I have left the freezing minus 22 at Big White for a slightly warmer climate... 

4 degrees?! It's almost t-shirt weather ;)

 I've got two week before heading home to Aus for some proper sunshine. 

In the meantime I'm hangin out in Vancouver.. seein some sights!

Like a giant snow man...

 ...a steaming clock...

 sunset at Kitsilano beach

Granville market, which I could spent days in... SO much good food and crafts

 mmmmm dessert

 two more sleeps and I'm home bound 

:)

 Another vintage over for the year which calls for time to relax. I booked a room with a bath, an amazing view and in walking distance of JB and Marty who are living up the road. 

I have been here for 2 days already and I don't think Ive met a Canadian! The Aussie's are running the show here at Big White- with the occasional kiwi thrown in the mix!

 Its a bit crazy how beautiful it is here!

Big White!

This week I'm at a ski resort called Big white.

This is the view from my window this morning... feeling very relaxed :)

Ice Wine time

Did I say no more fruit?! Spoke too soon! 

Normally the ice wine grapes aren't picked until around Christmas so I didn't think our crew would get a chance to bring it in. However the last few mornings at work have been well into the negative numbers, making it a good time to pick and process the frozen grapes

They are pressed in basket presses which is very cool :)

Its safe to say everyone was looking forward to a hot shower after work today!

Birds...

Birds in the sky at work are craaaaaazy... and mesmerizing

Halloween at the Hawthorn House

Smile frown?! try it.... its pretty funny! 

 loads of deer about, and they are pretty friendly... (all with freakishly big ears!)

 we had a dump of snow as well which was pretty exciting!

 This years Halloween was celebrated with a party at our vintage house..

 we each carved a couple of pumpkins...

 ...this one is my masterpiece

 along with all the others :)

 dressed up...

 it was a very drunk night... four people puked (no.... I was not included in that four!), we let off some fire works and played beer pong.

 good times :)

 and then dealt with the clean up the next day!!

Meanwhile at work, we got the last of the fruit in (HOORAY!) 

Now just a couple more weeks of clean up and I'll be done!

Donuts anyone?

 The Okanagan produces some amazing produce. The fresh food here is delicious...I'm getting used to eating organic ;) 

Last week Tracey and I made donuts... It was our first attempt and we were pretty happy with the results.

First the dough....

 Vince made a delicious chocolate glaze

Then we shallow fried them and Tracey made some custard

 Then we filled them with custard, or jam, rolled some in sugar and glazed the rest

 YUM!

 Taste explosion.... all over Tracey!

Oktoberfest Penticton style

 Last night I ventured into Penticton to go to Oktoberfest at the convention centre.

The photos say it all really.... many many beers consumed! 

 I love beer?!

 some needed to be carried home :p

Voilet Beauregarde?!

Digging out tanks is up there with my favorite things to do at work

 I have set a personal record of being at work for only 2 hours and getting the messiest I have probably been to date.... yes..... it looks like I may have been shot or may be turning into a blueberry?!

 some pretty cool moments while making wine that I think are photo worthy... like below, I was sucking the juice off the top of what is called Lees (its the solids settle on the bottom of the tank)

 Thanks to Dad and Julie for the cash to get a new work jacket. BOY am I glad to have it... it's getting seriously cold!

Monday marked another year older on my Calender and although I had to work, my friends and I went out for the dinner at a nearby Indian restaurant which was lovely :)

 

 Everyone here knows me so well already.... I was very spoiled with some amazing gifts

and CAKE :D