Today we did a little sight seeing of the state capital and discovered it is both beautiful and prosperous. Along our travels we found a giant motorcycle store called Iron Pony Motosports. The building was previously a super Kmart.

Late in the afternoon we had margaritas at a Mexican restaurant called El Vaquero, then crossed the parking lot for supper at The House of Japan. They had an indoor koi pond and chefs juggling knives. We slide into the bar stools of the sushi bar. We watched our chef make hand rolls including unagi (eel) and octopus. We started with Miso soup and sampled the sweet shrimp, salmon, spicy tuna, snapper, yellow fin and of course California rolls. It was the nicest shushi [picture] we have had since Vancouver. It went down nicely with the Shapporo beer and green tea.

Yesterday we spent our day in and around Marysville. You could feel the holiday spirit all around with the local fair going on, sidewalk sales and the streets alive with thousands of motorcycles – mostly Hondas. They had a large enough gathering of VTX motorcycles to qualify it into the Guinness Book of World Records. The downtown streets were roped off for a huge streetparty with live music including the British Invasion.

We found a local watering hole for lunch of grilled chicken Caesar salads and a bunch of $1.00 Light Horse draft. When we went to settle the bill, the people at the next table had bought our beer.
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Today Tom and I travelled to Kitchener to bring home my new bike. When Brittney (previous owner) handed the key to me, I giggled. Everything went smoothly at the DMV and once the plates were on Tom rode it home for me.

Once home we cleared the driveway of vehicles and Tom pushed me up and down the driveway so I could get the hang of balance and steering straight. Then it was time to turn the key and start the motor. We practiced starting off in 1st gear then braking. It took awhile for me to get the knack of slowly letting out the clutch and giving it enough gas as to not stall. Soon I was ready to go down the gravel road towards the bush. Tom walked beside me barking orders like a drill sergeant. A little gas, release clutch, feet on pegs, coast, feather brake… repeat. I was sweating bullets in the heat but I survived my first ride! Tom said I did good for my initial ride. I’m registered for the C.S.C. Motorcycle Training Program at St Clair College this weekend. Wish me luck.

I am officially on holidays…soaking up the sun with Clive Cussler’s latest hard cover and lovin’ it !
Yesterday it was such a lovely day with lots of sun and no humidity, Tom, Laura and I went for a picnic along the St Clair River Parkway. We had some fixins left over from a dinner party the night before, made a few sandwiches and grabbed the lawn chairs. Off we went to find that perfect spot with rolling green parkland and willow trees with branches inviting you to swing out into the river. The air was clear and the boat and seadoo traffic was active. No big lakers though as it was the fourth of July holiday State side. In the later part of the afternoon we stopped off outside Sombra visited with friends Lynn and Scott for a cold one. Summer is officially here for the Gilliers!
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Play Ball! Congratulations Peter and Steve on your All Ontario High School Championship win! What a thrill to be able to represent your school and go right to the top. Sorry I missed your first interview on Sports-Line. Good luck in Cincinatti Steve! [edit] – Pictures available here.

Congratulations John and Rosemary. May all the nicest things come your way and bring you blessings and continued happiness as you celebrate your special day. Did you know I have my periwinkle bridesmaid bouquet still on my dresser.

Today after church, with Laura, Jenny as navigators we set off on a quest to find LaSalle to visit their famous Strawberry Festival. With only a few detours (lunch at Applebee’s and shopping at Windsor Crossing)we found ourselves in beautiful Amhurstburg and decided to follow the Detroit River to Gil Maure Park.
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