A couple of weeks ago, the cherry blossoms started blooming and I decided today that I’d better get some shots before they fade away. Even though during the Olympics the weather was balmy and warm, it’s been cold and frosty in the mornings. We rarely get frost, so it’s pretty weird to see the front yard all frosty on my way to work. I noticed some of the blossoms aren’t too happy with such chilly temperatures, but these ones by the water are full and bright. They are at the bottom of Granville Street on the waterfront close to the Vancouver Convention Centre.
More flowery photos below…
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I was very excited about getting this pin. I first heard about these pins from someone (who shall remain nameless, as requested) who knows someone who received one as a form of a thank you. And that person passed it on to me. Pins are just falling in my lap for some reason. They seem to be finding me. I didn’t think they’d be of interest to me after the Olympics, but I could not be more wrong. This is a cool one. This pin is a photo of a neon sign for an old dive bar in Vancouver – located in the Downtown East Side = skid road = a part of town with “character” or “history” or “rummies”. It looks like the sign was installed for the bar in 1953 and stayed up until the bar shut down in 1987. I think the sign now lives in the Museum of Vancouver. I should go over there and see it. Actually, I definitely have to get over there. They are having a display about Handmade Nation over there. I gotta get to that.
But back to the Smiling Buddha – the history of that place is pretty excellent. I am very sad I missed the experience, but I didn’t get to Vancouver until 1991. Some of my friends, however, who resided in Vancouver during this time filled me in on the place. Here are some of their stories about this seedy bar:
- There were go-go dancers in cages at that bar -Cathy Mechanic
- Alcohol wasn’t served, but people brought their own, and the establishment put tablecloths on the table so you could hide your bottles under the table. – Uh. Should I put the person’s name who divulged that? Maybe not.
- Now there was a dodgy place – Suzanne C.
- I know someone who was so drunk, she fell out of her car in front of that place, casually got up and asked the bouncer who witnessed the whole thing if he’d light her cigarette. – I think that person should remain nameless as well.
But the best comment left on my facebook profile about this raunchy place? It’s this one from Fiona:
Ha ha, I got spit on by Joey Shithead in that place. No lie. That was the end of my punk rock days – no random bodily fluids, ewwww!
What a glorious place the Smiling Buddha Cabaret was! I’m so sad I missed it.
If you’re interested in some other interesting facts about this place, there’s some info in this article. And if you’d like to be a fan of the Cabaret on Facebook like I am, you can do that right here.
Oh happy day! We got up this morning to find evidence that Donner had left his little carrier, but he always stays in his carrier when we come to check on him. This afternoon we picked up some Feliway – a kitty pheromone miracle cure – that’s supposed to help ease the transition for a kitty to a new home. Wouldn’t you know 20 minutes after we sprayed this stuff in his room (my office!) this happened:
Oscar is up on the desk, and the little fella on the floor looking up is Donner.
That was quick! And kind of accidental. I forgot to shut the door all the way when I was visiting the little guy and Oscar came in. Then Donner scooted right out of his carrier to be with him. They hung out for a bit…
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“You don’t go to a whorehouse for a kiss.” You also don’t go to the kitty shelter to “look” at the orphaned cats. So, I would like to present Donner, the newest member of the Browne clan.
Donner is a lovely black kitty. He’s about a year old and has been living in the shelter since September of last year. He was very relaxed when we visited and friendly with the staff and other kitties. Apparently he was found with some brothers and sisters way up in 100 Mile House was considered feral at the time, but was sent to the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women for socialization. I found this out when I asked why the words, “Prison Cat” were on his file. EEP! I was relieved to find out he didn’t do anything illegal, he was just part of their pet therapy program. Phew.
He’s at our house now, but he’s very scared. He’s no Moosh and he’s no Oscar, that’s for sure. Both of our other pets just waltzed in and made themselves at home. Poor Donner. He’s making himself as little as possible and squeezing into any corner he can find in my office.
We’re following the instructions on cat introductions on this page.
It says it could take up to a week for him to warm up to us and start interacting with Oscar – which means they’ll be touching paws under the door. And speaking of Oscar, this is the whole reason why we got him a little brother. Ever since Liza moved out with her kitties, he’s been yeowling and meowing and hanging out by the connecting door. There was a week lag between tenants, and Oscar was just meowing and wailing until our newest neighbour moved in. Thankfully she has two kitties, so Oscar has buddies to touch paws with, but won’t stop meowing and meowing – especially at night. Our solution? Get a brother. I sure hope this works. I’m feeling optimistic for sure. Donner was very friendly in the environment he was comfortable in. I’m hoping he’ll fell comfy here and look forward to being buddies with Oscar.
Oscar is very curious and has met Donner for a few minutes already. He was very gentle and moved around Donner slowly.
Frequently Asked Question:
What? Are you crazy? Another kitty? Don’t you remember what happened in November with Oscar?
Well, we’ve now got pet insurance for Oscar and will get it for Donner, too. So their monthly maintenance costs will be very reasonable. And then we’re covered in the event of any other misadventures. We’ve learned from that last one. That’s for sure.
I sure hope Donner gets comfortable and then I can take photos of them all snuggled up and being buddies. Oscar is very game for this…he’s hanging out by the door, patiently waiting for that tiny paw to come under the door. And he’s much friendlier with us today, too.