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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!