West Vancouver, BC

Remembrance Day - November 11, 2011 - Don't Forget!

Here's a reminder about the various services being held on Remembrance Day in North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Remembrance Day is a service in honour of our Veterans and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. This is an annual community event, all members of the public welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers, celebrate the gift of freedom, listen to the words of the poem, In Flanders Fields, give 2 minutes silence, and gather with friends and family of the community.

I have a special connection with Remembrance Day, as my grandfather fought in Gallipoli during the Great War, as part of the Royal Navy, and my father manned a mine sweeper during World War II, also with the Royal Navy.

North Vancouver:

Remembrance Day Service & Parade
11:00 am Victoria Park Cenotaph - Keith at Lonsdale Ave. 2nd largest in Canada.

Please gather at 10:30am.
Following the service a parade will march off north on Lonsdale Avenue.

West Vancouver:

This service is in honour of our Veterans and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. This is an annual community event, all members of the public welcome.

Time: 10:50 am - 12:00 pm
Place: Parade leaves 18th Street and Marine Drive at 10:50am; Service at the Memorial Arch 11:00 am, just outside the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

LEST WE FORGET...

Digby, the Amazing Diving Ducktoller

Here is my entry for the Active Rain VBloggers' Talent Contest. Ok, I'm not really the talent here, but I'm showcasing my dog's talent. I may have had a hand in encouraging my dog, but really, he's the one doing all the work. Yes, I have a diving dog. Actually, Digby is a Nova Scotia Ducktolling Retriever, or "Ducktoller" for short. They were bred to go hunting for ducks with the hunters. The hunter would hide in the tall grass, and the Ducktoller would dance along the shore. This "attracted" or "tolled" the ducks to shore. Once in good range, the hunter would shoot the ducks. The dog would then swim out and retrieve the ducks.

As you can see, Digby was born loving the water. When he was a puppy, a labrador played with some rocks in the river. Digby observed this, and tried to emulate the other dog's behaviour. Eventually, he took things a step further, and would plunge his nose into the water. Digby is now 11 years old, and has taken rock diving to a whole new level. I hope you enjoy the attached video.

JUST CHILLAX'IN - CAFFE ARTIGIANO - WEST VANCOUVER

Having a laid back day today. The past few days have been very hectic, so today, I decided to declare a day off! The sun is shining and Spring is in the air. After taking the dog for a nice long walk along the seawall at Ambleside Beach, my daughter and I walked over to Caffe Artigiano, sat outside, and savoured a delicious, creamy, Italian-style latte.

Caffe A. is noted for their wonderful latte art, and have won many competitions. If you're looking for a coffee that will keep you revving throughout the day, this is the caffe for you. The orange-pecan biscotti chaser was delicious, too. Life doesn't get much better than this. Sometimes you just have to take time out, stop and smell the coffee.

European House Painter Serving British Properties Speciality is Luxury and Estate Homes 604.726.7100

35 years Professional Luxury Residential Expertise, Interior and Exterior House Painting of Heritage Homes and Luxury Estate Homes

Here is what he has to say on how to save money on painting your home.

I have been painter of fine homes since 1974. With over 30 years of painting experience,

I have seen over and over again, the sad result of being called in to fix a cheap paint job. The poor homeowner trying to save money, had hired unqualified inexperienced handyman that called themselves painters.

It takes much more time, effort and money to correct and repair of poor paint job. The price of a quality paint job is usually not much more than a bargain paint job.

The value is considerably more. Most people would never consider bringing in their luxury car to a backyard mechanic, yet they would try and save a few hundred dollars, with their home, which is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I have experience in painting all types of homes. I have restored multimillion dollar mansions in Shaughnessy, painted entire subdivisions of homes when they were new.

Both the interior and exterior painting systems require specialized processes to achieve a quality outcome.

Quality European House Painter of Homes in West and North Vancouver, West Vancouver Neighbourhoods and Vancouver Westside including Dunbar, Kerrisdale, Southlands, Shaughnessy, Park Royal, British Properties, Hollyburn, Ambleside, Chartwell, Glenmore, Upper Levels, Altamont, Dundarave ,Cypress Park , Sandy Cove, Sherman, Caulfield, Eagle Harbour, Whytecliff, Glenagles , Horseshoe Bay.

West Vancouver Staged Home - Before & After Photos



Here is a lovely home we recently staged in West Vancouver.  The home
 is over 4,000 square feet, and has a beautiful view, overlooking the 
Georgia Straight.  We used the homeowner's existing furnishings, and brought in accessories and artwork.  


BEFORE - The back of the sofa seemed a little unfriendly, and the T.V. in the living room was distracting.


AFTER - We rearranged the furniture to feature the fireplace as the focal point.

BEFORE - The dining room needed simplifying, and the dated stenciled walls need to be repainted.

AFTER - The dining room was simplified and the red accent colour brought in through artwork and a runner.

BEFORE - This homeowner loves to cook!  However, when selling, it's 
important to clear off as much of the counter space as possible, in 
order for the kitchen to look as spacious and orderly as possible.


AFTER - The counters were cleared off, leaving the most used 
appliances on the countertops, as the homeowners were living in the 
property for sale.  The kitchen cupboards were also painted to give a 
more up-to-date look.


BEFORE - The fireplace in the kitchen seemed a bit busy with the black and white framed photographs.

AFTER - The coffee table was removed, to showcase the fireplace, and 
bolder, simpler artwork was hung.  The block painted wall also helps 
define the fireplace.

BEFORE - The Master Bedroom seemed to lack that Wow factor.  


AFTER - Removing the heavy tapestry, and adding new bedding, helped create a beautiful focal point in this Master Bedroom.