I wanted to share some images from our week in Vancouver. I’ll blame lingering jet lag for the failure to get this posted early this morning, as planned. I had the photos prepared, the post nearly written, and then I got distracted. Elements of the distraction included decided that Ms. Annie needed a vet visit to deal with some unwelcome scabby spots on her ears and chin. In any case, the actual post was lost in the shuffle. So here it is, just a bit late.

This photo was taken at one of the great spots in Vancouver–The Umbrella Shop. We learned about this store from a friend in Kaaawa, who swears by their umbrellas. Some are still made at their own factory in Vancouver, but all are made to their high standards, and are backed by a great warranty and service. They offer an incredible variety of umbrellas in different styles, sizes, and weights, and with a wide range of fabrics and colors.

And if you’re at all interested, they offer flat rate $20 shipping to Hawaii. A year or so ago, I ordered three umbrellas, and they arrive within a week, all for that $20.

So when we found their main retail store while wandering around downtown Vancouver, of course we went in. We learned a lot about umbrellas (like how to properly close my large, folding umbrella).

While we were paying for our umbrellas, the woman who had given us a great tour of their products took our First Hawaiian Bank Mastercard, noting its lack of a security chip.

“So the U.S. could put a man on the moon, but they can’t produce secure credit cards,” she commented somewhat wistfully.

Meda said it just be because our banks are so poor (tongue firmly planted in cheek).

–> See the more photos of Vancouver!