A moment of peace while the rest of the crew are out doing wintry stuff. I started a honking pot of chili for supper.
This is a chance to enjoy an all too brief moment of quiet; time to think, listen to some music, make notes.
Don't get me wrong! I love my family, but I do enjoy the peace of solitude.
Not much more to say for now.
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
T'was the day before Christmas
Despite the many trials of traveling south for the holidays, FCC and I made it into the loving, if noisy arms of loved ones...and family.
To all who may pass Runamuk on your way home, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Later, Mushers!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Who needs Sugar Plums
The last few days, while dealing with the frost, cold, and the latest snow fall, my mind has been wondering to the "good, old days". The smell of Christmas baking, and the opportunity to consume the same. Most of all, I have been thinking of Pork Pies.
First of all, let me assure you that no pig is harmed in the preparation of these tasty morsels. In truth, there is no meat whatsoever used in the manufacture of these bit-sized wonders.
You fill a shortbread tart shell with a cooked date mixture, and top it with a dab of maple icing.
You will have to excuse me. Drool on a keyboard is a bad thing!
Later, Mushers!
First of all, let me assure you that no pig is harmed in the preparation of these tasty morsels. In truth, there is no meat whatsoever used in the manufacture of these bit-sized wonders.
You fill a shortbread tart shell with a cooked date mixture, and top it with a dab of maple icing.
You will have to excuse me. Drool on a keyboard is a bad thing!
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
All I want for Christmas
As kids, we would look at the Eaton's Winter Catalogue for hours at end. Would Santa bring me this, or that?
FCC has moved up a little. She doesn't want anything big. Just a ring, preferably with a diamond or two.
I just love a woman with simple tastes!
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Options for a Happy Winter
Sometimes the best way to deal with the coming winter is to hibernate. Preferably, on a nice, comfy bed in front of a nice, toasty warm fire. Truly, the cat's meow!
Later, Mushers!
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Winter Necesssities
FCC and I travelled to Nuddude to buy the essential of northern winter survival- a great, big honkin' snowmobile. The old Polaris wouldn't take another winter of beating around the wilds of Runamuk. Solution: borrow a boat big enough to get a new one back home, and headed of to Nuddude for a new rig.
After much research and study, we bought the first one we tried out. At least, we tried to be economical. Then again, you don't want a machine will crap out in the middle of an Arctic winter 50 km from "civilization". The flame red paint job will help Search and Rescue find the machine and our frozen corpses, if worse comes to worse.
Happy Christmas thoughts.
Later, Mushers!
After much research and study, we bought the first one we tried out. At least, we tried to be economical. Then again, you don't want a machine will crap out in the middle of an Arctic winter 50 km from "civilization". The flame red paint job will help Search and Rescue find the machine and our frozen corpses, if worse comes to worse.
Happy Christmas thoughts.
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
When Safety Counts
On my way to lunch, I came across members of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. They were looking at the emergency shower located outside our main lab, and suggested I might pull the handle that would open the shower's valve. Just to see if it worked, you understand.
Oddly enough, I declined.
I went on to tell them about the last time the Institute had an open house. A young guy was looking around, saw the handle for the shower, and reached for it. He had just got a grip on the handle when I bellowed, "NO!"
We later agreed that the puddle on the floor was as a result of his pulling the shower's handle... just a little bit.
Later, Mushers!
Oddly enough, I declined.
I went on to tell them about the last time the Institute had an open house. A young guy was looking around, saw the handle for the shower, and reached for it. He had just got a grip on the handle when I bellowed, "NO!"
We later agreed that the puddle on the floor was as a result of his pulling the shower's handle... just a little bit.
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Birthdays in Runamuk
Friday was a busy day in Rumamuk, or at least, at the Institute of Higher Learning.
My former, and soon to be retired supervisor Dr. Greetwell was celebrating his 65th birthday, and we tried to surprise him with some cake and coffee. Well, we tried, but when sending out the e-mail to get folks together, his name was added to the message. \
He was a sport about it. He pretended to be surprised, and even tolerated an abysmal version of "Happy Birthday."
Pinky, one our techs, came in from her caribou hunt to play the birthday tune on her button accordion. She has just started to learn how to play, but compared to the sung version, it was excellent.
The day was ended by supper at the Rumamuk Golf and Gun Club, and Dr. G paid for it. I like that kind of birthday supper.
Later, Mushers!
My former, and soon to be retired supervisor Dr. Greetwell was celebrating his 65th birthday, and we tried to surprise him with some cake and coffee. Well, we tried, but when sending out the e-mail to get folks together, his name was added to the message. \
He was a sport about it. He pretended to be surprised, and even tolerated an abysmal version of "Happy Birthday."
Pinky, one our techs, came in from her caribou hunt to play the birthday tune on her button accordion. She has just started to learn how to play, but compared to the sung version, it was excellent.
The day was ended by supper at the Rumamuk Golf and Gun Club, and Dr. G paid for it. I like that kind of birthday supper.
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Family News
The phone rang this morning while I was...contemplating life in all its complexity, or what ever. It was niece Procrast, daughter of sister Patience, with good news. She is engaged!
I complemented her on her wisdom in not introducing her betrothed to me before the...betrothing?
At any rate, we'll be traveling south in July for the nuptials.
I should mention that Procrast is short for procrastinator-something she tried to call me a long time ago when she was ten.
I was having Sunday Dinner with her family. I had mentioned that there was a project I had been putting off, and she asked me why I was such a "procastrator." It is a question that will come back to haunt her time and again.
Later, Mushers!
I complemented her on her wisdom in not introducing her betrothed to me before the...betrothing?
At any rate, we'll be traveling south in July for the nuptials.
I should mention that Procrast is short for procrastinator-something she tried to call me a long time ago when she was ten.
I was having Sunday Dinner with her family. I had mentioned that there was a project I had been putting off, and she asked me why I was such a "procastrator." It is a question that will come back to haunt her time and again.
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
An Act of Remembrance
The service of remembrance went well, as usual.
After a brief greeting from Canon Adderly, an invocation by Rev. Mrs. Candy was given, followed by the singing of "Eternal Father, strong to save" and "O Canada". "The Last Post" was sounded, followed by two minutes of silence at the 11th hour of the day, the pipes playing "The Flowers of the Forest" and a bugle playing "Reveille". After the laying of wreaths, all that remained was for Canon Adderly to lead "The Act of Remembrance."
After a brief greeting from Canon Adderly, an invocation by Rev. Mrs. Candy was given, followed by the singing of "Eternal Father, strong to save" and "O Canada". "The Last Post" was sounded, followed by two minutes of silence at the 11th hour of the day, the pipes playing "The Flowers of the Forest" and a bugle playing "Reveille". After the laying of wreaths, all that remained was for Canon Adderly to lead "The Act of Remembrance."
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.
to which all responded,
We will remember them.
And we shall; we must.
Later, Mushers!
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Pittence of Time
With tomorrow, 11 November, being Remembrance Day, I hope that everyone will take two minutes at 11 AM to remember.
Later, Mushers!
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A Late Trick or Treat
I received a little something from the federal government yesterday. It was a week late in coming, but still a Halloween treat- my new passport.
With new regulations south of the border, if I wanted to fly to the States, I'd have to have a passport, and in the coming year this will expand to driving across the border, so...
a. I can go visit Auntie Upstream by air, and
b. I'm glad I didn't leave a flaming bag of poo on Revenue Canada's door step last April!
Later, Mushers!
With new regulations south of the border, if I wanted to fly to the States, I'd have to have a passport, and in the coming year this will expand to driving across the border, so...
a. I can go visit Auntie Upstream by air, and
b. I'm glad I didn't leave a flaming bag of poo on Revenue Canada's door step last April!
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Lessons from the Animal Kingdom
There was a knock on the door, and there stood little Jake Membertou. He is one of the local kids here in Rumanuk, and has a habit of showing up on baking day.
While having one of whatever is cooling, he would tell us what he learned in school. For example, yesterday his teacher was telling the class that humans were the only creatures on earth that stutter. His buddy, Joseph, raised his hand and said that cats stutter too.
When his teacher asked how he knew this he replied that he had been in the backyard with his cat Butch, when a Doberman came into the yard. Butch went "Fffff! Fffff! Fffff!", but couldn't get the word out before the dog ate him!
I am so glad I am not a teacher!
Later, mushers!
While having one of whatever is cooling, he would tell us what he learned in school. For example, yesterday his teacher was telling the class that humans were the only creatures on earth that stutter. His buddy, Joseph, raised his hand and said that cats stutter too.
When his teacher asked how he knew this he replied that he had been in the backyard with his cat Butch, when a Doberman came into the yard. Butch went "Fffff! Fffff! Fffff!", but couldn't get the word out before the dog ate him!
I am so glad I am not a teacher!
Later, mushers!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween Friday Night
It is a slow night at the Lonely Log Cabin high atop the Great Canadian Mukluk Building.
Normally, a fair number of ghoulies make their way up to the roof for treats prepared by FCC, but tonight, three.
Fortunately, I have the following to to amuse me:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/newsbeat/newsid_7701000/7701125.stm
Later, Mushers!
Normally, a fair number of ghoulies make their way up to the roof for treats prepared by FCC, but tonight, three.
Fortunately, I have the following to to amuse me:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/newsbeat/newsid_7701000/7701125.stm
Later, Mushers!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Art of War
I was out and about this morning, so I was able to listen to an interview with Suzanne Steele. She is a recent addition to the Canadian Forces Artists Program, and it was interesting to hear how she was preparing for the trip to Afghanistan.
As I understand it, there have been artists in the various theatres Canadians have served in since 1916.
I plan to follow her as she does her tour by reading her blog at http://www.warpoet.ca/ .
Later, Musher!
As I understand it, there have been artists in the various theatres Canadians have served in since 1916.
I plan to follow her as she does her tour by reading her blog at http://www.warpoet.ca/ .
Later, Musher!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Pastor Appreciation
Our minister Joan Candy and her husband dropped by for a cup of coffee. They had dropped off the Middle Child at the new girlfriend's place to help her do some baking, and stopped by on the way back to celebrate. He had, until recently, been going out with another girl who was the opposite in nature and ambition. Fortunately, former girlfriend was caught going with another guy by Middle Child, and the relationship came to an abrupt end. Hurrah and a tiger!
While we had a chance, we gave her a Pastor Appreciation card and a book- "The Shack". Post-synod, post-funeral, and post-whiny organist, it appeared to be truly appreciated, and for that, I'm glad. Sometimes being a pastor sucks!
Later, Mushers!
While we had a chance, we gave her a Pastor Appreciation card and a book- "The Shack". Post-synod, post-funeral, and post-whiny organist, it appeared to be truly appreciated, and for that, I'm glad. Sometimes being a pastor sucks!
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
On Centurian Passage
This afternoon we- the members of St. Andrews Runamuk- gathered around the ashes of a departed member of our congregation. Rita had been the organist of the congregation, member of the Eastern Star, IODE and assorted organizations, and at the time of her death, 100 years old.
We who survived gathered graveside to day good bye. It was a cool, breezy day, and the reception afterward, with its piping hot tea, sandwiches and sweets, was greatly appreciated.
This leads to reflection on how I would like to go...when I go. (Serious contemplation of death is not my favorite choice of meditation!)
I've thought that cremation might be the way to go. It lends such a wide scope for the imagination. Mix my ashes with cement, pour the resulting mixture into a tube at the corner of King and Queen, and become a pillar of the community. Pack the ashes into a potato gun and fire them into the air, 'cuz that would be me all over. Rig an air ram in the hole my urn will be lowered into, and at more appropriate moment- which would be in truth the worst possible moment- fire the whole works up and away.
Yes, I know this is utterly tasteless, and rest assured, even if I were able to arrange this, FCC would countermand immediately. Contemplation of one's mortality is always much easier when tempered by the ridiculous.
Later, Mushers!
We who survived gathered graveside to day good bye. It was a cool, breezy day, and the reception afterward, with its piping hot tea, sandwiches and sweets, was greatly appreciated.
This leads to reflection on how I would like to go...when I go. (Serious contemplation of death is not my favorite choice of meditation!)
I've thought that cremation might be the way to go. It lends such a wide scope for the imagination. Mix my ashes with cement, pour the resulting mixture into a tube at the corner of King and Queen, and become a pillar of the community. Pack the ashes into a potato gun and fire them into the air, 'cuz that would be me all over. Rig an air ram in the hole my urn will be lowered into, and at more appropriate moment- which would be in truth the worst possible moment- fire the whole works up and away.
Yes, I know this is utterly tasteless, and rest assured, even if I were able to arrange this, FCC would countermand immediately. Contemplation of one's mortality is always much easier when tempered by the ridiculous.
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Cape Breton Hospitality
Part of the joy of returning home is Cape Breton Hospitality. The following was one of the most hospitable of our hosts.
Lucky, the dog sharing her home with Prodigal's hosts, is known by the children in the neighbourhood as the "leany dog." When the kids would cut through the property, she would lean against them so they had to pet her for a while. I can believe it because she leaned on me on a number of occasions while I was compelled- compelled I tell you- to pet her. A tough job, but I bore up well under the strain.
It made me miss my puppy, Fang. Family is so important.
I think I'll go give him a hug and a big sloppy kiss. Well...maybe just a hug.
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Back from the Pilgramage
FCC and I have been back from the Holy Isle for a few days.
It was nice to be there. The weather was nice, the leaves in Cape Breton Highlands National Park were fairly close to peak, and we had a chance to hike some of the trails of the park.
On the evening of the 11th, we had our anniversary supper at the Celtic Lodge Spa and Resort. A lovely meal, a lovely evening. We even met a couple of ex-pat Capers up from Mississippi. They had been down there for 20 years and you could tell because she definitely didn't have a Caper accent! He had been at the University of Mississippi for 20 years.
Just like Atlantic Salmon, Capers seem to return "home" every now and then.
Later, Mushers!
It was nice to be there. The weather was nice, the leaves in Cape Breton Highlands National Park were fairly close to peak, and we had a chance to hike some of the trails of the park.
On the evening of the 11th, we had our anniversary supper at the Celtic Lodge Spa and Resort. A lovely meal, a lovely evening. We even met a couple of ex-pat Capers up from Mississippi. They had been down there for 20 years and you could tell because she definitely didn't have a Caper accent! He had been at the University of Mississippi for 20 years.
Just like Atlantic Salmon, Capers seem to return "home" every now and then.
Later, Mushers!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Wedding Bonds
While making my back to the bed after a late night/early morning visit to the commode, I whacked my shin on the corner of the bed. FCC said "ouch!"
Apparently, love means feeling the pain of others, and heaven knows, I can be a pain!
This is leading up to our anniversary trip to the Holy Isle- Cape Breton. There will be two nights in Ingonish Beach (lovely this time of year), and another two with Prodigal in Sydney.
With Celtic Colours- a celebration of traditional Celtic music- and the colour of the leaves in the highlands, it should be a very nice time.
Later, Mushers!
Apparently, love means feeling the pain of others, and heaven knows, I can be a pain!
This is leading up to our anniversary trip to the Holy Isle- Cape Breton. There will be two nights in Ingonish Beach (lovely this time of year), and another two with Prodigal in Sydney.
With Celtic Colours- a celebration of traditional Celtic music- and the colour of the leaves in the highlands, it should be a very nice time.
Later, Mushers!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Cooking in Runamuk
The last 24-hours have been a busy time in the kitchen.
Last night, FCC and I finished putting up some Prosser Brook Chomp. Nothing exotic really. It is a relish of ground cucumber, onion, and carrot cooked in a mustard sauce. Come January, it will be a mouth of sunshine. In the dark of Runamuk winter, any kind of sunshine is good.
Tonight, it is homemade meat sauce for some nice rice pasta. FCC will be happy when she gets home from work for a nice home cooked meal, and "When Mama's happy..."
Later, Mushers!
Last night, FCC and I finished putting up some Prosser Brook Chomp. Nothing exotic really. It is a relish of ground cucumber, onion, and carrot cooked in a mustard sauce. Come January, it will be a mouth of sunshine. In the dark of Runamuk winter, any kind of sunshine is good.
Tonight, it is homemade meat sauce for some nice rice pasta. FCC will be happy when she gets home from work for a nice home cooked meal, and "When Mama's happy..."
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Meal Time in Runamuk
I have often said that, with FCC, every meal is an adventure.
Look...
Look...
A Happy Meal!
Got to eat!
Later, Mushers!
Monday, September 29, 2008
The "Wisdom" of the Innocent?
I was waiting for FCC outside a mall restaurant. In one of the windows were a couple of kids- a boy and a girl around the age of 7-9. While sitting there, I noticed that they would look out the window, and turn excitedly to talk to whoever was across the table from them.
It wasn't until FCC and I went in to the restaurant and was sitting next to the kid's table that I found out what they were looking at out the window.
The boy declared in a loud, clear voice, "Look, Mom. The old guy!"
The young woman who had been identified as "Mom" apologized profusely, but she really didn't need to. The kids were right. Compared to them, or their mom for that matter, I am an old guy. The important part of it was it was an innocent observation with no malice in it.
If it weren't for the fact that I am cheap, I'd get some hair dye...if I had enough hair.
Later, Mushers!
It wasn't until FCC and I went in to the restaurant and was sitting next to the kid's table that I found out what they were looking at out the window.
The boy declared in a loud, clear voice, "Look, Mom. The old guy!"
The young woman who had been identified as "Mom" apologized profusely, but she really didn't need to. The kids were right. Compared to them, or their mom for that matter, I am an old guy. The important part of it was it was an innocent observation with no malice in it.
If it weren't for the fact that I am cheap, I'd get some hair dye...if I had enough hair.
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A Weekend at Home
What a difference a week makes!
Last week, I was putting in 12 hour days in the East Coast Capital, and this week I've been able to spend a nice, quiet weekend at home. A chance to make a nice curry for supper Saturday night, and time to read a book I've had on my to read stack for a few months now.
"28 Stories of AIDS in Africa" is a collection of stories about some of the real heroes of HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Some are soldiers, activists, nurses, and doctors, but all are, at the very heart of it, very ordinary people pushed to extraordinary action by extraordinary circumstances. Stephanie Nolan presents these heroes as they tell their own stories.
I have yet to complete this book, but heartily recommend this book.
Must run. I have more reading in store.
Later, Mushers!
Last week, I was putting in 12 hour days in the East Coast Capital, and this week I've been able to spend a nice, quiet weekend at home. A chance to make a nice curry for supper Saturday night, and time to read a book I've had on my to read stack for a few months now.
"28 Stories of AIDS in Africa" is a collection of stories about some of the real heroes of HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Some are soldiers, activists, nurses, and doctors, but all are, at the very heart of it, very ordinary people pushed to extraordinary action by extraordinary circumstances. Stephanie Nolan presents these heroes as they tell their own stories.
I have yet to complete this book, but heartily recommend this book.
Must run. I have more reading in store.
Later, Mushers!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Advice on Eating Out
For you frequent travellers, here is a handy tip.
When you order a meal at a swanky restaurant, you don't have to explain why you make the selection you've made.
For example, while off to the East Coast Capital for work, I was ordering breakfast. When asked whether I wanted white or whole wheat toast, I replied, "Whole wheat. I need the fibre!"
I suspect that was too much information for the server.
Later, Mushers!
When you order a meal at a swanky restaurant, you don't have to explain why you make the selection you've made.
For example, while off to the East Coast Capital for work, I was ordering breakfast. When asked whether I wanted white or whole wheat toast, I replied, "Whole wheat. I need the fibre!"
I suspect that was too much information for the server.
Later, Mushers!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Big Announcement
I received a message from FMIL- "Three months from now is Christmas!"
I like her anyway.
Later, Mushers!
I like her anyway.
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Food on the Road
One of the bonuses of work travel to the big city is a chance to eat different food.
We ate Cowboy (well, OK, perhaps "cookhouse" is closer to the point), Italian, Irish Pub, Indian, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Canadian Pub. Nummy all!
I was confused last Thursday night on the way to a working supper with the two teams involved in our study, and two visitors from south of the border representing the EPA. I thought the neon sign out side one establishment read "exotic linguine", and wondered out loud how could pasta be exotic?
One of my co-workers pointed out that most restaurants don't sell sex toys, the word was "lingerie", and perhaps I should get the prescription for my glasses checked. I think, at the very least, I should keep my musings to myself!
Later, Mushers!
We ate Cowboy (well, OK, perhaps "cookhouse" is closer to the point), Italian, Irish Pub, Indian, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Canadian Pub. Nummy all!
I was confused last Thursday night on the way to a working supper with the two teams involved in our study, and two visitors from south of the border representing the EPA. I thought the neon sign out side one establishment read "exotic linguine", and wondered out loud how could pasta be exotic?
One of my co-workers pointed out that most restaurants don't sell sex toys, the word was "lingerie", and perhaps I should get the prescription for my glasses checked. I think, at the very least, I should keep my musings to myself!
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A Truly Great Disappointment
International Talk like a Pirate Day passed, and I couldn't participate.
Our crew were in an East Coast Capital, and surrounded as we were with "professionals" of science and television, doing a hornpipe around the lobster tanks seemed...inappropriate.
It is hard to do one's work when someone with a camera says, "do that again, please", "what are you doing", and occasionally, "Ick!"
Hopefully, we will be cut out of the final draft, and will remain anonymous!
Later, Mushers!
Our crew were in an East Coast Capital, and surrounded as we were with "professionals" of science and television, doing a hornpipe around the lobster tanks seemed...inappropriate.
It is hard to do one's work when someone with a camera says, "do that again, please", "what are you doing", and occasionally, "Ick!"
Hopefully, we will be cut out of the final draft, and will remain anonymous!
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Three more sleeps to go!
Yep, that is right! Three more sleeps and it will be International Talk like a Pirate Day!
To help prepare for this festive day, I will be reviewing all the important Youtube tutorials on pirate talk. For example, this little number on the "Pirate Talk: the Five A's",
Ahoy, mates! I be feelin' pirately already!
Later, Mushers!
To help prepare for this festive day, I will be reviewing all the important Youtube tutorials on pirate talk. For example, this little number on the "Pirate Talk: the Five A's",
Ahoy, mates! I be feelin' pirately already!
Later, Mushers!
Monday, September 15, 2008
FCC returns
FCC, along with FML and Cousin-in-law, returned from the mystic land of shopping last night with presents.
I, of course, gave the traditional Runamuk welcome. This consists of a dance as well as a greeting. While hopping from one foot to the other and quickly clapping one's hands, the greeter cries, "What you brung me! What you brung me! What you brung me!"
With new shoes, jeans, and pajamas, it was like Christmas without the stupid tree. Oh, happy day!
Later, Mushers!
I, of course, gave the traditional Runamuk welcome. This consists of a dance as well as a greeting. While hopping from one foot to the other and quickly clapping one's hands, the greeter cries, "What you brung me! What you brung me! What you brung me!"
With new shoes, jeans, and pajamas, it was like Christmas without the stupid tree. Oh, happy day!
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Weekend Recreation
I'm baching it this weekend.
FCC, along with my favorite mother-in-law, and cousin-in-law Donna have travelled here...
FCC, along with my favorite mother-in-law, and cousin-in-law Donna have travelled here...
The Mystic Land of Shopping!
So as they shop, I sit here watching TFC and the Columbus Crew. So far, Toronto is up one to nil. THIS IS OUR HOUSE!
I spoke with FCC last night, and apparently, she picked up a pair of shoes for me yesterday. FML has been comfortably situated, so let the retail therapy commence!
Those who know me will agree that FCC deserves time off for good behaviour, or at the very least, for tolerance above and beyond the call of duty (or reason for that matter!)
So, it is just me and the boys until tomorrow evening, when the voyagers will have returned.
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
New Toy
While seeing Jonah off on his trip to the land of the stampede, I bought a new camera. It was a bargain (something that always does my heart a world of good), and has enough bells and whistles to let me take the odd good picture.
Even the occasional picture of Lord Stanley. Nice poise, eh?
Nice scenic pictures,
Even the occasional picture of Lord Stanley. Nice poise, eh?
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Labours on the Day
With an unrestrained burst of energy on the last day of the vacation, I decided it was time to build a nice floating deck for the backdoor of the lonely log cabin.
Actually, it wasn't all that hard. First, set down some pads to rest the deck beams upon, form up the 6x2 frame upon the beams, put in the joists, and finally, fix the decking onto the frame. Yep, I was a hammerin' fool.
FCC is pleased; her hammock is set up, a nice little table is in place for dehydration, and she is close enough to the living room to listen to the satellite radio. She is in heaven!
It is true, you know, when they say, "When Mama ain't happy, ain't no body happy!"
Later, Mushers!
Actually, it wasn't all that hard. First, set down some pads to rest the deck beams upon, form up the 6x2 frame upon the beams, put in the joists, and finally, fix the decking onto the frame. Yep, I was a hammerin' fool.
FCC is pleased; her hammock is set up, a nice little table is in place for dehydration, and she is close enough to the living room to listen to the satellite radio. She is in heaven!
It is true, you know, when they say, "When Mama ain't happy, ain't no body happy!"
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Lies and Statistics
I woke to the chorus of voices saying "Summer is over!"
Fibbers all!
We all know that summer isn't over until 15:44 UT on 22 September 2008.
Of course, the fat lady is starting to clear her throat.
Later, Mushers!
Fibbers all!
We all know that summer isn't over until 15:44 UT on 22 September 2008.
Of course, the fat lady is starting to clear her throat.
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Like the Buffalo
A fair bit of travelling went on the past few days. Saturday, we went to Chocolate Bay and MegaChuck for more supplies. Sunday, after worship, it was to the cousin-in-law's for a FCC family reunion- good times! Monday it was off to St. Thomas for party time with Patience's family, and a farewell to nephew Jonah as he departed for points far west for continued studies.
It was Monday night that I learned that I was more like my father, The Buffalo, than I realized. We- FCC and I- arrived at Patience's at 10:30 PM, and were immediately sucked into a game of Bananas(TM). This is a game where one starts with eleven letter tiles selected from a central pile. Each player tries to use all the letters to make words which are interlinked like a crossword puzzle. As you use up the letters you call "pick" and everyone at the table has to draw a letter. If you want to return a letter to the central pile, you call "dump", and exchange letters- taking 3 letters for each 1 return. When there are no more letters in the central pile, and you have used all your letters, you call "bananas", and after verification of words, you are the winner (hurrah, and a tiger for you!) If, on the other hand, any of your words are successfully challenged, you are declared a "rotten banana", all your tiles are put into the Central pile, and play continues as you hang your head in shame.
Well, that is the plan.
I found that I had a lot more fun if I made up words to use up my tiles and called "bananas!" OK, so the letter I thought was a "n" was a "z", and "gis" is not the plural for a number of American soldiers, but I still assert that "hoves" is the plural of "hove." You know, the boat hove to, and the boats hoves to!
I was a rotten banana!
I may not have won, but I did have fun! I now understand why my father enjoyed cheating- er- creatively reinterpreting the rules for checkers.
Later, Mushers!
It was Monday night that I learned that I was more like my father, The Buffalo, than I realized. We- FCC and I- arrived at Patience's at 10:30 PM, and were immediately sucked into a game of Bananas(TM). This is a game where one starts with eleven letter tiles selected from a central pile. Each player tries to use all the letters to make words which are interlinked like a crossword puzzle. As you use up the letters you call "pick" and everyone at the table has to draw a letter. If you want to return a letter to the central pile, you call "dump", and exchange letters- taking 3 letters for each 1 return. When there are no more letters in the central pile, and you have used all your letters, you call "bananas", and after verification of words, you are the winner (hurrah, and a tiger for you!) If, on the other hand, any of your words are successfully challenged, you are declared a "rotten banana", all your tiles are put into the Central pile, and play continues as you hang your head in shame.
Well, that is the plan.
I found that I had a lot more fun if I made up words to use up my tiles and called "bananas!" OK, so the letter I thought was a "n" was a "z", and "gis" is not the plural for a number of American soldiers, but I still assert that "hoves" is the plural of "hove." You know, the boat hove to, and the boats hoves to!
I was a rotten banana!
I may not have won, but I did have fun! I now understand why my father enjoyed cheating- er- creatively reinterpreting the rules for checkers.
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
When a Cabbage Patch Calls
As FCC and I were getting ready for bed, the phone rang. It was Gloria, one of our cabbage patch daughters!
Since we've moved to Runamuk, we've provided room and sometimes board for a number of young ladies passing through as part of their studies, or work. We've ended up as temporary parents to some degree to these girls until they moved on.
Gloria has travelled and worked to England, and Korea. Married to a young man while while working as an ESL teacher.
She's in Georgia visiting her parents for the next two weeks, and thought she would give us a call before she went back to Korea.
What a joy to hear from her! It is nice to think that she remembers us after all those years.
She couldn't make it up north this time, but perhaps next.
Have to run.
Later, Mushers!
Since we've moved to Runamuk, we've provided room and sometimes board for a number of young ladies passing through as part of their studies, or work. We've ended up as temporary parents to some degree to these girls until they moved on.
Gloria has travelled and worked to England, and Korea. Married to a young man while while working as an ESL teacher.
She's in Georgia visiting her parents for the next two weeks, and thought she would give us a call before she went back to Korea.
What a joy to hear from her! It is nice to think that she remembers us after all those years.
She couldn't make it up north this time, but perhaps next.
Have to run.
Later, Mushers!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Got Trolls?
Another day, another book.
Last fall, while in the Mystical Land of Shopping, I was able to pick up a second-hand copy of Robertson Davies' "The Manticore." Unlike most books I read, this was a serious book for a serious mind. Nevertheless, I made it through, although not in one sitting.
This book- the second in the Deptford Trilogy- deals with David Staunton and his attempt to deal with the consequences of his father's death. To do this, he goes to Zurich to undergo a year of Jungian Analysis. As part of his analysis, he maintains a "Plain Style" account of his life from first remembrance, dreams, along with the various conversations with Dr. von Haller entitled "David Against the Trolls."
This is the first of the Deptford Trilogy I've read, and having finished it, I think I need a nap!
It is an interesting read, but unlike the earlier mentioned "A Forest for Callum", this book is one that didn't draw me in- perhaps because there are no immediate connection between A well-to-do Toronto Lawyer spending a year in Zurich, and yours truly. There are, at the very least, some major differences between Zurich and Runamuk!
On a deeper level, perhaps there are similarities that I we all share with David. Perhaps, we all act as advocate, prosecutor, and judge of our lives. Perhaps, we all have to deal with trolls.
Then again, I might just need a cup of tea!
Later, Mushers!
Last fall, while in the Mystical Land of Shopping, I was able to pick up a second-hand copy of Robertson Davies' "The Manticore." Unlike most books I read, this was a serious book for a serious mind. Nevertheless, I made it through, although not in one sitting.
This book- the second in the Deptford Trilogy- deals with David Staunton and his attempt to deal with the consequences of his father's death. To do this, he goes to Zurich to undergo a year of Jungian Analysis. As part of his analysis, he maintains a "Plain Style" account of his life from first remembrance, dreams, along with the various conversations with Dr. von Haller entitled "David Against the Trolls."
This is the first of the Deptford Trilogy I've read, and having finished it, I think I need a nap!
It is an interesting read, but unlike the earlier mentioned "A Forest for Callum", this book is one that didn't draw me in- perhaps because there are no immediate connection between A well-to-do Toronto Lawyer spending a year in Zurich, and yours truly. There are, at the very least, some major differences between Zurich and Runamuk!
On a deeper level, perhaps there are similarities that I we all share with David. Perhaps, we all act as advocate, prosecutor, and judge of our lives. Perhaps, we all have to deal with trolls.
Then again, I might just need a cup of tea!
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Draginon Golf Club
Joe Candy and I went to play a round of golf at Draginon GC.
Though the weather was cooler, it was also drier. My worm burners were just that. No worm was steamed today!
By the time we reached the 14th hole, my driver was working fairly well, and my low irons were working well as well. Life is a rich Pageant, etc.
Home for some Pad Thai, a nap, and a nice mug of tea- Red Rose if it matters. My Tetley Tea Dance shoes are still being serviced.
Later, Mushers!
Though the weather was cooler, it was also drier. My worm burners were just that. No worm was steamed today!
By the time we reached the 14th hole, my driver was working fairly well, and my low irons were working well as well. Life is a rich Pageant, etc.
Home for some Pad Thai, a nap, and a nice mug of tea- Red Rose if it matters. My Tetley Tea Dance shoes are still being serviced.
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
One of my Favorite Things
I know I am truly on vacation when I feel comfortable enough to go to bed with a book and feel I can read it in one sitting, figuratively anyway. Last night, I read this book-
and it was well worth the time up.
A Forest for Calum is a coming of age story, but it is more than that. It deals with the changes that "rural" communities on Cape Breton Island faced during the mid 20th century and how various characters from the fictional town of Shean dealt with these changes.
It speaks, in part, about art and what makes an artist, friendship and loyalty, and- if I may be so bold- the temporals and eternals of life. Or it is a good book and I should leave it at that. Besides, any book that includes Presbyterians just has to be good!
Later, Mushers!
and it was well worth the time up.
A Forest for Calum is a coming of age story, but it is more than that. It deals with the changes that "rural" communities on Cape Breton Island faced during the mid 20th century and how various characters from the fictional town of Shean dealt with these changes.
It speaks, in part, about art and what makes an artist, friendship and loyalty, and- if I may be so bold- the temporals and eternals of life. Or it is a good book and I should leave it at that. Besides, any book that includes Presbyterians just has to be good!
Later, Mushers!
Another Day of Pageant
Life on Vay-Cay is a rich pageant of taste, sound, and colour.
For example, I am sitting here at the PC with my second mug of tea (and no, I am not wearing my jingly Tetley Tea dance slippers- they are being re-belled after the last time I wore them [got to cut back on that caffine!]), listening to Corb Lund singing about shining up his boots, and looking at my den's Chesapeake Blue walls.
OK, so that isn't much in the way of colourful, but my eyes aren't open too wide yet.
The back door is still calling for a deck, so with a visit to Chocolate Bay's MegaChuck Building Supplies, I purchased enough materials for the deck.
Living as I am on the roof of the Great Canadian Mukluk Building, a deck isn't much of a challenge- just what one wants when on vacation.
Sister Pearl is off to "The Holy Land"- the isle of our birth, and might have been where Jesus was born, had they been able to find three wise men. Between visiting her many friends, Prodigal, and swimming in Golden Arm, She will be looking for an "as seen on TV" single serving blender. On her way back to Muddflats Green (MFG for short), she will be meeting up with Patience and her crew for some Waterslide Motel fun.
Other than worship, weekend was filled with travel- Draginon for breakfast at The Kirk Hall, North to Railhead and Grande Lapin- and general relaxation.
I see bright light in window now. Must check to see what shining yellow thing in sky is.
Later, Mushers!
For example, I am sitting here at the PC with my second mug of tea (and no, I am not wearing my jingly Tetley Tea dance slippers- they are being re-belled after the last time I wore them [got to cut back on that caffine!]), listening to Corb Lund singing about shining up his boots, and looking at my den's Chesapeake Blue walls.
OK, so that isn't much in the way of colourful, but my eyes aren't open too wide yet.
The back door is still calling for a deck, so with a visit to Chocolate Bay's MegaChuck Building Supplies, I purchased enough materials for the deck.
Living as I am on the roof of the Great Canadian Mukluk Building, a deck isn't much of a challenge- just what one wants when on vacation.
Sister Pearl is off to "The Holy Land"- the isle of our birth, and might have been where Jesus was born, had they been able to find three wise men. Between visiting her many friends, Prodigal, and swimming in Golden Arm, She will be looking for an "as seen on TV" single serving blender. On her way back to Muddflats Green (MFG for short), she will be meeting up with Patience and her crew for some Waterslide Motel fun.
Other than worship, weekend was filled with travel- Draginon for breakfast at The Kirk Hall, North to Railhead and Grande Lapin- and general relaxation.
I see bright light in window now. Must check to see what shining yellow thing in sky is.
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A round in Chocloate Bay
Yesterday started with the traditional vacation starting blood sausage breakfast. Ummm, good!
As both FCC and I were off for the day, we made plans to get together with Joe Candy and his wife, the Rev. Joan Candy: the guys going to the Chocolate Bay Golf Club, and the lasses going to Nuddude Island for some shopping.
Golf in Chocolate Bay at this time of year tends to be challenging. With global warming, the normally firm muskeg is a little sloppy. It is really hard to get a good shot off when you are in gumboots. Fortunately, I've found that you can get better traction if you wear icers.
The game went well with less than a half dozen balls lost- most of them being embedded deep into fairway.
I should mention that the recovery of the balls has become a major money maker for the course in the last few years. Frost during the winter tends to pop the lost balls up to the surface- sort of like squeezing a zit. In the spring, they gather up the balls, then grade, repackage, and resell them. Saves money flying new balls in at any rate.
FCC arrived home at Runamuk from the Nuddut run with ear rings and a couple of books. Life is rich!
Later, Mushers!
As both FCC and I were off for the day, we made plans to get together with Joe Candy and his wife, the Rev. Joan Candy: the guys going to the Chocolate Bay Golf Club, and the lasses going to Nuddude Island for some shopping.
Golf in Chocolate Bay at this time of year tends to be challenging. With global warming, the normally firm muskeg is a little sloppy. It is really hard to get a good shot off when you are in gumboots. Fortunately, I've found that you can get better traction if you wear icers.
The game went well with less than a half dozen balls lost- most of them being embedded deep into fairway.
I should mention that the recovery of the balls has become a major money maker for the course in the last few years. Frost during the winter tends to pop the lost balls up to the surface- sort of like squeezing a zit. In the spring, they gather up the balls, then grade, repackage, and resell them. Saves money flying new balls in at any rate.
FCC arrived home at Runamuk from the Nuddut run with ear rings and a couple of books. Life is rich!
Later, Mushers!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Mockumentry, or Northern Cookin'
I couldn't wait until the end of the work day to start my vacation, so I took an extra half-day just to celebrate my coming vacation! Hurrah and a tiger for me!
After a nap, followed by a visit to a local pub to celebrate a co-worker's retirement, I returned home to make supper.
It is a recipe that Pearl gave us- carb-free Shepherd's Pie. Due to FCC's lactose-intolerance, some of the ingredients had to be replaced. As a result, the recipe was,
Carb-Free Shepherd's Pie
1 head cauliflower
1 C. chicken stock
1 C. soy cream cheese
1 lb. Hamburger
1 onion (finely diced)
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 C. soy cheddar cheese (shredded)
The flowerets from a head of cauliflower were put in a pot with the chicken stock and cooked until the cauliflower was tender and most of the stock was gone. The "cream cheese" was added and the cauliflower was mashed until smooth. The hamburg, onion and garlic were cooked and blended with the cauliflower, along with half of the shredded "cheddar cheese." This mixture was transferred to a cassarole dish, covered with the remaining "cheddar cheese", and heated at 350 F until the "cheese" was bubbling.
As I was finishing up the dish and getting it ready to go in the oven, Andy and Squeak stopped by to visit. They were in town to pick up some dive gear for some recreational diving.
Squeak stayed with us several years ago while she work with our company, and became a cabbage patch daughter.
We invited them to stay and have supper, and they agreed to, even when I described the Shepherd's Pie as being made of mock cheese, mock cream cheese, and mock potatoes (Cauliflower).
To complete the mock meal, we had crackers without flower, "ketchup-like" sauce, artificial flowers on the table, and a polyester table cloth. You can't get more "mock" than that!
The good news is that we all enjoyed the meal, and had a good time! A great way to start a vacation!
Later, Mushers!
After a nap, followed by a visit to a local pub to celebrate a co-worker's retirement, I returned home to make supper.
It is a recipe that Pearl gave us- carb-free Shepherd's Pie. Due to FCC's lactose-intolerance, some of the ingredients had to be replaced. As a result, the recipe was,
Carb-Free Shepherd's Pie
1 head cauliflower
1 C. chicken stock
1 C. soy cream cheese
1 lb. Hamburger
1 onion (finely diced)
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 C. soy cheddar cheese (shredded)
The flowerets from a head of cauliflower were put in a pot with the chicken stock and cooked until the cauliflower was tender and most of the stock was gone. The "cream cheese" was added and the cauliflower was mashed until smooth. The hamburg, onion and garlic were cooked and blended with the cauliflower, along with half of the shredded "cheddar cheese." This mixture was transferred to a cassarole dish, covered with the remaining "cheddar cheese", and heated at 350 F until the "cheese" was bubbling.
As I was finishing up the dish and getting it ready to go in the oven, Andy and Squeak stopped by to visit. They were in town to pick up some dive gear for some recreational diving.
Squeak stayed with us several years ago while she work with our company, and became a cabbage patch daughter.
We invited them to stay and have supper, and they agreed to, even when I described the Shepherd's Pie as being made of mock cheese, mock cream cheese, and mock potatoes (Cauliflower).
To complete the mock meal, we had crackers without flower, "ketchup-like" sauce, artificial flowers on the table, and a polyester table cloth. You can't get more "mock" than that!
The good news is that we all enjoyed the meal, and had a good time! A great way to start a vacation!
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Weddings and Waterslides
After dropping off gluten-free date squares off at Pearl's, we (FMIL, FCC, and I) continued on to the Sullendale Resort to book in for the upcoming wedding.
Saturday, the day of the service and attending party, was overcast and sodden. The rain stopped after the service began, but soon started up to create a truly unique feature within the marque used for the meal- an indoor lake!
This didn't deter the bride who announced that there would be dancing, and perhaps later in the evening, mud wrestling!
In spite of the rain, a good time was had by all.
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, the day of the service and attending party, was overcast and sodden. The rain stopped after the service began, but soon started up to create a truly unique feature within the marque used for the meal- an indoor lake!
This didn't deter the bride who announced that there would be dancing, and perhaps later in the evening, mud wrestling!
In spite of the rain, a good time was had by all.
Later, Mushers!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Goin' Off-road
I'm off the road again,
so glad to be off the road again.
Not having to deal with relatives without end,
I'm so glad to off the road again!
A long weekend in Muddflats Green dealing with relatives from both sides.
For now, I'm pooped. Details to follow.
Later, Mushers!
so glad to be off the road again.
Not having to deal with relatives without end,
I'm so glad to off the road again!
A long weekend in Muddflats Green dealing with relatives from both sides.
For now, I'm pooped. Details to follow.
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Obstreperous
After a good deal of procrastination, I got on my bike and went for a ride. I followed some of the local trails on the premise that, if I met another vehicle, I would rather it be another bicycle than something that both out moves and out weighs me.
I rode down to Preachers Point, did the loop, and was on my way home when I came across a man walking his dogs. They (the dogs) were off leash and were ranging ahead. As I passed their master, he warned me that the dogs were some times a bit obstreperous.
I was tempted to say, "But...They don't look Presbyterian", but decided not to.
I passed the dogs who regarded me in silence, drove home and looked up "obstreperous."
Apparently, it means to be "resisting control or restraint in a difficult manner; unruly." Funny, those dogs didn't look Presbyterian!
Later, Mushers!
I rode down to Preachers Point, did the loop, and was on my way home when I came across a man walking his dogs. They (the dogs) were off leash and were ranging ahead. As I passed their master, he warned me that the dogs were some times a bit obstreperous.
I was tempted to say, "But...They don't look Presbyterian", but decided not to.
I passed the dogs who regarded me in silence, drove home and looked up "obstreperous."
Apparently, it means to be "resisting control or restraint in a difficult manner; unruly." Funny, those dogs didn't look Presbyterian!
Later, Mushers!
On Someone Else Turning 60
Next weekend, FCC, my Favorite Mother-in-Law, and and I are off the Muddflats Green for a wedding. Gifts have been purchased, travel plans have been completed, and we are ready to hit the trail.
While there, Prodigal, Patience and her family will be visiting Pearl and Hoofer, and someone's 60th birthday will be celebrated. I won't mention any names because he is a holy man and therefore deserves respect- not too much respect (wouldn't want his head to get big now, do we?) but some respect.
FCC has received a request for her famous gluten-free date squares. I had proposed a cook-off, but there were no challengers. FCC rules; the rest drools. Well, literally in this case, but you know what I mean.
After that, it is one more week and I will be on V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! If a 285 lb guy could moonwalk while sitting down, I would be the dude!
In the meanwhile...
Later, Mushers!
While there, Prodigal, Patience and her family will be visiting Pearl and Hoofer, and someone's 60th birthday will be celebrated. I won't mention any names because he is a holy man and therefore deserves respect- not too much respect (wouldn't want his head to get big now, do we?) but some respect.
FCC has received a request for her famous gluten-free date squares. I had proposed a cook-off, but there were no challengers. FCC rules; the rest drools. Well, literally in this case, but you know what I mean.
After that, it is one more week and I will be on V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! If a 285 lb guy could moonwalk while sitting down, I would be the dude!
In the meanwhile...
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Shad Rak and the Bendy Goes
What a time we had at the Runamuk Flying Fish Festival! We had a whale of a time at the Flying Fish Follies. It was the best night of my life. I've always been a fan of Shad and the gang. But before I tell you all about Saturday night, I should mention something about the festivities during Saturday.
The day was started with the annual IDOE Skipper's Kipper Breakfast. Eggs, pancakes, hash browns, and the ever popular smoked kippers. You haven't lived until you have had one of Eunice MacDonald's home smoked kippers. Mind you, FCC thinks that, if you haven't lived until you've had a kipper, odds are you aren't going to live much afterward. I think my darling dear is just a shade jealous!
After the Runamuk's Ranger Unit preforms the flag raising (followed by the a rousing version of The Queen), Miss Runamuk 2008 threw out the ceremonial first fish. Being a fairly dainty lass, she used the sidearm toss of the flounder. It was a good throw, although she didn't compensate for the wind, and lost some distance on the throw. It was a good toss none the less.
This was followed by the Small Fry event. This is strictly a thrown fish competition, and the kids gave it their all. Mind you, the "fish" used were scaled down a bit, but still there were some impressive throws.
This was followed by the junior, senior and master classes for both men and women, and the open class which included the propellant powered fish projectors. Finally, it was time for the super-modified class.
Or at least, it would have run, but a bunch of folks from DRE showed up, claimed the remote-controlled, swing-winged flying eel was part of a top secret spy flying fish program, and---
Due to the sensitivity of this blog, continued broadcasting of this entry has been pre-empted. DRE
---and that was the perfect finish to a perfect day!
Later, Mushers!
The day was started with the annual IDOE Skipper's Kipper Breakfast. Eggs, pancakes, hash browns, and the ever popular smoked kippers. You haven't lived until you have had one of Eunice MacDonald's home smoked kippers. Mind you, FCC thinks that, if you haven't lived until you've had a kipper, odds are you aren't going to live much afterward. I think my darling dear is just a shade jealous!
After the Runamuk's Ranger Unit preforms the flag raising (followed by the a rousing version of The Queen), Miss Runamuk 2008 threw out the ceremonial first fish. Being a fairly dainty lass, she used the sidearm toss of the flounder. It was a good throw, although she didn't compensate for the wind, and lost some distance on the throw. It was a good toss none the less.
This was followed by the Small Fry event. This is strictly a thrown fish competition, and the kids gave it their all. Mind you, the "fish" used were scaled down a bit, but still there were some impressive throws.
This was followed by the junior, senior and master classes for both men and women, and the open class which included the propellant powered fish projectors. Finally, it was time for the super-modified class.
Or at least, it would have run, but a bunch of folks from DRE showed up, claimed the remote-controlled, swing-winged flying eel was part of a top secret spy flying fish program, and---
Due to the sensitivity of this blog, continued broadcasting of this entry has been pre-empted. DRE
---and that was the perfect finish to a perfect day!
Later, Mushers!
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Flying Fish Festival
I am soooo excited. The annual Runamuk Flying Fish Festival begins!
Let me start with this disclaimer, "No fish were injured, maimed, or even present at any time at this festival."
Now, to be truthful, there was a time when fish were actually used in this contest, but as time passed, and sensitivity of PFAs (people from away) increased, fish gave way to scale models of the various fish previously used in the competition.
Along with the usual age and skill levels for the competitors, there are various classes of projectile. There is the normal 'cod'esque configuration for generally throwing overhand, flatfish for sidearm or discus, and eel for use with throwing stick/bow.
Along with the traditional projectiles, recent years has heralded in the latest twist- pneumatic projection! Think potato gun without the potato. This class of...projector was divided into two categories, aerosol ignition (e.g. hairspray), and compressed air.
As things usually go, the festival is going high tech. Rumor has it that that one of the contestants has developed a modified "fish" which, upon launch, extends its fins to act as air foils- much like a cruise missile. The officials for this year's competition have decided that this potentially new projectile will be a demonstration class this year.
The town is all a twitter!
Later, Mushers!
Let me start with this disclaimer, "No fish were injured, maimed, or even present at any time at this festival."
Now, to be truthful, there was a time when fish were actually used in this contest, but as time passed, and sensitivity of PFAs (people from away) increased, fish gave way to scale models of the various fish previously used in the competition.
Along with the usual age and skill levels for the competitors, there are various classes of projectile. There is the normal 'cod'esque configuration for generally throwing overhand, flatfish for sidearm or discus, and eel for use with throwing stick/bow.
Along with the traditional projectiles, recent years has heralded in the latest twist- pneumatic projection! Think potato gun without the potato. This class of...projector was divided into two categories, aerosol ignition (e.g. hairspray), and compressed air.
As things usually go, the festival is going high tech. Rumor has it that that one of the contestants has developed a modified "fish" which, upon launch, extends its fins to act as air foils- much like a cruise missile. The officials for this year's competition have decided that this potentially new projectile will be a demonstration class this year.
The town is all a twitter!
Later, Mushers!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Straight and Sort-of-Narrow
For the more mature or less agile members of our congregation, known throughout our presbytery as St. Andrews Runamuk, it was decided to install a door with a gentle sloping approach. The door was installed, a dirt ramp made, and last night I assisted in placing the 2 foot square concrete patio blocks to form a smooth ramp and deck for the door.
and although you can't see it from here, there is an nice little swoop just before you hit the street. There is air potential there!
It has a "to code", and hence gentle approach to the door,
a nice deck/approach to permit entrance and exit from the church,
and although you can't see it from here, there is an nice little swoop just before you hit the street. There is air potential there!
Everyone was pleased except for one of the neighbours,
who is now missing a major portion of his litter box. So sad!
Later, Mushers!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Odd Birds
Before our weekly Monday morning meeting, I had a chance to browse the books left by the local "Books are Fun" dude.
One of these books is a bird book with a built-in unit that reproduced the call of whatever bird you were looking at. I was looking at the pages for the Wild Turkey, and pushed the button to activate the call.
It gobbled once, it gobbled twice, it gobbled a third time, and in came my co-workers en masse.
I knew they were odd birds. Now I know precisely what breed!
Later, Mushers!
One of these books is a bird book with a built-in unit that reproduced the call of whatever bird you were looking at. I was looking at the pages for the Wild Turkey, and pushed the button to activate the call.
It gobbled once, it gobbled twice, it gobbled a third time, and in came my co-workers en masse.
I knew they were odd birds. Now I know precisely what breed!
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Bush Identifed
As mentioned earlier, I planned to have a gardening expert- HSH- to identify the plant.
She succeeded! This...
is an Oakleaf Hydrangea. Rejoice, for I was blind, but I seed!
Later, Mushers!
She succeeded! This...
is an Oakleaf Hydrangea. Rejoice, for I was blind, but I seed!
Later, Mushers!
Two Birthdays and an Anniversary
Yesterday was a busy day spent travelling along the south-western side of Carlton Bay.
We left Runamuk and cruised up the coast, past Cross Point, to Railhead on Station Fjord. There we meet up with FCC's family for an 85 birthday celebration. We ate devilled eggs, ham, potato salad, while trying to decide who spent the most time playing golf. The winner was cousin Tad, whose tanned legs turned deathly pale at the point where ankle socks would have otherwise begun, AKA Golfer's Foot.
From there it was up the coast to Grande Lapin where a retired minister of our acquaintance, the Rev. Dr. Herb Sage and his lovely wife were celebrating their 50th anniversary. This attracted quite a crowd from Chocolate Bay, Runamuk, Dutch Wells, and Grande Lapin, of course.
Finally, it was north to our final port of call, Boulder Rest, and a birthday visit with High-Speed Hermitess, and The Abbot. Our timing was perfect. As we were arriving, other visitors (the Maternal Unit, Marx, The Big E, and Contra) were preparing to head back to Nuddude South. The Abbot's nephew, N.D., his significant other, Annie Lorrie (born, as I was, in the Holy Land), and their new born daughter soon followed.
We had travelled with our pure breed Runamuk Walker, Fang Von Auto, so we all went for a walk- FCC and I with Fang; HSH and TA with their dog, Flash.
After the stroll, we on the Verandah O' Love, drank tea, ate cheese and crackers, discussed life, the universe, and various forms of plant life, and rounded it up with a nice slice of cake.
Oh yes, HSH and TA are off to the centre of the known universe to attend a wedding! This is a major event. In truth, I am all agog! I can only hope that HSH is gentle with CKU and its denizens.
We left Boulder Rest excited, tired, and on the look out for random growlers along the way.
Later, Mushers!
We left Runamuk and cruised up the coast, past Cross Point, to Railhead on Station Fjord. There we meet up with FCC's family for an 85 birthday celebration. We ate devilled eggs, ham, potato salad, while trying to decide who spent the most time playing golf. The winner was cousin Tad, whose tanned legs turned deathly pale at the point where ankle socks would have otherwise begun, AKA Golfer's Foot.
From there it was up the coast to Grande Lapin where a retired minister of our acquaintance, the Rev. Dr. Herb Sage and his lovely wife were celebrating their 50th anniversary. This attracted quite a crowd from Chocolate Bay, Runamuk, Dutch Wells, and Grande Lapin, of course.
Finally, it was north to our final port of call, Boulder Rest, and a birthday visit with High-Speed Hermitess, and The Abbot. Our timing was perfect. As we were arriving, other visitors (the Maternal Unit, Marx, The Big E, and Contra) were preparing to head back to Nuddude South. The Abbot's nephew, N.D., his significant other, Annie Lorrie (born, as I was, in the Holy Land), and their new born daughter soon followed.
We had travelled with our pure breed Runamuk Walker, Fang Von Auto, so we all went for a walk- FCC and I with Fang; HSH and TA with their dog, Flash.
After the stroll, we on the Verandah O' Love, drank tea, ate cheese and crackers, discussed life, the universe, and various forms of plant life, and rounded it up with a nice slice of cake.
Oh yes, HSH and TA are off to the centre of the known universe to attend a wedding! This is a major event. In truth, I am all agog! I can only hope that HSH is gentle with CKU and its denizens.
We left Boulder Rest excited, tired, and on the look out for random growlers along the way.
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Dominion Day in Runamuk
This is a big day here in Runamuk. There are craft shows, antique cars, parades replete with a full scale model of a whale which, in response to the call "Thar she blows", spouted water high in the air, and of course, barbecues. There was no haggis on a bun, but you can't have everything.
At night, much fireworks. It must have been good because our dog, a Runamuk Stroller named Fang, hid in our closet until the noise was all over with. Now that things has quieted down, it is time to take him for his final walk for the night.
Wherever you are, I hope you had a great Dominion (Canada) Day!
Later, Mushers!
At night, much fireworks. It must have been good because our dog, a Runamuk Stroller named Fang, hid in our closet until the noise was all over with. Now that things has quieted down, it is time to take him for his final walk for the night.
Wherever you are, I hope you had a great Dominion (Canada) Day!
Later, Mushers!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Old MacThumper had a Farm
I decided to take an extra long weekend, so I took a day of vacation today to rest and relax.
I hoed, and raked, and shovelled until the 6' square plot we call a garden was ready for planting. We even had our first crop for the season, a lovely bucket of rock. How lucky can you get!
I feel so agricultural!
Mind you I prefer low maintenance gardening, i.e. wild plants. we have some nice flowers in our yard that just appeared and are determined to spread.
I like that in a flower.
So, what did I do with my free time you ask? How did I enjoy my vacation? How did I enjoy Dominion Day Eve? (I have always thought "Canada Day" is a lame name for a national holiday.)
I hoed, and raked, and shovelled until the 6' square plot we call a garden was ready for planting. We even had our first crop for the season, a lovely bucket of rock. How lucky can you get!
I feel so agricultural!
Mind you I prefer low maintenance gardening, i.e. wild plants. we have some nice flowers in our yard that just appeared and are determined to spread.
I like that in a flower.
We also have a bush of unknown origin growing near by. It has clusters of white blossoms (if I had caught them a few days earlier),
and an interesting leaf.
I'll have to talk to a gardener friend of mine for a possible id.
Later, Mushers!
Monday, June 23, 2008
A Measured Rebellion
While celebrating Hoofer's graduation, Prodigal pointed out a list of items I made in a sudoku book I had used last year while visiting Auntie Upstream. Under the heading "A Measured Rebellion" the following was listed,
Mom - motorcycle
Dad - degree
Brother - marriage
Auntie U.- single malt
In addition, there was this inscription- "men mild, women wild."
The above list was a list of loss, to some degree, and my response to it. When mom died, I bought a motorcycle. When dad died, I returned to university to complete my degree. When my little bro died (all 250 lbs of him), I got married. When Auntie U. went to a nursing home and we were left with the job of cleaning up her house after 20 years of hoarding, I had my first drink of alcohol, single malt scotch oddly enough.
Prodigal thinks I should write a book about this. I think not!
Later, Mushers!
Mom - motorcycle
Dad - degree
Brother - marriage
Auntie U.- single malt
In addition, there was this inscription- "men mild, women wild."
The above list was a list of loss, to some degree, and my response to it. When mom died, I bought a motorcycle. When dad died, I returned to university to complete my degree. When my little bro died (all 250 lbs of him), I got married. When Auntie U. went to a nursing home and we were left with the job of cleaning up her house after 20 years of hoarding, I had my first drink of alcohol, single malt scotch oddly enough.
Prodigal thinks I should write a book about this. I think not!
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Weekend and Little Robin
The graduation weekend at Mudflatts Green is over, and FCC and I have returned to Runamuk for some much needed rest before returning back to the work-a-day world.
Part of the day, pre- and post-graduation party, was spent playing with little Robin, Patience's grand-daughter and my grand-niece. We talked about some of her favorite TV shows, and both agreed that Treehouse was the best channel.
We played hide and go seek. I thought that standing in the middle of the living room at Pearl's with a blanket over me constituted an excellent hiding place, but I guess I was wrong. When it was my turn again, I hid under the kitchen table, and even though there were already six people around it, and I am 6'2" and weigh 275 lbs, I thought that it was a pretty good hiding place. I was willing to put up with their feet, if they were willing to put up with my...formidable size.
You know, some people just don't take hide and seek seriously. Here I was trying to play a serious came of H and S, and they were laughing. Laughing, I tell you!
I was disgustapated! You can't play under these circumstances!
Robin and I had to postpone the game until a later date.
Later, during the the party, Robin and I agreed that things were rather dull, so we put on a puppet show. She played with two of her dollies, and I, with two of her bears. Thought they sang and danced, neither of the dollies or the bears had to shoot seltzer down their pants. This was a good thing. Despite the lack of seltzer water, the audience appreciated the show, and the party was enlivened considerably. Our job was complete!
But even lives of the party, such as Robin and I, must have down time, so while the newly enlivened party continued upstairs, we went down stairs and unwound...sort of. Robin dances, and bounced and swung, until she thought I needed a break. We read books for another little while, until her folks decided it was my bed time, and she should let me have a drink of water, and get tucked in by FCC.
FCC and I was up early enough this morning to say good bye to Prodigal, have breakfast, and then wish good bye the the rest of the clan before heading back to Runamuk.
After a call to Auntie Upstream, I plan to go to bed!
Later, Mushers!
Part of the day, pre- and post-graduation party, was spent playing with little Robin, Patience's grand-daughter and my grand-niece. We talked about some of her favorite TV shows, and both agreed that Treehouse was the best channel.
We played hide and go seek. I thought that standing in the middle of the living room at Pearl's with a blanket over me constituted an excellent hiding place, but I guess I was wrong. When it was my turn again, I hid under the kitchen table, and even though there were already six people around it, and I am 6'2" and weigh 275 lbs, I thought that it was a pretty good hiding place. I was willing to put up with their feet, if they were willing to put up with my...formidable size.
You know, some people just don't take hide and seek seriously. Here I was trying to play a serious came of H and S, and they were laughing. Laughing, I tell you!
I was disgustapated! You can't play under these circumstances!
Robin and I had to postpone the game until a later date.
Later, during the the party, Robin and I agreed that things were rather dull, so we put on a puppet show. She played with two of her dollies, and I, with two of her bears. Thought they sang and danced, neither of the dollies or the bears had to shoot seltzer down their pants. This was a good thing. Despite the lack of seltzer water, the audience appreciated the show, and the party was enlivened considerably. Our job was complete!
But even lives of the party, such as Robin and I, must have down time, so while the newly enlivened party continued upstairs, we went down stairs and unwound...sort of. Robin dances, and bounced and swung, until she thought I needed a break. We read books for another little while, until her folks decided it was my bed time, and she should let me have a drink of water, and get tucked in by FCC.
FCC and I was up early enough this morning to say good bye to Prodigal, have breakfast, and then wish good bye the the rest of the clan before heading back to Runamuk.
After a call to Auntie Upstream, I plan to go to bed!
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Festivities in Mudflatts Green
Pearl's place is full of friends and relatives here to celebrate the graduation of Hoofer.
While FCC and I arrived Thursday night, the rest of the relatives arrived last night. Oldest sister, Patience, and most of her family arrived just before Hoofer's graduation started. Her oldest daughter, NOB and her family arrived shortly after the grad.
FCC and I went to bed early while the rest of the clan stayed up to play games and party!
Tonight there will be a graduation party for Hoofer, and if I'm lucky, I'll get to see TFC beat the Wizards at BMO Field. The game starts at 3:30 PM, so I should have lots of time to root for the Reds.
Later, Mushers!
While FCC and I arrived Thursday night, the rest of the relatives arrived last night. Oldest sister, Patience, and most of her family arrived just before Hoofer's graduation started. Her oldest daughter, NOB and her family arrived shortly after the grad.
FCC and I went to bed early while the rest of the clan stayed up to play games and party!
Tonight there will be a graduation party for Hoofer, and if I'm lucky, I'll get to see TFC beat the Wizards at BMO Field. The game starts at 3:30 PM, so I should have lots of time to root for the Reds.
Later, Mushers!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Pretty in Purple
Incessant coughing and the desire not to wake FCC has led me to the den, and a quick check of the Facebook.
There, on Pearl's page, are photos of Hoofer, her date for the prom, a number of her friends, and a group photo. Hoofer, with her purple, off-the-shoulder gown, looks divine. Her escort looks nice, and more importantly, relatively harmless. (I like that in prom escorts!)
Later today, FCC and I will be mounting up to travel to Mudflatts Green for graduation and family festivities. Perhaps, even take in a TFC game on CBC.
Later, Mushers!
There, on Pearl's page, are photos of Hoofer, her date for the prom, a number of her friends, and a group photo. Hoofer, with her purple, off-the-shoulder gown, looks divine. Her escort looks nice, and more importantly, relatively harmless. (I like that in prom escorts!)
Later today, FCC and I will be mounting up to travel to Mudflatts Green for graduation and family festivities. Perhaps, even take in a TFC game on CBC.
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Comin's an' Goin's
As we return to our intrepid heroes- Pearl, FCC, and yours truly- we see them heading back to Canada via shopping destinations.
Actually, what hasn't been mentioned was the mass 90th birthday in the planning for the next summer.
After visiting Auntie Upstream one evening, we returned to Bull and Grace's place- the aforementioned friends- and began to discuss whether Auntie would want to celebrate her 90th birthday again this coming January. The previous year the whole Canadian clan travelled south to celebrate Auntie's 90th (88th as far as she is concerned), so we were wondering if she wanted another 90th this coming January. The upshot was that we decided that if she could have two 90th birthdays, everyone who knows her should have, at least, one!
So, next year we are all going to celebrate our 90th birthdays! We are going to have a cake and a banner, walker races and climbing walls, and other things we would to be able to say we did when we turned 90. Bull and Grace are coming, as well as other friends of Auntie U. I hope the local paper, The Intruder, will send their reporter to take a picture of the 90 year-olds in varying states of maturity. That would be most cool!
The road back to Runamuk had a number of stops, but none of them involved my advising Pearl or FCC! Actually, there was a little bit more shopping, including my purchase of a miter saw and a miter saw table. The complete set cost less than the original price of the table (I AM a power shopper! Well maybe a power tool shopper.)
Oh yeah. The ladies got a few things as well.
We got home, unpacked, and crashed. The next morning, Pearl left for Mudflatts Green, and FCC and I napped.
A week of work- feeding itty bitty fish, and working a desk- a weekend and three days of diseasedness (I coughed, I snorted, I hawked, and I spewed- generally had a nasty time). Now, I am getting ready to head to Mudflatts to attend the graduation of my niece, Hoofer.
Got to get packed.
Later, Mushers!
Actually, what hasn't been mentioned was the mass 90th birthday in the planning for the next summer.
After visiting Auntie Upstream one evening, we returned to Bull and Grace's place- the aforementioned friends- and began to discuss whether Auntie would want to celebrate her 90th birthday again this coming January. The previous year the whole Canadian clan travelled south to celebrate Auntie's 90th (88th as far as she is concerned), so we were wondering if she wanted another 90th this coming January. The upshot was that we decided that if she could have two 90th birthdays, everyone who knows her should have, at least, one!
So, next year we are all going to celebrate our 90th birthdays! We are going to have a cake and a banner, walker races and climbing walls, and other things we would to be able to say we did when we turned 90. Bull and Grace are coming, as well as other friends of Auntie U. I hope the local paper, The Intruder, will send their reporter to take a picture of the 90 year-olds in varying states of maturity. That would be most cool!
The road back to Runamuk had a number of stops, but none of them involved my advising Pearl or FCC! Actually, there was a little bit more shopping, including my purchase of a miter saw and a miter saw table. The complete set cost less than the original price of the table (I AM a power shopper! Well maybe a power tool shopper.)
Oh yeah. The ladies got a few things as well.
We got home, unpacked, and crashed. The next morning, Pearl left for Mudflatts Green, and FCC and I napped.
A week of work- feeding itty bitty fish, and working a desk- a weekend and three days of diseasedness (I coughed, I snorted, I hawked, and I spewed- generally had a nasty time). Now, I am getting ready to head to Mudflatts to attend the graduation of my niece, Hoofer.
Got to get packed.
Later, Mushers!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Down South
Auntie Upstream is a very fortunate woman. She has friends and neighbours who are truly marvelous!
While down south with Pearl and FCC, we stayed with one couple who have been friends with Auntie U. for the last 30+ years. It was like being home. We were comfortable, relaxed, and welcome.
Auntie's next door neighbours had given us an open invite to visit, but with their health issues, it was felt that we didn't need to add to the strain.
For the next three days, mornings were spent waiting for Pearl to take care of Auntie U's business, and lunch through post-dinner spent with Auntie U. After that, it was back to the neighbours for a bit of TV, and sleep time.
One day was spent- for lack of a better word- dunging out part of Auntie U's house. We filled a dumpster, but toward the end of it, FCC went on strike, and Pearl was starting to pitch china. It was decided to hold off the clean up at that point.
After a shower, everyone went to the home of the next door neighbour for a barbecue. There were snacks, hot dogs and hamburgers, and all the essentials for a good meal- including good conversation with friends, new and old.
After the day spent cleaning, we were spent, so it was off to bed early.
Later, Mushers!
While down south with Pearl and FCC, we stayed with one couple who have been friends with Auntie U. for the last 30+ years. It was like being home. We were comfortable, relaxed, and welcome.
Auntie's next door neighbours had given us an open invite to visit, but with their health issues, it was felt that we didn't need to add to the strain.
For the next three days, mornings were spent waiting for Pearl to take care of Auntie U's business, and lunch through post-dinner spent with Auntie U. After that, it was back to the neighbours for a bit of TV, and sleep time.
One day was spent- for lack of a better word- dunging out part of Auntie U's house. We filled a dumpster, but toward the end of it, FCC went on strike, and Pearl was starting to pitch china. It was decided to hold off the clean up at that point.
After a shower, everyone went to the home of the next door neighbour for a barbecue. There were snacks, hot dogs and hamburgers, and all the essentials for a good meal- including good conversation with friends, new and old.
After the day spent cleaning, we were spent, so it was off to bed early.
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Travels with Relatives
A week of vacation and I have learned some things about family that I could have lived without knowing.
While sister, Pearl, FCC, and yours truly travelled south to visit Auntie Upstream, we- or rather, they- stopped to do a little bit of shopping. I was patiently waiting on a nice comfortable bench with other men in varying states of impatience, when Pearl came up, grabbed me by the arm, and dragged me into The Dress Barn saying, "I need your opinion on something."
Have you heard of the phrase, "like a deer in the headlights?" This was me as my sister held a white jacket in front of her, and asked, "Does this look good?"
As I waited for something other than"ah" to come out of my mouth, a lady standing near by said that she thought the jacket was lovely. To quote that lady in Streetcar named Desire, "I rely on the kindness of strangers."
Later that day, after we had returned to the motel, and flopped on the beds in exhaustion. This resulted in another weird moment.
[This section has been edited at the... gentle direction of FCC.] ...and said, "but feel!"
We were exhausted, and this was just the first day of the trip.
Later, Mushers!
While sister, Pearl, FCC, and yours truly travelled south to visit Auntie Upstream, we- or rather, they- stopped to do a little bit of shopping. I was patiently waiting on a nice comfortable bench with other men in varying states of impatience, when Pearl came up, grabbed me by the arm, and dragged me into The Dress Barn saying, "I need your opinion on something."
Have you heard of the phrase, "like a deer in the headlights?" This was me as my sister held a white jacket in front of her, and asked, "Does this look good?"
As I waited for something other than"ah" to come out of my mouth, a lady standing near by said that she thought the jacket was lovely. To quote that lady in Streetcar named Desire, "I rely on the kindness of strangers."
Later that day, after we had returned to the motel, and flopped on the beds in exhaustion. This resulted in another weird moment.
[This section has been edited at the... gentle direction of FCC.] ...and said, "but feel!"
We were exhausted, and this was just the first day of the trip.
Later, Mushers!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Freaked to the Max!
FCC decided it was time to redye the hair a nice "Ash Mahogany Dark Brown." This is not what this post is all about.
After applying the AMDB dye, FCC had to leave it in the hair for a half hour, but that is not what this post is about.
We have a 10-month old kitten called Max. This post is almost about him.
This post is about Max's reaction to the pre-rinse out hair style of FCC. For the half hour he followed FCC around the cabin staring at her head. It was as if he was thinking, "Who are you? Where is my mommy? What the @#^* did you do to your Hair!?"
The good news is, after the rinse out, comb out and drying, Max is much happier!
Later, Mushers!
After applying the AMDB dye, FCC had to leave it in the hair for a half hour, but that is not what this post is about.
We have a 10-month old kitten called Max. This post is almost about him.
This post is about Max's reaction to the pre-rinse out hair style of FCC. For the half hour he followed FCC around the cabin staring at her head. It was as if he was thinking, "Who are you? Where is my mommy? What the @#^* did you do to your Hair!?"
The good news is, after the rinse out, comb out and drying, Max is much happier!
Later, Mushers!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Abnormal Swing
I was in conversation with my supervisor, an avid golfer and gunsmith, when I mentioned my wide stance when using my 5-iron.
He thought that I should bring my feet closer together and bend my knees more. The broader stance removed the power that is generated from the turning of my hips during the back swing.
I asked if longer clubs could let me have less of a knee bend, and the boss replied that most people take the same club length, and asked me to stand next to him so he could compare the heights of our knuckles from the floor. Apparently, the knuckles of most men are the same distance off the ground, but when we stood side by side, my knuckles were 3 inches higher than the boss's.
He used the word abnormal; I prefer...exceptional!
Later, Mushers!
He thought that I should bring my feet closer together and bend my knees more. The broader stance removed the power that is generated from the turning of my hips during the back swing.
I asked if longer clubs could let me have less of a knee bend, and the boss replied that most people take the same club length, and asked me to stand next to him so he could compare the heights of our knuckles from the floor. Apparently, the knuckles of most men are the same distance off the ground, but when we stood side by side, my knuckles were 3 inches higher than the boss's.
He used the word abnormal; I prefer...exceptional!
Later, Mushers!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Zen and the "Art" of Golf
One of the problems I've been having with my golf game- one of my many problems- is the habit of lifting my head during the swing. This results in my topping the ball, and oddly, this does nothing for my score.
My golf buddy, Joe Candy, suggests bending my legs while keeping my back straight. I could keep the back straight, but had to have a wider stance instead of bending the knees.
It worked! I got under the ball and get some great shots.
Of course, from a distance, my wide-legged, bent-knee stance looks less than...elegant. Actually, a stance like that is usually seen- if seen at all- under cover while the "stancer" is answering the call of the wild!
I've decided to get longer clubs. Until then I'm going to insist that I am combining yoga with golf, and I am practicing the "lone horseman" pose!
Later, Mushers!
My golf buddy, Joe Candy, suggests bending my legs while keeping my back straight. I could keep the back straight, but had to have a wider stance instead of bending the knees.
It worked! I got under the ball and get some great shots.
Of course, from a distance, my wide-legged, bent-knee stance looks less than...elegant. Actually, a stance like that is usually seen- if seen at all- under cover while the "stancer" is answering the call of the wild!
I've decided to get longer clubs. Until then I'm going to insist that I am combining yoga with golf, and I am practicing the "lone horseman" pose!
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Fun in the Great Outdoors
While FCC went shopping down south, a buddy of mine, Joe Candy, and I went to play golf at the Runamuk Golf and Gun Club.
It is still early in the season, so we didn't have to worry about bugs, but we do need to carry a shotgun in our bag when we are playing a round to scare off any bears that may be using the course as a shortcut. Personally, I've found that a shotgun blast is a lot easier on the throat than shouting "fore!"
For the most part, I avoided the muskeg, found more balls than I lost, actually hit the ball straight on occasion.
Today, I defrost!
Later, Mushers!
It is still early in the season, so we didn't have to worry about bugs, but we do need to carry a shotgun in our bag when we are playing a round to scare off any bears that may be using the course as a shortcut. Personally, I've found that a shotgun blast is a lot easier on the throat than shouting "fore!"
For the most part, I avoided the muskeg, found more balls than I lost, actually hit the ball straight on occasion.
Today, I defrost!
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Speaking to the Clan Elder
Tonight was my turn to call Auntie Upstream.
Auntie Upstream is a 91 year old sister of my father, the late Buffalo, and the last of that particular generation.
To say that she in indomitable is a understatement. In truth, Upstream got her name from the observation that "if she fell in a river and drowned, you would have to look for the body upstream. She would be too stubborn to go with the flow!"
Of course, this description does not apply to my sisters, Patience, Prodigal, and Pearl (as in Pit Bull with Pearls- she isn't a type A personality, she's just driven!)
Auntie, a widow for the past 15 years, has succumb to the years. Well, the truth is that her body is shot, but her mouth is in fine form. Thank God for phone plans!
I have to go now, and get the kinks out of my shoulders and neck.
Later, Mushers!
Auntie Upstream is a 91 year old sister of my father, the late Buffalo, and the last of that particular generation.
To say that she in indomitable is a understatement. In truth, Upstream got her name from the observation that "if she fell in a river and drowned, you would have to look for the body upstream. She would be too stubborn to go with the flow!"
Of course, this description does not apply to my sisters, Patience, Prodigal, and Pearl (as in Pit Bull with Pearls- she isn't a type A personality, she's just driven!)
Auntie, a widow for the past 15 years, has succumb to the years. Well, the truth is that her body is shot, but her mouth is in fine form. Thank God for phone plans!
I have to go now, and get the kinks out of my shoulders and neck.
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Relatives and Critters
So, during the family weekend, my darling niece, Hoofer, mentioned to she wanted to get a new pet. To wit, a hedgehog.
To convince her mother, my sister, Pearl that a hedgehog would be a most excellent gift, she searched the web for facts and figures. It was quite impressive. I almost wanted one myself.
In fact, I mentioned this to one of my co-workers, Brain. She was not quite so positive on the idea of the hedgehog. Apparently, her nephew has one and it has a jail house attitude. Being a nocturnal creature, it wants to be out and about at night. Since it is in its nice little metal cage at night, instead of travelling thither and yon, it protests its captivity.
How you may ask. By slamming its water dish against the bars of its cage, shredding the paper litter it has into much finer pieces to scatter about the house, and hissing threats at the screws. Well, OK. It just hisses at people it doesn't like, but you get the idea.
I don't know what Hoofer felt when I sent the information to her, but Pearl wasn't about to let her daughter have a pet anyway.
On the upside, we now know that if you bake a hedgehog after slathering it in a thick layer of clay, the quills come off with ease. Sounds yummy to me!
Have to run.
Later, Mushers!
To convince her mother, my sister, Pearl that a hedgehog would be a most excellent gift, she searched the web for facts and figures. It was quite impressive. I almost wanted one myself.
In fact, I mentioned this to one of my co-workers, Brain. She was not quite so positive on the idea of the hedgehog. Apparently, her nephew has one and it has a jail house attitude. Being a nocturnal creature, it wants to be out and about at night. Since it is in its nice little metal cage at night, instead of travelling thither and yon, it protests its captivity.
How you may ask. By slamming its water dish against the bars of its cage, shredding the paper litter it has into much finer pieces to scatter about the house, and hissing threats at the screws. Well, OK. It just hisses at people it doesn't like, but you get the idea.
I don't know what Hoofer felt when I sent the information to her, but Pearl wasn't about to let her daughter have a pet anyway.
On the upside, we now know that if you bake a hedgehog after slathering it in a thick layer of clay, the quills come off with ease. Sounds yummy to me!
Have to run.
Later, Mushers!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Family Matters
There has been much travel since the ice left the waters of Runamuk.
There was a trip to TO for the opening game of the TFC (so nice to be able to cheer for at least on team from that town), but that is not the trip of which I speak.
This past weekend was a family gathering which involved all three of the elder sisters, nieces, nephews, in laws, and assorted hangers on.
As with most family gatherings, as many events were celebrated as possible. There was, of course, the premier event- the graduation of niece No. 3, henceforth to be known as Alto, with a Bachelors degree in Christian Ed with a music major. There was also the celebration of the return of the Prodigal Sister- returned from the mission field after two and a half years. Last, but not the least, there was the birthday of my youngest niece, Hoofer.
My nephew, Jonah, was back from his studies out west, a lean, mean, researching machine.
We ate, we laughed, I avoided board games like the plague!
All in all, a most pleasant weekend, and well worth the trip.
Later, Mushers!
There was a trip to TO for the opening game of the TFC (so nice to be able to cheer for at least on team from that town), but that is not the trip of which I speak.
This past weekend was a family gathering which involved all three of the elder sisters, nieces, nephews, in laws, and assorted hangers on.
As with most family gatherings, as many events were celebrated as possible. There was, of course, the premier event- the graduation of niece No. 3, henceforth to be known as Alto, with a Bachelors degree in Christian Ed with a music major. There was also the celebration of the return of the Prodigal Sister- returned from the mission field after two and a half years. Last, but not the least, there was the birthday of my youngest niece, Hoofer.
My nephew, Jonah, was back from his studies out west, a lean, mean, researching machine.
We ate, we laughed, I avoided board games like the plague!
All in all, a most pleasant weekend, and well worth the trip.
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The FCC and I had a night out last night.
We 4-wheeled up the coast to Chocolate Bay to take in a concert put on by Glen Soderholm, a PCC minister and worship team workshop leader. The concert was good, and our minister, the Rev. Mrs. Candy introduced me to Glen.
We spoke about many things, but I think he was most impressed by my idea for serving communion to large congregations. You tape a crouton to a punch pack of grape juice, and you can serve anyone in the church, even the folks in the upper gallery!
I could tell that he was impressed.
Later, Mushers!
We 4-wheeled up the coast to Chocolate Bay to take in a concert put on by Glen Soderholm, a PCC minister and worship team workshop leader. The concert was good, and our minister, the Rev. Mrs. Candy introduced me to Glen.
We spoke about many things, but I think he was most impressed by my idea for serving communion to large congregations. You tape a crouton to a punch pack of grape juice, and you can serve anyone in the church, even the folks in the upper gallery!
I could tell that he was impressed.
Later, Mushers!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Spring, Glorious Spring!
We have sunshine.
We have some warmth.
We have springtime.
Who could ask for anything more!
Spring has come to Runamuk. The ice has slowly receded from the shore, and snow has retreated to area untouched by sunlight. The local inhabitants have emerged from the shelter of their homes to do the annual spring dance, AKA. dodging a winter's worth of doggy-doo.
It is amazing how graceful one can be when properly motivated.
To quote Frank Zappa, "don't go where the huskies go." At least, we don't have to worry about yellow snow! Much.
Later, mushers!
We have some warmth.
We have springtime.
Who could ask for anything more!
Spring has come to Runamuk. The ice has slowly receded from the shore, and snow has retreated to area untouched by sunlight. The local inhabitants have emerged from the shelter of their homes to do the annual spring dance, AKA. dodging a winter's worth of doggy-doo.
It is amazing how graceful one can be when properly motivated.
To quote Frank Zappa, "don't go where the huskies go." At least, we don't have to worry about yellow snow! Much.
Later, mushers!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Surfing in a Log Cabin
The advantage of the internet is obvious- you can reach out and touch someone without that nasty, touchy-feely stuff. No chance of getting any kind of bug other that the occassional virus or a worm, but...I've software for that!
You don't spend money on coffee and the like while trying to have a conversation of little or no interest to yourself, or worse still, being amusing.
You can social network to your heart's content, without having to have anything than your long-johns on. Tootsies pointed to the fire all toasty like. A mug of coffee at the elbow, a dog at the feet, and a cat vying for space on your lap.
Yes, life is a rich pagent of colour, texture, and shape-especially when you have a nice plaid blanket over your knees!
Later, mushers!
You don't spend money on coffee and the like while trying to have a conversation of little or no interest to yourself, or worse still, being amusing.
You can social network to your heart's content, without having to have anything than your long-johns on. Tootsies pointed to the fire all toasty like. A mug of coffee at the elbow, a dog at the feet, and a cat vying for space on your lap.
Yes, life is a rich pagent of colour, texture, and shape-especially when you have a nice plaid blanket over your knees!
Later, mushers!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Visiting Students
There is a new face in Runamuk this week.
It is hard to overstate the importance of new people up here. After a while, everyone knows your stories, best punchlines, stupid animal tricks, and so forth. A new person means a new audience.
I met the Monday flight in with a spare parka in hand. A student was flying in for a stint at the "Institute of Higher Learning" (or the IHL). I'm note certain what the "Dane" will be studying, but my first guess would the ever popular receding ice pack. A topic, which like the hairline, grows in importance with each year.
Bjork will be working with "Wild Billy" Hopkins, a fellow southerner who came north because there were too many people down there.
Anyway, the kid is getting settled in, and I have to review my pet flea tricks.
Later, Mushers!
It is hard to overstate the importance of new people up here. After a while, everyone knows your stories, best punchlines, stupid animal tricks, and so forth. A new person means a new audience.
I met the Monday flight in with a spare parka in hand. A student was flying in for a stint at the "Institute of Higher Learning" (or the IHL). I'm note certain what the "Dane" will be studying, but my first guess would the ever popular receding ice pack. A topic, which like the hairline, grows in importance with each year.
Bjork will be working with "Wild Billy" Hopkins, a fellow southerner who came north because there were too many people down there.
Anyway, the kid is getting settled in, and I have to review my pet flea tricks.
Later, Mushers!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
After many Miles...
A hot bath- a real soak, not a sprinkling- makes all the difference after an extended run on the sled. A chance for some time with no sound louder than water dripping, and the occasional groan of a body- to quote from Lethal Weapon I to infinity- "too old for this S***!"
Don't get me wrong. I can cover more territory, see more people, and do my job better on a sled, but the noise!
There are moments when, just stepping out in the snow, hearing the sound of your breath, and if you are lucky, the crystaline sound of snow being blown along the snow pack, makes you dream of days before snowmobiles. On those crystaline nights when there is nothing to be seen but the stars and aurora above, and the light of home close by, you can forget telephones and fax machines, e-mail and the trappings of modernity, and...breathe.
But, for now, what I need is to kiss the FCC good night, and get some sleep.
Later, Mushers!
Don't get me wrong. I can cover more territory, see more people, and do my job better on a sled, but the noise!
There are moments when, just stepping out in the snow, hearing the sound of your breath, and if you are lucky, the crystaline sound of snow being blown along the snow pack, makes you dream of days before snowmobiles. On those crystaline nights when there is nothing to be seen but the stars and aurora above, and the light of home close by, you can forget telephones and fax machines, e-mail and the trappings of modernity, and...breathe.
But, for now, what I need is to kiss the FCC good night, and get some sleep.
Later, Mushers!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Old Sisters and Aging
The youngest of my three older sisters- here after to be referred to as my Old sister, Older sister, and Oldest sister- was up to on assignment, and felt it was time to celebrate my 50th.
I was "pleased."
I have spent much time and effort to ensure that, in the words of the great philosopher Red Green, "If you can't keep from getting older, you can still be immature." As would be expected, physical reminders of my impending plunge in the the second half of my first century are less than welcome.
I can't complain really. I recieved some great gifts. Books- expensive stuff when you consider the cost of shipping, boardgames- just what a hypercompetitive person needs to ensure solitude once the first game is over, and three bags of "Tim Hortons" coffee!
You can keep your coke, smack, and crystal meth. They don't do a thing for me, but give me an extra large double, double and you have one hyperactive, 275 lb. (125 kg- there are times when I love metric) fur ball!
I spent most of last night crouched in front of my FCC's face, eyes wide open, saying "You awake yet? You awake yet? You awake yet?"
I was "pleased."
I have spent much time and effort to ensure that, in the words of the great philosopher Red Green, "If you can't keep from getting older, you can still be immature." As would be expected, physical reminders of my impending plunge in the the second half of my first century are less than welcome.
I can't complain really. I recieved some great gifts. Books- expensive stuff when you consider the cost of shipping, boardgames- just what a hypercompetitive person needs to ensure solitude once the first game is over, and three bags of "Tim Hortons" coffee!
You can keep your coke, smack, and crystal meth. They don't do a thing for me, but give me an extra large double, double and you have one hyperactive, 275 lb. (125 kg- there are times when I love metric) fur ball!
I spent most of last night crouched in front of my FCC's face, eyes wide open, saying "You awake yet? You awake yet? You awake yet?"
For a generally mild manner person, FCC has a wicked left hook.
Now that I have come to, I have to stick my face in some snow to cut down on the swelling.
Later, mushers!
Friday, February 1, 2008
The Northerner's view of Dentistry
Local anesthesia is a marvelous thing.
After biting into the FCC's supper last night, I realized that one of my teeth had turned into an iceberg (90% unseen), and a painful one at that! Thankfully, the Great Canadian Mukluk Trading Post has a 24-hour dental clinic on the third floor.
So. On with the snowsuit (complete with my favorite mitts, complete with idiot strings), out the door of my lonely log cabin, across to the penthouse, and down the elevator to Doc Caine's office.
Doc was putting the finishing touches to the scrimshaw he was working on ("I have to do something with all these roots I'm left with"), when I came through the door.
Into the chair, a swab of something to numb the gums, something to numb the rest of my mouth, and a few minutes later, there it was...gone!
To show my gratitude, I let Doc keep the root. He said that he has something special planned for it. Apparently, he needed just one more piece of scrimshaw to complete the miniture nativity scene he was working on. Apparently, southern visitors believe him when he tells them that he uses teeth scavenged from carcasses found along the beach.
On my return to the lonely log cabin, I considered Doc's skill as both an artist and dentist, whether to tell FCC that more work is required on the new biscuit recipe, and was amazed how even drool freezes at -40!
Later, mushers!
After biting into the FCC's supper last night, I realized that one of my teeth had turned into an iceberg (90% unseen), and a painful one at that! Thankfully, the Great Canadian Mukluk Trading Post has a 24-hour dental clinic on the third floor.
So. On with the snowsuit (complete with my favorite mitts, complete with idiot strings), out the door of my lonely log cabin, across to the penthouse, and down the elevator to Doc Caine's office.
Doc was putting the finishing touches to the scrimshaw he was working on ("I have to do something with all these roots I'm left with"), when I came through the door.
Into the chair, a swab of something to numb the gums, something to numb the rest of my mouth, and a few minutes later, there it was...gone!
To show my gratitude, I let Doc keep the root. He said that he has something special planned for it. Apparently, he needed just one more piece of scrimshaw to complete the miniture nativity scene he was working on. Apparently, southern visitors believe him when he tells them that he uses teeth scavenged from carcasses found along the beach.
On my return to the lonely log cabin, I considered Doc's skill as both an artist and dentist, whether to tell FCC that more work is required on the new biscuit recipe, and was amazed how even drool freezes at -40!
Later, mushers!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
So, this is Blogger, and what have I done?
With my most sincere apologies to Sir Paul, here I am.
My snowsuit is off, a hot water bottle is against my back, a mug of tea is next to my hand, and my account is hot of the digital press.
I have to say, right here and now, I have no great expectations for this. I just hope it will keep me entertained until the sun comes over the southern horizen once again.
It is quiet here in my lonely log cabin on the roof the 6 storey "Great Canadian Mukluk Trading Post". This month's rush minute is over, with only a few dogs getting tied up in their traces. The faint scent of motor oil from the snow mobiles linger in the air, and all is right with the world.
Muffin, my faithful, caucasian companion, has called me to supper. I must go.
Later, mushers!
My snowsuit is off, a hot water bottle is against my back, a mug of tea is next to my hand, and my account is hot of the digital press.
I have to say, right here and now, I have no great expectations for this. I just hope it will keep me entertained until the sun comes over the southern horizen once again.
It is quiet here in my lonely log cabin on the roof the 6 storey "Great Canadian Mukluk Trading Post". This month's rush minute is over, with only a few dogs getting tied up in their traces. The faint scent of motor oil from the snow mobiles linger in the air, and all is right with the world.
Muffin, my faithful, caucasian companion, has called me to supper. I must go.
Later, mushers!
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