Barbara had her first birthday party. It was great to have both sets of grandparents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins come. Beyond anything else, it amazes me how much joy our little Barbie-Lou brings into the lives of those who know her. She is growing by leaps and bounds. During the summer she has started to walk (with us holding her hands, of course), had her second bottom tooth and first top teeth come in, and has started saying a few more words. "Mum", "Dad", "No", "Jesus" (when she sees a picture of Him), and "Star Trek" are common. Just in the last few days she has added "Up" and is almost at other words. She opens cupboard doors, then looks at Heather or myself. We tell her to close them, and she does, then immediately starts to clap her hands with joy. It's as if she does it just so we will praise her. It is one of the many adorable things that she does. She laughs out loud when others laugh, she can tell us what chickens, dogs, and cows say (but only when she wants to), and she enjoys just about all kinds of food. In July we went to Vancouver for our anniversary, and for one of our meals I ordered a root beer float. I gave her a little taste of it, and she was hooked. She would pound the table and yell to get my attention for more root beer float. Well, it runs in the family I guess.
Speaking of Vancouver, we had a great time. We reconnected with our friends the Barbers, saw both the Aquarium and the zoo there, and watched fireworks on the beach. It was a great time. We drove there, and I was impressed with how pretty British Columbia is. We drove out in one day, but decided to take two days to come back. I think we will likely be making this trip more often.
The flood cleanup continues, and little by little the area recovers. Much of the big work is done, but much that is easy to overlook remains. I did help out in High River for cleaning up, and was saddened by the amount of destruction that had occurred there. The Stampede went on, but the concerts that are associated with it were either rescheduled, relocated, or cancelled. The Saddledome is still being worked on, as are many homes. Thousands of people are likely going to have to move, and the province is helping with the finances of that. Of particular note to me is the Calgary Zoo. Happy to report that the loss of animal life was low (four peacocks, one pot-bellied pig, and the tanks of tilapia and piranhas died), but the South America building was beyond repair, and all of their animals were relocated. That includes little Tunku, the male white-handed gibbon that I had become so attached to. He and his mate were sent to Safari Niagra, and it is a good home there. Much of the zoo is still closed, but they did open the northern part on July 31. The best part of this is the feeling of support that has been coming from so many people and institutions who are reaching out to the zoo. The Vancouver Aquarium had a bake sale as a fund raiser, the Discovery Wildlife Park (which we went to on July 20) had a day where all gate proceeds went to the zoo, numerous zoos across the country took in our displace animals, kids sold lemonade, and countless of hours were contributed to the clean up and rebuilding. It is sad, but heart-warming at the same time.
The biggest event for me this year was attending the huge Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas. I loved it! I went with my oldest and one of my dearest friends, Matt Harker. We had a great time (though I missed Heather and Barbara terribly). We met many great celebrities and fans alike. For the Top Ten, I thought I would give you the Top Ten Personal Moments for me at this convention:
10. Anthony Montgomery. He played Travis Mayweather in Enterprise. He had us doing the Harlem Shake. He is funny, kind, goofy, and a superhero fan like myself.
9. Rick Worthy. He played a few Trek characters, my favorite being the Arboreal Xindi leader Jannar. He was so funny and yet so humble as well. I had the opportunity to talk to him in the hallway and the elevator. He became one of my favourites easily.
8. Getting my picture taken on the bridge of the Enterprise. I took the first officer's seat, Matt was in the Captain's chair, and we had anyone else who was in costume come.
7. Being a part of the record attempt to have the most people in Trek Costume in one place. Terry Farrell brought us to 1085.
6. Getting my picture taken with Richard Kiel, who having never been in Trek, was still invited. He played "Jaws" in two James Bond movies. My mother raised me on Trek, and my father raised me on 007. Roger Moore will always be my favourite Bond, and Jaws was my favourite villain. Richard was super nice, and suggested he put us in a headlock for the photo. We loved it!
5. The DS9 panels. Having the main cast and guest cast reunite on stage was wonderful. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of DS9 was one of the main reasons we went. They were all great, and I got to meet most of them and get their autographs.
4. Armin Shimmerman. I must admit that he was one of the best experiences. He took time to talk, get to know me a bit, and was such a genuinely nice person. His wife of 33 years was also there, and they were a really sweet couple. I hope he comes to Spock Days.
3. Meeting people from around the world! Made new friends from New York, Ohio, and England among other places.
2. Photo with William Shatner! Three seconds of delight!
1. James Darren, who played Vic Fontaine, was such a delight. He even recorded a message for Heather. A real class act.
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