Gardening and gardens on a Sunday

Today was one of those perfect Sundays, the sun was shining, the breeze was blowing, the temperature was just right and there seemed to be time for anything and everything.

I decided to get up and putter in the front flowerbed at our house. We hadn't planted anything in it before and so I tried my hand at making it look pretty this morning. It actually looks pretty good for a first-time effort; filled with dusty miller, petunias, pansies and lobelia I can't wait for these flowers to really flourish.

In the afternoon I took a break from gardening to wander down the hill to the Muttart Conservatory and marvel at their gardens. This is the view from about three blocks down the street from my house. Isn't it lovely?!

The Muttart has four gorgeous glass pyramids, each housing a different climates worth of plants. There is a pyramid dedicated to: tropical, temperate and arid climates. The final pyramid has a revolving plant theme every few months. This month it was "Celtic flowers".

It was a perfect afternoon to get out with a friend, enjoy some beautiful flowers and the fresh air. I have now finished my last paper for my spring institute and I feel like I'm free again now. Time to get back to the life I'd put on hold until now and to start enjoying 'me' time again!

The magic of a song

Many years ago (1997 to be exact) U2 stole my heart at a live show in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium with Pride (in the Name of Love) during their Popmart tour.

Literally the hair on my body was standing on end and I was overcome with emotion as the crowd literally sang the song for the band.

Fast-forward 14 years and I was in the crowd at Commonwealth Stadium again watching U2 play again for a packed house during their 360 tour. This was the song that made my heart race and my emotions go haywire:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZrM2m3bQGs

What an amazing experience!

Summer in the City of Champions

It seems like we went from grey, sludgy snow to bright sunlight and green trees in the blink of an eye. Our delayed spring has spring boarded us full-tilt into summer in Edmonton and it has reminded me yet again of why I love this city.

This afternoon I spent with my friends Daphnee and Chris and their adorable pup (and my 'niece') Abby. We spent at least an hour in the park and then walked over the High Level Bridge for some refreshment.

People were out everywhere rollerblading, skateboarding, biking, running, playing bocce and having beers on the patio. The High Level Streetcar is up and running again and all of this activity is making me excited to explore even more of the treasures that Edmonton has to offer.

Seattle!

For our May long weekend girly get-together we did a trip from Vancouver down to Seattle to do some outlet shopping and soak in the sights.

We situated ourselves in a hotel right in the heart of downtown and once we were checked in we immediately wanted to check out our surroundings. The highlight of the trip to Seattle for me was visiting the Pike Place Market along the waterfront.

From flying fish (remember the video in our marketing class MRU PR peeps?!) to visiting my personal Mecca (the very first Starbucks) we shopped, sampled and snapped our way through the market, down the street and into the night. One day and night wasn't nearly enough time for me to appreciate all that Seattle had to offer. I will be back someday soon!

Third annual May long weekend with the girls!

Another year gone by in the blink of an eye and another great reason to get together with some amazing friends for May long weekend.

I was definitely in need of a rest after my three weeks of intensive study with my master's. I flew out on Friday heading for Vancouver to reunite with my friends Mel, Kelly and my sister for our annual girls weekend.

The plan was to hang out, head to Seattle, do some shopping and have a lot of fun. I think it was mission accomplished this year. Thanks ladies for lots of belly laughs, great strolls down memory lane and more fabulous photos!

Slave Lake tragedy

Friends if you have a moment send a prayer to the families and firefighters in Slave Lake, AB fighting to save their community. Over 7,000 people have been evacuated from the town and over 40% of it has burned to the ground.

Donations can be made to the Red Cross. Cash, bedding, clothing, unopened toiletries and dry goods are being accepted right now. For more information, stay tuned to these links:

http://edmonton.ctv.ca/

http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=5&tid=003

The following two pictures come courtesy of the CTV Edmonton website. These were flashing all over Twitter last night. Heartbreaking.

A visit to the Royal Alberta Museum

There's nothing I love more than being a tourist in my own city. Having classmates who are in Edmonton from out of town gives me the perfect time to not only play tour guide but also for me to see parts of this city that I haven't visited yet.

Yesterday my friend Hillary and I took a break from the studies and spent the afternoon at the Royal Alberta Museum. Settled on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River the museum has sprawling grounds that includes Government House, where the governor general for Alberta used to reside.

Government House and the museum grounds

Totem pole

Hillary and I had a fantastic afternoon taking in the wildlife exhibits, the bugs, cool rocks and displays of what life was like for Native Canadians (all breathtaking in their detail). We basically let our imaginations run free and we're so glad we did. Thanks for the afternoon of fun Hillary!

Hillary puts her sustainability skills to the test

Beavers!

Bighorn sheep

We spotted a cougar! (outside of a bar too!)

These rocks are glowing under the black light

Eeeuughh! I hate spiders!

Hillary wishes she could take this dinosaur home

Wooly Mammoth

Figurines of buffalo carved by native Canadians