A Friend in Need...

05:45 hrs.
29 Dec 14

     Dear Readers,
     What follows is an earlier post that was missed in the draft stage. In all of the Christmas frivolity it slipped through the cracks. As such, the blog page is now out of sequence. Nevertheless, it is an important post. Enjoy.

22:25 hrs.
15 Dec 14

     Today is my Parental Units Anniversary. It marks 52 years of marriage. You will note that I did not say "of wedded bliss". That would be a falsehood and besides none of you would believe me. However, they are together and dedicated to each other. In fact, they are a shining example of the dedication a couple should share

.

     Tomorrow I am off to River City. My Cuz'n from the South end of the Island has been promoted and given a new position. Congrats. The tough part is she and her Lobster need some assistance moving their belongings into their new rookerie (look it up, its a word).

08:02 hrs.
16 Dec 14

     Just over a week until Christmas and I see on the news that some faction of the Taliban in Peshawar Pakistan has assaulted a school killing 120+ students. What the hell is wrong with people?

18:30 hrs   

     

     So, I spent the better time of the day in River City aiding in the unloading of a 5 ton cube van loaded with my Cuz'ns belongings. Her Better Half had pre-packed and loaded the Budget rental with all their stuff grabbed a six pack of Pepsi and headed north. Three hours and fifteen minutes later he expertly blocked the alley for everybody including the Emtera recycling truck while the three of us toted, carried, dollied and hoisted everything for next five hours. In the end all of it was secured in their new domicile without a scratch on the walls or a piece of furniture chipped.

    

    Now for the bad news. My Cuz'n has been holed up in the Best Western in River City while waiting to move in. And what a HOLE IT IS! The shower fills with water every time you use it because the drain hasn't been cleaned in twenty-five years. The base board heating doesn't work so my Cuz'n's Lobster put in a portable heater that promptly blew the breaker and the mini fridge froze everything. Thanks for staying. Not.

Its almost over...

07:45 hrs.
28 Dec 14

     Yes, the Holiday Season is almost over. All that is left is the annual New Years Eve Piss Up. In years gone passed this scribe would engage in the festivities as much as any other. But now, with a bit of careful planning, there is just as much fun to be had at the WAYWARD INN while still being able to remember the activities from the night before.

     Did you go over the top with your gift giving? My LOBSTER and I tried to put some thought into what we wanted the  Loin Fruits to recieve. Personally, I think she gets more caught up in it than I do. The one thing that we have always encouraged is books. You can never read enough and their collection of personal faves has grown over the years. Loin Fruit #1 is reading teen fantasy adventure and #2 is into more historical facts, science and philosophy. Pretty heavy stuff for a fourteen year old.

     Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? I think its not so much of "Did you get what you wanted?" but more of "Did you give what you wanted?" You can always buy what you want so be happy with whatever you receive, you spoiled brat! Sure, I would have loved some cool gear for when I head OUT IN THE WEEDS but since I'm the only one who knows of my requirements it is up to me to outfit my own gear. Which reminds me. I still have to finish packing that Go Bag. For those of you who live on the Left Coast there was a not so gentle reminder last week when a cluster of 4.0 & 5.0 earthquakes off the northwest corner of the Island. There was no quake damage and no tsunamis but "those in the know" stated that we are still overdue for a very large large earthquake. Something in the neighbourhood of a magnitude 8.0. That would be 300% stronger than a magnitude 5.0. If you don't have an emergency kit I would strongly suggest that you get one.

     The decorations at the WAYWARD INN will be up for another week. Then the lights will come down, the tree will be un-decorated and the household adornments will be gathered up. Everything will be boxed and placed back in the hold. Is your stuff still up or has it been crammed away until next year?

     One of the big changes in the VALLEY is the near completion of the K'omoks Nations new administration office, complete with two carved totems flanking a majestic picture window that faces the Comox Bay. The hope of the additional traffic to the building has prompted the installation of a traffic light on Dyke Road. This is actually good thing. I, myself,  have waited sometime to exit from the I-Hos Gallery. And, if you wanted to turn left forget it.

     New Years Eve is fast approaching. Going out?

     Please don't drink and drive!

The time is .. NOW!

16:25 hrs
24 Dec 14

     For some of you, dear readers, today is the day you celebrate Christmas and for the rest of us it will be tomorrow. Here at the WAYWARD INN, we get to enjoy both days. We open all of the gifts from outside the family on Christmas Eve and all those from within the immediate family (and St. Nick) on Christmas Day. How this came about is too long of a tale  to be written here. Someday, if you drop by the WAYWARD INN, I'll fill you in.

     Our friends from Over the Hump came for a visit today. They are great people. Their daughter, she's my age or there abouts, was with them too. We all sat about the great table, including the Loin Fruits, enjoying a light snack of cheeses and things. There is a local guy who used to be the proprietor of Comox Valley Meats. To this day he continues to make the best pepperoni and garlic coil in the VALLEY. I have a standing order for both. The banter was light hearted. In fact, the Couch Monkeys participated quite well in keeping up their end of the conversation.  They departed taking with them a jar of freshly bottled pickled eggs. They won't  be ready for a fortnight. I hope they enjoy them.

     Tonight, we are cooking a spiral cut ham from Costco. Its not so much for this meal but for the "Christmas Morning Wife Saver" that we will enjoy tomorrow.

     In a buttered 9x13 baking dish place a layer of white bread with the crusts cut off. Add a layer of ham (you could use turkey or seafood), a layer of a compatable cheese, another layer of white bread with the crusts cut off. Top it off with diced onions and peppers. In a bowl mix up six large eggs and three cups of whole milk, a dash of tabasco, worsteshire, salt and pepper, a teaspoon of dry mustard powder. Pour the slurry over the casserole, cover and let rest overnight. In the morning, pour a half cup of melted butter over the top and then layer on a cup of crushed cornflakes. Place in a 400F oven for an hour. Let it rest for ten minutes before serving.

     Tomorrow, on Christmas Day, we will have guests at the WAYWARD INN. New friends and old and some family too. Ivan and his mom are coming over as well as my Cuz'n and her Lobster. I don't knows  who's all staying for supper but I'm cooking a turkey with all the trimmings. I'm be sending them all home with any left overs.

     I wish for all of those who live in the Valley, and those who don't, to have a Merry Christmas. Please look after your neighbour and try to help one person every day. If we can all remember to do that the world will be be a much better place.

Are you ready?

16:00 hrs.
21 Dec 14

     Are you ready? Everything wrapped? Are you having ham or turkey? Or will it be a vegan Christmas?

 
    What about Christmas shows? Will it be It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol (I prefer the one with Alistair Sim), or will it be A Charlie Brown Christmas? One of my holiday faves is Dutch, starring Ed O'neill. It's funny as hell. I once had a copy of Opus:a wish for wings that work. Another nice Christmas story. 

     If anybody had the chance to look around the Valley today you would have seen a clearing sky and fresh snow on the Beaufort mountains. Mount Washington has been dusted and I'm sure the powder freaks are tearing up the slopes. Before that resort was built the only game in town was Forbidden Plateau. Its on its way to being grown back in now. When the snow falls you can see all of the necessary ugliness on the hills. Fresh tracks of forest carved out by the loggers and in some places where the forest has started to grow back.

1530 hrs.

22 Dec 14

An even better day today. If the snow can only stay on the mountains and not down in the Valley ishoult be an excellent Christmas. some say you have to have snow for Christmas.  If I wanted the white stuff I'll drive up the mountain and get some. Personally, I am not inclined to do so.

Getting Closer Each Day...

17:00 hrs.
19 Dec 14

     It's the last Friday before Christmas and believe or not I have completed my gift shopping. Well, there might be a couple of last minute  things to pick up. Stocking stuffers, some Irish Cream, maybe an Islay single malt.

18:15 hrs.
20 Dec 14

     And one more day is down. It was a extremely miserable day here in The  VALLEY.  Winds up to 90 km. Heavy seas rolling in with receding tide. Pretty spectacular to watch.

     On another note, I have reconnected with a couple of old friends from back when I was in cadets. Despite being in the air force I was an army cadet. I was a member of the 1787 Rocky Mountain Ranger cadet corps. A pretty good unit. Great staff too. At our height we had over 100 bodies on parade every week. You can read about the regiment at www.rockymountainrangers.ca.

     Last night we went to St. George's United Church and listened to a large choral group. A dear friend from my BETTER HALF's work place is a member of the group. We were seated in the upper balcony giving us a pretty good sightline, except for the bumpkin seated in front of yours truly whose lolling head blocked mine. Loin Fruit #1 leaned against the wall and caught 40 winks. I would rather have him grab a few Zzzz's than be grumpy because of a lack of rest.

     Tonight will be the first of the Christmas meals. Ivan and his mom are over just because. They'll join us on Christmas Day along with my Cuz'n and her Lobster. So, it will be spiral cut ham Christmas Eve, a Christmas Morning Wife Saver for breakfast and a turkey for Christmas Day. Anyone want to help out with the left overs?

     Buildings are still going up all over town. The two big cranes have been hampered by the high winds but progress is still being made despite it all. River City is getting their new hospital built to. I don't know if ours will be bigger or theirs will. Neither is supposed to open until 2017.

My Kingdom for a BRIDGE

16:45 hrs
11 Dec 14

     I am sure that you, Dear Readers, have heard of the localized flooding here in The Valley. Yes, roads were closed, Lewis Park was once again transformed into Lewis Lake and the three bridges spanning our primary waterway have been shut as well. Is it a surprise to anyone? I don't think so.

     Everyone knows that we need another bridge. The question is where to put it. The previous head engineer fir the City wanted it on 11th Street. It would span from near the DQ to the Wolf Lake logging works yard across from Farqueheson's Farm. My question is this. Once you cross this bridge where the hell are you going to go?

     What we need is a bridge from 29th Street and go right across the water t
Dyke Road. And make it elevated for boats to go under at high tide, too. I know the former city engineer had said it wasn't possible as you would have to go through 200 feet of silt to hit bedrock. And your point is? If a bridge to Enlarged Potato Island can be built on the East coast of Canada then this one can be built if the will is strong enough.

15:00 hrs.
12 Dec 14

     My work day is done. Finally. Now that the waters have receded I am now able conduct patrols over my entire district most of which is very much a case of waving the flag but sometimes a call does come in that requires immediate attention. Today, I was asked to attend to The Wrecks to pick up a four legged hoodlum that was running amok. The  apprehension didn't take long and now there is a new inmate. She's tattooed so hopefully the owner will bail her out soon. The longer the stay, the greater the cost. Plus the licence, if you please.

     Next to our new and hopefully temporary office (I doubt it) there is another building going up. The City is erecting a second firehall on our side of the river with their own training centre. I guess they are tired of training in Comox. The price tag is over 1 million for both facilities and the contractor has 180 days to build it. It is something that we do need as the only fire protection for the City would be blocked if the bridges were closed. Like it was over the past couple of days. "So sorry to hear that your house is on fire. We'd like to attend but the bridges are closed. PLEASE CALL US WHEN THE WATER LEVEL DROPS. HAVE A NICE DAY."

     The construction of the new cable ferry at Buckley Bay is moving along too. Of course it would be a hellish ride in the storm that lashed THE VALLEY.  According to some marine engineers it would be like a Nantucket Sleigh ride. Thar she blows. I have my doubts if I'll ever take it unless the waters are flat calm. The last cable ferry I ever saw was in the movie Outlaw Josse Wales, which is one of the best dusters ever made. Speaking of movies, have you seen the Safe House? Its a great spy action flic. Take a look for it om Netflix. 

Rain! Rain! Go away!

07:00 hrs.
09 Dec 14

     Over 100 mm of rain has fallen in the Valley in the past 12 hours. Thats about 4 inches for the YOU-ALLs. And over 200 mm in the past 36 hours. So doble it to 8 inches of water. But Mother Nature is not finished withe the Left Coast just yet. The current storm system extends far out into the Pacific bringing high winds and plenty of the wet stuff. North Vancouver has had landslides in some of the canyons due to the saturated soil. There will be localized flooding in many areas of the Left Coast so be prepared. There were also over a thousand hydro customers here in the VALLEY without any power.

     And, how prepared are you! Do you have a home emergency kit? Does it contain the necessities to sustain you and your family for a period of 72 hours? Most of us don't. I do but I still have to finish off the Go Bag. Its almost done. I'll inlude pics and an explanation of everything for my intrepid fans.

   
     So, its back to the grind tomorrow.  Enough frivolity for this guy.  Over my days off I got a bunch of homework done and accompanied my BETTER HALF to her work Christmas Dinner. It wasn't much. Someone simple booked the restaurant and everyone showed up. We had to pre-order our meals. My BETTER HALF had the ham, which suspiciously looked like a cottage roll ham that would serv your Outlaws during the obligatory Sunday dinner, while I had the salmon. Now the salmon wasn't too bad. Nice glaze, a bit dry in the middle but who knows how long it sat under the salamander staying warm. All in all, it was an average tasting over priced Christmas Party meal that was served to us at the Union Street Grill on 5th Street in Courtenay. With the proper Prep and Sous I could have done better at home.

05:10 hrs.
10 Dec 14

     For our Travelling Friends who may read this, the winds and rain have been relentless. Its a Sou-Easter, meaning the tides are being driven up river while the run of is heading out to sea. The only other place for the water to go is sideways. Lewis Park and the surrounding lowland to the east of the Courtenay River is awash including the roads.  This means the access to the 5th Street Bridge is out of the question. All traffic into or out of downtown must funnel across the 17th Street Bridge unless you are creative and know how to skirt using Dove Creek, Piercy and the local logging roads.

     With the winds blowing at a sustained 51 km and gusting to 65 km I doubt very much if anyone will be walking their dog today. As this system is coming out of the south east the warm air is not conducive to putting a lot of snow at the lower elevation. The White Whale will get dumped on, as will the top of Mt. Washington. The rest of this precip will simply hit the slopes and head to the beach.  And, stay out of the woods. Those big trees have shallow roots and with a saturated soil combined with the wind it won't take much for the trees to fall like so many pick up sticks. If you don't have to go out...DON'T GO OUT!

The Christmas Creep

15:15 hrs.
04 Dec 14

     Did you ever have that feeling that you weren't prepared? You know its coming and you've said to yourself that this year will be different.

     "This year, I'll have my Christmas shopping finished by June!"

     And then by September you still haven't bought a damn thing.

     I usually start purchasing things in March and carefully squirrel them away until December. Gifts and trinkets. Items so carefully selected that when they are opened on Christmas Day the receiver is in total disbelief that someone had actually remembered that he had wanted that ten speed widget with the flexible head.

     Well, this year has been a total write off for buying things in advance. I remembered nothing and took note of even less. I have no idea what the Loin Fruits want and presents for my LOBSTER are starting to become old hat. Maybe that's what I should get her.  An old hat.

17:45 hrs.
05 Dec 14

     I would strongly advise anyone living in the VALLEY to get out and get your shopping done as soon as possible. I had to head to Crappy Tire to pick up a couple of things - epoxy to fix Loin Fruit #2's potato gun and other string of icicle lights- and the line ups were crazy. It was only 10:00 hrs. The parking lot was packed, the aisles were jammed and the tills were staffed by trainees. Just Great! A Triple Whammy! If this is indication I had better get my shopping done as soon as possible.

     There was low cloud and rain/mist all day long. When the clouds finally lift there will be plenty of snow on the Beauforts. It will be pretty as a picture.

     My friends from Over the Hump took a trip to the Fatherland do do some Christmas shopping. They had been stationed there back when The Wall was setill up and the country was still divided. Times sure have changed.

     We sat down to watch the holiday classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas". My BETTER HALF and I had set the dvr to record all the old classics. This one was on ABC. Its a thirty minute program with the animation taking up twenty-five minutes. Now according to Wikipedia,  ABC owns the rights to the show and broadcasts it twice in the season. My bitch is the fact that ABC has editted the cartoon to put in more advertising. Both myself and Loin Fruit #1 first noticed thte scene where Lucy handed out the scripts Sherman complained that he always had to play a shepherd. The next scene cut out to make room for an extra K-Mart commercial was where Linus and Charlie Brown go searching for a Christmas tree. Lucy wanted him to get a "big shiny aluminum tree". Of course, our hero brings back anything but. One other scene editted for commercial expansion was where Lucy asks Shroeder the virtuoso pianist to play Jingle Bells, which he proceeds to do in several different forms. The scenes should never have been removed from the show. 

     ABC ... you are a real Christmas Creep.

Ignorance and Stupidity

06:50 hrs.
01 Dec 14

     Did the invention of "smart technology" drop our collective IQ level? Is our reliance on apps making us lazy?

     I know that most of these "smart" devices have an automated spell check or  autocorrect on them but even then the device is only anticipating what you are writing. You still have to double check what you are writing before hitting the send button. You have to. If you don't the you, Dear Reader, (to quote Red Foreman from the 70"s Show) are a Dumb Ass!

     Recently, I was answering questions posted onto another website. As much as I wanted to ensure the individual was given the correct information what I really wanted to do was text him in BOLD CAPS, "LEARN HOW TO SPELL, YOU MOOK!"

     Do you remember the Ebonics program in the States? You know Ebony Phonics. Also known as a poor excuse for not learning how to speak clearly and succinctly. Sometimes, you will still hear it on an old TV program.

"I axed him a question."
"You asked him a question?"
"Dat's wud I sez, I axed 'im."

     Pure bullshit!

     I know that when it comes to the spoken word the different regions across North America have their own dialects and colloquialisms. But the written word, if you are speaking English, should be readable as English. And I am not just picking on the You-Alls. There's a person who I converse with on a fairly regular basis and sometimes I think it would be less painful to have a hot shrimp fork jammed into my tongue that to decipher his posts.

     Dear Lord hear my prayer.
     Please let someone who cares for this person help him finish grades 7,8 and 9 English before he posts another unreadable message.
     AMEN