Kidding Around Vancouver Island

That beautiful May long weekend we just had got us out for a picnic up in Qualicum Beach, which then got us thinking about some of our favourite picnic spots in Oceanside.
Of course we have to start with the beaches.  At Qualicum Beach our picnic place of choice is the grassy area next to the [...]

Opening night isn’t far away and Grace remains as cool as a cucumber.  We’re as nervous as… as radishes.  All we can think about is her getting up on stage and trying to remember songs, dances, where she’s supposed to be on stage, and whether her hat’s on straight.  It’s so confusing.  Thankfully, the kids [...]

About fifteen years ago we joined the ranks of dog owners and were instantly ushered into a kind of parallel universe governed by its own social rules, most of which we weren’t even aware of until the passing of our beloved Martin blasted us back into the non-dog universe.  There’s a scene in the movie [...]

This Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd, world-class clay artist Heather Goldminc is opening up her spectacular waterfront property to bring together area artists and musicians in the spring air for the first annual Picnic in the Art.
Heather’s work is collected around the world and this is a chance to see her workshop and [...]

Students from Winchelsea Elementary and North Oyster Elementary schools are taking the stage this Thursday evening at 7pm at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo.  They’re part of the Voices of Nature concert for the Brant Wildlife Festival, featuring Holly Arntzen and the Dream Band.  Last year’s concert was amazing – you’ll have a great time [...]

It was such a lovely holiday Monday, we thought why not drive off and explore the phenomenon of micro-climates.  Ok, it didn’t quite go down that way, it was more like, ‘hey let’s find this cool new beach we heard about near Bowser.”
So we’re motoring up the island highway past Parksville, then Qualicum Beach, the [...]

The Easter long weekend is upon us and that means two things for our kids:  turkey and chocolate.  If someone could come up with a chocolate turkey… but enough of my dreams.  Cooking turkey is my excuse for teaching the girls math, which does not bode well for their future as we often have to [...]

Stuffed with Love at Nanaimo North Town Centre has a very special event this Friday from 1 – 3pm.  Stop by the store and for a $5 donation (which goes to the Child Development Centre) you can make your own mini-bear.
And then you can move down the mall to Centre Court and enjoy free easter [...]

One of our favourite children’s musical groups – Bobs and Lolo – is back on the Island Sunday April 5th to help put the fun in fundraising for the Errington Co-operative Preschool. I say “back on the Island” because Bobs (Robyn Hardy) and Lolo (Lorraine Pond) grew up right here in the Central Island [...]

When I was little we had a canary that loved to escape and fly around the house.  I couldn’t imagine over 700 birds having the run of the place, but that’s what you’ll find at the World Parrot Refuge in Coombs.  Two giant wings of the building – if you’ll pardon the expression – allow [...]