Princess Scooterpie

BULLYING STOPS HERE - #PinkShirtDay

2012-02-29T11:07:00.000-08:00

Today is PinkShirtDay in support of Anti Bullying. Have you got your pink on?

Start the conversation with your kids about bullying and keep talking to your kids. If you have young children teach them that bullying is wrong. Tell your kids if they are being bullied they need to talk to you about it or an adult they trust. By staying silent the victimization continues and the bully wins.

TOGETHER WE CAN

STOP BULLYING!

#29 #29in29 Moto Brain

2012-02-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

This is what your brain looks like when you are addicted to everything motorcycle. (it's only plastic) Heh, heh, heh, I can hear some of you now - "Ewwww that is gross" I know, but it's day 29 in Fuzzy Galore's #29in29 photo blog challenge I have had a lot of fun venturing forth with the camera and have been wracking my brain to find different things to take pictures of. So what does one do when they work in a brain doctor's office - you look around and find props and this happened to be sitting on the shelf.

I was reading a study that was posted on the web about motorcyclists who ride daily they seem to have better cognitive function and critical thinking skills. We all knew that though didn't we?! So while some are toiling away a Suduko I think I will go find a good twisty road to ride. Yup I am definitely moto addicted.

#28 #29in29 If I water it will it get bigger?

2012-02-28T09:05:00.001-08:00

Some of you have had some really funky quirky large statues - Amos the the Giant Amish Dude, Fuzzy's tiki kinda of statue, Troubadour and Bluekat's Paul Bunyon and Babe. The quirkiest thing I could find in Victoria was the giant watering can in Beacon Hill Park. I actually contemplated rolling Scarlet up under the spout, but I knew as soon as I rolled one tire onto the grass in the park the coppers would have been nailing me for breaking some bylaw or other. I know that they wouldn't get ir if I said to them, "This is for Fuzzy Galore's moto photo blog challenge, I just had to do it and I am 2 days short of finishing the challenge officer." I think they would look at me like I had blown a tire or two and carted me off to the looney bin. It's too bad it wasn't warmer out because I know where there is a giant gnome up island that I could have parked Scarlet in front of him, I guess I will have to wait for my summer moto adventures to do that.

So do you think if I water Scarlet you

will grow into a 750???

#28 #29in29 of the Fuzzy Galore Photo blog challenge

#27 #29in29 Winter winds still blow

2012-02-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

These pictures were from Sunday. It was sunny in the morning and as with everything in winter change comes quickly, we went from sunny to dark heavy clouds filled with moisture. It started to snow and I was sad because I wasn't going to get out on the bike today at all. Deb and I planned on a ride in the sunshine and at one point it looked as if it wasn't going to happen at all. We opted for a short ride and ended up at Oak Bay Marina. The clouds soon became heavy looking again and I was worried about it starting to snow. The wind picked up and it was down right chilly. We stopped long enough to snap some pictures and then off we went to our homes. When I got home Scooterpie Junior wanted to go do some scooter practice in the parking lot. Our Sensei Motorcycle Man was more than willing to take another eager student. While she went around the lot as Motorcycle Man put her through her paces I took the opportunity to practice some quick stops, a few u-turns and riding on a straight line. Then off I went to get gas for Scarlet. On my return Junior showed me her new skills and I really have to say she is a natural and it is almost like she was born on two wheels.

Kiwi Deb taking a picture of me taking her picture. lol We are so goofy together.

One of my little friends...

Snow clouds?!

I was so cold when I got home and when I took off my socks, my toes were blue! Only kidding.

#27 #29in29 Fuzzy Galore's photo blog challenge

#26 #29in29 Wax on - Wax off & no flying crane pose either

2012-02-26T00:02:00.000-08:00

Wax On - Wax Off.

So what does a girl do on a brilliant sunny day instead of riding? She cleans her bike of course! I really wanted to go riding today, but I needed to pay some attention to Miss Scarlet. I haven't had a chance to wax her since I got her for Christmas, its been too cold - I have to say I did entertain the thought on Christmas morning.......

Motorcycle Man couldn't believe his eyes when he came around the corner and saw me comfortably perched on a rubbermaid stool polishing Miss Scarlet. I have waxed and polished just about every inch of her. When Motorcycle Man and I were dating I used to help him detail his bike, it really wasn't much fun, but he told me for every hour of riding you seriously need to give attention to cleaning and maintaining the bike as well. Well taught Master Sensei. The only problem was Motorcycle man used to sneak into the house on a quest for toothbrushes, he used those for all the little nooks & crannies - and it was usually my toothbrush that was sacrificed. Bwahhahahah! Today I almost had my evil revenge! I decided against using the hub's toothbrush however, because we have a sonic care tooth brush and I wasn't willing to sacrifice a $15 replacement head. But I thought about it - evil grin comes across my face!

See how Scarlet is gleaming! I cleaned and waxed everywhere my little fingers could wedge themselves into. I was running out of time so I didn't get to detail the wheels, but that is on my list for the next shine session. (I also have a toothbrush ready for this) Someone was coming to look at Lucy today to see if she might be their first bike! How exciting! I sure hope she loves Lucy.

I even waxed the kickstand.... Yup I've got a bad case of moto love, I can tell you I have never ever willingly waxed my car or even Motorcycle Man's bike.

This nasty little piece of business is on the pipe coming from the engine right up by the foot brake. The gal who owned the bike before me had a habit of resting the toe of her boot against the hot pipe and melted the boot onto the pipe several times. At first we thought it was rust, but upon inspection Motorcycle man knew we could get it off with a little elbow grease and Autosol. It was actually about 7 inches long give or take and the hubs worked on it for a little while. Today I took a run at it and sat patiently working away at it and now it is all gone and gleaming in that spot. It was a good day to be out in the sunshine cleaning the bike, although it was a little chilly when the wind picked up. Tomorrow if it is sunny I think I am going for a ride with Kiwi Deb.

Yup it was a good day, in fact it was pretty relaxing. Scarlet is gleaming in the sunshine. I did however hear a few grumpy whispers coming from underneath the motorcycle cover on Vixen who was parked nearby, there seems to be a bit of moto jealousy going on. But she can't complain because I have waxed and detailed her quite a few times and on the next sunny day I am sure she will get her turn.

#26 #29in29 - Click here for ** Fuzzy Galore's blog photo challenge

#25 #29in29 Baa Baa Black Sheep

2012-02-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

You can tell spring is here, it's lambing season. On Thursday after work I went for a long ride out to Metchosin. I was thrilled when I saw these cute little woolly lambs. I am particularly fond of black sheep. It was hard sneaking up & taking pictures because Scarlet has a rather loud engine noise. I tried but I ended up scaring the heck of them and the momma sheep were not impressed with me. One of them let out a very plaintive "Baaaaaaaa" to call her baby baa away from the fence. I stood for awhile and waited and let the dust settle. This little guy could have cared less, I think he is the 'bad ass' lamb who is going to do what he wants, when he wants because he wasn't listening to his mom when she was calling him.

Spring is here!!!!!!

Still trying to figure out why they have spray painted numbers on them.

Fuzzy Galore's blog challenge #29in29 #25

#24 #29in29 Bridge deconstruction

2012-02-24T13:54:00.001-08:00

A few blog posts ago I took some pictures of the scooter and motorcycle in front of the Johnson Street bridge, the bridge is affectionately known as 'Big Blue'. Time is running out very rapidly for Big Blue as there is going to be a replacement bridge built. This bridge has served the communities of Victoria and Vic West well. Right now the city is in the process of deconstructing the rail bridge portion and then will move onto the car deck. It has been very interesting watching the decommissioning process and a little sad.

#24 Fuzzy Galore's #29in29 photo blog challenge

#23 #29in29 Vixen

2012-02-23T17:58:00.001-08:00

I lucked out today in my moto rambling!!! I found this sign above a hair salon on Wharf Street in Victoria. Bob found a Scarlet sign for my lovely Shadow Scarlet. Today was my other moto loves turn, my scooter Vixen.

#23 #29in29 moto challenge by Fuzzy Galore

#22 #29in29 Signs of Moto Spring

2012-02-22T09:20:00.001-08:00

Sure sign of spring, little blossoms and snow drops!

Few things make the heart of a motorcyclist and scooterist happier than anything is sunshine and twisties. Spring is rapidly drawing closer and this Moto Diva is eagerly, anxiously and happy anticipating spring's arrival. I am dreaming of tearing up the twisties, going for long rides where I don't have to hermetically seal myself from the elements. We are all tired of the drudge of winter with either rain or snow and I think I can say for my fellow West Coasters we are tired of grey skies and rain. Its funny last night I was sitting at a meeting and a few people commented on how nice winter has been, I replied, "It's only mild and lovely when you are sitting in a warm car commuting on a cold wet rainy day." Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side of the commuting coin.

Snowdrops.

#22 #29in29 Check out Fuzzy Galore's moto blog the originator of this challenge.

Twenty1 #29in29 Where The Wild Things Are...Wild Play

2012-02-21T10:19:00.003-08:00

A few posts back I posted a picture from Wild Play in Nanaimo and their aerial obstacle course. I wanted to expand on this and show you just how brave the Scooterpie Clan is. I went last because I was the official photographer on the trip and as I quite often do I have to keep pushing everyone forward. This is great fun and it is very challenging and you have to have relatively good upper body strength because you are using your arms to pull yourself through on a lot of these exercises. You have to stay calm and use your balance and quite a bit of critical thinking when trying to traverse the obstacles. We were quite high up at one point and another participant from another group was emotionally and physically done, so they had to go back the way they came, which translates to going over the obstacles that fried your nerves in order to get down. There is no magic crane and no superman to swoop down and return you to terra firma. You are safely harnessed with a carabiner system where you are actually hooked up twice. It was an aweful lot of fun, it taught me about inner strength and determination, sometimes just using sheer will to get you through a difficult spot. There was a lot of pep talking going on for Moto Diva Jr and her friend. I had to do some tough love and say "JUST DO IT!" It is very unnatural for a mother to tell her kid to step off a platform whilst dangling from a harness and rope. I couldn't tell Jr that I was just as scared as she was!

Motorcycle man was my hero! He just did his thing and kept everyone moving forward. He was usually in front of the girls so that he could get on the landing platform before they came zipping over and making sure they had a good landing without backsliding.

Most of the obstacles will swing so you have to keep your balance. Believe it or not this was one of the easier ones and wasn't too high up off the ground.

We are working our way to the black course which is the 'difficult' portion of the course. It is definitely more challenging and is not for the those who are afraid of heights.

This is looking down from the highest part of the course I think we are minimum 30 feet in the air. I have to say I was seriously wondering what the heck I was doing up here. I felt exhilarated when I had completed it and was also completely exhausted. You are swinging through the trees for approximate 2 to 3 hours. I have done this activity twice. I think I am good for the future now. I might just like to do the ziplining activities. Check out the link to Wild Play

#21 #29in29 FuzzyGalore's blog challenge

#20 #29in29 Rain Shadow?!

2012-02-20T18:10:00.001-08:00

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!!! THIS MOTO DIVA NO LONGER WANTS TOO PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#20 blog challenge #29in29 Click here to see Fuzzy Galore's blog creator of the moto photo challenge

#19 #29in29 ~ A Moto Diva is born!!!!

2012-02-19T17:12:00.001-08:00

Today was the best day out of the weekend, it didn't rain and we actually had some sunshine so we took to 2 wheels. Motorcycle Man doesn't have anything insured so I happily gave up Scarlet to him and Motorcycle Daughter. We rode over to the practice parking lot and Motorcycle Man asked if Motorcycle Daughter wanted to have a go at learning to ride Vixen. She was a little hesitant at first, but he is such a good and patient teacher. They started out by pushing the scoot sans engine. She was balancing Vixen perfectly! She is a natural. After awhile he had her turn the engine on and they putted around the parkinglot at ultra low speed. Motorcycle Man had her applying the brakes and touching her feet down. After awhile she was doing figure 8's, circles and stopping right on the line. We practiced going in circles & turning. She had all of this within an hour. I was pretty impressed with Moto Diva Jr!
She ROCKS!!!

Now for a little game of follow the leader! Jr was following me around the parkinglot. She gets the concepts really quickly and what impressed me most was she was shoulder checking!!!! Yeah Baby!!

We both came to a graceful stop. Notice how much longer her legs are, if only I could have a few of those inches life would be so good!! I am really impressed with my girl and that she was riding & gliding smoothly. I think Motorcycle Man should think about being an instructor, he is so patient and just has an ease about him when he is showing you how to do it. He actually said that Jr had the concepts much faster than her momma. Hey I'm an old dog and she is a young pup. While Jr was riding around the lot under dad's watchful eye I went took the opportunity to practice emergency stops and work on the friction zone a bit and figure 8's etc. You can never have enough practice as far as I am concerned. It was such a great fun afternoon and we topped it off with a nice latte and headed home.

I am the luckiest girl in the world!

#19 29in29 Check out Fuzzy Galore's blog, she is the originator of the #29in29 challenge.

#18 #29in29

2012-02-18T12:49:00.001-08:00

This pretty much says it all today. Today It is miserable torrentially raining here in Victoria. For the first time in a year of riding I don't feel any desire to suit up and ride either Vixen or Scarlet. I have been a pretty solid Amazon Moto Diva for the last year and riding in the rain & cold. So today it is all about chocolate.

This is about as close as I am going to get to a bike today. The picture below is currently what it looks like outside. The wind has picked up and it is blustery. The type of blustery that Winnie the Pooh would be grabbing a hold of Piglet's ankles so he doesn't get carried away in the wind.

#18 #29in29 Click XXX to go to FuzzyGalore's blog challenge

#17 #29in29 Where it all Began

2012-02-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

Today @NWexplore on twitter I was told that I make scootering cool again. Love that!!! Scooters rock!

Blog challenge created by FuzzyGalore click this link to her blog

#16 in #29in29

2012-02-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

During the spring and summer Vancouver Island is a mecca for beautiful classic cars and bikes. This particular show'n'shine happens in Beacon Hill Park. I hope you enjoy my moto photos.

#16 #29in29 Blog challenge by Fuzzy Galore

#15 #29in29

2012-02-15T13:07:00.001-08:00

Here is a lovely picture taken by Bob when he was out and about with his camera. He saw this and KNEW I would love it! Thank you Bob for thinking of me and snapping this! For those of you who don't know why 'Scarlet' is significant to me it is the name of my beautiful scarlet red Honda Shadow VT500c.

Just wanted to share a small story, I thought this was so charming and warmed my heart. Today while at work an elderly lady asked me who rode the bike in the office? I told her it was me and a big smile came across her face and she then started telling me of her girlhood in the UK. She used to ride pillion on her beau's bike. She said they would be all dolled up in skirts to go to dances and they used to wrap the skirts around their knees and then tootle off to the dance. She said her mother was scandalised by her daughter's behaviour! I asked her if she had driven the bike and she said she tried once and that was the only time. She scared herself because she ended up having to do a u-turn and the bike unfortunately got away from her and it slid. She said though she went to many a dance by bike. She said she wished she had conquered the fear. The look on her face as she was telling me her story was one of pure delight.

#15 #29in29 photo blog challenge. click here for the link to Fuzzy Galore's blog the creator challenge

#14 #29in29 HOW DO I LOVE THEE?????

2012-02-14T07:13:00.001-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

HOW DO I LOVE THEE? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, -- I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better than death.

By: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

#14 #29in29 fuzzygalore

Flower delivery

The people I love and am most thankful for in the entire world.

They are my smile, my soul, and my heart.

#13 #29in29 Invisible woman?!

2012-02-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

Invisible woman?! Gear hanging up at work. The gloves sticking out are my particular favorite part
and it makes me giggle like crazy when I see them. I don't leave my helmet hanging up, I just put it there for my moto photo.

What a gorgeous sunny day it turned out to be. Not complaining about the weather anymore because we are at the start of spring when many places in the country are still coping with full-on winter. I noticed several Japanese Cherry trees coming into blossom, which is an encouraging sign. The birds are back and chirping up a storm and that brings warmth to my Moto Diva heart, because I know it is soon going to spring and then summer!

Which do you think is sexier? The bike or the car - I think you know what my pick is......I was waiting across the street in front of my work for Kiwi Deb aka Moto Mama for a ride on our way home. We usually meet up and then head off down the scenic sea drive winding down to Dallas Road. While I was standing out front of the coffee shop a young guy came out to talk bikes with me. He said Scarlett was a beautiful ride and then I told him it was a 1985 and he didn't believe me. He was also telling me that he almost bought a small ninja style bike but decided to get a dog instead. I know.... We talked about riding for a bit and he indicated that he had gone so far as to get his learner's license, but that was it. I took the opportunity and chatted about taking a riding course before he buys anything and the necessity of gear. He said he was thinking about it and thinking about a cruiser style bike instead of the 'rocket' style he was going to get. I laughed and told him my bike goes pretty fast and its comfortable, but to each his own. I guess in his case man's best friend won out, it must be some kind of dog if it costs as much as a motorbike. I myself prefer my little foundling rescue doggis, she is a sweetie!

She is such a cutie, she has a thing for laying on any newpaper on the floor. I think she is a cat in doggis clothing.

#13 #29in29 Click here for FuzzyGalore's photo blog challenge.

#12 #29in29

2012-02-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Look who came to visit. We have a lot of deer on the island. For the last few years I haven't really been able to plant a veggie garden because these little devils come and snarf everything in site. One year I planted 5 beautiful tomato plants and the deer came and ate all of the tomato flowers and my plants didn't yield one tomato. We have tried just about everything with netting, etc and to no avail, these deer are pretty persistent and pretty smart.

#12 29 pictures in 29 days blog challenge FuzzyGalore

#11 #29in29 Moto photo

2012-02-11T18:36:00.001-08:00

I was finally feeling better today! I went for a quick jaunt to meet up with Kiwi Deb for a a very short ride. I need to blow out the cob webs from the cold. It wasn't a long ride, in fact just a quick one. We decided to go to the Cook Street Village and either go to Moka house (this is where riders hang out) or Starbucks. We pulled up as cool as two old ladies can be and parked our bikes in front of Moka House and then walked over to Starbucks. The counter dude was pretty impressed that we were riding motorcycles, he sheepishly told us he rides a 50cc Vespa, I don't think he was expecting our response we both told him you have to start somewhere in your moto adventure. I asked him if he wears gear, he said he did which gives him extra ** in my book. He asked for a name to put on the lattes and then he said "Naw I will call you the Moto Mamas" Too funny they called out Moto Mamas when the lattes were ready. We took them outside to chill and chat on the patio. It was nice just to be outside and enjoying some fresh air. Deb and I had a quick visit and then it was time to roll, I had pizza to make & get Moto Daughter & friend off to see the Hedley concert. I snapped some pics as we were sitting on the patio.

Deb & I drinking our Moto Mama Lattes

Some sporty little numbers that pulled up, of course they do a better park job than us. Parking the bike is still a bit of a challenge. Getting better at it though now that I am getting familiar with Scarlett's weight and finding her easier to manoeuvre. All I can think is "Please don't let me dump the bike in front of all these people." You don't want to look like a bike dork. The cool factor does come into play just for the fact that I'm a mature woman who just started biking, I think thats pretty cool. On the way home I was waiting at the light and a young dude in an SUV rolled down his window and told me I have a nice bike. How cool is that? I still get a kick out of the biker wave and don't think I will ever tire of this. I actually even give a nod to folks on scoots too, because you just never know what else they may ride.

Everybody spins through Cook Street Village on the weekend.

#11 #29in29 blog challenge. Check out Fuzzy Galore's blog, she is the creator of the moto photo challenge.

#10 #29in29

2012-02-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

Today I am reaching for a photo for our blog challenge. I have been in bed for 2 days straight and not feeling any inclination to go out and find pictures. You have to know I am not feeling good if I don't want to venture out on Scarlett or Vixen. This was shot was in a barrel suspended 50 ft off the ground in an aerial obstacle course with zip lines. It was very challenging to make it through the course and took us about 2 hours. You get quite the work out and if you are afraid of heights don't even contemplate doing the Monkido course at the Bungy Zone.

click here for FuzzyGalore's blog challenge

#9 #29in29 Wiarton Willie may be right! Love that rodent!

2012-02-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

Dare I even believe my eyes?! Those would be buds waiting to blossom into springtime loveliness!

The Canadian groundhog Wiarton Willie of Wiarton, Ontario is predicting an early spring. He is at odds with his American cousin Puxsutawney Phil who retreated back into his burrow, which could mean another 6 weeks of winter if you trust the shifty little bugger. Okay its a cute idea, but really people why would you trust a rodent with long yellow teeth, who would probably rip your hand off if you shoved said hand into his burrow to yank the smelly little beastie from his winter sleep? Motorcycle Man tells me that I am down right snarkificious if you wake me up from my slumbering. I am usually not very friendly until I have at least 1 cup of the demon bean to get me going. (I actually thought I was a ray of morning sunshine, but those around me say NOPE)

What if Puxsatawney Phil was just a lazy wanting to sleep-in type groundhog OR he was tired from a big ground hog party the night before and too many shots of tequila? I wonder if they are mistaking his retreat as a groundhog hangover and him being in dire need of a cup of the demon bean? You just never know. (I am taking cold medicine, this could explain the randomness of the post - or not. Humming the Benylin song to myself as I write this)

My Demon Bean of choice Fernwood Coffee Strongback blend

I think I will side with Wiarton Willie he seems to be a bit more optimistic and got up on the right side of the burrow. Early Spring - Yeah Baby! See ya on the road tearing up the twisties!

For those of you who live on Vancouver Island, this is the end of the Twisties in East Sooke.

This picture was taken just after my first experience riding twisties with Motorcycle Man - LOVED IT

#9 #29in29 Picture blog challenge created by FuzzyGalore, click the link to see her blog posts & pics.

#8 #29in29 Caution Don't feed the animals......

2012-02-08T07:54:00.001-08:00

CAUTION DON'T FEED THE ANIMALS......

This is where Scarlett and Vixen reside while I am up being a productive human and earning money to pay for them.

#29in29 FuzzyGalore a girlie motorcycle blog!

#7 #29in29 Man Cold - Where the HELL IS PAM?!!

2012-02-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

My cure for the MAN cold, hot toddy, couple of squirts of oil of oregano, vitamin C and garlic. -
I'm heavily learning towards the hot toddy or a few of them........

Most of you who follow my blog know I have caught the MAN COLD. Yup it's full blown man cold leaving me with a 1,000 pound nose and foggy head. Last night I tried one hot toddy and tonight I think I might have two. According to Motorcycle Man I was annoying him all night long because I was snoring. I know I was snoring, my nose feels like someone has stuffed two socks up each nostril and wanted to see how funny I sound when I am sleeping. My theory of the hot toddy is that it was an old time cure because heck they didn't have anything else and if you had a couple of these babies you really didn't give a rip that your head felt like it was going to explode off your shoulders. So my question is WHERE THE HELL IS PAM?!!!! She seems to be catering to everyone else's man cold, but not my (wo)man cold.

PAM, PAM, CALL MY MOTHER.........

A girl has to have a sense of humor about all of this.........

#29in29 Picture blog challenge FuzzyGalore.com

#6 #29in29 - Man Cold - Just call me PAM shiver

2012-02-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

Who knows? ONLY THE SHADOW KNOWS.......

Today I woke up with a fuzzy feeling head because 'the cold bug' has decided to pay me a visit. I have been diligently washing my hands, almost obsessively actually, since the start of flu season. There is one nasty influenza virus going around and it has decided to rent a room at my house and we have been dealing with it since January 20th. My kiddo came down with it and then relapsed. She required antibiotics and we have gone through 2 cycles and she is still feeling punky. Now Mr Buggio has decided that Motorcycle Man is an awesome place to live and he has a 'man cold' - think NyQuil commercial and a pathetic sniffling mass of man blob in bed pathetically calling for his wife, "Pam, Pam". I have been dubbed Pam now and I have heard my name being called from afar. I have actually been really good to Motorcycle Man, made him soup, buttered him crackers, handed him tissue, fed him Tylenol and ear thermometered him. All the while reassuring him he is not dying. Seriously when I am sick I am lucky if I get a cracker thrown at me from the doorway of the bedroom or even a snort of soup. A cold has to be bad for me to get it, because I am usually too ornery for them to survive in me. So for now I am temporarily answering to the name 'Pam' - NOT.

So here I am diligently sitting at my desk working away & dreaming of twisties

Off to work I went on Scarlett, it was a gloriously sunny day, one where you wished that you could keep going and go find some twisties to ride for the day. The sun was brilliant, the air was crisp and it was hard making Scarlett obey my commands. She is all too willing to go play and keeps calling me from downstairs. I introduced Miss Scarlett to my Harley & Ducati riding boss and he loved her! After work I met up with Kiwi Deb for a little tootle on the way home. We are good riding buddies and we are like ying and yang. It is awesome riding with someone who is well trained and knows how to ride in a group setting. Hopefully we will do few more after work tootles. We took the scenic drive home by the ocean and it actually helped to clear some of the fuzzy cold feeling out of my head, so I guess there is nothing better than sea air, it cures what ails you. I am home now and tucked up for the night and think I am going to call it an early night and may even make a hot toddy to heck with 'Pam and her NyQuil'..............

Miss Scarlett and I on Dallas Road with Deb

Kiwi Deb on her wee Suzuki DR

FuzzyGalore.com #29in29 blog challenge

#5 in #29in29

2012-02-05T18:11:00.001-08:00

Scarlett in front of Big Blue - Does this pic remind you of another?

I am starting to grow accustomed to my new ride, I have been feeling a little tentative on her. I am still a new rider and still getting my proverbial motorcycle boots wet. Yesterday was the first time in two months since I have ridden anything bigger than 50cc and my shifting is a little rusty, but I know it will smooth out with continued riding and more time in the saddle. It was pretty cool yesterday when I was out riding and pulled up to a light and a girl in a truck beside me leaned way over to look at my bike and then she gave me a thumbs up. I wonder what the dudes are thinking when they look at me on my bike? Maybe it's; "Hey thats a girl riding that bike, see honey you could do that too." I remember hearing those very same words out of Motorcycle Man's mouth. In looking back on it, I think I just didn't feel ready to do it and maybe there was a bit of fear mixed in there. Actually a whole lot of fear. It's one thing to be the passenger, but it's a whole different story when you are the one piloting the rocket ship.

Today I picked up my new riding friend Cindy and we went to visit Kiwi Deb. It was a beautiful afternoon for a ride and it was very scenic because she lives out in the country. We had a lovely girlie afternoon sipping Chai Tea and eating goodies. The nicest thing about motorcycling is that you meet the nicest people on 2 wheels. It is a very friendly community and all are welcome no matter what you ride. As we were tootling along we passed several other motorcyclists and I have to say giving 'the wave' still gives me a little kick. I was still feeling a little antsy riding Scarlett and particularly when I am riding with someone, because I still feel like a bike imposter. I wonder if other new motorcyclists feel the same? I am pretty certain that this feeling will go away at some point. There are usually two things running through my mind as I am riding 1) I still can't believe I am doing this! 2) Holy Hannah is this bike mine?! I'm still feeling surprised over this gift.

Deb 'Kiwi Deb' Adventure Kiwi blog

After Cindy I parted company, I meant to meander home, but didn't feel quite ready to put Scarlett away. It was gorgeous and sunny and I was feeling the groove. I took a quick little side step to down town and down Dallas Road my familiar comfort route. It's a great route to take because it's 30km/h most of the way. There are some great sharp turns and lots of stop signs, which gets me used to learning the feel of Scarlett's brakes and how she handles. You don't always have to be going mach 1 to learn how to handle and manoeuvre your bike. In fact I think if you can master the elementary skills at slow speed and use the friction zone you will be that much better at higher speeds. I can see plenty of practice in the parking lot coming up and really developing a strong skill set. I have been mulling over where motorcycling might take me and I think once I get some more experience under my belt I might like to be an instructor. I actually feel part of the responsibility in riding is sharing your knowledge and role modeling good skills. So I think my journey may be more than what I had thought in the beginning, which was just a mode of transportation to work, I think it is to share and encourage others to be proficient and artfully skilled riders. But for now I am content with learning what I need to do and riding in the sunshine with my friends and Motorcycle Man. BTW did I say how much I like my new bike?!!! Thanks Motorcycle Man & Moto Daughter for giving me the best present ever !

Inner Harbour Victoria, BC

#29in29 picture blog challenge FuzzyGalore.com

#Four #29in29

2012-02-04T19:16:00.001-08:00

Scarlett - Our first real ride!

It's February 4th, and a beautifully sunny day. It was the perfect day for a ride, only thing was I had to get out and get insurance for my beauty. Most of you know that I was spoiled rotten by Santa and the Elfette. They bought this gorgeous Honda Shadow VT500C for Christmas. I only had an hour to ride her when they gave her to me because there was only temporary insurance and it expired on Midnight Christmas Eve. I did take her for a short rip, but was a little nervous because I wasn't familiar with her and it was dark when we were getting acquainted. I was a little tentative because I was worried about black ice and other drivers. We went for a lovely short ride. I felt extremely sad when I had to put her to bed for the night and until I figured out what I wanted to do about the insurance. I felt very much like Cinderella leaving her glass slipper at the ball at the stroke of midnight, only my glass slipper was my motorcycle boot. Santa also gave me a new pair of those too!

Today was the day, I made up my mind that I was going to insure Scarlett. After that was accomplished it was time to do a practice session in the parking lot to get acquainted with my new ride. My insurance for a year with my safe driving discount $868 - ouch. Motorcycle Man who has been in on my journey from the beginning accompanied me to the lot and helped me go through the paces. After a little while he said "Come on lets go ride down the highway and I will follow behind you." He always helps my confidence level soar and makes me feel protected, he is an awesome sweep rider, but today he was following along in the car because he has caught the beastly cold that is going around. This bike is all that and then some! She glides down the highway with little effort and her ride is as smooth as silk. I had her up into 6th gear and IT WAS FRICKEN AMAZING!!!! I have been feeling a little blue this past 2 weeks and I can't tell you how much this lifted my spirits and is the best 'drug' for a sad motorcyclist. I think if more people rode a motorcycle or scooter there would be more happiness in the world!

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE - You get a little rusty after not riding for awhile. New bike & New Boots!

PS: I know I cheated by adding 2 pictures.

If you don't know about FuzzyGalore's picture challenge check out her blog FuzzyGalore.com It is an awesome girlie motorcycle blog!

#Three #29in29

2012-02-03T18:06:00.001-08:00

Momma and baby swimming along. in the Strait of Juan de Fuca

A friend of ours who is a videographer was shooting a commercial gave us a call because he needed more people for the boat. Whale watching off the Coast of Vancouver Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We had a magical afternoon and must have seen at least 80 Orca whales. I was thrilled! We were very fortunate when we went out because there was a 'super pod' in the area and it was comprised of several different Orca pods swimming in the strait. We were out there for at least 6 hours and I wished it would never end. The guide was amazing, he had a a background in marine biology and he could tell you anything and everything you could ever want to know about Orcas. He could name the whale by the shape of their fins and identify which pod they were from. He just seemed to know where they were going to pop up and he would cut the motor so they were not disturbed by us or the engine noise. It was a fabulous afternoon and I will treasure the memories always.

Blog challenge #29in29 FuzzyGalore.com

#Two #29in29

2012-02-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

# 2 in #29in29 - "Big Blue" The Johnson Street bridge in Victoria.

This is a picture of 'Big Blue' the Johnson Street Bridge which connects Victoria to Vic West and Esquimalt. The bridge was designed and built in 1920 under the direction of Mr. F.M. Preston who was the city engineer at the time. The bridge was completed in 1924 to the tune of $918,000.00. The bridge is a bascule-type bridge, this is where one section of the bridge rises while a counter weight lowers the opposite end. The Strauss Bascule company held the patents to this bridge design and Joseph Strauss the Bascule company owner went onto design the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. There are two components to this bridge, a car and pedestrian section and the other a rail section. In the fall of 2011 the rail section was deemed unsafe by engineers and it was raised to stop pedestrians and bicycle commuters from accessing it. During the design process the City of Victoria decided to forego adding a rail section saving them significant funds. Approximately 30,000 vehicles cross 'Big Blue' every day. In 1999 a $1million repair/facelift was done allowing engineers to inspect and repair the main span. The Johnson Street bridge has been the centre of heated debate over the last few years with proponents on both sides for repairing the existing bridge or completely replacing the bridge. This caused quite a bit of debate amongst Victorians with their Mayor and City Council. Ultimately a referendum was held and it was decided that the bridge should be replaced. The Mayor and Council asked for designs to be rendered and placed on public display and feedback was solicited regarding the design. At present work is underway to prepare for dismantling of the rail section and the car deck soon to follow. The City of Victoria borrowed approximately $49.2 million dollars and the project is expected to be completed in 2016.

#29in29 FuzzyGalore.com

29in29 #1

2012-02-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Motoblogger extraordinaire Fuzzygalore has a challenge to post 29 pictures in 29 days. See her fabulous girly motorcycle blog www.fuzzygalore.com

Portable Springtime

I am going to try and do my best to meet the challenge, but it may not all be motorcycle related! So here is my first picture. A client gave me portable springtime, tulips!

blog challenge #29in29 FuzzyGalore.com

Milestone 1 year scoot/motorcycle commuting

2012-01-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

Our bike family - my 50cc Yamaha Vino 'Vixen' & Motorcycle Man's ride 'Monster'

I have hit the first year mark in my scooter/motorcycle journey, which began January 21st, 2011. It has certainly been a wonderful year full of ups and downs, highs and some very low 2 wheeled vehicle points. I marked my 1 year anniversary by going to the Vancouver motorcycle show with some new motorcycle friends. I also met my fellow motoblogger Bob and it was a great! Wow what a journey it has been so far in the space of 1 year I went from my Vino 50cc scooter to novice & traffic motorcycle course with my Honda 450cc and finally to my newest ride my VT500C. I have had 3 bikes in the span of 1 year! I am not sure how many other people can say the same. I used to be so content riding on the back of my hubbies bike that I had no desire to possess a motorcycle license, I had given it passing thoughts over the last 28 years, but that was about it. After catching the scooter bug and then motorcycling bug I don't know why I waited so long.

When I think back about the whole process it was pretty daunting. It's funny when you doubt yourself sometimes it takes the belief of others who love you to pull you through and make you think "Yup maybe I can do this." Some of the most vivid memories I have of this journey is when I finally figured out the friction zone and that it was my best friend and it wasn't a matter of speed or throttle. It really meant something when I heard my instructor yell "Well done!" after I finished manoeuvring around the dreaded cones. I have to tell you I hate those orange pylons from hell, I swear that the devil created them to torment newb motorcyclists. I remember taking my MSA test and being so nervous, I am not sure why, because I had done all of the exercises now they were just in a sequence. I was placed in the second position out of my ten classmates, I guess my instructor new I needed to get it over with. When I was finished I hugged the MSA instructor, who was a little shocked, I guess that doesn't happen everyday. The next biggest thing was taking the actual road test, which stared out to be a gong show because my license had fallen out of my coat pocket when I put the jacket on and it was sitting on the kitchen floor. Motorcycle Man came to the rescue and brought it out to me and then off I went. I had trouble with the Honda Rebel I was using for the test, it wouldn't warm up and then came the traffic standstill that happened and I was almost late for the test. During the road test one of the mirrors came loose and the examiner couldn't figure out why I was pulling over. I have to tell you I almost parked the bike and walked away. The next best memory of the past year was when Motorcycle Man went riding with me and said "Welcome to the club" I was so happy, we then continued on and rode some wicked twisties. I have to say that twisties are my favorite thing next to eating some of Motorcycle Daughter's fabulous baked treats.

I have been commuting for an entire year on the scooter or motorcycle and it has been great most of the time. I have driven in all kinds of weather from scorching heat to freezing cold to torrential rain. I have found the key to success in motocommuting is good gear. If you are can adapt your gear to the various weather scenarios you can successfully commute. I bought 10 bus tickets for those iffy days and downloaded a schedule, I have 8 tickets left, not bad considering I commuted for a year and through winter. I can see spring on the horizon and I am dreaming of motorcycles trips and am excited to participate in the International Female Ride day on Friday May 4th. I am getting together with a group of ladies and we are going riding! For more information on International Female Ride day go to www.motoress.com It doesn't matter what you ride, just get out there and ride!

The dreaded orange pylon from hell, my nemesis until I ran it over and squashed the damn thing.....

Homemade Eggs Benny ~ Princess Scooterpie style

2012-01-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

YUM!

This mornings offerings, eggs Benny Princess Scooterpie style. Freshly toasted bagels, local bacon & avocado topped with Hollandaise sauce. Accompanying the eggs we had freshly ground coffee by Fernwood Coffee Company - Strongback blend.

The other day I weighed myself and had lost 10 pounds, I think I just found the 10 pounds again with this breaky. Tomorrow it will be my traditional smoothy with 1/2 of ground up oatmeal, nope its not gross because I pulverize the oatmeal to dust in my magic bullet.

More pics of the Vancouver Motorcycle Show

2012-01-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

There truly was something for everyone at this show.

Vancouver Motorcycle Show 2012

2012-01-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

Ducati Monster - lowered version

Today was a very special day, it was the day I was going to go to the Vancouver Motorcycle Show! I have been looking forward to this event for awhile and am so glad that Mother Nature cooperated! The only downside to the day was that my hub Motorcycle Man couldn't make it because Motorcycle Daughter has been battling influenza for the last week. They both gave me their blessing to go and I truly thank them for this opportunity, I do have the best hub and daughter. The day was an early one, I was up at 4:15am, made breakfast and coffee, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Cindy, one of my partners in crime to pick me up so we could meet up with Deb another riding diva and our fearless friends Kevin and Martin. (I do not think the fellas realized what they were getting themselves into.) We arrived at the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal for the 7:00am sailing and had a great trip over. Hyper on caffeine and excitement we arrived in Abbotsford at Tradex for the Vancouver Motorcycle show.

At long last I met my moto blogger friend Bob of Bobskoot fame! We(s)tCoastScootin It was wonderful finally to meet the man who inspires me to take pictures and has offered friendship and encouragement to me when I started my scooter/motorcycling and blogging journey. It didn't feel like I was meeting him for the first time, it felt as though we have been friends forever!! I introduced him to my cohorts and off we went.

My dear friend Bob

A Triumph Bonneville SE- Sigh....to dream, to hope, to perhaps have one day! This bike sings to my soul! (But please don't mention that to my new bike Scarlett or my Scoot Vixen)

It was so fun, we laughed the whole way there and eagerly waited in line for tickets and to get in. Then the real fun began!!!! I WAS IN MOTO DIVA HEAVEN!!!!!!!!! For as far as the eye could see it was wall to wall bikes, Honda, Triumph, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Harley, BMW, Victory, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Aprillia - it was like a veritable bike candy store! I must have sat on 30 or more bikes. It was great wandering around to the different dealers and trying out their bikes. I tried everything, cruiser, sport, dual sport, OH MY GOSH! We stopped by the gear vendors and checked out what they had, tried on helmets, gloves, looked at boots, jackets, shoes, pants, heated grips, tank bags and other moto luggage. My brain was in overload. I am definitely going back next year and I am planning to go to the Seattle show in December this year.

Bob and I found this helmet vendor & we both tried some cute little helmets.

This may be my new helmet!

After trying many bikes I realized in the world of motorcycle sadly height does make a difference. The average height of Canadian women is 5'3 3/4", American women average height is about 5'4" to 5'5". The one thing I would say to the different motorcycle companies is: PLEASE MAKE SOME MORE OF THESE GREAT BIKES FOR WOMEN- YOU JUST HAVE TO MAKE THEM A LITTLE SMALLER OR LOWER. We aren't all just about cruisers and sometimes that is what we end up settling for because everything else is too big or too tall. We want to try adventure bikes, dual sports and even fast racey sportbikes. I hate having to do acrobatics to get on and off a bike and really it shouldn't be that hard. DUCATI got it right, they had a Monster lowered version, that is definitely on my top 3.

I found the Triumph Bonneville SE of my dreams, this bike sings to my soul. I had to stop and drool over it and it's still my dream bike. Another bike that rounded out my top 3 was the Suzuki Gladius - I believe my friend Trobairitz rides this lovely little number. and seeing it up close I can certainly understand her love of this little gem. My friend Deb fell in love with the Gladius and the lowered Ducati Monster. My other girlfriend Cindy was loving the larger cc V-star cruisers and Harleys. I also liked the Ducati Diavel it just appeals to the daredevil vixen in me. We had a blast with Bob and he happily trudged along with us and we talked about the different bikes and I have to say I actually sat on a few that I wouldn't have had Bob not given me a nudge and encouraged me to give it a try. I tend to shy away from the bigger bikes due to my height. I tried a few maxi scoots and decided that I like scoots, but these scoots are just too big and heavy. I think I would miss the thrill of shifting. A fun day was had by all, I am happy, contented and exhausted and I am sure in my dreams tonight I will hear a vroom sound and images of the bikes that may someday be mine. I may finally be able to start my seven day bike list, but I think I need to go and test drive one or two! It was all a blur after awhile. All three of us girls were very happy Moto Divas.

PS Today is my 1 year moto anniversary! 1 year ago today I test drove an orange Sym Mio and two days later I owned my beautiful Vixen, a 50cc Yamaha Vino! I have progressed a lot in those 12 months from a 50cc scoot, to motorcycle endorsement and my first bike Lucy my Honda CM450e and now my beloved Scarlett Vixen, my Honda Shadow VT500c. OH WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN!

This made me laugh! love it!

Now who wouldn't want to throw a leg over a bike that has lights & sirens - You knew I would have to sit on this baby. Funny he wouldn't let me turn it on or play with the lights - DARN! When I asked the policeman what he thought about scooters, his reply was "I don't" I had to laugh at that. Oh and by the way if you saw off the pedals on an E-bike it is now considered a motorcycle and you will be fined for not having a license, insurance or plates - I didn't know this, learn something new everyday.

This was just too cute not to take a picture of, we did ask permission first.

Yup my eyes were closed I was envisioning riding twisties!

A girl has to try everything.

Deb of Adventure Kiwi blog & Bob of Bobskoot: Wet Coast Scooting blog

Deb on a Suzuki Gladius - I think this may be her next bike! I love the headlight on this bike.

Another shot of the Ducati Monster lowered version

Cindy on her favorite ride - it was a beautiful bike!

This little Ducati makes me giggle when I look at the picture, it looks like a little bug or alien. I know, I know, or mabye it was because I was up at 4:15am.....You decide.

Moto Guzi - this is definitely a BAD GIRL bike! it appeals to my edgy side.

I climbed under this display rope to get this picture!

More to come, this tired Princess Scooterpie is heading to the the land of nod, where I am going to be riding the bikes of my dreams!

Mother Nature is not having hot flashes! OH NO ITS SNOW!

2012-01-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

My version of Frosty the Snow Dude made from junk in my desk drawer at work.

Across the Capital Region today we woke up to winter full-on. Us Victorian's are kind of smug when it comes to winter compared to the rest of Canada because we usually have mild and wet winters. Through most of Canada they have snow starting around the end of October and last to at least March. Every once in awhile Mother Nature throws us a curve ball and the city is usually paralyzed be a small amount of snow. We somewhat learned some lessons in 1996 when we actually had Snowmageddon and had record snowfall which essentially shut down the capital city for an entire week. It hasn't been so bad this time around because we are learning lessons on preparing for winter. I have been scootering all through most of the winter, but the other day I parked Vixen and took the bus, I didn't want to give her or myself any road induced owies. While most of my motorcycling and scooter brothers and sisters have their babies tucked up for winter I have continued on, they have now had their revenge.

When I was going into work yesterday I saw a young lad on a dual sport motorcycle go zipping by me, he was incredibly lucky because the roads were nothing but ice. On my way to a meeting after work the temperature had dropped considerably and the roads were slick from the melt and refreeze that was happening. I just about fell out of my seat when a woman on a scooter coming in the opposite direction went by. I have to say these two individuals where going on a wing and a prayer because even 4 wheels were having trouble. It snowed all day yesterday and was just was taste of what we would wake up too this morning, 15cm of snow overnight. Today was declared a snow day for most public institutions and schools. Kids were out having fun. I lived in the Northern half of the Province where snow is an everyday occurrence along with -40 temps on an average winter day, we never got snow days, school was always open, people went to work and went about their business. The one thing that is different for Southern BC is that most people do not have snow tires, don't have the skills to drive in it and honestly there are a lot of eccentric Vancouver Islanders who think winter clothing is shorts with sport sandals with wool socks, that should tell you how *ahem* prepared we are here. They are calling for snow tomorrow and then rain on the weekend with warmer temperature. So Mother Nature I wouldn't mind you getting a few hot flashes and sending them our way okey dokey?!

This lovely tree is in the laneway on my way to work, those sad little apples are still hanging in there.The upcoming pictures were snapped from the balcony yesterday throughout the day at work. Mother Nature seemed to have misplaced her meds because she couldn't make up her mind if it was going to be snowy or sunny all day. It was quite the day and the adage for Victoria lived up to the saying; "If you don't like the weather wait 5 minutes and it will change." It was a wild day yesterday.

The next pictures are from today. I went out to Check on Vixen to make sure she was snug as a bug. Speaking of bugs there is my '74 Super Beetle hunkered down behind our Westfallia "Goldzilla" I tried to coax Zilla out of the driveway this morning, but she wasn't having any part of it, after 45 minutes I gave up and Motorcycle Man drove me to work to do what I needed to do & then go home. Unfortunately on my way out to the car at work I slipped and fell hard on my lower back & elbow and smacked my head on the concrete. I am feeling it now, so much for being a Road Warrior Princess. I had on good winter boots too!

This evenings snow shots and the doggis is out frolicking in the white stuff, for at least 5 minutes anyway!

So all of you who are thinking "Well that isn't very much snow at all!" I am here to tell you in Victoria it is a lot of snow and it is enough to make a city shut down. We are supposed to get more tonight & tomorrow and then we are going to return to the rain bubble again for at least a couple of days, and then we might get more snow.

STOP SOPA

2012-01-17T23:08:00.000-08:00

The US Congress is looking at an anti-piracy legislation, which will in effect censor the Internet. Once this line is crossed there will be no going back. Wikipedia is going dark for the next 24 hours to show what the ramifications are of legislation like this. Copyright infringement is an important issue & one which needs further discussion and better laws, not censorship. The very people this law is aimed at protecting i.e recording artists etc in the end may find that SOPA may harm them more than protecting them, something to think about. People share music, video, written articles and if there is fear in sharing something then in the end isn't that going to hurt the artist?

So if you don't see any tweets or Facebook posts from me it's my way of protesting SOPA. Please write your member of Congress & tell them to vote NO to SOPA.

Canadian's if you don't think this is close to home you're wrong because we will be affected as well and we could see similar legislation.

See what happens on my lunch hour when it snows

2012-01-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when it snows and I am tortured looking at it out the window all day.

Snow! Mother Nature paid a small visit

2012-01-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

Foot prints in the snow.....

It's here, the dreaded snow. I know it is barely a skiff of snow compared to what other parts of Canada are getting, but I think this is the calm before the proverbial snow storm. Believe me when I tell you this, this small amount of snow is enough to cause chaos on Victoria roads. People do not know how to drive in this stuff. Now I am trying to figure out how I am going to get to work, because Vixen is parked. It seems Bobskoot picked an excellent time to go to Hawaii! Weather forecasters are calling for more snow at various points in the week and that does not bode well for Princess Scooterpie - it means BUS. Please no!!!! I am coming up to my 1 year moto anniversary, essentially I have been scoot commuting to work for a year. I only drive my car on weekends. Now if only Mother Nature would stop with the snow, I'd be a very happy Princess Scooterpie!

Doggis doesn't know what to think about the white stuff....

When you were a newb motorcyclist what was your nemesis?

2012-01-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

Today while out and about I was thinking about 2011 & all the things I have done. I was also thinking about the conversations I have had with other motorcyclists and scooterist about driving habits & how they started their moto journey.

When you were first starting out on your bike or scooter was there one thing that scared you more than any other? i.e For me there were 2 things; 1) stopping at the top of a hill and getting the bike moving again without stalling it. (Yup this happened a couple of times) 2) I seemed to have a bit of throttle anxiety, I was almost too afraid to pull back on the throttle & give it some juice. Finallya with repeated practice I marshaled these skills and don't even think twice about them now.

So what caused an anxiety fest for you?

Thank you Princess Scooterpie Followers & Readers.

2012-01-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post a thank you to all who have followed Princess Scooterpie and read my blog. I appreciate that you take the time to read. Happy road wanderings filled with many miles of twisties and gorgeous roads!

Scarlett Vixen - First week into the New Year.

2012-01-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

Scarlett Vixen

We are week into the New Year and I still haven't ridden the newest edition to my moto family. Miss Scarlett (Vixen). Like most I returned to work on Tuesday and hit the ground running. I haven't really looked back because it has been just too darn busy. My Christmas tree is still up and that is because today January 7, 2012 is Orthodox Christmas on the Gregorian calendar. Part of my heritage came from Eastern Europe. We don't really do anything fussy or prepare elaborate meals - I tried to make cabbage rolls this week and had just mild success. But Motorcycle Man who is in love with cabbage rolls ate them and said they tasted good. Bless his little full face helmet! You know you have someone who loves you because he has eaten what I have cooked from day one and I can say some of the offerings have been less than stellar. Remind me to tell you about bricksagna one day. I have been meaning to post a picture of this lovely bottle of wine that Dave who is a friend of mine gave me for Christmas ~ Motorcycle Mama Wine. He is a graphic artist and came up with this wonderfully unique label and gave it to me for Christmas. It is from the Darlin Darlene Estate Vineyards. I just happen to think this is a wonderful gift. He truly is a talented artist and has given us many memorable hand painted Christmas cards.

Now if I only looked this hot.......

Motorcycle Man and Scooterpie Jr have been hinting since before Christmas that there was going to be a late present. I came home on Tuesday and there was a small parcel in the mail that Scooterpie Jr quickly snatched out of the box before I could get it. When Motorcycle Man came home and we were relaxing in the livingroom. Scooterpie Jr presented me the box. When I opened it inside was a sterling silver motorcycle charm from my Pandora bracelet. WOW!!! It truly was a very Motorcycle Christmas. It is so cute and looks fabulous with the rest of my wee charms.

I always get a chuckle how folks find my blog

2012-01-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile I check in on the blog stats to see who is reading from where and the terms they enter into their search engines to find Scooterpie. Here are a few.

princess scooter pie

man on moto

- 3

2007 yamaha vino classic blue 50

- 2

mill bat fire dept malahat crash victoria

- 2

motorcycle man

- 2

my hobby making bracelets

- 2

princess scooterpie

- 2

1984 honda cm 450 -

1985 honda vt500 shadow magazine ad

bad driving habits - 1 *Hope they weren't trying to find me because of bad driving habits.

I have also had one that said Gross Couch, Free Sofa, Hanging bras - that was from the Bra's on Broad post about breast cancer.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-12-31T21:03:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 filled with blessings and moto adventures!!!!!!!

This year has been a wonderful year for me, one with many blessings for both my family and myself. I have grown exponentially in 2011 and discovered the love of riding. Even with its rough beginnings I learned that I am a strong person and can overcome and enjoy the thrill of adventure and challenges that motorcycling and scootering brings. I have met wonderful new friends and am looking forward to actually meeting up with my blogger friends in the New Year!

It all started on January 21st, 2011 with a test drive of an orange Sym Mio, which unfortunately resulted in a wipe out, but I persevered and became Princess Scooterpie! Yup a Moto Diva was born that day. The scooter has made my personality bloom, if you look in the pictures below you will see where I actually became an unofficial entry into a parade - hint it is the pictures with balloons, it was a lot of fun. The Admiral gave me a thumbs up as I tootled by the reviewing stand and proudly tooted my little scooter horn. At the end of August this year I wrote my motorcycle learner's test and passed. I signed up for a Novice motorcycle course and Traffic Safety Course through Vancouver Island Safety Council. I was successful with my courses and took my road test on October 19th, passed and have not looked back since. I remember in the beginning of all this that I thought my 50cc Yamaha Vino scooter was HUGE and would do me forever! Once I discovered my new found passion, I knew I needed more cc's. I logged about 5,000km on my little scoot in the course of 11 months. Then along came my beautiful Honda CM450E Lucy. She was an amazing first bike and I have enjoyed her immensely. At Christmas I was surprised by Motorcycle Man and Moto Diva Jr with a vintage 1985 Honda Shadow VT500C, she is my beloved Miss Scarlett.

I have also seen sadness this year with riders in the Victoria motorcycle community passing away due to MVIs on the Malahat Highway. These incidents brought the riding community together and a new group was formed; The Rider's for Safety. On Saturday, November 5th, 2011, we gathered and rode to the BC Legislature to let our Government know that we need concrete barriers on the Malahat to stop the increasing amount of head on collisions. It was impressive seeing 300 motorcyclists and scooterists from every section of the riding community being well represented. We continue to meet and will do so until the Government installs concrete barriers on this roadway. I want the families to know that we continue to work on the issue of making the Malahat safer for all motorists and that their loved ones ARE NOT forgotten.

Here are a few pictures of my journey in 2011. I look forward to many more motorcycle adventures and sharing them with you. Until then Peace, Blessings and Joy to you all in 2012. Ride Safe!!

Vixen - Princess Scooterpie

I participated in my first scooter rally, way too much fun!

This was my first long adventure on the scooter where I decided

I needed more cc's!

I was overtaken by Canuck fever and unofficially entered a local

parade - Buccaneer Days - ARRRR MATEY!!

I was almost swallowed up by a monster Canuck Mobile. See how

much fun scootering is!

Summer was spent in Tofino and Motorcycle Man would

not let me bring my scooter, so I went through withdrawal.

Kayaking to Meares Island was wonderful.

We went for a scooter & motorcycle family ride one beautiful

summer Friday evening. It was wonderful!

This is in early September after I wrote my learner's permit
I rode around a lot in a parking lot close to my house.

Motorcycle Man is a kind, gentle and patient teacher. He bought me

Lucy after I almost dumped his bike affectionally named 'Monster'.

Motorcycle Man

Lucy my beautiful 1984 Honda CM450E

Vancouver Island Safety Council Novice Course graduates

October 2011!

Lucy and I celebrated my successful road test with a 'Diva' cupcake!
I HAVE MY CLASS 6!!!!

This pretty much sums up how I feel about motorcycles!

Riders for Safety event Saturday, November 5, 2011

The Victoria Riding community came together to remember all

those who have perished on the Malahat due to MVI. Approximately

300 riders united for this event. May those who died rest in peace, we

continue to work to make safety changes on the Malahat.

Dave Rogers our gracious MC -

Motorcycle Instructor for Vancouver Island Safety Council

My favorite picture; Reflections

A very Happy Moto Diva!

Christmas 2011

My husband and daughter gave me Miss Scarlett on Christmas Eve.

It appears Santa and his Elfette couldn't wait until Christmas morning.

WOW WHAT A SURPRISE!!!!

The test drive! I know what Cinderella feels like now, insurance

was only valid until mid-night, still looking for the glass motorcycle boot.....

Miss Scarlett - 1985 Honda Shadow VT500C

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

In Case of an Emergency **ICE

2011-12-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

I have seen this on quite a few forums regarding scootering and motorcycling, I think it actually makes sense. It has been suggested that you program I.C.E (In Case of Emergency) into your cell phone. I have done this and have ICE1 which is my husband's cell number, ICE2 is my dad and both include My full name & address, contact info, drug allergies, current medications with dosage, blood type, health care number & GP's name. I have always carried this information on slip attached to my scooter insurance and there is one in my jacket pocket as well. It is really hard for emergency personnel to help you if they don't know who you are and this makes it easier for them to pull up your electronic medical records. So have you ICE'd yet? Tell me what you think of using this? Would you do it?

Here is a website that makes cool ID/Info bracelets roadid.com. Check it out. If you are a runner or rider or do anything where there is potential to need help this might be worth your while to consider.

5 Pet Peeve bad driving habits

2011-12-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

Geoff James a fellow motoblogger asked us to post our 5 pet peeve bad driving habits. His blog: Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist; http://geoffjames.blogspot.com Geoff is in the process of going for his IAM certification, which means he goes on observed rides and is graded on his moto performance capabilities and skills. When he has completed this he will be the one observing & critiquing aspiring riders.

I modified his challenge a little because it was geared to car drivers and I happen to think there are a lot of bad motorcyclists and scooterists out there too who drive poorly. So I will start with 5 bad car driver habits that make me particularly crazy when I am out on the road. I primarily ride in city traffic and haven't ridden my motorcycle in a lot of highway traffic, so most of my peeves are geared to in-city.

Car Drivers

1) Driver Distraction - This has to be the #1 thing I notice when riding my motorcycle. My biggest and most scary pet peeve is when I see people talking on their cell phones or texting while driving. I have had drivers swerve into my lane because they just had to take the phone call. I do let them know that I find this unacceptable and dangerous. In the Province of British Columbia it is illegal to use handheld devices while driving.

2) Driver's not paying attention at lights, particularly when making turns or when they run lights. I always give myself a few seconds before advancing into an intersection because you just never know who is going to blow through and take you out because they are in a hurry or distracted by something in their car.

3) Driver's not shoulder checking before making lane changes. It is amazing what or who might be in a cars blind spot. This is a basic driving skill and it is amazing how many people lose this skill when driving. It is either just plain lazy or plain stupid on their part. It only takes a second to shoulder check.

4) Driver's not giving motorcyclists or scooterists space when stopped at a light or stop sign. Do you really have to get that close to the back end of my bike? I always keep a good space margin in front of me just incase I need an exit strategy because some doofus behind me gets rear-ended and pushed forward into me. I am constantly scanning all areas around me for hazards and planning an escape route. You need more than just plan A, you need plan A, B, & C when you are out in traffic.

5) Driver's who have forgotten the basic rules of the road, i.e. right of way at stop signs and what different road markings mean. To every Victoria driver car, motorcycle, scooter, the solid white line on a roadway means that you can not lane change there. Please for the love of Pete learn your road markings.

Motorcycles and Scooters

1) Rider's who do not practice ATGATT. I do not understand a rider's philosophy of not wearing gear when riding a motorcycle or a scooter. This is particularly prevalent in scooterists, I get that they are the "urban" commuter and scooters were designed with the purpose of wearing street clothes, et cetera, but street clothes are not designed to protect you and keep your bones together. When scooters first came out in the 50's there weren't the traffic volume issues and high speeds that we have today. It does not take much to lose the surface of your skin when you are sliding down pavement in your civvies. Same goes for folks who choose to ride without gear on their motorcycles. Luckily in BC helmets are mandatory.

So my question to you is if you don't wear gear, "Do you know how much it hurts to hit pavement? Have you seen what happens to your skin when it gets burned off by road rash? Do you know how important armor is in protecting your hips, knees, back, shoulders and elbows? Usually when you smack the pavement chances are one of the above is going to take the impact first. What about good motorcycle gloves and boots how they protect your hands & feet?" I have made the choice to ride ATGATT, even in hot summer temperatures, I would rather sweat than bleed.

2) Motorcyclists and scooterists that don't take a motorcycle safety course. These courses are valuable in giving you the techniques to save your life and know how to drive correctly and safely. If you have been riding for a long time and haven't taken a course, most schools offer experienced rider courses which solidify what you are doing right and correct what you are doing wrong. These courses build on your current skills and expand your skill set and knowledge base. IMHO our roads are dangerous enough and you are making constant split second decisions that could have life long ramifications, at least with a good solid skills you will be able to make those decisions in any given road situation.

3) Motorcyclists who drive recklessly, speed and tailgate. YOU GIVE THE REST OF US WHO PRACTICE GOOD DRIVING SKILLS A BAD NAME.

4) Motorcyclists/scooterists who do not make their intentions clear. You have to be clear of what you are doing when you are around cars. Turn your signal off after completing a turn, don't leave it going for a block, it confuses all drivers. Cars are bigger, meaner and less forgiving, usually you don't come out of a collision well.

5A) Lane position. This drives me nuts when someone is not in the correct lane position. This is all basic stuff which is right in the manual. Why would you not ride in the best lane position? It is important in traffic so no one is confused and everyone SEEs you. Riders need to take the theory of 'Ride like you are invisible to heart' and part of this theory is about lane positioning.

5 B) Motorcyclists/Scooterists who do not shoulder check. This is one of the biggest things they drill into a novice rider, when you stop you shoulder check, before you move you shoulder check, before you turn you shoulder check. CHECK, CHECK, CHECK AND CHECK!!!! This one single act does save lives, you never know who is going to be in your blindspot or if you are in theirs.

(So I cheated a little on the number of peeves.)

Let me introduce you to Miss Scarlett

2011-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Miss Scarlett my new baby!

Here is my beautiful new bike. She is gorgeous and I am still pinching myself as I still can't believe that she is really mine. I will be sad to see Miss Lucy go, I learned a lot and she was a great first bike. Here is the back story of Scarlett. She is a 1985 Honda Shadow VT500C, she has approximately 11,000 km's and has only been owned by two people and has been garage kept her entire life. According to Honda her color is called Candy Glory Red - I wonder who thinks up the names of the colors- the names are interesting to say the least. After I purchased Lucy I stopped by my neighbor's to see if she was riding yet because she had a baby a few months before. I hadn't seen her bike yet and when she showed me, I was almost knocked over at how nice it was. She said she was thinking of selling it, but wasn't too hard pressed to, she wants a dual sport or enduro. She had purchased Scarlett about 2 years ago from a fellow who lived in Calgary. He used to come to the island for the summer and drove the bike while he was here. About 3 weeks ago a Scarlett was being ridden past our house, Motorcycle Man flagged the neighbor dude down and was chatting him up. Apparently he was going to sell it to his brother-in-law he was getting her ready for him to test drive. Motorcycle Man said "Then she is not sold yet and can I test drive her?" The neighbor dude let him drive her and that is when he decided that she was going to be my new bike. She is in show room condition and absolutely beautiful. He has been keeping this secret for 3 weeks and I am surprised that no one spilled the beans in our house.

It is funny when I sat on Lucy my 450 I knew her name instantly, but not so with the newest edition to my '2 wheeled fleet' of bikes. I think I was so surprised, it was unexpected and it also made me a little overwhelmed too. So I have been mulling over names for the last few days, we have gone from Baby, Delilah, Layla, Redzilla, LucyII, VT Vixen, but I decided that there could only be 1 Lucy and 1 Vixen and it wasn't fair to reuse the names. Poppy was a front runner for awhile, but Motorcycle Man said it wasn't bad-ass enough - lol, me a bad-ass - hardly think so. I even went so far as to look at names on red lipsticks and nail polishes because some have pretty far out wild names. Also googled what people call their bikes and I have to say some people have some pretty stupid bike names and some even have pretty rude names as well. I even looked at my baby book for names and fell in love with Scarlett. It makes me feel pretty daring too! I love the color she is and she is perfect! So please welcome Miss Scarlett to my 2 wheeled family.

SANTA BABY BROUGHT ME A MOTORCYCLE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!! REALLY!!!

2011-12-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

What a surprise! I was practically spinning around the yard making a huge commotion!

IT ALL STARTED WITH A LITTLE BLUE BOX!!!!!!!!!!!

SANTA BABY AND DIVA DAUGHTER gave me the ultimate Christmas present!!! They handed me a little box with "Tiffany & Co" on it. I didn't know what to think, because I have all the baubles a girl could want. When I opened the box inside was motorcycle jewellery, a motorcycle key. Santa Baby (Motorcycle Man) & Diva Jr, told me to come outside, they had painted Lucy. They made me cover my eyes and when I opened my eyes there was a beautiful 500cc HONDA SHADOW!!!!!!!!!! She is candy apple red and oh so sparkly. I was spinning like a top and squealing!!! I was so excited I couldn't believe it!!!!! I still can't! I am trying to figure out if I was naughty or nice this year (I DIDN'T THINK I HAVE BEEN THAT GOOD THIS YEAR)

SANTA BABY YOU REALLY ARE A GOOD MOTORCYCLE MAN!!! DIVA DAUGHTER YOU ARE THE BEST BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN SO PATIENT WITH ME THIS YEAR!

PS: SANTA even brought me new motorcycle boots!!!!!!

The ULTIMATE Moto Diva earrings

2011-12-23T19:03:00.000-08:00

Obsessed much?

There is another facet to Princess Scooterpie/Moto Diva, one of my hobbies is to make jewellery. I love to work with silver wire and crystals and make everything from bracelets, earrings and necklaces. We all know that I am a little obsessed/addicted to motorcycling and scootering. Now I can still indulge in my obsession when it is too chilly out or miserable. PS the wheels do work. I just couldn't resist. They would be perfect if I could get the horn & headlight to work....only kidding.

Christmas yummies and more!

2011-12-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

Our tree is beautiful - it is not fussy or organized, it is a tree of memories. There are ornaments my daughter made in grade school and a paper chain that she made when she was 2 1/2 with me, every year I carefully put it away to ensure it survives. It is getting a little faded, but it still is beautiful! I am a sentimental Christmas elf.

Our tree is trimmed, presents are wrapped and the house is decorated. It looks like a Christmas bomb went off in my living room and exploded ornaments, tinsel and other Christmas goodies everywhere. I must admit Christmas has always been my favorite time of year since I was little. I guess I am an elf at heart. I love the carols and everyone just seems a little nicer despite the busyness of the season. Now that my daughter is older and loves to cook I have passed over the baking and chocolate making responsibilities to her, she is my kitchen diva. Today she decided to hand dip pretzels and dust them with crushed candy cane. Gingerbread cookies are next on her list and then her famous chocolate peppermint cake. She has her trusty sidekick Skye here and the two of them are baking fiends. Best part is I get to sample and eventually scarf all the delectable treats. I am sitting here at the computer sipping on a candy cane martini and feeling more festive by the minute. Here is a wee peek of Christmas at my house. My family and I - Motorcycle Man and Motorcycle Diva Jr, wish you all the MERRIEST of CHRISTMASES and a very happy and healthy 2012!!!

Every little Village needs a scooter and motorcycle.

In MY world Santa DOES bring motorcycles to a good little Princess Scooterpie.

In my village piggies do have wings and can fly!

Elvis is alive and well, he lives in my village and every once in awhile you can hear "Blue Christmas"
coming from his little house - see his pink caddy....

Notice the license plate.....

I have my own baking elf!!

The Elf has an accomplice.....

She is the best candy cane crusher and sprinklerer......

OMG I can just feel the calories looking at these.....

The perfect Santa treat; hand dipped chocolate pretzels and a candy cane martini

(Of Course You knew I was going to sneak a motorcycle in here somewhere)

5 local road trips and dream trip challenge

2011-12-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

I am already dreaming of the 2012 motorcycle season and where I will go. Being a new rider I think I am going to stick close to home and 2012 will be about logging miles and getting road/highway experience before we go on a really big adventure. My challenge to all of you is 1) List at least 5 places in YOUR own country that you want to visit 2) If you could go anywhere in the world on your motorcycle or scooter where would it be? You can have as many dream trips as you want. Please link back to me so I can see your choices.

1) Over the Malahat Highway Trans Canada #1 to Parksville. - This may not seem significant to most, but it would be my first foray on a major highway over a mountain. Its all about baby steps.

2) During the summer I want to Motorcycle to Tofino. If you have never been to Tofino you are missing the wild West Coast at its best. The roads are sharp and twisty through here and you may be tempted to speed, but you really have to stick to the speed limits that are posted. The roads are sharp and steep with very little margin for error because the road is very narrow and a lot of it is cliffside.

3) I would like to do the Port Renfrew loop - its a good day trip and very scenic.

4) Next adventure would to be up the Sea to Sky highway and onto Whistler.

5) My biggest dream trip would be to go across Canada on my motorcycle and get out to the Maritime Provinces. I want to see my country and what better way to do it than by motorcycle. This trip is going to have to wait a bit though because I need more experience.

Dream trips

1) Now for the Anywhere in the world trip I think I would like to go across Europe. Its funny as a Canadian I somehow think everything is different over there and wonder about the trees and scenery. When I look at a fellow twitterer's tweet pictures from Norway it looks just like home and very green. So much for preconceived ideas.

2) The most attainable road trip for me will be down the Oregon Coast and to California. We went down the Coast quite a few years ago and it was spectacular and I can only imagine how fabulous it would be on two wheels.

3) I think I might even like to go through South America, I am really not much of a heat person so I may have to rethink this.

Please tell me where your two wheels may take you in the coming year, link your posts back to Scooterpie so I can see how adventurous you are!

My favorite 5 photos of 2011

2011-12-10T23:05:00.000-08:00

This is where it all began with a little blue Vino Scooter.

This was from my first scooter adventure and a Moto Diva was born.

The 2 other favorite people in my life, Motorcycle Man and Moto Diva Jr.

Just to show you my life isn't all about scooter or motorcycle, we went kayaking to Meare's Island this summer it was amazing! I love the colour of all the kayaks that tied up together.

This is my favorite picture the colours and I was being arty.

This was my first weekend fully licensed and Motorcycle Man and went on a quest of riding twisties. This was the perfect place in East Sooke. I thought it was a cool picture, when I finished I stopped at the bottom and there was smoke from a campfire billowing through the area. A female bicyclist was standing at the bottom look up and she had to tell me when I stopped, "I looked up and saw you coming around the bend out of the smoke in all of your pink gloriousness and it made me smile!" This was still when I had my beloved pink jacket. It was a pretty awesome day.

This isn't a great picture of me, but it is a significant one for this year, this was taken right after I did my class 6 road test and became a motorcyclist. It was an amazing day and one I will remember always.

I had to sneak in a few more, I just couldn't help myself!

How and why I got into biking

2011-12-04T22:10:00.000-08:00

Another moto blogger Gary 'Flies in your teeth' posed the quetion how did we started riding? I remember when I was a little girl learning to ride a 2 wheeler was not a natural thing to me and I didn't do very well at it. I have a twin sister and she is the definition of perseverance and determination when it came to learning to ride. My dad brought home a 2nd hand blue bike that we shared, that happens a lot when you are twins, you share everything. Unlike scootering and motorcycling my humble two wheeled beginnings were very inauspicious. I was very timid according to my dad - ME TIMID - I don't believe him. Apparently my sister was the daredevil then. I wiped out a couple of times and that was it for me. My sister on the other hand wiped out more than a few times,and in spite of the bloodied knees she got back up and tried again and again. By the end of the day she was zooming down the street. When you are a twin there is a certain amount of "neener neener I can do it and you can't" going on and we were always trying to do something first before the other one did it.

I dragged my dad out when he came home from work. I remember him running behind the bike with a grip on the seat and him yelling encouragingly, "Keep pedaling no matter what you do" then he let go and I was riding my bike. It wasn't all natural after that either, there were still lots of spills and tears, but eventually it all came together. I have to say I admire my twin sister because she was fearless and she was going to do it no matter what. She is still like this today and I think she is pretty special in that regard.

When we were a little older, almost 13 we had a friend who had a brother with a moped, he used to let us ride it around their backyard. It was pretty cool, if my mother only knew what we were doing she would have killed both of us. When we were growing up my whole family rode our bicycles everywhere. Our bikes weren't new to us and were second hand bikes, mine was purple with a banana seat. One day my dad made us go out to the garage to clean them up and when we went out there were two brand new 3 speed bikes in the garage, our old bikes were gone. I can still remember the CCM bike and the shiny green paint and racer handlebars. We rode all over Richmond on those bikes. Back then there were no helmet laws and it could be pretty rough and tumble at times when you went over the bars because you were trying to be a superhero and doing something stupid.

Fast foward to me turning 19 and I met Motorcycle Man a few months before that and he used to pick me up for dates on his Honda V45 Magna. He still has that very bike today and I have sat on the back for 28 years. I talked about learning to ride over the years, but that was about as far as it went. In 1991 I rented a scooter from one of the scooter rental places in Victoria and tootled around for a day and thought it was pretty cool, but it didn't inspire me to get my license. I did start an adventure of living on a floathome up Island and had to commute by car every day, so a scoot was out of the question. We were involved living the life of a young married couple and I was content to sit on the back of Motorcycle Man's ride. Then a beautiful baby girl came along and I never thought about learning to ride again and I very seldom went out on the hub's bike after that.

The reason I got inot motorcycling/scooting is in January 2011, I started scoot commuting because there is a lack of parking at my office building and I am not a good bus commuter. That lead to the fateful test drive where I wiped out a brand new Orange Sym Mio 50cc scoot. Orange is not my favorite colour to this day. I can still hear the grinding screeching sound it made as it skid across the pavement. I think I even remember some spark action too. I remember looking up from the ground and to my surprise the scooter had skid a considerable distance across the pavement from me and thinking, "What the hell happened?" I hopped up, found my shoe that had come off and was absolutely mortified. The first words out of my mouth were, "I'm okay, but does this mean I just bought the scooter?" After a few seconds of stunned silence the fellow who took me on the test drive said, "No, this happens all the time, are you okay?" We both looked like deer in headlights. I surprised him even more about wanting to finish the test drive. After considerable aches and owies hours later, I was still determined to ride. Two days later I bought my vino and then in September wrote my motorcycle learners test and enrolled in a Novice & traffic course and the rest as they say is history.I have also made a very conscious decision to ride ATGATT each and every time I venture forth on my motorcycle or scooter. I am loving my 2 wheeled lifestyle and am passionate about riding my Honda CM 450E or little scooter. I can hardly wait to see where my 2 wheeled adventure takes me.

Just Me & my Shadow

2011-12-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

Fuzzy Galore another moto blogger was out chasing her shadow the other day and asked motorcyclists to post a pic of their shadows. Yesterday I attempted to capture my shadow, but she was elusive and camera shy. Everytime I would get a good burst of sunshine there was no place to pull over and take the shot. I eventually gave up because it was freezing out and it had clouded over. Today however was a different story, brilliant winter sunshine and it was a cool 7C (43F). You somehow don't feel the cold as much when the sun is shining. I soaked up a a ton of vitamin D and got to go for a motorcycle ride! Yay! Now it is time to hurry and get the chores done or I am going to get in trouble for being a Moto Diva slacker.....

To see the original post visit FuzzyGalore.com

Santa Baby....I've been a really good girl!!!

2011-12-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

This is the bike of my dreams. Some moto blogger friends of mine where blogging about the bikes they would buy if money were no object and they could have one for each day of the week. With me being so new to motorcycling and been scooting around on a 50cc scooter for 11 months, I had no idea what my moto dream bike really is and couldn't imagine having to pick 7. I have always loved the look of retro styled bikes and the old Triumphs and Nortons. Yesterday I sat on and fell in love with this beauty. Its going to take awhile before I get anywhere near buying one of these, so I will dream about the day that I am riding one of these, unless Santa decides I've been a good girl.........

Happy December 1st!

2011-12-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

Victoria's Inner Harbor about 8:30am, heavy with floatplane traffic

Happy December 1st ! Today was beautiful and a cold crisp 6 C (42 F). I heard rumor of snow in our forecast, but I am keeping my frozen fingers and toes crossed. Again I am neglecting my chores on a day off and listening to Lucy calling me from the garage because she wants to play. So I geared up and off we went. I thought I had sufficient layers on, but apparently not. I think I need to juice up my gloves and maybe a heated vest. We went for a nice ride out to the Peninsula and back up through farmland. I have to say I am loving the fact it is December 1st and I am out on my bike.

Here are a few pictures of my ride and some festive pics with it being December.

A little more moto rambling. Yesterday I was out to the local Suzuki/Triumph/Ducati dealer and found the perfect pair of boots which are "Guaranteed waterproof" the gentleman that helped me was awesome. The boots fit like a glove and are well made. I am now asking Santa/Motorcycle Man for these. I can't believe how my focus has changed from baubles and bling to everything motorcycle in a mere 11 months. Every since I started my motorcycle journey I have always loved the look of the old Triumphs and have wistfully wanted one. Yesterday while at the dealer, the salesman happily indulged me by pulling out a Bonneville for me to sit on and ogle. It was perfect! It is the perfect height and size and I don't struggle flnging my leg over when I get on it or when I get off. I love the retro styling of it and could see myself riding it. Sigh the sad part is now I will have to save up for it and it may take awhile, but until that time I have my beautiful Lucy, so I am content.

So Santa Baby if you are snooping around my blog all I have to sing is "Santa Baby I've been an awfully good girl....Santa Baby please put a pair of Triumph boots under my tree for me... I don't want baubles or bling...So hurry down the chimney tonight!"

It is full-on Christmas now, time to set up the tree and dip into some Rum & Egg Nog or a decadent Candycane Martini......

Inner Harbor at night festively decorated - No Bah Humbug here....

BC Legislature Building

You had to know I was going to put one of Lucy in here!

Inside the Legislature there is usually a magnificent tree, I am going to have to go and capture some pictures of it, it is truly a beautiful thing to behold.

Perfect day for a winter ride!

2011-11-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

Last night Vancouver Island took a beating from a storm. We had high winds, rain and then hail. It was hailing so hard it sounded like someone was throwing rocks on the roof. At one point we looked out and it was bouncing back off the pavement and the lawn was actually white. The high winds continued through the night and it was a frosty morning. I waited for it to warm up and then decided I would hop on Lucy because it was sunny and my day off. My new gear rocks my world and I am toasty warm in it. I headed out my favorite route West Saanich road out to the Peninsula. I decided to treat myself to lunch at the 3rd Avenue Cafe, it was fabulous! Had a cup or two of the demon bean and had the 3rd Avenue burger. After that I set off for home, but made a detour and buzzed down to Island View beach. It was pretty windy and the remnants from the storm could be seen, it had tossed up a piles of logs on the walk way. I had a wonderful ride and I have to say motorcycling is definitely a zen thing, calms the spirit, releases endorphins and just plain fun.

Lucy has informed me she wants to live in a tropical climate.

2011 A Momentous year for Princess Scooterpie

2011-11-19T22:52:00.000-08:00

2011 has been a momentous year for me. In January of this year I made a fateful decision to start riding a scooter without formal motorcycle training - which turned out to be a bad decision. I had a rather tumultuous start to my scooter journey with a crash on the test drive. (Believe it or not I actually got up off the pavement and finished the test ride) My biggest mistake was getting on the scooter without professional training and not telling my hub, who I affectionally call Motorcycle Man, that I had wiped out. I was pretending to myself that everything was 'fine', but in reality I wasn't fine. I have to say in my defense and shock filled state of mind, I was worried that Motorcycle Man wouldn't let me buy a scooter as a result. It seemed logical at the time.

I called Motorcycle Man at work 6 hours later to come and take me to the ER or clinic because I had hurt myself and was in shock and much to Motorcycle Daughter's utter fear I almost passed out on her several times and she was not very happy with me at all. It is amazing what happens to you several hours after an accident when the adrenalin finally dumps out of your system, you start shutting down from the shock which was worse because I ignored the symptoms. After being checked out and having one hell of a bruise on my thigh, needing some serious pain killers and help just being mobile, I survived. My entire right leg was purple from the crest my hip to down below my knee on the front and back. Luckily I hadn't broken anything, but it hurts like hell when you hit pavement. I could hardly walk and my leg is still suffering the ill effects of my first encounter of the scooter kind, some 11 months ago. I still don't know how I managed to talk Motorcycle Man into purchasing my beautiful sapphire blue 50cc Vino scoot two days later. I was in a rush to get out on the road on my scooter and can't help but think if I had done this properly with professional training I wouldn't have dumped the scooter in the first place. Hindsight is as they say 20/20. So if you are a little myopic, I will lend you my 20/20 hindsight vision and say "GO GET TRAINING"

After my initial rough beginnings I took to the scooter like a duck takes to water. I was in love with everything two wheeled. I thought I would be content with the 50cc's, but after a few scooter adventures out into the country side I knew I needed something bigger, my little scoot is great for in city commuting, but did not allow me to venture onto higher speed roads, which in hindsight is a good thing due to my lack of formal training. After several months of riding I wrote the motorcycle learner's license test and passed. That was September 1st, and it was the day my 2 wheeled life changed, I was elated. I can tell you from firsthand experience that there is a steep learning curve with scootering and motorcycling. Not being prepared for the 3,000 pounds of rolling car death coming your way is a big mistake, they win, you lose and this reality is what made me decide to get professionally trained.

As a fledgling motorcyclist I needed skills that would help me survive in the chaos of traffic and give me the street smarts to know what to do and act reflexively in traffic situations. One bad decision or misjudgement can cost you dearly and for that reason I signed up for a Novice motorcycle course and Traffic Safety course. I chose to do my training with Vancouver Island Safety Council (VISC). It has been the smartest thing I have done since getting on 2 wheels.

On Tuesday, October 18th, I took my ICBC road test and passed. I have had my license for a month! I have also learned that you have to recognize your skill level and ride within it. Over time and experience your skill set grows along with your confidence with continued training. Every time I encounter a situation in traffic I think about it and always wonder "Is there anything I could have done differently or better?" When you stop asking yourself that question it is time to hang up the bike keys, there is always room for improvement and learning.

I am committed to continuing the motorcycle learning process and today I attended a Winter/Wet Weather workshop put on by instructors of VISC. It was an informal workshop, but we covered everything from cold/wet weather gear to driving techniques. It was very informative and helped me think of my riding in these conditions differently and always keep safety first and foremost. We ended our workshop with a group ride and it was a cold and a brilliantly sunny winter day with the temp about 5 to 6 degrees celsius, it was cold, but amazing. I can't tell you how happy I am that I went with VISC, the instructors are professional and their commitment to teaching students safe motorcycling is their first priority. They answered the call of VISC alumni for this type of workshop and encourage us to continue learning and upgrading our skills.

The courses are comprehensive and give you the skills to be a proficient well trained motorcyclist.

See the frost, it was that cold this morning!

VISC Alumni after the classroom session, it was group ride time!

I am in the pink Helmet and my fellow motorcyclist Debra

If you are contemplating becoming a motorcyclist or scooterist, please value yourself enough to take professional training, it may just save your life or someone else's because 'you' won't put their lives at risk because of a bad driving decision you have made. If you have been riding for a long time, it might be time to consider brushing up your skills by taking an Experienced Rider's course, it is never too late to polish up or learn new skills!

For information on courses offered by Vancouver Island Safety Council visit their website www.visafetycouncil.com, email: visc@islandnet.com telephone: 250-478-9583

Winter Day on Vancouver Island

2011-11-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

Wanderings on a Tuesday & another beautiful sunset

2011-11-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

ME!

Oak Bay Marina

Nothing makes me happier after a long day at work to go home and nest with my family, particularly in the winter months. We haven't really started winter yet and we are already longing for the warm days of spring and summer. Autumn in Victoria is spectacular with all the beautiful colors of the trees lining most residential streets. Today was just another ordinary Tuesday and I was slogging it out behind the keyboard, all the while looking out the window and wishing I could play in the sunshine. Lucy as usual was calling from her basement parking spot nagging to come play and ride twisties. On the way home I decided to go the scenic route that I love to take. I never ever get tired of looking at sunsets and the beautiful Strait of Juan de Fuca. The sun was dancing off the water and I know shortly we won't be seeing her as much because old man Winter wants to grip the Pacific Northwest in his frozen grasp. Personally I could say "Buh bye" to old man winter and honestly I don't think I would miss it that much. I did 17 years worth of winters up north and that was enough to last me a lifetime. Hope you enjoy the pictures from my tootle home.

Sunset on Dallas Road at Clover Point

2011-11-10T21:13:00.000-08:00

Today there was a spectacular sunset on Dallas Road at Clover Point. (Vancouver Island)

Today was a spectacularly beautiful warm day for fall, it was much better than was forecasted. I found myself staring wistfully out my window at work all day and could hear Lucy calling to me from the parking garage "Dar come on lets go play, I want to ride twisties!" What made it harder today besides hearing Lucy calling me was that some of my friends from riding school were out enjoying the day. After work I found myself taking the long way home and decided to stop and watch the sunset. It was gorgeous and I snapped a bunch of pictures and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A Poem - In Flanders Fields - By Lt. Col. John McCrae

2011-11-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks still bravely singing fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: short days ago,

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved: and now we lie

In Flanders Fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe

To You, from failing hands we throw

The Torch: be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die,

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

This poem was written by a Canadian Doctor in World War 1, he wrote this poem in memory of a friend. This poem was written as he was sitting on the back of a field ambulance parked at a field dressing station. He was killed during World War 1, but his poem survives and is told to school children throughout Canada. We remember all those who have lost their lives by paying the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.

Tomorrow I will be thinking about my Grandpa Walter, Grandpa Ralph, David my father-in-law and all who have died for freedom. I am grateful to those who serve in the military today who keep us safe and protect our freedoms and country.

May God Bless you all, keep you safe and bring you home.

DROP IT AND DRIVE - GET OFF THE CELLPHONE

2011-11-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

In British Columbia using a handheld cellphone and other handheld devices while driving is ILLEGAL

Cellphones are a modern convenience that most of us now have. I remember back in the 80's when they came out, they were the size of a small brick and just as heavy. Up until about a year ago I resisted getting a cellphone, but that all changed when Scooterpie Junior went into high school, we needed to be connectable for safety reasons. I have never used my cellphone in the car unless I had my bluetooth earpiece. Even with the earpiece I found it distracting enough to make me pull over and carry on the conversation while stopped. Two years ago my cd/player radio toasted in the van and I just haven't bothered to fix it, I kind of like the peace and quiet in the car.

One morning about a year ago I was taking Scooterpie Jr to school and we were almost wiped off the map by someone who was holding a cellphone and 'trying' to drive at the same time. This person made a very illegal lane change, they passed us on the righthand side on a city street where there was no lane and almost hit us. That was it, I told Scooterpie Junior to call 911 on her cellphone and then we reported the driver to the police, I only got a partial license tag, so it wasn't very helpful. I was so shook up and angry that someone could be so careless and take our lives for granted.

Fast forward to today and I now ride a scooter or motorcycle for my commute to/from work. This last 10 months has been an education on the road. I have learned never to take my safety for granted and I have adopted a drive like they don't see me attitude. I am constantly scanning for errant drivers who are not paying attention and can pretty much say that every day I encounter situations on the road where someone is doing something stupid and dangerous. Because of this I wear a bright colored helmet - diva pink and have a hi viz traffic vest over top of my textile riding jacket and people still don't see me. Several times on my commute I have encountered countless drivers who are talking on their cellphones and worse yet texting and I have had to take evasive measures. YOU ARE A DANGER to everyone around you and yourself if you are using your cellphone, GPS unit or snarfing down your breakfast bagel on the way to work while driving.

Riding a motorcycle makes me vulnerable to the 3000 or so pounds of rolling 4-wheeled death that shares the road with me. I also know that if there is an incident I am not going to be the one who walks away with just a little ding on the door and it has the potential to be life threatening and/or a life changing event. I can do everything right and take all of the motorcycle safety courses in the world and it won't matter a rip if someone is an inattentive distracted driver. So you maybe wondering why I still ride? I ride because I like the sense of independence, freedom and love of adventure it gives me, its hard to put into words and only another motorcyclist or scooterist will know what I am talking about and why I ride. That being said, we all have a responsibility to be attentive good drivers, car or motorcycle.

In 2009, BC Solicitor General Kash Heed proposed a new law for BC - a cellphone ban while driving. The cellphone ban became law in January 2010. The law includes a prohibition against using handheld devices; cellphones, ipods, GPS units and any form of text messaging or emailing while driving. Ok, I seriously have to ask who in their right mind could even think that texting in any way shape or form is a safe driving habit? Where has common sense gone? The cellphone law is meant to address driver distractions. Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes from the road or hands from the wheel. Our vehicles have become much more than modes of transportation, they seem almost to have become mini mobile offices for some and to others their cars have almost all the creature comforts of home. When we are in our cars we have several distractions; radios, kids in the backseat, being in a rush to get somewhere, eating food and drinking a cup of the demon bean, thinking about the countless things we have to do and how stressed we are. Your attention is already divided in the car between keeping control of the chaos inside and paying attention to the mayhem that is going on outside, add an electronic device or two and it sounds like the perfect recipe for a disaster in the making.

We are almost two years into the cell phone ban and you would never know it. People seem to be willing to risk the penalty of being caught on the phone or texting and the threat is gone. Drivers have become complacent and are starting to use their cellphones while driving. When I am stopped at lights I see people taking furtive glances at their lap area and you can bet they are texting. Do you really think you are being clever because you are sneaking peeks at your phone - Nooooo you aren't clever, police can spot you a mile away. I've seen people sitting at a red light and they are talking on their phones. Ok people here is the dealio - even stopped at a red light it is STILL ILLEGAL to hold your phone and have a little chat with someone or text. Hello! how about paying attention to your surroundings? You should be scanning the area looking for another idiot like yourself that is driving the 3000 pounds of rolling 4-wheeled death coming up behind you and are about to rear-end you because he finds his conversation more important and interesting than paying attention to the road.

If you are near me and talking on your cell phone or texting I WILL give you a wicked Moto Diva stare and probably memorize your license plate number, find the nearest & safest place to stop & pull over and call the police and report you.

GET OFF YOUR CELLPHONE AND STOP TEXTING. PLEASE SEE THE PICTURE BELOW - THESE ARE THE PEOPLE I NEED TO COME HOME TO.

2011 Rider's For Safety - A Call for Concrete Barriers on TCH/MALAHAT

2011-11-06T00:37:00.000-07:00

Malahat Fire Chief Robert Patterson with Riding Community Members during the moment of silence to commemorate ALL persons who have died on the TCH/Malahat.

Saturday, November 5th, 2011, Motorcyclists from across Victoria's Capital Region gathered at Ogden Point for the 2011 Rider's For Safety event. Approximately 300 riders came together to ride to the Victoria Legislature to hold a remembrance vigil, one week to the day and hour of the latest crash on the TCH/Malahat. Last Saturday a motorcyclist was killed at 3:45pm near the Shawnigan Lake Turn-off. If concrete dividers had been in place it may have changed the outcome of the accident for the motorcyclist. The purpose of the Rider's For Safety event is to raise road safety awareness on the TCH/Malahat and to commemorate ALL lives lost on this road; motorcyclist and vehicle driver. This continues to be the RFS focus and will be until BC Government Officials choose to install concrete dividers and enhance safety on the highway.

Vancouver Island is home to Trans Canada Number 1 Malahat Highway. This is a gorgeous drive/ride, but also deadly when people become inattentive at the wheel engaging in things as mundane as, taking a sip of coffee, texting or using their cell phones, ipods, GPS units and other gadgets that are now routinely found in cars. These devices are distractions to driver's and it is that fraction of a second that can and does change lives irrevocably, shattering the lives of other drivers and all too often motorcyclists. Texting and handheld cellphone and device use is illegal in the Province of BC. Other accident factors such as speeding and driving while under the influence have played a factor in crashes in the past on the Malahat.

Motorcyclists and scooterists are the most vulnerable of all highway users and more often than not when they are involved in a collision with a car the motorcyclist/scooterist is the clear loser in these accidents. People who were otherwise productive citizens are no longer capable of reaching their potential due to debilitating traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and drastic decline in their pre-accident health status. Some are lucky and are able to return to their pre-accident status as functioning individuals and others who are less fortunate require extensive rehab or care 24/7/365 for the rest of their lives. These events alter the lives of everyone concerned; the victim, their families and the driver responsible for the accident.

The Trans Canada Malahat requires concrete barriers to be installed from Goldstream to Mill Bay. The purpose of the concrete barriers is to keep cars in their lanes and stop them from crossing the centre line. Unfortunately this happens several times a year on the Malahat, often with deadly consequences or lives so shattered that human potential has been damaged beyond repair. Malahat Fire Dept Chief Robert Patterson is a strong advocate for concrete barriers on the Malahat. He and his fire fighters are the ones who are called away from their homes as first responders. They are the ones who scrape people off the pavement, they are the ones who hold the hand of someone who is dying and they are the ones who live with the memory of what they have witnessed. They are the ones who know that a concrete divider will make a difference in accident outcomes on the Malahat. Just this one single act of installing concrete dividers will change the scope of accidents on the Malahat. There still will be crashes, but at least drivers will not be crossing the centre line into on-coming traffic. The cost of a barrier would be minimal compared to the human cost in tragedy and what the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia would pay out for medical expenses, i.e. rehab, disability and claim settlement. Honestly why do we continue to let the carnage happen? How many more people have to die? We deserve to have safe highways, our fire fighters, paramedics and police officers deserve better, they should not have to witness the carnage knowing that it could have been different, because of the installation of a concrete median.

I call on everyone in the driving community to do their part, drivers put down the cell phone, stop texting, stop diverting your attention from the road, keep both hands on the wheel. Engage in road safety habits, don't speed, stop being an aggressive driver. Motorcyclists/scooterists take motorcycle training courses, you will be a better and safer rider. Promise yourself you will be a better driver every time you get behind the wheel or on your bike and if you can't - don't drive.

The human price paid from motor vehicle accidents is just too high for this to continue and it is up to us to let politicians know we demand a safer Malahat highway.

I urge you to write a letter (not email) to the

Provincial Minister of Transportation & Highways: Honourable Blair Lekstrom,

PO Box 9055 STN
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT,

VICTORIA, BC, V9W 9E2

**PLEASE SEND A COPY OF YOUR LETTER TO YOUR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (MLA).

To find your MLA visit www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-7.htm

Vancouver Island Safety Council Motorcycle Safety Instructors

Rider Kristy Falconer leading Chief Robert Patterson into Ogden Point

Estimated 300 Riders from the Vancouver Island Motorcycling Community

Motorcyclists parked their bikes along the driveway of the Provincial Legislature -
*At the time this picture was taken all riders had not arrived, they continued to stretch the entire length of the driveway right to where you see the white bus parked curb side. It was an awe inspiring sight to behold.
The ride was completed without incident and ALL riders followed road laws.

Many riders including myself wore Caution signs on the back
of our riding gear to show who we NEED to come home to

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19NyvhrffcY

www.youtube.com
Wayne Williams shot this video of our event it shows how big the event was, note that as he walks with his camera he shows the motorcyclists coming up the driveway, they a wrapped around the side street still waiting to enter. 300!

Can you see me now??

2011-11-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Can you see me now?

The most important thing is motorcycling and scootering is conspicuity. In my pink diva gear I was very conspicuous, now that I am getting a new jacket and it is black, I have made the decision to wear a hi-viz safety vest, particularly at night or when I am on the highway. This cool little vest has red LEDs that you can leave on steady light pattern or on flashing. I will take any opportunity I can to be visible and if these sparkly little red led lights do that then great. My daughter jokingly said we don't need a Christmas tree up and all we have to do is put an angel on top of my head and wear a few Christmas baubles for earrings and we are good to go. If you think I am dorky I seriously don't care, I want cars & truck drivers to see me and this is just the ticket.

If you are wondering where I got this lovely little vest, it was from Capital Iron, full price it was $19.99. but they are 50% off and I plunked down $11.19 for this sparkly little baby. The gal said they were selling well at their full, price, now they will be gone for sure.

Vancouver Island Motorcycle Riders for Safety Event

2011-11-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Event: Riders for Safety

Date: Saturday, November 5th, 2011 @ 2:30pm

Details: Riders will gather at Ogden Point at 2:30pm and then ride to the BC Legislature in an effort to Raise Road Safety Awareness on the Trans Canada (Malahat) highway. At 3:45pm there will be a moment of silence in memory of ALL Motorcyclists and Vehicle Drivers who have lost their lives on this highway. Please join us for the ride. Please wear your motorcycle gear.

**If your bike is off the road due to the winter season, please come down to the Legislature between 3:15 to 3:30pm. **Please wear your gear to identify yourself as a member of he riding community.

Anyone who is concerned about

Malahat safety is invited to attend

Bwahhhha!! Happy Hallowe'en!!!!!

2011-10-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

I have to admit Hallowe'en is one of my favorite holidays. Every year I decorate the house and make it a scary place to come and ask for candy. My neighborhood kids love coming to our house and they bring their friends who have never experienced my witchingly scary behavior. I do very theatrical make-up and stand as stiff as a statue holding a broom in the front yard. The first time I did it I scared Motorcycle Man and our doggis wouldn't even look at me and cowered in the corner. Motorcycle Man is a key player in my little macabre theatre performance, he plays the nice guy at the door and then I scare the living pee out of them after they come down the stairs. I stand as still as a statue and wait for them to get by me on the way out and scare them. One little kid came up to me and said to his dad, "She's not real is she dad, she's not real." His dad knew and said, "Nope she's not real." Bwahhha! This little kid came up to me and poked me in my tummy a couple of times and I didn't even flinch. When the weevil came down the stairs and was beside me I let out a witchy cackle and threatened to put him in my stew pot or turn him into a wee froggy. He screamed and almost peed his pants. His dad was in stitches and found it hilarious. (I generally wait for a nod from the parents that it is okay to scare their offspring.)

I thought my motorcycle license looked bad! I am just Boo-tiful!

I am however a witch with a consciences, I don't scare little tiny kids or pregnant women - I accidentally did that one year and the lady peed her pants and almost went into labour. Whoops! ( I think that was a bad karma getting moment) So if you are sending your evil weevils to my house prepared for them to need pampers.

Happy Hallowe'en!!!! Bwahhhhaaaaaa!!!!!

Bras on Broad - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer's affecting women. 1 in 9 women are expected to develop breast cancer. This year alone in Canada approximately 23,400 women will be diagnosed and of those 5,100 will die from the disease. It is not only a woman's cancer, men can develop breast cancer as well. Approximately 190 males in 2011 developed breast cancer and about 55 will die from it. If you are a woman, getting regular mammograms and practicing breast self examination are your best tools to fight the disease. If you are a mom and have a daughter(s) take the time to show them how to do the exam properly, it is a gift you are giving your daughter. (stats provided by Canadian Cancer Society)

For more information about breast cancer and other forms of cancer please visit the Canadian Cancer Society website at www.cancer.ca Together we can beat cancer.

KoolFM in Victoria hosts Bras On Broad, this is a yearly event to raise breast cancer awareness and raise funds for breast cancer treatment and cure. They collect donated bras, string them together and hang them on the along Broad Street. Pretty cool! They accept cash donations, as well as new or gently used bras which will be donated to Women In Need. The event is today, October 28th, until 5:00pm.

All of these beautiful bras will be donated to Women In Need.