Anthony's Adventures

Movie shoot on knappen

2007-04-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

So I came home to find all these people chilling on my front porch. Tristan had been watching the "shoot" since like seven, it ended at one thirty am. So he put in some serious porch time. Suddenly my front yard was filled with lights and reflectors.

They tweaked out the lamp in front of my house, and set up some huge reflectors.

Out of no where my mom appeared. She basically forced me to take a photo of her standing in front of the set.

I got video footage of the actual car crash. It was pretty epic, the woman driving the car full on side swiped a parked car, then tore off down the street while two dudes chased her on foot.

Finally a warm spring weekend!

2007-04-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning Chels, and I decided to have breakfast at the Forks. For the first, and coincidentally the last time we ate at the Pancake house. Chelsea noticed a hair on her eggs. Desiriing not to eat these eggs, she sent them back. Less than two minutes later she had a new plate. Clearing the hashbrowns from her eggs she found the same hair still on her eggs. She, for good reason, could not be convinced to have anything else off their menu. So, she got nothing to eat while I ate for free. We recovered this experience by buying some coffee and sitting outside. Later that evening; after Chelsea spent some time studying, and I had spent some time at Cliff's place celebrating the birth's of many children; we headed down to Melissa's house for the first weiner roast of the season. I got the fire going, one match.

Melissa's new picnic supplies. She was pretty excited!

Barkman made it out for the weiner roast.

Sunday Chels, and I picked up some Palatal and headed to the assininboine park.

Chelsea studied and I took photo's.

I think maybe I got a little irritating.

Pine point rapids

2007-03-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

So Chelsea and I set out from Winnipeg at around 2 o'clock saturday afternoon. Our destination Pine point rapids, for a fire and supper. Barely in the whiteshell, and we're treated to a very tame fox. He hung out on the shoulder for quite some time, then casually crossed the road in front of my truck. We arrived at the falls close to five. The hike from the parking lot took at least half an hour. Trying to avoid the cross country ski trail, left us with not the best hiking path. But, we made it and now it's time to get things started.

Chelsea made this image of the falls, while I worked on making a fire.

The fires burning, to my embarrassment it took a few tries to start, and then it's time to get cooking supper. Pre-cutting all the ingredients really speeds the whole process up, but with the cool breaze it still takes some time to get the chicken cooked.

Chelsea sitting at the fire, with burrito number one. I had to set up a bit of a wind blocker in order to get the fire started. But once we had it burning, and food in our belly's we really started to warm up.

Chelsea's shot of the fire. Coffee's brewing right in the midst of the flames.

We spent about for hours at the falls, including the hike. The return hike was done after seven, so we had to use my lantern. It was really fun walking back in just our own small world of light, only seeing as much as the light from the lantern allowed. It was a bit colder than I had hoped for but with the fire, the food, and the coffee it became quite comfortable spending four hours in the manitoba backcountry. At least we didn't spend the time locked in a truck, like the poor dog in the parking lot. He was there when we arrived, and after we left.

It was a few weeks ago, but here's some shots from the Cabin

2007-02-19T16:57:00.000-08:00

Had to get a "classic" tourist shot in front of "husky the muskie"

Kingshead Pub

First week here!

2007-01-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

So finally after to long of a wait, Chelsea and I live in the same city. She has moved to Winnipeg to take nursing at the U of M. The timing of her move was perfect, since I was given a week of holidays exactly when she flew into town. This afforded us, to catch up on time not spent togethor, as well as do lots of "coupley" things.

First thing was to head to the forks and get the most basic, "we're in Winnipeg and we're dating" photo out of the way. Chelsea loves the IMAX and since winnipeg doesn't have season's tickets, I promised her that I would take her when-ever she wanted to go. So we headed down there and caught a 3D version of "The Polar Express". Really cool, but a full length movie in 3D is a long haul. Your eyes can get pretty sore by the end.
Nothing but the finest of dining for my woman.
Chelsea was fortunate enough to be here for a serious winter storm. Winnipeg got 25cm overnight, and some surrounding areas were as high as 35cm. So we had a pretty epic looking landscape here for a few days. I say a few days because three days later it was +5. Ya I actually had to put gloves on at work, because my hands were getting cool (we were chalking lines).
Late night snowfalls lend themselves perfectly to leasurely walks. Chelsea was pretty excited to experience a legit snowfall so soon after her move, and who can blame her. There's something so peacefull and relaxing in a fresh snowfall.

A Clear Sign For Change

2006-12-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

So I'm driving to my parents place in my car, it's in pretty sweet looking shape. Here's a view from the interior. I've got my Tim Horton's in hand, and am just getting it up to highway speed. When, whomp, my hood is in my face, then beside my driverside door. All in one fell motion. I don't panic I just ease it on to the shoulder.
First attempt I tie it down. This limits me to very slow travel. Anything over 90km/hr, and it's obvious it will end up in my face again.
Second attempt, I tarp strap that hood down. This works great, but it is obvious this car has to go. I have to pick a girl up from the airport in two weeks, and this will not do. So now I start the serious hunt.
That's it, I'm going american. From here on out it's "like a rock".
Heck, I'm even rollin' on rims.
So that is the end of the 4 cylinder import car stage of life for me. I've official moved on to 6 bangin' cylinder's of american made truck. The civic has been good to me, at times better than I deserve, and she will be missed. But, already my masculinity is feeling pretty amplified.

Killer Cross Over Tour

2006-11-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

So Melissa got tickets, for this basketball game, from work. It's a street style game that was held at the MTS Centre. We decided there was no better way to spend a wednesday evening than to watch some epic b-ball.

The only problem was our seats were up here and Tim's was down there. But I've got a twenty dollar bill and tunnel vision.
Melissa was stoked to get her cup, but I think this girl was more stoked to give it.
Melissa's pretty stoked on her fun camera settings. I'm pretty stoked on these standard "get a shot of me at the game" shots.
Now that's just rude.
The rest of the evening was spent trying to capture how out of place I was here.
Epic "lonely" shot.
"People are strange when your a stranger"
Melissa proudly displays her ticket with the authentic basketball crowd.
On a completely different note. Last Christmas Cory, Tristan, and I spent a day baiting hawk owls. I fed this guy two mice off my head, and Tristan fed him one. These are really fast birds, and it's quite exhilerating watching them fly at your face with talons out. I finally got this shot from Tristan, so I thought no better time then now to share it with you.

I never claimed to have anything on you Dr.

2006-11-25T14:44:00.000-08:00

So this weekend is the edge volunteer retreat at Cedarwood Bible camp. I am one month in on the stache, and I managed to drag Cliff and Phil down with me. We are officially the dirtiest crew here. Most of the time we stand around looking tough. When we do get time online we are all eager to check our PBR stats. 8 seconds, that's what it all comes down to.

Life with a mustache

2006-11-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

So I dressed as a cowboy for halloween this year. And I guess since I no longer feel the need to impress girls, the 'stache has stuck around. It is amazing, however, how insecure you become with one of these on your face. Like everytime I do something stupid I know exactly what the person I'm dealing with is thinking. "What are you doing, crazy mustache man?"
Like the other day, I paid for gas while talking on my cell phone the whole time. You know that guy was thinking, "who are you talking to dude, nobody wants to talk to a creep like you." Or yesterday, Melissa and I went to the mall. I saw a girl that looked familiar to me, so I waved. It was not who I thought it was. You know she was creeped out. "Let's get out of here before that mustache man comes and tries to talk to me." She probably said to her friend.
So if you ever want to test how secure you are in yourself just grow a 'stache. For now here's some images from this evening to keep you entertained.

I look creepy and my mom looks drunk. She'd have to be to spend time in the presents of that mustache.
How's that for terrifying. She's the one that raised me, I am the product of my parents. So, it's there fault.
Leave it to me to make a mustache look good.

Oh ya! I went to Churchill.

2006-11-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

This lady was crazy, once you got her talking there was literally no stop. Cory met some relatives of hers, that work at loewens. Apparently the family refers to her as "machine gun".My friend George. We met him on the train up and ran into him daily in Churchill. He's from Australia, touring around the world. Ya, he's pretty much been everywhere.
Sleeping the Via train way. Most comfortable travel I have ever had.
I think our conductor wishes it was still the 1800's. He was quite the cowboy.
Welcoming us back from a break in a northern town.
Cory didn't get much sleep on the way up. Greesy and tired, he's ready for churchill.
And just like that forty hours have passed and we've arrived.
The arctic landscape. Day one tundra buggy.
Our first animal of the trip (besides the black bear, and fox seen from the train). This arctic hare was really chill, we photographed him and moved on without him changing positions.
Then we came across our first polar bear. He was chillin' on the shores of the hudson bay. Five buggy's gathered and he could care less.
He did move a little to eat some grass.
" That bit there looks quiet good."
This shot of Steph looks like she's at the helm of a ship plotting our course.
I forget this girls name, she was on the train ride in. I know she's a german exchange student studying humans impact on polar bears, but I forget her name. Anyway, here she is bringing supplies to the buggy on day two.
Polar bear number two was not interested. He mulled around a bit, but stayed this far away, then sat down in the willows and disappeared.
Our crew plus at the end of day two.
Winter moved into town with a force. The winds were awesome, like cross the icy street with one small push. I think they were 80km/hr gusting to 115.

Cory on the main drag trying to dodge flying shingles.
Hey I've got an idea, lets all pack into the tiny train station then wait on the floor for like five hours. Cory and Steph at hour number four, Cory didn't get much sleep all week so he's in pretty rough shape. Steph took the wait like a troopper, my back and hips were killing me, and I'm childless. Don't even get me started on the discomfort of a spontanious four hour bus ride from Thompson to the Pas. Ya, a freight train derailed.
Jody on the other hand loved waiting in the Churchill train station. Cory laying down some knowledge back in southern Manitoba.

So there it is my trip to Churchill. We only saw three bears, but those are wild animals truly awesome creatures. We saw one on the bus ride back to town from the tundra buggy. He was huge! Just walking along the side of the road, that was pretty exciting. But, he too had little interest in us, and peaced out as soon as we pulled the bus over. I know now the next time I go back will be in late october/early november, and I'll fly or take the train from Thompson. But, until then I regret nothing.

Why fly out to BC for one weekend?

2006-10-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

On the way out, I stop for coffee with my bro.
Nathans apartment. He brought out the "special" sleeping mattress for the futon, the one that allows you to feel every individual bar. He's curled up in bed all day, he was sick or something.
Saturday afternoon Chelsea and I check out the bodyworks exihibit. I would say it's pretty awe inspiring, the human body is an amazing creation.
Date night in White rock. I look a little to serious, but Chelsea looks beautiful.
I think it's safe to say "I miss my friend".
Chelsea at Stanley park

Where do I start? I guess I have to go back to August 19, Jamie and Kim's wedding. You know that moment in "Big Fish" when time just stops. Our hero walks through a crowded carnival that has become suspended in time. It was kind of like that when she walked up onto the porch. Her name is Chelsea, and I forgot everything around me in that moment. I became lost in her laugh, her smile consumed me. But my fate is to be stuck in the "what if", or "if only".
Not this time, this time it changes to "why not". So that being said, "why not fly to BC for the weekend". How did the weekend go you ask, well that is a good story.
Friday flying into Vancouver the panic starts, doubt creeps in, fear of rejection consume me. The plane touches down, moment of truth. A deep embrace meets me, yet I still fear to take her hand. We walk the streets for a while, then meet up with Nathan. Intending to go for sushi we settle on a classic diner when the sushi joint is closed. The tension in my stomach is at an all time high as we walk back. Occasional breaks, and using there laughs to fog my release works for a time. Then to my horror, no laugh, and my flatulation is heard by all. Great first impression.
Saturday is "date" night, this time I'll do better. The destination, White Rock and "Charlie don't surf" for dinner. Things seem to be going better, the episode from the night before forgotten. When her phone rings, to my horror she picks up. Chelsea's sister tells chelsea of her plans that evening. "I'm so jelous" is Chelsea's reply. Date night is off to a rough start.
Sunday morning Chelsea's father insists we attend church with him. I agree, this will work great to my favor I think. Sitting down to start the service the head pastor announces that he will not be speaking this morning. Why not? Well apparently the congregation has heard him speak on this topic before, so today we'll have a new speaker to talk about sex.
Maybe I can recover this weekend at lunch, we'll go for sushi, we'll start over from scratch. The meal goes great, sushi is delicious and Chelsea is beautiful. Walking back to her car, she asks if it would be okay to go up to Nathans appartment to use the washroom. We can go somewhere else if it's awkward (I've already said good-bye). No I don't mind saying good-bye to Nathan again, I say. Sitting in Nathans living room chatting with him, we both hear an awkward cough from the bathroom. "Is she?" "No that's just a cough" I say. Then again a little later, unnatural noises from the bathroom. Apparently the sushi didn't work, her body rejects it and my time in vancouver is done.
But I have to say the worst part of the whole weekend was saying good-bye. Knowing that I won't see Chelsea's face for two months, that I can't hold her in my arms, kiss her goodnight, or feel her hand in mine. My only comfort is the knowledge that hindsight makes long periods of time seem minor. So until then, I look forward to Christmas.

sept. long

2006-09-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

So this was the final go at the cabin for the summer. There was a lot of "classic" cabin experiences we had to accomplish in a short time. I know it was a long weekend, but we only headed out on saturday afternoon. So the first objective was a boat ride into Kenora, and some patio sitting at Hap's. Here's Genico and I toasting a summer well played.
Next there was some "tasks" that needed to be done around the cabin. Andrea took care of reading on the dock under the late summer sun.
G did some dock repairs, and tride to look his best like a pirate.
Cory and I took care of the chainsaw work.
Cory wore his good shoes...........new shirt...........and new shorts. Steph was not impressed.
Back to relaxing, Genico had a makeshift driving range set up on the floating dock. It took a few dives, but eventually I was able to recover his nine iron. He dropped it in the day before.

Well Cory I guess that is it for summer experiences, so until next summer..... Thanks for the stories.

High speed pursuit

2006-09-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Horn blaring, the cops pull four girls out and instantly start questioning
Looking on, members of the community watch as first response disable the truck's horn.
Final resting place. Notice deployed airbags. I actually saw them deploy.
Five-0 brings out the dog and finds the stash.

So there it is, photo proof of the event I saw unfold. Believe it!

vespa night in the 'peg

2006-08-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

The goal of tonight was to go check out the Sean Paul concert. That's right he was playing at the outdoor stage at the Forks. We were both so hyped, then we found out Sean Paul is the dude that sings about the temperature, not the dude that says "lets go, lets get it started.......I'm down for whatever so what's your pleasure" that's Sean Desmond. Both of them are brilliant artists, in their own right, I mean they do so much for the industry and will be remembered years from now. But, we were more excited about Sean Desmond, maybe it's because Sandra loves that song so much! OK I'm done now. So anyway, our first objective was a family portrait in front of my house. Don't mess with the Plett's. Hard as nails.
The grounds in front of the stage were fenced off. We were way more hyped on the dogs.

The "red coats" hard at work, securing the area.
We were about to leave when Melissa realized she had never paid for our supper. She straight up WWJD'd that situation, and went back to pay.
Then it was off to Corydon for free coffee, still got a few connections at Melissa's old place of employment.
Birthday gift shopping for Corey. Rule number one: Helmets stay on in this shop
Had to see if her CD was still there.
No matter how hard you try, it's impossible to look or feel cool on these things.

Back in BC

2006-08-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

I started documenting my trip once I was in Van. This is a self portrait crossing onto the ferry.
I got really bored on the two hour cross from the mainland to the island, so I started texting my sister. Absolutely nothing of importance was said.
This was my ride from the ferry. They'd all been camping for three days, so the smell was ripe.
I think the last thing Zack needs is a "full throttle". But I guess when you never sleep, you need to get energy somewhere.
Self portrait with my kid brother.
This is the house where Jamie tied the knot. I also had to stay here, I didn't want to leave.
That's Brian on the left. Forty minutes after I met him, I had him jumping off a bridge with elastic bands tied to his ankles. Jamie on the right took the real plunge the next day.
After the wedding Emilly, Chelsea, Steve, and Kendal took us to the ocean to check out glowing algae. It was awesome. Oh ya, they also took us to "the dog house" for a killer supper. Although no one ordered the "tiger burger", it comes with a grilled weiner and bacon on top.
My chapperone home surveying the majestic rivers of BC
I was pretty hyped on hanging out of the window taking driving pictures.
Here's my dad adjusting the radio. His music's so loud.
Somewhere between Blue Creek and Jasper we stopped at this water fall. I could spend a lot of time there. The two prairie boys were delighted to see the odd salmon try the jump up.

This is my epic shot of dad, his steel horse, and the open sky.

august long

2006-08-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

OK, so August long started out real exciting and didn't really stop. I spent friday afternoon preparing for matt and lauren's wedding. Gathering camera gear, I borrowed a few lenses, and getting a wedding card, that sort of stuff. Oh, I also bought some new shoe's, I couldn't go to their wedding looking like a complete shluff.

Friday evening was the wedding. It was a great time. I was responsible for shooting the ceremony, but in the end they got me to take a few posed images of them as well. Which I'm happy they did, cause I feel I got some really good stuff. Most of the evening was spent just chillin, however their were a few tours of the building that went down. The wedding was in the millenium centre, it's right across main from the empire, and it is a really crazy building. So many rooms of varying color, every floor had a safe, and their was an office labelled "Dectective".

Saturday is the day I still don't really believe happened.

OK, were does it start, Cory and I planned to go camping Sunday to Monday. I was going to go to Steinbach Saturday night, so we could leave from there first thing Sunday morning. Judy and I had purchased a gift for Cory's birthday, however it didn't work properly, so we returned it and got him a gift card from MEC. So I went by Jude's place to pick up a card, and my cooller. Now Judy live's on Furby, which is in the "north end". However, it's right near the college and the area doesn't really seem that bad. Now Judy and I were in her front entrance, when one of the neighborhood kids knocked on the door. She didn't recognize him, so she decided to answer it (she frequently won't answer the door simply because if the children reallize she's home they won't leave her alone. She has a tough time turning them away so it's just easier not to answer). Well he just wanted some cookies or anything free, she was just sending him home when we heard siren's. There was quite a few so we bothed looked in their direction.

Just then a Ford explore came flying over Ellice down Furby. However having hit Ellice to fast the driver quickly lost control. Sliding sideways the SUV hopped the curb, and took out a no stopping sign. With dirt flying and glass shattering the truck plowed into the apartment complex accross the street from where we stood. The hood folded up, air bags deployed, and with the crunch of the impact the horn cut through the calm afternoon air. I stood there unable to beleive I was actually living in this moment.

With no time wasted the driver had his door open, and was running into the alley. One cop car hammered over the fallen sign, giving the "perp" chase. Two other officer's quickly emptied the explorer of it's remaining passengers, all young, scantilly clad girls. The horn still wailing.

I look over to the left to see the "assailant" appear back out from behind a house. He tries to hop a fence, but his baggy clothes make it quite difficult. Then he just stops and raises his hands. I step to the side a little, and see on the other side of the tree is an officer with gun drawn. They quickly handcuff the dude, and search him for drugs and weapons. Then it's back of the car for you.

One of the girls walks to the ambulance, while the others are takin' in for questioning. Firefighters pry open the hood and kill the horn. The police tape off the area, everyone has gotten really close. Then they bring out the dog, and quickly find his drugs he had stashed under some bushes.

So, ya, that was saturday afternoon. We took lots of pictures, and I'm just waiting to get them from Jude, then I'll be sure to have them up hear.

Sunday, Cory and I went camping. We had a really nice time, photographing blue herons and other birds of prey. Oh ya, apparently my phobia of sleeping in tents is over. I fell asleep so fast, and snore so loud, that Cory had to go sleep in the car. I awoke at five and thought, "it's really quiet, I can't even hear Cory". I turned on a light to discover he wasn't there. I just laughed to myself and tride to go to sleep. And I did...............I did.

cory's 30th at the lake

2006-07-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Where do I start with last weekend? I've needed most of the week just to process the events of said weekend.

I guess it all starts with my car. I haven't cleaned, like vacuum and dust, my car since before snow fell. Wait, maybe a little more background. There were many people invited to the loewen cabin for Cory's birthday celebration. In that list were Andrea and Geneco, Judy, and myself. Geneco couldn't make it out until saturday afternoon, and Andrea wanted to get to the lake on friday. So, I was responsible for the safe travel of two women. Which brings us back to my car, not comfortable traveling for two proper ladies. So, friday after work I got to it. One inch of compacted mud (with green pennies halfway down), hand fulls of gravel, one pail of very black water, old winter gloves and touqes, and a wardrobe full of clothes. What we are left with, decent transport, and the opening of a weekend filled with change.

Cut to the chase, the big bang, rite out of left field, any term you need to express shock. Judy, Andrea, and I arrive just shortly after nine in the evening. We are spending our time hanging out like normal, except something has changed, Cory is willingly playing a board game, even enjoying it. I am foolish and overlook this sudden change in character. Maybe an hour later they end their board game, "the game of life". Steph and Cliff are leaning on the kitchen bar talking, when Steph casually say's to me.

"Hey, Anth I think there is a nacho platter or some brownies in the oven. Do you want to take them out?"

" You just made some nacho's and left them in there?" is my confused response.

"Uh-huh, Ya" Steph answers matter of factly.

Thinking to myself, maybe they just wanted the brownies to cool off, I move toward the oven. Pulling down on the handle and peering in I feel all my confusion and blindness melt away. In this single moment of clarity I'm faced with all the facts I need. The truth stares up at me like the earth stares at a skydiver who's parachute doesn't open. Feeling suspended in the air thousands of feet above ground, he knows the truth is rushing at him at breakneck speeds. Whether he wants to or not he is forced to accept the change, from this point on nothing remains as it was it's beyond our control. Nature takes control, the created earth remains consistent in its cycle, gravity takes hold and we are helpless. Accept I'm not faced with the overwhelming force of gravity, I'm faced with a single bun, set gently and carefully in the centre of the oven. Nature takes hold in the form of life, and within the year life comes hurtling towards us. The change has begun, life is never as it was. I am left with only one choice, turning to Steph I say

"No!? You too?"

She just nods

"Wow, that's awesome!" I say awkwardly "Congradulations"

New weekend New adventures

2006-06-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

It all starts friday. Funny how weekends always start on a Friday. No day is loved by as many people as a friday, no day is truly enjoyed as a sunday, and no day is as feared and hated as a monday. But lets think of sundays for now. Every moment clung to like springs dew clings to a blade of grass. Suspended for eternity, if only the eternity of the present. Fridays and Saturdays wild live for the moment ways have their place. But without Sundays suspended time we could not truly know who we are. For it is in these moments that we see ourselves free from superficial bonds. Soaring above the clouds, like an eagle in the thermal drafts; or diviing to the depths of the deepest oceans, discovering worlds not seen by the human eye. This is the day, my friend free from agenda, free from day planners and blackberries, free from everything that strives to strip us of our humanity. If you cannot live on this day, then you truly cannot live.

Pushing through the hard times

2006-06-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

Recently I've had some very stressfull days. Like today I got home from work at around seven in the evening. We were building a garage out at a cabin, in Betula lake. I had to go there straight from Neudemick campground, my family had been camping there for the weekend. The weather was amazing, and all the Plett men watched Edmonton win Saturday night. Anyway, since we were working out near Beusejoir on friday I didn't get to go home from work. It was pointless going back to winnipeg, then coming back through Beusejoir. So, I had to pack my car in the morning, work all day, then go to Garson and jump into the water at the rock quarry. They have a little ten foot cliff there, and despite waiting for a dead fish to float by, the water is really refreshing on such a hot day. Now where was I ....... oh ya, so I only got home at like seven today. We finished building the garage at around two, I guess it took so long because on monday before work we went for a boat ride, then at nineish we stopped for bacon and eggs (we actually had to work while smelling them being made), then today we only got up at seven thirty, and had breakfast before starting work so we only started at nine. Anyway, after work (at like three in the afternoon, we stood around talking for a while and I really wanted to try their outdoor shower they have on their deck) a few of us went out wakeboarding. So after that and supper, I finally made it home only to have a message from Cory inviting me to join them at his cabin this weekend. So, Friday evening I have to leave the city and start it all over again

May Long

2006-05-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

This is our classic hunter's shot. Only instead of a dear, it's a pile of wood and our weapon was a small hatchet.

We were pretty pumped about the hight of these flames

These sunglasses were definetly a highlight