Merry Refreshmas 2011

Here we are, the final Refreshmas of 2011. It's been quite a year of events, emotions and changes. Now a time to reflect and say goodbye to 2011 - a bonenkai of sorts. And, what better way than with a lovely 17 year old Hibiki?

a toss up

It's been a very busy month. November is the cold, dark, wet, indoor time of year. More than one good photo was snapped. The 5 a.m. Saint was a lovely find and will, no doubt, appear in a future Refreshmas celebration.

Monster chiller horror refreshmas!

This month's title? An homage to SCTV. To you, my warm wishes on a chilly October Refreshmas. Tell your friends. Refreshmas only grows when shared.

Autumn 2011 - A chill is in the air

What a difference a day makes. Refreshmas eve was freakishly warm and humid. And then, the rains came. And the wind. Today there is a chilly bite in the air.
Might be time to relax with a nice single malt...

Ah August...

August in Vancouver. It ain't Tokyo heat, but still an excellent opportunity for a refreshing beverage or two. No time for writing. Relax and enjoy. There'll be time for writing soon.

Oh good golly!

A strange title.... but one that just came to me as the window opened for me to create the blog post for Refreshmas July 2011.

Good golly! happy?
Good golly! surprised?
Good golly! another refreshmas?

All of the above? We're fully entrenched in summer though we're only beginning to feel it at this end. Here's a refreshing sunset at Kitsilano Beach overlooking English Bay. But.... where's the beverage?



Had a friend over the other week. A whiskey drinker - a fine lass. I pulled out all my whole collection. Looks pretty good to see it all together. Not sure if it's the best for a summer refreshmas. I might want to wait for a colder season...

Until then, how about a cola?

Summer is here... in theory.

It' summer 2011, in theory. It's been unseasonably chilly. I see it is unseasonably hot and humid in Tokyo. Either way celebrate refreshmas. Why? Because it's summer, it's saturday and it's time.

This month: a Caesar on the patio in False Creek

The world didn't end, so that's something...

A chilly Refreshmas for May 2011. The world didn't end, so that's something. Enjoy.
This month.... an "interesting" installation at the Ebisu Beer Museum in Ebisu, Tokyo.

My final Refreshmas in Japan (for now)

After four years in Japan, I am returning to Canada. This is my final Refreshmas in Japan - for now. But, Refreshmas will continue. It must. Now it is spreading globally! Tell your friends.

I leave you with two photos that are memorable for me.

Wishing you a very merry Refreshmas for April 2011!

Wonderful and dramatic cherry blossoms of Kinuta Koen. This is one of my favorite spot in Tokyo.



Baird - some of the finest beer made no matter where you are from. I even got the T-shirt (Thanks Erik!)

March 2011

Out of respect for recent events, I am not celebrating Refreshmas this month.

Refreshmas on a Friday?

Refreshmas is on a Friday this month. Oh, and hey, it's pay day too?! Well, waddya know?

W-w-w-where's the photo of the delicious refreshing beverage?

This month, it's inside. congrats to the Baird Brewing on the opening of their newest (#4) locale in Bashamichi, Yokohama.

The refreshmas is on the inside.

The 1st of 2011

Happy New Year and all that. It is the year of the rabbit in the land of the rising sun. I am back in Japan after a lovely visit to Canada during Festivus and New Years.
This month's refreshmas photo introduces a refreshing new beverage from the good folks at Suntory. This is a 0% malt beverage. I know what you are thinking. But, it is quite refreshing - zero calories & zero alcohol. After many celebrations - parties, dinners, bounenkai's, and shinenkai's it is nice to refresh with a lovely alternative beverage...for a little while.