Peter's Pictures

Winnipeg, MB to Abbotsford, BC

2006-10-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

The Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina. It was in this building that Tommy Douglas tabled the very first medicare bill in Canada.

The chapel of Briercrest College in Caronport, SK where I attended for two years before wandering over to Waterloo, ON.

Naomi, trying to open the door of Hillson Hall, where she stayed in her first year in 2004

I was also stationed in Hillson Hall, back when it was a guys dorm.

The Moose Jaw grain elevator. Moose Jaw was the nearest 'city' to Caronport, about a 15 min drive away. Caronport had NO services, so we were forced to go there for just about everything. Gotta love slurpee runs in the dead of winter at midnight!

Naomi driving away!

The summer between high school and college I worked as a farm hand in the tiny little hamlet of Rosemary, AB, about two hours east of Calgary. This was the house that I lived in, all by myself, for two months. I drove a beat up 1980 Chevy truck, and worked with one of the best bosses I have ever had. Larry Wiens taught me so much about life and hard work. I will never forget that summer.

Calgary, AB

The Alberta prairie... Driving down Highway One, with nothing in front of me but blue sky, the occasional tree and fields upon fields of canola, barley and alfalfa.

A lone abandoned shack in the middle of a field of yellow canola.

Just past Calgary, heading into the foothills, there was quite the storm brewing. I love cloud formations, and I thought this one was particularly exciting.

A glacier in the Rockies

One of my favourite shots... it was taken just past Lake Louise. I love the pristine river, the trees so green and the moutains rising up in the distance. Just breathtaking.

Mt. Revelstoke, Revelstoke, BC. This moutain is in the Purcell mountain range.

Lake Shushwap, in the BC Interior. This lake is world renowned for its houseboats. Rather than having cottages, many British Columbians have houseboats and spend their summers boating this beautiful lake.

Minneapolis to Winnipeg

2006-07-25T00:56:00.000-07:00

I loved the reflection of the Minnesota fields in the back of the tanker truck, and just had to try and get a picture.

Swimming in one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes.

Chillin' like a villain

The Metrodome, home of the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings

St. Pauls Cathedral in St. Paul, MN. The interior was beautiful, but since we walked in rather loudly and crashed a funeral, we figured we'd leave the interor shots to someone else.

The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, MN

Minneapolis, MN

Beer and Wings in Fargo, ND.

The ruins of the Church at St. Boniface, Manitoba home of the Red River Rebellion

The grave of Louis Riel, Métis leader of the Red River Rebellion and put to death for Treason after being captured at in the aftermath of the Battle of Batoche, in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. He was perhaps the leader of the only civil war in Canada, a war that never really got off the ground. The battleground in Saskatchewan is awesome to visit, and especially meaningful for every little boy and girl who hears of the (in)famous Louis Riel in their Canadian history class. To many, he was a hero andsome might even say that the beginning of the modern political phenomenon of Western Alienation began with him in the 1880's.

Family: (l-r top) Rosalind, Uncle Tim, cousin Angie, myself, and cousin Sam, with Aunt Laurinda and Naomi on the bottom

Rosalind, Naomi and I in a telephone booth for one of Naomi's many photo ops.

A neo-gothic Anglican church in Winnipeg

Winnipeg, MB

The Manitoba Provincial Legislature, in Winnipeg

My sister Rosalind and I. She is surrently working on a Masters in Psychology with specialization in Family Counselling at Providence Seminary in Winnipeg, MB

Me, driving my sisters car. Thats why theres pink everywhere. It's my sisters car. I swear.

Detroit to Chicago

2006-07-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

Selected pictures from the trip from Detroit to Chicago.

Detroit, MI, as seen from Windsor, ON

Hanging out on a hot muggy day in Indianapolis, IN. That fountain just looked too good to let be. So I cooled myself off just a little!

So Naomi decides she hadn't had enough excercise, and gets this crazy idea to rent a paddle boat and paddle down the canal that runs through the centre of Indianapolis... Well, apparently I was the one who hadn't got enough excercise, since I came down with a little bout of heat exhaustion by the time the boat ride was done! Haha good times though...

The RCA Dome, home of the Indianapolis Colts

The WWI and WWII War Memorial. Indianapolis features three blocks dedicated to the memory of American soldiers lost in all of the modern wars. It was quite a sobering tour.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the worlds largest spectator stadium. The day before we were there saw the conclusion of the U.S. Grand Prix in the Formula 1 Circuit.

My first time visiting the wonderful state of Illinois

Baling hay, the Amish way. (Near Arthur, IL)

An Illinoisian sunset, as seen just south of Decataur, IL

Chicago, IL, as seen from the highway, about 10 miles out.

Ant's Eye View of the Sears Tower, the tallest office building in North America

North Chicago, as seen from the Sears Tower

The John Hancock Center, as seen from the Sears Tower

Riding the subway. We set up our tripod and took the picture right in the middle of the busy subway. That was fun!

If a girl gives you a flower, the appropriate response is "mmmm food!"

Naomi, talking on her phone, at Moody Bible Institute. I like this shot because it is candid and is a very good picture of my sister.

The north end of Chicago from Navy Pier. The cityscape is so spread out that it is hard to get a good shot of the whole city, unless you go out into Lake Michigan.

The south end of Chicago, as seen from the John Hancock Center, with the Sears Tower to your far right.

Night shot of Chicago, from the Hancock Center

Towards the west, from the Hancock Center.

We saw the July 4 Fireworks from the top of the Hancock Center. Once I figure out how to upload video, I'll show you a video. I must admit to being disappointed with the view. They looked small from the top of the tower, and the noise of the explosions and the people around all contribute to the viewing experience.

Canada Day in Ottawa, ON

2006-07-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper addressing the crowd

A Canadian Mountie! They had just completed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride, right on the front lawn of Parliament

Naomi and I showing our true Canadian colours, in front of the beautiful building that is the Canadian Parliament Building

A view of Parliament from the rear, with the library in the foreground. This was taken from the Museum of Civilization across the river in Gatineau, Quebec

The Governer-General Michaelle Jean inspecting the troops. As representative of the Queen in Canada, she holds the most power, though her position is now largely symbolic and diplomatic.

Canada Day Fireworks, being shot from the bridge between Gatineau, QC and Ottawa, ON, slightly to the east of Parliament Hill. These pictures do not do the show justice, and I think this show was probably the best fireworks show I have ever seen.

Mennonite Country, St, Jacobs, ON

2006-06-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

Don't I look cool?

Doing business with a Mennonite woman

Horse and Buggy, the primary mode of transportation for a Mennonite family

My sister posing at St. Jacobs Farmer's Market, where you can get homemade sausage, maple syrop, lots of meats and cheese, and freshly grown Ontario produce.

Yes, they even use horses to farm

Playing Baseball during recess

We accidentally cut this woman off as she was entering her driveway.

A Mennonite Church, complete with an unmarked cemetery

Little Mennonite Children in a wagon

A Mennonite Barnraising. This is a church/community event. As we passed by, you could see the women and children scurrying about the yard, preparing lunch for the men, working on the barn. The yard was full of buggy's, and a sense of community was evident, even from the road.

And to think this is only 15 mins to the north of Waterloo...

CN Tower/Toronto

2006-06-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

The Worlds Tallest Phallic Symbol!

View from the Skypod, 1465 Feet in the air

The University of Toronto

So, it's a phallic symbol? ;)

Towards the North

Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors

The (former) Skydome with the reflection of the CN Tower

The Glass Floor, 1222 Feet in the air

Me and the beautiful city of Toronto

A gorgeous city, if you ask me.

Montreal, May 19-21, 2006

2006-05-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

Some selected pictures from my trip to Montreal, QC over the Victoria Day weekend, 2006.

La Belle Province!

Montreal is well known for its comedy festivals, and so Naomi and I decided to take in a show at the Comedyworks Club.

Eating Crepes for Breakfast

About to get on the Metro

The city of Montreal from the Mont Royal, known to locals as 'The Mountain"

In the background, a Catholic Church. In the foreground, a Muslim Mosque. Montreal is a very cosmopolitan city, featuring many people from many cultures and religions.

A beautiful city...

Some buildings of McGill University

Olympic Stadium, built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, has been a financial nightmare for Montrealers. Now sitting empty (The Expos left for Washington DC two seasons ago), it has yet to be paid off.

The Arts Building at McGill University

I like the reflections...

Checking off Montreal on my list. Naomi and I have a list of 50 cities in North America. The goal is to visit all 50 cities. The first person to do so, wins. This is a life-long contest, but at the rate we're going, we'll have completed it by the time we're 35.

A stunning juxtaposition, the gothic styled Christ Church Cathedral stands tall in front of a modern skyscraper.

A micro-brewery in Vieux-Montreal where my sister and I had some amazing ribs and freshly vrewed beer.

\

I'd like to try the One-Metre Beer sometime...

Satisfied

A cobblestone street in Vieux-Montreal

That was damn good beer!

The Basilique Notre Dame de Montreal

Naomi and I took in a mass at the Basilique. Worshipping God in such an ornately decorated sanctuary was enjoyable.

I don;t know that woman, but this is one of the best shots I was able to get.

Saint Joseph's Oratory. A Basilica dedicated to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The original keeper, Brother André, is interred in the building. He claims that miricles performed can be attributed to Joseph. Brother André has been beatified by Pope John Paul II, and is one miracle away from becoming a saint.

I was unable to get any good pictures, but the views from the Corinthian columns of the north Island of Montreal are incredilble.

Joseph and child

The Sanctuary of the Basilica.

Peter and Naomi in Toronto, May 13, 2006

2006-05-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Naomi and I having dinner at The Duke of Richmond at Queen and Yonge, beside City Hall

Canada Flag, flying in front of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Naomi and I in the lobby at the Fairmont Royal York

Riding the Subway

The CN Tower, as seen from the University of Toronto

The reflection of a U of T building

Knox College, University of Toronto

Trintiy College, University of Toronto

University College, University of Toronto

Lambourghini at Yonge and Dundas

CN Tower and Skydome, hidden by construction, from the Gardiner Expressway

View at Yonge and Queen, towards the financial district

Me, having a beer

Me, hard at work

2005-12-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

These pictures are NOT great pictures. For one, I had taken off my goatee a couple of days before, and I don't like being clean shaven for very long. For two, I'm at work. A guy never looks his best when he is at work. I work at Schneider Foods in Kitchener, ON, a subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods. We make most of the weiners that are consumed in Canada, as well as a good deal of brand name deli meats and bacon. I work in the distribution department, as a stacker driver. Right now I am on repos/stores, which means that I grab loads of boxed product and either put it away in its proper location for shipping at a later time, or I take it from a place in storage and put it in a location where the order-fillers can get at it to ship it out.

Remember, these pictures are not the best pictures of me. So don't laugh too hard.

Home Part One

2005-09-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

This is a section of White Rock, B.C., just south of Vancouver. The Pacific Ocean is to your right, with Mt. Baker in the background. Click on the photo to blow it up to full size as the view is simply spectacular.

My friend Joe and I took a trip up to Mt. Baker, WA on Saturday, Sept 24. Joe is working in the Vancouver area on assignment (he normally works here in Kitchener, ON). The rental company gavce him a sweet deal on a 2005 Ford Mustang convertable, so we enjoyed it as much as we could. It really is a beuatiful car in front of a beautiful mountain. That mountain is probably my favourite thing about living inn Abbotsford. It is the most beautiful peak I have ever seen.

Mt. Baker in all her glory.

This was taken at sunday dinner. My family, and I (minus my sister Rosalind who resides in Winnipeg) enjoyed a freshly caught Salmon dinner. It was utterly phenomenal. From left to right, Abigail, Annabelle, Naomi, Leona, Dad, Myself, Mom.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting my friends James and Angela. They had a son on September 9th. I had hoped to be in Abby when Ange gave birth, but that was not to be. I was really glad to finally meet Owen. Here he is behaving, but I don't think he liked his unlce Peter very much, I had a hard time keeping him from crying.

More pictures to come. Joe took a lot of pictures, specifically of Baker and of the lower mainland. DSue to size, he only emailed me a few. When he gets back here in mid October I will upload more. Until then, enkoy with me this wonderful trip that I had back to B.C.

Sunset at Wreck Beach, Vancouver Canada, Aug 2004

2005-08-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

For those of you who do not know, Wreck Beach is a nude beach. Nude beach or not, it is one of the clearest and best places in the Vancouver area to see the sunset and to enjoy an unobstructed view of the ocean. Most beaches in the area have noticable elements of the city within view, but Wreck Beach prides itself in being just tucked out of the way so that when you look out in the ocean, all you see is ocean and land masses that jut out into the ocean. It is one of my favourite places to visit when I am home in Vancouver during the summer.

Toronto

2005-08-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Skyline from the Toronto Islands

Myself, Annabelle and Abigail

CN Tower and Skydome, now named after the Rogers Corporation. I will always call it Skydome.

Home of the Toronto Maple Leafs until 1999. To be converted into a grocery store by the end of the years

Niagara Falls

2005-08-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Thurley Family Patriarch, my dad, Norman Thurley. He's cool. Odd, but cool. Earlier this week he started talking to the cute waitress at the restaurant where we were having a late breakfast. He was almost flirting with her, and I was embarrassed. And then I realized what he was doing. He was asking her questions that related to things I was doing, in such a way that I had to pipe in and respond to her answers. My dad was trying to set me up with a waitress. What a guy!

The Niagara River, running from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario

The Tomb of General Brock, commander of the British Forces who went up against the American commander General Stephan Van Renssellaer at the Battle of Queenston Heights on October 13, 1812. The defeat of the Americans proved to be key in defending the invasion of Upper Canada by the Americans, preventing Canada from becoming a State of the Union.

The American Falls, Niagara Falls, NY

Horseshoe Falls, The Canadian Falls, Niagara Falls, ON

Miscellany

2005-08-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

It's me. A bit of an oddball pic, but I actually like it.

How many words can you make out of the word 'Mountains'? That was the kids game I played, while waiting for food at a family restaurant in St. Catharines ON. Those sheets should really include more than 6 lines.

My family, minus Naomi, in front of Niagara Falls. From L-R - Abigail (14) myself, Leona (21), Mom, Rosalind (22), Annabelle (17) and Dad. My dad is a strange character, I have no idea why he decided to wear his shirt that way. Rosalind has a bit of a scowl, and my clothes make it look like I have a head and shoulders and legs. While you can't actually see the Falls, they are there!

Abigail and I. I have a hard time with open eyes during pictures. I do not know why.