🧼 on April the 3 rd

 🧼 in the  ' boro, sun is out in a cloudy sky w/ temperature soaring to 60 F or close. Coffee in hand and typing. Almost coordinated. Waking by the minute.
Thoughts on the banking / internet / interac drama.
You should know. The hope is, perhaps, PC banking will allow Wise to receive funds via Interac or bank to bank transfer. Thus, I can start to plan Debit spending in the UK. Debit would be easier then hauling cash around. For us, starting in Staines [ London locale ], debit is considered de rigeur [ barring independent operators - fruit stand etc in the High St market].
I intimated a wish to spread out our banking a bit, taking advantage of saving accounts premiums.

And if I got the drift correct. PC banking will provide a Matercard linked to PC food venues [ Loblaws and No Frills. Add in Shoppers Drug Mart and Canadian Tire. Bonus, all these businesses offer PC optimum points.

We shall see said the Zen Master

OK. start the day. later folks ( Post # 4272 )

🪫 2 of April

 🪫... the state of old [ er ] age. in the ' boro, the day is dull. We will warm up to 52 F this aft. Then rain or snow at noon [ come on ..... snow, alright rain ]

The coldest forecast day is Tues at 32.

going for coffee. ah. good brew this morn

Follow up,  battling computers or the dark forces of interacting ' chips '.

 Lately, I was explaining my problem transferring money from CIBC to Wise and the fact that transactions wouldn't go through Well, today, I thought let's beat them at their own game. I decided to start an online banking account. I chose PC financial because a friend uses PC and claims to have no problems. 
Besides, for quite some time, I have been debating about setting up a second banking option. Perhaps, one offering better rates for savings and PC has a marquee 2.2 % in savings

beginning.                                                               
I managed to set up a PC account. They offered the option of transferring money into my new account and I chose Interac. Of course I chose interact just to see if it would work. So I transferred $1,000 which immediately disappeared from my CIBC account but did not appear in my PC financial account.           
 I waited an appropriate amount of time, still nothing. While waiting, I decided to choose the option that was offered, notification by email when any transfers occurred. Still nothing  

Okay, now I call support at PC financial, wait 25 minutes. Get a lady and she explains that interac transfers take three business days and because this is my first transaction, it might be five. Furthermore, the funds might be held until everything clears through both banking systems. Plus some Interac transfers are limited at first to $ 500. I said. Thank you and rang off

 5 minutes ago I get a notification " PC financial has received $1,000 interact transfer. It is now in your account. And would you like to transfer to savings

Crikey and all gods in heaven. The left hand and right hand don't have quantum entanglement it seems. That's an astronomy / physics quip.

🛍 April 1 in the building spring

 🛍 in the ' boro .... definitely, a work in progress. Bleeding cold and gusty. This is take out your rubbers and hooded coats feeling

shoppping day. First, lunch at the Magic Noodle [ our go to ].
Then we go to Costco. Except today it was visit Optical Div. for a touch up, re - adjustment on my latest reading glasses. The glasses came slightly askew and then proceeded to become crooked and not pliable at all.
The lady at Opt. Div, said give me 15 min and we did. Quite the change.
Shopping proceeded to get out of hand
.... chicken thighs, $ 2 off the package of 20.
... toilet paper is the standard Costco price [ more than fair ]
.... BBQ chicken is $ 8, not giant but for two, bonus
... cap it off w / Husky sealable bags for [ travel, packing ....] anyway there is a vacuum port for shrink packaging your clothes? or ..... and $ 4 dollars off.
We are travelling, so, maybe squeeze some clothes down.
Thus, out of hand is the apt description of me at Costco. Nothing will be wasted. The packing vacuum bags [  ????? ] but a great idea. Toilet paper - well, necessary, even if there 40 rolls under the stairs.

On the prepping front. I started an account w/ Wise. Wise is an international debit card. Transfer money from your bank to Wise. Then while away, you use the debit card for daily spending [ you convert currency before you travel ]. The start, transferred $ 100 Cdn. Used the Wise card for practice. Works. Now, let s transfer more ..... what ?  Four days later and I'm trying to figure out how to get through. All starts well, then " we cannot complete your transaction " keeps appearing.
Last year, I sent GBP ahead to the cousins and then ' borrowed the money back. Guess what, might be the same again.

You understand that starting early, gives me room to adjust.

💸 Marching 31

 💸 ' boro weather. Mild and sunny giving way to gusty cold, leading to gallons of water per minute 

An electrician sorted out some minor physical shortcomings in the house. We are lined up for a more arduous session to route a new electric line to the outside deck

A former Leacock student came by and we swapped 📚 sci fi 

yes. beginning to think that some old ways and possessions need re - thinking and re - homing
Hard but true.

We are stepping closer to completing prep for our UK trip

🧮 Marchessa thirty

  🧮' boro gets full Spring 🌼. OK.  no flowers but work outside type weather. My priority was the garage

Wad hapin'd ! Swept the West side where the truck goes. Hand sweeping. Then everything gets in the way. Stuff ( really stuff ) needed binning, re shelving ( meaning should have been binned but saved for ...... another three years ). And re organized storage.

A valiant try. Someone has to do it. That's gospel

Somehow, feels like you have to do something - cleaning is needed and overdue

💷 Mar 29 ... running ......

 💷 ... with a younger crowd, next to my age was a 40 y.o.
Way too young. They did all the work.
Carrying and removing and replacing the truck hard top cover.
Loading and unloading  three times.
Putting a TV and stand together [ I got to sit and put in batteries ]

I'm dead. 

☯ ... both sides now ....

 ☯  ... I've looked at Love from both sides now .... ala Joni Mitchell.
recently [ two years b / c I am always slow on the uptake ]. the Icelandic singer and everything music, Laufey performed the JM standard, to a new standard. Comments were rave. I enjoyed and admired her performance - however, how much better is she than anyone else ....
to me, the epithets are fresh and vibrant and piquant

loved it

' boro is going to above freezing for today, then, we rise for five days. A cold night or two but we are headed Spring - > nice spring.

I need a rest day. Oh, alright, today will do, just fine

follow up: the flushmate toilet fill time review. The average is 40 sec c.f. the 4 min that was the situation for the last three weeks or so.

backyard looks remarkably cleaned out after the lumberjack work of Friday.

battle of the bulge -et. Yes. For about a month now, I have been careful eating. Back in Feb, I started at 182.2 lb. Today, the number is 175.2. There is always a Uh -o part. I don't look any slimmer or better. My pants fit awkwardly. I am down to reasonable girth, the size 36 are comfortable.
We need to be aware that last year, over the same time frame I did lower my weight pre - trip to UK. BUT as 2025 wore on, yes, everything went back.

The pattern is way less bready stuff and rice and veg / potato and veg. I surmise that bread is too easy - pick up a slice and add meat / jam etc

 

⚛ on Mars 27

 ⚛ a return to sunny cold in the ' boro. Wearing the plaid lumberjack look - I lumberjacked the backyard to clear a dead tree that toppled AND crashed the wall 

What was the greater tragedy 😭. Using the reciprocating saw plus pruner blade the victim was trimmed and tossed ( oh, the ravine is right there )

Topic : the flushmate power toilet. Yesterday I reported that I picked up the duckbill valve which prevents backflow of water and air out of  the pressurizing bladder. Today I installed the new valve. Actually I was a little concerned, I didn't want to tear the old one. In case ,  I needed a spare but I was able to ease it out with a pair of long forceps. Well actually they're pliers but we use it for fishing to de-hook fish. The duckbill goes in atop the air intake opening  and is held in place by the inducer cap. Finger tight connection. However, the suction of the process ' glues the duckbill to the cap '

we are claiming  a success, on the two trials, that is flushing - we have times of just under a minute and also 50 seconds which is 3 minutes faster than the worst that's been happening for about the last 3 weeks.

further reportage. all flushes thus far are under a minute. FYI. A cartridge replacement is $ 180 [ time and parts ]. AND according to the online checklist system, waterline and screen first, second adjust the lever position, third replace the cartridge AND then the duckbill. 
The info says ' for noise or irregular flushing ' check / replace the duckbill. NOT long full time.

BUT I found a YouTube vid that had a veteran plumber and he said ' check the duckbill first b /c 80 % of the problems could the valve failure or clog.

📲 and now the 26 th

 📲 ... accept the now. now.  ' boro is partly, cloudy and that's all day. Temperature is headed N of 40. 

big deal. maybe, headed for Great Sox, yes, selling socks. no not stocks - socks

Okay so I get to the corner where the store supposed to be? Can't find it, so I ask around. Finally I figured it out on the map, that it's the other way (  it's it's crazy the numbers go backwards on this street. Can't figure out why  ) 

so get inside. Do I find the socks I want? Yes $16 a pair. However it's buy 3 pr get one free. So 33% off. I guess it's a deal. Anyways, took a chance. It's high percentage Merino wool, guaranteed antimicrobial blah blah blah blah blah and they're supposed to fit really well. So what the hell? I took a chance for $48.

so that's part of it then. The second thing this morning was I was supposed to find a duck bill valve for our power flush toilet so I pass a home Depot and decide I'll drop in but they don't stock it. But as we're talking I blather out something about Amre had it and the guy goes well. You just have to go up the street. I said what. Yeah he said it's just up the street

 so that's where I go get lined up for what 10 minutes  Guy said. No problem $7 later I walk out with the duck bill valve that's going to solve our problems with the power flush toilet

Oh while heading to plumbing supply. Drive by our fav Italian bakery ( had a fire in Dec ). The cardboard sign says ' pick up orders, use side door '. Took a chance, ' Do I have to order ahead ? '

Yes. But ask and maybe I can help you, veal sandwich 

" that I can do " yeah 👍 

verdict. Sox are exactly as advertised. Lite wool socks [ summer hiking ]. Comfy, easy to put on. And one size fits all, did fit me [ rare that ]. The Great Sox store had a sign ' all sales final '. Figured I'd take a chance - brand name, and reputable store.
Get home. The packaging from J.B. Fields [ ? ] says satisfaction guaranteed for one year.
Come on, who warrants socks for 1 year. Really

veal cutlet - winner as well.

duckbill valve still in the package b /c the toilet is flushing properly

At the Sox box, there were cheaper socks some merino wool [ expensive ones were 70 % merino ]. Heavier and anti microbial for 10 - 15 washes. 

🈵 25 days in the III month

 🈵 in the ' boro, as the rest of the city, potholes is the hot topic. on the watch, a neighbour got quick results and a large, enlarging tire gobbler was filled in last night

ahead, we have 40 F < then a big drop for 24 h. rain or whatever, a constant likelihood

report, I soaked the navy beans overnight [ not 2 cups but one ]. the rationale is ' if it goes wrong, at least a whole whack of foodstuff isn't wasted.'. Besides, there are two of us. I need some molasses and also while there, dishwasher powder. 
I'm not buying those dishwasher pods anymore.

shopping was productive but expanded just a tad. also, bought house brand Mayo and unsalted toasted almonds 

on the baked bean adventure. cooked the beans for an hour. prepared a baking liquid of chicken stock, packet of ketchup, brown sugar, molasses and a touch of red wine vinegar. poured over -   sauteed bacon and the pre cooked onion mixture from yesterday [ see, really comes in handy ]
into the oven for an hour.
OK most recipes use 1 lb of dry beans or 2 cups, as mentioned.
I mistakenly, poured out the cooked bean water [ hence chicken stock ]
I figure the long baking time is to incorporate the flavours into the beans. 
So, my version is shorter [ less flavour ??? ]

taste test. first trial rated a good. flavour right, beans are cooked but not soggy

Winner, first try. Hoping that re - heating the beans prior to serving amplifies the taste profile.

They also serve who only stand and wait[ a little Milton ]

㊗ on Mar 24

 ㊗   Sun is up

Cool out there but 😍 beauti. 

As a prep ahead, to use up leftover s, I pan fried onions, carrots and celtuce. A smashed garlic bud was slightly sauteed for a touch of piquant - cy

anyway, was a solid move. complimented the left overs.
even w / dinner tonight, bacon and eggs - a nice little side dish for flavour

the weather in the ' boro is fickle [ you know that ]. we got to > 40 by a tiddle and warmth is coming
BUT we drop to 32 and of course, much colder at night.

Celtuce ??? come on, for real ??? yes, its a lettuce grown for this stalk, mainly. Leaves are lettuce - y but sparse. Thus, you eat the stem. A supposed nutty [ gingery ] taste. Mine was OK, celery, maybe, a veg, that' s it.

overall, this has been a quiet set of days. I can tell you - very necessary, like recovery. like sleep. 
OK. celebrate the quiet

🛍 ... on reflecting .....

 🛍 perspective is everything...... 
when you realize how limited that you are .....

' boro got it all. wet. snow. sunshine
near freezing, tho ' all day

well, the type of day where you'll get no credit if you survive. I did 

Dinner turned out to be the 2 and best burger in the ' boro. My fav and if I say ' the best ' someone always argues.

M ... got soulvlaki and enormous Greek salad and fries. And the Mojo burger did not disappoint ( a masterpiece)

A .. and I discussed my aging worries and worries about worrying about aging 

Starbucks for 1 1 / 2 h 

🖨 the saga of the 22 nd

 🖨 here in the boro the story is wet. rain coming down and ground is soaked. Temperature is Spring ish but on the low side. What s coming, more of the same. Not freezing but close.

breaking - > gas price rises but that is same old same old [ two weeks and on going ].
such is the world and the inter connected commerce such as oil and gas

updating : the rain ceased and left a dull day out there. Let me tell you that the white is going fast. Parking lots still have mounds but those hills are flattening out

on the health front. about two weeks ago, I gave blood for general health indicators and PSA for prostate. The results are online. All seemed in normal range, WBC and RBC might be a tad suspect - in the zone but on the low side. Prostate indicator seemed to say ' relatively low chance ' of prostate cancer. And since Doc hasn't been in touch, likely a good sign

🪟 on the world [ or the tiny piece ... thereof ]

 🪟 ... looking out this morning
dull, wet and cool but on point for spring [ yes, official spring ]

white is getting rare, roof tops are bare. Approx four of so piles are visible from here
and we get above freezing point temperatures for days to come

money is going out in bunches [ taxes due, last year and pre pays for '26 ] Ah, the cost of doing business

progress report. my goal was to start a clean out or reduction
thus boxes got tossed. Boxes for emergencies, carrying stuff out, cans and bottles [ in case ]
but stuff is coming in as well. at the friendship bench when we visited M ... s friend was a simple frame three level display caddy.  yepper, it s here   
however, in my workroom, replacing cardboard box shelves

re - use, it is. And, in my bathroom, a floor waste basket got replaced by a hanging cardboard box box. the theory is get stuff off the floor. now, in the bathroom there will not be heavy waste. temporarily, the box is nailed to the cupboard side wall and covered w / a gift bag - like the box sits in the gift bag [ yes, handles and all ]

☪ Mars 2026 3 - 20

 ☪March 20 in the ' boro

WET cold  - > warm ish ( barely) b / c at least melt is happening ( gotta be a positive sign )

Business of the day, is check insurance paperwork for boat and cars. House is left to do. As well, I submitted an eye glass prescription claim ( frames / lenses ) from Costco. 

OK but if a slow one, making the most of indoors

dinner is salmon w /pesto broiled and accordion, criss cross potatoes ala air fryer

in recap. our trip is becoming more solid and filled in. Peripheral details are the Wise debit card.
Wise is an international debit card  [ ATM card ] that we will take to UK. The charges are $ 0.31 per hundred $ transferred and then the currency exchange [ $ Cdn to GBP sometime prior to travel ]
Supposedly, Interac transfer is doable at [ zero cost ] but I haven't figured how yet.
Thus, everyday, small stuff will be paid via Wise. Big ticket item may need a Credit card. Hotels often want a credit card as collateral

still, we are colouring in the details 

🥳 on Marching nineteenth

 🥳 .. or so they say...

Progress. Is measured in ... ?
We have a flight and we have a room for four nights ... beginnings

The view from the corner desk and a window on the street. white w / tracks and scrub
Spring officially in days. The temperature seems to be headed there

🎍 on Mar 18

  🎍 in the ' boro, sun, temperature is around 25 going for 29 F, supposedly the beginning of a run of days near freezing but w / chance of rain for a few days

Aha. By daylight, how does the backpack surgery seem now. I'm quite pleased, really. If I could not adapt the Voyageur maybe a replacement would be in order for travel.
M .. s friend made a comment while we were visiting ' seems like a good quality backpack '
And
it is.
Voyageur is sturdy and well thought out. BTW, that rain shroud came attached by an elastic band - and of course I cut the shroud loose. I can then use the zippered compartment for secret storage. And I'll keep the shroud handy too.

Okay, we have an update about the weather. Apparently in the next couple of days,  four maybe, it's going to shoot up and we're going to be talking 44, 45, 46 47 F  which is actually pretty good for this time of year

❇ ... M ... is 1/ 4 Irish ....

 ❇ ... doesn't drink Guinness but ' green ' wine

' boro. the rollercoaster is in overdrive
big sun and
white covered roads
and cold 

in two days the temperature will be over 32 F and staying there - long range

I still had to bring in a downpipe elbow that was clogged w / ice. One day .... ?

yesterday. was a practice day for the older traditional laptop travel backpack. The Targus Voyager has been to England and elsewhere. But years ago. The Voyager is approx ten yrs old.

By comparison, the recently purchased air travel backpack is about a pound lighter.
However, quality is not the same . Heavier fabric, water repellent and solid zippers. Some zippers have locking positions for the zipper pulls. Padded, and pocketed.
Plus the whole can be covered by a rain shroud.
Downside is the flap opening and not clamshell.
Supposedly much easier access to clothes

I'm typing this out to see what I am mulling over in my head vis a vis buying another travel backpack like M ... s recent one

Originally, bought to carry a 17 in laptop [ can't believe that I wanted a 17 in laptop overseas ]
the Voyageur always felt heavy and bulky but that 17 in laptop is triple the weight of a Chromebook [ this one ]

Last year I took a lighter backpack and it was crammed to the point of useless.

Thus. buy or not to buy. In notes, the Voyageur is a $ 110 item and M ....s was 40.

In reality, a lighter pack is good if you move around a lot abroad. We will be stationary mostly.

Thus, what it will carry and will it fit under seat [ yes] seem vital 

As well, in the UK we might get  by w / one smaller suitcase and two backpacks [ always can be crammed in somewhere ]

Still time to trial run the Voyager.

All right in typical fashion I decided to take the problem into my own hands. you see the Voyager backpack was meant for a very large laptop which is long gone

 I worked it out that I can actually use the front pocket which is handy and foil lined to hold an 11 in. Chromebook. This pocket is for hot / cold item storage 

 we don't need a divided compartment padded with foam to separate out the main compartment from the laptop compartment so I cut out the covered foam divider. This action creates one large main compartment. I did opt to leave the side foam strips perhaps giving a bit of structure to that compartment or it takes up space. We shall see. 

⛎ ... amusement rides .....

 ⛎ .... thrill a minute, up and down ....
matching our weather. hellacious winds yesterday, wet etc
 ' boro today soggy warming to 50 F BUT freezing in a day
our spring rollercoaster life

we did get out to the East and Whitby for a visit

groceries too !

🎌 .... " I'll be back .....

 🎌 was the tag line from a movie not my Life

Yes. more snow and biting winds [ maybe, looks it ]

so, I re - hooked up the heating cables and disconnected the front hose. Smooth move that

on the new organization front. recall the two foot rule . The desk does feel ' more in control '. I mean that you can appreciate how much easier that it will be to plug and unplug electrical items. Then b / c the power bar has separate ' off ' /on ' LED s for each socket, if there is a problem then I'll know if the plug is in or not.

Plus the floor is clean, not wires and the power bar OR "  there are no snakes on the floor "

On a separate note. The desk that I curb shopped [euphemism for garbage re - cycle ] had scratches in the faux wood surface. I tried to recolour but its not real wood. Ended up applying Xmas decals on the blemishes

Alright. What looks worse - the scratches or the patches. As at now, I'm voting for the patches. At least the decals are colourful. And you have to know that these were put there on purpose.

the dreadful weather finally gave up and the melt continued. Now, we deal w / rain or freezing rain temperature dependent

🔰 for March 14

  🔰...... well. up at 2 AM
best not to fight it. go with the flow.
so, cookie and typing
' boro report. Snow during the day 03 - 13. The service came and cleared us out. The prediction was another couple of inches overnight.
as mentioned then a warm up and cool down

Last early evening [ late afternoon ] I re connected the heating cables. I drained the front water outlet [ I had connected and started the hose for cleaning stuff ] just in case 

snow didn't arrive or was it supposed to ????

bright and sunny and white. bobbing temperatures regime. cold to springtime warm and back again

BLITHERING 
or ......
anyway. coinciding thoughts. 1 ) on YouTube, a suggestion for those who see Chaos as they look around their environment at home or office. Start small, start immediate. e.g. where you work, establish a two foot perimeter. In this zone make sure THIS spot is organized for you.
Thus, at my work spot or corner desk w / laptop and TV. This AM, I took the power bar off the floor and put it on the desk itself. Yes, more items on the desk ... and big too ! But on the floor, I cannot see what is plugged in b / c , I'm assuming that in a few weeks [ please ! ] I will remove the under desk heater.
In the past, I crawl on hands and knees to get to the power bar and unplug or plug in. Besides, this power bar is a safety [ ? ] device. The outlets are covered and the cover slides as you push the plug in
BUT I always forget which way the cover slides [ alright, I'm thick ! ] The change means that I easily reach and see the plugs are in a lit outlet [ or powered outlet ].
And the instructions were clear, make it your - for you.
The obvious solution was to wall mount the power bar. However, that doesn't make the plugs easier to get to. Or slide the cover.

We shall see said the Zen Master

🪯 March 13

 🪯Does bad news come in bunches?

Accountant gave his report on our Income Taxes

Surprise! We owe money to CRA

Will get a claim resolved and get a bundle back

The snow is wet and packing and 4 in deep at least

Cold tomorrow then a warm up

Re - jigged the raised toilet 🚽 b ) c the raised rim and original seat lever up and down. Cannot be good to have that much movement each time

Shimmed raised rim and reduced bounce and noise 

Bounce and noise ( wiggle ) are the death of plastic parts

❇ sunny but chill ....

 ❇ .... but we will take it. need a coat but no icicles from your nose drips

aging in place. busy day Wednesday .... AM and PM 
need Thurs as a slump day
Not a total waste. I installed a raised seat on my toilet. The original idea was for the upstairs toilet [ main ] to have a higher position for M .. as she was having some mobility issues.
Never, was popular. The appliance languished and was re - discovered today. 

Will it help me ? maybe

And. trotted out a Dr Ho foot pad stimulator [also languishing and re discovered ] Also was used three times 

' boro gets snow tomorrow, 5 cm give or take. plus rain - oh, yeah a great mix w / falling temperatures.
In two days, tho ' the outside will be 40 F and then 50. 

㊙ rain and then rain

 ㊙ OK, OK .... spring showers - got it. Now stop !
turns out that we get half a months rain in 36 h

puddle mania has arrived. forcing the worms to use popsicle sticks as rafts [ ? ]

however. ran an errand at Costco where I had a hearing acuity test. Did not pass. Yes, some impairment
yet, the audiologist stated ' I can help you but you might not notice
????? you got it. Why get a hearing aid ? I win't for now

down the line, ?????

💱 in the ' boro 03-9

 💱 dull and dreary but warmish for March 9

a full day. Drivers license and new health card on site application

a fasting blood draw [ yes can't eat til after 12 ]
and a telephone meeting for CIBC

✴ Sunnyday

 ✴   Sunny in the borough. Not as warm as yesterday but sunny so the warming trend continues. Big melt is on or on going

 today's errands means running out to Giant Tiger.
I don't know why just to spend money,  guess, traditional shopping on Sunday as well.
I got gas and made a mistake sort of but ended up paying for almost all of the purchase with air miles

📛 marcheroo seventh

 📛 .... or the ' boro is 52 Fahrenheit and dull

a slow day w / zero prospects of any excitement 

Following up. Sun broke out

the thought has come to me. how much value is there in originality
b / c adaptation in all things serves w/ greater clarity
what better proof of a concept then how multi functional the thing can be

obviously, never had an original thought, here. forced to serve .

a heightened fore runner of spring today. a reprieve from the ' bleak mid winter - in fact, all winter this year

🆑 marching into March

 🆑  ... ' boro weatherwise is trending way warm. Dreary as all get out but above freezing.
Yes, the pavement is slick w / wet and cold overnight, slight ice in spots

In the ebb and flow, today is ebbing. Quiet and slow start to the day. On the upcoming front. I ordered new reading glasses. Unfortunately, the old standby trick of ' cheaters ' off the rack as you leave the store is losing its effectiveness. My eyes are quite divergent from the same magnification in each lens. 
I did lower the cost by using Costco [ $ 550 for M ... and 189 for me ]. Extended health will cover all but 50 dollars.
And I also booked a hearing analysis at Costco. We shall see said the Zen Master

On YouTube, a set of vids is on the topic of EveryDay Carry or EDC emergency kit. Now, the hero of all this is supposed to be an " Altoid " can. Sort of cute and compact.
The metal can idea is alright in your regular life and not so for air travel.
I'm going w / a flat plastic resealable bag.
There are hacks that are quite interesting and even useful. E.g. using straws to contain meds and even sealing a section of straw to hold antibiotic gel etc

EDC is a work in progress. I'm not convinced that a) I will use the system  b ) will remember to carry it or even find the EDC when needed 

⁉

 ⁉ .... ah, yes warmth comes to the ' boro. Well, what passes for warmth when the winter has seemed a vicious animal.

I took a chance and detached the roof heating cables. That's a sure no - no if you want good weather BUT ...... done

the day is a run around day. Tax accountants place then lunch.
I need to remember how important that it is to engage.
The Struggle is the Glory as I hear repeatedly.

⚧ and the fourth of the third

⚧ the ' boro today. Cold at 27 F but what a difference in the feel.
Not bone chilling or obviously extreme

YES ! as promised - sun and melting galore

TAX
death and ..... thus we got down to it and organized and rummaged, sorted and sorted
but done
and appointment is arranged for consult
next, drop off papers for them to organize and prepare a report

so pleased that the job is in the works and prepped

as a side note. we are hoping to get away in May. to that end - well, I thought drop a few # s pre trip. so far # 182.6 has become 178.6 over a period of three weeks [ but actually a month a a touch

 We shall see said the Zen Master  

🈚 as the third month gets to its 3 rd day

 🈚 thus 26 / 03 - 03

Like a broken recording. " the thaw is on " . Today, will hover above freezing. Drop down to cold at night
But the day time temperatures are rising throughout the week.
However, flurries tonight and freezing drizzle [ night time lows ! ]

errand # 1 .... return empties to the Beer Store [ $ 5.69 ]
            #2 .... groceries at Skyland [ Asian ] Market for rice and lemon tarts but mainly the # 2 combo w / noodles, sweet and sour chicken and beef and peppers in black bean sauce . added inari sushi and chashu [ marinated pork ]

obviously dinner and snacks for a while

now awaiting a call to deal w / back taxes hoping to get a little more returned from other years

🔕 ... and on to # 2

 🔕  ..... in sequence,
' boro definitely cold but sunny and a cold wind

however. even w / that the melt goes on. strong sun and little cloud cover

the story. months ago, I bought a new remote for the garage. for whatever reason - not used much. handy and suitable for a key chain. .... still not used
OK. today, give it a go. open the garage and head out but stop to close the garage door. No problem
Get home. Nope. LED on remote is green when activated. Nope. Aha, not used a lot, new battery [ ? ]. Took awhile to be sure of the correct method for replacement. OK. Done.
Nope. LED goes green but no result

Read the on line manual. 
Manny : what is the colour of your learn button
Ans : green
Manny : match the remote LED light to the chart below.
Ans : green learn light = RED, red , red ! LED remote light. What ? it has more than green !!!!!!!!

Change the LED light or red ........
Yes. The remote LED flashes red and the garage opens

Explanation. somehow while out on the errand. the remote de programmed [ to green LED ], thus on getting home, the LED light didn't match the ' learn light '

🇦🇶 marching first

 🇦🇶 ' boro is sunny and the coldest in a week and for weeks to come [ ? ]

a light dusting is down and soon to be removed

We will be approx 20F but 40 in three days

no change. shopping at Giant Tiger, nothing urgent. a Sunday morning ritual
renew my contact w / my store

I used my snow removal board. a plywood strip w / 2 hockey sticks for arms
sort of a scraper. not a lifter 
years old, s in 40 yrs or more. not the same board, most probably V 5. these boards tend to get used until about the quality of splinters

🏣 on FE 28

 🏣 closing out
errands this AM. return a T Shirt to Repair Cafe from 3 yrs ago. the folks kindly gave it to me. I sat and helped and realized - not my ease of comfort job. 
mainly electrical, small appliances. to be fair. these items were built for obsolescence and soon.

Hate working on plastic units. the screws are small and the screw holes wear out quickly. thus coffee makers, curling irons and that ilk.
oh and watches. the Cafe provides free batteries and service [ me ] . that I could do

thus, didn't go back from 2 1 / 2yrs

' boro, sunny and warmish for FE and the breeze cold and light
well, at least I brought home lunch

🏎 XXVII of II

 🏎 HOPE is coming. We will slowly warm. a degree or two off and on but definitely, the predictions are for temperatures at 32 or above

yesterday tho' the downspout got iced up. will need attention today

WELL ! the melt is on ... maybe for today only ..... but you can see the white stuff disappear

🚇 for FE 26 ...

 🚇...... closing out the month .....

sunny day. cold ish and damp ish. Ah. winter hanging on w/ grit and determination
global wa rming, eh.
I'm sure there is a spin on that theme that explains this winter

SNOW. COLD so Canada

ran errands this morning.Shoppers Drug and on the way - Top Binz, the leftover store. Like Amazon rejects.
Ah. today was  $ 1.50 day [ for anything ] or more accurately, rag picking day
I left w / no rags

And finally, I got a pedicure. All of 2025, bending my left leg was a pain or caused pain
today. now healed or only inconvenienced ...... had to try

 I felt great, there, and after and now.  Thanks

🚧 ...when its slick and greasy

 🚧 Prediction s were quite varied w / streamers and clippers possible 

Overnight, the volume was not great but a layer of snow is down
roads are passable but slick and greasy looking [ all from the comfort of the den corner desk

As well, snow volumes were likely even Wed day time 

I shovelled the side walkway as the crew kinda stopped short of the back sliding doors

Not bad. Light for the most part

🎰 for a sunny day

 🎰 Feb 24

' photos keep stopping ' window message pops up thru out the time that I use the Chromebook. Yes, its happened before and went away after - I did something. Clear the cache or uninstall / re - install the photo app. 
Again. then

' boro in a respite mode, awaiting more snow. However, today, below freezing but welcoming, at least

On the whole. it is gratifying to do a search on Google - and you find this photo glitch isn't yours alone. I mean the answer shows up in a few beats.

" you are not alone "

the story. I know that I bought a rug cleaning [ hand held ] machine to clean the boat carpet. Thus, I searched and not finding ' the green machine ' , I asked A ... to look at the cottage. 
No. And A .. said ' I'm sure that you said that you would take it home '.
OK. no luck. garage, basement ...... no green box
Duh. Its a Dirt Devil, rug and upholstery clean machine [ box is off white ].
Had it in my head, green machine !

End of saga. used the Dirt Devil, last night. Results are unclear. 

🚠 Feb 23

 🚠 the ' boro got a light dusting. The crew came late afternoon to remove an inch, then the light dusting. And there will be no melt for a few days

Well, when you live in the land of the silver birch [ traditional song lyric ]
you get snow and beavers [ yepper, in the song ]

what is simple

really. as in register for your Canadian Revenue Acct.
what is your line 11500 amt. OK, that was 6 min searching
got better, what was line 15000 amt [ better, only 3 minutes ] BTW this is a timed session, 18 min max

and a whole lot of quick reading, and ' no ' mistakes [ maybe ]

We shall see said the Zen Master

AND at first it said do you have a code and ID. well, I don't think that they gave me one

🦺 .. the more it snows ....

 🦺 tiddly pom .....

on Feb 22 , colder and snower [ that's a Canadian word ]

🐇 ... bunny on your doorstep

 🐇... camouflaged in grey - white fur .....

snow flurries all day. and I need to go north to Richmond Hill for a funeral.
it will be a last minute decision based on road conditions

Drive up was messy. Drive back busy and better overall 

🧦 for 02 - 20 in the ' boro .....

 🧦..... the rain in Spain .....
came here.

 light rain for hours is predicted. my view confirms this

the follow up. as per predictions 
in fact raining still. and that was the AM into 3:40 P

managed a coffee date w / friends 

⛩ and the aftermath

  ⛩ in the ' boro. a damp day. gray and windy. but warmth started about ten.
melt is on

icicles fell or were knocked off. driveway black and clear

thus. icy pellets / sleet / freezing rain. not that I can tell

I shovelled off the west back deck, b / c the crew did the side access to the deck and the east side deck. Surprise light snow and bits of ice. There was ice build up in the downspouts and I shook the ice out. used the heat gun to speed up the melt.

then I poked the nearest icicle and -> snow avalanche - 200 # of ice and snow detached itself in a chain reaction
this occurs b / c there were heating cables turned on. instead of hanging from the roof or gutters, these icicles hung on the snow bridge over the gutter. 
# 200 lbs of ice on the ground is # 200 that doesn't need the gutter 

❄ ... ' this is the winter of .....

 ❄ ... our discontent ... [come on, everyone quotes Shakespeare ]

and it is ! Again. a bleeding mix of snow and ice and whatnot.
the shake out. Scarborough might get 5 -6 inches of snow. Ice and pellets or freezing rain ... who knows ?

we are hunkered down again.  

' boro is white and high winds - that's it. our environment is storm

the aftermath. snow that was not too deep but heavy and sticky. Each shovel full was a load. The much feared ice / sleet / freezing rain didn't materialize or may still be in the offing.
The crew came and snowblowered the mess off the asphalt [ TG ]

The city plow went by - however, you had to have a generous spirit to appreciate its pass by.
The forecast said that this lot of white stuff might be difficult to budge.

So far. the really bad missed us

🧑‍💻 on FE 17 in the ' boro

 🧑‍💻 ... some preparation will be needed throughout the city.
Suggestions of a mix precipitation event - snow, sleet or ice
And snow could be a dump.

however, outside the window. sunny, slightly hazy sky

The plan. Make run to the donation store
Clear out : Xmas tree [ 6 ft ], electronics [ incl phones, wires , DVD player ]
Expecting some scrutiny re : tree and some electronics or wires or cables 
Pull up and read the signs. No one home. Thus, unload the lot.

Low on gas. At Shell pumps, the machine offered up to $ 50 use of Air Miles, yes. And they used Air Miles and Can Auto Assn. The window for carwash flashed by - I missed it. Went out the cashier and got a ticket
Oops ! line up was 9 cars at 5 min a go. That's right. Sat for close to and hour
Upshot, truck is sparkly clean and I polluted the environment

Hard to evaluate. Good or bad day

Sadly. there appears to be not much improvement in the junkiness of the workroom

Oh well.We take these days and times - as we go -and try our best

As well there was some snow clearing up on the roof. Decided that if I could knock some crap off the edges, ice and snow etc that that's less melt going down the pipes and less trouble down the road 

the aftermath. the work room is not as cluttered as stated. Picked up some garbage. Created a new pile of clothes for donation. Apparently, I am not size 34

thus. a good effort today

hibernate tomorrow. watch the sleet and ice and mayhaps snow careen around in the 50 km winds

🚝 on the 16 the of FEb

🚝 .... in the ' boro. sunny,blu ish skies. not much wind movement. temperature headed above freezing [ ? and pray ]

the internet. ask anything. lots of free advice. however. the best part is when you ask and get 32 000 hits
b/c then you are not alone

today. how to tell if the ' wool ' socks that you bought are WOOL.

yessiree Bob. take a strand and hold near a flame.
Wool curls away from the flame
Synthetics [ most likely ] will pill and ball in melting 

🏰 XV of II

 🏰 .... ' boro outlook form the window on the street. dull, grey skies and black road and white lawns

temperature to be slightly below freezing but a + + day is coming. wind is stirring

quite the OK day. Everything in moderation

✈ and yes. a flight is booked. London, UK

already asking, how do I avoid the jet lag [ mega jet lag actually ]

and it seems that my estimate of ' four days ' to punch thru jet lag was not extraordinary.

advice was to get out in the sun. avoid alcohol [ no ]. no napping the first day but wait til bedtime proper [ not sure about that one ]

 

💖 .. tis the Day

 💖 .... Valentino Day

' boro got a light dusting by mid afternoon yesterday, very little overnight. 

not much doing at the ranch

exercised. I've altered the place slightly. I decided to slowly rev up to 115 BPM by steadily pacing at 3 MPH. The goal to establish a heart rate and then back off the pace as I begin the calisthenics and weights etc.
I use a high bar to stretch my back and raise myself a bit.
I do push ups and leg / arm kicks
Free weights, include overhead lift [ front and back ] and curls
I practice motion w / the lacrosse stick and ball [ twirl and pick up the ball ]for variety
Free weights for arm swings and light curls
angled arm swings
back stretches and leg raises

Thus.my Average BPM is up [ typically, 113 to 116 ]. However, calorie burn is pretty much what I always achieve, a tad higher.
Overall, feel not bad or extremely tired. i.e. not exhasuted

 

🏍 .... along to Feb 13

 🏍  ... in the  ' boro, might hit 32 F. But sunny, and clear.

research as at now centres on UK flights
well, we are up to $ 9 500 all in [ oops ?]

sun is beaming and all sorts of possibilities exist

over the last six months, I've re - watched ' Arrival ' by Denis Villeneuve. Cast, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whittaker.
the story line is, Alien spaceships arrive and set up shop around the world. each region responds in its own way.
the main story is in the U.S. and Adams and Renner.
the alien [ called heptapods ] use a vocal language that is different from human sounds Plus a written communication that is ' alien ' Aha.
the written part is akin the circular paw prints. As you identify animals via their prints, the alien language of circles is like that.
turns out that the circles are modified and repeated to convey meaning. 
the kicker is that soon the linguists realize that the heps. are writing front to back and back to   front 
OR put this way, the heps. know what the final message reads before they start their circle dance
and likely, they experience past,present and future all at once.

got a little lost. At Xmas, I got gifted the book or short story ' Story of Your Life .... ', the literary sourde for the movie. 

Egad. I can pretend to follow the text but lacking the hepatpod ability, I am nowhere at the end of the story. 
I understand the words but cannot piece together how the sum functions

🛺 Aha, the 12 the of II

 🛺 sneaking up on the Ides. 
 ' boro a little colder. bright and slightly hazy up in the sky

roads are clear ish w/ a bit of slush ? [ will take a peak in a bit ]

Further looking ahead. Forecast says ' warming for the next four days '

Road conditions - plowed. Mostly bare but patchy snow / ice visible 

Day is much clearer since AM. and decidedly cooler for sure

Errands. The hot table at Skyland [ les Mets Chinois ]
Shoppers Drugs, for anti itch cream [ occasionally, I break out in a general skin allergic reaction ]
Mailed letters [ after returning home and heading out to the post box ] 

Skin allergy. Why ? Dunno. When. Anytime.
OK what happens ? A pimple pops up - leave it alone - and another and another. spreads up my arms and across my back - maybe
Hydrochloride derivatives knock it down, antihistamine stops it

This pimple thing started on Monday and I took the antihistamine. Seems quiescent

🚂 .... FE 11

 🚂 apparently, we are in the hurricane s eye, metaphorically speaking. We will have freezing point temperatures [ in and around ] w/ very cold nights. 
the prediction is a month out [ w /some glitches likely ]. snow will be intermittent and so far no biggie dump is looming.

The Great Lakes are iced over and this reduces pick up moisture and hence less chance of big snow events. The corollary is, colder air is possible.

' boro is dull looking, sombre. BUT nice conditions for going out.

🥁 ... well, maybe not ......

🥁 ... winter is not over. BUT we'll see 32 F for the day and likely a few days hovering close 
it is white out there.
I need to check on the water flow off the gutters and downpipe.

reporting. yes, the day seems as advertised. snow fell as might be expected in slightly warmer [ thus more humid conditions ].

BTW. gutter and downpipes appear working properly

🥶 ---- > almost 🔥

 🥶 ---- > almost 🔥. Let s be careful now, the temperature is scheduled for near 24 F. BUT 14 degrees higher than the days leading up to now 

bright and clear. looking ahead, predictions are for + / - freezing for a week. And trust me that will be warm for us

follow up. the thermometer readings are : 13 F for now

The story. Our group health insurance has changed providers and name.
Sign up. Sure. 
Them : did you get a letter
Us      : nope
Them : did you get a welcome email
Us :  yes

turns out we don't have a registration  code

Thus, I called in, and a nice operator stayed w / me online and registered us.
the Skinny. she took 15 min to walk me through the process 
I figure at the very least, that was a 2 hr hand wringing, head throbbing session by myself

the day is almost comfortable for the southern Great White North

🥶 🥶 ... encore, triste ....

 🥶 🥶 ... I'm back !!!!. Yes, 1 F or 31 degrees to freezing [ warmth ? ]

Bright and clear. Cold as glass. What ? sorry - bright and cold, clear as glass

reporting. we had a shooting in a corner coffee shop. say, 1 1/2 km by car, closer if walking
I waited to mention this event, time to reflect on the meaning

meanwhile. stats on Amazon, our account, says 30 purchases in 3 months. and be informed that this period spanned Xmas. We purposefully chose to order online. M .. would find it hard to get out. Still.
Admittedly, I have loosened up on spending. Foot massager etc but we are aging in place 
gracefully ??? 

this morning, I did the Giant Tiger run for groceries [ Cheerios, cheese etc ]

Got exercise in. but. I didn't turn on the TV - decided that meditative silence was fine for aerobics 

🥶 .... so, not so cozy

 🥶 in the ' boro or the house. we are in deep cold

and not much doing here inside. some odd jobs, framed a picture - pondered a collage that I'm working on. not much joy 
BUT there is satisfaction in pondering

🔥 .... coziness in the ' boro

 🔥 the story.
Routine furnace maintenance. Crack in the heat exchanger.
New furnace required. And water heater is too old to chance a failure
Cold cold day on Monday. And just as cold through Thursday [ install date ]

We had space heaters and a fireplace room.

' boro had some snow fall not an inch
snow means a low pressure system is around and temperature reads 28F. Colder tonight tho '
ditto w / massive wind chill some 20 degrees

chores involved returning alcohol containers
dropped in at Skyland for the hot table and sundries. Also, we are trying golden threadfin [ like sea bream ] hope we like sea bream

sort of an alternate to Cpt Highliner breaded  ......... something

🛢it is Feb 5 in ' 26

 🛢...what are you doing ?
Us. we are getting ready for a no heat day. liar. we have space heaters running
our furnace and water heater get replaced.the furnace was deemed unfit for use. the service type found a crack beginning in the heat exchanger
and the water heater is old ish. will it fail maybe .... maybe not
but if it fails completely and bursts ..... flood s will happen

on the positive side. today will be warmer than yesterday by a bunch

looking ahead. still on the cold side. minus C temperatures - up and down for two days
culminating in near zero and then positive for two days
yes. close to freezing or above

OK all done and very early, say 1:30 P

🫘 fevrier quat

 🫘 ... it s bean a long time .....

' boro is cold [ see, that s not news ! ] bright. pale blue sky and not much stirring
Sitting typing and coffee in hand

the world opens up, like this small

🥐 .... come to the cabaret ...

 🥐 ... I made my mind up back in Chelsea, when I go I go like Elsie ...

' boro. foreboding. 30% chance of snow. Mild c.f. the last ten days 
I dug out the side steps and stone descent to the backyard.In case, the service types need to bring in furnace and water heater that way. The chairlift on the stairs narrows the exit downstairs by 1 /2 

The downside might be crossing the lawn [ I shovelled but the footing will be soft and bumpy.

Also, dentist day. cleaning and checking [ ????? ] yes !!!!!!
homeward. I stopped at  Real McCoy Burgers. right on the corner coming down Bellamy. I call them the second best burger in Scarborough, thus people won't argue. BEST BURGER IN THE  BORO { TOUGH LOVE BABY }

the temperature dropped through the day, as the wind shifted more N than earlier. Little flakes off and on

OH ! great fries. second best fries in Scarborough [ hee hee ! ]

🐹 ........ ?????

 🐹.... the Shadow knows !

in Wiarton and Puxatawny and other locales - momentous omens portend

We shall see said the Keeper

' boro is headed for 22 F w/ a huge wind-chill a relatively clear day bringing 10 % chance of snow
wind is 5 mph out of the NW [ cold for us ]

sunrise 7:32 A and sunset at 5:29 P

follow up from the groundhog reveal : Puxy Phil says 6 more weeks of winter . Wiarton [ Ont ] early spring.

this AM. ventured out for the paper and took a snap of Mt Saint Landfair [ snow plow hillock ]

awaiting the HVAC person for furnace cleaning

meanwhile, I shredded receipts and documents [ some were marked June ] lazy people have that happen
this is a productive morning ??? or proof of total laziness
on the bright side, a great use of a hibernating day
I saw a quote ' I live in summer and survive winter ' she was Nordic - I think

🛟 welcome to the ' boro on I of II

  🛟 the weather pattern holds.cold. clear skies. the city is in the throes of snow removal in specific areas and buildings

yes. hibernate is the word

however, we did venture out to Shoppers Drug Mart. we travel approx 1 1 / 2 miles further to visit Cliffcrest. Ostensibly better parking .... til Food Basics arrived. Still a handy place. Our bank, SDM and the Liquor store

cold. sunny. and tempting. I checked the back gutter and all seemed clear.

 

🧑‍💻 XXXI and closing out the ..... 31

 🧑‍💻  and so fast and so cold

the view is sharp and bright. Sun reflecting off snow. Blue sky and FYFO. bit of wind [ I think ] recall much is pretty stiff w / the cold

thus hibernate. one of the guys sent an advert for ice fishing .... no, I don't think so

hibernate is the key

reflect. on all things good
last year at now, I was stiff and sore. limping etc
Today, managed to get socks on [not much aggro ] and walked to the coffee station [ read kitchen ] b / c that was paramount.
really, I thought my hip / groin and leg woes were permanent or likely to improve slightly.
fast forward and I should / am grateful

hope ...... 'rebellions are built on hope '

💺🥣 XXX and another ....

 💺🥣 the ' boro. cold and sunny. beautiful. wind is calm. Came in and didn't realize my left fingers were numb

great things.
took back the driveway at least 4 ft now for sure. Thus the nest plowing, the driveway won't shrink another foot.

the back gutter seems clear, Thus when the melt comes ...... water will flow and ice won't form on the roof edge [ as last year]

as we age. accentuate the positive.
to wit. I can yet haul home my own Guinness and drink it [ Thank God ]

I can moan about shovelling the driveway
good for you, we say

moaning is proof of life

🏰 XXIX January

 🏰 at 7 AM in the ' boro cold and dark out there

typing and sipping ginger / lemon to re hydrate. yepper, woke at 5:30 A . thought about coffee then got smart.
however, coffee is on my mind

coffee is in my hand . we save coffee from the day before and often .... that's it. we don't make a fresh pot
but I'm thinking  ...ah. not much left. yepper, a fresh pot is needed

Brilliant blue sky ( Hi pressure zone ) and frosty, obviously wind chill is present

mainly caretaking and maintenance jobs. I tidies up the snow piles. Taking back a bit more of the driveway. As well,disturbing the top layer of snow makes the snow mound melt faster. The crystals of ice that form on the top of the pile reflect light much better [ less heating ]

And I need to do a daily check on the back side gutter and downspout. Keep the path free for any melt water [ electric cables are on ]

🐶 XXVIII of I

 🐶 the after the snow mega show. he streets are clearing but our access road is a mountain pass in the Alps. Ugly

coffee and typing, day looks bright and still.

my right eye is weepy and a tad sore [ esp on blinking ]. the pharmacist thinks ' virus '. My guess is a physical type injury. My heart mask goes on like a helmet and Sunday past, my eye was sore to stinging when I removed it.
That right eye has been irritated off and on for about two weeks, I suppose that night was the ultimate trauma

the annual fight to take back my driveway from the snow mound encroachment. I systematically, tok back about 3 - 4 ft in width by tossing back a mass of snow. Like a ritual welcoming Hoggous , the god of the mound

🖼 for January 27

 🖼 the  ' boro is amazingly calm. There is a small expectation of snow but slight

Shovelling is done for now. But who knows 

Yesterday, I was plagued w / an eye irritation - -weepy, red and sore. I rinsed w / eye drops and later used a saline rinse. Finally, after trying to sleep, I took Acetominophen and later toward morning, I upped the game and took an Acetominophen and Ibuprofen. Seemed to help

But I am heading for the Shoppers Drug for eye meds of some kind

👾 on Jan 26

 👾 the term ' buried ' comes to mind. The blow mound of snow in front of the house on the flagstones and to the door was thigh deep.

the service plow arrived and cleared out the drive, thus 1 / 2 dug out

' boro picture is white and glistening, wind is still. colder than yesterday
we are not expecting much melt. for weeks, maybe

Out and cleared the backside perimeter up against the house. keep the melt out in the yard ( ? )

Deck will be next

accomplished the deck. I estimate that I moved the equivalent of 1 inch of snow over the driveway. However, this did not involve lifting. Instead, I sifted the snow under the railing. To optimize this feat, I left 1 / 2 board width missing when I replaced an outer plank, thus there is a gap for snow to fall through. Maybe about 6 ft in length near the middle of the railing. I know it helps

🏙 Jan 25

 🏙hibernation encore 

Snow

Snow 

We have the early afternoon update and it says snow snow swirling snow and then snow. Not freezing - freezing cold but obviously the wind chill is going to be a big factor. Actually very entertaining. Looking out our picture window on the backyard outside the front it looks like a bleeding disaster
funny that.
garden view is serene and contemplative
front view is rugged and bare
--- cars get stuck 
the plow comes thru
the real world intrudes

W / the blowing, the snow is light and fluffy and two feet deep in front of f the front door.
the screen door won't open

I went out and did a perimeter shovel job. And got to the front and shovelled out the door

the service will come but they will have a tough time doing the stoop [ or front step approach ]

done !

♾ sooo...ooo long

 ♾ we do not anticipate much of a break in the cold for several days[ some up and then down ].

HIBERNATE is the word. How bad ? No car has left our garage since Tues, night. Lazy as well. And getting ready to entertain [ Wed ]. the rest is hibernation

and the ' boro is 08 F. sunny and FYFO 

🥣 yepper a soup day

 🥣 ' boro is cold - really cold. so cold that ......... [anything that you want ]

sunny and bright [ and may all your Christmases be light ...... huh ? what is this ]

Ventured out for the newspaper. Cold
Checked the downspout for ice. Colder. Snowy swirls

Last year. The downspout [ that went to the ground froze ]. More than likely, this backup caused the the gutters to fill and become an iceberg.
This year, I'm determined to be more vigilant. Already, I de iced the downspout. I changed the configuration so that I can clear the downpipe from the deck. [ not on the ground ]
New heating cables are installed and seem to be doing their job.

We shall see said the Zen Master

and to repeat. my hip / leg / groin disability seemed to begin after a prolonged effort up on the ladder [ chopping ice ]

Follow up. w / hope, I say, the hip / leg / groin situation has become an annoyance not a disability. 

🚂 Jan 22 in ' 26

 🚂 still chugging along

the boys from lawn and snow care arrived and made quick work of the light fluffy stuff.

M ... s get together fizzled- in the cruddy conditions. The lady w / the furthest to come arrived a bit late and unfortunately everyone else turns for home. Now, the two had an hour or so to chat and likely, given the circumstance, the best possible option. 

And yes, lasagna and salad to spare.

🛍 for the 21 st

 🛍 ' boro. the weather is gnarly [ BR. term ] wind high and swirling the snow off the roof s. Stuff is falling [ maybe, it might be the bigger flakes and the smaller is the blow around kind ]

recap. Yesterday, was get to the hairdressers, shop at Metro and rest.

Then around 5:40 P head out to Scarborough Town Centre.  a disparate bunch meets monthly, reflecting the relationship of Leacock Alumni and teachers. Actually, last night, one teacher.

A spin off from the  55 th Re - union for SLCI. Thus, last night 4 were gathered and closed the food court down [ lady cleaner suggested the tables needed cleaning ]. What was accomplished - nothing. However, there is a feeling developing, warmth and attuning.

Out there is gnarly. Visibility is down by some 20 - 30 percent. There road surface is spot bare and basically white

Alrighty. Scratch the previous. Snow - Megeddon is going on. M ... is supposedly hosting a get together. One friend had to turn around driving in from 40 miles N. We cannot reach the person coming from a field. 
Oh, well , the lasagna is in the oven. Meaning. Lasagna for dinner and maybe tomorrow.

Lasagna - geddon is coming

Watching ' Material Girl ' video. Madonna and she is great. The vid is dynamic. A tribute to art in the music ind

Sitting in the window. What is going on ! Worse. Snow - megeddon plus. Shovelled the drive. Mega snow. Two pints to the good.

Life is great. 

🕋 marching along in Jan ' 26

 🕋 .... the ' boro is white again. Not a whack but enough to colour the world

supposedly, warmer than yesterday [ although, w / out sun  ??????? ] 

the story : Saturday, Amazon delivered a SIM card from Chatr Mobile. OK, the deal is $ 100 for a fiscal year granting 400 min talk and text. I'm re - using a Moto g phone from 2019. The Moto is unsupported and lacking security updates BUT it will be a phone not data device.

Thus, holding the SIM in my hand, I enter activation..... nope ! takes my money but no result. Do it again - nope. Change phones and NOPE. Discovered that they return the funds [ whew ! ]
Now, lets use the laptop [ bigger screen etc ]. Read the instructions on the card folder.
1. go to activation screen
2. w / SIM card in your phone [ what - say what - yes you dummy ]
3. enter information and bingo bango , you have service 

not really, I forgot that it takes 20 minutes for the SIM and phone to know that there is service available. Eventually, phone works.

essentially, I could never have used the Moto to start activation or it would have been problematic

All s well, eh !

the Moto g now becomes a spare phone for emergencies  etc

Sun did pop out but blowing snow intermittent all the day. Some new snow fell

💺 Janvier XIX

 💺.... boro the weather was coldish but not much happened precipitation or wind everything was tranquil.That's the only way to describe it. 

This afternoon I hosted a little get-together of two friends, both younger by quite a bit, probably 30 years, but it was pleasant. A .... brought in takeout from  local Sammy's Restaurant.

We watched three movies which was totally idiotic because of the choice of the movies. 

I mean Godzilla for one

  and old Henry.

 finally we finished off with'  XXX the Return of Xander Cage'

 Talk about pathetic. 

Oh well we able to talk about fishing, life in general. Just general chit chat. pleasant, while away an afternoon. 

🧮 abacus - ca - da - bra

 🧮January the 17. predicted temperature will hover at freezing.
the snow boys had to come early evening to clear the day s accumulation which ... I believed was nada....however, on the back deck the snow is piled against the railing [ see ! ]. 
 
couldn't sleep from 4:45 A on, tossed and rolled, then got up

coffee and typing 

a retired electrician dropped by to estimate a job [ s ] one is hunt and search and pray, one is piece of cake [  well you're here , might as well ]

Jan 16 🌨 🌨 🌨 🌨

    🌨 🌨 🌨 🌨  🌨 🌨 🌨 🌨  '  boro, it is cold but not as cold as yesterday. No snow fell much overnight I guess and 

 I went out and did what we call maintenance, in snow country. 

The lawn service arrived yesterday around suppertime with the plow truck and they cleared out the driveway. Then about an hour and a half later the crew comes with shovels etc to do the rest of the removal on the walk. They even went around the side deck and did a very good job clearing off my back deck.

However, the snow was piled up against the railing of the back deck and I don't like that because when it snows and there's more ,they're going to pile it up even higher. And of course it's not going anywhere. Thus, I went out and I forced the pile under the bottom rail and onto the ground clearing the deck completely. 

In order to take back the driveway I removed about a foot and a half of snow that was on the driveway not on the lawn. So just sort of widening the driveway taking my driveway back. That's how I refer to it

Job done

 

🌨 🌨 🌨 🌨 .... for real

 🌨 🌨 🌨 🌨 light and fluffy but frrreeexing cold

and rumour says, here to stay w/ sub freezing temperatures

I cleared a path to the garage and the back walkway up against the house

Well, I am a frequent contributor to ' Neighbourhood Watch ' on Whatsapp. Maybe 60 people in total.
So, I post a description saying the city snowplow left a mound 6 ft tall at # 10 - 12. I get back a message that the pile is 10 ft. When it's not in front of yours - well, its not that big looking

🪢 for Jan 14

 🪢as per usual here in the semi Great White North, awaiting the latest round of stuff falling from the sky.
and to that point, the repair guy was here to change out the heating cables over the back roof.
I noticed that the previous cable seemed to be shorting out the circuit breaker. This morning the two guys took down the old one and replaced it and then added a second cable going Westward to a not cabled portion of the roof.

XXXXXX hopefully, this cable will not short out the electrics

We shall see said the Zen Master

so going on ..... recall that my hip / leg / groin debacle over 2025 starting in late January, arose after standing on a ladder chopping ice from the same back gutter.

NOW, think ! did I pierce the heating cables chopping out ice ??????? 
we will never know but  - you have to wonder

BTW, my hip / groin anguish is really diminishing = taking way less meds and therapy. My take is' does the Guinness make a difference ? 
Really, I cannot come up w / a alternate hypothesis for the rather sudden change in the pain regime

Wishful thinking ? of course ! but I bought more Guinness yesterday
of course, of course Wish away

Okay there's been some agonizing about which phone to buy  the Moto G8 excuse me is kind of way past support date. So I need a you know spare phone down in the basement 

and quite a bit of back and forth, Galaxy a36 pixel 9A.

 Both are a year out of date but they're offering 6 and 7 years of support so that's pretty good. Galaxy a36 is $379 and the Pixel 9a is $ 670

However, some pretty important carry over features from our Pixel 6 a 

Anyways better tell you the white stuff is a coming, no doubt. We are talking about maybe four 6 in of snow so fairly significant but it's life in the great white North semi Great White North

🐶 ' ... his name was Goyaate ......

  🐶 ... but long ago the Mexicans had given him another name ........ "

' boro. sitting at the corner desk, dull overall [ sorry, that's me ] hovering around freezing. always a chance of something [ snow, freezy bits etc ]

yesterday. Tripped out to Staples.
the story : we use our living room as den [ TV watching ] and
dining room [ all meals ] and kick about place.
The area rug is the placemat for the floor.
We use a low round wood table for eating and reading stuff and work [ some ]. 
Obviously, this rug takes a beating [ food and drink spills ] plus whatever cascades off the table. 
I try and clean the area rug [ and it has been to the carpet cleaners ]
but w / its age and use, we decided to replace. Thus Amazon had an attractive 5 ft by 7 ft area rug for 70 dollars [ one day delivery ] so we bit the bullet.

Now, attractive in a blue / blue /grey pattern ...... yet thin. Yes, thin enough to ruck up if you move your feet too much.
Unsightly, and dangerous for walking. 
three solutions.
 first. I put synthetic mats right up to edge of the rug to catch spills etc.. Didn't solve the crease and rucking tendency.
.... ? use an underlay for support. but if the rug slides a touch then it will crease, again.
you see the round table has feet and not casters. I used carpet pieces and then small tiles under the feet but still the rug would crease.

At Staples, tho ', I found a 36 in by 47 in bottom toothed rug protector for an office commercial type carpet. The translucent protector is stiff enough to not move when the table slides a bit. The protector meets the mat that I was using and the table basically covers the protector - meaning that you cannot see the protector at the exposed places around the table. 
Winner, winner ..... chicken-dinner !
so goeth, my day

have a good'un

or Goyaakla in Apache } they called him Geronimo. American legend
A purported rationale for the name, was the Mexicans calling on ' St Jerome ' for divine aid

🧑‍💻 the new week, begins

 🧑‍💻 the ' boro will be near freezing. unsettled conditions [ little flakes, scattered precipitation ]

😄 January 11

  😄 ... the cold ish ness returns. semi clear conditions. wind is stirring
Sunday is Tiger shopping day. My fav store

purchased for Sunday : crackers, coleslaw mix, pizza and slippers

♾ ... and it goes on and on forever

 ♾ .... you must forgive me ...... form " in My mind, I'm going to Carolina " ala JT

day is cold in the  ' 'boro , not terrible but a reminder

🕋 the week that was ......

 🕋 the week that was ...... ends w / soaring winter temperature [ as in 50 ? ]

a big melt is going on.  white on the ground but roads are looking bare black

and another take the old guy to lunch day. another former student [ read here, man ] heard me waxing glorious about the Magic Noodle Restaurant. He lives near, and said we should go for lunch. We had some glitches, holidays and weather but today is fine

🌰 for today

 🌰 wet and mild [ for January ]

above freezing all day.white out there but dreary feeling

take an old guy to lunch day. We went to the Noodle. Then on to Costco. M .... needed Aceto in EZ swallow format. [ $ 14 ] Plus coffee and plastic garbage bags ...... all in $ 60

Well, lunch was good

However, glorious day for January. Temperature was 38 F, big sun bit of wind. Washed the boot tray [ salt encrusted like baked salmon ].Cleared the roof edge [ actually, well melted ] and perhaps found a way to straighten the new carpet.
The carpet is decorative but thin. Hence if a table sits on it any movement means there are creases [ if I had help then you could plunk the sucker right down ] but I put it down and need to re - address position and it rucks up
New plan: used wall tiles as coasters to sit under the legs. Most creases went away
we shall see said the Zen Master

Exercised. day s work fini

 

🏰 its the 7 the of janvier

 🏰 .... " I spy w / my little eye ......

white. yes snow fell a bit
tire tracks
air is still [we had quite the blow for three days ]

Flashback to really this time last year. There was an ice sheet that was gutter to shingle approx 3 ft up the roof edge. Of course, thicker at the edge near the gutter and in the gutter. We'll say 8 inches but it felt like 8 ft while I was chopping ice out. Roughly, 4 days on a ladder cleaving blocks of ice out of the gutter and that stuff stuck to the lower roof edge

Cold and long. This year, this morning, the gutter ice was 1 inch in depth and loose. I sprinkled ice melter / rock salt in the gutter itself. Freed up the downpipe and made sure water flowed. I need to continue to monitor and free up the ice bits. 
AND there will be no heater coil available [ the cable is shorting out, circuit breaker is popping ]

NOW, my sore hip, groin and leg in general dates back to Jan 2024, the ladder days.
And today, the leg has improved from disability to annoyance [ and a touch more ]

NO. no ladders, his AM. Most was standing on a deck chair

⚡ "danger on the roads

 ⚡ "danger, danger , Will Robinson .......
not snow but a freezing rain ' yellow alert ' for a large swath of North Shore of L. Ont

???????????? you have been warned

day was slow and thus was traffic. rain came on schedule and the temperature hovered around freezing.

Drove out at near 1:30 P and roads were good. Traffic - not so - I ended up U Turning to avoid a log jam.

Didn't stay long, at the cousins visitation and went out to find ice on the car [ rain froze on the metal ]

anyhow, made it home w / Mc Donald s for dins

Haven't heard an update on the conditions after I got home