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June 08, 2017

Haultain Fish & Chips in Victoria



Recently we were in Victoria for a brief visit and found a great little diner. You've seen its adverts on the ferry and in the guide books; it seems to be a Victoria institution, and it's certainly a throw-back to a different time.





Haultain Fish & Chips has been in business since 1924, and current owner Mary Schmidt continues a neighbourhood tradition that appeals to locals and tourists alike. When we arrived, a few minutes before it's Sunday lunch-time opening, there were already people waiting.






While there are several things on the menu, it's mainly fish and chips and basically cod or halibut, with frozen fries. The fish is mostly okay, though ours, on this day,  was a wee bit over-cooked.

Haultain Fish & Chips Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato






Nothing fancy here. Simple surroundings and simple food. If you're okay with a strange kind of 1960s vibe, and a greasy spoon sort of atmosphere, this could be your kind of place.

Well worth a visit. Once.

Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.

Campaign Office Opening: Cake, coffee and a crowd ~ April 8




Jeem had little to do with the selection of a campaign office for the candidate. In fact, none of us did in the end. Not even our friend, and lawyer (disbarred) to Jeem y Sherry: B.T. Mendelbaum.



















The busy intersection of Cambie and 41st was too good an opportunity to miss, and the candidate had made his decision. The fact that it was also a block away from the Liberal candidate's office might have been a factor too; the "my office is bigger than your office" kind of thing. The street-side visibility was fantastic. Unless you were in the office and then you couldn't see out at all, as the windows were completely covered in an expensive and scenic plastic wrap.



Mendelbaum thought it seemed a bit too much like a political massage parlour inside, but that was their opinion.



The riding association did a traditional campaign office opening: Cake, balloons, notable guests, speeches (with translation provided). We invited the membership, along with some notable guests. The candidate arranged for a multitude of seniors to come by bus. Or so it seemed. "Not that there's anything wrong with that," offered B.T. Mendelbaum.








The crowd was amazing. In fact the crowd showed  up before the candidate arrived, and ate all the food without him getting a morsel.

Jill Marzetti, Campaign Manager












Gordon August with Sherry


Jill Marzetti, from Toronto, was the day's host. She was also our candidate's hardworking, devoted, dedicated and determined Campaign Manager.

The gathering was honoured to have Gordon August, Sechelt Chief, give a welcoming blessing. And Stefan Nielsen introduced our candidate.

Stefan Nielsen












The last piece of cake


Akeena Legall, office staff, & Bruce Ross, long time member










And as quickly as they arrived, the seniors, and everybody else it seemed, climbed back into their buses and headed home. Campaign volunteers, including your faithful scribe, ventured into the neighbourhood for some door knocking. The campaign was underway.


Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.

March 05, 2017

Wave-watching at Long Beach near Tofino





The day after the day Jeem and G. G. Blynn went surfing at MacKenzie Beach was the day Jeem and G. G. Blynn were released from Tofino General Hospital.








It was also the day the entire gang: Sherry, BT Mendelbaum, Jim, G. G. Blynn and Jeem, decided to go wave-watching at Long Beach. There was the minor issue of the court order prohibiting Jeem and G. G. Blynn from being within 100 metres of any beach along the west coast of Vancouver Island, but our lawyer friend and fellow traveller, BT Mendelbaum (disbarred), convinced the others that all would be fine.


















It was incredible.

The sound of the waves, like jet engines, was amazing.















Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.