Back from Mexico

Back again from 1 week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Stayed in a somewhat stranger place this time - the Royal DeCameron Complex - in Bucerias, Nayarit, which is about 20Km north of PV. it has 600 rooms, 6 pools, 3 buffets, 5 a la carte restaurants, etc. it is BIG. It was pretty nice, but the food was not great and the waves on the beach broke too close to the shore so you could only body surf for a very short run, like 10 feet. On the positive side, every room had a balcony and air conditioning and the nightly shows were better than the place we stayed at last year. Personally, I'd pick last year's place over this (Occidental Allegro in Neuvo Vallarta), but I think that we'll try something different next year.

Beautiful Clouds

Wow, it has been a long time since I've posted to this Blog! For now, just a couple of updates. I'll try to get back to this a bit and post more, 'cause there's lots to capture.

First just a link to the most awesome website with 365 days of images of clouds. Spectacular! Cloud 365 Project

Another fun thing is that Vancouver just hosted the Olympics. They were great to watch. I even participated in a way as I was selected to carry the torch. I ran on February 17 in Bow Island, Alberta, a town of 1200 between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. It was a real honour and brought smiles to many people.

Also, just last week, sister Dawn, was approved for another adoption from China. I created this blog the last time we went to pick up Quinlan who was 14 months then and is 6 now. This was pre-blog and is currently on a web host that could go away. But here it is for now Quinlan Peng Ping Sutherland

VrStorm is doing great! Working with some strong people. Trying to get a startup company going. Really engaged and productive.

Summer's Ending

It's Sunday, August 30, summer's almost over, Brett started grade 11 last Thursday. We had very little summer weather in Calgary. We're getting some now. We took 2 weeks off in August and travelled to Tofino, Salt Spring Island and Penticton in British Columbia and had a very nice time.

It was very nice to travel with Barry and Brett. We road-trip well together. We take our time. Barry does almost all the driving, I read, Brett reads, we stop and check out some sights, road-side attractions, have snacks, only travel for 8 or less hours per day, some days only 4.

Itinerary:
Calgary to Kelowna
1 night Kelowna
Kelowna to Vancouver
2 nights Vancouver
Ferry Vancouver to Nanaimo
1 night Nanaimo
Nanaimo to Tofino
2 nights camping in Tofino
Tofino to Salt Spring Island
3 nights cabin Salt Spring
Ferry Salt Spring to Victoria to Twassen
1 night Chilliwack
Chilliwack to Penticton
5 nights camping in Penticton
Penticton to Calgary

Saw Orcas, Grey and Humpback whales on a hotsprings zodiac sightseeing 7 hour trip from Tofino - awesome!!! Golfed and visited market and Fulford Day on Salt Spring - beautiful and relaxing. Rented boat and enjoyed warm beach time in Penticton. Fabulous Vacation!

Tim Packer Art

I was in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa for 15 days for various reasons. While in Ottawa I stumbled upon this Canadian artist's work in a gallery. I really love it. I think I will get one eventually for the final spot in our house that needs a piece. Tim Packer site.

Anyways, back to life....

Am now part of a startup.

I'm very engaged. It's exciting to wake up and work for yourself for a change.

Had a startup/spinout, Nial Systems Limited from Queen's in mid-80s wound down in 2005.

Worked for not-for-profits: Alberta Research Council, iCORE, Cybera for 22 years.

Now creating VrSTORM with partners.

This line caught my eye while reading it last night:

"The edge of her anxiety had receded, not quite past the horizon but sufficient to have restored her curiosity." - William Gibson, Spook Country, 2006 pg. 172

up the misty mountain where the eagle takes the wind

Becoming an entrepreneur and working for myself for a change.

I am now up the misty mountain where the eagle takes the wind. - Ferron