💸 ' 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
🧮' 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
💷 ... 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.
☯ ... 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
⚛ 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.
📲 ... 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.
🈵 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 ]
㊗ 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
🛍 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
🖨 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
🪟 ... 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 ]
☪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
🥳 .. 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
🎍 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
❇ ... 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.
⛎ .... 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 !
🎌 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
🔰...... 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
🪯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
❇ .... 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.
㊙ 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, ?????
💱 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
✴ 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
📛 .... 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
🆑 ... ' 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.
⚧ 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
🈚 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
🔕 ..... 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 '
🇦🇶 ' 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
