Issue # 150 - March Mania

.  March 2020  .

Well, aren't these some crazy times just now.
We hope that you are your families are all coping OK and keeping safe.
As you might imagine, we haven't really been up to a lot lately, although early in March we were lucky enough to make a trip up to the Vancouver Sevens and get back before everything went crazy.
That trip is pretty much the focus of this issue, plus a little update on what we have been up to hanging out at home over the last few weeks.

Vancouver
Early March we had planned to head up to Vancouver to stay with Tonya and Russ and take in the Sevens.  Sam's Spring break started on the same weekend so we met her in Toronto on the way up and then flew the rest of the way together.  Jake couldn't make this trip as he was in training for Carifta and also had to study for his SAT which was the following week.
As with any stay at Tonya's place, you don't get away without doing some sort of trek, run, ski or something involving a hill or two.  This time it was snow shoeing at Grouse Mountain, up behind their place in North Vancouver.
It was a nice day - although a little cool for us Caribbean types....

We had skied here once or twice before, but this time decided to do some snow shoeing.  Once we got our gear all sorted out, off we went into the hills.  There was plenty of snow and it was a really pretty outlook everywhere.

Setting the trend in Snow-shoeing apparel

Dave wore shorts, much to the concern of others.  But after about 15 minutes of walking up hill, he was glad he did!  As long as he kept moving it was all good.  But standing about for more than a few minutes soon had the cold creeping in!

Are we there yet?

Nearly!

Made it!

Going down hill was much faster!

The view looking down towards Vancouver.  

We'd done a hike to a spot near here one summer a few years back.

It was a lot of fun, and really hard work at times, but well worth it.  Michelle's sports watch has us doing around 15,000 steps!

The apres-shoeing (lunch and beers) at the restaurant at the top were a nice way to finish!

After that we spent a bit of time shopping and then found a pub for a few more beers and dinner.

Saturday was Day 1 of the Sevens!

Up we got and into our costumes for the day.

Our theme was Toy Story so we all dressed as a Character from there.  Apart from Mike.  He just came in his best golfing attire...

Sheriff Woody, Jesse & Wheezy

With Sarge and his Army men.

OK, lets do this!

Health conscious 

Not a lot of kiwis at our end!

But plenty of tries scored by the good guys!

Some interesting characters about!

Looking for Rachel P (from ESR days)...

'twas a big day!

After a fairly big day on the Saturday, it was time to get up and get back into it for Day 2.  Russ had to head off to Cayman for work on the Sunday so couldn't join us.
Michelle, Tonya and Beryl went as Pirates.
Sam and Dave were an Elf and a Snowman.  A couple of little kids thought Sam was Olaf (from Frozen) which was cute!

The crew for finals day

The Pope was there!

 Dave managed to catch up with Brooksy and Mark Cozza (from BVI days).  It was great to catch up over a beer and have a bit of a natter.

Maybe there'll be a bigger crew from BVI next year!

Brooksy, Mark and Dave

Found another pirate!

One of the Terry Fox statues at BC place

New Zealand went into day 2 unbeaten.  Canada were also doing really well, which made the atmosphere so much better.  The place just went off whenever Canada scored, or won - they made it to quarter finals and beat Fiji to get 3rd. The crowd went wild!

But NZ won the day after three tough games (Fiji, South Africa and then Australia in the final). 

Woohoo!

Three happy kiwis!

After an awesome weekend, we made it back to Cayman on the Tuesday around midday.

Same is re-united with Luna

Over the last month or so, things have been very quiet.  Most of the country is on lock down with only essential services being open. Pretty much the same world-wide it seems. 

Both Dave and Michelle continue to work (remotely) and Jake has had his school lessons continue via video link and online lessons.

Sam's Spring Break was extended for a week, but then travel restrictions were put in place and her University closed.  She continues with online classes from home.  The house is pretty quiet during the day with everyone in their own little 'office'.

We had the Super-Blood moon last week.  That was one of the highlights...

Dave's tomatoes are coming right.

As is the Basil.  He has Mint as well, which is destined for Mojitos.

There are some Pineapples too, but they'll take a lot longer before they fruit!

We are able to exercise for up to 90 minutes each day (except Sunday - where there is a 24 hour curfew in place), so we have been running, walking or swimming (although the beaches have just been closed to no more swimming allowed for now).  We have a nightly curfew (7pm - 5 am) during the week.

Michelle takes her bike out as well on occasion but was also able to hire a Spinning bike from her gym (since it is closed), so we have a Spin bike in the lounge which we all spend some time on!

Shopping excursions are limited to one family member and you can only go to the supermarket or gas station on allocated days, depending on the first letter of your surname (A - K or L -Z).  i.e. Being Bailey's, we can go on Mon, Weds and Fri. L - Z folk go on Tues, Thurs and Sat.  Everything closed on Sundays.

We also have a regular Friday Happy hour (on line) where we can catch up with the locals and have a laugh!

Off for a swim at Sunset house

Sam and Dave decided to have an impromptu Happy Hour in the garden the other night.  We don't have a lot of outside space, so this was the best they could do.

The Garden Bar

The view from the Garden Bar

Starting to get dark!

OK, it's now officially night time.  Best we head indoors

With no cruise ships or marine activity, the water is so peaceful and seems clearer as well.  With all pools closed, it has been so nice to be able to swim.

This where we get in and out.

The sun sets at Sunset House

 

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View through the Bar area at Sunset.  

Once everything settles down we will be able to stop in for a beer after those swims!

So now we continue with the lock downs and curfews in the hope that life will return with a little more normality in the coming weeks or months.  It certainly comes with its challenges but we'll keep looking forward and hope we can catch up with people in person again soon!

Take Care, keep safe and enjoy your time at home.