Another Year Folks!

24 Dec 16
05:15 hrs

     Yes, Dear Readers it has been another year and a lot has changed since last year.   My Lobster pointed out that this Christmas will be the first that our dear friend Colleen Howard will not be gracing us with her presence on Christmas morning.  Colleen passed away in January. She had physical ailments and later we learned she had other issues that certainly did not help. She passed alone,  out of doors, succumbing to her illnesses and the elements. She will be missed.

     The Oma, is in the Golden Horseshoe visiting her Elder Daughter for Christmas.  Her husband, my Better Half's Father,  passed last January too. It's good that she is with family at this time of the year. Speaking of family. My Better Half's Travelling Relatives have moved yet again. They have gone south to the Capital. Which is actually where I always pictured them to be as they are a much more cosmopolitan couple and their former residence north of us, though visually beautiful, lacked the their level of sophistication. (If anyone is looking to buy a very nice condo in River City I'm sure I can get a deal for you since I know the owners.)

     Health has been a major concern this year especially the health of our friends and relatives. A number of them, on both sides of the family, have contracted some very serious diseases. Here at the Wayward Inn we hope and pray for a speedy recovery for all.

     Over the holidays the Christmas Menu at the Wayward Inn will include a spiral cut ham, mashed yams, spetzel (as requested by the Loin Fruits), glazed carrots. On Christmas morning we will have Wife Saver for breakfast to be followed by a roasted squash soup in the afternoon. This will something new for our Holiday meal traditions. There should be leftovers and you are welcome to join in.

     As for presents, some of us have gone over the top and will have to put in for a few more shifts to pay for it all. But, it was necessary. I only know of one thing that I am getting. Yesterday, my Lobster asked me to pick out a scotch as a Christmas present from her. I selected a 10 year Laphroaig. She has great taste. Ha ha! And speaking of smokey flavourings, we went tea shopping. She was looking for an afternoon English breakfast tea. I found something much more to my liking and I don't like tea as a rule. Too wishy washy. Too subtle. Not enough in your face. I found it. Russian Caravan. It is a tea smoked with pine boughs. My Lobster says the smell reminders her of sweat dripping off a saddle. Mmmm...good!

     As a purveyor of interesting stuff, I invite you to look for the movie Hyaena Road. A Canadian made flick about Canadians in Afghanistan. If you have ever watched any war movies ever you will notice a marked difference between it and the American Perspective Schlock. Another good one about the same conflict is WTF. Filmed from a female war correspondent perspective. It can be found on Netflix.

     I have been running a bit of an experiment of late. At Musicfest I bought a reversal cap that looks a lot like a Muslim cap. I wear it often, especially when it isn't raining. It's surprising the looks I get wearing this cap because physically I do not look middle Eastern. I have even heard what could be described as racist comments once my back is turned. Never to my face. Which is good because I would most certainly set the record straight to the uneducated asshole. It doesn't matter what I am wearing or if I am Muslim or not the issue is that person's attitude based on their ignorance. Sometimes spoiling for a fight  is a good thing.

     Around the Valley there is still a lot of construction going on. The shell of the  new four story apartment/condo is standing tall by the river behind the federal government access centre on 21st Street. When out on patrol I get to see a lot more changes than my Better Half.  Last night, while looking at Christmas lights, we drove through the Huband area. There were a couple of houses that had gone all out but also I showed her some new roads that had been built several years ago that she never knew existed. It's good to get out and see what's beyond your flat screen.

     Merry Christmas everyone.