Creatures of Malaysia

Spider and stick bug from Taman Negara night jungle trek.

Spider and grasshopper from night trek.

Tree snake and millipede from night trek.

Leaf bug we rescued from a cat and honey bees in the jungle--they don't sting.

Taman Negara Butterfly and praying mantis (above).

Spot the sand crab and her den--Perhentian Islands.

2 inch ant--Perhentian Islands.

Blue Butterfly and back of (8 foot long) Monitor Lizards head in swamp--Perhentian Islands.

Snail--Perhentian Is.

Bug Zoo-Victoria, BC

Victoria Bug Zoo: What a cool place. The girls and I loved it. We learned so much about so many insects. Pip and I held each one--my favorite was one of the leaf bugs (top) their faces are like bull dogs with protruding lower jaws and they are dear--they wave their front legs in the air gracefully in front of your face wanting to dance. When you let them hold your finger, they wiggle their behinds gently like they are dancing. I was truly in love. The scorpion (not pictured) was perhaps the one I was most hesitant with because her large bubble of venom was visible at all times--though I enjoyed holding her and she was very calm and gentle. I love insects! It is odd, Peter's father was an entomologist, so naturally he has a knowledge and appreciation for insects and I for some unknown reason absolutely adore them--it is odd we found each other. Insects are fascinating, beautiful and much more intelligent then we can know. 

Thoroughly enjoyed Victoria. We had bright sunny weather and the city itself is beautiful and historical. I enjoyed and appreciated all of the heritage buildings and their stories. And the down town is filled with interesting shops and restaurants. The girls and I sketched Foxes at a local restaurant: The Blue Fox. They placed our napkins under the glass table cover to display them--so if you're ever at the restaurant, look for our napkin sketches. Also the Dutch Bakery--family owned since 1950--traditional baking at great prices. 

We went to "Shrek III" 3D as a family one night--gotta love Shrek. Fiona as female warrior was great and a fat Puss n' Boots adorable. And the witches--who doesn't love a wicked witch?

The next few weeks are enough to make me certifiable. Never again will I decided to do a 2 week trip to South Asia in June. In fact, no June travel allowed any longer--the girls are far too busy this month, not to mention my thesis work is absolutely insane at the moment. 

The Empress didn't disappoint. Our room had 20 Ft high ceilings. The pool was dreamy and the entire hotel smelled so good: like an old, old house--a clean smell of old wood and freshly vacuumed wool carpets.

Kaleidoscope 2009, The Canadian School of Ballet

My beauties ready for their evening ballet performance at the Kelowna Theatre. Tabs danced "Catching Butterflies" and Mist "Stardust." They were both so elegant.
Pip looking like an elegant audience member in her giant rhinestone necklace from her Great Aunt Penelope(name sake).
Granny (my wonderful Mom) with the girls. Gran helped dress and make-up the girls and drove them to the matinee while Peter and I were at the University. She has helped with Kaleidoscope every year now for four years! The second year, she and my sister Theresa did it without us as Peter and I were in Florida (Pip wasn't born yet). They spoiled them silly!
Our family before the big event. The girls received red rose bouquets in the dressing room after their performances.
Tabs, ready for the show (almost--the shoes had to go...).
The Lovely Mist--those are rhinestones in her hair.

We had a great meal pre-show at Earls on the waterfront. I shall post those pics later. It was crazy--I knew nearly everyone in the restaurant that night for some reason. I rather liked that--Kelowna seemed like a small place after all--either that or I was super popular(lol)--either way it was all good.

My sweet (newly blonde bombshell) mom left for home this afternoon. We had a short visit with my sis Theresa and Kyran as they headed home from Salmon Arm. Theresa took home my dear and wild dog Fernando to visit with her dogs. He shall have a 2 week vacation with his cousins (that is if he doesn't first drive Theresa crazy with his antics!). Miss that crazy beast already--go figure?

 Pip has been collecting pet ants lately. She adores insects. I REALLY want to get some preying mantis pods to add to my garden. Apparently they hatch and eat all the insects. And they are adorable! They are the cutest little critters. They hold their food tenderly in their little hands as they eat it. Yes, I not only love spiders but other insects too. Good thing I married Peter--he grew up with insects--his dad was an entomologist.