A Capital Time

 Victoria is the capital city of our province, British Columbia, and a great tourist site. We came over for a few days with a veterinarian conference and stayed at the Empress Hotel, a great treat. From the front steps you can see our Parliament buildings and the British influence. I spent my summers here as a child and love to roam about.

 The inner harbour at night time (from our hotel window) is enchanting. My little camera was "fixed" and now it takes dreadful shots and won't even close. These are all from my phone.

 My favourite pub (in Canada) is the Irish Times. Food for the body, Drink for the spirit and Music for the soul. Great fish and chips and local beers.

 Here is the Inner Harbour during the day. We took one of those boats to the Oak Bay Marina for dinner.

 The largest arbutus tree in the city is right outside the hotel. It was designed by the same architect who built the Parliament buildings.

 The requisite ferry shot. Lots of Olympic knitting on the ferry and in the car. The pattern tamer makes so much difference on this intricate black shawl. Go Team Owlie 2012.

  I'm so pleased that the rows are now making sense and it's not too hard for me. I have done two and a half repeats since Friday when the games began.

 There was shopping. I love Munro's Books and bought Knit Red, along with a signed copy of Vincent Lam's The Headmaster's Wager. I also love the Boutique de Laine in Cadboro Bay. They have a vast basement of yarns and always have enough of what I'd like. Across the street is Crumsby's, the best cupcakes and coffee. I am so charmed by their child friendly atmosphere.

 I found yarn for the Spiral Rib Cowl in red and multi in Merisoft by Punta Yarns. The Ysolda book is from the Button & Needlework Boutique on Trounce Alley. They have much more yarn and knitting than I remember. I would have bought a needlepoint kit, but I have to finish the one I'm not working on.
Also went to the amazing Russell Books as recommended by Jean. It's a wonderful shop, but we have our own great Bookman.

 In Duncan, near D's Aunt's, we stopped at The Loom. A crazy, bursting yarn store recommended by my niece. Lots of lovely stuff. I bought a beautiful blue sock yarn- can't have too many blue socks. She was very sweet to give me the August sale price because of the recommendation.
It was great visiting with our London cousins and their growing children. Dinner, as always, was great, and they appreciated the fresh Chilliwack corn.

But I was saving myself for Beehive.  The selection was terrific, but they were a bit intrusive and contrary. I found the yarn for Piper's Journey and some matching fingerless mitts. The dark mitts will also coordinate with my Colour Affection that I'll start when there's a nip in the air.

Last year I decided to do the 365 photo project, and I think I almost managed to take a photo each day. The website was cumbersome, though, so I may just make another blogspot one.
This year I hope to get to my writing. It is time. I need to join the writing circle and really get over my fears.
So Christmas in July again. I love having a summer birthday.