Greetings from Victoria, BC!

I thought that it was time for an update. And, since today is the first anniversary of this blog, all the more reason to post, eh?

I arrived in Seattle on Sunday morning and had a delightful lunch with Daniel and Alan of Would Be Canadians. It was just great to meet them in "real time and space" and compare notes, etc. BTW, if you find yourself in Seattle, I recommend a visit to Julia's on Broadway. I then ventured back to the hotel and took care of some odds-n-ends before my next appointment. Since I was going to be working at Seattle University, I stayed at the Silver Cloud - Broadway, also recommended. Although I didn't need to use them, any "regular hotel" room that includes a mini-fridge and microwave is high on my list. Also, it was super clean.

That evening I met my friend and colleague, J, who had recruited me to do the work. We went to Cafe Septieme where I had - I was in the Pacific Northwest after all - salmon on a really good risotto with a balsamic reduction. In a word - yum! Aside from the "work briefing" it was great to catch up. We hadn't visited in several years. And, I finally got to meet her partner of six years. I was really beginning to think she was the imaginary partner. Not really, but it was great to be able to finally meet her.

Fortunately, J had crafted a very civilized schedule for me with my first meeting on Monday at 10:30 am. I spent the day "interviewing" members of the department, met with students, etc. I had a break and then went to dinner with J and two other members of the department. We had a great time chatting about this, that, and the other. One of them is Canadian, too! A bonus, to be sure. They were very interested in my process and project. We at at La Spiga where, no surprise, I splurged on the Tiramisu.

Tuesday was a repeat with a late start and a day full of interviews. I had another late afternoon break and then met J for our debriefing. We wandered over to the Wildrose, a predominantly lesbian bar, for a bite. We debriefed and visited and debriefed and visited. I was able to get caught up on all the disciplinary-dyke-drama that I miss by being in the Midwest. Oh, that's disciplinary as in the discipline in which I teach, not as in "bondage and..." Before I knew it, it was almost 10 pm. So, we said our goodbyes and I got packed for an early departure.

Seattle is always terrific. I didn't wander beyond Capitol Hill at all. Not even to Elliott Bay Book Co. But, I had a wonderful time nonetheless. The department I was visiting is full of incredibly friendly and dynamic people and scholars. The urban campus is beautiful. And, I got to visit an old friend and respected colleague. And, they paid my way and paid me, too. All in all, it was a fabulous trip.

This morning I was up at 5:45, waiting for the shuttle at 7. After a few other stops I was deposited at Pier 69 for the Victoria Clipper. After an uneventful trip - during which I actually got some grading done - I arrived in Victoria. The customs officer looked at my passport and said, "Are you moving back?" Alas, I had to inform her that we hadn't moved to Canada yet, only landed. What do you mean, you might say, "only" landed?!? You're right. We've LANDED! But, we anxiously await the next phase of our journey. Anyway, cleared, off I went.

I had lunch with M, one of the participants in the immigration project. We had visited here almost two years ago and it was great to both catch up and keep going with the project. I won't share details because I am trying to keep the project and the personal somewhat separate - though it's hard with all the gray lines of relationships - but I will say that she is very happy and that living in Canada very, very much agrees with her! We had lunch at Santiago's which, I just realized, as I'm typing, is the place that I think I'm going tonight with Mary and Diane, the women from Canada-is-Calling. The food was tasty, so no problem!

I'm now in my hotel where, from the desk, I can see the harbor. Or, perhaps I should write, "harbour." The Coho Ferry is several hundred meters away and I can see the Canadian flag waving in the breeze. What a view. I can't tell you how much I enjoy seeing that. But, then, if you're reading this you probably have a very good idea!

I'm staying at the Days Inn - Victoria on the Harbour. This is where P and I stayed when we did our quickie honeymoon in May 2005. Unfortunately I had to come alone this time. Bummer. If you come to Vic via the Clipper it's a great place to stay. It's across the street from the ferry terminal and within walking distance of much of what you might wish to do here. What isn't within walking distance is accessible via tour bus or public transit. And, for those who prefer, there are car rental locations within walking distance. Also, this time of year I was able to book a room on-line, queen bed with a harbour view, for 79.20 CAD, including a continental breakfast. Pretty good, I think.

So, that brings you up to speed, I think. Hope all is well. It's snowing in Minnesota. Today is 11 April. Our first snow of this "season" was on 11 October. These pictures were taken then. Six months? What's wrong with that picture? I mean, really.

More as it happens! As if you had any doubt.