Community Garden Experiment: Wordless Wednesday
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Tag Archives: southeast false creek
Wordless Wednesday
Community Gardening Experiment
Black Thumb, Me
Every time I’ve attempted gardening or kept houseplants it’s led to a disastrous ending. I’m not really sure why but I suspect I shower them (quite literally) with too much love or forget about them altogether. I have even killed cactus. Oh the shame!
Before having a baby I managed to keep a couple plants alive for more than a year. But in the first six months of the babymoon, I completely neglected them. They only managed to get my attention once the leaves had dropped but by then it was too late. Off to the bin they went, me winging all the while about how I was a plant killer and would never get it right! In an effort to make myself feel better I resorted to decorating my apartment with bits of green here and there to bring a little nature inside. I’ve even put a green rug in the living room just so I can imagine healthy living grass underfoot. It’s pathetic really.
Turning Over a New Leaf
I come from a family of natural born gardeners. When I was a child, my mom spent hours taking care of the yard. She planted pansies and marigolds amongst other lovely living things. But even then my green thumb days were numbered. I remember one summer I ‘helped’ my mom with her garden by pulling out all the marigolds and rearranging them the way I thought they should be. I think I killed them all but my mom was probably too kind to say anything. It’s time to get over that.
This year I’ve decided that one of the best ways to shed this black thumb of mine is to
dive in headfirst. I have an 18 month old baby now who I seem to be feeding and watering regularly, surely tending a garden would be old hat by now. So, I signed up for a community garden plot in the Olympic Village. It’s a lovely spot amongst the 40 odd plots that were up for grabs through The Village on False Creek Community Garden Society. For 40 bucks a year I’ve got a plot all to myself.
Therapy? Perhaps
I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but I am giddy with the prospect of growing a few carrots of my own. I love the idea of including my little munchkin too. At the moment he really shies away from getting his hands dirty, so much like his dad he is! I think this experiment will be therapeutic for all of us. I am also looking forward to meeting my neighbouring gardeners who will no doubt take pity on me when they spot these less than green thumbs. It’s going to be a great summer!
So here’s the plan. I will be posting pictures and blogging about the trials and tribulations of my community gardening experiment. I’m looking forward to seeing those first green shoots poke out of the soil!
I would love it if you would participate too. If you have questions or comments, I want to hear them. Is it a deal? I need all the help I can get.
Thanks for reading.
Namaste
Nearly Free! Sunday Activities in the Olympic Village With Kids
Ahhh Sunday. Is there a better day of the week? It’s great to laze around, but if you’re itching for something fun I’ve got the perfect Sunday plan for you rain or shine in the Olympic Village. And it’s next to free! Bring your camera as there’ll be lots of photo ops.
Creekside Community Centre ~ Be a Kid Again!
Playgym
Every Sunday from 9.30am ~ 11.30am
Cost: 1 buck
Wear your kidlet out and have some fun playing too in this safe, parent-supervised gym. It’s set up with lots of kid stuff to jump on, ride on and slide down.
Bring your lunch. If the weather cooperates enjoy it picnic style next to the bigger-than-life sparrows in Bird Plaza.
If the rains come check out Terra Breads across the way. It’s definitely not free, but if you buy a coffee or something, they have no problem with you feeding the kiddies from their lunchboxes.
Habitat Island
Free Sightseeing Fun! 
After your belly filling activities with the gigantic sparrows, walk over to this man made island and see how many species of bird, or bird watchers you can find. Maybe you can spot a few sparrows or just walk over to the island and check out the view of False Creek from the other side.
There’s still time to enjoy the sites before this next activity so have a wander around The Village for a bit. When your little tyke is peacefully asleep in the stroller make your way over to the finest liquor store this city has to offer.
Wine and Spirits Tasting
Legacy Liquor Store , 1633 Manitoba Street, Vancouver’s largest privately owned liquor store offers up various FREE tastings on a nearly daily tasting basis with something for everyone. Check their website for details and times.
Try something new and bring a bottle home for later. You may need it after such a full day!
So there you have it. Your Sunday is planned! Have a great time in the Olympic Village. It’s a very special place to visit.
Have you every spent time in the Olympic Village? I’d love to hear about it. See you in the comments!
Thank you so much for reading.
Please don’t drink and drive.
Blog Updated: Found! A Jewel of a Caffe
Have you been looking for a friendly place to share a cuppa in and around the Olympic Village? Somewhere to go that is kid-friendly but still has an elegant, grown-up feel?
Search no more! I found an Italian style cafe, called Vinci’s Caffe and Gallery, (website up and looking great!) just minutes from the heart of the Olympic Village. Many of the local businesses know about it of course, but perhaps they’ve been keeping this gem under wraps. When you walk in I know you’ll feel the same way. It really is a diamond in the rough that is the lower Mount Pleasant area near Southeast False Creek and the Olympic Village. This neighbourhood seems to defy definition as it is an eclectic mix of tech companies, auto dealerships, appliance stores, and residences etc., that to the untrained eye looks rather uninteresting and industrial. I have also overlooked the area for these reasons. But as I recently discovered you don’t have to look too far to find a surprising blend of interesting places to spend an afternoon.
It’s always exciting to discover what’s new in my area. I’ve lived in the Olympic Village about nine months now and am eager to know about the latest stirrings in this once ghostly quiet hood. I’m looking forward to Urban Fare and London Drugs opening in May 2012 so I don’t have to make the 20 minute trek to the Cambie Village a few times a week to buy the basics.
On my way to do my shopping, I stumbled on Vinci’s Caffe and Gallery, on 3rd Ave and Columbia Street. As it is a tad difficult to see from the corner unless you’re looking for it. Here’s a map of the area so you don’t!
Original Art and Eats
When I walked into Vinci’s Caffe and Gallery I was immediately struck by the plethora of bold and beautiful oils on canvas. The love that has gone into each piece shows right through the sublime, gentle brush strokes. I soon discovered that every piece is an original creation painted by owner Sandra Forzani. All are available for purchase and some for print. I immediately sensed I had found a place I would spend time. I felt at home.
I was greeted warmly as I wandered up to the front counter. As I took in the abundance of freshly made menu options I was given a sample of a lightly curried potato salad to try. Delicious! But as I was in a breakfast sort of mood I was drawn to the ham, cheese and egg wrap, and the fresh berry salad. The salad featured strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. So nice to have on a wintry day! The wrap was more than delectable. It turns out that Vinci’s is a mother-daughter venture, with both intimately involved in the day-to-day operations. It is plain to see that both women love what they do as what they’ve created is nothing short of exceptional.
Exceptional Service and Atmoshphere
One thing I am big on without compromise is customer service. I refuse to spend my hard-earned money at a business that doesn’t get what great customer service is. I give Vinci’s 5 stars for outstanding attention to detail and customer service. I will definitely keep it in mind for future events and now consider it to be my local cafe, hands down.
Vinci’s offers delivery of their yummy selections, and will cater corporate events and host parties. The room is spacious and perfectly adaptable to any occasion. You can find out more by visiting their Facebook page.
I had a chance to speak with Sandra who is absolutely lovely. I expressed concern as I was worried my son might get into trouble as boys his age do, but she assured me that children are welcome at Vinci’s and I needn’t worry about him breaking anything. There is a lot of room to maneuver between tables and sitting areas, which as a mom with a toddler and stroller in tow I can certainly appreciate. The room is elegant still, which appeals to the woman in me and not just the mom.
Enough said, I’m sure you’re hungry now.
You’ve gotta come here! If you see me, please say hi, but don’t ask me to share the fresh Italian pastry that is bound to be in front of me.
Have you been to Vinci’s yet?
Would you like to be notified about other cool spots in our neighbourhood to nosh? Here’s a link to Food Network.ca “You Gotta Eat Here” blog where you’ll find other great places to tempt your palate.
If you liked what you’ve read please follow me on Facebook or Twitter, I’d love to see you again. Thank you!
Vinci’s Caffe and Gallery
194 W 3rd Ave
Hours of operation:
Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm