This one is for you... Emily.

It has been a a few weeks since my last blog post, this has not been due to a lack of activity or content in our lives rather a lack of motivation on my part. Bob was an avid reader of the blog and it has proved difficult to get back writing posts again, despite this in the last couple of days both Nancy and Emily have specifically asked for an updated blog. So here I am thinking of what I can say.....

The last couple of months have been busy, even hectic, for myself and Nancy with a number of trips away, attended sporting events, my one year anniversary in Canada, skiing, work stuff, house hunting, running in preparation for my two 10km runs and driving a Mercedes-Benz that is named after me. Not to mention the pending visit from Emily and Kris to Vancouver at the end of the April. So where do I start updating the blog.... where it would seem sensible with the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

It was a fantastic experience to have the Olympics literally on our doorstep with the flame only two blocks away on the seawall, Olympic rings in the harbour outside our window, street parties all over the city and people from every nation wandering round the city. Nancy and I went to a couple of medal ceremony concerts with the Stereophonics and Bare Naked Ladies, with one highlight being the only British gold medal being handed out to Amy Williams for Women's skeleton. Now that is one sport you wouldn't catch me doing, a metal tray going at 90 miles an hour! Another major highlight was watching the ice hockey and I was lucky enough to see one match in person..... the Germans had their arse's handed to them by the Finns 5-0, in a group game. However, it was serious stuff for the Canadians who made it through to the gold medal game against their arch rivals USA. This hockey game had everything, but most importantly the Canadians won 3-2 in overtime with their captain Sid Crosby scoring the goal. I think I heard most of Canada screaming when that last goal went it. Certainly the streets of Vancouver were full with celebrating people that Sunday night.... the only comparison would be if England won the football world cup. A few photos are enclosed.

Bob Marks

Bob (Robert) MARKS passed away at home with his family and friends by his side at the age of 68, on February 14, 2010 (b. November 8, 1941).

He is remembered lovingly by his wife Wendy (nee Miller), son Scott and daughter Nancy (Scott) as well as many close friends and family who proved their mettle in past months.

Bob is survived also by two brothers, three sisters, and their families: Leona (Jack) Foster, Stan (Ann) Marks, and Lawrence (Joyce) Marks, all of Winnipeg; Marge (Bob) Drysdale of Brookdale; Barbie (Greg) Graham of Wellwood and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Elsie (nee Hanson) and his brothers Orville (Rhoda), Lorne (Eleanor), Doug (Gaynor) and Raymond.

Bob was born and raised in Newdale, Manitoba. After a short stint in Winnipeg, Bob moved to the West Coast in 1967 and soon after began his career with the BC Government. Wendy and Bob married in 1969 and moved to the Saanich Peninsula, where they have lived for over 40 years. Bob was a father and friend to his children and participated in their lives, giving generously in so many ways, but most importantly with his time and support.

Bob enjoyed staying active with yoga, pilates, running the lakes and was a common sight at Saanich Commonwealth Place and at Mattick’ Farm, for a Sunday walk, coffee and banter with the gang. Activity was a staple of Bob’s life so much so that he never felt himself unless he had been active each day. Bob participated in his community by coaching Little League, volunteering and serving with the Central Saanich Lions Club.

Bob made small and grand expeditions –the West Coast Trail, Tofino, Parksville, camping trips en route to Manitoba, baseball games in Seattle, repeated trips to Africa, South America, Asia, Scandinavia, England and his annual visit to the beaches of Maui. He enjoyed discovering the local birds and exploring nature wherever he visited. Bob experienced peace and beauty through nature whether on one of his many trips or in his backyard dozing to the birdsong or gazing at the swaying Douglas Firs – except when he was cursing the thrice-shedding Arbutus tree or chasing the neighbour’s cats away from his bird feeders!

Bob's sense of humour, quick wit, kindness and love of life defined and served him. Bob was always willing to lend a hand or give a word of encouragement or congratulations, unless you were a lottery winner from out East! Bob relished his time with all those that he befriended or simply encountered. Bob knew that life was not a solitary endeavour, but rather a team pursuit and that a sunset or, better yet, a sunset and a gin & tonic is always more enjoyable with a friend at one's side.

We miss him deeply.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at McCall’s Floral Chapel at Johnson at Vancouver Streets in Victoria on February 27 at 2pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Mount Newton Centre (Bob volunteered here and we used their resources to care for Bob at home) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (this is the charity that Bob's friends and family raised over $10,000 for in 2009).

Three Years Today!

Today (18th Feb 2010) is our three year anniversary since we got engaged in Hong Kong! So just a quick blog post to thank Nancy to agree to marrying me and becoming my gorgeous wife exactly three years ago today.

Somthing that gets you thinking

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

The questions raised:

*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*Do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.

For the full story, click on the article link.

Running Club - GO!

With only 3 months left to the running challenge being completed, I thought I better step up to the mark. So I signed up at the local Running Room for a 10km running club with the specific purpose of training for the Vancouver Sun Run on 9th May.

Tonight was the first night, which involved a introduction talk from Alex our instructor and then a basic 3km run around the seawall. We discussed distance running technics of breathing and run/walk intervals. All good stuff and my pace was good being third person to finish out of a group of twenty-five. However, this is where is steps up and the extra effort is required to ensure someone else is on the Youtube video!!

Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 is Coming

Olympic Winter Games: February 12 to 28, 2010
Paralympic Winter Games: March 12 to 21, 2010

On July 2, 2003, the International Olympic Committee selected Vancouver as the host city for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Athletes and spectators from around the world will gather in Vancouver and the alpine resort of Whistler in February and March 2010 to celebrate winter sporting excellence. The Games, along with the region's spectacular natural playground and its vibrant venues, will put Vancouver in the spotlight as a premier sporting destination.

A few quick facts about the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games:

• Number of Olympic athletes and officials: 5,500
• Number of Paralympic athletes and officials: 1,350
• Countries participating in Olympic Winter Games: 80+
• Countries participating in Paralympic Winter Games: 40+
• 2010 Olympic Winter Games events tickets available: 1.6 million
• 2010 Paralympic Winter Games events tickets available: 250,000
• Estimated number of media representatives: 10,000
• Estimated number of Games volunteers: 25,000

Bloody Freezing!!!

The year 2010 was ushered in with the Polar Bear swim at English Bay, in Vancouver. What a Way to start the Vancouver 2010 Olympic year. Every year on New Year's Day, Vancouverites gather at English Bay to plunge into the sea. This is the 90th anniversary of the event. The temperature this year is about 8 degree Celsius. Everybody had tons of fun including our fearless group of seven which were me, Nancy, Anthony, Stu, Paul, Emma and Paige.

A couple of thousand people attended, many of them in costumes and some of them could easily be considered freaks in their approach to the swim. The video below that I found on the web shows what I mean. Another highlight of the event is Peter Pantages (founder of Polar Bear Club) Memorial 100 yard swim, however, there was no way our little band of people was ever going to make it that far in the water.

To Swim or Not to Swim... That is the Question?

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year's Day. Led by their founder, Peter Pantages, the swim has grown from around 10 swimmers in that year to the record number of 2,128 official entries in 2000.

This year, the Polar Bear swim takes place at 2:30pm on Friday 1st January 2010. Nancy has stated that this is on her "bucket list" and plans to take a dip in the cold water. And this is where the question comes.... should I join her? Anthony has also laid down the gauntlet by using blackmail, saying that he will only do it, if I do! What do you think?

What a day!

Yesterday, proved to be a great day... it all started with Nancy and I watching Fulham FC crushing Manchester United 3-0, a convincing victory on the football pitch. Not my words but the comments of ESPN Soccernet website and so I cannot wait to see Match of the Day highlights. This was followed by my Fantasy Football Team performing well and once again showing Ross's team how it is done.

The afternoon saw me head up to Grouse Mountain for my first skiing of the winter season. The snow conditions were ok as there was quite a bit of ice and not enough powder, however, the clear skies meant awesome views of Vancouver. The three hours on the slopes also meant I broke in my new ski-boots, in preparation for Anthony's forthcoming visit to Vancouver.

The great day didn't end there, as the evening saw Nancy cook a roast dinner with the highlight being the roasted parsnips.... YUUUUUMMMYY! We then watched a movie and enjoyed a relaxing evening with hot chocolate. If only all days were like this.

Scott & Nancy's 2009 - Year at a Glance

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

With Scott’s move to Vancouver and our reunion in March, 2009 certainly proved to be a busy year for us. As we will not get the opportunity to see all our family and friends this Christmas, we thought we would send a few snapshots, to show our year at a glance. As the famous Chinese proverb explains “a picture is worth ten-thousand words”.

We started the year, sharing the New Year with Ross, Laura and the kids in Washington DC, seeing all the sights of the USA capital. After this holiday we were apart until early March when Scott moved to Vancouver and so February saw Scott visiting family and friends all over the UK. The 28^th February was Scott’s last day at Mercedes-Benz UK after twelve years of service; he celebrated this by undertaking a boy’s road trip to Lands End.

On arriving in Vancouver, we enjoyed spring by sharing many laughs and drinks with Anthony on his travels to Canada in April and skiing on Grouse Mountain, just before the snow melted for an unseasonably warm summer. We returned to Poets Cove on Pender Island to celebrate our 1^st wedding anniversary. Then by a stroke of luck, Mercedes-Benz Canada advertised the same role Scott had left in the UK and he proved himself worthy to start in June.

This summer we had the pleasure of many trips and activities. Most notably, Emily and Kris’s wedding on the 31^st July provided a perfect reason to visit the UK and complete a whistle-stop tour of all our family and friends. The wedding day was an amazing event and what a great couple Emily and Kris make – all the happiness to them for the future. On returning to Canada, we explored various places including wine tasting in the Okanagan vineyards, zip-lining in Whistler for an amazing adrenalin rush and weekend trips to Vancouver Island. Locally, Scott decided to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, by skydiving in August, which proved to be exhilarating to say the least.

September was all about Las Vegas where we met up with Emily and Kris to enjoy the best of Sin City, including drinks at a minus five degree ice bar. In October, Nancy enjoyed a short but sweet trip to Ireland for Claire and Gregg’s wedding and said hello to some UK-based friends. A big thank you to everyone who supported the We’re with Bob! Team, which helped Nancy raise over $12,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Nancy will be in touch soon regarding her next feat – a ½ marathon jog for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society followed by a skydive in the same afternoon of her 35^th birthday!

In 2010, a variety of people are planning to visit us in Vancouver, including Anthony in early January and Emily and Kris in the spring. The city hosts the Winter Olympics in February and the Olympic rings are already lit in the harbour. We have a trip planned to visit Betty (Nancy’s grandmother) in Palm Springs, California in mid-March, which means we can experience the Indian Wells tennis tournament. The 10K run challenge reaches its conclusion by the start of May as well. We are especially looking forward to meeting the new branches of the Shears family tree, with Ross and Laura, Craig and Ra’anaa both expecting in April/May time. So there are many things to look forward to already in 2010.

We are always thinking about our family and friends dotted around the globe and keen to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via telephone, email or Skype. You can also keep up-to-date with us on our blog: http://codenamewfns.blogspot.com/

Best wishes to you and your family over the holiday period and hope 2010 brings you all that you desire. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love and Best Wishes

Scott and Nancy xo

Christmas is Coming

With the start of advent calendars being opened, festive lights appearing on the shopping streets and office Christmas parties invites landing on desks it certainly feels like Christmas is round the corner. In the last few days, the build up of the festive spirit has being flourishing with Nancy and myself through a variety of Christmas events.

Firstly, last weekend saw us, Bob and Wendy attending the Sidney Santa Claus parade which was quaint to say the least. The parade involved a number of homely decorated trucks, cars and fire engines. We followed this by attending my work Christmas party on Grouse Mountain, where we enjoyed drinks, food, watched ice skaters and admired the amazing view of Vancouver by night - a glittering array of city lights. Last night, we wandered into Gas Town for a friend's birthday party at a Mexican restaurant and the streets were aligned with white lights in the trees - our salsa dancing was probably not that festive but still fun. Today was the Vancouver Christmas parade and Nancy was involved as a volunteer for the Food Bank charity. I took the opportunity to finish off my Christmas shopping and so Christmas is coming ever closer.

10K Run Challenge

With participants uploading their training runs onto the blog now and the banter getting increasingly serious, I thought I would step up the pressure just a little.... by signing up for two 10K runs next year. I have completed the registration process for the Vancouver Sun Run on 9th May 2010 and the Victoria Garden City Run on Sunday April 25th.

Anthony has to take the credit for this idea, as entering more than one run means that I can choose the best timed result to help my cause. More chance of me avoiding being the guy on YouTube! If you are interested in registering for the Vancouver and Victoria runs, links enclosed:


The Vancouver Sun Run:
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/2010+Race+Details/898166/story.html

The Victoria Garden City Run:
http://www.tc10k.ca/

Keep up the hard training!

Hockey in Edmonton

The week that was saw me once again fly around Western Canada and visit the Prairies, including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina and Edmonton. Building up the air miles that's for sure - nearly 25,000 in 5 months! Although it was a busy traveling week, the highlight was easily on Wednesday night when I was taken to a ice hockey game - Edmonton Oilers versus Colorado Avalanche. We had front row seats, up against the boards, next the away team players bench - up close and personal. Not only was it a privilege to have these VIP seats, but the game itself was fantastic with ten goals, couple of good fights and a player concussion. The home team, the Oilers, were down 2-4 going into the final period and managed to turn it around to win 6-4 with some spectacular hockey. As you can imagine the crowd went wild!

In other news, Nancy has announced is her unassuming way she has signed up for a half marathon, on her birthday in May, as part of Team in Training program with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. The aim is to raise more valuable funds for research into cancer treatment. But not only that, but she will be following this run up with a sky dive in the afternoon to add to her birthday celebrations. She already has a couple of people joining her so if you'd like to do this as well - game on! Nancy's training schedule starts this Sunday.

First Snow of the Season

This week provided us with a public holiday on Wednesday, as it was Remembrance Day, so Nancy and I took the opportunity for a last minute getaway. We choose to explore a part of Canada that I had not been to before - Harrison Hot Springs and the town of Hope. After an hour and half drive on Tuesday night we made it to Harrison and we spent the next morning enjoying a relaxing dip in the hot springs - just what the doctor ordered. The views from the hotel were stunning as you can see from the photos.

The season is certainly turning to winter as we saw our first snow on the roads out to Hope. We were stopped from seeing the local tourist attraction of Hope Slide due to snow covered roads. The Hope Slide is one of the largest landslides ever recorded in Canada. It occurred in the early hours of January 9th 1965 and killed four people. Although the picture of Nancy posing as Rambo makes up for the disappointment. Snow is also appearing on all the local Vancouver mountains and even the ski slopes are starting to open early. Winter skiing here we come!

What would you pay for an Olympic Torch?

On Friday night, Nancy and I enjoyed a fund raising event at the Vancouver Aquarium - all thanks to tickets from Mercedes-Benz who were a main sponsor. The event was great fun with local wineries and restaurants offering their product for tasting. Although, it felt slightly wrong eating fish and chips in an aquarium with the live fish staring back at you.... maybe that was just me.

As you can imagine, at this sort of event an auction was par for the course. The main prize was an Olympic torch that was used on day two of the current torch relay across Canada. I seized the opportunity to have my photo with this torch and we even considered bidding for the item. However, when the price went past $2000 it proved too high for us, eventually selling for $2500.

The rest of the weekend was enjoyably spent in Victoria with Bob, Wendy and the other Scott as Bob reached the grand age of 68. Couldn't quite fit 68 candles onto his cake though. Nancy and I also went along to see Salmon spawning in a local river, which proved fascinating as there were thousands of fish heading upstream. Nature at its best!

Less than an 100 Days to the Winter Olympics

An impressive set of 14-metre tall Olympic rings were lit on Coal Harbour Wednesday night, marking the 100-day countdown to the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Certainly took Nancy and and myself by surprise, as these are right outside our window.

"The Olympic Rings are one of the iconic symbols of these Games and this inner harbour showpiece will be a visual focal point for billions of people watching 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games worldwide and for visitors and residents to our province during the Games," B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell announced.

The rings have thousands of individual LED lights that can be programmed for complex light show displays and will be visible from around the harbour, the premier's office said. They measure 13.7 metres (45 feet) high by 29.3 metres (96 feet) wide. As part of B.C.'s commitment to a green games the lights in the display use energy efficient bulbs that consume approximately eight per cent of the electricity of equivalent incandescent bulbs.

There are now two sets of LED Olympic rings in the lower mainland. The other is near Vancouver International Airport.