Twas a couple of Days before Christmas...

23 Dec 22

07:00 hrs

     Good Morning Campers,

     Are you ready for the Holidays? Have you bought all your gifts? Has your chef planned out the menu?

26 Dec 22

15:30 hrs

     Hello Dear Readers, 

     I'm really going to try to make an effort in completing my daily drivel. It's not that I have a lot to write about or rant about but I'm sure that some of my more faithful fans would like to see more consistent entries than of late. Anyways, on with the Holiday News.

     The Wayward Inn had two guests for the holidays. One, our Jr. Loin Fruit's companion stayed the night on Christmas Eve and left late on the 25th and the second was our long lost (sort of adopted daughter) The Onion,  who was driven up Island from Hub City by a friend. We haven't seen her for quite some time and she hasn't been here in more than six months. She is now on her third year of her BA degree and as a foreign student her fees are close to $22K per semester.  Crazy shit. And this is for the privilege of attending a mid-grade college/university. Can you imagine if you were from outside the Great White North and you wanted to attend McGill or Carlton or Guelph. UBC is chock full of foreign students and I cannot imagine how much money in fees they are raking in. 

27 Dec 22

10:45 hrs

     Well, the Holiday Season is just about over for another year and I'm just about done with all of it. Maybe I'm getting old. Hell, I am old. It's the hype, the rush and all the effort put forth to satisfy some distant need. And then you read about some Hugh-ess governor sending some illegal immigrants, wearing nothing but summer clothing, across the country during one of the worst winter storms on record only to be dumped off at the VP's doorstep. How's that for the Spirit of Christmas? 

     This year my Better Half baked enough cookies to feed half the Valley. Together we created several massive meals and where each meal had to be tailored three different ways to satisfy everyone's dietary desires. Our Jr. Couch Monkey did some baking, which was a highlight. Garlic and plain bread knots as well as homemade pop tarts, which were absolutely incredible. His partner had created a low calorie chocolate hazelnut spread that was used to fill the pop tarts. I had envisioned that Nutella crap but this was nothing like that commercial crap. I'll have to steal the recipe.

     Our cold snap has broken and now we are facing an atmospheric river of rain and wind. Typical winter weather for the Rock. It's the mainland that is now facing potential massive flooding what with king tides, wave action and winter run-off. 

     Come the New Year my Lobster will be heading back to work. It'll be part time and work from home but the important thing is that she'll be able to focus on something other than the daily domestic stuff. This also means the Loin Fruits and myself will have to step up a bit more to fill in the gap. Shouldn't be a problem. Our Sr. Loin Fruit is leaving a position and is looking for something more in his field and our Jr. Couch Monkey has only two more courses before he graduates. He achieved all A's in his last term and is expected to graduate magna cumme laude. 

     As for me, I'm hoping to get out fishing more than what I did last year. Maybe, get some squatching in and find time to finish the cookbook.

It's about time for another edition.

10 Dec 22

07:55 hrs

     Good Morning Campers!

     Have you completed all of your gift shopping? How about the wrapping? Are you a traditional wrapper- paper, ribbons, bows? Or, do you hide multiple gifts in one big box, add bells or rattles to confuse the recipient, or set up a treasure hunt to find the gifts? I lean towards the second type. Ya gotta have fun.

     It looks as if the Wayward Inn will be busy and crowded this Season. Not only will the five of us be here, the Couch Monkey's significant others will be in attendance. The Onion will be coming to stay for a few days too. Now, supposedly she has a sort of boyfriend from the Mainland and my Better Half has invited him as well. Now, add to that a couple more of the Sr. Loin Fruit's friends and yours truly will be spending the Holidays with a bottle of scotch and a bag of gummies. 

     

     How is it that your colon and/or bladder knows exactly when you park in your driveway? Asking for a friend.

     If you have kept up with the news you will know that the Tangerine Tyrant's Christmas is really going to suck. The Courts are closing in ever tighter. Recently the T. Corporation was found guilty of a tax fraud scheme that had been carried out over 15 years. The sentencing has not taken place as of yet and there are more trials in the near future. All I can say is that it's about fricken time. 

11 Dec 22

07:45 hrs

     We've had snow here at the Wayward Inn for the past couple of weeks.  And by that, I mean there is snow on the ground and not just on the Beauforts. The worst issue is that many of our Valley residents have no clue on how to drive in the white stuff. I know that I have mentioned it before but the ineptitude of local drivers  became evident when the Great Ghiz was in town for work when the snow fell. He was totally shocked when he witnessed the systemic apoplectic seizure of local traffic. He called me to say that he was in town but the conversation started with, "Doesn't anyone know how to drive in this town?" I didn't know that he was coming out so it was a pleasant surprise, as always. If you haven't kept up with this blog you should know that the Great Ghiz and I have known each other for more than 40 years. So, time is always set aside for at least one get together when he is in town.

     Li'l Sis texted me that she has received the Christmas parcel we had sent. Besides gifts my Better Half put in a can of homemade cookies. Sometimes, Li'l Sis doesn't open the parcel until a week later and my Lobster wanted her to see if the cookies survived the trip. Three hours later, and under the influence,  I texted her back asking her to "Let me know if the fresh shrimp made it okay. The dry ice should just about run out." Li'l Sis didn't see the text until tbe next morning and in a panic she raced to the package tearing it open to discover that there were no shrimp at all. Expletives ensued. 

     I don't know if any of you, Dear Readers, are old enough to remember the loss of life when a 747 airliner was downed by a terrorist bomb on 21 Dec 1988 over Lockerbie Scotland killing 243 pax and 16 crew. After all these years the case has remained open and now the bomber has finally been arrested and is in 'Merican custody. Good. Let justice be done. 

     Just for your info, three years earlier a Canadian group of Sikh terrorists developed and tested a bomb on the Island. Two bombs were planted on Air India flights, one headed east and one west. The eastbound aircraft was destroyed at 31,000 feet AGL 120 miles off the Irish coast killing all aboard and the other detonated prior to the flight at Narita International killing two baggage handlers. Although the perpetrators were found only one admitted to building the bomb and was sentenced to fifteen years for manslaughter. Another was convicted of obstruction of justice and perjury.

     

     

Are you ready for the Christmas Season?

25 Nov 22

06:00 hrs

     Good Morning Dear Readers, 

     And isn't it a lovely morning? Well, maybe it is and maybe it isn't. Some of us may have to head into the Olde Mill and some of may be able to sit back sip hot cocoa while contemplating their navel as the world drifts slowly by outside the window. Navel contemplation, or even navel gazing for that matter, can be very cathartic and very Zen. If you haven't tried it maybe you should give it a shot. But, on to more pressing matters.

     Here at the Wayward Inn, we are slow in our Seasonal decorations this year. My Lobster has completed the annual Christmas letter (#28) but hasn't printed it yet. The tree is not up and to tell you the truth it may not go up this year as Mr. Wilson and Jack will most likely turn it into another play/Battle Cat War Zone. We will test their reactions by attempting to set up the tree with no decorations. I'm pretty sure that everyone in the house has completed purchasing their gifts. Everyone but myself that is. I'm hoping to take care of that today. I have ordered some gifts online but I need to go across the bridge to look for those special things that I want to give.

27 Nov 22

07:30 hrs

     Over the past couple of days our Sr. Loin Fruit assisted in putting up the start of our Christmas lights. If the weather holds I'll get more up today. Yesterday I was out at the Valley's tourist building looking for gifts and stuff. The merchandise has begun to focus on local artists. My Better Half contacted a friend,  an artist who lives south of us, to tell her to take some samples of her work for consideration. I offered copies of my two books and they said that they would get back to me. It would be great if they would carry my books. 

     Speaking of books, I'm going to have to put a limit on the number of recipes going into the cook book because I could keep adding and adding until it is more than anyone would want. I have to try and keep it focused on the target of assisting young adults to cook nutrious meals after the leave the parental nest.

     Seen any good movies lately? I watched Polar on Netflix. Be warned than it is graphically violent,  akin to the John Wick movies, but there is some humour as well and just enough plot twists to keep your mind guessing. As for books, I finished the Dr. Bindernagel bio and have moved on to a Robert Crais, a familiar and trusted read. We have always encouraged and promoted reading by gifting books to our boys at Christmas and their birthdays. I don't know what it is that sparks a child to read independently but we have seen first hand the difference in children who learn to read for pleasure and those who don't AND how that may be one of the factors that shapes their lives as an early adult. I have wondered if another possible factor is how these individuals, who may not read for pleasure, are so fully involved - nee addicted - to video games - because I have witnessed those who seem to have the drive to personally excel are readers and those who are consistently drifting through dead end positions would probably have to watch a YouTube video on how to make toast. Is it the parent's fault? What about the twelve plus years of teachers who supposedly taught the child? Someone dropped the ball. Hey, I realize that not all people like to read but I think successes in life requires some kind of drive and the desire to read new books may an indicator of that drive.

You know your old when...

08 Nov 22

07:45 hrs

     Good Morning Campers 

     The other day my Lobster had commented that, "You know you are old when you wear off your thumbprint scolling down your phone to locate your year of birth on a website." This morning I realized that I'm definitely in the Olde Boat" when, after coming home from work at 03:00 hrs and racking out four hours, I was up to feed our cats - we now have three, made tea and coffee, took out the garbage and headed out to pick up a lab req for a blood draw to have my blood sugar checked. It's that drive to get up and get going that I don't see in people half my age.

09 Nov 22

22:45 hrs

     Back at work. Graveyards. The one good thing is we have no wind tonight blowing over the airfield. And, once the runway lights are off it's kind of pretty with nothing but stars overhead. We have some high clouds tonight but some stars may be poking out. By the time I get home at 0dark30 I will not get to see the snow that has blanketed the Beauforts like a great emine cape. A couple of days ago my Lobster and I had to go to the other side of the bridge. As we were driving along the Duke I could see the accumulation of the white stuff. Really pretty. Just as it stays up there. If we get it down in the Valley it is best advised to stay off the roads because half of the drivers do not have winter tires on their vehicles and more than half have no clue as to operate said vehicle in the snow/slush/wet gunk. Sometimes when the mainland gets whacked with a ton of snow I wish I had the finances to own an apartment on top of a long steep hill where I could stand with a hot toddy and watch the traffic sliding past. I'm sure you've seen on the news these fair-weather drivers trying to negotiate the roads while at the mercy of the weather. Honey, pass the popcorn.

     My job is to safely escort contractors to and from high security locations while interacting with other stakeholders. Sometimes this means I must physically be in a room with them or sit in an overwatch position to simply monitor their work progress. For the most part those us doing this job work alone. This gives me plenty of time to read. I have often finished a Michael Connolly novel in two days. Last night I finished re-reading Peter Maas's 1973 book Serpico. If you are not Olde you probably wouldn't know what the book is about. Look it up. Last year was the 50th anniversary of Frank Serpico being shot while on the job. Time marches on. Tonight, I'm starting sasquatch Discovered - The biography of Dr. John Bindernagel. It was penned by John's friend Terrance James, PhD. John was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and wanted a legacy of his work to be recorded so the two of the met several times a week for talk with James taking notes. I'm really looking forward to the reading about John's life.

15 Nov 22

07:00 hrs

     It's really foggy out. Looking outside I can see about 200 feet at the most. I've seen it thicker where you can barely see your hand in front of your face. As long as the snow stays up on the mountains I'll be happy. 

     I made a stew last night.  We thought that the Jr. Loin Fruit had to go to the dojo and we rushed the meal to the table and as a result it wasn't as thick as I would have liked. Additionally, the taste was a bit short due to the lack of aromatic vegetables. In other words,  it was made Oma Friendly. No onions. No garlic. No leeks. No turnips. Nutritious, yes. Made with love? Sadly, no.

     I'm sure you've observed the midterm election in tbe Hugh-ess. I'm not too concerned. Power is now divided so neither party has real control so maybe some meaningful progress will be completed. But here in the Great White North two provinces are making a very bd stand against the Feds and the green  environmental hypocrisy that has been over taxing the producers and users of fossil fuels on the Left-side of the country while importing foreign oil to supply the Right-side of the country and then depositing the crippling carbon taxes into a general revenue slush fund instead of using it to invest in real green initiatives. 

     I'm still plugging away at the cookbook. I'm trying to add basic recipes that are tasty eat and fun to make. Hopefully I'll get it done early in the new year. I'll give a copy to each of the Couch Monkeys and for any parents or grandparents, whose grandmunchkins have a habit of burning water whenever they try to cook, you can contact me for a signed copy.

     Well Kidlettes, it's time to sign off. I've delayed getting this blog far too long. I must be getting old.

Hello there...

25 Oct 22

06:45 hrs

     Good Morning Dear Readers, 

     It is is I, your faithful scribe, bringing you the news and views from the Left Coast. A bunch of stuff has happened in tbe past couple of weeks. So let's get to it, shall we?

     Last week my Lobster and I took a sojourn to the far side of The Rock for a much needed break. The two of us hadn't been away together, just the two of us, for several years and when the ability to do so appeared before us we jumped at the chance. My Better Half had learned that we could get respite care for the Oma-nator at a local facility where she had attended for a supper club and a day program. We, meaning she, talked it over with her and we, meaning the whole family, worked at alleviating her fears (primarily of what the menu would encompass). So, last Tuesday the Oma-nator was shown to her residence for the week and we boarded The Ram for our trip. First we drove Over the Hump, with a shopping stop at Goats on the Roof, to stay at our friends place. We stayed the night and late the following morning we wound our way through road construction and Sutton Pass to the far Left Coast. The trip was good with only a couple of minor delays due to the road construction. 

     Overall our trip was great. We walked trails, beaches and around the two towns that anchor the ends of the peninsula. The place we stayed at has a kitchen so we brought  some food and purchased some other stuff. And, we brought the crib board, naturally. Our trip home took just shy of three hours including a stop at the Port for some growlies. The following day we retrieved the Oma-nator and brought her home. She said her stay was enjoyable except for the food, which is not surprising but she was happy to be home.

26 Oct 22

23:00 hrs

     I'm back into work. Graveyards. Last night I did 11.5 hours and when I got back to the Wayward Inn it was time for a shower and bed. I got up at 19:00, ate supper, made a lunch, a pot of roof tar, played a game of crib with my Lobster,  got dressed and left at 22:00 to refuel the Ram and get into work. Two more nights. Tonight and tomorrow night. Friday I'm off. On Saturday my Friend from Over the Hump is joining my in attending the 1st Annual Bindercon. It is a sasquatch conference taking place here in the Valley to honor Dr. John Bindernagel, a biologist who had studied sasquatches for many many years who had passed away several years ago. He penned two books on the subject, the second of which was aimed directly at his peers who, like most scientists, refuse to give accreditation to the existence of such a creature. 

     John had attended the expedition I hosted in 2007. It was the first time I had met him. The expedition was successful with numerous Class B incidents. If you would like to learn what a Class A or B incident is you can go to www.bfro.net or read Wood Knocks and Tossed Rocks, available on Amazon. At the conference John's son will be bringing parts of his father's collection of footprint casts and there will be other guest speakers. I have not been invited to speak eventhough I have been an investigator since 2006. I believe the organizer does not know me. But,  I think there will be an open mic so I may have an opportunity to talk about the subject.

     Winter has arrived here in the Valley. While we were away the temperature dropped shocking the trees to start shedding their leaves. Now we are expecting not one but two atmospheric rivers to hit The Rock. We will receive a small amount of rain but other side of the Island is going to get 100+mm of the wet stuff. From the rain we have has over the past couple of nights the Beauforts have began gathering snow. The local ski hill, sitting at 5300 feet, has its first dusting but the glacier at 6430 feet is now covered in a brilliant white blanket. The word is this winter will be colder and wetter. I may have to invest in a snowblower because I'm not getting any younger and the Couch Monkeys will not be living with us forever and there goes my labour force. 

     Well Kidlettes, that's about all that have for you. If you have any comments or questions please drop me a line.

Spooky

16 Oct 22

09:30 hrs. 

     I don't know how many of you have ever seen the series "Dead Like Me". It was on in the early 2000's and starred Mandy Patinkin. The actors were portraying  people who had died and because they did not have enough "points" to get into Heaven they had to work as reapers - taking the soul of the newly dead and ensuring that it was on the right Path to the Pearly Gates. To perform this feat the Reaper mearly has to brush their hand on the soon to be departed arm or shoulder or body part that is convenient. Once the "accident" takes place the spirit arises and is directed in the right direction. It truly was an interesting series that unfortunately lasted only two seasons. 

     Anyways, when my Better Half and I play cribbage and I am cutting the deck for the turn card, she reaches across and runs her hand down my arm and over my hand that is cutting the deck. The question is twofold: Is she stroking my arm to impart some luck? Doubtful. Or, is she slowly reaping my soul one game of cribbage at a time?

Happy Thanksgiving!

08 Oct 22

13:45 hrs

     Happy Thanksgiving Dear Kidlettes!

     That's right it's that time to plan out your holiday feast. We are not having a whole turkey this year. We may be having some guests at the Wayward Inn but not enough to consume most of the bird and we really didn't want leftover turkey for the following fortnight. Instead we are having a small ham and a stuffed turkey breast. On the side there will be carrots, broccollini, two kinds of Schwartie hashbrowns (one of which was friendly to the Oma-nator), a casserole dish full of homemade stuffing and a pumpkin roll for dessert. The Sensei and his Lobster are attending as is the Jr. Loin Fruit's companion. It should be fun.

14 Oct 22

07:30 hrs.

     If you haven't been following the legal squeeze the Tangerine Tyrant is in? The Jan 6th Committee has reconvened and has issued a subpoena for the Orange Shit-gibbon to appear before the committee. If you think he's going to show up I've got a bridge to sell you. It will be cour challenge delays all the way to the Hugh-ess Supreme Court. I suppose they could issue a warrant for his arrest and drag his far ass in, which would be really nice to see but that would probably be the pre-emptive call to arms for all of his Sycophants. 

16:00 hrs.

     Well, the potatoes have been mashed and the onions have been sautéed avec ail. The beets have been peeled, diced and are waiting to be simmered. That's right! It's beet soup night. An acquired taste for sure but my family grew up with this. In fact, a couple of weeks ago my uncle posted a picture of the delicous bowl. It didn't take long for many family members to chime in saying that it has been far too long for them. What can I say, it's comfort food. Now normally there is bacon cooked with the onions but since the Jr. Couch Monkey is still a quasi-vegetarian the bacon was left out for his benefit. The Oma-nator will not be sampling the soup for two reasons. First, there are onions - so, she's out. Second, I don't think she has ever peeled, cooked or eaten a beet - either standard red or golden variety. My Lobster says beets taste like dirt. I actually enjoy eating beets. Washed, peeled, seasoned, wrapped in foil and roasted till soft on the Flame Pit....you can beat them.

     The weather on the Left Coast has been very dry. We have not had any appreciative precipitation for several months. There was some but it was up on the Beauforts which is good. The rain will be here soon enough.

16 Oct 22

07:31 hrs.

     The days are now much shorter and the nights are growing longer. The solar lights above the Flame Pit are no longer lit when I make coffee in the morning. And this morning the sky has an odd tinge to it. Not pink or red but a muted brown. There are forest fires over on the mainland. The cities there experiencing a spate of poor air quality rivaling Beijing or Delhi. That smoke may have been pushed over to The Rock causing the sky to look so weird.

     The leaves are changing colours now, as well. Here on the Left Coast we do not have the hardwoods like they do in Ontari-ari-ari-oh. Looking at the Beauforts there are splotches of colour showing the maples, aspens, alders and birches. Most of these also show where the rivers, creeks and lakes reside. It also shows where prior logging has occurred as these deciduous trees grow much more quickly than the replanted fir and spruce.

     The Jr. Couch Monkey has been writing his midterms and the results have been astounding. The Sr. Loin Fruit is still hopeful that he will find an apprenticeship. We are all hopeful because he needs to gain experience before he can attempt the next phase of his training. 

     My Lobster and I are taking a mini vay-cay. She has found a week of respite care for the Oma-nator who is concerned that they will be serving her onions with every meal. They won't, we have informed them of her dietary concerns. I'm sure that she is also worried that we will not retrieve her when we come home. Nothing is further from the truth.

     Have you seen Stanley Tucci's program on CNN Sunday evening? Food to die for. Basic food. Created in this manner for generations upon generations. It makes me think that we, North Americans, have forgotten what is good as we demand for all things, especially our food, to be over the top. Imagine a simple spaghetti dish made with only four components one of which is vegetable stock. Looks pretty damn good. And, one could easily substitute penne or spirals for the spaghetti eventhough those pasta shapes were designed to be accompanied with a type of sauce. This particular dish has no sauce. Just the four ingredients and some seasonings. Amazing. I'll have to get Chef Blaine give it a whirl. Come to think of it I should talk to my Better Half's Travelling Cuz'ns and see if they have had this dish before.

     I just say something on the news where in the Hugh-ess the food prices have risen so much over the past couple of years that a large number of people have been relying on food banks. In January 2020 one church in Atlanta they would aid thirty cars per week and now it's three thousand cars per week. And it's getting worse. Look after after your family and friends.

     

Holy Shit!

18 Sep 22

06:45 hrs

     Good Morning Dear Readers! As you may recall, I have had to radically change my diet and take a bunch of meds daily so I can tame The Beast. Well, things are really shaping up. My three month blood glucose test shows I am at 7.2, which is less than half of what it was when I started this journey, and last night when I was getting dressed  - we were going out to see a comedian, but more about that later - I decided to try on a pair of jeans that I haven't been able to wear for an extremely long time. They fit. I was absolutely stunned. I almost ran to the scales - well, I thought about it and decided not to - and weighed myself. Down another five pounds. Crazy!

20 Sep 22

08:30 hrs

     Unless you have been living in a cave this past week you will know that Her Maj has past away after 70 years on the throne. She was one of the longest, if not the longest, ruler of Britain and figure head of the Commonwealth. When I joined the service I swore my Oath of allegiance to Queen and Country so help me God. Why? Not just because I had to but because I was stating that I would do as I was asked/told or lawfully ordered to do by my Sovereign or Her representatives. In doing so I was putting my Faith in my leaders ability to do what was right. Yesterday Her Maj was laid to rest with all the pomp and Regal circumstance England could muster. I did note that the soldiers who were slow marching beside the casket were carrying arms. It is the SA80. A bullpup design where the magazine - the detachabke box that hold the bullets - is mounted behind the trigger group and not forward of it. This allows the weapon to be shorter and more maneuverable in tight places - ie buildings and vehicles. Unfortunately, the shorter length poses a unique problem in how to carry it during a ceremonial march. Normally, a long gun is carried over the shoulder as the 'Mericans do or it is tucked into the shoulder and held in ace by holding the pistol grip. The British soldiers were carrying their arms in their right hand reversed - butt forward, inverted - the magazine pointed up and gripping the muzzle with their left hand passing behind their back. Talk about super awkward. I'm sure that many of the troops, after slow marching five kilometers to Her final replace, were thinking, "Thank God this is over!" I know I would have been thinking it!

23 Sep 22

08:00 hrs

     I'm off today and so my Better Half and I are going to spend some time doing stuff today. I've been working non stop providing security assistance for contractors and she has been working non stop running the Wayward Inn and looking after the Oma-nator. So, this will be fun.

     It's an overcast day, which is nice since we have had little precipitation in the past couple of months. 

     On the international scene, Poo-tin is trying to round up 300K bodies to send to the war with Ukraine. Those in Russia who know the truth about the conflict do not support the war. Individuals who are protesting the conflict are being jailed. They're going to be underarmed and undertrained and when the face the Ukrainians they will be dead. In Iran at young lady was detained and died in the custody of the country's Morality Police for not properly wearing he hijab. Now millions of people are protesting in the streets, women are cutting their hair and burning their hijabs. 

     I have noticed that the new hotel being built by the casino is moving along nicely. What is needed is a hotel on our side of the bay. Sure, there are plenty of B&B's but there is only one motel here in Comox and often quite a few rooms are set aside as housing for substance abusers. I would like to see another place built here but the majority of the Valley's restaurants are not on this side of the bay.

24 Sep 22

05:15 hrs

     The autumn is here. The sun is slow to get out of bed and the leaves are turning colour. Here on the Left Coast we don't have the bright palette of the Eastern hardwoods but what we do have has quite the splash on the Beauforts. 

     I'm up to prep for work. The speed of the projects are accelerating. In a weeks time the work will continue through the night. Graveyard shift to be precise.

25 Sep 22

07:00 hrs

     Yesterday morning I was tossing out a heavy bag of garbage and I lifted the bag incorrectly straining my right rotator cuff. Having blown out the left one last year I knew how much this will pain me. I immediately began some remedial exercises. It was a short day and when I got home I doubled down on some meds and then racked out for three hours. After supper, a walk, a shower and more meds I racked out again. This morning my shoulder is still tender and I'll have to go easy on it for a few days.

     There's a rumour afoot that the Chinese leader Xi may be under house arrest and may be deposed. The country is in lockdown. Of course, being that this is China anything is possible. I'm sure the Western intelligence agencies are trying their best to have a peek behind the Great Wall. How much intel they are going to be able gather is up for debate as China has been a mosr secretive country since forever. I expect an announcement one way or another in the next week or so.

     In the past week I've noticed a few more restaurants have closed up shop. The shawarma shop is now shuttered as is the Cornerstone. The Cornerstone was a rather interesting spot with local musicians, interesting meals and numerous craft beers. I know that many restaurants, not just here but across the province and country, were tested by the Beer Flu. Many failed and closed up. Some did not. Maybe it wasn't the Beer Flu. Maybe the owners said screw it and closed up tossing their staff to the street. Some owners are assholes. I wouldn't be surprised.

     On a final note, our Jr. Loin Fruit has been graded again and he achieved the Second Dan (level) in karate. We are all very proud of him.

     

Rainbows and kitten kisses

30 Aug 22

19:45 hrs

     Well Kidlettes, it would seem that quite a number of my Dear Readers had read my previous blog and thought that I was depressed, hard done by or just plain sad. I hate to tell you this but I wasn't angry I was just saying that I'm getting older - who isn't  - and I was just mentioning things that irked me. That's all. So, to put everyone at ease I will endeavor to drop the negativity and try to look more on the positive side. How does that sound?

     The Valley is still looking for some precipitation. It rained for about twenty minutes last weekend. Certainly not enough to keep the forest wet by any means.

01 Sep 22

04:45 hrs

     Yes, I am awake. 

     And.....I'll be taking a travel mug of espresso to work.

     Everyone in the Valley - and probably the entire Great White North  - is looking forward to this holiday weekend. Children hate it because it marks the end of summer. Parents love it because it marks the start of start of the school year. Regardless of where you live please remember to check your speed when approaching, driving through and exiting school zones. I would suggest that when possible use alternative routes to avoid school zones altogether. The Jr. Loin Fruit will also be heading back to the local college for a fully loaded semester.

     The nights a growing longer and the daytime high temos are bleeding off some at night. Just enough to have dew forming every night. 

02 Sep 22

05:45 hrs

     I'm up at the crack of dawn. Only dawn hasn't arrived yet. The nights are getting longer and the sun will be rising as I'm driving into work. That's also when our local Bambi population is out on the roads too.

06:45 hrs

     I'm at work and the sun is just coming over the peaks of the coastal range mountains on the Other Side of the salt chuck. A huge orange ball. It cooled off enough last night that we have ground fog in the low areas of the runways. I would love to take a photo of it but photography is strictly Verboten. 

03 Sep 22

07:15 hrs

     Good Morning Campers. I trust you all had a good rest last night. I did. I finally got more than five hours of sleep  but I know it's not enough. I'll try to grab a nap later. 

     I have a couple of chores to do today. I have to finish remodeling the Princess Ensuite. The shower doors are coming off, the upper track will be removed and a regular shower curtain and rod will be installed. This is being done to make it easier for the Oma-nator to take a shower. I've asked the Couch Monkeys to give me a hand. Hopefully we can complete the task without too many complications. 

     Have you heard of the James Webb telescope? Many years ago the Space Guys in the Hugh-ess sent the Hubble telescope up into an Earth orbit. Free from the light and fossil fuel pollution Hubble gave us some amazing views of the stars. However, this new piece of kit is showing the world things that people have only dreamed of. The James Webb unit was designed to look for exo-planets. Exo-planets are those planets that are more likely to have some form of life on them. I guess we're tired of being alone. 

     I saw on the weather channel that after this weekend there will be a 24°C temperature drop in Cowtown. Once that happens summer will be definitely be over for my L'il Sis. 

04 Sep 22

07:30 hrs

     We had run last night with a promise of more rain today. My Lobster is ecstatic! When I had pulled the plug in the Peg I could have moved anywhere in the country. We discussed what our requirements would be post-service and one thing that stood out was that she wanted to move someplace where it rained a lot but got little snow. Having lived on The Rock earlier in my career I knew that it was the perfect spot for us. And here we are almost twenty years later.

     I made muffins this morning. They started out as coffee cake muffins but I added some grated carrot and chopped pecans and then I ran out of batter so I mixed up some basic muffin mix and added the rest of the filling mixture. Baking is supposed to be a science. Well, not today it isn't. If they turn out to be edible I'm calling them Everything but the Kitchen Sink muffins.

     I've been reading alot of books lately and not just my well thumbed old standbys. The Sage had given me a copy of Bill Browder's second book, Freezing Order. Bill Browder had brought high finance and world banking to Russia after The WALL fell in the early 90's. He made money. The Russians made money - lots of money. But, as everyone knows money is power and when combined together people will get greedy. As a result the oligarchs,  protected by Putin, began to cheat, rob, plunder and murder their way for greater acquisitions. Some their corporate takeovers were Browder's clients so he fought back - legally. This resulted in the Russians - Putin - going after him. Browder fled Russia and his Russian lawyer - Sergei Magnitsky - stayed to fight the cases. Sergei was jailed on some bogus charge. He was starved and eventually beaten to death in a Russian prison when he wouldn't sign a false confession. Browder's first book was Red Notice and it detailed most of what I just told you. The second book, Freezing Order, continues with the story of Putin's attempts to have Browder arrested and deported to Russia. Oh, and did I mention the hit squads? If you haven't read them I suggest you head to your local library or book store. Both are well worth the read.

     Another book that I have been slogging though is Stanley Tucci's book Taste. Tucci is an actor but he is a huge foodie. The big difference between him and me is that he has the means to live in England, travel the globe for work and dine on everything that simple or decadent or plain or extravagant. I, on the other hand, must be content with our own dining creations - and I am - and salivate when I read the gastronomic tomes.

17:30 hrs

     It's Greek night at the Wayward Inn.  The Jr. Loin Fruit is making homemade pita bread things, my Better Half has made a Greek salad, I have chicken stickits on tbe Flame Pit and I think there's some other stuff too. All in all it will be quite the feast. Tomorrow my Lobster and I will head up to Paradise Meadows for a walk in the woods. Watch for pictures.

Literally!?

16 Aug 22

09:45 hrs

     What the hell is going on? Over and over and over again I am hearing this word falling out of the mouths of everyone - "LITERALLY." As in - I literally crapped my pants when I saw the bus almost hit my car! Or, I literally died when I saw the cost off...  Sounds bullshit to me.

     When listening to this verbal diarrhea you have to ask the question - Did you really (actually) crap your pants? No? Would it not be better to state - "I nearly (but not quite) crapped my pants" - ? 

     And people from all walks of life fall back to the comforting embrace of the illiterate dullard. My Lobster and the Oma-nator were just watching some mindless talent spotting program, although not as entertaining as Spot the Brain Cell, where the host was talking about the next acts appearing on stage. By his verbiage I knew that he was using the Ebonics phrase of aksed (or axed) as in "He aksed me a question". Ah yes, Ebonics - the curriculum created by teachers who gave up on kids who couldn't read or speak English so everyone gets a pass.

17 Aug 22

20:30 hrs

     Our Jr. Couch Monkey headed to the gym on foot in +30°C weather. Crazy. When he returned to the Wayward Inn he told us that the air circulation was minimal at best and with all the 'roided up gym rats dripping of sweat the atmosphere was hanging like so much low fruit.

     I heard through the grapevine that my partner from my Dog Chasing days is in hospital in Hub City. I don't quite understand the issue is but he's been laid up for a while. He's a good guy, ex-Queen's Cowboy, and we had worked well together. I would only hope that he would be concerned if the roles were reversed.

28 Aug 22

10:30 hrs

     Nce again I've been remiss in my duties. I know I should be writing more often and I haven't been. I'll have to make a more concerted effort. 

     The summer is almost over and with all of the travelling and work I have not been out camping nor Out in the Weeds. My Friend from Over the Hump has been busy with his own issues so we have only been out a couple of times to drown some worms. I've asked Gordo if wants to go but he's about to head to the Family Hideaway which is somewhere near Lake Soup in Ontari-ari-ari-oh. He'll be gone a month and while he's gone I will be putting a lot of hours on the airfield. Gordo has the same quals that I do so we are often paired up on the larger jobs. Another workmate, who is just as qualified, has decided to pull the pin and move to the Interior. He will be hard to replace and he will be missed.

     My Lobster just mentioned that All Hallow's Eve is only two months away. For me it means that I have to pull out the buckets of decorations and set it up. 

     From the Lower Mainland some guy, Singh something or other, decided that he could ignore the fact that he needed to have a building permit. The city had ordered a cease and desist order but he ignored it and continued with the construction. Now, after losing the court case, he has been ordered to demolish all that had built, plant trees to replace those he had illegally cut down and pay a fine. Sucks to be him. In India, a developer was forced to implode two 300+ foot tall apartment towers that he had built because he did not have the necessary permits. Sucks to be him too.

     The cook book is progressing slowly. But, it is progressing. I'm adding some dessert recipes as well. Hopefully,  it will be ready by Christmas. 

     Well Dear Readers, that's about it for now. Take care. Drop me a line.

Back in the Valley

01 Aug 22

09:45 hrs

     Yes, I am back at the Wayward Inn. I've been back for a week. After a round trip of 2446 km the Ram's fuel mileage was 11.2 ltr/100km or 25 miles/imp gal. The best mileage I had was 10.4 ltr/100 km or 27miles per Imperial gal. I know that's crazy, right? But, the numbers don't lie.

     After the internment at the Grid Ref. everyone dispersed to the four points of the compass. The surviving Sage went east with her brother to The Peg and L'il Sis headed west for Cowtown at Oh-Dark-30. I was invited to my youngest uncle's summer residence on Lake Dief. I spent three nights there. I met a couple of his cohorts - The Mexican and Shrek - who are pretty good neighbour's. The last night there I caught two walleye. It had been years since I had fished for them. Pretty sweet. 

     On Thursday I drove from Lake Dief to St. Albert to see Slam and Em. I hadn't seen them since they surprised the crap out of me at the Sr. Sage's service last year. The rum was certainly flowing this year. I spent one night at their house and the one night at the Taj-ma-Trailer. Campfire, finger food, more rum. That's the life. The following morning I headed farther west along the Yellowhead to K'loops. I had arranged for a one night billet with an old family friend. She and her husband have the original Wayward Inn. For as long as I have known her - going on some 50 years - their house was always a safe and welcoming place for great many people from all walks of life. 

08 Aug 22

06:30 hrs

     Life has been a whirlwind at the Wayward Inn. The Couch Monkeys have been busy, my Better Half has been busy and yours truly has been busy too! Even the Oma-nator, in her own way, has been busy as well. 

     The new book - How to Cook your way Out of a Wet Paper Bag! - is coming  along fairly well. I'll keep plugging away at it. The Couch Monkeys and my Lobster have assisted me in suggesting additional recipes. Of course, all of the recipes, well most of them, will have to be tested for their accuracy and completeness. 

10 Aug 22

07:30 hrs.

     The other day our Sr. Loin Fruit recieved a letter from the college. After all of his exams it appears that he was the Top Dog and made the Dean's List. We are all so proud of him and I'm sure his accomplishment has been a real boost to his self confidence. Now he has to find a company to apprentice with before he goes back to school. He still has a few years of schooling to go but the rewards will be worth the hard work.

     Down in the Hugh-ess the Federales went to the Tangerine Tyrant's residence to retrieve documents that he was no longer authorized to retain. When he, the Orange Shit-gibbon, was ousted he felt that he was entitled to keep whatever he wanted. Nobody in his orbit would ever say that he couldn't eventhough they all knew it was illegal to do so. Well, the chickens have come home to roost and this will just add an additional criminal investigation into his actions. But, the interesting thing about all of this is if he is found guilty of not properly storing or destroying classified documents he could be barred from running for any political office. Not president, not postmaster,  not even dog catcher. 

     The grounds of the old hospital are still being transformed into a Dimentia Village. I don't recall how many patients it will house but the plan is to have an enclosed village where the patients can wander into shops and cafés and gathering places in complete safety. It's an impressive plan that has had success in other places. Completion date is farther down the road but it can't be soon enough. 

     That's about it Kidlettes. I'm sorry this has taken so long and I will endeavor to increase my scribbling.

The Road Trip continues...

15 Jul.22

10:45 hrs

     The Sage and I made it to Cowtown with few incidents and no fanfare. Spent the night at L'il Sis's place. Hotter than Hell here and the traffic is insane. Cowtown has 1.2 million residents and there are more moving here every day. Tomorrow we will head out to the Badlands where this rolling circus will add one more vehicle to the convoy.

16 Jul 22

06:45 hrs

     The Beast is hungry. I scoped out the continental breakfast selection yesterday and it is geared to send my numbers up so I'll have to be careful.

21:30 hrs

     The road trip from The Badlands to The Big Why was via Saskabush was a bit of a schmozzle. I was unable to keep tabs on L'il Sis as she weaved through traffic. The first time I was not given our destination address but was told to just follow me. Not that the address would have done me any good as it is a new build and the street isn't in Garmin's data base. The second time occurred coming into Saskabush. The game plan was to hit the first mall so the Sage could purchase some flowers. Not a problem. I was following a car, of the same make, model and colour as the Sage's,  and it turned into the first mall we came to. That's when my phone rang. I parked and answered Li'l Sis. Evidently, I drove right past them. I told them where I was and they came to meet me. I pointed out the stores where they may find flowers and I left.  I had the coordinates of our last destination plugged in so I headed off. I was done being the follower. 

     None of what happened needed to occur in the first place if the lead vehicle - the leader - had ensured that all the parties involved knew the destination and had driven in such a manner so the follower(s) would have no issue keeping track of the lead car - ie.  Don't continually pass the vehicles in front if the follower(s) can't maintain a position behind you. If you can't see the people you're leading they probably can't see you so pull over and wait for them to catch up.

     At the Big Why, everyone had discovered deficiencies in their rooms. It's plus 1000 degrees outside and the rooms prepped for us did not have the A/C running or the fridges cooled down. TV's don't work right, burned out bulbs and no batteries in some smoke detectors. This place will not fair well on trip advisor. And it's the best place in the Big Why.

Almost ready...

11 Jul 22

05:30 hrs

     It's the day before The Big Road Trip. I'm almost ready. The box has been built for the back of the Ram. I would say it's 85% complete. I have a couple of access doors and the top lid to complete when I get back and I have one light that's snagged. But, my electric cooler system works with power from either the STAB -srand alone battery or the Ram. I just have to mount the voltage regulator for the solar panel. It may not be pretty but it's functional. 

     I still have to pack. It won't take long. I was used to through clothes in a bag and heading out the door at moments notice. A lot of my coworkers used have an away bag packed at all times. Some people I know now have a bug out bag packed as well. One friend used to live in the Downtown Eastside and he kept a bag with enough clothes, food and equipment including a temporary shelter to last several days. Smart.

     I've been watching a program called Taboo on Netflix. Set in 1810 - give or take a few years - it revolves around the ownership of Nootka Sound - the Big Island on the Left Coast - and the settlement of the border between the Hugh-ess and the Great White North. Great acting, excellent costumes and rather riveting. 

12 Jul 22

05:25 hrs

     I am in Hub City. I left the Wayward Inn at about 04:00 hrs and cleared the Valley at 04:15 hrs. The power supply system for the cooler works great. Just to be on the safe side I had it plugged into shore power through the night. My Lobster rolled over as I departed and reminded me to unplug the system before I drove away. Good idea. 

     I had finished packing the Ram yesterday. The Oma-nator asked my Better Half if she had packed my suitcases. She's so cute. In all of our years together I don't remember if my Lobster had ever packed my luggage. Whenever tbe Oma-nator and her Better Half ever went on a trip it was her responsibility to pack everything and if anything was forgotten it fell on her head. There is a way to handle that. One man! One kit! You look after your own shit! 

14 Jul 22

05:00 hrs.

     I'm at the Sage's place and in the next couple of hours we will be departing for the next stop on the Grand Tour, Cowtown. I'll be driving the Ram and the Sage will be driving her own automobile. The plan is to stop someplace between here and there and have a packed lunch. We'll be staying at L'il Sis's place and then on Friday we're heading for the Hoodoo's where they, along with a passenger they're picking up enroute and some relatives dropping down from the Big Perogie, are going to the Passion Play. Not me! I'm going to look for dinosaurs. By the way, I have the honor of transporting the Senior Sage to his final resting place. 

     I'm tracking my fuel consumption for each leg of the trip and the overall distance. So far, from the Wayward Inn to here the Ram used 11.4 ltr/100km. That translates to 33.20 km/US gal or 20.63 m/US gal or 24.78 m/Imp gal. Impressive.

We're still here....Barely.

23 Jun 22

06:00 hrs

     The Beast is proving to be quite the problem. In the past three weeks I have dropped 24 pounds. But, with all that we -  my Better Half is a great coach - have done with diet, exercise and meds my numbers have not come down far enough. So, now I'm taking another subcutaneous injection that is supposed to aid in my goal. I took my first shot last night and this morning my number is down at least three points from what I had read every other morning. I still have a long ways to go and I'll get there eventually. 

     Time is closing in on The Big Road Trip. The storage box for the back of the Ram has begun to take shape. The internal dividers and shelves have to be built and installed. The electrical components are ready to be wired in as well. The only thing that may not happen is the painting. I wanted to paint the shelves inside and out but I do not have the time to do that. Once completed it may not look pretty but it will be functional. 

21:00 hrs.

     One more day to this shift. This weekend is supposed to be blazing hot so going fishing is out. I've got a few projects to do at home anyways. There is a bunch of tall grass invading the Saskatoonberry bushes and the horseradish plants need to be weeded as well. The big gate to the backyard needs to be worked on as there is dry rot on one of the boards. I should be able to partially disassemble the rotting parts and replace them with new wood. I would really like to replace the entire set of gates. Maybe next year. 

     My Better Half gave the back lawn a Brazilian. She was mowing and noted the large number of bees in the clover and decided to leave some for them. Sounds like a good idea as we need more bees. It's simple .... no bees = no food = no life.

     There is still lots of construction happening in the Valley. The new Cubes are just about completed. I've heard they are going for $600K. That's for a three storey townhouse. I don't think that qualifies as affordable housing.

24 Jun 22

06:00 hrs

     A couple of nights ago my Lobster and I went for a big walk through the neighborhood and we spotted a big bird nest near the new Cubes. I don't know if it is occupied. Pictures will be posted. Last night we went for another big walk to deliver a copy of Wood Knocks and Tossed Rocks to a friend who purchased a copy for a friend of hers. Yes, my first book is still being sold, both online and from out of the Wayward Inn. It's hard to believe that it has been in print for eight years. I'll be happy when I finish my third book.

     Yesterday, when I was getting ready to come home from work, I discovered that I had inadvertently sat on a cushion that had been coated in a heavy grease. My work pants and the driver's seat cover in the Ram was now coated with this grease. Not good. My Better Half found a three step process to remove the sticky substance. It worked!

     Have you been watching or following the Jan 6th Hearings from the Hugh-ess? It's a great behind the scenes look at the Shit Show Circus the Tangerine Tyrant was trying to coordinate to keep himself in power. There was also a four part program about the Watergate break in that took place 50 years ago. Great history stuff.

30 Jun 22

06:00 hrs

     And....Happy Thursday Kidlettes!

     Tomorrow is Canada Day. So, while you are lounging with beer in hand and burgers on the Flame Pit, take the time to reflect on what this nation means to you and try to make it just a little better for all. 

     Speaking of burgers...last night I cooked up an assortment of patties - beef, veggie and salmon. My Lobster baked some homemade whole wheat burger buns. They were so soft that I was the only one capable of slicing them without tearing them. And they tasted great too. But, the Beast didn't like them. No, Sir. My BGI shot up seven points. It took most of the night for it to drop back down to where I started. So, breads are out until I get the BGI down to a normal range which could be another couple of weeks at the minimum. And that could be an issue as I will be on The Big Road Trip.y Lobster is concerned that I'll slip in my new food regimen. I'll ear shrimp instead.

     12:30 hrs

     This is the one year anniversary since the sleepy Interior town of Lytton was cauterized from the mighty Fraser Valley. A massive wildfire razed it to its very foundations. Homes, businesses,personal belongings, banks and infrastructure was all removed. Today the townsfolk are having a day of Remembrance with the hope of rebuilding. It has also been a year since I last saw my father. It will take longer to rebuild this hurt than Lytton. 

     I heard yesterday thar the new Rabbit Hutches near the Wayward Inn are renting for nearly 2K and you still have to pay for parking. Here on the Left Coast rent has become so expensive that many people in their Golden Years are opting to sell their place and then downsize into an apartment where they have zero, or next to zero, maintenance costs and can live comfortably knowing that the equity unlocked by the sale of their house will likely cover their rent until well after they have passed away. An interesting idea.....

The End of the Month

28 May 22

04:45 hrs

     Getting old really sucks and if you are not careful you will wind up dead or worse if you don't start taking care of yourself now. All the boxes of beers and all the late night pizzas and all the extra chockie bars have finally come to roost. 

     Let me give you a word of advice. If you have scratches, scrapes or wounds that are taking forever to heal you might want to check with your doctor. If you are finding yourself constantly thirsty and in need of frequent urination you might check with your doctor. There are dozens of more indications that I could tell you but if you're not willing to pay attention to yourself what's the sense?

    I made all those mistakes and more. And, as a result, I am now a diabetic. 

     My shock was immense probably because I felt invincible. Well, I'm not. When you get right down to it no one is.

     So, the Doc has me on some new meds that is designed to combat the excess sugars in my system. That plus watching what I am putting into my system.

04 Jun 22

     Happy Birthday to me.

     And of course I'm working. Nine years ago, when I turned 50. My Lobster threw a surprise party for me. Friends and relatives from far and wide came to celebrate. My dad was still alive then as were Mike and Lorraine from Hub City. There were several other friends there who, sadly, have passed away as well.

     Never take a day on this side of the sod for granted. Accept the challenges in life. Always push forwards and help your fellow person. Stand up for what is right.

       Miseris Succurrere Disco 

     On a lighter note,  have seen these people walking through your neighborhood with their bluetooth airpod tuned in having a one-sided conversation with no one? It's as if they are Elmer Dowd and they're talking to a pookha. (If you can figure it out, it's a great movie.)

09 Jun 22

     A couple of things have happened in the past little while. My Lobster threw a surprise party for me last Sunday. A small gathering of friends at the Wayward Inn.  She even rooked in my compadre, Gordo, who took me to a movie while the Wayward Inn was decorated and the guests arrived. Chef Blaine was hired to man the Flame Pit as Sous Irene had already made all of the sides and appies. It was a great event.

     I'm still trying to get a handle on the Beast that I have acquired. I am now plugged in to a glucose sensor that I scan multiple times a day. My meds will be changing. My food intake, not that it was overly large, has been reformed overnight in its content, its amount and its very makeup. Yes, we had been watching what we ate - reading labels and whatnot. But, we - meaning I - had abused my body with too much alcohol, too much garbage food and too little exercise for many many years and now the cows have come home to roost. This year when I went to see the Sage and I was pounding back the H2O and passing a river every 90 minutes was a direct result of the Beast coming to the forefront.

13 Jun 22

09:30 hrs

     Back to the grind. But, today it's an easy day. My Lobster is back from the Pearl the Pacific. She had gone with friends to watch Hamilton. The trip was good with only one hiccup. Two of the pax decoded get out of the vehicle to get some food before getting on the boat. Needless to say the line started moving and the vehicle was able to get on an earlier departure. The two missed the boat resulting in the car remaining in Hub City for the next boat that arrived ninety minutes later. No cool. 

    I heard on the radio that some person has climbed Everest ten times. Risking your life once to ascend the world's tallest peak is a challenge to be sure but ten times? Doesn't this person have any other goals to achieve? Or, is there a hidden death wish? And, who's funding the adventure because it can cost up to $85K per person to make the attempt. I suppose it's all about the sponsors.

     Work has been steady for everyone at the Wayward Inn. The Couch Monkeys are engaged in their endeavors, my Better Half is busy with the Oma-nator and I am all over the map with three different assignments this week. Makes the time pass quickly so I don't have time to worry about the Beast.

Another week gone!

03 May 22

08:15 hrs.

     Good morning Campers! And remember that today is THC Tuesday! So, let's have a little fun out there shall we? 

     That's right folks start your day with some CBD for the aches and pains. Have a little Sativa to get the house work done and finish off with some relaxing Indica in the late afternoon. Life is so much easier when all the niggling things don't bother you.

     We still have our latest Rental. Jack has been with us for about six weeks. He's about six or seven months old and now that he has overcome his fear of people he's roaming the Wayward Inn at will. Of course this has pissed of Miss Maggy Baggybits to no end. We're kinda hoping that he will be adopted soon. 

     Speaking  of the Wayward Inn, the blossoms on the Saskatoon berry bushes are extremely plentiful this year. Maybe there will be enough for a pie this season. The other thing to note is that the leaves on the trees between us and the Redneck will pretty much obscure his place. Nice.

     The Oma-nator keeps right on trucking. Kidney function is up. Meds are down. And still playing Trouble. She has her routines and wants to help so we let her. I like to make her laugh because without laughter you might as well have your soul sucked out of you and then move to the Golden Horseshoe. And who the hell would want to live there? Especially on purpose.

     I've added a new flag to list of what's flown at the Wayward Inn. It's the Tibetan flag for the month of May. Let's back up Dear Readers. There are several different flags that are flown and for good reason. Our Nation's flag, the RCAF ensign, the Pride flag is flown in June, a Christmas flag for December and a Bavarian flag for February - the Oma-nator and my Better Half's birth month. So why the Tibetan flag in May. Well, it's to draw attention to the Chinese the annexation of Tibet in May of 1951.

18:30 hrs

     I saw today that the Mariupol steel plant, that was being shelled by the Rotten Ruskies on a daily basis, has been evacuated. The You-Alls have donated ninety M-777 155mm artillery pieces. In the right hands these long guns can accurately land shells within just several metres from thirty miles away. The Great White North sent four of these units.

     There is plenty of snow on tbe Beauforts and this last weekend saw the post Beer Flu return of the Snow to Surf race, www.snowtosurf.com The race includes two kinds of skiing, two kinds of cycling, there is running, kayaking, canoeing and maybe some snowshoeing too. The route starts at our ski resort then transits the Valley to the Big Lake the transits the Valley again to the estuary and ends up on the far shore where after ringing the bell to stop the clock someone will hand you a beer. Congrats!

04 May 22

09:45 hrs

     One more sleep. One more sleep and I am on the road to the Sage's place. I haven't been there since the Senior Sage's service last August. I'll be grabbing the BC Navy boat out of Hub City direct to the Western Pearl and then on to Fish Elbow. The question will be - do I go right or left at the junction? Both are under reconstruction due to the winter storms last year. One adds two hours to the trip while the other is a boring drive. I just saw what the expected fuel prices could be and it is really going through the roof. I don't know why it is getting so expensive,  especially since we don't get our oil from The Mean Olde Ruskies. I guess since their oil is not obtainable on the world market the demand for what is left has drive the price through the roof.

13 May 22

11:30 hrs

     Yes, I know that I am late. I have gone to the Sage's and back AND, I wrote nothing. I apologize. So, sorry.

     To recap...

     The trip out was not bad. Spent my time discovering where the highway construction was taking place. Several bridges had been washed out and many more were comprised in last November's storms. There is evidence of some of last year's forest fires and in some places landslides had taken place because there were no trees to retain the forests thin topsoil. While Fish Elbow I helped out the Sage as much as I could. She seems to be ready for the big yard sale on the May Two-four weekend.  L'il Sis is coming in from Cowtown.

16 May 22

07:45 hrs

     I'm back at work again. The weather is about three weeks late. We are still experiencing temps much less than normal and we are receiving more rain than normal. I had spread fertilizer on the back lawn and now everyone is afraid to venture into the back yard for fear of being jumped by some WWII Japanese soldier who is still dug in. I am really hoping the weather clears so I can go fishing with my Friend from Over the Hump. I'll have to finish getting the boat ready today of we're going to have a shot at it.

     My Better Half has decided that we are adopting the Rental. They have really taken to each other. On the other hand, Miss Maggy Baggybits has not. She is still Queen of the Castle and does not cotton too much to this young upstart.

     The Sensei and his Lobster were over for a night of cards, snacks and adult beverages. Our youngest Loin Fruit joined in as well which added an extra dynamic.

     I can just see the Beauforts from my position. There is still plenty of snow up there. As much as would like the temps to rise the snow pack will keep the forest fires at bay. Last year's fires on the mainland were devastating for many communities with one town in the Fraser Canyon being reduced to ashes in just hours. That being said, there is a woman who the Queens's Cowboys are looking for as there is evidence that she started some fires - nee committed arson - in the Interior. 

     Well Kidlettes,  I'm going to close this off. Sorry it took so long. If you have any questions drop me a line.

The Fix is In!

20 Apr 22

19:30 hrs.

     Our Dear Friend, the Ex-pat, is fading fast. She can't talk, has no strength to hold a cup, cannot herself and I doubt if she can even see. She's a tough old bird. Survived WWII and was posted with her Better Half, who served with the British Para's,  through Africa, Palestine - before Israel was created - and the Far East. She and I sparred on a friendly basis. Getting our digs in at each other. 

     My Better Half and our Jr. Couch Monkey have a plan to keep me occupied and out of trouble if my cheese ever slips off my cracker. They told me that they would set me up a tent in the backyard on a Squatch expedition. The tent would be surrounded with potted foliage of various kinds. My son would occasionally dress up in a Wookie costume and rattle the tent in the moonlight. Funny people! 

22 Apr 22

08:15 hrs

     I've been up for about four hours now. You know when you get something stuck in your head and you can't shake it so you get up anyways. Yeah, that thing. I hate it. Anyways my Lobster sent me a message that our friend, The Olde Brit, passed some time this morning. There is nothing left to say. She had fought the good fight and now she is at peace. And if you listen closely you can hear laughing cackles of the Hyenaes and Jackals hunting for the spoils. I hate them.

     

Would you believe snow?

13 Apr 2022

07:45 hrs.

     Hello Kidlettes, 

     Yes, we here on the Left Coast have had a spate of shitty weather. Not long lasting. But just enough to piss a person off. I'm not complaining though. By complaining you are invoking "worse". As in - I don't think things could ever get worse!" That's when the Gods of Chance roll a set of loaded dice and when they come up Snake Eyes the hammer will fall right on you. Never mess with worse. I think the 'Peg, as a whole, has invoked worse because this weekend they are going to be hammered with 50+cm of snow and 70km winds that will push the snow into 6 foot drifts.

14 Apr 22

17:00 hrs.

     Another week done. It was a short week and next week will be short as well. The only piss off is our garbage day has now been moved from Friday to Monday. Our one allowed can will be packed as the last pick up was last Friday. There can be a lot of waste added in three days. 

     This is Easter weekend. Are you having a large Beer Flu friendly meal? What are you preparing? Chef Blaine and Sous Irene are preparing a ham with several sides. We may have a guest or two. Maybe not. The Sage is in Cowtown visiting her Bro and  Little Sis. I'll be seeing the Sage at her place in the beginning of May. I'll be booking my ride on the Left Coast Navy pretty soon as they have been suffering some from Beer Flu mutiny of the crew and vessel break downs. Sounds like the Black Sea fleet. They lost their flagship vessel to shore launched anti-shipping missiles. Of course the Russkies say that the ship was damaged and sunk when the ammunition magazine caught fire. I guess telling your populace that crew incompetence sank the ship means you don't have to tell them that enemy forces put your ship onto the seafloor. 

15 Apr 22

11:30 hrs.

     Can you believe that I slept in till 0800? Unheard of. 

     We're out and about getting supplied for tonight's fare. The Sensei and his....Hold the phone .....Breaking News!!!

     The rebuilt restaurant on the main drag is a KFC! It was rumored to be a Popeyes or a Mary Brown's. Now back to your regular station.

     .... Lobster are coming over for Growlies and Games. Chef Blaine and Sous Irene are cooking up Indian food - slow cooker butter chicken, a paneer dish, jasmine rice with saffron, toasted green beans with cashews and homemade gluten free flatbread. All good stuff.

16 April 22

06:50 hrs

     I'm pretty sure that everyone had a good time last night. The food was great. The card games were lots of fun - I was burned playing golf with nearly 100 points after the first three hands. The only issue was that I had a bit too much of the magic and I may have made a fool of myself - not again. I'm going to get ahold of the Sensei and his Better Half and make sure everything thing is copasetic. 

     The check in was appreciated but not necessary. All is good.

18 Apr 22

05:45 hrs

     Yup, I'm awake. What else is new? Yesterday we dined on steamed coloured carrots, brussel sprouts, two kinds of Schwartzies hash Brown's and a pre-sliced glazed ham from The Big Box Store. Our Sr. Loin Fruit brought home a blackberry dessert wine. It was excellent. Today , due to the dietary concerns in the Wayward Inn, we're going to have three different variations of Wife Saver for brunch. In the meantime, I'm sipping a coffee and watching The Kingdom on Netflix. 

  

With one eye open...

03 Apr 22

07:45 hrs

     Yes, it is with one eye open that I am typing out this page. Last week my Lobster had arranged for us to spend an evening with The Sensei and his Better Half. We walked to their place and ate a wonderful meal that Chef Charlene had produced - homemade chicken enchiladas, dirty rice and a Mexican salad. Dessert was a gluten free lemon meringue pie. All of it was fantastic. After dinner we all walked to the Wayward Inn for cards and libations. And a good time was had by all. Chef Blaine had made some Maki rolls and left me to slice and serve them. A bit heavy on the wasabi but pretty good all the same.

04 Apr 22

05:30 hrs

     The start of another week and today is my Jr. Loin Fruit's birthday. A whole 22 years of age. He's still doing his schooling and he has a plan in place for his future. We're going to celebrate tomorrow as some of us are busy tonight.

     The new Rabbit Hutches near the Wayward Inn are nearly complete and a couple of the buildings now have residents. With 200+ more units there is going to be a lot more traffic in that very small portion of the neighborhood. And, we know that the rental units are pretty pricey. Is that because the developer wants to earn the most the fastest? Is it in line with "the market index"? Is it to keep the riff raff out of the this residential area because the NIMBY's all know that low priced rental units will attract the societal dregs work who are apt to commit crimes in their neighborhood? 

06 Apr 22

07:30 hrs

     Yesterday was an 11 1/2 hour day in the salt mine and as soon as I got home I quickly changed so we could all go out. The Jr. Couch Monkey had chosen to have us dine at a very posh restaurant. It over looks the Harbour and much to my Better Half's concern its menu is very seafood forward. We all relaxed with an aperitif and selected our meals. When going to a restaurant I like to order something tha Chef Blaine or Chef Irene do not normally create at the Wayward Inn. So, I had the panko crusted chicken breast stuffed with crab, asparagus and brie with garlic mashed potatoes seasonal veggies on an bed of bourankaas cream sauce. Pretty swanky. 

     After the bill was all settled we all returned to the Wayward Inn for birthday cake. Chef Irene had made a cream cheese cake in a bundt pan. Delicious! We played a few rounds of Moral Dilemma. We used to have it before but the previous version was a heck of a lot tamer. This new version is much more adult and can really put a person on the spot. We'll have to play it the next time we get together with the Sensei and his Lobster. 

    One final thing, my Better Half and I dashed off to see the Ex-pat Brit. She has been in hospital since she sold the house last September and the cretins moved the northern Interior. The Ex-pat  won't be with us much longer. Her body is all but consumed itself and I dare say she weighs less than her bed linens. The hospital staff is keeping her comfortable which is a Godsend. She has several other friends who have been going to see her on a regular basis but all of the Jackals, Vultures and Hyenaes are in the Interior. Once she has left for the Great Beyond it won't be long before they stalk their way to the lawyers office to feast on the spoils. They have been snapping and snarling for monies ever since the Ex-pat's husband passed away five years or so. I would really like to see her donate the bulk of her estate to a charity and leave them an amount that reflects how much they put into caring for their Matriarch, which is next to nothing. It's all about Treason and Fuckery and in my mind this is her golden opportunity for a little payback. 

And the Beat(ing) goes on!

21 Mar 22

05:30 hrs

     Today is Day 28 of the Bear's invasion Ukraine. And they are punishing the residents because they will not capitulate. The world stands behind Ukraine but will the Bear be punished.

23 Mar 22

19:15 hrs

     The Oma-nator and my Better Half have been spending Mittwoch at a Senior's Centre having supper and visit with people in her peer group. So, Chef Blaine made his designer tomato soup and a gourmet grilled cheese. The Couch Monkeys enjoyed supper immensely. 

     The Sensei and his Lobster are back from their winter solstice hiding in the Nation's Capital. We are all wondering when we'll be getting together for a night of Appies & Aces. 

14:25 hrs

     I have to double check my blind spots. I almost hit a pedestrian. Not good.

     On another note, there is a new multi-use facility being built on the site of the old theater. Four floors, so shops on the ground and condos or apartments upstairs. I'm sure the city would love to have more residents in the downtown core but where the hell are they going to park? If someone lived downtown and worked downtown then they really would need a vehicle because the core is so damn small you could walk it in an hour. But you would need a vehicle to go anywhere in town because the public transit system sucks.

26 Mar 22

07:30 hrs

     I have only a couple of goals today. I need to finish off our taxes and I have to drive up to River City to get a new cap installed on the Ram. Will I be modifying the Interior later. 

     Breakfast this morning at the Wayward Inn will be Breakfast burritos. I haven't had them for awhile so I figure I'll try to see if the Oma-nator will eat one too.

     Take care all!

It's on time!

08 Mar 22

19:00 hrs

     Today is Day 13 - I think - of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Russians have been making headway but at an extreme cost. Over two million people have fled Ukraine for all points West. Thousands of people have flocked to join the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. Arms and humanitarian aid has flooded in from the West. Economic sanctions against Russia has crippled their economy and yet Putin fights on. The biggest thing in his favour is that his citizens have no idea that their soldiers have invaded Ukraine. But they are slowly finding out. Especially now since they are the ones looking for their sons and daughters who are in the military. If you haven't heard the Russians are not bringing back their dead to bury them. When they invaded the brought mobile crematorium with them to dispose of their dead on the battlefield.

     Plans are slowly coming together for the summer. Several road trips are in the offing, guests may be visiting, the Couch Monkey's will either be studying or working or both. Oh, and there is gardening to do. We haven't planted our seeds in the starter trays just yet but we will soon. Last year I planted some horseradish. I had processed part of it but I didn't do it right. This year I'll grind the crap out of it. 

09 Mar 22

08:30 hrs

     I was up at 05:00 hrs. Some of the solar lights were still lit up outside. I'm down to three post lights now. The solar rope lights on the gazebo over the Flame Pit were still lit up as was the one on the fence by the shop. The small micro lights on the trellises will probably need the rechargeable batteries changes out. I'll try to do that today as I'm not on the job today. If I had the cash I would re-roof the Wayward Inn and have solar panels installed in a grid tie system. I would also have a huge cistern tank - something like 50,000 ltr - installed in the backyard to collect rain water that I would use for the toilets and the lawns. In fact, all houses on the Left Coast should have a built in cistern. And once it's nearly empty you simply open a valve to go back to using city water. 

      Next month the Sensei and his Lobster are going to join us to see the comic Derek Edwards at the theater downtown. We have seen him a couple of times already and have found him hilarious to say the least.

     I ran into my old work partner from my Animal Control days. He filled me in on one of our perennial problem cases. Loose dogs, dangerous dogs, loose live stock, neglected animals and now an assault charge. I left that division after five years of dealing with idiots like them who believe that they are above the law.

10:45 hrs

     Just got off the horn with a medical supplier. Between the amalgamation of two companies and the Silly Season they had "lost" my paperwork. Well, it has been found and I am back on track to have my CBD delivered by DVA. Huzzah! 

     It is shaping up to be a half decent day. The sun is shining. I have to prune the Saskatoon and the blueberry bushes along with some other trees, hit the dispensary and go to The Big Box Store. I should mend my new work pants, too. They are far too long for my stumpy little legs so I'll have to knock off a foot in length. I swear the older I get the shorter I get.

     The price of fuel has reached over $2 ltr here on the Left Coast. That's nearly $10 per Imperial gallon. I remember when it was a buck a gallon and the big jump happened when the Great White North went metric. Consumers had no clue how big a litre was but what was $1.10 per gallon went to 0.35 per litre. Nice except that when converted back to imperial (multiply litres by 4.5) consumers were unknowingly paying $1.57 per gallon. Hey, do you remember when Wayne and Shuster were spokesmen for PetroCanada as they introduced self service pumps and the fuel was cheaper because you put it in your car? Yeah, those were the days. Of course the provinces and the Feds are not lowering the taxation rate per barrel or per litre as they are raking in the cash too. This shit with the Russians had better end soon or it's going to be another Staycation Summer.

11 Mar 22

05:15 hrs

     I received some great news yesterday. My request to receive my CBD through DVA has moved a big leap forward. There is just a couple of leaps left but I think it will be a shoo in.

     I heard something while watching Top Chef. During one round the Blue Team gained all five votes from the judges and the background you can hear one of the competitors yell, "Sweep the leg, Johnny!" Do you remember what movie that's from?

The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming!

24 Feb 22

06:15 hrs.

     Unless you have been living in a cave you will now know that Vlad has been up to no goodinski. After months of posturing and building up troops in the lands surrounding Ukraine they have crossed the border into some "dispured" territory to assist as peacekeepers. And if you believe that I have land north of Thompson for sale. 

     Today is the Oma-nator's 89th birthday. And we are all happy that she is here with us. Nuff said.

25 Feb 22

15:45 hrs

     The Ruskies are closing on Kiev. The Ukrainians are fighting back. They took out an airbase inside Russia with a ballistic missile attack. But realistically they are outdated and outgunned. As they are not a NATO country NATO cannot step in and assist under Article 5 of the Charter. It's  crying shame to watch as the bad guys are closing in and nothing but sanctions have been applied. Too little too late and Vlad doesn't give a rat's ass because he is looking to recreate the USSR that he grew to love as a young KGB spud. Of course no one has the intestinal fortitude to call him on his actions because they'll be carted off to the Gulag as quick as you can say borscht three times. In fact, Ruskie citizens did take to the streets in the thousands to protest what their Dum-ass  government was doing and nearly 2000 were "detained" for their actions. Film at 11.

     In a discussion about the situation, a friend of mine posited this, if you were king what would you do? I said that I would have a couple of hunter killer subs make their way into the Black Sea and plot a target on every Ruskie vessel and once NATO joined the fray put every one of them on the bottom and then surface the sub and launch the cruise missiles before slipping away.

26 Feb 22

19:45 hrs.

     We have snow. Not a lot. Just enough to piss us off.

     We were watching the Amazing Sweat Your Hole Off. The competitors were in Dolmades Land fighting to be in the final three. One team was headed to the next objective - he was driving and she was looking at the map like a monkey doing algebra. That's when I heard the standard You-All complaint .... "Why can't they print the map in English?" 

     Uh, because you're in Dolmades Land so it's printed in Dolmadic! 

     The other common comment is..."Why don't you speak 'Merican so I'se can understand ya?"

     I had to repair the kitchen sink tap. Sous Irene said it was dripping. Who am I to complain. I got to work with tools and drive around town aimlessly looking for parts, both of which are manly pursuits. No, I didn't invite the Couch Monkey's along. I have neither the time nor the crayons to explain things to them anymore. 

Time Flies!

14 Feb 22

11:55 hrs.

     Hello Kidlettes, 

     And a Happy Valentine's Day to you!

     There has a lot that has happened that we have to get caught up on so let's get started shall we?

     Yesterday was the Stupor Bowl in the Hugh-ess.  Big deal. Over 100,000 people packed into the stadium in La La Land to watch overpaid entertainers play the final game of this season's 'Merican rules football. Tickets to see the game in person ranged from $7K to $100K. That's an awful lot of money that could have been used to help people. A 30 second ad cost $6.5 million. That's a lot of cash for a beer commercial. I know some people who have debated the subject of pro sport salaries with me and I will not be moved from my position in that I feel that no one deserves to be paid (as an example) $50 million to play a sport for five years. Sure, that's what the market will bear but I say let's get realistic. How about $2 million per year and the rest of the salary must go to a charity? Imagine what could be accomplished?

     The Beer Flu protestors in the Nation's Capital and at selected border crossings to the Hugh-ess have clearly worn out their welcome and the Feds are in the process of enacting the Emergency Measures Act. This act is the revamped version of the War Measures act that Trudeau Sr. had dropped on Canuckistan during the FLQ crisis. Like father like son.

15 Feb 22

08:15 hrs

     There are more empty shops here in the Valley. For a variety of reasons they have had to close up. But the spaces are not being shuttered for long. One posh restaurant has been transformed into a bbq and patio furniture store and a Mexican restaurant that shuttered years ago is going to be a fried chicken joint.

     The other day our eldest went for a drive with my Better Half to River City. The went to the college campus and he picked up his text books for his courses at the end of the month. The smart money is on the notion that he will not crack them until he starts his first class. Surprised? No.

     Yesterday the Queens's Cowboys arrested thirteen people at a border crossing in the Redneck Province. In a search of the trucks they found weapons, ammunition  and body Armour. So much for a peaceful protest.

17 Feb 22

12:00 hrs

     This intrepid individual was yards into work today. A coworker had to deal with a medical emergency. So I stepped up. It's what is expected. It's what I do.

     On the Beer Trucker Rodeo Front...with the emergency measures act in place the Feds are having the banks dig into the accounts of the known attendees and if there is anything hinky their accounts will be frozen. I guess they'll have to buy their deisel with empty Cheetos bags from the sleeper cab. Those attendees with children or pets have been informed make arrangements for daycare or dog care in the event they are taken into custody. Additionally,  drivers licenses and vehicle insurance could be suspended. Saddle up buckaroos. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

21:30 hrs.

     The Waistrels have invaded the Wayward Inn. Invaded maybe too strong of a word since they were escorted in. If I didn't have too work I would find a means of escaping. It's a circular thing. If they keep down the noise I won't hear the pointless lack of real life experience rhetoric which will keep a grump vet at bay. The quieter they are the faster he will go to sleep. That doesn't mean I have to be quiet in the morning as I get ready for work. It's the price you have pay for being a Waistrel.

     I may not have mentioned it but one of the Travelling Cuz'ns Outlaws has been granted citizenship in the Great White North. We like him. He's a chef. A real one. Speaking of chefs, Chef Blaine has dictated more ideas for his next book I just have to find the time to type it out. I'm still thinking about inserting the recipes into the narrative or after the narrative. What do you think?

How about those Mother Truckers?

31 Jan 22

07:30 hrs

     Yes, how about those Mother Truckers? Clogging up our Nation's Capital with their rigs spewing deisel fumes and their demands. Now, here's the thing. The trucking associations across the Great White North have stated that up to 90% of their members have been vaccinated and if they are vaccinated and have their documentation in order they can cross the Hugh-ess border and back with no issues. I have a friend of mine - and he is a Redneck but one who has a fair bit of common dog - has been hauling goods back and forth since he was out of high school. His company informed him that to cross the border - in other words do his job - he had to be double dipped and papered. No problem since the alternative was no job. The Golden Horseshoe Cartage association has said that those drivers who do not want get vaccinated can simply continue to work inside the Great White North which they don't want to do as there is more money to be made crossing the border. 

     The science shows that being jabbed and masking up curbs the spread of the Beer Flu but these truckers and their hangers on - I'll get to those shit heads in a minute - are either ignorant of the facts or, as I was informed, know that these procedures are the best way to but don't want to be told that they have to do it. In other words, like any petulant child they are stomping their feet and blowing their air horns when confronted with the obvious. DO AS YOU ARE TOLD! 

     From across the country these rigs and pickups and motor homes have descended on our Nation's Capital. From what I saw it was quite the party with tailgate bbqs cooking brats and dancing - on the Nation's War Memorial - and arts and crafts with attendees painting slogans and swastikas on federal property. Ten thousand people looking for a washroom with none around so they flock to local restaurants where they are denied access because they are not vaccinated and they won't mask up. This dives them to one of the largest malls in the NCR and again because of their Redneckery they get punted out and the mall managers close the place down for a couple of days. 

     What started as a means to peacefully convey a message to the Feds that this hard working portion of our society has had enough of the rules and regulations. I get it. But, once their intentions were splayed across social media every frozen loon with an axe grind crawled out of his igloo strapped on his snowshoes and started marching towards The Hill. Unfortunately, there is no way the Feds are going to drop the requirements for unvaccinated people to cross the border into the Great White North. This means testing and a quarantine. Life's rough, but those are the rules and you might as well drive home instead of clogging up the streets. As for the free radicals within the protest be warned as the police forces are surfing social media and using facial recognition. You will be found. You will be charged. And the nation will know that you are a criminal. Just imagine little Janey explaining to her class during Show and Tell that "Yes, that was her mom gleefully dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or how her cousin was filmed trying to urinate on the Centenial Flame or dress up a hero in signage." And for the local Rezidents of Nation's Capital who are pure urbanites with no concept of tractor trailers or their operators ot has come as a huge shock to have these big rigs choking up the roads where they live. And those air horns can be annoying can't they?

22:15 hrs

     I just discovered something that, as a responsible adult (most of the time), really torqued me off. Child proof type safety devices on items used by adults. I know the safety device is meant to prevent kids from getting hurt. But, if you have no kids under the age of ten then you should be able buy one for "adults only" that has no safety mechanisms because you are responsible enough not to use your mouthwash for a mix with your vodka. Took me three minutes to modify the cap so I don't have to squeeze it to get the damn thing off.

     My Lobster and I went for a nature walk through the woods. The district ponied up some cash and enlarged the parking lot. They also redesigned the entrance away from a dangerous blind corner. Good on them. We sauntered through the trees. It was really nice be out off of the concrete. Heard some eagles, may have seen a Robin but it might be a bit early for them. 

     Our daffodils are poking out of the ground. I know you are cursing me if you live to the right of the Rockies.

01 Feb 22

07:15 hrs

     Yes, I slept in. So what. I'm getting up there in age and since I wasn't working today I took advantage of the situation. That being said, the skies were stating to lighten when I got up. Still kinda frosty out. This looks like it will be the third day in a row when we have had no ground fog and looking out from the Wayward Inn I can see the Beauforts to the left of us. Another signal that the seasons/weather is now changing is that the collectors on our solar lights are gathering enough of light to remain on at night for quite some time. Last night the gazebo over the Flame Pit was lit up as Chef Blaine cooked up some veggie patties and weisswurst.

     My Lobster had purchased two slide out shelves to be mounted inside our cupboards. She got them from The Big Box Store. I had seen them before and her purchase made sense since getting older means it's more difficult bend down to root around in the back of a cupboard looking for a misplaced kitchen implement. They are expandable from 12 to 22 inches. Our shelves are 26 across so they don't quite cover all of it. Once I read the destructions it was a pretty simple operation. I needed the help of my Better Half to reinstall the upper shelf as my bad shoulder was not co-operating. The help was gratefully appreciated. 

     That's about it Kidlettes. I can hear the Oma-nator puttering about in the Princess Suite. She doesn't know that I'm up already si she won't come out because she's probably afraid of waking someone up. Not a chance.

     One last thing, the Big Swede is supposed to be shipping me a couple three of the audio recorders he had purchased last year. They are powered  by three AA batteries. I'm going to order some three C cell holders and wire them in. The units will then be able to remain in tbe field for a month or more.