Getting closer to Opening Day

I've been absent for a few days - have been working a lot of hours and these old bones aren't used to all the standing and walking we have on this job. So naturally, I need to catch up on my beauty sleep - after all - a smiling face for 81/2 hours takes additional muscle power. May also be the fresh Steveston air - there is no such thing as smog out here!

The last few days have really been very focused on work, but I am happy to report that I will be reducung the number of days starting week after next. We have seen many officials and athletes arrive - the Athletes Village opened on Thursday - and it's so fabulous to see all of the team colours and their pride in wearing their country on their sleeves. While many are tired - some have had multiple change-overs or even layovers - they are still smiling and full of excitement to be here. And the beams on their faces when they are greeted in their native languages - well, you just can't beat that and it sure helps us keep our smiles on.

We're not allowed to take photos of the athletes or the officials, I get why but it is too bad not to be able to capture that moment of time. So I can't add any images here, but I hope that next week and after being in more public spaces will allow for some great photos.

I have cut back the number of days I am working - next week will still be five as it's expected to be very busy - but after that I am dropping to three days per week for most of the rest of my stay. I will work five the week the paralympians are arriving and I cannopt wait to see them. I expect we will see an even greater enthusiasm amongst that group, if that is possible!

Adventures here have been slow this week, since the hours have been long but I haven't been totaly vegged out. Margaret and I went to Dave's Fish and Chips in Steveston Village for lunch yesterday - OMG - mouth watering, melt in your mouth halibut freshly caught that morning - unbeatable! Of course I forgot the bloody camera - my friends and family know I am infamous for that! Dave's is, according the the locals, the best fish and chip resto in town - it's a small. diner style with causal and super friendly (and fast) service and there's always a line-up. Well worth the wait.

We also did a quick drive around and I snapped a couple of images with my cell. They arent the best but you can see the snow on the mountains if you zoom in. It was a beautiful sunny day as is today and the forecast for the weekend is overcast, but 10 degrees.  So there was a clear view - isn't this picturesque - we are less than 15 km from downtown Vancouver and look at the view.

A whole section of Steveston is all farms so I just fell in love with this view. If I had a panoramic camera, you would see that behind us is the water - and the dykes along the south arm of the Fraser River. I promise to take more shots over the next couple of weeks. If you can't be here, at least you can experience a part of my idyllic working vacation in BC.

I am signing off for the weekend so will catch you up Sunday night. Have a good one - I know I will!