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!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
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!
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