Superman Returns: …well, I’m airborne, or at least I was while writing this. (I'll post from the airport) The kids quietly curled up at my side on the seats between me and the window with a gorgeous morning sunrise. Oh! Right….now that seems a nice little glimpse of this trip so far. Let me fill you in on some details thus far. T minus 24 hours to trip: Snow storm hits Nanaimo. Not completely hopeless but a bit too close for comfort as we prepared to get ready during our last day in Nanaimo. Unfortunate that my insurance ran out and I didn’t notice until the nice police officer mentioned he was going to have to tow my car…so sorry you are going away, have a nice night…righto officer…..will do. $600 dollar ticket later. Three hours ... read more

I know this posting was supposed to be on the day I leave and likely from the airport in Vancouver...however, as I watched the apple tree in my front yard sound off a shotgun-like crack and split down the centre from the weight of the snowfall today, I started to wonder if things were going sour. Hmmmm, as you can see from the pictures, someone at least is thrilled with the idea of snowfall this year on Vancouver Island. I, not-so-much. It is beautiful and it does have a nice softness and coziness to it, but if it means grounded planes or ferry shut downs I may be a bit cranky in the morning.... T minus 31 hours: 22 minutes...and counting. I must not do anything to anger the Gods of Fate and Karma this evening....I ... read more

MILES Q: Where are we going? A: Thailand to the orphanage. Q: What will we do there? A: Play at the beach and at the orphanage. Play with Gai and play with all the toys mom bought for the airplane. Lots of kids are there for me to play with and I will have fun with mom. Q: What will we see there? A: Birds, I don't know...houses...scooters. Nothing else. Q: How will we get there? A: One taxi, three airplanes and a boat and that’s it. Then we are there. Q: What will we eat? A: Food. Like the stuff mom made...I don't know what it was called. fry bugs...but whatever, I don't like fried bugs...but I'll try it. Q: What special thing will you bring from home? A: My magnets. I like them, they ... read more

Visited Countries Map Okay, so I had this bright idea to tell my father my "grand plan" before buying the tickets...consequently this is why i now have to deal with expired holds and scrambling to make up a suitable return date getting out of the country. **Note to future travellers: Tell you family AFTER you have purchased tickets...sigh I never learn. Okay, back to the basics...father-man says: "You and the children are doing ... what?!"....ummm heh hehe...going away?... "Do you owe me money?...just in case you know..." Then of course, followed with real concern..."Take damn good care of those kids!". Okay, so the hard part done. I have thought it through, re-thought it out and finally put the money where my mouth is... It's exhausting taking so much time to decide things. But its done now. ... read more