..... so much stronger than glue '
by Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band
A visit to the After Hrs Clinic at the Rouge Valley Health Centre
and a harried doc produced a script for Prednisone ( steroid pills ) and Betaderm cream ( double the strength of previous bottle )
Evening wasn't so great. This morning , however , itch is down to slight tingling and minor irritation on rubbing
3 days of the heavy drug and 5 days of the cream
Best that I've felt in 5 days
While waiting in the exam room , both the doc and receptionist came in , looking for a throat culture sample container. We looked around and Nada.
Then as I was glancing around , I thought I saw a tube. Yep , the missing tube. No label and the receptionist says ' well if we don't find another , I'll send this one '
Yikes , Batman - poor sod in front of me , gets no name medicine
The Prednisone comes w/ all sorts of warnings : may cause stomach upset , bloating , water retention and dizziness
Yepper , glad to be taking this puppy
Weather : warm going warmer and humidity and stickiness about to happen
We are about to have me change insurance carriers for extended health care , semi-private coverage ( basic is free ) and dental.
Up til now , I've used my previous employer's benefits at cost.
Soon , b/c of age , I'll need to find another carrier. Since M switched a year ago and her coverage includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage , I'm going to change now.
Our basic coverage when out of province is approx $ 400 a day for hospital bed. Peanuts when we travel in the U.S. and we do seem to be visiting way more , lately.
Thursday 31 July 2014
Wednesday 30 July 2014
Everyone On their Hols
Hols , is an English expression , short form of holidays
Uni , is university
Well , Dr. G is on his hols. Back in 2 weeks.
Thus , I'm off to the after hours clinic at hospital
Yep , need to do something about the blooming rash
The skin is still sensitive to touch e.g. cloth or towel
I'm hoping that they won't want to amputate
Weather : rain fell for ten minutes , actually a deluge happened and then the sun popped out. We are still cool for summer not even 70 yet.
Uni , is university
Well , Dr. G is on his hols. Back in 2 weeks.
Thus , I'm off to the after hours clinic at hospital
Yep , need to do something about the blooming rash
The skin is still sensitive to touch e.g. cloth or towel
I'm hoping that they won't want to amputate
Weather : rain fell for ten minutes , actually a deluge happened and then the sun popped out. We are still cool for summer not even 70 yet.
Tuesday 29 July 2014
The Allergy saga ............
...........goes on. The blooming continues on my arms and neck
Last night in the shower , I looked at my right arm and said. I understand the arm rash ( touched the plant ) but on my neck ?
Why not on my left arm then ?? Took a peek and bingo ! , the rash was on the left arm too. COAC
On line , the analysis says that the rash will not spread as vesicles break ( good ) , bad , nothing to do but wait. This strategy is the wildfire treatment ' let it burn itself out '
In the news , the banner line on our all - news channel included
' German woman killed by herd of cows , herd may have been agitated by a dog ' There we go ' zombie ' cows attack.
Weather : we are sub - normal for summer here. Rain may threaten to -day but will sort itself out out. Humidity will return in the next few days. Meanwhile , everything is green.
Last night in the shower , I looked at my right arm and said. I understand the arm rash ( touched the plant ) but on my neck ?
Why not on my left arm then ?? Took a peek and bingo ! , the rash was on the left arm too. COAC
On line , the analysis says that the rash will not spread as vesicles break ( good ) , bad , nothing to do but wait. This strategy is the wildfire treatment ' let it burn itself out '
In the news , the banner line on our all - news channel included
' German woman killed by herd of cows , herd may have been agitated by a dog ' There we go ' zombie ' cows attack.
Weather : we are sub - normal for summer here. Rain may threaten to -day but will sort itself out out. Humidity will return in the next few days. Meanwhile , everything is green.
Monday 28 July 2014
In Full bloom
no , not flowers , my arm
I was out pulling weeds and brushed against a plant ( leaves ).
I felt the irritation and then forgot about it
2 days ago bumps appeared on my forearm ( yes, my plant allergy is back )
Little bumps that spread and form clear bubbles as the irritation spread
Yesterday , Took Benadryl ( anti - allergy ) pills. Started using Beta derm cream as well.
Result , 4 bumps are 10 - 12.
Dummy here , should have washed the area , immediately following the irritation. Applied the BD cream and taken the allergy pill
Sure , wait 2 days , geni - ous move
Well , I goofed , big time. Not the first , definitely not the last mistake
Weather : they got it right 61 F on the back deck and cloudy and menacing. Cooler temps , all week , slight chance of rain.
I saw kencam.net , sub heading ' aerial ' . This address accesses a website showing a quadra copter w/ mini cam as the operator maneuvers the drone over his house.
The world's largest catsup bottle is for sale in Ill. somewhere
The town has a yearly catsup festival ... go figure
I was out pulling weeds and brushed against a plant ( leaves ).
I felt the irritation and then forgot about it
2 days ago bumps appeared on my forearm ( yes, my plant allergy is back )
Little bumps that spread and form clear bubbles as the irritation spread
Yesterday , Took Benadryl ( anti - allergy ) pills. Started using Beta derm cream as well.
Result , 4 bumps are 10 - 12.
Dummy here , should have washed the area , immediately following the irritation. Applied the BD cream and taken the allergy pill
Sure , wait 2 days , geni - ous move
Well , I goofed , big time. Not the first , definitely not the last mistake
Weather : they got it right 61 F on the back deck and cloudy and menacing. Cooler temps , all week , slight chance of rain.
I saw kencam.net , sub heading ' aerial ' . This address accesses a website showing a quadra copter w/ mini cam as the operator maneuvers the drone over his house.
The world's largest catsup bottle is for sale in Ill. somewhere
The town has a yearly catsup festival ... go figure
Sunday 27 July 2014
Songs that
.. make you sad / happy or wistful
NO , keep you at home
Dept of Homeland Security has commissioned songs to be played in North , Central and Southern America that suggest staying home is better than trying to cross the border , say into the U.S.
Op Osm - the personal get fit endeavour. To -day , was weigh in
Results - 7.8 # lost. This is week 2 of the month experiment.
Thoughts that came to me , this week. Firstly , how artificial is recording or using weight as the benchmark. Guess I should have thought of a fit - o - meter.
The FOM would have measured a bunch of statistics , I've seen where the instructor keeps track of waist size etc
But the real key would be , health. How much healthier is my heart ? As in less likely to have heart disease or such.
Or is my knee improving or at least not deteriorating as fast b/c we know it is.
Well ,I'll reduce the risk of Diabetes Type 2 , at the very least
Good things. I'm much more aware of how much is on the plate and how much that I consume
Poker was this week and here. I did eat a snack at 11 PM which is not on the Op Osm schedule ..... and beer
I tried on a pair of shorts that barely fit 2 weeks ago or the button barely reached , now , I almost could wear them... almost
So , all and all , not bad
In the world.... COAC - the CBC listed Syria , Egypt , Ukraine , Gaza , Nigeria , Sudan and ... well 2 others that I forgot.
I once saw a documentary ' the World at War ' , never thought that it meant now
Weather : rain , later but warm and sunny now. Rain is w/ us , all week til Wed or so
Enjoy , my friends
NO , keep you at home
Dept of Homeland Security has commissioned songs to be played in North , Central and Southern America that suggest staying home is better than trying to cross the border , say into the U.S.
Op Osm - the personal get fit endeavour. To -day , was weigh in
Results - 7.8 # lost. This is week 2 of the month experiment.
Thoughts that came to me , this week. Firstly , how artificial is recording or using weight as the benchmark. Guess I should have thought of a fit - o - meter.
The FOM would have measured a bunch of statistics , I've seen where the instructor keeps track of waist size etc
But the real key would be , health. How much healthier is my heart ? As in less likely to have heart disease or such.
Or is my knee improving or at least not deteriorating as fast b/c we know it is.
Well ,I'll reduce the risk of Diabetes Type 2 , at the very least
Good things. I'm much more aware of how much is on the plate and how much that I consume
Poker was this week and here. I did eat a snack at 11 PM which is not on the Op Osm schedule ..... and beer
I tried on a pair of shorts that barely fit 2 weeks ago or the button barely reached , now , I almost could wear them... almost
So , all and all , not bad
In the world.... COAC - the CBC listed Syria , Egypt , Ukraine , Gaza , Nigeria , Sudan and ... well 2 others that I forgot.
I once saw a documentary ' the World at War ' , never thought that it meant now
Weather : rain , later but warm and sunny now. Rain is w/ us , all week til Wed or so
Enjoy , my friends
Saturday 26 July 2014
Lights
The harbour lights were shining
The moon was in its high
The Captain said thank God were home
We've drunk the perils dry
from ' Homecoming Man ' as sung by Andy Williams
AW once married to Claudine Longet , convicted of killing lover , Spider Savatch , in Aspen , Co
Weather : Day is in doubt. Gray / rain to start ,sun raring to break out , and having trouble
What are doing , to - day
We are waking up ... a slow , painful process
On the boob tube ' Auction Hunters ' , who buy storage units and sell for profit.
Scary for me... b/c I'd like to do it. M is even more scared b/c she knows that I'd love to do it.
Stay real ,dudes
The moon was in its high
The Captain said thank God were home
We've drunk the perils dry
from ' Homecoming Man ' as sung by Andy Williams
AW once married to Claudine Longet , convicted of killing lover , Spider Savatch , in Aspen , Co
Weather : Day is in doubt. Gray / rain to start ,sun raring to break out , and having trouble
What are doing , to - day
We are waking up ... a slow , painful process
On the boob tube ' Auction Hunters ' , who buy storage units and sell for profit.
Scary for me... b/c I'd like to do it. M is even more scared b/c she knows that I'd love to do it.
Stay real ,dudes
Friday 25 July 2014
A Lull
The forecasters bemoaned the unseasonably low temperatures
Not moi. Beutii out there. Cool , sunny. But unfortunately , great outdoor work weather.... very guilty , sitting here , typing and stuff
Well , someone has to blog.
No big events going on. There is definitely maybe , a card game here to - night. The ' def maybe ' answer came from one potential player. However , we will play anyway. Miracle of miracles , 6 guys responded. The list is ten names. Since , last Nov , the weekly game has became a definitely maybe , monthly game. Commitments , old age etc have cut into our playing time.
We're serving deli sandwiches as the evening break meal , this is pretty standard protocol.
The number of hosts has dwindled dramatically , again , for a whole slew of reasons.
Not moi. Beutii out there. Cool , sunny. But unfortunately , great outdoor work weather.... very guilty , sitting here , typing and stuff
Well , someone has to blog.
No big events going on. There is definitely maybe , a card game here to - night. The ' def maybe ' answer came from one potential player. However , we will play anyway. Miracle of miracles , 6 guys responded. The list is ten names. Since , last Nov , the weekly game has became a definitely maybe , monthly game. Commitments , old age etc have cut into our playing time.
We're serving deli sandwiches as the evening break meal , this is pretty standard protocol.
The number of hosts has dwindled dramatically , again , for a whole slew of reasons.
Thursday 24 July 2014
Try , Try.....
Got out twice ,yesterday. No trolley problem , no fish. Well , 2 bass , for 4 hrs. TG , its not my sole source of income.
The weather was sultry and cooled quickly and now , a high has settled over us ... and we have cool , sunny , and really stupendous weather.
The adventure : The main floor bath at the ' bee , has been draining slowly. So slow , its probably faster to bail the water. Finally , action was needed
Went up there , armed w/ the ' Home Depot - You Can Do It ' book. This tome is actually quite dangerous , well meaning handyman rely on it.
I studied the 2 relevant pictures and descriptions on ' unclogging your bath tub drain. Only to find , you got it , neither one matched our stopper assembly.
Ah , YouTube. Found the right video and managed to use 60 % of the allotted data on the ' hotspot '.
I got the stopper out and using ' the Zip Out Cobra ; , a plastic strip w/ backward facing teeth ( in lieu of a bent coathangar ) the dead rat ( clog ) came out.
Now , the truth is , w/ the Cobra , you probably don't need to remove the stopper.
But it did make me feel , as though , I did something
and the hair etc comes out a little easier. It was possible to reach down approx 10 in w/ the Cobra.
In the videos on YT , some guys did pull out clogs the size of rats.
Alas , I cna only claim , a hairball.
I took a video of ' island life ' as an island meandered down the river and quite luckily ( for me ) a cruiser was going the other way and dodged the island ( not lucky for the cruiser captain , he must have been wondering , just how big the floater was , b/c he gave the thing about 20 yds , leeway )
How's your life going ??
The weather was sultry and cooled quickly and now , a high has settled over us ... and we have cool , sunny , and really stupendous weather.
The adventure : The main floor bath at the ' bee , has been draining slowly. So slow , its probably faster to bail the water. Finally , action was needed
Went up there , armed w/ the ' Home Depot - You Can Do It ' book. This tome is actually quite dangerous , well meaning handyman rely on it.
I studied the 2 relevant pictures and descriptions on ' unclogging your bath tub drain. Only to find , you got it , neither one matched our stopper assembly.
Ah , YouTube. Found the right video and managed to use 60 % of the allotted data on the ' hotspot '.
I got the stopper out and using ' the Zip Out Cobra ; , a plastic strip w/ backward facing teeth ( in lieu of a bent coathangar ) the dead rat ( clog ) came out.
Now , the truth is , w/ the Cobra , you probably don't need to remove the stopper.
But it did make me feel , as though , I did something
and the hair etc comes out a little easier. It was possible to reach down approx 10 in w/ the Cobra.
In the videos on YT , some guys did pull out clogs the size of rats.
Alas , I cna only claim , a hairball.
I took a video of ' island life ' as an island meandered down the river and quite luckily ( for me ) a cruiser was going the other way and dodged the island ( not lucky for the cruiser captain , he must have been wondering , just how big the floater was , b/c he gave the thing about 20 yds , leeway )
How's your life going ??
Tuesday 22 July 2014
There'll Be a Hot Time......
.... in the old town tonight , finishes the song line
However, the hot part applies to T.O.
We may set a record to - day , for high temperature of 2014.
Already , the temperature is 77 F on the back deck in the shade
Via the buds : I fell asleep w/ the buds broadcasting CBC and PRI
What was on ???
Lego comes ashore. A cargo box fell off a ship , many years ago.On the Devon coast of England , beach combers , who try to clean up the beach , have found / are finding Lego.
There is much ' Lego envy '. Collectors cherish rare Lego pieces.
Flippers ,spear guns , octopi and dragons wash ashore. Everybody wants dragons. the lady interviewed had 3 dragons..... 3.
David and Goliath: David cheated. Goliath came out in good faith to smash his opponent to smithereens and David goes and nails him w/ a stone. Thats the new take on the battle in the Valley of Ehlah.
A guy has written a book on well known stories.
We are to feel some sympathy for Goliath. The big G , most likely had ' giantism ' resulting from a tumour on his pituitary gland. The big G , most likely was near sighted and probably couldn't even see David.
David broke the normal procedures in a duel , of the time.
COAC , I always thought the stone thing was a neat move.
' the Valley of Ehlah ' is a movie , starring Tommy Lee Jones. An ex - Sargeant ,loses a son in the U.S. The son is enlisted and home on leave. The son is first reported missing and then found chopped and burned.
The sargeant goes to the base and w/ the help of an under - appreciated detective ( Charlize Theron ) discovers the truth.
Unfortunately , Sarge also finds out what fighting in Iraq ( ???? , I think ) was like for his son and U.S. troops , in general.
Along the way , he befriends the detective's son and tries to encourage the boy with the story of the Valley of Ehlah , David v the big G.
The movie ' in the Valley of Ehlah ' is grim. The characters are well done. The cast is partially , enlisted men or ex - military , so the interviews in the promo segments are interesting.
Stay cool , stay real
However, the hot part applies to T.O.
We may set a record to - day , for high temperature of 2014.
Already , the temperature is 77 F on the back deck in the shade
Via the buds : I fell asleep w/ the buds broadcasting CBC and PRI
What was on ???
Lego comes ashore. A cargo box fell off a ship , many years ago.On the Devon coast of England , beach combers , who try to clean up the beach , have found / are finding Lego.
There is much ' Lego envy '. Collectors cherish rare Lego pieces.
Flippers ,spear guns , octopi and dragons wash ashore. Everybody wants dragons. the lady interviewed had 3 dragons..... 3.
David and Goliath: David cheated. Goliath came out in good faith to smash his opponent to smithereens and David goes and nails him w/ a stone. Thats the new take on the battle in the Valley of Ehlah.
A guy has written a book on well known stories.
We are to feel some sympathy for Goliath. The big G , most likely had ' giantism ' resulting from a tumour on his pituitary gland. The big G , most likely was near sighted and probably couldn't even see David.
David broke the normal procedures in a duel , of the time.
COAC , I always thought the stone thing was a neat move.
' the Valley of Ehlah ' is a movie , starring Tommy Lee Jones. An ex - Sargeant ,loses a son in the U.S. The son is enlisted and home on leave. The son is first reported missing and then found chopped and burned.
The sargeant goes to the base and w/ the help of an under - appreciated detective ( Charlize Theron ) discovers the truth.
Unfortunately , Sarge also finds out what fighting in Iraq ( ???? , I think ) was like for his son and U.S. troops , in general.
Along the way , he befriends the detective's son and tries to encourage the boy with the story of the Valley of Ehlah , David v the big G.
The movie ' in the Valley of Ehlah ' is grim. The characters are well done. The cast is partially , enlisted men or ex - military , so the interviews in the promo segments are interesting.
Stay cool , stay real
Monday 21 July 2014
The Monday Blog
Is this different from Tues blogs , NO
Reality TV hits a new level of ridiculous ( but I watched anyway )
' Kodiak ' - 3 families live on Kodiak Is , AK . They guide and dodge grizzly bears
' People's Couch ' - watching couch viewers as they watch TV shows. Sort of watching you in your TV room and monitoring your response. Apparently. there are no educational requirements for qualifying for the show
' Check Please , Northwest ' on PBS , 3 citizens are guests. The 3 have given their choice of restaurant and in a round robin affair , the 3 comment on each others choice after visiting.
Hilariously , after a fairly good review by all 3 , the show gives the location and hours of opening for the first restaurant , w/ a flashing banner that says ' restaurant now closed '
The reviews , obviously , came too late
Phone calls : All morning , I've been making phone calls to Insurance companies , a seniors Long Term Care facility and my former employer.
TG , that I'm retired , I can be on hold
one line is out of service
and someone gave me the wrong name for the Long Term Care place
What a futile morning ! And how are you ???
Joy , I get to visit another Long Term Care place , just like where Mommy is - only further away
These places are depressing , at least , this fellow can talk to me , maybe , I hope !!!!!
Weather : as promised - warm getting warmer , sticky getting stickier ... must be summer in T.O.
I'm on hold again.... go figure ( I'm typing , one handed , actually , I normally type using two hands and all fingers , w/ lots of mistakes
, I failed Gr 9 Typing )
Reality TV hits a new level of ridiculous ( but I watched anyway )
' Kodiak ' - 3 families live on Kodiak Is , AK . They guide and dodge grizzly bears
' People's Couch ' - watching couch viewers as they watch TV shows. Sort of watching you in your TV room and monitoring your response. Apparently. there are no educational requirements for qualifying for the show
' Check Please , Northwest ' on PBS , 3 citizens are guests. The 3 have given their choice of restaurant and in a round robin affair , the 3 comment on each others choice after visiting.
Hilariously , after a fairly good review by all 3 , the show gives the location and hours of opening for the first restaurant , w/ a flashing banner that says ' restaurant now closed '
The reviews , obviously , came too late
Phone calls : All morning , I've been making phone calls to Insurance companies , a seniors Long Term Care facility and my former employer.
TG , that I'm retired , I can be on hold
one line is out of service
and someone gave me the wrong name for the Long Term Care place
What a futile morning ! And how are you ???
Joy , I get to visit another Long Term Care place , just like where Mommy is - only further away
These places are depressing , at least , this fellow can talk to me , maybe , I hope !!!!!
Weather : as promised - warm getting warmer , sticky getting stickier ... must be summer in T.O.
I'm on hold again.... go figure ( I'm typing , one handed , actually , I normally type using two hands and all fingers , w/ lots of mistakes
, I failed Gr 9 Typing )
Sunday 20 July 2014
The Afterglow...
... no , not sex , just a phrase
Op Osm , how did it go ? This AM , my weight was down 5 #s
However , the time of day was different , so a little grain of salt is added to the news.
The good : We ate out 2X at restaurants ( on a QMH trip , this is normal ). We went to dinner at the cousin's and I had dessert ( small piece of cake ). It is summer and I did have beer this week.
Consider though , the project Op Osm is a long term affair or should be. Thus , initial success must be tempered. Besides , been there , done that.... and done that ... and done that
I failed to mention , in discussing motivation for Op Osm , that controlling the weight , might relieve some pressure on my knee.
I was reminded of the knee frailty by an e-mail from Ohio. And I thought , do it now and save the knee.
Weather : sucks the big one ( pardon , my French ). Rainy yesterday and it's starting that way again , although the sun is trying to peek through. HHS - hot , humid ans sticky re-appears this week
World News : What would you expect ?
They're shooting down passenger planes in the Ukraine
Gaza is being invaded
Plus , South Sudan is an humanitarian disaster
India has had monstrous floods
Hong Kong is feeling the Communist pinch
Wild hogs terrify the Southern U.S.
1.5 $ billion in damage
730 000 hogs killed each year
2.6 million , Texas ' hog population
( everything is bigger in Tx ) and growing
And last , Scotland is a new space power
The UK launched its first ever built in Scotland space vehicle
9 % increase in space related jobs
2018 is initial date for an UK spaceport
See , it wasn't all bad , only 95 %
Hey , Op Osm was a good start , that should count
Finished watching the Canadians V U.S.A in lacrosse , the FIL Championships in Denver , Co.
Canada won 8 - 5. The Team USA mantle of invincibility was destroyed. Going into the final , the USA outscored its opponents 100 gazillion to 20.
Out defenced , out goalied and unable to get the ball. time of possession favoured Canada about 60 - 40. The Face - off specialists for U.S.A. entered the game at over 80 % successful
The FO s for USA got held to 50 %.
However ,no one really cares , b/c lacrosse is a third tier sport in the US and not on the radar in the GWN , esp. the TorStar.
When the Nationals played in the MLL , both in Toronto and Hamilton , I saw maybe , 3 stories on field lacrosse and each was held to 4 paragraphs.
Motto for the week : Portion control
Only good snacks
Go ! Op Osm
Op Osm , how did it go ? This AM , my weight was down 5 #s
However , the time of day was different , so a little grain of salt is added to the news.
The good : We ate out 2X at restaurants ( on a QMH trip , this is normal ). We went to dinner at the cousin's and I had dessert ( small piece of cake ). It is summer and I did have beer this week.
Consider though , the project Op Osm is a long term affair or should be. Thus , initial success must be tempered. Besides , been there , done that.... and done that ... and done that
I failed to mention , in discussing motivation for Op Osm , that controlling the weight , might relieve some pressure on my knee.
I was reminded of the knee frailty by an e-mail from Ohio. And I thought , do it now and save the knee.
Weather : sucks the big one ( pardon , my French ). Rainy yesterday and it's starting that way again , although the sun is trying to peek through. HHS - hot , humid ans sticky re-appears this week
World News : What would you expect ?
They're shooting down passenger planes in the Ukraine
Gaza is being invaded
Plus , South Sudan is an humanitarian disaster
India has had monstrous floods
Hong Kong is feeling the Communist pinch
Wild hogs terrify the Southern U.S.
1.5 $ billion in damage
730 000 hogs killed each year
2.6 million , Texas ' hog population
( everything is bigger in Tx ) and growing
And last , Scotland is a new space power
The UK launched its first ever built in Scotland space vehicle
9 % increase in space related jobs
2018 is initial date for an UK spaceport
See , it wasn't all bad , only 95 %
Hey , Op Osm was a good start , that should count
Finished watching the Canadians V U.S.A in lacrosse , the FIL Championships in Denver , Co.
Canada won 8 - 5. The Team USA mantle of invincibility was destroyed. Going into the final , the USA outscored its opponents 100 gazillion to 20.
Out defenced , out goalied and unable to get the ball. time of possession favoured Canada about 60 - 40. The Face - off specialists for U.S.A. entered the game at over 80 % successful
The FO s for USA got held to 50 %.
However ,no one really cares , b/c lacrosse is a third tier sport in the US and not on the radar in the GWN , esp. the TorStar.
When the Nationals played in the MLL , both in Toronto and Hamilton , I saw maybe , 3 stories on field lacrosse and each was held to 4 paragraphs.
Motto for the week : Portion control
Only good snacks
Go ! Op Osm
Saturday 19 July 2014
Saturday is Dreary
no , not always , however , to -day broke gray and threatening
Coffee is on / muffin thawed
Bank appointment this morning w/ a new rep. Actually , the old one was not bad , think its been 6 yrs w/ one guy. The old rep referred me to the new rep. Both reps share the same assistant , so , there is some continuity. And the new rep works out of a different branch but the assistant ( same 6 year period ) will move to the new rep's branch in 3 months.
Dinner , last night , was a convivial gathering. The throng were cousins or second cousins. I only keep track of 2 cousins - dinners , back and forth , so , the group is familiar. We've added a new boyfriend , this happens from time to time. 4 girl second cousins and no boyfriend has made it for 2 Christmases in a row.
Being long out of the dating scene , I'm not sure if this is unusual or par for the course.
Did I explain about Operation Osmin , a reality show on ... re - shaping your life. This guy , Osmin , is a physical trainer and motivational dude. The girl in the episode that sparked my interest , was trying to lose weight / gain confidence and become fit or fitter.
Its a 30 day work out / attempt and not w / out some crying and soul searching.
I've started my own Op - Osm but w/out the guy , screaming at me.
I'm screaming at myself , which is fairly typical.
The goal lose 10 lb by Aug 14. The regimen includes portion control ( which I stink at ) , cutting back on snacking ( I'm a pro snacker )
and keeping up w/ my exercise routine.
Two days into the Op , M says your losing weight. Hmmm , only been on the Op for 2 days. This observation raised some issues
1) you mean that I was plumper than I thought ( re: Jul 14 , the Op initial day ) and had lost some weight prior to Jul 14 )
2) the Op works in 2 days
No , to the second , which leaves the first , COAC , how bad was it
Positive changes , no french fries when eating out , snacking is being monitored and definitely portion control is being used.
Results , well Sunday is check in day and I'll let you know.
I figure there must be a gazillion people trying to do what I'm doing
" many are called , few are chosen "
Coffee is on / muffin thawed
Bank appointment this morning w/ a new rep. Actually , the old one was not bad , think its been 6 yrs w/ one guy. The old rep referred me to the new rep. Both reps share the same assistant , so , there is some continuity. And the new rep works out of a different branch but the assistant ( same 6 year period ) will move to the new rep's branch in 3 months.
Dinner , last night , was a convivial gathering. The throng were cousins or second cousins. I only keep track of 2 cousins - dinners , back and forth , so , the group is familiar. We've added a new boyfriend , this happens from time to time. 4 girl second cousins and no boyfriend has made it for 2 Christmases in a row.
Being long out of the dating scene , I'm not sure if this is unusual or par for the course.
Did I explain about Operation Osmin , a reality show on ... re - shaping your life. This guy , Osmin , is a physical trainer and motivational dude. The girl in the episode that sparked my interest , was trying to lose weight / gain confidence and become fit or fitter.
Its a 30 day work out / attempt and not w / out some crying and soul searching.
I've started my own Op - Osm but w/out the guy , screaming at me.
I'm screaming at myself , which is fairly typical.
The goal lose 10 lb by Aug 14. The regimen includes portion control ( which I stink at ) , cutting back on snacking ( I'm a pro snacker )
and keeping up w/ my exercise routine.
Two days into the Op , M says your losing weight. Hmmm , only been on the Op for 2 days. This observation raised some issues
1) you mean that I was plumper than I thought ( re: Jul 14 , the Op initial day ) and had lost some weight prior to Jul 14 )
2) the Op works in 2 days
No , to the second , which leaves the first , COAC , how bad was it
Positive changes , no french fries when eating out , snacking is being monitored and definitely portion control is being used.
Results , well Sunday is check in day and I'll let you know.
I figure there must be a gazillion people trying to do what I'm doing
" many are called , few are chosen "
Friday 18 July 2014
' Picture Yourself on a Boat on the River
.... w/ tangerine skies ... the Beatles.
Now , picture the Beatles in ' the Lord of the Rings '. It seems the Fab 4 had their management team write to the Tolkien group and offered themselves to play , Frodo ( Paul ) , Sam ( Ringo ) , Gandalf ( George ) and Gollum ( John ) Blimey , could you ever !
Gandalf : what a big guitar you have
Frodo : all the better to riff you with
Sam : Lucy in the sky
Frodo : Diamonds are the tools of Saruman
OMG , the possibilities
We are off to Bass Pro shop. There is a formula , first dim sum at the Very Fair Seafood , there is a Chinese script and I haven't a clue what it says , but ' very fair ' ???? Actually its better than that , sort of ' better than average by a bit ' - bet that is what the Chinese part says.
We wander around like kids in Wonderland ( who am I kidding , we are children in Wonderland ) , shoes , fishing equipment , camping gear and everything ... really nothing is out of bounds , except guns and camo gear
I try to get out w/out breaking 100 dollars but it is hard
Weather : cool going to hotter , sun and humidity starts to build back in the next 2 days. Overall , a well balanced summer , bit heavy on the rain but.... but .... the lawn is green and we don't water much , in fact not at all if possible.
My take ... its grass , grass , it will grow back. not beautiful , maybe but grass.
We in T.O. have an insecticide / herbicide ban , so really your lawn is au naturel anyway.
Gandalf : OK Sam , follow the yellow brick road , just follow the yellow brick road ( hey , thats Elton John , you , ninny )
too rich ..
Carpe Diem - thats fishing talk , for throw the rough fish back
Now , picture the Beatles in ' the Lord of the Rings '. It seems the Fab 4 had their management team write to the Tolkien group and offered themselves to play , Frodo ( Paul ) , Sam ( Ringo ) , Gandalf ( George ) and Gollum ( John ) Blimey , could you ever !
Gandalf : what a big guitar you have
Frodo : all the better to riff you with
Sam : Lucy in the sky
Frodo : Diamonds are the tools of Saruman
OMG , the possibilities
We are off to Bass Pro shop. There is a formula , first dim sum at the Very Fair Seafood , there is a Chinese script and I haven't a clue what it says , but ' very fair ' ???? Actually its better than that , sort of ' better than average by a bit ' - bet that is what the Chinese part says.
We wander around like kids in Wonderland ( who am I kidding , we are children in Wonderland ) , shoes , fishing equipment , camping gear and everything ... really nothing is out of bounds , except guns and camo gear
I try to get out w/out breaking 100 dollars but it is hard
Weather : cool going to hotter , sun and humidity starts to build back in the next 2 days. Overall , a well balanced summer , bit heavy on the rain but.... but .... the lawn is green and we don't water much , in fact not at all if possible.
My take ... its grass , grass , it will grow back. not beautiful , maybe but grass.
We in T.O. have an insecticide / herbicide ban , so really your lawn is au naturel anyway.
Gandalf : OK Sam , follow the yellow brick road , just follow the yellow brick road ( hey , thats Elton John , you , ninny )
too rich ..
Carpe Diem - thats fishing talk , for throw the rough fish back
Thursday 17 July 2014
Islands in the Stream
( performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton , written by the BeeGees ).... or river. You may recall that the docks at QMH accumulated logs and reed islands , this spring. Booting it home on Wed morning , I approached a narrow strait and saw - a large diesel yacht , 2 fishing boats and 2 kayakers. I throttled down to let the big boat go by and not create too much wake for the kayak dudes. The biggie went by and then I noticed that - no , not kayaks but islands.
Each island was inner tube size but were sitting upright as I passed.
I will assume the two land masses will be at my dock next week.
The marine railway has caused some dire moments this year , as you may have read. This morning , as I was attempting to slip out , I pushed the boat and nothing... the trolley won't move. After many attempts over an hour , I notice that a rear wheel appears to have part of an axle sleeve missing. oops ! The wheel is jammed.
Thankfully , I was still able to secure the trolley in the boathouse
however , the bad part was , to work on the trolley , the trolley needs to be at least part way down the ramp.
That was a long hour BTW w/ much colourful language
Went upstairs for a coffee and a think. M said , OMG , buy a new railway. Hmm, lots of bucks , for that and who wants to give up ? . I reckoned that at least I'd need a lifting jack. Mine was out of hydraulic fluid.
In a moment of inspiration (finally , not perspiration ) I called a neighbour who has the same rail system. ' Can I pop by and talk to you ? ' nice guy says yes.
Well , 20 minutes later , we've looked at his , check..... and decided that he should come take a look at the problem child.
While he's getting ready to come over , I replace the fluid in the jack.
On observation , it turns out, all my ideas are wrong ( imagine that , me wrong ? ). The sleeve may be broken but that wheel is not the problem. We (he ) jacks up the trolley we re -grease and spin all the wheels. Except for the port side wheel ( he was right ) , port side won't spin. Out comes the hammer and the wheel is ' persuaded ' to spin. Some more grease , elbow and otherwise - and ' Bob's your uncle ' , his phrase , not mine. Why stuck ? Dunno , its old / I'm old , the world's old - take your pick.
Neighbours. Vital , helpful , always.
And it galls me no end to say , Dad was right , ' gotta learn to deal w/ stuff like this. OK , OK Dad, you were right.
For the last 3 weeks , the satellite TV reception has been dicey. Thought we had the sucker under control but the signal was pixilated intermittently , almost all the time.
We put down a new base ( 3 weeks past ) , re- aimed the dish ( last week ) etc. as solutions. Tues night , I looked up at the dish , recalling what the service guy said , 2 years ago , ' the satellite signal is a big spiral that sways and wobbles all the way down , 50 ft wide sometimes '. Holey Kamoley , Batman, 50 ft ??????. Then I noticed that the tree branches were 5 or 6 ft from the path that the satellite was aimed toward.
Self , the picture is worse during strong winds - swaying branches ? - no, 6 ft away, no.
Cut the branches as far as you can reach w/ an extension pruner and ' Bob's your uncle ' , my expression. The signal strength went from ' 52 ' to ' 89 '. BTW - 89 is good. Tree leaves , tree leaves and 6 ft or more away from the satellite, gimme a break , who knew ? - not me.
I'm sore , that boat and motor goes 1700 lbs and even on a trolley is heavy.
So , good trip ? depends , things got fixed , problems solved.
Hi , St Catherines
Each island was inner tube size but were sitting upright as I passed.
I will assume the two land masses will be at my dock next week.
The marine railway has caused some dire moments this year , as you may have read. This morning , as I was attempting to slip out , I pushed the boat and nothing... the trolley won't move. After many attempts over an hour , I notice that a rear wheel appears to have part of an axle sleeve missing. oops ! The wheel is jammed.
Thankfully , I was still able to secure the trolley in the boathouse
however , the bad part was , to work on the trolley , the trolley needs to be at least part way down the ramp.
That was a long hour BTW w/ much colourful language
Went upstairs for a coffee and a think. M said , OMG , buy a new railway. Hmm, lots of bucks , for that and who wants to give up ? . I reckoned that at least I'd need a lifting jack. Mine was out of hydraulic fluid.
In a moment of inspiration (finally , not perspiration ) I called a neighbour who has the same rail system. ' Can I pop by and talk to you ? ' nice guy says yes.
Well , 20 minutes later , we've looked at his , check..... and decided that he should come take a look at the problem child.
While he's getting ready to come over , I replace the fluid in the jack.
On observation , it turns out, all my ideas are wrong ( imagine that , me wrong ? ). The sleeve may be broken but that wheel is not the problem. We (he ) jacks up the trolley we re -grease and spin all the wheels. Except for the port side wheel ( he was right ) , port side won't spin. Out comes the hammer and the wheel is ' persuaded ' to spin. Some more grease , elbow and otherwise - and ' Bob's your uncle ' , his phrase , not mine. Why stuck ? Dunno , its old / I'm old , the world's old - take your pick.
Neighbours. Vital , helpful , always.
And it galls me no end to say , Dad was right , ' gotta learn to deal w/ stuff like this. OK , OK Dad, you were right.
For the last 3 weeks , the satellite TV reception has been dicey. Thought we had the sucker under control but the signal was pixilated intermittently , almost all the time.
We put down a new base ( 3 weeks past ) , re- aimed the dish ( last week ) etc. as solutions. Tues night , I looked up at the dish , recalling what the service guy said , 2 years ago , ' the satellite signal is a big spiral that sways and wobbles all the way down , 50 ft wide sometimes '. Holey Kamoley , Batman, 50 ft ??????. Then I noticed that the tree branches were 5 or 6 ft from the path that the satellite was aimed toward.
Self , the picture is worse during strong winds - swaying branches ? - no, 6 ft away, no.
Cut the branches as far as you can reach w/ an extension pruner and ' Bob's your uncle ' , my expression. The signal strength went from ' 52 ' to ' 89 '. BTW - 89 is good. Tree leaves , tree leaves and 6 ft or more away from the satellite, gimme a break , who knew ? - not me.
I'm sore , that boat and motor goes 1700 lbs and even on a trolley is heavy.
So , good trip ? depends , things got fixed , problems solved.
Hi , St Catherines
Tuesday 15 July 2014
By the Rockets Red Glare....
... means that an Egyptian attempt at a temporary truce in the Middle East got ignored. Hamas from Gaza side and the Israelis are continuing to shoot , fire and raid across some 80 miles of border , even more in some cases.
Canada and the U.S. remain at peace. TG
Weather : Remnants of a storm system linger and may clear out by later to - night. Despite a grim start to the day w/ rising humidity the day ended cool and pleasant , yesterday
The blue room news : We've had it. No , sorry , we are halting operations in the south west sector of the house. The bay window deck and upright wood got a coat of enamel finish , some trim was touched up and Bob's your Uncle.... I've we've decided that there is a limit to how nice the painting can look. So , done and done.
We are putting away the painting paraphernalia. There will be no further reportage on the blue room
I will bore you w/ other triviata
On the disease front. Ebola continues to ran wild in W . Africa , the death total seems to have stalled something below 600 people. But a flare up could rapidly raise the total as the outbreak is not contained. Latest estimates have , at least 4 countries involved but communications are not easy in these countries and silence is often maintained in villages out of fear.
Our investigations into a foray to England and esp Bath are preceding. We are considering a self catering arrangement , where we rent an apartment accommodation and do our own meals. The B/B option is still on the table but I'm not sure bacon and eggs each morning is required. The cost for one such place was 1800 pds a week. That works out to 2400 Cdn dollars. No ,its not cheap in England. To be fair , we are opting for city centre as opposed to country. As well ,this ' boutique ' flat could sleep 4 and is well appointed.
Some B/B s are 20 % cheaper even 3 miles outside the city centre. However,I'm we're not sure about driving.
We received a plaque , last time in England , from the in - laws. mine said ' Round - a - bout Maestro ' ,
M's said ' Grateful Round - a- bout Survivor ' , 'nuff said
Actually , I felt that I did quite well at my last roundy , called ' Cargo Fleet '. It was a monster , 2 inter - connected circles the last 6 lanes wide. A cousin said that she just stays in the roundy until she can get to her exit , so I did , an extra loop but another 400 yds to maneuver into position.
And I drove 300 miles from Inverness ,Scotland to Middlesborough , Yorkshire.
Dry is good , sometimes
Have a dry day
Canada and the U.S. remain at peace. TG
Weather : Remnants of a storm system linger and may clear out by later to - night. Despite a grim start to the day w/ rising humidity the day ended cool and pleasant , yesterday
The blue room news : We've had it. No , sorry , we are halting operations in the south west sector of the house. The bay window deck and upright wood got a coat of enamel finish , some trim was touched up and Bob's your Uncle....
We are putting away the painting paraphernalia. There will be no further reportage on the blue room
I will bore you w/ other triviata
On the disease front. Ebola continues to ran wild in W . Africa , the death total seems to have stalled something below 600 people. But a flare up could rapidly raise the total as the outbreak is not contained. Latest estimates have , at least 4 countries involved but communications are not easy in these countries and silence is often maintained in villages out of fear.
Our investigations into a foray to England and esp Bath are preceding. We are considering a self catering arrangement , where we rent an apartment accommodation and do our own meals. The B/B option is still on the table but I'm not sure bacon and eggs each morning is required. The cost for one such place was 1800 pds a week. That works out to 2400 Cdn dollars. No ,its not cheap in England. To be fair , we are opting for city centre as opposed to country. As well ,this ' boutique ' flat could sleep 4 and is well appointed.
Some B/B s are 20 % cheaper even 3 miles outside the city centre. However,
We received a plaque , last time in England , from the in - laws. mine said ' Round - a - bout Maestro ' ,
M's said ' Grateful Round - a- bout Survivor ' , 'nuff said
Actually , I felt that I did quite well at my last roundy , called ' Cargo Fleet '. It was a monster , 2 inter - connected circles the last 6 lanes wide. A cousin said that she just stays in the roundy until she can get to her exit , so I did , an extra loop but another 400 yds to maneuver into position.
And I drove 300 miles from Inverness ,Scotland to Middlesborough , Yorkshire.
Dry is good , sometimes
Have a dry day
Monday 14 July 2014
Viva Deutschland
Germany is WC champion.
Canada is ranked 110 in the world
Weather :Between rain fronts , cool - ish and cloudy w/ bursts of sun Rain may stop Wed. However ,we are on the cool side for summer in T.O. which is fine for me.
The decree has gone out - no more futzing around - finish the painting. And here I thought that I was progressing ,quite nicely.
Nice but not fast enough , apparently
Monday is paint day
Shutters are probably two weeks out , could be 3. But sooner beats later
The photo above is the ' blue room ' w/ decor options
No , you don't get a say , we're showing off
you have to like it
I've been on my knees and back touching up the trim
I've decided that we will go w/ subdued lighting
We will only use 40 W bulbs. any more light and all the flaws show
Actually , they have the refrigerator bulbs at 20 W and these under performers would work great in the bedroom.
M hasn't seen the touch up job , yet.... we may need to go w/ 10 W
Do they sell 10W jobbies
My 65 th is next year , I've been promised any destination if I want.
My choices are Las Vegas / Bratislava and Bath , England.
Why Bath ?? An episode of ' Salvage Hunters ' , dudes from Wales that go around buying ' junk ' and re-selling the stuff , was in Bath,
You got it , they still have the Roman baths and spas.
The town is quaint and set off from London by 100 km. the plan is to stay about a week in Bath and be central and walk around - bars , etc. We're good at that - bars and stuff. Nap in the aft and early dins at the bar or whatever.
Canada is ranked 110 in the world
Weather :Between rain fronts , cool - ish and cloudy w/ bursts of sun Rain may stop Wed. However ,we are on the cool side for summer in T.O. which is fine for me.
The decree has gone out - no more futzing around - finish the painting. And here I thought that I was progressing ,quite nicely.
Nice but not fast enough , apparently
Monday is paint day
Shutters are probably two weeks out , could be 3. But sooner beats later
The photo above is the ' blue room ' w/ decor options
No , you don't get a say , we're showing off
you have to like it
I've been on my knees and back touching up the trim
I've decided that we will go w/ subdued lighting
We will only use 40 W bulbs. any more light and all the flaws show
Actually , they have the refrigerator bulbs at 20 W and these under performers would work great in the bedroom.
M hasn't seen the touch up job , yet.... we may need to go w/ 10 W
Do they sell 10W jobbies
My 65 th is next year , I've been promised any destination if I want.
My choices are Las Vegas / Bratislava and Bath , England.
Why Bath ?? An episode of ' Salvage Hunters ' , dudes from Wales that go around buying ' junk ' and re-selling the stuff , was in Bath,
You got it , they still have the Roman baths and spas.
The town is quaint and set off from London by 100 km. the plan is to stay about a week in Bath and be central and walk around - bars , etc. We're good at that - bars and stuff. Nap in the aft and early dins at the bar or whatever.
Saturday 12 July 2014
Hello , St Catherines
.... and Aunt E and Uncle A , shout out !!!
The 85 th BD party was a good get to - gether
Remember , one clam chowder recipe is needed
The news of the World according to the TorStar section , World.
Kill zombies - like paintball but you use real ammo and kill , well zombies. People vacation at these kill sites
Muslims do not believe in terrorism as a solution e.g. In Muslim Indonesia 1% of respondents agreed that terrorism was allowed to defend Islam , 76 % disagreed
82 % of Nigerians do not favour Boka Haram , 795 have a very unfavourable view
92 % of Lebanese ( borders Syria ) are worried about Islamic extremism
Greek shipowners pay 22 million in taxes and the ship's crews pay 80 million. Greece has very favourable tax and rules on ownership
Weather : We got rain , we will get rain and clearing comes on Tues
- maybe
The 85 th BD party was a good get to - gether
Remember , one clam chowder recipe is needed
The news of the World according to the TorStar section , World.
Kill zombies - like paintball but you use real ammo and kill , well zombies. People vacation at these kill sites
Muslims do not believe in terrorism as a solution e.g. In Muslim Indonesia 1% of respondents agreed that terrorism was allowed to defend Islam , 76 % disagreed
82 % of Nigerians do not favour Boka Haram , 795 have a very unfavourable view
92 % of Lebanese ( borders Syria ) are worried about Islamic extremism
Greek shipowners pay 22 million in taxes and the ship's crews pay 80 million. Greece has very favourable tax and rules on ownership
Weather : We got rain , we will get rain and clearing comes on Tues
- maybe
Quality and a Hodge Podge
... or backlog of random items. Random b/c my mind is random
First , quality. I've been known to search for bargains , jump at bargains , buy primarily b/c it was a bargain.
Wine gums. The other one , likes Gummy Bears , Ju Jubes and wine gums. Last week ,she picked up wine gums and my eyes popped wide when I saw the price. The brand name was Water-something , imported from England. I've had the odd gum drop etc from her stash but these wine gums were sensational.
How is a wine gum sensational ??? There was no after taste and the flavour was very evident.
So , here's to quality even in wine gums. Hope I learned my lesson. Probably not.
In this sexually equal society , there are many phrases that are deemed politically incorrect re : sexual differences.
I wrote this quote down from my fav book , ' Instrumentalities of the Night '. The scene has Count Raymone Garrete opting to have three priest types flogged instead of killed as per the wishes of an advisor. The advisor gets a queasy look and is about to say something regarding the flogging , and the Count comes out with " now don't go all woman on me now , I've spared their lives " Terribly sexist , I know but......
I'll leave it there
Weather is now stable and warming w/ rain to come in 2 - 3 days
Overall , the conditions have been moderate so far. Rain has come frequently , but just as frequently we've had comfortable conditions
Yesterday , was dry w/ a threat of rain , temperature was close to 75 F and sunny for the most part
However, this is T.O. and the summer isn't over yet
We attended a party , last evening , the 25 th wedding anniversary of a couple that I've known since they were in their teens. I played baseball with the husband in the late 70 s and early eighties and still play cards with him.
Good food , great weather ( not hot ) and very casual. Somehow they are people who can set a mood that is relaxed and homey w / out overdoing it. That's this couple , more specifically the guy b/c he wanted a slight surprise for his wife - inviting family first and then secretly , everyone else.
He ran around organizing the food w/ 3 barbecues going and the guests all pitched in , still the host directed and ran ragged for two hours setting up.
It was worth the effort
Gadgets. I will admit that , in terms of technology , that I'm behind the curve. however , here is a list of gadgets purchased and usage
Night camera - the kind that you use to check what animals wandered by when you're not there. Used 2 X , photographed a cat and a raccoon
Keychain camera ( I'm sensing a trend here ) - matchbook sized and USB capable. Unused as yet
Yepper , a camera that - goes behind walls etc to show you whats there. Its on a flexible neck. I use it once but only found a gum wrapper behind a dresser.
2 pair of video goggles for taking videos as you watch a scene.
One cost $ 50 and the other $ 60. Used a lot - fishing , in England , at a retirement party etc.
Oh and occasionally , I use Skype - does this count ?????
First , quality. I've been known to search for bargains , jump at bargains , buy primarily b/c it was a bargain.
Wine gums. The other one , likes Gummy Bears , Ju Jubes and wine gums. Last week ,she picked up wine gums and my eyes popped wide when I saw the price. The brand name was Water-something , imported from England. I've had the odd gum drop etc from her stash but these wine gums were sensational.
How is a wine gum sensational ??? There was no after taste and the flavour was very evident.
So , here's to quality even in wine gums. Hope I learned my lesson. Probably not.
In this sexually equal society , there are many phrases that are deemed politically incorrect re : sexual differences.
I wrote this quote down from my fav book , ' Instrumentalities of the Night '. The scene has Count Raymone Garrete opting to have three priest types flogged instead of killed as per the wishes of an advisor. The advisor gets a queasy look and is about to say something regarding the flogging , and the Count comes out with " now don't go all woman on me now , I've spared their lives " Terribly sexist , I know but......
I'll leave it there
Weather is now stable and warming w/ rain to come in 2 - 3 days
Overall , the conditions have been moderate so far. Rain has come frequently , but just as frequently we've had comfortable conditions
Yesterday , was dry w/ a threat of rain , temperature was close to 75 F and sunny for the most part
However, this is T.O. and the summer isn't over yet
We attended a party , last evening , the 25 th wedding anniversary of a couple that I've known since they were in their teens. I played baseball with the husband in the late 70 s and early eighties and still play cards with him.
Good food , great weather ( not hot ) and very casual. Somehow they are people who can set a mood that is relaxed and homey w / out overdoing it. That's this couple , more specifically the guy b/c he wanted a slight surprise for his wife - inviting family first and then secretly , everyone else.
He ran around organizing the food w/ 3 barbecues going and the guests all pitched in , still the host directed and ran ragged for two hours setting up.
It was worth the effort
Gadgets. I will admit that , in terms of technology , that I'm behind the curve. however , here is a list of gadgets purchased and usage
Night camera - the kind that you use to check what animals wandered by when you're not there. Used 2 X , photographed a cat and a raccoon
Keychain camera ( I'm sensing a trend here ) - matchbook sized and USB capable. Unused as yet
Yepper , a camera that - goes behind walls etc to show you whats there. Its on a flexible neck. I use it once but only found a gum wrapper behind a dresser.
2 pair of video goggles for taking videos as you watch a scene.
One cost $ 50 and the other $ 60. Used a lot - fishing , in England , at a retirement party etc.
Oh and occasionally , I use Skype - does this count ?????
Friday 11 July 2014
Muffins Out
... was heard this AM. These beuties are the raisin bran muffins which I am not famous for b/c only 2 people read the blog
They still taste good.
If you're keeping track , the Ebola outbreak in W Africa is now at the 500 + death toll and spreading. I'm tracking this - b/c W Africa is 10 1 / 2 hrs away by plane.
Oh yeah , you say. Last night , I heard an epidemiologist say 175 000 ticks come as visitors each year. These foreign ticks don't carry Lyme disease but can pick it up very quickly once here.
BTW - the ticks don't go home very often
T.O. will host the Pan - Am games next summer and the kick - off party for the countdown is this week end.
Myths are abounding a) the games will be close to budget
b) the infra structure will greatly benefit the city
c) the structures will be ready for the games , despite being three months behind , now ( bad weather in the winter )
d) the construction blocking T.O. roads will be over soon
Oh , the CEO - PanAM , called it minor inconveniences around the city - small pain for large gain
BTW - this is Canada , the most the PanAm execs will squander is to 40 - 70 million , not like in the U.S. or Brazil , where estimates are in the 3 - 10 billion range ( bribes , graft etc ) for the World Cup.
Also , there are predictions that the combined loss by Brazil in the WC , the debt load for the games and the depressed mood could plunge the nation into recession. As well , the president could be defeated based on the poor results at the games. I actually , saw her racing around the field in her high heels trying to chase down the German midfield - kidding , kidding - only she might have done better
Coffee and muffins , Ho
They still taste good.
If you're keeping track , the Ebola outbreak in W Africa is now at the 500 + death toll and spreading. I'm tracking this - b/c W Africa is 10 1 / 2 hrs away by plane.
Oh yeah , you say. Last night , I heard an epidemiologist say 175 000 ticks come as visitors each year. These foreign ticks don't carry Lyme disease but can pick it up very quickly once here.
BTW - the ticks don't go home very often
T.O. will host the Pan - Am games next summer and the kick - off party for the countdown is this week end.
Myths are abounding a) the games will be close to budget
b) the infra structure will greatly benefit the city
c) the structures will be ready for the games , despite being three months behind , now ( bad weather in the winter )
d) the construction blocking T.O. roads will be over soon
Oh , the CEO - PanAM , called it minor inconveniences around the city - small pain for large gain
BTW - this is Canada , the most the PanAm execs will squander is to 40 - 70 million , not like in the U.S. or Brazil , where estimates are in the 3 - 10 billion range ( bribes , graft etc ) for the World Cup.
Also , there are predictions that the combined loss by Brazil in the WC , the debt load for the games and the depressed mood could plunge the nation into recession. As well , the president could be defeated based on the poor results at the games. I actually , saw her racing around the field in her high heels trying to chase down the German midfield - kidding , kidding - only she might have done better
Coffee and muffins , Ho
Thursday 10 July 2014
The World Went On
Whilst we were on the 'Bee , the world continued to unfold.
The Netherlands lost in semi - final action , we dodged torrential rain and just got soaked.
In Chicago ( chicken in the car , car won't go , that's how you spell Chicago , from the movie " A River Runs Through It " ) they managed to shoot 53 last week end. As well , there was a hotdog death. A contestant in a hotdog eating contest choked on a weinny and died.
Life , what can I say " can't live w/ it , sure can't live w/out it "
Photo is the blue room minus shades and shutters
Note very little rose left
All our hard work to produce this photo.
P.S. - could you explain the ' Chicago ' thing , I never got it
The Netherlands lost in semi - final action , we dodged torrential rain and just got soaked.
In Chicago ( chicken in the car , car won't go , that's how you spell Chicago , from the movie " A River Runs Through It " ) they managed to shoot 53 last week end. As well , there was a hotdog death. A contestant in a hotdog eating contest choked on a weinny and died.
Life , what can I say " can't live w/ it , sure can't live w/out it "
Photo is the blue room minus shades and shutters
Note very little rose left
All our hard work to produce this photo.
P.S. - could you explain the ' Chicago ' thing , I never got it
Monday 7 July 2014
A Real Pain
A paper co - authored by Toronto's St Michaels Hospital reveals that loss of health , income and life maybe higher due to opioids than alcohol ,flu and pneumonia combined. Some estimates have deaths related to opioid use up 200 % in ten or 15 years.
The category includes heroin and its derivatives including oxycotin.
Much of the abuse starts as a prescription for pain but accelerates into a full blown addiction. Oxycotin is considered a safer pain control method than other medications and very effective.
Weather : rain as promised , w/ high humidity to follow
On the decorating front. A trip to ' BBB ' , Bath , Bed and Beyond , yielded a bed set of comforter and supporting characters. A patterned blue on blue design , we think we got lucky w/ the colours and motif. Pics to follow , mostly b/c you've had to read the ' agony and ecstasy ' as the project unfolded.
On the down side , no painting was done yesterday but a lot of soul searching occurred. No lampshades , either.
W/ our blinds removed , yes we could have waited another 2 weeks , but the hall is filled w/ painting stuff and we wanted to put our lives back to - gether , the sun pours in during the morning. We've been faking curtains by using the torn up balloon drapes but yesterday , I found ' black out ' curtains. Works great ! but dummy didn't read the part where the package says ' one panel '. you got it 1 / 2 a window's worth. I thought it was too good at $ 20, I was right. We'll visit another store thats on the route to QMH , and buy another 1 / 2 window cover.
Be kind to your web footed friends
B/c a duck could be somebody's mother
P.S. - ' the Agony and the Ecstasy ' is a book on the life of Michelangelo. I read this book prior to a trip to Rome and Florence
(or Roma et Firenza ) in 1978.
The category includes heroin and its derivatives including oxycotin.
Much of the abuse starts as a prescription for pain but accelerates into a full blown addiction. Oxycotin is considered a safer pain control method than other medications and very effective.
Weather : rain as promised , w/ high humidity to follow
On the decorating front. A trip to ' BBB ' , Bath , Bed and Beyond , yielded a bed set of comforter and supporting characters. A patterned blue on blue design , we think we got lucky w/ the colours and motif. Pics to follow , mostly b/c you've had to read the ' agony and ecstasy ' as the project unfolded.
On the down side , no painting was done yesterday but a lot of soul searching occurred. No lampshades , either.
W/ our blinds removed , yes we could have waited another 2 weeks , but the hall is filled w/ painting stuff and we wanted to put our lives back to - gether , the sun pours in during the morning. We've been faking curtains by using the torn up balloon drapes but yesterday , I found ' black out ' curtains. Works great ! but dummy didn't read the part where the package says ' one panel '. you got it 1 / 2 a window's worth. I thought it was too good at $ 20, I was right. We'll visit another store thats on the route to QMH , and buy another 1 / 2 window cover.
Be kind to your web footed friends
B/c a duck could be somebody's mother
P.S. - ' the Agony and the Ecstasy ' is a book on the life of Michelangelo. I read this book prior to a trip to Rome and Florence
(or Roma et Firenza ) in 1978.
Sunday 6 July 2014
Sunday is For .............
Dunno. Coffee and ' Breakfast at Wimbledon ' on the tube.
Federer and Djokovic battling it out. Tennis ??? We got hooked with the Canadian content this year. A men's semi - finalist , women's finalist and a champion ,Posposil in doubles.
We have decorating on our minds , sheets , bedspread etc. Oh , lampshades b/c we have none that are allowed in the bedroom. I even thought about on line searches but we will not be buying mail order bedroom accessories.
Weather : halcyon days come to mind. Grass is green and the flowers are busting out still.
For workouts at night , I've jumped the weight work up a bit.
Normally , I would get off the elliptical and do , say , 1 minute of curls and get back on the ' lipty '. Lately , its been 15 curls , rest 7 seconds and 15 more , get on the lipty for 20 seconds , and repeat curls , rest , curls ( as many as I can ).
I'm doing this for all the free weight exercises. The next day , I'll do only legs and exercise ball.
So , to - morrow will be news of the ' blue room ' re - decorating project. We have touch ups and re - coats to do. However , our zeal for spending time on touch ups has been tempered by the thought of the installers , maybe , marking up the paint as they put in the shutters. We didn't use enamel finish and this may make the paint more liable to marking , as we've seen ourselves.
We chose to use the egg shell finish on walls , baseboards, trim and wood. after all , its our bedroom and we don't have rugrats zooming all over
Federer and Djokovic battling it out. Tennis ??? We got hooked with the Canadian content this year. A men's semi - finalist , women's finalist and a champion ,Posposil in doubles.
We have decorating on our minds , sheets , bedspread etc. Oh , lampshades b/c we have none that are allowed in the bedroom. I even thought about on line searches but we will not be buying mail order bedroom accessories.
Weather : halcyon days come to mind. Grass is green and the flowers are busting out still.
For workouts at night , I've jumped the weight work up a bit.
Normally , I would get off the elliptical and do , say , 1 minute of curls and get back on the ' lipty '. Lately , its been 15 curls , rest 7 seconds and 15 more , get on the lipty for 20 seconds , and repeat curls , rest , curls ( as many as I can ).
I'm doing this for all the free weight exercises. The next day , I'll do only legs and exercise ball.
So , to - morrow will be news of the ' blue room ' re - decorating project. We have touch ups and re - coats to do. However , our zeal for spending time on touch ups has been tempered by the thought of the installers , maybe , marking up the paint as they put in the shutters. We didn't use enamel finish and this may make the paint more liable to marking , as we've seen ourselves.
We chose to use the egg shell finish on walls , baseboards, trim and wood. after all , its our bedroom and we don't have rugrats zooming all over
Saturday 5 July 2014
" World " weekly
Reporting on the reporting from the TorStar , World by the numbers.
We have coal and poppies
Coal is making a comeback
30.1 % coal's share in energy production , highest since '70
88 % growth in coal usage , China and India
0.8 % increase in global coal production , worst since '02
4.4 % nuclear energy share in global energy , lowest since
'84
10.3 % Canada's portion of proven oil reserves
ranking 3 rd behind Saudi Arabia and Venezuela
See must be Canada , we're 3 rd
Poppies are making a comeback , like they ever left.
Most hectares planted since 1998 ( when they started doing a count )
Afghanistan has a 36 % increase in poppy cultivation
Emergency department visits for cannabis related treatment , up 59 % between ' 06 and ' 10
Potency of marijuana is up
And floating plastic in the world's oceans is estimated at 6 to 31 , 000 tonnes.
So, in summary , coal is being used more , more drugs being cultivated and the drugs are stronger and we are dumping plastic into the ocean at a large rate.
No , World by the numbers is seldom pleasant.
Weather : is good. Warm , sunny and blue skies. Mayhaps , rain on Monday.
And you're waiting to hear the bedroom news , painting. A ceiling white coat went up on the bay window roof. That leaves a second ceiling coat on the bay window ????? if needed and touch up of celestial light around the room as required. Da da , the end is in sight.
However , the sheets are still rose , the lampshades are still rose ( in fact , I won't allow the lampshades in the bedroom ). The blinds are down , now , but the drop sheet , the former drapes , are , yes , rose.
Overall, though we are making the transition to blue - ey tones.
Last night was card night , poker next door. I played w/ restraint and discipline , thus you know I was losing badly. By 11: 30 , I figure that I was 40 dollars down and pulled another 20 out of my pocket.
The formula is that as the night goes on , the betting gets a little looser and so do the players.
I followed along but started catching cards. I worked myself out of the hole and in the last 1 / 2 hr managed to win about 2 out of 3 hands on average.
I finished by cashing 75 dollars. The swing in my fortunes was 135 dollars , give or take. It was just like gambling.
Have a good ' un
We have coal and poppies
Coal is making a comeback
30.1 % coal's share in energy production , highest since '70
88 % growth in coal usage , China and India
0.8 % increase in global coal production , worst since '02
4.4 % nuclear energy share in global energy , lowest since
'84
10.3 % Canada's portion of proven oil reserves
ranking 3 rd behind Saudi Arabia and Venezuela
See must be Canada , we're 3 rd
Poppies are making a comeback , like they ever left.
Most hectares planted since 1998 ( when they started doing a count )
Afghanistan has a 36 % increase in poppy cultivation
Emergency department visits for cannabis related treatment , up 59 % between ' 06 and ' 10
Potency of marijuana is up
And floating plastic in the world's oceans is estimated at 6 to 31 , 000 tonnes.
So, in summary , coal is being used more , more drugs being cultivated and the drugs are stronger and we are dumping plastic into the ocean at a large rate.
No , World by the numbers is seldom pleasant.
Weather : is good. Warm , sunny and blue skies. Mayhaps , rain on Monday.
And you're waiting to hear the bedroom news , painting. A ceiling white coat went up on the bay window roof. That leaves a second ceiling coat on the bay window ????? if needed and touch up of celestial light around the room as required. Da da , the end is in sight.
However , the sheets are still rose , the lampshades are still rose ( in fact , I won't allow the lampshades in the bedroom ). The blinds are down , now , but the drop sheet , the former drapes , are , yes , rose.
Overall, though we are making the transition to blue - ey tones.
Last night was card night , poker next door. I played w/ restraint and discipline , thus you know I was losing badly. By 11: 30 , I figure that I was 40 dollars down and pulled another 20 out of my pocket.
The formula is that as the night goes on , the betting gets a little looser and so do the players.
I followed along but started catching cards. I worked myself out of the hole and in the last 1 / 2 hr managed to win about 2 out of 3 hands on average.
I finished by cashing 75 dollars. The swing in my fortunes was 135 dollars , give or take. It was just like gambling.
Have a good ' un
Friday 4 July 2014
Do You Tingo
... can you boogie can you sky ( from a song )
No, ' tingo ' has nothing to do w/ dance. In fact , it is a south sea island term for - borrowing things until your neighbour's house is empty. On CBC , ' Morning ' , someone found a site that lists words that do not translate from language to language. Others were e.g. isthipiks - a cold beer on a summer days ...Krikey , in Canada , we'd yell , ' Patio '
Weather : bright blue sky and cool going to nicely warm , thank you. Rain threat , minimal.
However , Arthur is kicking up a fuss on the Eastern seaboard from N. C. to the Maritimes
Bedroom news , where blue meets blue , I did some fine tuning of the lines. Unfortunately , there comes a time when you need to stop fiddling w/ the lines. Doubly unfortunately , I discovered this twice ( or , maybe 3 X ). The upshot is that paint job looks a little more even.
What's left is the window frame - all wood - and the doors.
We are running out of celestial ( the lighter blue ). To be fair , the celestial can did cover 2 1 / 2 walls plus a little more. The baseboards are the same colour as the walls.
We still have a time margin pre - shutters of close to 3 weeks or so. But we worry so much , the shutters will probably come pre - Xmas.
Happy 4 th
to the folks down south
No, ' tingo ' has nothing to do w/ dance. In fact , it is a south sea island term for - borrowing things until your neighbour's house is empty. On CBC , ' Morning ' , someone found a site that lists words that do not translate from language to language. Others were e.g. isthipiks - a cold beer on a summer days ...Krikey , in Canada , we'd yell , ' Patio '
Weather : bright blue sky and cool going to nicely warm , thank you. Rain threat , minimal.
However , Arthur is kicking up a fuss on the Eastern seaboard from N. C. to the Maritimes
Bedroom news , where blue meets blue , I did some fine tuning of the lines. Unfortunately , there comes a time when you need to stop fiddling w/ the lines. Doubly unfortunately , I discovered this twice ( or , maybe 3 X ). The upshot is that paint job looks a little more even.
What's left is the window frame - all wood - and the doors.
We are running out of celestial ( the lighter blue ). To be fair , the celestial can did cover 2 1 / 2 walls plus a little more. The baseboards are the same colour as the walls.
We still have a time margin pre - shutters of close to 3 weeks or so. But we worry so much , the shutters will probably come pre - Xmas.
Happy 4 th
to the folks down south
Thursday 3 July 2014
Island Hopping
............. means something entirely different up on the ' bee. Went up and noticed that another island was visiting our dock. The wind was strong S / SW and I knew shifting the visitor would take some effort. I waited til morning and used the boat a) to drag the sucker , NO , won't tow b) tried holding the branches , NO , no that either. Finally , I pushed the mess across the river by bumping the island across the river. Total time 40 minutes.
The day was cool and sunny w / a brisk breeze.
Now , to face the window area of the bedroom. Tape the glass and fill holes , lots of holes.
The day was cool and sunny w / a brisk breeze.
Now , to face the window area of the bedroom. Tape the glass and fill holes , lots of holes.
Wednesday 2 July 2014
Keeping Track
In West Africa , esp. Ghana , Sierra Leone , Liberia , the death toll from Ebola is over 450. I'm interested in this event b/c Ebola represents a recent ( 20 yrs ) example of diseases that transfer from animal to human populations.
Nothing new in the mechanism of infection but full of insight about human interaction w/ the natural environment and human encroachment into previously ,wild and un - human containing places.
The human tragedy is remarkable. The fear that the onset of disease causes is alarming itself. The UN commission on health has declared the Ebola outbreak on the verge of the limits of current medical facilities.
Reports have emerged that indicate medical staff evacuating facilities out of fear. There will be a movie about this one.
Ah , let me guess , someone ( an American ) goes in and solves the crisis. I would have mentioned a Canadian but our government is so out of touch , Canada would send help after the movie came out.
In truth , there are doctors working diligently , in difficult to preposterous conditions to help stem the outbreak.
Weather :A break in the humidity slightly. Temperatures fall slightly and the rain although possible for to -day, goes away for 6- 7 days.
We slept in the bedroom. All that I can smell is paint. It didn't affect my sleep. Go figure.
Aesthetically , looks good.
We transposed a lithograph of a wildlife scene - pond, egret and other animalia - done in blue (of course ) with gold highlights ( to match the light fixture bases ). The whole scene is oriental in tone and composition. This litho is temporary but we wanted some piece of decoration to give us ideas about what is best suited for the wall.
Can you get Ebola from smelling and sleeping in latex paint fumes.
find that one on the internet , why don't you ?
If so , I've got Ebola , for sure.
Getting ready for your 4 th of July , down there , south of the GWN
????????????????????
Nothing new in the mechanism of infection but full of insight about human interaction w/ the natural environment and human encroachment into previously ,wild and un - human containing places.
The human tragedy is remarkable. The fear that the onset of disease causes is alarming itself. The UN commission on health has declared the Ebola outbreak on the verge of the limits of current medical facilities.
Reports have emerged that indicate medical staff evacuating facilities out of fear. There will be a movie about this one.
Ah , let me guess , someone ( an American ) goes in and solves the crisis. I would have mentioned a Canadian but our government is so out of touch , Canada would send help after the movie came out.
In truth , there are doctors working diligently , in difficult to preposterous conditions to help stem the outbreak.
Weather :A break in the humidity slightly. Temperatures fall slightly and the rain although possible for to -day, goes away for 6- 7 days.
We slept in the bedroom. All that I can smell is paint. It didn't affect my sleep. Go figure.
Aesthetically , looks good.
We transposed a lithograph of a wildlife scene - pond, egret and other animalia - done in blue (of course ) with gold highlights ( to match the light fixture bases ). The whole scene is oriental in tone and composition. This litho is temporary but we wanted some piece of decoration to give us ideas about what is best suited for the wall.
Can you get Ebola from smelling and sleeping in latex paint fumes.
find that one on the internet , why don't you ?
If so , I've got Ebola , for sure.
Getting ready for your 4 th of July , down there , south of the GWN
????????????????????
Tuesday 1 July 2014
The Eight Hundredth
Progress bedroom:
The dark wall was done yesterday , the colour is ' privilege elite '. The complementary colour is ' celestial light ' , we didn't make up these names.
To - day , in a marathon session , we put celestial on 3 walls and did the baseboards.
There will be touch up required.
The doors are still rose and the window frame and deck of the bay window are rosy too !
We are taking a small break from painting ,for 2 days.
The Loop ( the ISP home page ) is more than I described. The Loop is a whole page of info ( entertainment etc ) , just loads faster.
One banner line was ' Too bad America , we do this better '.
Ten things Canada does better than the States.
1. Say ' Sorry ' - a lot
2. Better beer overall
3. Our potato chips come in more flavours
4. Bulk milk in bags ( almost a gallon in separate plastic bags )
Not ten , b/c some were too stupid.
At Wimbledon , 2 Canadians are setting Canadian records.
Both Eugenie Bouchard and Milos Raonic are through to the 1 / 4 finals. A first for either men or women , in Canada.
Canada won the World dodge Ball Championship. This event sounds silly , til you see them play. One could get killed , the way they throw the ball. These guys are pros but I don't see how they make money.
Weather : sultry , humid and warmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Rain could come any time.
We cool off and dry off , to - morrow.
The dark wall was done yesterday , the colour is ' privilege elite '. The complementary colour is ' celestial light ' , we didn't make up these names.
To - day , in a marathon session , we put celestial on 3 walls and did the baseboards.
There will be touch up required.
The doors are still rose and the window frame and deck of the bay window are rosy too !
We are taking a small break from painting ,for 2 days.
The Loop ( the ISP home page ) is more than I described. The Loop is a whole page of info ( entertainment etc ) , just loads faster.
One banner line was ' Too bad America , we do this better '.
Ten things Canada does better than the States.
1. Say ' Sorry ' - a lot
2. Better beer overall
3. Our potato chips come in more flavours
4. Bulk milk in bags ( almost a gallon in separate plastic bags )
Not ten , b/c some were too stupid.
At Wimbledon , 2 Canadians are setting Canadian records.
Both Eugenie Bouchard and Milos Raonic are through to the 1 / 4 finals. A first for either men or women , in Canada.
Canada won the World dodge Ball Championship. This event sounds silly , til you see them play. One could get killed , the way they throw the ball. These guys are pros but I don't see how they make money.
Weather : sultry , humid and warmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Rain could come any time.
We cool off and dry off , to - morrow.
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