the festival of Alasitas is ongoing in La Paz and it lasts 10 days. The festival is dedicated to the household god Ekeko, a grinning, red-nosed character who is believed to bring prosperity to devoted believers. Bolivians buy miniature items they desire to present to Ekeko. I think one is also to buy liquor, cigarettes and candy as an offering. Single girls looking for a partner are to pick up a black cock (rooster). Unfortunately Barb and I didn´t see any when we were shopping in the artisan area. Turns out there is a specific area of town to visit. Kevin attended the Alasitas kick off and said the black cocks aren´t that mini and one will be rather bulky to transport back to Canada...I guess that should of been expected. The purchase of mini items including houses, cars, degrees, and money are believed to answered within the coming year by Ekeko. If the items aren´t purchased before 12 PM on the first day of the festival they have to be blessed. I originally thought this was by a priest as both religions are practiced here, but I have since learned that is not the case. Did I really believe a catholic priest would conduct such a blessing? Yah, I did.

Although I don´t believe in Ekeko, I do believe in God, and I am going to purchase some miniature versions of items I would like to be granted in the coming year, including a black cock. I am headed to the area tomorrow morning with Nadia and some friends. Kevin is in Cochabamba with Karen (swedish intern) for the weekend. Some additional toy items I am interested in getting include a car, health certificates, and some airline tickets to Mexico and Japan. I will have to wait til tomorrow to see what else is available.

Will my suite case have room for an extra black cock for Barb? I´ll let you know. Clairita

2007-01-22T16:40:00.000-08:00

Peru

Hola! Barb and I have completed the 4 day Inca trail trek. The weather was mixed but over all we were lucky. When we arrived at Machu Picchu (8AM) it was cloaked in foggy but the sun (and the crowds) came out in full force around 10 AM. My muscles and blisters are almost healed and only my knees are bothering me now. I also am finding the hills of La Paz a bit more tiring to climb as I think my muscles are a little maxed out. Hiking the Inca trail was the highlight and being in the Andes. Our group was only five including Barb and I, a Swedish couple (ya ha) Lovisa and Joran, and a Irish man Paul Troy. They were all great company. The trek was well worth the money (and pain). The food on the trek was amazing and likewise in Cusco. I had a chicken and mushroom dish with potatoes, carrots and broccoli that was amazing at Jack’s.

Cusco has an art school. There are tons of paintings for sale in galleries and from street peddlers. I really liked the painting in the hostal room where Barb and I were staying. Hostal Amaru provided an address which ended up being the artist’s, Danlio's, house. We woke him up and bought some paintings for Barb, me and my dad. The day finished off with an exciting hail storm that pummelled the town and unfortunately all the gardens.

2007-01-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

Fair Trade Focus Group
Here are some shots from the fair trade focus group hosted by a Swedish and Mexican intern couple. The focus was to assess how artisan products are recieved, determine feasible prices, and provide feedback on product improvements. There was free drinks and blue cheese!

2007-01-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

La Paz
I have moved into my apartment in the German owned residence with a restaurant and outside garden cafe. The views are great, especially from the kitchen. Unfortunately I only got to eat lunch at the garden café once as the women who ran the restaurant died unexpectedly which is really sad. She was super friendly and the point of contact for Kevin in securing the apartment for me. The owner of the building stated to Kevin that she hopes to have the restaurant open again in February. Kevin is going to keep the room for a studio refuge and a place for Tegan who is coming for a vacation at the end of March.

Kevin and I have been exploring the streets and the other day we bought some acrylic paints and canvas. I brought my watercolours with me and I picked up some paper yesterday as well. I think I might buy a canvass stand/paint tool box for $35. Bolivia is really inexpensive but it is still easy to spend money…of course. Other daily events include meeting the other Canadian interns, including a couple from Calgary who had a potluck and travel picture gathering the other night. It’s great getting to learn about all the micro credit and fair trade projects that are occurring in Bolivia. Kevin is working on exporting coffee and quinoa to Canada. The organization wants to get more funding for Kevin to keep working on the project in Canada and this week Kevin has meetings with Oxfam regarding quinoa and chocolate export to Canada. Quinoa is a ancient grain that has high protein. Kevin taught me how to make a great quinoa salad with peppers, balsamic vinegar, garlic, onions and lime which is really tasty. Quinoa also grows in BC but is a different variety and I don’t believe it is cultivated for consumption. Kevin says that some health food stores have quinoa but the quality is not as good as Bolivian. The food here is a challenge and it’s hard to buy meat I feel confident about eating. I do occasionally eat with Kevin’s host family which is great.

This Saturday I will be meeting Barb in Cusco for our week in Peru and hike up to Machu Picchu. Currently I am at Blueberry’s Café with my laptop using the free internet. The only place one can have a coffee/tea and surf and post on the net. It is super slow though as I have been at the cafe over three hours now. Time to eat again so I guess the coca tea isn’t working! The three great shots I managed to “steal” in La Paz and Sucre. Chow!

2007-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

Salar de UyuniAfter New Years and an evening of music and drinks in Pablo’s Sucre flat, Kevin and I headed south to Uyuni, the launching town of the salt flats and southwestern

Bolivia

jeep tours. We did a twenty minute pit stop in Potosi where we played some Fuse ball (check out Kevin’s Flickr). The 3 day-3 night jeep tour including meals and simple accommodation ($70 US) was the most amazing travel experience of my life. The beauty was relentless and so diverse. It was amazing and a must see in everyone's travel plans. I don’t understand why Toyota hasn’t made a Land Cruiser Bolivia commercial. The price is so cheap it’s disgusting. Unfortunately I did get ill the first night, but it did give me some time for emotions and stress to ooze out. Our room was right next to the bathroom and the antibodies came in handy. By the next day I was OK for travel (very critical for a tour which is mostly 4x4 driving). The word with backpackers is that as soon as you cross the border into

Bolivia

it is pretty certain you will get sick. The trip was surreal and hence here are some magical snap shots as a preview to the photos you will find on my Flickr.

2007-01-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Sucre

Kevin and I did a little traveling on his two week Christmas vacation and the first designation was Sucre, which has similar geography to Cash Creek but with heat like the Okanogan. The flight ($70 US one way) was a little stressful for me with the turbulence and aircraft. We got a great three bed, two bathroom with sitting room hotel ($15 US per person) right across from the main square. Unfortunately all the museums were closed so we mostly took in the street and market atmosphere. I finally had my culture shock “tear session” and “holy crap moment” taking in all the street folks, old and young. The markets are great, but so dirty, crowded and full of poverty and western corporate products. It’s overwhelming. You can get anything and everything. Bolivians have a steady diet of starch and sugar as it is cheap and readily available. I think Coca-Cola is the devils corporation…or Nestlé. There are tons of cakes, buns, and baked goods sold every where. Street food, including veggies and fruit, turn me off…which is probably a good thing regarding getting sick. We did catch the textile museum which was good. They even had two women weaving so you could see how the textiles were made.

Yotala

Kevin and I spent New Years in a little town outside of Sucre called Yotala. We were advised by Antoineo (Bolivian) to head outside of Sucre and take in a small Bolivian town. We caught a bus around an hour and half out of town into the surrounding countryside to visit Kano’s (Bolivian with glasses) friend. Making our way to the VW bus that can sit up to 16 people we pasted through the locals market and saw a number of slaughtered pigs in cars, wheel barrows, and trucks amongst hundreds of people and products. "Arrow" is a Bolivian hippy who makes incense that is imported to Germany. He had a number of French friends (have immigrated to Bolivia) visiting him from Sucre who shared their music and wine. We ended up in the workshed, where Arrow also makes silver and metal jewellery among other creations, and had a private concert (BC style). Fantastic! This was also my first experience chewing coca leaves.

Nadia (Canadian), Kano, Kevin and I then strolled into Yotala for some eats and drinks. The countryside was amazing and the time of day was great with the sun just over the hills. Cacti and huge snake plants growing everywhere. In the town square, we ran into Pablo and Noelia (Bolivian uni friends of Kano’s) who invited us to party with them at the Art and Culture Pub. The owner was quite the character who also paints and creates plaster and wood sculpture. We end up staying and had a great time. The bar décor and set up was cool and clean which made up for the accommodation which was only $2 per person. Kevin took a picture of the toilet (Flickr), which takes the cake for the worse bathroom experience in all my travels. I didn’t end up using it. I found a metal plate which was preferable. Hand Sani times five!

More photos posted on Flickr. Chow!

2006-12-28T14:17:00.001-08:00

Life in Bolivia continues. Staying with Kevin at his host family’s home is great. I have completely settled in and feel at home. I am getting to know Petro, the housekeeper, who is Andmara. She is going to sell me her brown bowler hat. Petro is also going to take Kevin and I shopping to the markets so that will be fantastic. In addition, we spent a large part of the yesterday with Manual, Kevin´s host brother, and I learned a lot about Bolivia, the way of life, cost of living, religion and traditional customs, and current politics. Manual drove us around which is quite the experience. No seatbelts and the traffic goes anywhere and everywhere but not very fast. It was a little crazy at first but I adjusted fast and it is not stressful. Actually, I am completely stress free here and I love it!

The food here is rather plain and so starchy. They love crackers, wafers, potatoes, breads and sweets. So many cookies, and candies everywhere. Seems like they put sugar in everything! They have ¨fast food¨ kiosks everywhere. Fried everything, but mostly potatoes fries. Not so great when I am trying to eat healthy but so far I have successfully avoided eating any of it…aside from a couple of wafers. We have ate mostly at home, where the food is prepared and washed with iodine so we can eat all the veggies and fruits. We have also ate at tourist cafes so no problems with the food…yet. Kevin and I went to the grocery store last night and bought some cheese and dark bread. The food is nothing special but everything else is amazing so I have no complaints. The city is clean and there are lots of flowers and trees every where. Tons of busses and people. The weather is nice and warmer than I excepted. The mountains are fantastic. The city is in the valley and at night you are surrounded with mountain slopes that twinkle from all the houses. It’s awesome. I love it.

I am picking up a few words in Spanish and plan to study with a tutor when I get back from my travels with Kevin. Tomorrow we are flying to Sucre for New Years. Sucre has been recognized by UNICO for its world heritage value. Colonial architecture and lots of museums. Then on to Salar de Uyuni.

Kevin and I have been pissing ourselves laughing. Remembering old times and making new ones. Check out his Flickr because there are more pictures of me and our evolving adventure. Currently he is exercising mind over matter waiting for the toliet to be available. You can´t flush paper down the toliet here and there is no soap or towels. Having your own rags handy is essential, pun intended. (Photos: Kevin McCarty) Chow!

2006-12-27T16:16:00.000-08:00

Hola! Life is great in Bolivia. I have adjusted really well to the altitude. Kev says it is weird, but I only had a headache this morning when I first woke up. I have experienced feeling tired after walking up hills (everywhere) and stairs but when I arrived at 7 something in the morning I did a full day of walking and sight seeing. On my sixth hour of being in the country I had purchased this painting. Oh yah! The city is beautiful and the mountains. Driving in from the airport was amazing. I have posted quite a number of shots on Flickr for you to check out. The one below was taken from a cafe and is my current favourite. I also suggest you routinely check Kevin´s Flickr for his shots will have more of me. Both links are on the right.

2006-12-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I am done packing and I'm ready to go. Barb is on her way over to pick me up and that's that. I am excited and stuffed up. I feel myself slowly unwinding. I am bring the Tob so, I will be blogging...but I don't know if I will be reading emails. Later

2006-12-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

I have posted some photos of my mom's recent trip to Ethopia on Flickr. Check my mom hanging out with the locals at

Rosalynde in Ethopia: Web Photo Album

2006-11-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

Count Down: 1 Day

2006-11-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some winners of the Western Region Green Team Photo Challenge...

2006-11-19T15:31:00.001-08:00

Mushroom Lasagne Serves 4 to 6

1 ounce dried porcini or morels
Béchamel Sauce using 2 ½ cups of milk, 4½ tablespoons butter, 4½ tablespoons flour, salt and white pepper, 1/8, teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 pound Portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps thinly sliced
¼ cup olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 pound white mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped parsley
3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
Salt and freshly milled pepper
1 pound instant lasagne, dried lasagne, or Egg pasta
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Cover the porcini with 1 cup warm water and set aside to soak. Make the béchamel sauce Cook it in a double boiler over simmering water or over low heat along with the stems from the Portobello mushrooms. After 30 minutes, remove the stems. Strain the porcini and add the liquid to the sauce.

Coarsely chop the porcini. Heat half the oil and butter in a wide skillet over high heat. Add half the white mushrooms and sauté until they begin to colour around the edges and pepper, and remove them to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining mushrooms, including the porcini. Add any juices that collects to the sauce.

Butter a 9 x 12-inch baking dish. Cover with a layer of pasta, then with ½ cup béchamel sauce, one-fourth of the filling, and 2 tablespoons grated cheese. Repeat this layering until you have four layers of filling. Spread the final layer of pasta with the remaining sauce and cheese.

When ready to eat preheat the oven to 400°F. Cover the lasagne with foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Removed the foil and continue baking until browned in spots on top, 10 to 15 minutes more.

You can have this fragrant mushroom lasagne ready for baking in less than an hour if you use instant lasagne. I make only four layers of mushrooms with dried lasagne; with fresh, which is thinner, I prefer to make six.

2006-11-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

It's winter now. It snows, leaves and then snows again. Need new boots!

2006-11-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

Canada Day July 1, 2006 at Lonica's and David's camping spot on Lake Koocanusa.

2006-11-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

A preview of sights to come including a recent shot of Kevin's. Check his Bolivian photos out at the link on the right.

2006-11-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

Bought my ticket to Bolivia TODAY!

December 25
5:15 AM drag ass out of bed to cab it to the airport
6:20 AM check in
1 hrs and 20 minutes of downing all available liquids before I board
7:40 AM Calgary, Alberta, Canada (my seat is over the engine to experience the full power of the jet and of course close to the bathroom)
3 hrs 50 minutes of non-stop flying time
2:30 PM Dallas, Texas, USA
3 hrs 50 minutes of sitting around in the Dallas airport observing things Texas size
4:00 PM Dallas, Texas, USA
2 hrs 45 minutes of non-stop flying time
7:45 PM Miami, Florida, USA
3 hrs 30 minutes of sitting around in the Miami airport
11:15 PM Miami, Florida, USA
6 hrs 20 minutes of non-stop flying time
December 26
6:35 AM La Paz, Bolivia
20 hrs 45 minutes of total travel time

I have 4 weeks before I reverse the travel itinerary on January 24:
La Paz, Bolivia to home

2006-10-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

Green Team Photo Challenge 2006 Submissions

2006-10-30T19:25:00.000-08:00

This shot was taken on the Highway 22X.

2006-09-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have visited. Soon I will be sleeping in my new home in Bankview. A lot of change and a lot of work.

2004-04-07T11:45:00.001-07:00

No Title,
April 2004

The tiles are white, as is her body
she sits in the bath
her toes interrupting the faucet's stream
her thoughts drowned out by the water's pressure
their beginnings evaporating, dissipating with the rising steam
she sinks into the tub trying to completely submerge her curves
the passage of time prevents her
taking a breath, she lowers her head below the water's surface and
remembers a time when she used to float in bathtubs
stretching her legs and arms out, trying to reach both ends.

2004-02-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

Damn, I have been surfing around the blog pages and its over whelming. Why don't these things have spell checkers. Well they don't. So mang blogs...I guess you blog for yourself. I think that is why I will. What if all of a sudden though, the blogs are gone. And then my record is gone. Who cares. I cling to things and people too much. The past the past, archive it, remember it, store it, protect it...fuck it. I need to be more about the future. The computer is sucking me in in in in. I don't have the friends network here in Calgary so I enter into cyber world. Its so distracting. Today I bought these voltaire candle holders from Chapters...been waiting for them to go on sale and on sale they did. 75% off...and buy them...two sets! Crazy crazy crazy. I want to go to bed. Up early...and out in the field tomorrow by myself. A little anxious but it will go fine and I think it is good for my confidence to go by myself. Dig here, picture there...remember the tunes. Remember the tunes.

2004-02-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

This is my first post with blogger. I found this via goggle. I liked the Google graphic they had up on February 3, 2004. But its not there anymore. I look forward to future postings.

Cheers