OH, Canada!

Just returned from a couple days at Whistler, and finished up a wander-around downtown Vancouver. My Vancouver companion agrees that two days of riding/skiing in a row is idea, and the second day sees a huge improvement in skill and comfort.

The resort itself was lovely, and our party included a lovely couple, one half of which is contemplating a move to Vancouver. The couple is affectionately known as the cocoon, as when they colocate in the same city, they tend to lay low and enjoy each other's company. It was the first ski for both of them, and they said they loved it. Dinner was excellent, even if the service was a bit slow. I couldn't tell you the last time I was in a restaurant where the owner's cookbook was on sale at the front desk (and yes, he does look just like his jacket photo). We were definitely lingering, but the wacky Quebecois waiter definitely forgot to put in our wine order. But he did regale us with a tale of a poutine made with fois gras. JBM had a carpaccio plate that he said was excellent (I totally should have tried it--but I was attempting to be careful with my 'delicate' stomach). I had squash tortellini with prawns, and it was EXCELLENT. Well worth the wait.

The cocoon stayed only one night, leaving JBM and I for a second day on the slopes and a second evening out in the village.

I don't do it nearly often enough, and likely will never be proficient. But it sure is a ton of fun.

....the conversation continues.

The phone won. And planning for a brief trip while learning a new device has been a bit entertaining.

Many events are on my mind. Looking at joining a budding consortium; trying to work within a separate one; and juggling many pieces of the puzzle. Oh--and planning a 4 day meeting! But my entertainment this week is figuring out the new gadget. I'm hoping to become proficient before hitting the road with it. But then I need to turn it off while in Canada--but I think that will be ok. It will help to transition me to a deep vacation in which I will not save email. That's right--I picked up one new online technology while walking away one that was working just fine. But I need a couple weeks away, and that means no work email. Will this here blog become a one-way channel of communication? Will I microblog? Shall I tweet? Or is it Tweet?

If it wasn't winter, I think I'd be going camping or fishing. Cold and rainy (and snowy?) make for indoor activities. And it seems like going mobile is sort of made for that.