Vacation (part two)

On the second half of my vacation I rose early and drove north from Sechelt to catch a ferry boat at Earl's Cove. Last time I did this (three years ago) it was so dark I couldn't see anything. Much better views this time. There's something so peaceful about the wilderness in this area that I just love.

The Earl's Cove ferry goes to Saltery Bay, and from there it's a short drive to Powell River. It seems like such a nice, peaceful place that if I had the money, I might consider moving there. It was a Sunday morning when I arrived, so while waiting for the next ferry, I took a walk. Discovered a nice little book store and just took in the surroundings.

The next ferry travels between Powell River and Comox. Then there is the drive southeast on Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast Highway that heads through Port Alberni (another nice little town), alongside Sproat Lake, winds through the mountains (an actual black bear crossed the road in front of my car) over to the coast and my destination, Tofino.

I'd heard for the past couple of days that the Olympic torch had arrived on Vancouver Island and was making stops at several different places. Little did I know as I reached the final stretch, the torch was nearby on Long Beach. I did notice a lot more traffic on this stretch of road (and a few police cars), but didn't find out why until I arrived at the Long Beach Resort.

Vacation (part one)

I've been back a couple of weeks now, but wanted to do at least a couple of posts on my recent vacation. I'd better hurry for all the details slip away.

Took a few days and headed north to Canada. Spent three days at the Creekside Cottage outside Sechelt, B.C. I've been there before and love the peace and quiet. Especially in late October. The trip north was relatively painless (there always seems to be so much traffic in and around Vancouver), and I do love the view at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.

Friday night while I was there the skies let loose and the wind and rain were intense. Pinecones hitting the roof. Kind of exciting and scary all at the same time. Also, watched the movie "1408" that night. A scary movie I'd never seen before. And it's based on a Stephen King short story. Good stuff.

On Halloween I went into Sechelt (the nearby town) to use the computer at the library for a bit. I love the look of the library from the outside and the feel of the town. Basically just walked around a bit. Went down to the pier, then drove back to the cabin and hung out. Read some. No one came trick or treating. Fine by me.

Post #13

BWAH HA HA! Did I scare ya? No? O.K. I'm not superstitious about the number 13, just making an observation.

The murder mystery went off Friday night without too much hassle. Not a big fan of the improv.

Lots of talk at work about scary movies. Two of my favorites are (the original versions of) "Halloween" and "The Haunting." Both pack a lot of scare without much gore. I also enjoyed "The Others" (2001) starring Nicole Kidman. Great, spooky stuff.

Halloween is coming, so is my trip to Canada. More soon.

Butlers, Egg Nog and Placido

Over the last week, its been raining like a son-of-a-gun. I do love the rain, but...Wow.

You may have wondered where my blog title came from (No? I'll tell you anyway). I've played so many butlers in my career that I always thought it would be a good name for my autobiography (picture to the right is me as Etienne in "A Flea in Her Ear").

Last night I saw my first Egg Nog in the dairy section at an Albertsons in Federal Way. As a friend responded when I mentioned my discovery, "Could we get Halloween out of the way first?! Slow down and smell the candy corn people!"

I've been rehearsing a lot. I have to sing a bit of "Vesti la Giubba" from "Pagliacci" for the murder-mystery/fundraiser. Been watching a lot of YouTube clips to prepare. Here's my favorite. I have always loved Placido Domingo's voice.

Bremerton to Federal Way. Tacoma to Des Moines and finally, "Snowbound."

Blogging live from a reading of the new play by TM Sell, "Snowbound." It will be performed this winter by Breeders Theater at E.B. Foote Winery.

BT is a theatre troupe I've been working with for years. We perform twice a year at the winery. I actually won't be involved with "Snowbound." But they needed help with this reading, so here I am.

After having breakfast in Bremerton yesterday (see previous blog entry), and an afternoon rehearsal in Federal Way for the murder mystery, I pretty much collapsed on the sofa Sat. night.

Today I was up early. Breakfast at the most excellent Joe Bar, then off to Tacoma to spend the afternoon with Mom. Housework, watering plants and grocery shopping. Mom seemed o.k. Not as peppy as usual, but her leg was bothering her again. Now in Des Moines for the reading.

"The Legend of the Thermos Museum"

So goes the legend, told by friend Nick and my cousin Melina, of a "Thermos Museum" located in mysterious Bremerton.

I was not sure if such a thing could possibly exist, but today sister Jenny and I travelled by ferry boat to the wonderous land of fountains, Pyrex and (after a short drive) a little cafe with a groovy-looking van out front. Not until I sat down, took a glance at the breakfast menu and then looked up, did I realize that everything I'd heard was true.

Thermoses everywhere. On shelves high and low. Lunchboxes and a surfboard too. Breakfast was great. The company even better, and in the restroom there was a special treat. Just look for the small sign marked "Disco switch."

As we made the return ferry-trip aboard the mighty Hyak. I vowed someday I will return. Oh Hi-Lo's 15th Street Cafe, you are a thing of wonder.

And take heed, oh unbelieving city-dweller. The overheard whispers of this legendary place are more than mere folly.

"I Got the Horse. Right. Here."

"The Producers" hasn't been closed for even a week, and now I'm involved in two new shows. I previously mentioned the murder mystery/fundraiser for Centerstage (first rehearsal is tonight), but now I'm going to be playing Harry the Horse in "Guys & Dolls." My friend Loretta contacted me that she might need someone for the upcoming production that she's directing and it was all finalized today. I'll start rehearsal next week.

The funny thing is, I just did a production of "Guys & Dolls" this past spring at SMT. I played Rusty Charley. Bring back the gambling and the dames.