For the 12 days of Christmas...some GOOD NEWS for a change!

Wanted! New opportunities to replicate Hollyburn Mews!

Last week, the final purchaser moved into Hollyburn Mews and I would now like to find one or more opportunities to replicate the development. I once joked that if I could get this development approved in West Vancouver, I could probably get approvals in most other municipalities.

Now that the project has been completed, I think it is fair to say that even those who were most opposed would concede that it is a very attractive development and a positive addition to the neighbourhood. It is a good on-the-ground demonstration of gentle densification in a single family neighbourhood.

The following presentation describes the story behind this development and hopefully the kind of opportunities I am seeking. If you know of a suitable location anywhere in Metro or the Fraser Valley, please get in touch at geller@sfu.ca.

It will be a wonderful Christmas present and I'll happily demonstrate my appreciation if an opportunity works out!

 

Family Chanukah Party 2013

I was shocked to hear some of the guests thought my neighbours might find my Chanukah/Christmas decorations a bit tacky!

For the past 20 years, we have had a family Chanukah party for my two daughters and their friends. While I'm sure few of you are interested in family photos, here are a few pictures from the event.

In the early years each family lit its own menorah. However, as the years go by the number of parents has dwindled, while the number of kids has increased...if you can call thirty-somethings kids!

Over the years we have discovered that no matter how much smoked meat we prepare, it always goes...this year we cooked just over 10 lbs!

Claire left, Georgia right. They're not twins!

Claire's friends arrive after pouring out of her recently acquired RV

Claire's RV...it's something she always wanted since she started attending music festivals

She hasn't started to decorate yet...

Yes, that's a blue and white Chanukah bush in the corner.

The best things about Chanukah and Christmas are that they bring family and friends together. We are always delighted to host our daughters' friends and are already looking forward to next year's party!