Raised Garden Bed - Deer/Squirrel/Racoon/Cat Prevention Screen

So I saw a deer enjoying the peas one morning. Add to that the squirrels, birds, and cat that I've seen in my raised garden bed and decided it was time to do something. This is the result.

Cost about $120 to protect two beds of 48 square feet each. It was made with PVC soft piping connected by plumbing elbows and four-way connectors. Speaking of protecting, below are the plants to be defended.

Dragon bush beans

Golden Beets

Okra

Regular bush beans

Sailing in Vancouver's English Bay and False Creek

So we sailed out of Vancouver harbor on our friend's boat under moderate winds. We were under power for the first part until we could get winds that were strong enough.

 With my sailing experience in Sea Cadets I helped out with raising, trimming, and lowering sails.

 We mostly sat in the covered cockpit area not because of bad or heavily sunny weather but because it was comfy.

 We pulled down our sails to motor into False Creek and past Granville Island. It was super packed with people so it was good we were passed by.

 It was a great experience of a four hour jaunt.

Union Market

Union Market does not look impressive from across the street. It is inside that the place shines with lots of goods from mainly Portugal but also around the world, Saltspring Coffee products, and in house made pastries and snacks.

I had the cod cake, shrimp cake, spinach and feta brioche, pastel de nata, and a chai latte. Delicious!

Vancouver Rowing Club Marina

This year there was no storm so the overnight stay at our friend's boat in Vancouver Rowing Club's marina was a lot calmer and just as nice.

 Its nice to look out from the boat to either Stanley park itself or the wilderness of the cities skyscrapers.

 Either way its a great place to spend time with friends.

Italian Community Market

For supper and a bit more culture we went to the Italian Community Center in Vancouver for their market. It happens once a month in the summer months and has many stalls for products Italian and others. It also had food trucks that sold risotto balls, cannoli, or a wood fired pizza.

I had food at the center's restaurant booth with risotto balls and cannoli for dessert. There was no admission and supper cost $20 for a lot of food. I'd visit again and they stay open till 9pm!

Vaades East Indian Restaurant

While in Vancouver, tried out Vaades and was very happy with the food. Lunches were $10, very filling, and delicious with a great depth to the spices.

How it works is that you order your side dish and it comes with the other items as a standard. I had the signature lamb, which is the item in the bowl on the left. The salad had a nice citrus sauce and the small bowl had a lentil dipping or pouring sauce. Would eat there again.