Five Sleeps

The count down is on.

Just 5 more sleeps, and we will be celebrating the big one two. Yep! 12 years of wedded bliss...for me at any rate; for FCC, not so much.

To make an attempt to even up the score a little bit, we'll be heading toward larger population centres. Movies, restaurants, and water slides are on the agenda. A last hurrah before the snows hit.

I'm particularly looking forward to going down the waterslide simply because I do so enjoy kicking up tsunamis big enough to sweep small children onto dry land.

Must go to bed. Time to get another sleep out of the way!

Later, Mushers!

Older, but Wiser?

As I age, I find I am maturing. Yesterday's family picnic was a case in point.

We went to the camp belonging to FCC's uncle to meet up with the rest of her family. This included one of her nephews with his three children, and his older daughter's boy friend.

As would be expected, boyfriend sat very, very close to Elder D. What I preferred not see was his rubbing the inner thigh of Elder D. The good news was I was that I was able to keep myself from commenting about how his hands must be really cold if he had to warm them on Elder D's thigh.

Fortunately, I kept my mouth shut, and I'm still on good terms extended family. I'm not as well entertained, but I'm still breathing. Small mercies I guess.

Later, Mushers!

In My Happy Little World

For the children's story at worship yesterday, Rev. Candy read the Robert Munsch story "Love You Forever."

Essentially, it is a tale of a mother who, in spite of all the challenges of raising her son, would enter his room while he was asleep, and rock him while singing,

I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be

She continues this throughout her life until she is too old and weak to do this. When her son comes to her death bed, he takes her in his arms and rocks her and sings,

I'll love you forever

I like you for always

As long as I'm living

my mommy you'll be.

There wasn't a dry eye in the congregation, including me. Mind you I was trying not to laugh out loud because I was imagining what my mother would have looked like dressed as a short, pudgy ninja commando crawling into my dorm room at university to rock her 6'3", 250 lb "baby"! Or repelling from the skylight like Tom Cruise in "Mission Impossible", on my honeymoon!

Life is soooo much more interesting in my happy, and very weird little world!

Later, mushers!

Water Music

Travel to and from anywhere on Carlton Bay requires many things; especially, a disciplined bladder.

While on a return trip to Runamuk from Loyola, this became most evident.

Liquid stimulants were used to help keep my eyes open for the return trip to Runamuk, and just as every action results in a corresponding reaction, the consumption of fluids demanded an urgent reaction. Fortunately, I had access to a rest stop, and enjoyed the brief, but oh so happy rest.

Although the rest stop had working flushes, I couldn't help but remember the days of my youth when the roadside rest stops involved outhouses resting above underground concrete cisterns. The most memorable characteristic of these facilities- beyond the smell- was their significant acoustic qualities. Basically, it was a large, and loud thunder jug!

All that noise was more than a little embarrassing for the bashful little guy I was. Often I was escorted to the outhouse by my mother, so to cover the noise, I would sing while answering the call of nature. Many was the time that my mom would compliment me on my singing of "Jesus Bides Us Shine"!

Little wonder I sang a little "Singin' in the Rain" while I answered the call of the wild this last time!

Later, Mushers!

Dog Days

The temperatures have soared recently into the high twenties and higher. For someone as well insulated as myself, this is not a lot of fun. To top it off, FCC and her aunt are heading south toward the mystical land of retail for some dog days shopping. (The horror! The horror!)

This leaves the boys (a dog and two cats) and I to bach it for a few days.

I think the wisest thing for me to do is to fill the pool we bought so Fang could keep cool during times of trial such as these, and then use my dominant position in the pack to get more or less submerged. I'd go the the shore, but the last time I went swimming Green Peace tried to tow me into deeper waters!

Got to break out the hose and my Best of Jimmy Buffet CD. I'm off to Margaretta Ville!

Later, Mushers!

Marital Bliss

This weekend was spent in Nuddude celebrating the marriage of the FCC's cousin's daughter.

It was a lovely service, a lovely reception, and an all-round wonderful time.

Of particular interest was a list of important bits of advice for married folk. One piece of sage advice was "Never go to sleep angry."

I am pleased to report that I have never gone to bed angry. Generally, I go downstairs, sit in my favorite chair and quietly stew. OK, I occasionally mutter, snort, and snarl quietly to myself, but generally, I stew.

After a few hours, I am tired enough that I can sleep the sleep of the innocent, or something close to it.

Must run, I hear the boss calling me.

Later, mushers!

The Upside to Runamuk

Don't get me wrong there are many pluses to living in Runamuk: the people, the scenery, the change of seasons and the associated pleasures. Today, however, I experienced once again one of my favorite things about this place.

It was the end of the work day at the IHL, and I was making my way home. I was half way through the initial climb up from the coast toward town proper when I came face-to-face with a young fawn snacking on ferns. It looked at me while chewing in an apparently thoughtful manner. It scratched behind its ear with its right rear hoof and swallowed. I was close enough to follow the movement of the mouthful of greens down its throat.

It still had its white spots, and wasn't particularly afraid as it tried to figure out what that odd shaped critter coming up the hill was.

In Runamuk, there are occasions for the meeting of strangers without the loss of anything other than some fear of the other.

Later, Mushers!

Nap and a Hair Cut...

A beautiful day in Runamuk. A day which demands action.

In my case, the action was snoring. I got up at 6 AM, walked and fed the dog, and went back to bed for another four hours of sleeping bliss.

Breakfast was at the Raven Restaurant in Chocolate Bay, followed by a nice hair cut at Chocolate Bay Snipers. I was so pleased with the way my hair looked that I couldn't help but give a "weeee" of joy as Todd the barber lowered the chair. Perhaps I shouldn't have clapped my hands together and said, "Again! Again!", but where else can you get a hair cut, and a thrill ride for $14!

The rest of the guys in the shop were all grins in anticipation of their chance of going for a ride.

After that it was home for a nap- I was just exhausted from all my activity.

A supper of Korean dumplings dipped in just a little soy sauce, some sugar free, lactose free ice cream, and I was ready to polish off the day with the perfect day ender- an nap! Life is truly a rich pageant of colour and a font of excitement!

Later, Mushers!

Ain't Got no Sense of Natural Rythm

While reading "New Scientist" online, I came across this little bit of news, http://brightcove.newscientist.com/services/player/bcpid1873822884?bctid=28842379001 .

Finally, those dance lessons my folks forced me to take when I was younger and even more uncoordinated make sense. Now I'm glad that I'm a dancin' fool!

Later, Mushers!

Dog Tired!

Our place has been "overrun" with house guests for the next few days.

A new friend from church was expecting her sister, nephews and niece to arrive in Runamuk this week. She had lined up accommodations and was so excited to be seeing family soon.

Unfortunately, the accommodations weren't ready for their arrival, so we have lots of house guests.

They are a young family, and for the first day Fang, our faithful canine companion, was beside himself with joy. Kids to play with! By the end of the day, while still happy to have kids to play with, his 10-year old body had had enough! The fact that we have been having unseasonably warm weather didn't help seeing as Fang has enough Husky in him to guarantee a thick under coat, as well as nice, dark brown fur, thanks to a chocolate Lab ancestor.

Today, he played for 15 minutes before collapsing in a heap in the shade.

Both FCC and I have come to the conclusion that he will be looking forward to the weekend in the "spa."

I better check to see how the kids are doing.

Later, Mushers!

A Tale from GA

Rev. Mrs. Candy returned from General Assembly last Friday, and on Sunday, told us about meeting up with a former member of our presbytery who had just returned from Afghanistan.

Serving with the 22eme Regiment as one of their chaplains, he learned that there was a specific seat assigned to chaplains when traveling in a LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle). He was told that chaplains were assigned that seat because, if the LAV was hit with an IED, the person in that seat would go straight up. He responded that, if that was the case, he hoped the guys sitting on either side of him didn't mind if he took them along for the ride!

We can only hope he will have a chance to visit Runamuk while he's on this side of the Atlantic.

Later, Mushers!

A Saturday spent on the Great Outdoors

While FCC and her Cuz went off for some retail therapy, Joe Candy and I went off to play a round of golf at the Runamuk Golf and Gun Club.

Initially, one would think that this would be an odd combination of sports, however, one rarely sees a critter bent on making a MacThumper sandwich when there are guns going off close by. I've flubbed an occasional shot because of a shotgun blast, but I can live with a flubbed shot, as opposed to, say, a critter gnawing on one's shin!

The round was followed by a brisk nap, and the mowing of the MacThumper estate, including the whipper snipping of the estate's ditches. Living large!

All that is left for me to do is to get a proper definition of the word "abide" and I am golden!

Later, Mushers!

The Theraputic Value of a Slow Pen

I haven't made a post for a while, but honestly, I have a good reason.

A couple of months ago, while on a retail therapy trip to the Mystic Land of the same, I bought a fountain pen. It was bought with the money my Favorite Mother-in-Law gave me for Christmas, and I used it to buy the pen as a memorial to her.

Since then, I've been practicing my "penmanship," and being a south-paw, I truly need it!

Lately, Fang has made insistent grunting to get out for an early morning run (a dog that gets up at the crack of dawn up here gets to be a real pain this time of year), I am up way too early to do anything constructive, so I make a cup of coffee (with a 25 oz mug, one cup is all I need), sit down in my favorite chair, turn on the satellite radio to a Baroque Channel, pick up my lap desk, and write.

Well, copy because it is way too early to think, but I do get to play with the pen, improve my penmanship, and in an odd way meditate.

I focus on making the loops in my letters clear and nicely shaped, connected in a nice, flowing script (well, sometimes), and generally, pleasing to the eye. I've copied the questions and answers in a communicant's study guide, and now am working on a daily devotional book: sort of killing two birds with one stone.

The ink from this pen takes longer to dry than that of a ballpoint, so I have to take my time to let the ink dry before I rest my hand on it to write further along the page. Having to take extra time, I've come to take pleasure in the smooth flow of ink onto the page, the quiet scratch of the nib on the paper, and the quiet company of the fed, and watered Fang sleeping next to the chair. I'm even getting to like this classical fiddle music!

I've found I'm less hyper, and when you tip the scales at 270 lbs, this is a good thing.

FCC is in the process of taking a shower, so it is time for me to close for now. Breakfast is on its way!

Later, Mushers!

Happiness is...

While home with the critters at lunch time, I experienced a "warm, fuzzy" moment.

Well, O.K., it was just a cat sitting on my lap, but the cat was Max, he who is not given to jumping up on laps of any sort. He is much more an "on the floor, you may serve me" sort of cat.

He seems to be getting the hang of lap sitting: you know the basics. Things like don't sit on the petter's chest with the head pointing downhill. It isn't like seeing the south end of a northbound moose- something everyone in a car doesn't mind seeing. Don't show appreciation for an exceptionally fine petting by sharpening claws on the petter's stomach, or extend those self same claws to obtain better traction when departing said lap or stomach. You know, the basics.

It certainly is more comfortable to have a cat on the lap than a 120 Lb Newfoundland Dog. (They are just not lap critters!)

I think I'll go and see if I can get another dose of therapeutic lapping done.

Later, Mushers!

Getting out of the Alley

FCC and I went up to Railhead Friday morning to attend the interment of Ma.

We gathered at the homestead, met with other members of the family and travelled together to the graveyard together. After a short service, we returned to the house for some food and have a second look at the changes wrought by Charity and Kong, FCC's niece and her husband.

The changes were amazing and actually helped in the grieving process. The house was no longer Ma's, it was the home of Charity, Kong, and their kids.

A side word about Kong. He makes a fearsome first impression. It reminded me of a quote from Lyle Alzado quite a few years ago when asked if he thought he was tough. His response was, "Well, let me put it this way. If King Kong and I went into a dark alley, only one of us would come out, and it wouldn't be the monkey!" In the case of nephew Kong, Lyle may not have made it out.

Kong looks like he would fit in with the Hell's Angels, but you couldn't meet a nicer guy.

Anyway, after a lovely visit, it was off to Grand Lapin to spend quality time with FCC's brother, Hitch, and his wife, Lutgarde. We played trivial pursuit, talked, and ate. All in all, a pleasant weekend.

Time to get back at it though.

Later, Mushers!

The Road Travelled

After a successful yard sale yesterday, and the donation of most of the remnant to a local service group, the lonely log cabin has a bit more room in it. A few more yard sales and we may actually have room to move about in comfort.

To celebrate our successful retail venture, and to deal with the first Mother's Day, post-Ma, FCC and I had a late breakfast. Originally, the plan was to go to a small restaurant here in Runamuk, but alas, the owner didn't open today- she was spending the time with her mother. On to plan B.

On the way back to the cabin, FCC mentioned that she was going to get her rain coat for the trip. I told her that was a good idea, and that I was wearing a hat for that very reason. I didn't like the drumming sound as rain hits my bald spot.

God bless her, FCC asked if that was what rain hitting my head sounded like. I replied that actually it sounds like pebbles hitting an empty tin can!

At this point, most people would tell me where to go. She just shook her head. A woman of infinite patience!

We didn't find a place to retire on this trip, but I did have a very nice breakfast and that is the next best thing.

Must get ready for a busy day tomorrow. We are receiving new short term staff, and all must be ready.

Later, Mushers!

T'was the Day before the Yard Sale

For the last few days, FCC has been hard at work sorting out the treasures to be offered tomorrow at the community yard sale. We're going together on this with our neighbours who, along with having many other virtues (putting up with me springs to mind), also have a large shed with a stove. Bliss!

FCC has picked through her stuff for treasures to release into the public, and my stuff for junk we can do without. I feel soooo special!

The good news is that a local service group will be by after the yard sale to pick up anything people don't want to carry back into their Log Cabins.

Any way you slice it, we'll have more room to maneuver in 24 hours. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be many people with lots of cash who will find the one treasure they can't live without at our table.

Later, Mushers!

Recognized at Last!

I am soooo happy!

A mini-biography of my life has been airing the last few days, and it shows the pivotal part of my life.

Sure the actor who plays me is shorter, thinner, better looking and sweet smelling, but other than that, you couldn't tell the difference.

It shows me in a fast food restaurant being approached by an employee who offers me a free cup of coffee, and begins to extol the virtue of said coffee.

My response? "Shhh! You had me at free!"

I have to go practice my autograph!

Later, Mushers!

Weekend entertainment on the Flatts were varied to say the least.

Friday night, on Pearl's recommendation ("I heard it was good.") we went to see the movie "I Love You, Man"; Pearl, our friend Barbie, FCC, and yours truly. At the end of the film, the women were grossed out, and I was forbidden from having a "man room" or a personal stock of hand cream.

After years of Pearl complaining about the time we went to see "The Mask", it was nice to have the shoe on the other foot.

Saturday night it was off to see "ABBAlonia", an ABBA tribute band. The opening acts were a Tom Jones imitator, and a Rod Stewart imitator- both excellent, especially the former. Than again, he had the good taste of selecting me to act as a back-up dancer during the song "Delilah".

Well, I was dragged up there with the encouragement of Barbie, Pearl, and FCC, and the dancing looked like a flabby Marcel Marseau miming a speedskater moving at waltz time! I am sooo glad I don't live on the Flatts!

Later, Mushers!

Ain't Wii got Fun!

After arriving at Pearl's chalet on the Flatts, I had a chance to do something new. I got a chance to play with a Wii PlayStation!

On Wii fit I found out that I was overweight (shocked the socks off of me!) and had the physical fitness of a 51 year old. I thought I could pass for a 50 year old at the very least.

The good news was that I could work a virtual hula hoop and catch more as they were thrown at me. FCC was really impressed with the hip action!

I gotta get me a Wii!

Later, Mushers!

From the Heights to the Flatts

After a nice, refreshing few days in the mystic land of retail, breathing in that crisp mountain air, FCC and I finally decided it was time to visit Pearl and Hoofer on Mudflatts Green.

After dropping Fang off the kennel, it was off to pick up Aunt Billie, and on to Mudflatts via Hub.

We stopped at the Money Saver to pick up masses of almonds, veggie chips, propane cylinders, and other necessities of life before crossing over to the Flatts. We dropped Billie off at her cousins, and got to Pearl's before she got home. We even beat Hoofer home before she got back from Flatt U. Our cup runneth over!

In the meanwhile, I note our change of location, let my feet breath, and have a nice cup of tea.

Later, Mushers!

Off to the Mystic Land of Retail

Good Friday has come and gone, and now there is one more sleep until FCC and I are off to the mystic land of retail.

Passports are ready, reservations set, and we'll board for southern climes as soon as my obligations to the IHL are complete. It is my hope that we may enjoy the natural beauty of the mystic land as well as whatever retail opportunities may present themselves. I will be on the look out for a nice fountain pen- a remembrance of Ma.

Beyond that, a change as good as a rest, and I look forward to being where there is both sun and warmth, a little green grass and the odd spring flower.

Winter has been just too @#&* long!

Later, Mushers!

Committed

During a conversation with Patience and her husband, Bishop, the phrase "committed Presbyterian" was used. In Bishop's mind, the difference between a committed and uncommitted (?) Presbyterian was dependant on whether the Presbie was a teetotaler or not.

I quietly tallied the number of Presbyterians I know who aren't "committed", and realized that a large number, including leaders (ruling and teaching elders, Christian educators, board members, etc), weren't.

I have trouble with the use of the word "committed" in that it seems to be used interchangeably with the unspoken "real". "Real" Christians do this, don't do that, and those who don't follow the list of rules as defined by the "real" Christians just aren't "committed."

I can't imagine being asked on the day of judgement whether we are committed or not. A check list- did you tithe, did you smoke, did you drink, did you have sex standing up (cuz that could lead to dancing!)

I'll have to rely on God's grace, rather than my personal goodness.

Later, Mushers!

In Search of an Anachronism, II

After saying yesterday that I had been in search of an anachronism, I failed to explain why.

It wasn't all that long ago that, if one wanted a fountain pen, all you had to do was go into any department store and there you were. If you wanted to get something a little more up scale, you could go to a stationary/office supply store, and you would walk out with something very nice.

Yesterday my search was fruitless, although I could purchase some very nice ball point or roller ball pens for a reasonable fee.

I thought on my way home that fountain pens had become anachronistic because they were from an era where people took the time to stop and write; a time when what you wrote was permanent to some degree, and therefore, required deliberation, and deliberate action. Throwing off a line or two in a hurry was thoughtless, if not down right uncivil.

In a time and age where "C U L8ER" means something, ink and pen gets in the way of progress, and language becomes pliable and transient in meaning. "Bad" is a complement, and being "sick" is cool! But perhaps I'm being a old fashioned, and out of touch myself.

The sad thing is that I don't mind that in the least.

In the meanwhile, I will continue the search for the ultimate pen.

Later, Mushers!

In Search of an Anachronism

The last Christmas gift I received from FMIL, aka. Ma, was $50. To some, that wouldn't seem all that personal, but being a practical person- as well as an elderly woman dealing with reduced mobility and vision- Ma thought that this was the best way to ensure that I got what I wanted.

With her gone, I decided that I should use the money to buy a gift that I could use as a reminder of her.

For me, this isn't a new thing, and in fact eminently practical. For example, a memento of Auntie Upstream is a painting on slate of a little boy taking a bath in a wooden tub. As I understand it, she bought it during a trip to New Mexico. A reminder of Uncle K.- the husband of Auntie U.- is a letter opener he bought while deployed to Germany in the 60s.

For Ma, I thought I'd get a fountain pen and have it engraved with an appropriate inscription. To that end, I was off the Loyola to see what was there for pens.

Serious disappointment! The places I went to sold them; it was just that they had to special order them in. A trip to Nuddude is in order.

On a happier note, I was able to pick up a couple of birthday gifts on the Indigo gift card the brother and sister-in-law gave me. One was "A long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah, and the other was "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill. The former has been a book I wanted to read since the interview with the author broadcast on CBC's "The Hour". The latter is the winner of Canada Reads 2009.

I can't wait to start the reading, but right now FCC and I will be taking Fang for a walk around the point.

Later, Mushers!

Mercy, "Mercy"

Uncle!

Yep, I said it. After trying to get through "Mercy among the Children", and only getting 90 pages done, I'm calling it quits. The book- what I read of it- was well written, but the reading was just too depressing.

Essentially, one "good" man and his family act as professional victims to their "world" and its prejudices because he knows just enough to hold an incomplete philosophy.

Deep!

Onward, ever onward.

Later, Musher!

What Happened?

I go to the bathroom to...meditate for a few minutes, and when I get back to the game, the score is Newcastle 1, Arsenal 3!

Next time it is depends city!

Later, Mushers!

A Saturday in Runamuk

The day started early with a quick trip to Dragonin's Kirk for breakfast with some of FCC's relatives down from Nuddude for the day. Good meal, pleasant conversation, good times.

We got back to Runamuk in time for FCC to get to work.

After going to the Institute to get some paperwork taken care of, it was off to St. Andrews Runamuk to print out the bulletin for tomorrow. While there I had a chance to shoot a few sets of targets with the air rifle. The first couple were spent zeroing in first from a fixed position, and then from the prone. Since I haven't shot in a couple of years, I was very rusty, but the last set of five bulls were acceptable with all but one shot outside the target, and the rest with decent groupings.

Now, I'm home having a nice cup of tea watching the game between Newcastle and Arsenal. So far it is nil all, but still a decent game.

Later, Mushers!

MacThumper Reads

As the days grow longer, the winter doldrums recede in to the realm of memory. It is time to read!

This year I'm trying to read the books discussed by the Canada Reads 2009 panel on CBC.

The five books this year are, moving from west to east: "The outlander" by Gil Adamson, "Fruit:A Novel about a Boy and his Nipples" by Brian Francis, "The fat Woman next Door is Pregnant" by Michel Trembley, "Mercy among the Children" by David Adams Richards, and "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill.

The Rumanuk Public Library has copies of all but "The Book of Negroes", so I am well on my way.

I've read "Fruit" and enjoyed it although, to be honest, it wouldn't have normally been on my list of books to read. A coming of age book, Fruit introduces us to a young boy trying to come to terms with his sexual identity. It was a story that evoked sympathy and a degree of empathy if for no other reason than that we all have experienced the confusion of adolescence.

Mind you, I doubt if many have had conversations with their nipples, but that might just be me!

I've started Mercy among the Children but suspect it is going to be a slog. The story, so far, is interesting, but looks like it is going to be depressing. The "hero" of the story seems to have a perpetual "Kick Me" sign, and everyone seems willing to follow that direction. The "hero" is a professional cheek turner, taking the abuse without a word.

Well, there is no putting it off. Back to the book. Pray for me!

Later, Mushers!

It's Hammer(less) Time

Every once in a while, I remember hearing that something was "like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer; it feels sooo good when your stop."

Today we woke to temperatures above 0 C, and the crust of ice in the driveway was softer. I was able to clear out the drive, find bare ground, and all this while wearing just a fleece top- along with my regular clothes that is.

Later, I took Fang for a walk around Runamuk, again with just a fleece top. Each person we met smiled and commented on how beautiful the day was. For the day at least, winter was over.

Yes, for the people of Runamuk, today was a "hammerless" day.

Later, Mushers!

A Day of Prayer in Runamuk

Today was World Day of Prayer, and it was the turn of St. Andrews Runamuk to host the event.

It must have been very important that things went well. That might have been the reason why we were called Thursday evening to remind me that the Church steps had to be shovelled clean. So important a task that our neighbours were called to ask them to tell me that the steps needed to be cleaned.

This morning I called the boss to let him know that I was taking a day off so I could hack through the ice and snow before and on the church steps, make certain the place was warm, the pews were in order, the AV equipment were primed and ready to go.

The upside to this was a coffee break at Hannah's Bakery and Bait Shop for some of her nearly famous cinnamon rolls, and some Mad Elk Coffee. Um, good! Almost made the hacking worth while.

Sadly, the priest who was to the speaker at the service failed to show. Apparently, the twin otter he was to fly in on had mechanical problems. Fortunately, Rev. Candy was there to provide some leadership and continuity, so all went well.

You will have to excuse me. The kettle sounds like it is ready to boil, and there is a cinnamon bun with my name on it in the breadbox.

Later, Mushers!

Sunday Evening in Runamuk

After spending this past week preparing of St. Andrew Runamuk's Annual General Meeting, feeding fish and recovering morts, and of course, shovelling great gobs of snow, Sunday evening is here.

I've had a nice pot of tea, a chance to read some blogs, and watch a documentary on the History Channel on small arms smuggling entitled, "Running Guns". I was able to miss the AGM for St. Andrews, so this documentary will provide the much needed depression I would otherwise have missed!

Supper was a nice shrimp curry, so at least- for now- I have a good taste in my mouth.

Later, Mushers!

No Business like Snow Business

What do you do when there is snow at the back door,

and the side door is blocked as well?

You hope the front door is clear.

Snow has run amuck in Runamuk, and all that is left to do is the shovelling. Where is global warming when you need it?

I've defrosted, so it is back to the shovel.

Later, Mushers!

Recharging Report

For someone who spent the past week "recharging" his batteries, I was excessively tired today.

I was able to make it through worship this morning, and thankfully, the kids didn't show for Sunday School. I ended up getting home in time for a three hour power nap.

With news of a massive storm coming north, I've spent the day praying for a nice 45 cm of wind-driven snow. I'm putting my jamies on inside out tonight!

Later, Mushers!

Recharging the old Battery

Ah, travel in the deep late winter to the balmy south. Well, for someone from Runamuk, Nova Scotia can be the balmy south.

A trip to New Glasgow to attend a workshop lead by John Bell (of the Iona Community) seemed to be a nice change. He spoke about introducing change to a congregation was to be a chance, the use of space in worship, and lead in the singing of a wide variety of psalms, hymns and worship songs.

It was a chance to worship within the extended body of Christ. It was a chance to leave the duties of Clerk of Session, Sunday School Teacher, Janitor, and general Dog's Body behind. It was a chance recharge to spiritual batteries. It was a chance to kick up a tsunami or two, while using the hotel's water slide!

And now, it is time to start preparing for the Annual Meeting.

Pray for me!

Later, Mushers!

Red Neck Bulbs

Dealing with the aftermath of Ma's funeral lead FCC and me back to the funeral home in Chocolate Bay for more thank you cards, and a dozen more copies of the memorials from the funeral.

As FCC spoke with the owner of the funeral home, I passed time reading whatever was on the office's counter, including a list of what I assumed to be funeral home supplies. On this list was an item called a "red neck bulb."

Apparently, this is not something used to plant someone named "Bubba".

When I asked about this item, the funeral home director led me to one of the viewing rooms and pointed out the bulbs in the lamps close to where the deceased would be laid out for the wake. From the mid-point of the bulb to the socket, the glass was red. Apparently, there are circumstances where the deceased needs special lighting, and this is what the bulb is all about.

Personally, I like my definition better, but that's life!

Later, Mushers!

A Touch of Reality III

There was a fair bit of territory to cover as we prepared for Ma's funeral.

First to Chocolate Bay to meet with the undertaker to arrange the service, select the casket, arrange for the Obituary, then it was to Railhead to meet with Pastor Faucet, Ma's minister to arrange for the viewing and funeral, and finally, back to Runamuk to take care of the critters, and a rest.

Friday we packed our good clothes, Fang, and off we were to Railhead. We arrived, had lunch with the rest of the family, and then went to Stonington Baptist for the viewings. There was an evening viewing from 2 to 4 PM, and a second from 7 to 9 PM.

I spent the rest of the evening, and part of the next morning reading over the scripture lesson I was to read during the service.

The service went well except for the way I brayed through John 14. That could have been much better, but everyone was generous enough to say that I did well.

After a quick visit with relatives next door to Ma's place, it was home for the rest of the weekend.

Later, Mushers!

A Touch of Reality II

FMIL, henceforth to be referred to as Ma, was doing well last Wednesday morning.

After a morning in which she ate a good breakfast, chatted and joked with granddaughter Little C., FCC, and cousin Piper, it was agreed to the girls would go for lunch while Ma had her lunch and a rest.

As the girls were getting their cars to go for lunch, the staff of the CCU sat Ma up for her lunch. At that point, her blood pressure crashed.

Since we had been with Ma until 2 AM, I stayed home, FCC went in to visit Ma. At noon, I felt that I should get off my backside and go join FCC for a visit with Ma. I walked into CCU just after the nurse had called home to let us know that we needed to get into the hospital ASAP.

The next while was spent trying to call FCC, her uncle (Ma's brother) Pi, FCC's brother G, and the nearest minister (on the advice of the doctor). She was to be treated as a palliative case.

I met one of Ma's grandsons in the hallway. He had decided to take the afternoon off to visit, and as the day progressed more family showed up as they were called, or had decided to visit. By early evening, everyone who could make it was by Ma's bedside.

She was comfortable, cognisant, and in good spirits until about the last hour. At 9:40 PM, she was gone, and we were left.

Later, Mushers!

A touch of reality

Monday morning FCC received a call from FMIL. She had a "turn" Sunday night, and being nervous about the event, wanted to come down to Runamuk for a visit.

Yesterday morning, FMIL was still feeling poorly and complained about being short of breath. Since FMIL is not a complainer, FCC took her to her doctor. The local nurse practitioner checked her out and on consultation with the doctor, prescribed a puffer.

They had a nice lunch, and came home to Runamuk, but FMIL became tired and unable to walk any distance (bathroom to living room) without being exhausted.

We took her to the hospital in Chocolate Bay, and found out that she had had a heart attack, and due to the improper heart function, her lungs were filling up with fluid.

After a couple of scares, she was stabilized and resting comfortably.

We'll know later just how much damage has been done.

Later, Mushers!

Help in Writing

This year, while doing Christmas with the clan MacThumper, I had received an addition to my office menagerie.

In my office, I have a pooping cow,

a pooping moose,


a pooping reindeer,

and a pooping snowman.

My family must have thought that I needed more company while at work because they gave me two more little friends.

a pooping penguin, and a pooping polar bear.

My cup runneth over!

I may not deal in BS, but I have pretty much any other kind I might need!

Later, Mushers!

Home again, Home again.

We're back again from the southern climes, and already miss balmy -10 to -15C temperatures.

At least we received a warm greeting from the cats. Max was there to greet us,

and Lord Stanley was beside himself with excitement.

It is always good to know that one is missed!

Later, Mushers!