Vancouver, Lotusland

From 2014 06 28 Vancouver

Our cruise to Alaska departed from Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver seems to be doing everything right. There's a commuter rail stop right at the airport that leads you right downtown quickly and affordably. (Dallas is just getting around to that at DFW Airport and doesn't even plan to do it at Love Field.) Downtown, Vancouver redeveloped an old industrial area along the waterfront with high-rise apartments and condominiums. The result provides the population density to support the shops and restaurants and entertainment that make walking in downtown Vancouver a joy. (For those who fear that higher density development leads to lower property values, Vancouver's problem is just the opposite -- real estate is getting priced out of middle class reach.) Stanley Park is a 1,000 acre city park that feels like a national park. This was my first visit to Vancouver. I hope it won't be my last.

More photos after the jump.

Separated by 5,258 Miles

Award yourself 100 points if you can correctly identify the countries in which these two photos were taken.

Summer in the Steger Garden (2014)

From Flowers

More photos after the jump.

Nebraska (2013)

IMDB

Nebraska (2013): Aging, confused father travels with hapless son to Nebraska to claim $1 million prize. Poignant. Small town black humor. A-

Touring Pasadena's Tournament House

From 2016 06 16 Tournament of Roses House

While visiting southern California for the Caltech commencement ceremony, Ellen and I took the opportunity to tour Pasadena's Tournament House. The house is not open to the public but the grounds and rose garden are. It's a quick stop, worthy of a stop if you are ever in Pasadena.

More photos after the jump.