ZIP-LINE ADVENTURE!

While Daryl's friends from Halifax were staying with us, they treated our family to an evening of ziplining at a business called "Adrenaline" which is halfway between Sooke and Victoria. They gave us a short course on safe zipping, helped us into our harnesses, and took us 5 kilometres up into the bush in their ATV's. Once you start the first zip line, you must finish it, as you zip from tree top to tree top. the lowest zipline was 50 feet in the air, so it was a bit of a struggle for Karen as she is "mildly" afraid of heights. (no time like the present to deal with your issues, eh?) Here are some action shots.

The two shots of Karen are on the same zipline, which is 1 kilometre long. The shot of Daryl is on the fastest zipline, where an adult will zip about 65 km's an hour (which is why he is so blurry.... it has nothing to do with the fact that Karen can't work the camera)

BBQ Salmon Recipe

Recently, Daryl's friends from Halifax stayed with us for a week while they were looking for a place to live, as they are being transferred back to Victoria. Daryl made his Famous "Barbecue Salmon Recipe" which is always a crowd pleaser, unless you're Chris, and then it might make you throw up (hahah.... sorry Chris, just teasing). It's very simple and delicious! It always comes out moist, falls off the bone and tastes splendiferous (Daryl's favorite adjective)

BBQ Salmon

1 raw salmon

1 small onion

Dill (fresh or the stuff from the baking isle is fine)

Mayonaisse (or miracle whip is fine)

tinfoil (not for consumption)

1. Cut salmon lengthwise

2. smear insides with mayo generously

3.spread layer of onions on mayo (chopped or ringed or whatever)

4.sprinkle dill to taste (the more the better)

5. Wrap in tinfoil

6.Bbq on medium high for 10 minutes both sides, then 5 minutes both sides, regardless of the size of salmon this seems to be the majic amount of cooking time.

Unfortunately, we got so excited about the cooking of the salmon, we forgot to take pictures WHILE we were making it, but we do have pics of the ingredients and the finished product.

Business Trip

Daryl had to go to Halifax for work this last week and so Karen decided to accompany him to visit her parents. Karen and Valerie spent three days gardening, of which we have no photographic evidence.... When Daryl finished at the office, he would come to mom and dad's. We would work a bit in the yard and then have supper (when it got too dark to work). Everyone enjoyed their time together. This was the first time Daryl had met John and Val. Do any of the Herring children remember the dish-scrubby holder? (I had to take a picture of it for posterity

Garage Into Shop

Daryl has been working hard turning the garage into his new shop area. He is building a bench designed by Norm Abrams (New Yankee Workshop) and has been hanging shelves for his tools and setting all of his stuff up. Gavin has also been helping Daryl. Here, he is using the drill press to drill holes into a 2x2 to hang files on the wall. Also, here is a shot of Daryl working on his bench. It has been tricky, as the cement floor is not even (as it used to be a carport and therefore tilts away from the house) and so alterations must be made to the plans in order for the bench to be level and plumb.

A Visit from Papa and Nana!!

Last week, Daryl's mom, stepdad and little dog sugar came for a visit from Cranbrook. Thankfully the weather was nice and sunny, so we had the opportunity to do lots of outdoor activities. One day, we went to the potholes with Nana's kayak, and to swim. The next day, Shayla and Nana cooked a chocolate marshmellow and walnut cake. Delicious! The children were very happy bacause they were "allowed" (by Nana of course) to put sprinkles on their ice-cream, which I was told was "much better" than regular ice-cream. We had a wonderful visit and hope to see them again very soon. Here are some photo's from the visit.

More Camping

This long weekend we went camping with the kids and the dogs. Good friends of ours also had reservations in the same campground so we spent some time with them as well. We had great weather all weekend and the kids were able to get out the water guns, go to the beach and ride their skateboards and bikes.

Shayla's First Sewing Experience

Here is a photo of the result of Shayla's first sewing experience. Shayla and I made a purse together a few weeks ago, with Shayla doing most of the work including operating the sewing machine. All I did was set her up, show her how to pin the pieces together and give a bit of help guiding the fabric through the machine. She also attached the Ribbon shoulder strap. The sparkly shapes are stickers which she added when the sewing was done. Well done Shayla! I'm very proud of you!!