Hey folks,
the summer has been full:
- moving back to Victoria,
- starting a new job for Col (Software Project Manager),
- train tripping (Callum and I) half-way across Canada (we attended the Winnipeg Folk Festival, hung out with Kelly and co. at her family's cottage and reconnected with my Manitoba relatives),
- spending delicious time with family and friends,
- exploring the wet and wild west coast,
- hanging out on Hornby Island,
- camping at Long Beach,
- doing French AND Canadian paperwork.
Feels weird to be back. Still missing France and our community there. Settling in though - especially with loads of playdates, school around the corner and a job search on (for me).
Our new address is #56 - 1708 Newton Street, Victoria, B.C. V8R 2R2
Hope all is well with you and that your summer has been full of wonder.
Ciao (probably until Christmas),
Ramona
ME
Me and my boy
Fan Tan Alley in Victoria
DECEMBER 2009
Alscace-Lorraine trip - Colmar
OCTOBER 2009
Retour des Alpages (Return from the High Pastures)
A view from Chamechaude
Location: Col de Porte to Chamechaude (2082 M)
SEPTEMBER 2009
36e Coupe iCare (Non-motorized Airshow). This guy (chuting with a friend) is in a wheelchair.
Circus - a thriving tradition
There are two circus schools in Grenoble and an international circus competition. Many circuses travel around Europe during the warmer months.
AUGUST 2009
The old mill in Annecy
July 2009
Santa Maria del Fiore - the Duomo (cathedral) of Florence
Grottes de Choranche
JUNE 2009
Stella, Lucas and Seelja came to visit us in June. Then we travelled with them to Freiburg, Germany to visit Stella's parents.
Geneva
We stopped in Geneva, Switzerland on our way to Freiburg
Local climbing tree
April 2009 - Ready to travel
We're heading off to England to celebrate Grandma Gilly's birthday. All essential items are packed. We stayed in England for 16 days. Colin joined us for a few days in the middle. I forgot all my French, Callum and I had marvelous adventures and lots of time at Temple Newsam, and when we returned we came back to a new apartment, cool appliances and the start of school for Callum.
Painting a pig at Temple Newsam
Sheep
I don't know why, but I have a fascination for sheep. I believe this is a Wensleydale - developed from a ram called "Bluecap" who was born in 1839 in North Yorkshire. The soft Wensleydale wool has the finest lustre in the world. Thank you Mark for feeding this obsession by giving me a book called "Know Your Sheep". Do you know what they call the dung attached to fleece? Clarts.
Walking the wall around York
York Minster is in the background.
On the wall
On the street
Juxtaposition
Callum and Millie
The grounds of Temple Newsam
Callum was so happy running around the extensive farm grounds with Eve and Millie.
Grandma Gilly's Birthday
The day started with a family breakfast, followed by gift opening and a visit to Castle Howard (with a surprise party later ... shhh). Some of her most spectacular gifts were a gold bracelet from Ang and George, a painting of Sands End from Tim and pearls from her sister and nieces. It was evident from the gifts, cards and visitors that Gill is well-loved.
Castle Howard Adventure Park
George and Ang
Grandma Gilly and Grandpa Tim
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is immense and still in use. Half of it is open to the public during part of the year.
Leaving Castle Howard
Gill's Surprise Party
Gill's surprise birthday party was well attended. We enjoyed it into the wee hours of the morning.
Gill's Birthday Family Meal
Cousin Will and Callum
Gill's Birthday Meal
In attendance at the Golf Club: Gill & Tim; Aunt Shirley; Best Friend Sandy; Ang and George; Kate and Christine; Jen, Garry and William; Colin, Callum and me.
Grandpa Tim
Photo by William
Cousin Kate and Christine
Cousin Jennifer and Garry
(Parents of Will)
3 Generations (and me)
Drama Downtown - Leeds
New family member
Cousin Richard, Michelle and wee Sam
Proud Grandparents
Ted and Marina Bucknell
Cousins
Andrew, Colin and Richard (with next generation Callum and Sam)
Callum and Great-Grandpa Keith
Alien
Riding the train home from Eureka!
Scarborough Harbour
Crab fishing in Scarborough
Scarborough "Fair"
Scarborough Beach
Callum with Uncle Mark
Northern England Landscape
Forbidden Corners
A riot of mazes, gardens and underground tunnels, Forbidden Corners is one man's magnificent folly - a playground of puzzles and practical jokes that must be traversed physically and mentally. On this joyous occasion Uncle Mark accompanied us. Callum is smiling because he knows how to avoid getting soaked by the water fountain that is about to spring up under his next step.
Our Kitchen
The Master Bedroom
One of two bedrooms. Callum thinks they're all his. This one opens out onto a balcony.
One of the views from our balcony
Classe de Moyens
This is about a third of Callum's classroom. Helene Lazzarotto is his teacher. She is everything I hoped for - clear communicator, compassionate, creative yet firm. Callum thinks she's cool and beautiful. She was awesome with his transition, which was challenging because everything is in French. Callum is very brave.
One of Callum's school's gyms
One of the gyms at Callum's school. There is one on each floor. They have a climbing wall, trikes, gymnastic equipment, etc. The school is well thought out for little kids - even the steps are small. Callum sings in a choir, has field trips, has visiting artists work with his class and next year they'll do swimming lessons.
Callum with kids from school
Callum is making friends but it's still very difficult for him. I can tell the kids like him, but he misses being able to communicate with playmates (he's such a talker). Breaks my heart to see such a social child be lonely, even though I know it's just a matter of time.
The Circus
The circus came to town and I somehow laid my hands on free tickets. I was ethically torn because animals were involved, but Callum and I attended and it was quite magical. In retrospect I realized that with two national circus schools in town the circus is part of the culture of this city. One circus member was from our new home town. And these guys were amazing. Even did their stunts blindfolded! And the Pender circus has been travelling since 1854.
Mamma Mia!
1st party in our apartment - Mamma Mia with French subtitles ... the songs are hysterical that way!
May 2009 - Paris Pyramid
This was a much debated addition to the Louvre. Now it's a landmark.
A view of the Louvre
The Pyramid
Mistaken Identity
Paris was made more interesting through the eyes of our child. Callum thought this Bishop in Notre Dame Cathedral was a dead fish. Notre Dame 's first stone was laid in 1163, marking the start of two centuries of toil by armies of Gothic architects and medieval craftsmen.
Paris underground transport
There are so many people to "move" that the subways are double-decker.
Looking out our hotel room
Jardin des Tuileries
All of France was on holiday on May 1, so we spent the day walking the Champs-Elysees, hanging out in the Left Bank/Latin Quarter (associated with philosophers, artists and jazz) and relaxing in the gardens close to the Louvre.
The Louvre
The largest palace in Europe was first built as a fortress in 1190 by King Philippe-Augustue to protect Paris against Viking raids, and was "improved" and enlarged by four centuries of kings and emperors.
Tour Guide
Callum was our tour guide. He was intrigued and focused for almost four hours.
Breathless with beauty
So much beauty in a setting that filled me with wonder. I'm not swept off my feet easily - this experience was magnificent.
Josephine's Hang-out
This was one of the rooms of Napolean's love, Josephine.
The crowds around Mona Lisa
In the background is the largest painting in the Louvre - The Wedding Feast at Cana (Veronese).
The Tomb of Philippe Pot
Late 15th c work by Antoine le Moiturier (tomb of a high-ranking official from Burgandy).
Royal Apartments
One of the rooms of Napolean III (Reign: 1852 - 1870)
The Eiffel Tower
Built for the Universal Exhibition of 1889 and to commemorate the centennial of the Revolution, the Eiffel Tower was meant to be a temporary addition to the Paris skyline. We went to the top (324 m/1,063 ft), but walked to the 2nd level - 115 m, 376 ft or 719 steps. It was worth it. The view was spectacular.
Parc du Champ de Mars
Viewed from the Eiffel Tower - Used for horse-racing, balloon ascents and mass ceremonies to celebrate the anniversary of the revolution on July 14th.
Sacre Coeur
Our visit to "Sacred Heart" contained a surprise - the 3 day visit of St. Therese's remains. The relics of "Little Flower" have visited almost 40 countries. Many believe that being in the presence of relics opens our hearts to God's salvific power and love.
Place du Tertre
Artists first started exhibiting in this Montmartre square in the 19th century.
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Symbol of Disney's persistent belief in magic and his commitment to sharing the wonder of imagination.
Crazy Rides!
Inside the Buzz Lightyear Lazer Adventure
Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Dinner in the Pirate Lair
Walt Disney Studios
The special effects and stunts show was spectacular.
Motorcycle stunts and shenanigans
Goofy
The icon who is inventive, curious and courageous ... just like Callum.
Excalibur
In the park by 8 am, coffee helped us to squeeze the most out of the day.
Buzz Lightyear!
Our neighbourhood - Championnet
Live bands during a celebration of our neighbourhood. Check out www.rueLakanal.com and then click on "Moments de Pause" - L'exposition of photographs taken in our neighbourhood by Bruno Moyen. Love it!
One of Bruno's photos
This used to be the view from our balcony.
Victor Hugo Square
Callum cooling off during our neighbourhood celebrations.
The hill climb (Lyon)
The beginning of the hill climb up to the Basilique and the Roman Amphitheatres. A large portion of it weaved through the city gardens. Beautiful but arduous climbing for a 4 year old. He was a trooper.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere
Roman Amphitheatre
Callum is standing at the top of the Grand Theatre, one of two roman amphitheatres in Lyon and the oldest theatre in France. It was built in 15 B.C. to hold 30,000 spectators and is still used for modern performances from rock concerts to Opera.
Cathedrale St-Jean
Begun in the late 12th c. the cathedral has a 14th c. astronomical clock that shows religious feast days until the year 2019.
Du Bois Francais
"The French Forest" is a 15 minute drive from Grenoble. It has 3 lakes (swimming, fishing, boating) a playground, hiking trails and an area for BBQs.
Hiking near St. Pierre de Chartreuse
Cow and Montagne (mountain)
Palais de l'Isle in Annecy
12th c prison in the middle of the Thiou canal.
Chateau d'Annecy
Bike
Lac d'Annecy
Callum, two dogs and three girls ... enjoying a cool lake on a hot day.
March 2009
Found a home! Our new address is 4 rue Abbe Barral 38000 Grenoble, France Tel: 09 53 73 93 45 (from Canada it's 011 339 53 73 93 45). Photo by Callum
View of rue Hoche
We are on the right just past the crane across from the army barracks they are renovating as apartments.
Skateboard Park
This park is near our home. Three outdoor pools are behind the wall. Past that to the right is a view of La Bastille.
Climbing Gym
Half a block from our home is a gymnasium that houses a climbing gym at least 10 m high and 25 - 30 m long.
Part of a park near our home
One of three parks that exist within two blocks of our home. A fourth one with ponds, streams and bridges is currently under construction.
The Plan
The plan for the community we live in. We live right across from the large blue rectangle that will be retail space (alias coffee shop and patisserie). There will be community gardens as well as the 3 large parks. Callum's school is situated between the two pointy parks on the far left.
St. Pierre de Chartreuse - March 2009
Day trip into the Chartreuse Mountains.
View from the town
Happy Family
Church on the hill
Andrew and Steph's House Warming
Playing Rock Band with friends ... addictive!
Geneva Car Show
Over 700,000 people attended the 79th Geneva Car show, the biggest car show in the world. The cars were sleek, sexy and innovative. This is a Citroen.
Batcar
Rolls Royce
Aston Martin
Mini
I think if I won a million dollars I'd still buy a Mini (although the Alpha Romeos were mighty cool, especially the Boxster).
Electric Car
Mazda
Trip to Carcassonne
Meandering our way south through the French Alps
Vineyards
Vineyards and olive groves cross-hatched the landscape. I had no idea the Mediteranean smelled so good.
Pont du Gard
Over 2,000 years old and 156 feet high, this is the highest bridge the Romans ever built. This aqueduct was in use for 400 - 500 years.
View from our hotel room
200 m from the main entrance.
Main gate to the city
Inner courtyard
Time for food and vin chaud (mulled wine).
Inner City
Look out
Running on ramparts
Between the walls
Private Garden
Within the walls.
Turret
A view from the castle
Roman ramparts
Callum in the Castle
Carcassonne Postcard
With two fortified surrounding walls comprising fifty-two towers and barbicans, the walled town of Carcassonne bears witness to 2,600 years of history. Over the centuries Gauls, Romans, Visigoths, Saracens and Franks have left their mark.
Callum's art photo
Title: "The flying hot dog" (on the right).
Notre Dame - February 2009
On his way to Nancy Ville to do some Application Engineering Colin spent an evening in Paris.
Avenue des Champs
Looking at the Arc de Triomphe Etoile
Tour Eiffel
Fresh Idea
Recycled music sheets become wrapping for fresh flowers.
Place Ste. Claire Market
Valentine Play Time
Looking East
Little Italy on the north bank, old downtown on the south bank.
The Bubbles
La Bastille Archways
SE from the Bastille
S from La Bastille
Old Town. Bottom left is the ancient palace of Dauphine Parliament. It's now the Opera House. Across La Place Saint-Andre is the second oldest cafe in France.
Looking NW from La Bastille
Mandarin Caves
These caves were created for the reserve troops to protect La Bastille fort from behind.
Goat Trail
Climbing past La Bastille to the monument for mountain troops.
Monument to Mountain Troops
Parc Paul Mistral
This graffiti wall is officially sanctioned and overlooks the renovated 1968 Olympic speed-skating grounds. The site is now used for rollerblading and skateboarding and the park hosts two large arenas, playgrounds and gardens.
Parc Paul Mistral - Callum
Naomi
Callum's bilingual friend Naomi has as much energy, athleticism and inquisitiveness as he does.
Climbing the Walls
The city is his jungle gym.
Mardi Gras
Without his light saber Darth Vader is a pussycat.
Yorkshire - January 2009
Muddy buddies Callum and Millie (Grandma Gilly's 10 month old Bichon Frise).
Cousin William
Content - Gaming with William.
Grenoble
La Place Grenette Christmas market.
Snowing in Grenoble
This is where we stayed during our reconnaissance in December.
Grenoble - St. Laurent Bridge
Looking at the Italian district from the original site of the 43 B.C. Roman bridge over the river Isere.
The Alps
Grenoble, one of the flattest cities in Europe, is nestled between three mountain ranges: the Belledonne, the Vercors and the Chartreuse.
Callum in Grenoble
The Belledonne
In the distance is the site of the 1968 Winter Olympics where Nancy Green won Gold for Canada.
Circus School
Callum is preparing for his eventual attendance by balancing on every ledge, bench and fountain edge. "Mama, it's an important skill to me."
La Cuve Baptismale
Roman ruins from 200 A.D. exist under the city streets. The Baptistry is behind Callum. This is the first thing he wants to show his friends when they visit.
Sweets
Saucisson
Our first strike
Grenoble is known for political conviction. It's rebellious.
Downtown Grenoble
Mexico - January 2008
A town square
We walked here from Puerto Vallarta.
Mermaid
Sculptures line the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta
Long beach walks
Running from the waves with Grandpa.
Pool play
Callum learned to swim and dive in Mexico.
Working on my novel
Snowboarding
Colin on Mount Baker in January
En route to Vancouver Island
Riding
Tea Party Parade
Callum rode his bike 2 km in the Oak Bay Parade with his preschool.
Callum and Owen
Camping at Long Beach - 2008
Hanging out with Malcolm.
Long Beach
Black Belt
Colin received his Black Belt in Jujitsu in July.
Qualicum Beach
Stopped here during a road trip to Courtney with Malcolm.
Saturna Island
Lucas and Callum
Isobel in Kamloops
Callum and Isobel had a blast in the tub after a long walk on the flats.
Polly the Boxer
Polly is the fifth dog to join our extended family.
Christopher and Michael
Snow for Christmas
Me making a snow angel in Victoria.
The City of York - 2007
Exploring the Shambles
Up the Peak of Cats Bells
I think this is the photo I'll use on the back cover of my first published romantic suspense novel. What do you think?
Ridge Rambling in the Lake District
Relaxed and energized even after 7 hours of ridge rambling because it feels like a honeymoon. Callum is playing with Grandma Gilly and Grandpa Tim in Yorkshire for two days!
Summertime at Pender Island
Four boys and a pelican
Callum, Ethan, Lucas and Ryan
Callum at Jasper during our cross-Canada train trip.
He's just bagged his first peak.
First Peak
Jasper is in the background.
Callum, Colin and a Popsicle
Now here's a boy who loves his dad.
Callum at Home
Tired superhero.
Venice - 2006
Two days to play ... can you say "Prosecco?"
Grandma and Grandpa Loewen
"Downtown" Grandma and Grandpa
Aunt Cindy and Uncle Richard
Medusa and the Gladiator
Prize-winning costumes by Cindy and Richard
Halloween Clown and Mexican Wrestler
Aunt Cindy and Uncle Richard clowning around.
Grandma Shelagh and Grandad Terry
Aunt Jayne and Uncle Tayo
Callum and cousin David
Callum's cousin Christopher
Blue haired football phenomena.
Grandma Gilly and Grandpa Tim
Auntie Ang and Uncle George
Great-Auntie Shirley
Callum and cousin William
About Me
- Ramona J. Bucknell
- Adventurer and life-long learner - spills over into all my roles including mother, lover, wife, writer, educator, friend. TENACIOUS: Re-learned how to walk after back surgery. CURIOUS: About nearly everything. LOYAL AND LOVING. NEIGHBOURLY: Growing up in Manitoba and through Mennonite roots I have come to view everyone as my neighbour. I believe in living a life of service and have often worked for not-for-profit agencies. ADVENTUROUS: For over 20 years I've been an experiential/adventure educator, facilitating people's knowledge about themselves (self-reliance; compassion; leadership; community)through outdoor adventures (such as mountaineering, rock climbing, dog-sledding, white-water canoeing/kayaking) in Canada, the U.S. and Costa Rica. TRAVELLER: S.E. Asia, Europe, South/Central/North America)so far. I revel in and respect that there's often more than one right way. SEXY. SUFFER FROM FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out/running out of time. FORMAL EDUCATION: Psychology, Social/Cultural Anthropology, English Literature and Comparative Religions. LOVER OF LIFE who is currently sleep-deprived because I'm the mother to another lover of life.
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