St.Johns,NL

This was our long awaited family vacation. Following retirement, we had planned for time with children and grand children for rest and relaxation. St.Johns, New Foundland, Canada was selected not only for its natural beauty and cool weather in July, but also because that was the place where a forst cousin to our children was getting married on July 16 2011. This time we decided to delegate each of our three daughters with special resonsibilities. Michelle was in charge of arranging for accomodation, Maggie for activities and Maya for transportation. Michelle did an excellent job in picking a hotel near St Jons air port for our stay for the first night, a beautiful furnished house on the ocean in Ochre pit cove for four nights' stay and another

hotel in St.Johns for the three days. Maya made the reservations for the van and Maggie had all activities for us adults as well as children all planned.Unspoiled natural beauty of this part of Canada was astounding. Blue ocean with whales showing up while we watch them from our break fast table, miles of winding roads along the ocean front, lots of mountains and peaks with paths for hiking and small houses , shops and churches all adding to the beauty of Newfound land. People were so friendly and hospitable. It sure is a place I would like to go back for vacation!

A CME Conference in beautiful Victoria,BC

This was going to be our final CME conference prior to retirement. We chose a three day conference in Victoria,BC at the Empress Hotel on a topic that we hope, will help us in our future medical missions in developing countries. This conference was on infectious diseases for tprimary care doctors.

Getting away from the steamy summer weather in south Louisian to the gorgious Victoria with the temperatures around upper sixties was a welcome change. Our youngest daughter Michelle was able to accompany us during this trip. Conference schedule gave us ample time every afternoon to roam around the island and enjoy the sight and sounds of this beautiful part of British Columbia.

The Empress Hotel is so elegant and beautiful. The hotel is facing the ocean and is surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns and gardens all around. We were able to stroll through and enjoy the beauty to the fullest.