Ashley

Scott and I have a wonderful vacation last July 12th to 25th of this year, 2008. We’ve visited and stayed on my aunties’s home in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was nice seeing and spending time with my family there. We do really enjoyed our two weeks vacation in Canada.         

We’ve experienced the view that made the “Niagara Falls” so famous. We saw the Niagara river, mighty falls, great george and beyond! We came to see the falls and get personal with it. Any closer and we wouldn’t  live to tell. We rode on the “maid of the mist” a double deck boat and explore the roar of Niagara Falls. We rode into the mist of water rushing all around us soak in the excitement of the Falls during the half-hour thrill a lifetime.         

We also went to Hamilton’s Waterfront Parks and Trails offer something for everyone. The Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail, a fully accessible 7.5 km multi-use trail, meanders along the water’s edge and is perfect for leisury strolling, in line skating or cycling. Relax and enjoy a picnic while taking in a panoramic view of the harbour. The creative play area and water spray pad at Pier 4 park is the perfect place for children to have fun and keep cool. Boaters can utilize a free public boat launch at Bayfront Park. Waterfront Parks and Trails are fully accessible. Park lightings is provided for evening enjoyment. We also rode in Hamilton Waterfront Trolley. These two 37 passenger rubber-tired trolleys allows both young and old the opportunity to travel along the Hamilton Waterfront Trail. The 12 km trail follows the shoreline of the western portion of the harbour which features a high haven alive with nature, marinas and on-site attractions. The conductor provided a narrated commentary as we traveled in this one of a kind vehicle.

 We’ve also joined a Boat Cruise and Casino Rama trip. A 2 1/2 hour cruise in the “Miss Minland” boat. We’ve experienced the thrill of the “Wind Swept Pines and Rocky Grandeur of Georgian Bays 30,000 Islands. Our group headed to Casino Rama first and have a dinner there. A boat cruise to remember among the largest concentration of Islands in the world. Experienced the sparkling Muskoka-Georgian Bay 30,000 Islands, the finest sailing area in the northern hemisphere. It was a memorable sunset driven cruise among the beautiful Islands of Georgian Bay.

We went too in Royal Botanical Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada, featuring over 2,700 acres of breathtaking Gardens and spectacular Nature sanctuaries. There is so much to see there. Royal Botanical Gardens is also a natural choice for meetings, special events and weddings in a one-of-a kind setting for groups. They have Meditterranean Garden, Discovery Garden, Rock Garden, Laking Garden and Hendric Park Garden. They have arboterum, nature interpretive centre, nature sanctuaries, lootes paradise, hendric valley, rock chapel and berry tract. They also have fabulous gift shop-local artisan work, souvenirs, and stuff for everybody. Experience environmental art, art in nature with an exciting offer from Royal Botanical Gardens.

Another place we went to is in “Marineland” Canada. Everyone loves lots of family fun at Marineland. We saw high-flying dolphins performed amazing flips and other awesome feats. We fell in love with adorable walruses and enjoyed the hilarious sea lions. We marveled at killer whales as they splashed and jumped to amazing heights at Freindship Cove. Breathtaking underwater vewing let us entered the enchanting world of whales below the water’s surface. We have met one of the most unique looking whales from the marine mammal family-the beluga. At Arctic Cove we can touch and feed these freindly white whales. Underwater viewing lets us get an up close look at what’s happening beneath the waves. We challenged the family thrill rides including the new, dipping, swirling, head-spinning topple tower ride. From the newest of family rides to tried and true old favorites, parents and kids will find a selection of rides to excite and please. At Marineland we can explore and connect with wildlife that makes their home on land as well as at sea. We can touch the fur of a deer, come nose to nose with a buffalo and admire majestic elk and more. Through an exciting mix of entertainment and education, Marinelands interactive animal displays will leave us with a greater admiration for and appreciation of some of the most magnificent land and ocean creatures on earth. We spent the whole day and enjoyed all the fun! We don’t even miss the popular Niagara attraction which is floral clock after we went to Marineland.

 We also went to Dundurn National Historic Site and visited the magnificent home of Sir Allan Napier Machse, one of the Canada’s first premiers. Imagine life in this Country home boasting more than 40 rooms. We also went swimming in “Wild Waterworks” Confederation Park. We also viewed the Hamilton Beach while walking in the Hamilton Trail. We enjoyed cherry picking too in E.D Smith Cherry Farm in Winona, Ontario. We’ve visited all of my auntie’s Filipino freinds there, have dinner and spent time with all of them.

We would like to go back there again and spend time with my auntie’s family there. Thanks for the “Javier Family” , my family there in Canada. It was truly a wonderful and very relaxing VACATION. Canada is one of the most beautiful Country in the world. “We just made our vacation, Right from the start.”

Finally, after the sacrifices of getting up, going back and forth to and from work with Scott as my chauffer, I already got my Driver’s License. It took a long time for me before I finally got it. Because I’m practicing on a stick shift before which is really hard for me as a beginner and I never been drive in my life only bicycles…lol…And besides I’m already working for 1 1/2 year before I got it. That’s why I’m very thankful to God for helping us out most especially me for passing the road test.

I took my road test last thursday June 12th and luckily got passed. I missed a couple of points but I still got 88% for my Driving Skill Test. My Instructor from my Driving School “Conahan’s” is the one who gave me a road test in downtown Colorado Springs. I’m kinda nervous at first because I know that it’s more busy and traffic there in downtown compare to our place here up North Colorado Springs. The roads there in downtown are mostly narrow and a lot of one way street signs. There’s also few statues that you have to manuever around. But then again I have to become confident and I should overcome my own fear while driving. I’m so glad that my road test didn’t last that long. It was about 10 minutes or so. When I told Scott about the good news of passing my road test, he is happy and very proud of me. That’s why we went directly to Department of Revenue to get my Driver License Identification. It’s a kinda hurry up and wait again there but it’s all good then because this is it ” I’m a Certified Legal Driver now.”  Same old, same old there in DMV in terms of procedures. Pay first, signed document, got fingerprint, and say ‘cheese’ for your lovely photo…lol…and now I’m just waiting for my DL ID to be mailed into our house. And no worries because I already have a document with me showing that I already have DL with 2013 expiration…that is so cool! I don’t need to wake up Scott anymore every morning in order for me to go to work. He don’t even need to pick me up at work because I can drive by myself now. This time he can finally have his ‘beauty sleep’. I can do errands too and visit my freinds. It’s like shouting “freedom” from the famous movie “Brave Heart” of Mel Gibson…lol…It’s really a BIG relief for both Scott and I. I can also apply for another job now if I want to because I have more flexible hours now.

But anyway, I want to to thank everyone for all the supports and prayers you have graciously expressed for me. I know it’s been awhile that I didn’t get a chance to write a blog. I think this is the perfect time to write another one to share my experienced and express my gratitude to all of my family and freinds here in USA and  in the Philippines. I have learned in my life not to give up. If you want to achieve your goals in life, just keep trying and don’t loose hope and soon you will get it. Be patience because it’s a virtue. “Good things come to those who have waited.” I also have learned how to build my own self-confidence by trusting my ownself and become more independent. I have learned too from my own mistakes and try not to do it again. “Experience is the best Teacher.” “Rome was not built in one day.” It’s the same thing with us, we have to to take things slowly but surely. A lot of lessons learned but the most important thing is to “believe in yourself” because you’re the only one who can help yourself and you’re biggest competition in your life is yourself too. Always ask for God’s help and guidance and you will be okay. I can’t forget and still remember up to now what Scott told me before that ‘car is like the extension of oneself’ which is very true. And now I can go anywhere I want to and drive for him for a changes. I truly want to thank my ‘babycakes’ Scott for always being there with me, supporting me all the way and for the endless inspiration he’s always giving me. Love You Babe’…

The 135th Annual Colorado State Fair was held in Pueblo, Colorado. It’s about 1 1/2 hour drive from Colorado Springs going there. If Denver is located in North part of Colorado Springs then Pueblo is located in South part. Pueblo is also a beautiful place to visit. It’s not that busy City compare to Colorado Springs and Denver. But it’s more of a Country type of living and it’s a nature-like same here in Colorado Springs in other areas.

Anyways, we went there to see the Fair and enjoy the different exhibits form there. We went there together with our Filipina freind Lyn. She also enjoyed the place. In fact, we did got a chance to ride in a Camel which is really a good experienced for both of us. The place is unique, it’s huge and a lots of things to see and enjoy with. Because it’s a big place, it will take time seeing the whole place. Surely you will get hungry by touring the place. So that when we were there, we are always eating..hehe..

I like the sand sculpture there created by an Artist, the Theme park and all of the Museums. I also bought souvenirs from there as a remembrance from that Fair. And of course taking pictures will not be forgotten. It was all fun there in Pueblo!!!

It’s been awhile that I didn’t get a chance to write a blog. That’s why I decided to write a blog again about our weekend vacation in Denver, Colorado. First and foremost, Denver is the capital of Colorado. It’s a busy City with lots of Buildings and where’s Commercials/Business are in demand. It’s a beautiful place with so many scenic /tourist spots to see. In fact when we were there, we went to "Elitch Gardens" it’s a famous Theme Park in Denver since 1895. It’s a kinda like "Disney Land" in California in some aspects. We also went to Downtown Denver where we’ve seen the Governor’s ship, The Senate Building, Amph Theater, and of course the Denver Art Museum which is  so educational and very inspiring to see. We also went to "Sixteen Street Mall" where we did some sight-seeing too. We also got a chance to see the Stadium of the "Denver Broncos" one of the Football Teams here in Colorado.

Anyways, after we get tired of touring the place, we decided to start heading up going back home to Colorado Springs. On our way going back home, we stopped by in "Thai Basil" Restaurant for our dinner. Thai Basil is a neat Restaurant with lots of Asian decorations and it’s so classy. We like the food that they served there for both of us.  That’s why we definitely like to go back there again when we get a chance. Thai Basil is located in Littleton, Colorado which is not that far from Denver. We finally reached Colorado Springs about 9 pm but it’s all worth it! It make both of us tired but then I can say that we have so much fun together. Scott and I got a chance to tour Denver again after our last visit last year. We did some sight-seeing again, enjoyed the place together and of course took a lot of pictures as a remembrance.

As we wandered down the village streets and pathways of the Colorado Renaissance Festival, ready thyself to revel with master revelers, watched artisans creates original works of their ancient craft and be taken in the tantalizing aromas of roast turkey legges, steak on stake, fresh baked good and much more. We attended "Forever Real" Wedding on the rose stage "renewal of vows". We renewed our vows of faith, commitment, and love on this most romantic moment. Romance is in the air!

Adventure to the past! Return to the age of wonder, adventure and song, where pleasure reigns and merry-making is the rule. Trumpets sound and armored knights battle on horseback in the tournament of champions. Stroll wooded mountain paths for handmade crafts and feast on succulent roasted turkry legs fit for a King. The delightful cast of new entertainment makes the medieval amusement park sing with music and joy.

The spirit of optimism that this historic movement represents is preserved here at the Colorado Renaissance Festival. And visitors, one and all, are invited to share in gallantry beauty, romance, and adventure that is the Renaissance!

The minute we passed through the gates of Cheyenne Canyon, we know we’ve entered another world. The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado winds along South Cheyenne Creek between steep pine-covered cliffs, towering a full of 700 feet above our heads. At the end of this boxed Canyon we’ve found the Seven Falls which has been astonishing and inspiring visitors for over 120 years with the self-guided audio tours. We’ve learned  the story of the Falls and the area’s unique geology, ecology, wildlife and cultural history-as we explored the canyon nightime was all magical time at Seven Falls. When all Seven falls came alive under a veil of spectacular computerized lighting.

Seven Falls. The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado. Ride in the mountain elevator 140 feet for the most spectacular view of Seven Falls and Colorado’s natural scenic beauty. Hike the trails to midnight falls and Inspiration Point for breathtaking views of the City and the great plains. Hear the story of the falls an area’s unique geology, ecology, wildlife, and cultural hitory on the self-guided audio stops. See the falls come alive at night under veil of spectacular computerized lighting. Visit the three gift shops to memorialize the visit to Seven Falls.

Seven Falls is great educational fun for the entire family.Take a hike next to the falls, a 224 step stairing leads to a beautiful nature trail, where you can hike to midnight falls and then continue on to experience breathtaking views of the City and the Great Plains from Inspiration point. Be sure to keep an eye out for the native wildlife, including hummingbirds, deer and the rare waterfall nesting American dipper. Or take it easy, ride in the mountain elevator, blasted 14 stories straight up through solid Pikes Peak granite to Eagle Nest lookout, for the most inspiring scenery you’ll ever see.

Up to now my legs are still sore because of going up and down to a 224 -step stairing leads to a beautiful nature trail and 185 steps going to Eagle Nest. It was a great experienced though. I’m just glad that I did it! It was like, I’ve overcomed my own fear. It was pretty scary going up there in a 224-step stairs. I’m so happy when I just finally went down from the stairs. It was like a relief for me..hehehe..Scott and I really enjoyed the place. It’s awesome! It’s a breathtaking scenery. That’s why we went back again to Seven Falls, to watch the waterfalls come alive under a veil of spectacular computerized lightings. The Seven falls changed colors and it’s really beautiful. It’s colorful and fantastic. Seven Falls the only waterfall in Colorado to make National Geographic’s list of International waterfalls.

Feed the world-famous giraffe herd, come nose to nose with great apes, rides the 1920s historic carousel, enjoy the new exhibit of colobus monkeys, stroll through the African Rift Valley and see spectacular views of Colorado Springs.

Last thursday Scott and I went to "Cheyenne Zoo" here in Colorado Springs. Did you know that the Zoo elevation is 6,800 feet above sea level  and gains 120 feet from the parking lot to Asian Highlands, this is about the same height as a 10 story building. Anyways, we went there for sight-seeing, have lunch in Colobus Cafe’ and enjoyed watching so many animals. We’ve gotten in touch with wild side at the African Rift Valley! It’s a wildly interactive, giraffe-feeding, meerkat-watching, monkey-loving kingdom of fun where there’s always something new, something wonderful and something wild to see and do. We’ve explored the mountains of Asian Highlands and have seen amur tigers roam the forest and swim near a waterfall. We’ve gotten to know the shy and beautiful Palla’s cats. And found the rare amur leopards lounging among trees and lurking on rocky perches. We also entered the world of gorillas and orangutans by experiencing Primate World. We’ve gotten nose-to-nose with great apes at indoor glass enclosures. We observed gorillas outdoors in a natural hillside habitat, and watched an orangutan family climbed in an exhibit that offers the best view in town! We’ve met African lions face-to-face in lion’s lare. We’ve watched them prowling by the watching hole or roaming the savanna path. We’ve seen aquatics location, bears, bird and reptiles house, birds of prey, butterfly garden, elephant yard/building, hidden prairie, hummingbird garden, monkey pavilion, ‘my big backyard place’, naked mole rats, pony rides, rocky cliffs and walk-thru wallabies.

We really have a great time together in "Cheyenne Mountain Zoo". It was so much fun getting closer with the nature most especially animals. I remembered when we got back home after our long day. Scott told to our indoor pet cat named ‘pewee’ that we’ve seen his ancestors a.k.a the ‘big cats’ from the Zoo..lol.."It’s a Wild Thing"…

Garden of the Gods, a park for all Seasons. A favorite stop on any tourist’s list is Garden of the Gods, 1364 acres national landmark visible from any points in the City. The soaring rock formations are a popular hang out for the area’s experienced rock climbers. Filled with the wonders of nature, the Garden of the Gods was dedicated in 1909 as a free city park.

An abudance of plant and animal life can be found throughout it’s 1364 acres, as well as the magnificent red sandstone rock formations that have made it world famous. Many of these formations are over 300 million years old and were sculpted through time by the forces of nature. The garden offers the best’ hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding in the region. No trip to Pikes Peak country is complete without a stop in the Garden of the Gods, a registered landmark.

Scott and I like to go there most especially during spring and summer time. In fact, we just went there last Sunday. We did some hiking and also picnicking. It is really a beautiful place to visit with. The rock formations are all awesome! A lot of breathtaking sceneries there. No wonder why a lot of people want to go and visit "Garden of the Gods". A lot of tourists like naturalist, photographers, hikers, rock climbers and etc. It’s pretty and you will really enjoy the place.  We are still planning to go back there for more sight seeing and also do some barbeque in the picnic area. I’m sure it will be more fun and a good experience to share with others. Isn’t that nice to enjoy the magnificent sceneries of nature with your love one, as being together? I just love nature. Garden of the Gods is a place to be value with and taken care of because of it’s own ‘beauty’.

Parade marches into downtown Colorado Springs last March 17th, 2007. The St. Patrick’s Day parade debuted in downtown Colorado Springs on Saturday, after 23 years of being held in Old Colorado City. Sunny skies and the new location attracted what organizers said was the highest turnover ever, to celebrate all things Irish. Participants in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade made their way down Tejon Street on Saturday afternoon. The parade was moved downtown after being held in Old Colorado City for 23 years. Entries were up this year, with 105 parade entries compared last year. It was a wonderful Parade! It was also the longest parade I’ve ever seen in my life..lol..Scott and I prepared early in that day in order to watch that parade and enjoy the festivities. When we got there in downtown Colorado Springs mostly of the parking lots were occupied already even the private parking spaces. We were just glad that we found parking space there for our car..lol..There were so many people watched the so called Parade. It was all crowded and most of the people were wearing color green clothings..lol..I kinda figured! There were at least 105 parade entries joined with so many participants. Parade entries like Irishmen/Scottishmen, old cars, different sizes of bicycles, cowboys/cowgirls, dancers/cheerers, traditional guards, music bands and etc. The Mayor of Colorado Springs participated in the said Parade too. St. Patty’s Parade was pretty neat to watched because you’re getting ideas of what is the Irish Culture all about? While watching the parade, I feel I’ve already visited few of the Irish/Scottish Countries. It was really fun! It was enjoyable that’s why Scott took a lot of pictures as a remembrance from that festivities. It was definitely a good experienced for both of us. Most especially to me, because it was first time for me to watched St. Patty’s Parade since we don’t have that kind of celebration in the Philippines. We do really enjoyed the parade even though it’s a kinda tirey standing watching it. Because if you’re going to sit down, you can’t see the parade better. Because mostly of the people there were all standing ..lol..It was indeed a very long parade. The parade was took about few hours or so before it was finally end. That’s why we decided to have something to eat into the nearest Restaurant along the sidewalk where we can still see the Parade. Thanks God for small favors! We’ve found Old Chicago Restaurant, it was one of the sidewalk Restaurants there. Old Chicago Restaurant was fully crowded too but I can say that we were fortunate to dine in near the windows where we can still watch the parade. Mostly people drinks beer as a part of St. Patty’s Day celebration. There were also few  booth sections for souveniers stuffs and recreation place most especially for the kids as a part of the so called festivities. Participants gave free give aways and chocolate candies too. It was definitely a good experienced for both of us. After the parade, we just started to went home, relaxed in our’ homey’ and from there, we went to Filipino Restaurant for our dinner in that night. It was a whole Saturday affair for both of us but then It was all worth it!!!

I can’t believe, we’ve got heavy snow again here in our place. I really taught that winter time is soon to be end but I guess I’m wrong, it keeps snowing here in Colorado. This afternoon when I looked outside, I’ve seen the showering of snow again. Actually, I didn’t expect that heavy snow today from the last time I’ve heared in the news. But still snow keeps coming here in Colorado Springs..lol..We already experienced snow blizard last December ‘06 and up to now we are still having snow. It’s definitely Colorado here!!! I’m just glad that I prepared early today before going to my work because of that heavy snow. I woke up Scott earlier too so that he can warm up our car before we go to my work place. On our way going to my work, I’m watching outside from inside the car and I can see how big the snowflakes are. While looking outside I can see the showering of snow in the surrounding ‘as in’ all white. It seems like a dessert and it’s very foggy. We always have pretty big snow here in Colorado Springs but today I just find it as interesting while looking at it. It’s like an experience for me while watching the showering of snow in my surrounding. Anyway, thanks God we made it, going to my work place even though it’s snowing out there.  I’m glad Scott went back home safely too. Today after my work before Scott pick me up, I just decided to window shopped next door in Ross Dress for less because I know that he will run a little bit late because he needs to drive slowly and very carefully in order to avoid accident. It’s really hard to drive in the slippery roads because of the snow. I’m just glad again that he did picked me up safely. All roads here in Colorado Springs are covered with snow so that it’s very hard to drive. Before we go home, we decided to stopped by in "Perkins" it’s a family Restaurant and have something to ate there since it’s still snowing outside. In that case, we can also keep ourselves warm inside. Just to relax a little bit before driving again going back home in the middle of the showering of snow. Scott is driving slowly and carefully on our way going back home together. He tried to find ways that there’s no much traffic so that we can go home not that long because of the heavy snow. The tires of our car are all sliding because of the snow that’s why Scott is always observant and alert. Since Scott knows how to handle it and drives carefully, we finally went home in one piece..lol..It took us an hour or so before we finally back at home. I kid you not but my work place is just 10-15 minutes away from our house. That is how hard to drive in the heavy and very slippery snow. It’s just really nice to stay at home with this type of weather. Scott didn’t go to work on this day because of the heavy snow. He just used his vacation leave in order to stay at home with me and be safe instead of driving in the slippery roads. I’m just glad that T-Mobile alllowed him and we can be together in our house, keeping ourselves warm from cold weather. We just cooked our dinner and then ate together. We also watched movies together. It’s really nice to stay with your love one and enjoy each others time together. I can’t really wait for Spring time most especially for Summer Season where I can really enjoy the sunny days. It seems winter season is very longgg here in Colorado…lol…I’m just prepared by always wearing winter clothings as in all covered so that I will not freeze my ass off..lol..