Bringing You Up to Speed

03 Nov 25

17:15 hrs

     Hello Kidlettes!

     As some of you may know my Lobster and I trekked out to the Prairies to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. First, we winged our way to Winterpeg where we were booked into a hotel near the airport. After dropping off the luggage we took our rental car to visit a friend and former co-worker, Cpl. Dan Marche. He has been resting at Brookside Cemetery since February 1991. Next, we drove over past both of our former residences for a look see and eventually made it to my Aunt Dee Dee's for a visit with her and her son, Sean. We had a great visit and a fantastic supper. I had last seen my aunt at my father's Celebration of Life in the Interior and his internment in Sa-hatchewan. The last time I had seen Sean was when we were living in the Peg. The one thing, or rather two things, that caught us by surprise was Sean's pet dogs. A mastiff and a mastiff-pitt cross. Both big dogs. Both built like a tank out of solid muscle. Both totally loveable.

     The next day, Friday, my Lobster and I had a simple breakfast and cruised around looking at long forgotten sights and the changes that had occurred since we had left. Sometime about 10-ish we arrived at the South end of the city. We had gone to see The Sage's brother, my uncle and his wife for a brief visit. I hadn't seen them either since the trip to Sa-hatchewan four years ago. Again, the visit was great and,  after saying our goodbyes, our adventure continued to see Museum of Man and Nature. My Better Half used to work there just after we were married. I've always liked that museum with its many exhibits and galleries. While we were there my Lobster asked about people who had worked there with her. Low and behold several were still working there and one was in the building at that very moment. It was a wonderful reunion when they saw each other. 

     Saturday, 27 September,  was our 30th Anniversary. We had breakfast in the hotel and waited to be picked up by my Li'l Brother and his Lobster. We were off to a tailgate party and then a Bombers football game. We had pre-ordered food which was waiting for us in the parking lot at the stadium. We met more of Nick's inlaws,  nice bunch of football fans, and then it was time for the game. It really wasn't much of a game. The Bombers scored a touchdown in the first 15 seconds and by the end of the fourth quarter the score was 40 to 3 for the home team. Oh well, time to eat. Nick drove and found a restaurant on the way back to our hotel. It was a little more top shelf so the food was all the better to cap off our anniversary. 

     Sunday morning we finished packing, returned the rental car and flew from the Peg to the Big Perogie where we were met by the Nurse and her Lobster. Years ago the Nurse had worked with my Better Half here at CFB LOMPOC. They picked us up and took us to their house as guests for the next four days. On our arrival at their place we were greeted by the fantastic aroma of home-made pasta sauce. Our hosts eldest son is quite the chef/baker who treated us to all sorts of goodies. Over the next few days we toured about the city and played cards at night. 

     Our next stop was to Slam and Em's place. They taught us how to play Mexican Train dominoes which I found gets easier the more rum you consume. Go figure. Em asked us if there was anything in particular that we wanted to see and started listing local event. One thing that caught my Better Half's attention was an Indigenous Burlesque show. Sounds great! Book the tickets! Well, three of us enjoyed the show which was all in good taste and very powerful. We returned home to little fanfare from the Couch Monkeys but secretly I'm sure that they we happy to see us.

     Thanksgiving was fast approaching and the Sage was coming to the Wayward Inn! Before going on our trip to the Prairies my Lobster and I had discussed the idea of her coming to visit. In my pitch to her I explained that both boys were home and it would be a good time to see them and their Significant Others. We'll, the Holiday went off without a hitch. The Sage flew in, we picked her up and brought her to the Wayward Inn. Over the next few days we ate hearty meals and played many games of cards. Fun was had by all.

     Christmas is just around the corner.

     

     

Wrapping Up and Preparations

14 Sep 25

12:25 hrs

     Hello Campers, 

     I'm outside taking Mr. Wilson for a walk. He really likes being out in the yard. He likes the Catio 2.0 but he isn't able to sniff the grass and chase bugs so we put him on a harness. Sometimes he gets spooked and heads for the house in a full blown panic. We had rain last night and this morning. It wasn't much but the birds are very much appreciative. And our furry friends are watching with a hunter's eye.

     A couple of weeks ago we had to take Jack to the vet.Tooth, rather teeth issues. Some cats are very prone to gum disease and they will actually reabsorb the teeth as a means to combat the pain. Jack must have been in a lot of pain. The four small teeth between the lower canines had already been absorbed and the vet ended up removing all but the lower canines as well as three or four extra that he had been born with. He's feeling much better now. 

     Mr. Wilson and Miss Mocha have become acclimatized to each other. We are working on Jack and Miss Mocha.

22 Sep 25

12:30 hrs

     Dear Readers, life has gotten busy and I have forgotten about you. I'm sorry. 

     The Big Project I was working on has been completed. So, no more graveyard shifts for the time being. I'm working today and tomorrow. Then I'm off Wednesday and on Thursday my Lobster and I are winging our way to the Peg to celebrate our 30th Anniversary, followed by heading to the Big Perogie to visit some friends before returning to The Left Coast. 

     The National Sarex competition has started here at CFB LOMPOC. Some of these pilots are crazy. (I just had to move the Ram to avoid being run over by a CC-138! For some reason, it's painted the standard dark military grey, which is kind of weird for a SAR - Search and Rescue - aircraft.) There are SAR teams from across the country and the Hugh-ess along with observers from other countries that also operate the C-295. Albeit, theirs are an older version than our RCAF CC-295 Kingfisher. I had participated three times in the competition. Twice as a team member and once as a Ramp Rat doing general servicing duties. A great time was had by all.

     How about the psychosis that has gripped Hugh-ess? A bunch of posers acting as immigration forces stalking court houses, big box stores and lage vegetable farms through the country rounding up anyone who isn't white and then shipping them off to places faf far away. Then, the sinking of several open speed boats that are suspected of carrying drugs so far from the continent that they could reach it if they tried. And the weapon of choice? A cruise missile! That's right! The AGM-84 lists at $3 million per unit. A bit of overkill I would say. And how about the ongoing Orange Shit-gibbons connection to the Jeffrey Pedo-files? Nope, nothing to see there especially since Donny's name has been heavily redacted. The victim's testimony? Oh, they're mistaken. It's a hoax. At sometime in the future someone will eventually grow a pair, stand up and shout "ENOUGH!" The lies are piling up even higher and all of the Administration Sycophants in up to their necksas they try to keep their glorious leader above the cesspool. I'm betting on Patel to be the first to fall. The various committees are chewing him up pretty good. That gravel voiced HHS guy is so loopy that he can barely recite the alphabet without invoking some criminal conspiracy theory when he gets it wrong.

25 Sep 25

05:35 hrs

     My Lobster and I are currently sitting in the departure lounge awaiting to head off to the Pacific Pearl and then onto the Peg. Our in country vacation has begun.

     

Civil War 2.0?

20 Aug 25

07:30 hrs

     Good Morning Dear Readers,

     If you have seen any news from South of the 49th Parallel you are well aware that the Orange Shit-gibbon has sent armed troops into the streets of major Hugh-ess cities under the pretense of protecting federal buildings from the the destructive rampage of the radical left Woke mobs! 

     BULLSHIT!

     Deploying troops to LA was just a test for further muscle flexing and testing of the publics resolve. The Tangerine Tyrant has now placed Guardsmen in the streets of their Nation's Capital and at least four GOP states have pledged to send Guardsmen to bolster that contingent. Donny nationalized the DC police force and sent troops into DC's streets to clean up the rampant crime. 

     MORE BULLSHIT!!

     Well Campers, the general population of the Hugh-ess, including a growing number of MAGA-holes, is not staying quiet. People are holding rallies across the country and more importantly they are confronting members of Donny's Gestapo (ICE) when they suddenly show up to snag someone with brown skin. They're always claiming the individual is an illegal immigrant but in reality they have no clue who the person is but, since he has brown skin and does a manual labour job he must be.

24 Aug 25

06:55 hrs

     Yesterday, my Lobster and I watched the Pride Parade walk down 5th Street. Our youngest Loin Fruit was proudly wearing his military uniform while walking in the parade with his partner. How times have changed. And, for the better! 

     Inclusion saves lives. 

     Inclusion educates. 

     Inclusion is safe, not dangerous.

     And, it saddens me when i hear of what is not going on South of the 49th Parallel. The close-mindedness of the Olde White Christians (sic) who are currently ruling (ruining) their own nation because of their unfounded blind bigotry and racial hatred. If you read between the lines you will discover scraps of hidden legislation placed to bully and torment people who have done nothing but be different from their cast iron model of humanity. How about this one little nugget? Not only are trans-sexual individuals being kicked out of the Hugh-ess military (they can leave voluntarily), those individuals are being denied pensions or access to Veterans Affairs programs or a pension (if applicable). 

     Say what?

     So, here's the scenario. You are a Hugh-ess citizen and you want to serve your country by putting your life on the line for your fellow countrymen. Good on you. During your career, the laws change and trans people are allowed to serve in the military. You decide that now you can stop hiding and really be yourself if you fully transition. All good and as difficult as it is for some knuckle draggers to understand that for reasons that do not pertain to them you are no longer Mike but now are Michelle. Nothing really has changed.  You're still the same person with the same commitment to your service, et al. 

     However, here comes the Holier Than Thou Crowd wearing their Biblical Blinders spouting selective scriptures to enrage and rally the uneducated masses to their cause. Quick as a flash the rules of the game have changed once again. Not only what was allowed made not allowed it was deemed a crime! And since it is now a crime to be......whatever they have deemed to be a crime.....you will be punished. In the case of a trans service person, regardless of your service career, you will be dishonourably discharged which means no pension (if you were entitled to one) and no Veterans benefits. 

     And, it's not just trans service members that are being given the boot. This edict from the Orange Shit-gibbon applies to all federal government employees. The really sad part is the rulers of the Sycophant States are now applying this bullshit to their own corner of the Hugh-ess. 

     This, and all the other Presidential Orders, have regressed their country not just fifty but a hundred and fifty years and it will take just as long to undo all of the hate that has been blindly applied to make the weak feel safe and strong.

     Nuff said!

     There is only two weeks of summer left before the Kidlettes and Couch Monkeys start dragging themselves back to their local Learning Institutions. We have one just around the corner from the Wayward Inn. The massive addition to the school is not complete. My Lobster and I went for a walk to take a look and guage how large it really is. It is two stories tall and from the exterior size we figure there are at least a dozen classrooms plus multi-purpose spaces. We could see through the window openings that the interior walls are up which means the electrical, plumbing, wall boarders, painters, flooring and hvac contractors have yet to get started. There is no way it will be ready for the start of school. By Christmas, maybe.

27 Aug 25

21:30 hrs

     We are awaiting the arrival of our Sr. Loin Fruit. He is returning from his first work road trip with a new company. He was hired at the end of last week and was off to Capital City for three days of 12 hour work days. Accommodations, road mileage - or at least wages while traveling and lunch delivered to the worksite. It appears that the job is not quite finished and most of the crew has to divert to a project Over the Hump. The boss ask our Sr. Couch Monkey if he could return to Capital City on Friday to help him finish this project.

     Hmmmm.....

     This is where most people would consider the request for more assistance TO BE A TEST!!!!! 

     Of course, our dear boy is not thinking clearly. If he wants to get ahead and maintain employment he had better learn that unless you are due in court, are having a medical emergency, have bodily fluids gushing out of every orifice, have lost more than one limb in less than 24 hour then you, as an apprentice are at the boss's beck and call. Failing to do so could mean termination before the probation period. And in a small employment area like the Valley it's better not to start burning bridges.

     My Lobster and I will discuss it with him tomorrow. 

     Goodnight all.

Rain!

05 Aug 25

08:00 hrs

     Hello Campers, 

     I'm sitting out in the Catio with Miss Mocha. She's our new adoptee and things aren't going so well with her. It's been well over a month and the integration with Mr. Wilson and Jack has not taken place. We've tried all of the normal methods and it is not happening. She'll put the run on both of them. And as much as Jack beats up on Wilson he tucks tail and hides under the Sr. Couch Monkey's bed. Mocha and Wilson will tolerate each other on the same space but if he runs she'll chase after him. We really don't know what to do. Jack is so stressed he's been crapping on the floor and not in the box.

     There is a very large wildfire beside the lake going to where our Friends Over the Hump reside. It is human caused and appears to have been started on or near the old rail bed on the North side of the lake. Over the past few days it has spread up the slope and properties on the opposite side of the mountain are threatened. As bad as that is, if the winds were to change direction a small section of Old Growth Protected forest would be in danger of burning to the ground. Cathedral Grove contains giant red cedars, fir and hemlock trees that are five hundred or more years old and are taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The province has been putting all available resources in not only battling the fire but in preventing the ignition of this stand of trees. To make matters worse the snow cap on the Beauforts has long since melted away and there has been no precipitation a month or more.  In town the lawns are brown and the tops of trees the leaves are beginning to yellow as they dry out. And that is with the limited amount of watering we are allowed. So, you can imagine what the forest is like. The good news is that we knew that rain would be coming. Not a huge deluge but a long slow drizzle. A big cloud burst would simply hit the ground and run off with no benefit. But a nice constant rain over many hours, even if it's only falling at 0.2mm per hour will have a greater effect by cooling the surrounding air and being absorbed by the foliage.

     My buddy Gordo and I have been monitoring the weather for another reason. We're working an alternating graveyard shift where one of us is on one week the the other is on the following week. The contractor is repainting all of the markings on the runways, taxiways and the apron. Plus rubber remediation. It's a huge project last will last nearly three months. To complete the project the hard surfaces must be dry so as much as the forest needs the rain the contractors do not. It rained for about thirty minutes this morning but in the afternoon it's supposed to start again and then drizzle through the night and all day tomorrow and tomorrow night. I hope the forecaster has got it right this time.

     My Lobster and I are planning a short trip to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We will travel to The Peg for a few days and see the old haunts plus a couple of friends and relatives. Then, we will jet to The Big Perogie see a couple more old friends before returning to The Rock. 

10 Aug 25

06:50 hrs

     Last night, we, the family plus one, we to Elric the Stalwart's home to aid in celebrating his 60th Birthday. His Lobster had asked him what he wanted for a meal. Roast beast, mashed taters and veggies. We said we would bring the Yorkshire puddings, so I made a couple of dozen of them. There was still some concern as to the amount of food as we has a plus one and they had a couple of students so on the way to their place we stopped off at The Big Box Store to pick up roasted chicken. At their house we all pitched in to make things easier for the hostess. Our Jr. Loin Fruit made the mashed taters and helped with the gravy my Better Half aided in setting the tables, I broke down the chicken, sharpened up a rather large chef's knife - which probably hadn't seen a steel in many years - and carved up this gorgeous piece of beef. After the meal there was birthday cake, fresh fruit and white port. By the time it was all over we were too tired to play cards so we chatted for a length of time before heading home to the Wayward Inn. 

     I'm back on graveyards starting tonight so I'm going to try to get some projects done for my Lobster today. Being on graveyards is not so bad if you live by yourself ecause you can sleep and rest up when you want. But, when you're in an active household it is up to you that has to find the work/sleep/obligation balance.

     Speaking of this project, about two weeks ago Gordo was with the contractors and part of the job was to remove two separate lines on the airfield. These particular lines are referred to as Hold Short Lines. They are like the big stop line you would see and an intersection which tells you where to stop. On an airfield it is a visual means for the air traffic controller to safely direct ground traffic, both vehicles and taxiing aircraft, around the aerodrome. So, two lines and a helipad were removed. So what, right? Well, the removal of one hold short was required because it was it was no longer needed to prevent vehicles or aircraft from encroaching onto the helipad when it was in use. But, one of the twits in the planning department figured that the other hold short line on the opposite side of the now non-existent helipad wasn't needed for the same reason and had labeled it for removal. Which it was! At the end of the night, Gordo informed the control tower that yhe helipad and the two hold short lines were removed. 

     Uh oh, Shaggy! No one had consulted with the air traffic controllers about this second line being removed. This particular second line was there to identify where vehicular traffic was to stop preventing them from getting out near the main active runway. Sure enough an incident occurred last week and by Friday morning the command structure was in a fast rotating spin cycle on how to get this issue corrected and fast. Sure enough, I get the call asking, almost pleading if, in the morning, I could escort a contractor out onto the airfield to put up some temporary indicators so traffic knows where to stop until the hold short line gets reinstalled. 

     Sure thing.

     I'm not saying that I was the hero. Both myself and Gordo and a couple of other former airfield qualified Cmres have had to go back in to work to assist in correcting someone's mistake. It's what we do. This particular mistake should never have happened and had the potential of being catastrophic.

     On another note, the wildfire near The Hump is still burning. The amount of rain that was received did help but not much. From last reports it's still spreading but headway is being made in curtailing its advance. Today is going to be another hot one - up to 30°C. We're going to hunker down, stay cool, play some games and stay put of the sun.

Summer Doldrums

15 Jul 25

06:15 hrs

     The summer heat is apon us. Every day in the Valley the morning begins calm. Peaceful. And then, the wind picks up. The cool of the night soon becomes a persistent hot push as if some unseen giant is using a massive hair dryer that builds in intensity throughout the day drying out the lawns, the crops and, most concerning, the forests. About a week ago, Environment Canuckistan had promised a fair amount of precipitation. I was working that day and the Valley recieved less than a misting while across the Strait i watched great sheets of rain sweep up the coast. Yesterday was hot. Today will be hotter. Not as hot as the Keystone province mind you but hot enough for us here at the Wayward Inn. The southern part of Ontari-ari-ari-oh has been suffering from a massive heat wave. It happens every year and every year the rest of the country has to listen to the populace whine. It doesn't bother me. I've learned to close out the noise from the Whine Country.

      My summer has been sown up with a large project at work. And a lot of it is night shifts. Specifically, graveyards. Gordo and I are alternating weeks on the project which gives us a break and flexibility to the Boss. 

     My Friend from Over the Hump is having a knee replacement done in the next couple of days. It's about time he gets some new parts. He turns 80 next year.

     The Catio Annex has been rebuilt. It is now smaller and more vertical. We also have a new tenant. Miss Mocha. We gave back the two fosters as they could not mix with our two fuzz balls. But, my Better Half decided we needed a third that would, hopefully with fingers double crossed, get along with Da Boyz. After the prescribed time and coordinated interactions we are back to square one with Da Boyz running and hiding the entire day whenever Miss Mocha is loose. If she spots them she puts the run on them so we end up sequestering our two and she gets the run of the house. Jack is a nervous wreck and Mr. Wilson finds a spider hole to crawl into for the day. Miss Mocha was a straight adoption. Not a foster to adopt, so I do not know what to do. 

     Despite the tariffs slowing down some construction in Canuckistan there are some mystery projects going up here in The Valley. Over towards the Big Box Store and Home Despot something is slowly taking shape. Everyone hopes it will be a new restaurant but some believe it will be another gas station. A restaurant would be nice as long as it's not another chain burger joint. We have enough of those. Unless of course, it's a Harvey's. A Harvey's burger is bloody amazing and if you have one in your neck of the woods I am envious. 

     There is also a new multi-purpose building going up about a klick or two from the Wayward Inn. I heard it will be a store front with apartments on the upper level. Time will tell. 

19 Jul 25

06:30 hrs

     Two days ago I quietly remembered my father's passing. I called the Sage and spoke to her. Both of us remembering him with great fondness. No one at the Wayward Inn said a word. Have they forgotten him already? I haven't  and will not.

We've been invaded!

29 Jun 25

17:00 hrs

     That's right Campers, we have been invaded. Not by persons untoward. Nor by some multitude of creepy crawlies. This particular invader is huge and airborne. 

     Close to the Wayward Inn is a patch of forest that has been home to the odd trash panda, a bambi or two, rooks, songbirds and eagles. This spring we began hearing something like ducks softly quaking. It sounded like it was coming from the MAGA Albertan's backyard. Wouldn't surprise me as he ripped out his back lawn three years ago and installed an ASTRO turf putting green with a water feature. We soon learned that it was not a duck or two puddling in a pond. A shadow crossed the lawn and then another followed by some very loud clacking in the nearby woods. This was soon followed by a cacophony of caw, screams, clacks and other sounds that I cannot even begin to describe. The sound continued all night. A couple of days later my Lobster spotted not one or two but four mysterious birds flying above forest. She called me outside to take a look at them. What I saw looked more prehistoric than anything else. By all accounts I was looking at a bona-fide pterodactyl. Long necked, long heavy pointy beak, wide tapered wings for soaring and a set of legs trailing aft. In the coming days the two pairs, likely mating pairs I might add, were discovered to be only a fifth of the squadon of aerial beasties. That's correct. Twenty or more likely ten mating pairs all squawking and screeching off and on throughout the day and night. I think someone should rename the patch of forest as Jurassic Park.

1,000

21 Jun 25

08:00 hrs

     That's right Kidlettes. The number is 1,000. One thousand reported cases of the measles have been reported in the Redneck Province.  And, according to the province's infectious disease specialists, "the virus is (now) impossible to contain" given to the level of protection. This is insane. Measles had been declared a dead virus because everybody had been vaccinated. But somewhere along the line, maybe twenty years ago, some new parents started listening to the Hollywood quacks who started peddling the Whackadoo notions that vaccines caused Downs Syndrome or women should squat over a steaming hot tea kettle for inner health and all sorts of other stupidity. Facts, science and common fucking sense blew right out the window right about the time when everyone, and I do mean everyone, started to rely on social media to deliver The Truth.

     When I look back at my own life I know there was a time, starting when I was born, that vaccines were manditory if you were wanted to live without being saddled with a life altering virus caused disease.  Shortly after coming out of the womb, babies from my generation were first inoculated against polio and slowly over time this horrible disease was eradicated.  It became a thing of the past. Then came the triple shot. The MMR vaccine. Measles, mumps and rubella. All childhood diseases that if they didn't kill you they would make the rest of your life a living hell. That was vaccine was delivered in stages. Just after you were born and then two booster shots. Nobody complained about getting the shot because it was for the common good. You simply lined up and got jabbed. I believe my last MMR booster was when I was in Grade 7 when the health nursing team came in to the school. "Roll up you sleeve, please. This may pinch a bit." Do you remember that?

     Science has investigated, identified, created and proven the use of vaccines against a whole range of some very horrible diseases. If you ignore the science you will not survive.

24 Jun 25

21:30 hrs

     Yesterday, MoMo flew back home. My Lobster and I took him to YQQ. He flew from here to YVR and then on to FRA before going on to BER. We may see him again someday as he wants to take  courses in Adventure Tourism. We know he will do well.

Troops in the Streets!

08 Jun 25

08:15 hrs

     Good Morning Campers, 

     First, I want to thank everyone who sent me BDay wishes. It was a pretty good day that was stretched over a week of activities. Dinner at the Wayward Inn and dinner out at a local tavern both with family and friends. A couple of gift cards, a bottle of fine single malt scotch, card games were played, a funny Tshirt from the Onion and a Squatch wind chime from Li'l Sis.

     Last night we hosted Elric and his Lobster for dinner. It was a planned event that was booked over a month ago. We knew that the menu had to incorporate carnivores, non-red meat eaters and vegetarians. Chef Blaine massaged a beef roast on the spit over the Flame Pit as well as marinated chicken on skewers and vegetarian sausages. Chef Irene created a Greek and a pasta salad, a tray of chocolate dipped strawberries, had Sous Blaine assist in building a homemade baklava and at the last minute baked a cream cheese bundt cake. In total, there were ten people dining and all were well fed.

     If you have been living in a cave over the past couple of days you should stick your head outside and take a look on the news. The Tangerine Tyrant has now sent troops into the streets in LaLa Land to quell the angry citizens. But he himself created the situation. LA County is a Sanctuary City which means that the local constabulary will protect immigrants, legal or illegal, by not assisting the federal immigration authorities. However, in recent months the Orange Shit-gibbon's administration has been making a concerted effort to remove persons, who may or may not be in the Hugh-ess legally and who, may or may not, be guilty of committing any criminal activities. It would seem the only preconditions for their arrest and deportation are to be non-white, speak a foreign language and have a dislike of the Tangerine Tyrant. A recent set of raids designed to snatch and grab suspected illegals in LaLa Land drew protestors. Go figure! For the most part the demonstrations were peaceful but in one area it did get a bit out of control with the local police using tear gas and other riot control methods. 

10 Jun 25

22:55 hrs

     Wouldn't you know it, the Tangerine Tyrant's movement of troops was and means to an end after he sent in the Icemen to gather up stray MAGA-undersireables knowing full well the citizens would stand up against it. Now he has a battalion of Jarheads protecting federal buildings.

     Listen up Kidlettes, if you haven't seen the movie Civil War that came out a couple of years ago I suggest you take a look on Netflix. Mark my words, this could very much happening the Hugh-ess. 

     Good Luck, ya'll.

It's Situation Normal at the Wayward Inn

14 May 25

18:00 hrs

     Hello Kidlettes, 

     It has been a whirlwind of activity here at the Wayward Inn. MoMo is still with us. Great kid. His class cometed a four day trek up Island to the very tip. All was good. No Yogies but they did have some sea wolves come very close to camp. By very close I mean about thirty feet. In my books that would be danger close. MoMo's grandparents decided to visit Canuckistan and so from Berlin they flew to the Golden Horseshoe and took in the Falls before flying to Capital City where they rented a car to tour the Island. My surprised me one day with info that they were coming for dinner not once but twice. So, Chefs  Blaine and Irene put their heads together and created two different main dishes plus sides plus apples and desserts for each sitting. I can report that all went well. Everyone enjoyed the food and many enjoyable games of Wizard were played afterwards. 

     Ah yes, Wizard. A delightful game. It's like Screw Your Neighbour, but on heavy steroids. If nothing else, it teaches you how to curse. 

     Our Wayward son, the Jr. Couch Monkey, is back home. It was quite a shock when we suddenly got an email on a Tuesday saying he could be here by Friday. All the alarm bells were triggered. Where would he sleep? Now, we'll have to start cooking vegetarian dishes again. Is his car good to go? A million questions and few answers. He's still recovering from his surgery through physio but instead of keeping him in St. Jean The Powers That Be posted him to the medical unit here at CFB LOMPOC where he will get some exposure to his trade. Eventually, he will have to go back East to finish his Basic Training and then go to his trades training. Since MoMo is occupying his room for the next month or so we have housed him in the guest quarters. 

     The other day my Lobster got a call from The Onion. She lives in Capital City now. She was waiting to get her security clearance for her new job and had a few days (the better part of a week) to spare so she called to ask if she could come for a visit? Of course. Let chaos reign at the Wayward Inn. With one son displaced out of his room by MoMo for another month, the other's girlfriend living here on weekends, the D&D group meeting in the Games Room/extra bedroom on Sunday night and my Cuz'n, with her Lobster, coming up to visit from Capital City sometime on the weekend (confirmed for Sunday) why the hell not?

18 May 25

08:15 hrs

     Good Morning Campers 

     We've had a couple of good days of rain here in the Valley. We needed it. There hasn't been a substantial amount of precip in many weeks. Sure, the snow pack is still slowly melting on the Beauforts but it's rain that will keep the rest of the Valley damp enough to prevent forest fires. I saw on the news that fires have already broken out in Northern BC, Manitoba and the Redneck Province. And some still deny climate change.

     Canuckistan has a new leader. Same political party. New leader. Justy had felt the overwhelming pressure to Exit, Stage Left and he took it. After the leadership race a general election was called which pitted everyone who could see the writing on the wall that one of the major opponents was a Great White North version of the Tangerine Tyrant and they banded together to put the replacement PM back in power with a Minority government. Time will tell how things turn out.

19 May 25

07:30 hrs.

     Howdy Folkes,

     I'm sitting at the dinner table with MOMO. He's having cereal. I'm on my second cup of java. Normally, ehen he has no school, he'd be sleeping in til noon. But today, he, and some school friends, are off to the Empire Days celebration in the Wild Wild West. They'll take public transit. Tonight, Chef Blaine and Sous Irene,  with some help from the Minions, will make a stir fry and attempt to make Crab Rangoon for supper. 

21 May 25

16:00 hrs

     The Rangoon turned out okay. Not really my cup of tea and not a job for a person with stubby fingers. 

29 May 25

12:00 hrs

     This blog has been dragging on for far too long. I'll have to start making them short and sweet for awhile. 

     Just as a note, another local winged denizen was either lost or had a death wish decided to access the Catio Annex where both Jack and Mr. Wilson were hanging out. My Better Half was alerted to the situation as soon as our two fur balls had perked up their ears. Quick as a flash the Orange Wonder Kitty grabbed the bird and ran into the house with my Lobster hot on his heels. Once inside, he dropped the bird in the living room and darted away. My Lobster was able to toss a small towel on top of it Mr. Wilson snagged it a second time. She took the bird outside where a miracle occurred. It rolled over, flapped its wings and took off. Since then I have given the Catio Annex the once over and laced up the last of the possible entry points. If any more birds make it into the Catio they'll be lunch.

     

     

Blogging! Blogging! Blogging!

27 Apr 25

19:35 hrs

     Well Campers, the trip up Island with the Mobile Wayward Inn went off without a hitch, so to speak. Our Sr. Loin Fruit and our new Homestay student, MoMo, came along for the experience. We all had a pretty good time and despite the weather we even roasted mushmellons on a campfire. It was a bit concerning that we may not have made the trip as the furnace crapped out when I tested it. The fan would run but the burner would not ignite. Gordo and I desnagged the issue as far as we could with no joy so I ripped it out and took it to the Pro's from Dover. That was t

Friday, a week before we departed. It was repaired by Monday at noon and reinstalled Tuesday. The other issue was a leak in the plumbing by the hot water tank. A seal on a valve was blown. So, once again Gordo came over and we desnagged the issue which ended up sending me to the Pro's once again. Yhis time for additional parts. All was completed and tested serviceable. We headed North Friday morning. The weather wasn't the best. Some rain at night and too windy most of the time for a campfire. But we took MoMo over to Sointula where we wandered the Island taking in the museum and a medieval armed combat competition. That was impressive to say the least.

     The trip North was good experience for MoMo as this week, starting Tuesday at 0dark30, he and some twenty more students will be heading to the northern most tip of this Island for some hard core hiking and camping. His pack weighs about 18kg. The distance from the drop of point to the campsite is about 18km. Shouldn't be an issue.

     Our Sr. Couch Monkey has started the third phase of his electricians course. I'm very confident that he will be near the top of his class. And our Jr. Loin Fruit is still down East keeping up with his physio and working out so he will be able to complete the Basic Training. The injury, surgery and recovery will probably set him back an entire year from his trades training. 

     His Holiness, Pope Frank, passed away this week. I am not of his faith but I held him in high regard nonetheless. He was the first Jesuit pope and it sure showed. Here's a question, who has more clout - the Dalai Lama or the Pope?

     I'm back to the grind tomorrow. A solid week of work. I hope. None of the really big multi-year projects have started yet. We know they're coming, we just don't know when.

     All of the Tangerine Tyrant's talk about The Great White North being the 51st State has thrown a wrench into so equipment purchases. It would seem that the first lot of 16 x F35 POSes have been paid for. The rest of the purchase is being reviewed and former condenders have come forward with deals even sweeter than the first go around. The Swedish SAAB Gripen E, the EurofighterTypoon, and my personal choice, the Raphael from France. One thing kind of sticks in my craw and that is with the Feds always helping out the Canuckistan aircraft industry and knowing that we have a desperate need for fighter aircraft. The last planes built in this country for our military was the CT-114 Tutor which was designed by Canadair who manufactured 212 units from 1963 to 1966. The only two countries to operate the Tutor was us and Malaysia. We used them as lead in jet trainers and for air demonstration. Malaysia had modified the aircraft with a belly cannon and wing hard points. They used them for close air support/ground strike. Yes, the RCAF purchased Dash 7 and then Dash 8 aircraft from DeHavilland but both were initially civilian passenger aircraft utilized for transporting military members. In the early 1990's there were four Dash 8's that were designed and manufactured for training air navigators. That trade has now been deleted from the military so I really don't know what the aircraft are being used for. 

     Well Kidlettes,  that's about all. But there will be more to come later.

it's time to catch up and this will be a doozy!

30 Mar 25

17:00 hrs.

     Talk about alienation...the Hugh-ess that is. Due to the fact that the Tangerine Tyrant has harassed and threatened the Great White North and pretty much all of Europe with his maniacal delusions of granduer, it would appear that the EU and Canuckistan and The Pueblo have rallied together. It would appear that the Orange Shit-gibbon hasn't had the FAFO principle applied to him. When all of this finally sinks in there will most likely be a lot of ketchup on the White House dining room walls.

     And, their flawed global self-image continues to show everyone how much of a bully the current Hugh-ess administration really is. Case in point... Just the other day the 'Merican embassy in France requested information on the companies who provided them with goods and services. The issue was whether or not said companies were following the Tangerine Tyrant's Anti-DEI Edict, which states that all companies dealing with or having contracts with the Hugh-ess must follow this ruling. Collectively France, and rightly so, said no....they are not and will not curtail their socially progressive understanding that all people are equal in their society. If the Hugh-ess wants to get its stuff from some complient companies good luck finding them in France.

31 Mar 25

09:15 hrs

     The weather here in the Valley is improving. Temps are rising and precipitation in mass quantities has dropped off. The trees and plants are budding. The flowering trees in the Albertan's backyard are all pink with petals. Our S'ktoon and blueberry plants and are budding out. I've put the Mason Bees out, as well. We have three Mason bee houses and they pollinate a whole bunch of stuff. Mason bees have no stinger and they live a solitary life. In other words,  they do not live in a hive. 

01 Apr 25

07:15 hrs

     It's April Fool's day. I'm not playing any pranks today. There are enough fooles running about already. 

04 Apr 25

06:00 hrs

     Today is our Jr. Loin Fruit's birthday. He is now 25 years old and he is still waiting in the Mega to complete his basic training. But now he has a roomy. Our boy says that the guy is a newb that was moved into his platoon, the sick/lame and lazy Platoon, from a regular Basic Training Platoon because he is not fit enough. This kid is so new that he has no concept of procedures that are to be considered to be Common Dog for anyone in the military. For example, when you leave your room your locker and storage box will be secured with a lock. Our boy was concerned as they are now sharing a locker and if the Newb leaves it unlocked they'll both be in shit. In a discussion with him I came up with  solution - simply institute a "last man out secures the locker" policy. Problem solved.

12 Apr 25

15:45 hrs

     More news.

     We now have another foreign student staying at the Wayward Inn. He's from Berlin and is a Homestay student a local high school. He's been here in the Valley since the start of the school year but things were not so rosy at the home stay house. Elric the Stalwart's Lobster asked if we could help and naturally we stepped up. He's going to be with us until he graduates and goes back to Germany. It's actually quite refreshing as it let's us play tour guide. Right now, as I pen this, we're at the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge outside of River City. Earlier today, we're at the visitors centre, the museum and the tea house. On the way home to the Wayward Inn the plan is to pick up some Lee's Chicken. Yummy.

14 Apr 25

06:45 hrs

     Last Friday, as I was prepping the Mobile Wayward Inn for the long weekend I discovered that the furnace wasn't working properly. I called Gordo to pick his brain as to the snag. We retested the system and we both came to the same solution. The furnace had to be taken out and brought to a professional. We took it to Gordo's Fixit Guy. It should ready today. 

     In return for helping me, Gordo asked if I could fill in on his shift as he needs time to work on his land yacht. No problem. Put me in coach.

     One last thing. I just watched some commercial rocket launch out of Lone Star State take an alm female group of Celebs to the edge of space and the return safely to Earth. Total flight time was 12 minutes. Correctly, they are technically astronauts. Incorrectly, they were not crew members as one of them were in command or in control of the totally automated tourism flight. The last thing the press needs to do is boost their egos.

It's time to Blog

09 Mar 25

07:25 hrs

     Hello Campers, 

     There's lots going on these days so I figured that it is high time to catch up on things.

     Let's start with the Shit Show Circus going on South of the 49th. I hope have a boat load of popcorn because that three ring circus is going to last for the next four years. And if you think there is any rhyme or reason to the eighteen different directions the Tangerine Tyrant is yanking the Hugh-ess and, by international connections, the rest of the world. Historical alliances that are many decades long have been thrown out the window in the pursuit of some crazy destination that smacks of a totalitarian Fascist State. As the international treaties come apart the internal Hugh-ess governmental apparatus is being stripped of all rational common dog which again, is pointing to some kind of psychotic plan to eliminate all the checks and balances. There is a concerted effort by this Orange Shit-gibbon and his handlers to ignore, remove and dispose of all of those who made their country; the law makers, the civil rights activists and the service members who sacrificed their lives to push forward a betterment of society regardless of the flaws. And the Hugh-ess will be porer for it. Nuff said.

13:00 hrs

     Been busy. We had homemade hashbrowns for breakfast. I had some left over sliced potatoes that I didn't cube so I seasoned them and made chips with them on the oven. Yesterday, I made snowball cookies and today I made peanut butter date cookies with some coconut and rice crispies. I dreamed up the recipe so I hope they turn out. For supper, we're thinking of having a quiche.

     Our Jr. Couch Monkey has had his surgery to repair his torn ACL. It was on his right knee. From what he told us all went well. Recovery could take six months or more. He is still looking forward to everything in his future. When he has finished his trades training there will be more places to be posted to. The Mandarins in the Nation's Capital have re-read the tea leaves and there will be three new Staging Bases in the far north with one in each of the Northern Territories. Additionally, there will be a new facility built at the Edmon-chuck international Airport for the new CC-330 Husky aircraft. This new aircraft can carry pax, cargo and air-to-air refuel fighter aircraft. The RCAF purchased eight of these planes and there is no room for all of them at CFB Butthole in Ontari-ari-ari-oh so it makes sense to have some of them near where they would be needed. Garrisons Waynetown and Edmon-chuck are close as is CFB Cool Pool. As previously mentioned, here at CFB LOMPOC the Talking Heads are ponying up close to a billion shekels for a number of structures and associated infrastructure. That vast majority will require escorts for the contractors and personally, I don't think we have enough bodies to cover all of the locations at once. 

     Unless you have been living in cave for the past month you would know that the Orange Shit-gibbon had threatened and then imposed tarrifs on goods from The Great White North. Canuckistans reaction was to enact counter-tarrifs and have some goods from the Hugh-ess be completely pulled from the shelves. Is this significant? Well, the state of Kentucky sells 9 billion of bourbon annually to The Great White North. Some provinces have pulled all Hugh-ess booze off the shelves and a couple have yanked only the goods manufacturered in the Red States, those who are of the Republican Faith. Either way, this and the fact that Canucks far and wide are really paying attention to who is producing the goods they are purchasing. Across the country anything from the Hugh-ess is being left on the shelf. Produce is beginning to rot and meats are staying in tbe cooler. In North Carolina one of the largest pork slaughter houses is shutting down, laying off 600 workers,  as no meat is heading over the border. With all of this the Tangerine Tyrant called up Justy and proposed to reduce the tariffs by 50% if he would drop ours altogether. Justy was polite in his rebuttal but in essence he told Donny all about Sex and Travel.

     There is a growing number of articles being written that the RCAF should abandon the F35 project. Personally,  I agree whole heartedly and not just because the aircraft is a big POS. It has come to light that the non-Hugh-ess aircraft, that is to say aircraft purchased by us, the Aussies, Brits and everyone else is short some eight million lines of code of mission data. This code needed to conduct operational missions and without it the aircraft is only 60% functional and the extra code must be up loaded from either a station in the Hugh-ess or one in the Land Down-Under. This gives the You-Alls the ability of limiting the F35 from being used against them. Hey Assholes, do you trust your Allies or not? That's okay, the Swedes are offering us the Viggen which may not be a Gen5 aircraft but it's cheaper than tne F35 (by a long shot), they're allowing us to build it in Canuckistan and they will give us the licence, meaning we can modify it without having to pay more monies.

     Have you watched Yellowstone? 

     I had seen some ads for it but hey, it's horses and cowboy stuff and I've never been one for that as it's usually some mushy lame ass relationship heavy crap, like Heartland. But then Gordo mentioned it to me. I took a look and holy crap is it good. Great story lines, real ranching stuff (none of the mushy lame ass stuff), there's the law and then there's justice and gun play. Four seasons and I'm on season 4. Gordo told me there are two prequels. I'll have to look for them. There is a new movie called Conclave that I need to watch too.

     Awhile ago we were in River City at the Cornucopia where I spotted a book called Under the Bridge: the True Story of the Death of Reen Virk. Reena was a young girl in Capital City was bullied and murdered in The Gorge. The book covers all of the players concerned, the investigation and the numerous trials. In reading the book I often wondered if the author had direct access to police and court transcripts. It is that good and that scary. 

     Well Kidlettes, I will close this out. The days are getting longer and we are now on Daylight Saving Time. The Left Coast is ready to enact legislation to remain on DST but only if the three Pacific Coastal states do the same. I heard that Ontari-ari-ari-oh will do the same if the states to the South of them follow suit. I say just do it and eventually everyone will follow suit.

What goes around...

20 Feb 25

15:30 hrs

     Well, wouldn't you know there's an old trend from the days of Yore that is now the hot new thing. It falls in the realm of parenting and it is referred to as FAFO. Now, FAFO is the method by which is I, and probably many of my generation, was raised. At least some of the time. FAFO is the anacroynm for F*ck Around & Find Out. 

     I had just read an article from the Canuckistan Broadcasting Corruption that if you, as a parent, have been pleading for hours ad infinitum with your Couch Monkey to wear a coat when they go outside because the temperature is the same as the daytime high as the planet Hoth and if they don't their arms could freeze off and they will no longer be able to play with their Nintendo Switch. So, instead of stressing yourself out to the point of needing therapy or medication or both, simply take the FAFO route. "Go ahead. Do what you want and while you're outside shovel the walk!" Rest assured it won't be long before Little Johnny will be back in to get his coat. It might take awhile but eventually the cold will snap him into reality.

     I'm not saying that this is the end all and be all method of parenting. Each child is different and each situation is different. But, I find it interesting that what worked for me, and a multitude of generations before me, was abandoned for a great number of years during which children were coddled to the point that they controlled the household. Something in Society must have clicked because FAFO is fast becoming the new Olde thing. Maybe the latest crop of parents finally recieved common sense booster.

On the Road Again (with friends)

08 Feb 25

22:50 hrs 

     My Lobster and I have squirrelled away on a short vacation. Last night we billetted with Li'l Sis in Cowtown and then we met up with long time friends Slam and Em.

They have been the closest of friends for a very long time. The four of us have traveled South to a beach resort in Mexico. The resort hotel is built like a Mayan temple, which is cool, and so far the food is great and the service is fantastic. We're only here for a week so we'll have to make the most of it.

09 Feb 25

16:45 hrs

     A couple of points. First and foremost is be aware of your surroundings and, secondly, sometimes the Universe (or The Big Guy upstairs) throws you a bone. Case in point.... We were all down at the beach for the better part of the day. The rollers, nee waves, were coming in to shore constantly and sometimes they got fair sized. My Lobster and I had already walked the length of the beach and back, just wetting our ankles in the water and a little bit later we waded out a little deeper. Waves were crashing and there was a significant undertow. When we went wading, the first time I stripped off my watch, hearing aids and eyeglasses leaving them on the table beside the beach chair. All was good. The second time I neglected to leave my glassed behind and sure enough a huge wave knocked my Better Half to the ground and as I rushed to help her up a second wave caught us putting us both down. When we recovered my hat was gone and...my eyeglasses. That was it. At first I thought that I was mistaken and that I had left them one the table. I scooted up the beach and checked. Nope. They were in the water being pushed and pulled who knows where by the waves and the undertow. My Lobster and I tried to peer through the brown silty water. After twenty mikes she went back to our chairs and I continued to look which involved more feeling with my toes than anything else. And then...an angel appeared. An angel in the form of a local with mask, snorkel and flippers. "Did you lose something, Senor?" I explained what had happened and we continued to search. After another twenty mikes I gave up and committed myself to not having glasses for the remainder of the trip, having to wear an old pair when I got home and ordering a new pair as well. And all because of a moment of inattention. Another twenty or thirty mikes go by and the local angel comes out of the water. "Are these your glasses, Senor?" Unfreakinbelievable. He had found them and, amazingly, not a scratch on them. We thanked him and rewarded him for his act. My Lobster said that we should by a lottery ticket if we could.

21:00 hrs

     We are back in our room. For supper the four of us dined at the Mexican ala  carte restaurant. Outstanding food. Rich. Flavourful. And exciting. My Better Half had a dish with a seven day black mole sauce. Can you imagine a sauce that has fifteen ingredients and takes seven days to make? Who cares what the hell kind of protein its coating because the sauce was the star of the dish. I had an appetizer made of slivered tuna done in a mescal ceviche. Of course, we all had churros for dessert. After dinner we picked up coffee or tea before waddling up to our floor to discuss the game plan for tomorrow. We're opting to make it a pool day. There are four pools here and one is adults only. No rogue waves and no undertow.

11 Feb 25

09:30 hrs

     Today is my Lobster's BDay. And I will get to that in a moment.

     Yesterday was a pool day which consisted of lounging and conversing, drinking, swimming, rinse and repeat. Our pool of choice is the NO COUCH MONKEYS ALLOWED pool. My Better Half and I secured two loungers for ourselves and held another two for Slam and Em. It was a great day. We spotted rays, whales, dolphins, schools of bait fish trying to evade predators, pelicans, frigate birds,  grackles (a crow type bird), vultures and numerous boats cruising the bay. In the evening we dined at an ala carte Italian restaurant and waddled away pleasantly stuffed.

     Today, being my Lobster's birthday we returned to the adult pool and did nothing of great significance. It was a Rinse and Repeat day, which was what she wanted to do. Dipping in the pool, sipping drinks and pleasant conversation. We ate at the buffet as we didn't have an Ala Carte booked. The staff surprised her with a slice of decorated cake with a candle and a Mexican rendition of Happy Birthday. Tomorrow will be more of the same as that is what we like to do on a vacation. Relax and decompress.

12 Feb 25

0800 hrs

     When on vacation, we like to make up names for things, and people, just to have some frame of reference or for a bit of fun. Across the bay in front of are a number of rocky islands that may or may not be home to anything. Em and my Better Half have given names according to their shape. From right to left there is Sorting Hat Rock, Sleeping Venus, Beer Beel Rock, Rhino, Easter Island Head and Battleship Rock. There are some fauna that we have names for as well. The Bumble Bird or Humming Bee is a creature slightly bigger than my thumb that cruises through the branches above our heads. We haven't seen it hover nor have we seen it land on any flowers but that's what it looks like. A bird native to the area is the Chachalacas. It makes this very loud call which sounds like its name... chackalacka chackalaka. I would consider it to be a Latino turkey. It's a bit smaller than a guinea fowl but the pool attendant say they are edible. I'll have to take his word for it.

     We have booked a trip downtown for tomorrow to do some shopping. Should be good. Gotta look for a sparkly for my Lobster. 

     There are para-sailors across the bay from another resort. I don't know the inspection cycle of the equipment so I wouldn't trust it. There have been cases where the sailor has slipped out of the harness only to plummet hundreds of feet to the ocean and died. Nope not for me.

13 Feb 25

09:00 hrs

     We, my Lobster,  Em, Slam and myself,  went on a tour of the nearby towns. The guide was articulate, knowledgeable and funny. He asked us if we knew what they called traffic calming speed bumps in Ixtapa? Lazy policemen. The driver quite capable. We saw the sights. We saw six foot iquanas, twelve foot American crocodiles as well as more exotic birds. We did a bit of shopping purchasing prime tequila and some knick knacks. On the way back we had the driver drop us off near our resort so we could wander about. We looked for a few more things and spotted a place to grab a bite. In fact, the proprietor called out as we walked by. He sounded very Canuckish. Naturally, we returned. 

     The place is called Frank's. Owned and operated by Frank, an ex-pat Canuck from Ontari-ari-ari-oh. He's been down here for 25 years. The restaurant is decorated with Sa-hatchewan Rider banners and poutine was menu along with pizzas that any denizen of the Great White North could identify with. Beers, nachos tropical with diced papaya and a pizza were ordered and devoured. It was so good. Probably the best meal we ate here, other than the ala carte restaurants. It was so good that we all made plans to go to Frank's before flying out on Saturday. The rest of the day was spent poolside before skipping supper and crashing out. 

14 Feb 25

07:45 hrs

     Happy Valentine's Day!

     We have another exciting day planned, other than hanging at the beach or pool. After breakfast the Fab Four will head back to town for a bit more shopping. Em is looking for things for their Loin Fruits. We will snag a lite bite to eat of real Mexican food before heading back to our temporary residence. It'll be a beach day this afternoon and our penultimate fine dining experience. As previously mentioned, we have planned for our last meal to be at Frank's. 

15 Feb 25

15:00 hrs

     The four of us, plus our driver, Francisco, dined at Frank's before heading to the airport. Thank goodness it had a/c. When we boarded our aircraft the crew informed us of the flight time to the planet Hoth where the current temp was -742C, or there abouts. Of course she was joking, but not by much. On landing in Cowtown it was -29C with windchill down to -35C. Good thing we didn't have to go outside. I lost sight of Slam and Em as we boarded our departure flight. It was great to see them both and hopefully we'll get to do this again.

     

Back at the Sage's

24 Jan 25

06:45 hrs

     I'm back at the Sage's for her birthday.Eighty years young! Amazing.

     To get here I flew from the Valley to Cowtown, stayed the night at L'il Sis's place and in the morning we departed via PMC, before first light I might add, heading West. Roads were good, traffic light, weather cold and very windy. Nearing Revel-Bush we ran into snow and at Sic-a-moose we had to take a massive detour South and then Northwest due to the 6 day a week bridge construction. Despite living Cowtown for 20+ years, L'il Sis really impressed me with her driving skills. On Sunday we'll retrace our route, minus the detour as the road is open on Sundays and I'll fly back home on Monday.

     Our Sr. Loin Fruit has joined a new electrical company. This is his first week and by all accounts it's working out well.

02 Feb 25

06:35 hrs 

     Sorry Campers,  I should have finished this blog off sooner. Li'l Sis and I had a really good visit with the Sage. We both did some chores for her and her birthday was quite the celebration. It was a short trip. Less than a week. There and back. The road conditions from the Sage's back to Cowtown were immensely better than heading out. 

     My Better Half greeted me on my return to the Valley and I went back to the grind. The amount of work is slowly picking up. Gordo has been with a drill crew for the past couple of weeks. Some good coin there. I've picked up a couple of days each week. Not much but it keeps us in pin money. I know that it will get busy as one of the few flight line qualified members has decided to go on hiatus. Personally,  I don't think he will be coming back. 

04 Feb 25

07:45 hrs

     We have snow. 

     Two days plus. 

     Until further notice we are staying off the roads because 95% of the drivers in the Valley do not know how to operate a vehicle in real winter conditions. Instead, I will stay inside, watch SAS: Rogue Soldiers on Prime and continue packing for Mexico.

A Couple of Short Trips

17 Jan 25

07:15 hrs

     Hello Kidlettes, 

     Yesterday, my Lobster and I took a journey across the Salt Chuck for a visit to Pee River. Our Sr. Loin Fruit and his Significant Other, Maranara, tagged along for the trip. He had been over there once or twice, but it was quite some time ago and she had never been there. For Heaven's sake it's only a 22 mile boat ride! Go have fun! We had a good time with lunch at the Mile Zero bakery. I had the Rueban sandwich. Outstanding! Dressing on one side and seedy mustard on the other. We were home by 1900.

     The Quorum of the Wayward Inn has decided that it is time for Miss Maggy Baggybits to cross over to the Other Side. In the past few months she has lost an incredible amount of weight, her thirst has increased ten fold (possible hyperthyroid) and she has begun to miss the box. We all know that she is suffering and there is no need to prolonge it. We will miss her.

     The Jr. Loin Fruit just called. He's getting a bit pissed at the TWATs in his platoon who think they can out-think and outsmart the staff. A bunch of them were caught with their phones, which should have been in their lockers. As punishment the entire Platoon had an extra inspection on Saturday. Oh Joy! I suggested to him that maybe someone in each section should step up and provide some leadership and ensure everyone in the section is properly turned out.

18 Jan 25

16:00 hrs

     Four hours ago Miss Maggy Baggybits was put to rest. Her journey has ended. Her pain is gone. And, she will be missed.

     I wonder if, when I am gone from this Earth will I be reunited, not only with my family but with my pets as well?

     

A New Beginning...

01 Jan 25

16:30 hrs

     It is now the New Year. Our Jr. Loin Fruit is still with us for a couple of days. He will be leaving Friday at Oh-Dark-30. We have enjoyed his company and his baking. I remember when I was in the Service and I would head home to see the Sages for the Holidays. To tell you the truth I never thought how it would affect them when I left after visiting for a couple of weeks. But now I know. We missed having him around. We have no idea when we will see him next. We think that after his surgery he may be able to return home and carry out his physio at CFB LOMPOC instead of BFC Le Bouef. It would be nice but we will gave to see what the Doc says.

02 Jan 25

21:30 hrs

     Well, he's all packed. At least I hope he is. Today we played a bunch of games and my Better Half took some photos of us and the boys. Memories.

     Today we had a gift delivered to us. I was getting my multi-tool, from my work pants to mark the Jr. Couch Monkey's battery pack, when I spotted a dead sparrow laying on a recyclable shopping bag in our closet. Obviously, one of our two wannabe hunters, Jack or Mr. Wilson brought it in from the Catio.

04 Jan 25

16:30 hrs

     Our Jr. Loin Fruit arrived at BFC LaBouef this morning. He actually got in town yesterday but due to the rulz he was not allowed on Base so he racked out in a hotel that my Lobster had booked for him. He'll be back to his own personal grind bright and early Monday morning. He made sure he packed his parka and the  new winter boots he received for Christmas. He also took a suitcase full of books to keep himself occupied on his down time. 

     We still have the two rentals. That's the term the Oma-nator would call the foster cats. We tried to integrate them with our clouded - that's what a group of cats is called - but it has been difficult as one of the two is a real shithead chasing not only Mr. Wilson but Jack as well. Hopefully they'll be adopted soon.

     It would appear that the Royal.Mail is moving once again. The Sage called to let us know that she got our Christmas card. We've only had four or five show up at the Wayward Inn. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people didn't even send out cards because of the postal strike. Who can blame them. Unfortunately, we had ours signed, sealed and ready to go when the strike started so they were sent out late. If you're on our list it should be there soon.

     Flipping through the channels the other night I saw a movie that I hadn't seen in some time. Finding Forrester, starring Sean Connery, F Murray Abraham and Rob Brown as Jamal. A great flic where the establishment snob(s) gets put in their place. I lime movies like that. Another interesting same genre is Scent of a Woman. Al Pacino won an Oscar for his performance. 

     On the small screen, if you can call a 64 inch flat screen small, we have loved the Big Bang Theory ever since it first came out. Last night we saw the episode where Sheldon and his new bride Amy go on their honeymoon. Their hotel room number was 2112. I don't know if the number was chosen on purpose or if it was just an accident. 2112 is the title of a Rush album. If you had ever heard it on vinyl or cassette you would know that all of Side One is just one song. Yes, I know that the band's early concept albums were either loved or hated, despised and/or loathed by the unknowing but it's a pretty impressive piece of work for a three person band.

     Monday will see me heading back to work, finally. Shifts have been scarce for months. I know that there are some very major projects are going to happen. It's just a matter of when.

     

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

19 Dec 24

07:30 hrs

     Good Morning Dear Readers, 

     For those of you who are of an age to remember the Olden Times I would like to turn the clock back to when Justy's old man, Uncle Pete, was running the show in the Capital of the Great White North. Now there was a very well educated calculating and savvy politician. And here's some background about Uncle Sneaky Pete that you may not have been aware of...

Did you know...

     Uncle Pete was the only PM who served in the military during a time of war. He was a cadet at a military college but was not deployed overseas. 

O

     He served as the Minister of Justice before becoming Prime Minister and as a result he knew of the coming issues in La Belle Provence. As the PM He reduced the Cdn military in Europe and positioned many of them across the river from the impending troubles which manifested itself as the October Crisis. When asked if he would enact the War Measures Act and deploy troops to the streets of the Great White North Uncle Pete replied, "Just watch me!"

     What balls he had!

     He brought home our own Constitution. 

     In my opinion, he was one of the most political savvy politicians in our history. For example, he held the opposition chair when Joe Who had a Minority mandate. For some unknown reason Joe asked Uncle Pete for some advice...Should he raise the tax on gasoline? To which Pete said sure thing. Joe's mandate fell to a vote of non-confidence lead by Uncle Pete. An election was called and Pete's party won a majority and the first order of business was to promptly raised the gasoline sales tax!

     Justy is definitely not the politician his father was.

22 Dec 24

10:30 hrs

     I read that yesterday that fifty-one federal MP's from Ontari-ari-ari-oh held a zoom meeting to discuss Justy's tenure. It wasn't an issue of if he was staying as the Party Leader but when when be the most opportune time to ditch him. Now, he could step down for a change in leadership which could allow a new leader to rally the troops in time to win the inevitable election. Or, face a vote of non-confidence, lose the House and let the wolves run the country for a number of years. As I see it, those are the only two options. Time will tell.

     The Wayward Inn is all ready for the Holidays. The Couch Monkeys and their Significant Others have been back and forth. The Senior one has been working between five different job sites. He had surgery to fix a deviated septum that had plagued him forever. It was highly successful and now he has full use of both nostrils. Junior has been maintaining the physio regimen that was prescribed to strengthen his knee prior to surgery next month. He will have to go through rehab and more physio before proceeding to his trade course. Once again fate has thrown him a curve ball.

     My Lobster has now retired from Federal Service. She is looking at doing more puzzling, reading, learning Thai Chi and keeping me in line.

     The weather on the Left Coast has been extremely miserable. A series of low pressure systems have been striking the Island with increasing regulatory. The temps have been just about right with snow at the higher elevations and lots of liquid sunshine at the lower levels. I'm happy when I have no snow to shovel.

     The Beltway Circus, lead by the Tangerine Tyrant, is going to be insane. NASA is to be lead by some billionaire space tourist? Really? Is that a smart thing to do? You might as well have some twice indicted convicted sexual offending fraudster run the most powerful in the world! Oh, yeah. Idiots! 

     It's panini night at the Wayward Inn. Our menus are planned out for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. No turkey. We normally cook a big ham and with the leftovers we make our Christmas Morning Wife Saver, a delightful breakfast casserole that can be adapted for those who are of the vegetarian persuasion or who are mycelium phobic.

25 Dec 24

06:35 hrs

     Merry Christmas Campers!

     Just a short note to all of my friends, relatives and anyone else who finds time to read my blah blah blah. I would like you to remember that the holiday is not about the commercial gifts or the tables weighted down with food and drink or the participation of various religious rituals. I believe that at this time of the year it is time to think of those less fortunate individuals who are in need of food, shelter and the other basic needs in life and how we have assisted them not just during the Holidays but throughout the year. If we could just donate some time (and if not time then funds) to better their predicament the maybe, just maybe, there may be light at the end of their tunnel.

I guess it's about time...

30 Nov 24

11:30 hrs

     Hello Campers!

     I know that I have been off the air, so to speak, for some time. I've had to sit back to digest and reconcile the fact that quite possibly the vast majority of the Hugh-ess voting population must be brain dead. I say this because no-one in their right mind would ever put a corrupt racist fascist Tyrant in power for a second time! 

     GADZOOKS! 

     I was severely mistaken. The highly uneducated populace was duped enmasse placing the Orange Shit-gibbon back behind the Resolute Desk surrounded by his fawning Acolytes who will shank one another for the privilege of changing their leader's diaper.

      Now, if we are very careful, we will only be singed as the Hugh-ess burns to the ground. And, that is all I will say on the topic. Film at eleven.

     The Jr. Loin Fruit Saga continues...

     As you know the Big K headed off to Basic Training at the end of September. In his 7th Week he stretched a ligament in a knee. This has set him back several weeks in his training and required him to be moved from CFB BOREDOM to BFC CHEESE CURDS. He's been there for a week and will be coming home on Saturday for the Christmas Break. In the New Year he will go back and hopefully be able to complete Basic. At this time we don't know when his Trades Course will start. There is also the possibility that he may have to under go surgery to fix the ligament. He will know more tomorrow when he is scheduled for an MRI.

05 Dec 24

07:30 hrs

     I have been listening to a CBC podcast on Spotify called Someone Knows Something. It's a true crime investigation of cold cases. Missing persons, murders, etc. Pretty interesting and, I hate to say it,  addictive. The last one was of a murdered 15 year old girl in Thompson, Mb. Very gripping.

07 Dec 24

06:45 hrs

     Today is the 83rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. It is also the day when our Jr Loin Fruit comes home for his Christmas Break. To say we are excited is an understatement. We have been busy, my Lobster and I, wrapping presents, prepping rooms, prepping foods and cleaning the Wayward Inn as if royalty was visiting.

11 Dec 24

05:45 hrs

     Our Jr. Couch Monkey made it home on the 7th. His flight was delayed coming out  of the Pacific Pearl for four hours. On top of that his journey started three hours earlier than it had to because some knucklehead he was sharing a cab with was super paranoid that he would miss his flight. His body is now adjusting to the time change. We are all happy that he's home for the Holidays. It's only for a month so we are enjoying every minute of it.

     Yesterday our Sr. Loin Fruit underwent surgery to fix a deviated septum. It's been an issue since he was a kid. It couldn't be corrected until he was at least eighteen. At one point, several years ago, he was slated for surgery but life got in the way. He finally followed up with the ENT specialist had the procedure done. If all went well he'll be back pulling wires in a week.

     My Lobster has only two days of work left and then she will be retired from her current job. It's been a long haul but she is looking forward to turning the page and doing some fun stuff. More puzzles, volunteer work, Thai Chi, who knows. I'm happy for her. 

     The Great Mail Strike of 2024 is still ongoing. We have prepped our Christmas cards but like everyone else in the Great White North nothing is moving. Even letters to Santa. Down Island some ladies in a neighborhood decided that it was very important that the local kids letters to the Jolly Olde Elf were delivered, or at least appeared to have been delivered so they set up a number of Santa's Mail Boxes,  kind of like book houses, in their neighborhood. They have been reading and answering the letters as best as they can which I am sure will bring a smile to some little tots and relief to some parents too. Bravo Zulu.

     What did you ask Santa for?

     On the other side of the globe a dictator's regime has fallen and he has fled the country taking up asylum with another dictator. He was ousted by "rebels", who could be one any of a dozen factions who opposed his regime. It's good to see him gone as he was an extremely evil individual. And, since the new rulers are busy trying to consolidate power while eliminating any remaining leadership a neighbouring country has seized the opportunity to remove any military infrastructure  - ships, bases, supply depots, communication suites, etc - that could be used against them in any future engagements. The whole area has been extremely volatile for the past 50 years with no end in sight. Some pundits are saying that this latest dust up could be the start of WWIII. Let's hope that cooler heads prevail.

Almost at the Turn

03 Nov 24

07:00 hrs

     Good Morning Dear Readers, 

     It is referred to as a turning point in history. It's that definitive moment when something happens in one's life or in a company's progress or in a nation's growth. On your way to work you turned right instead of left and later learned you missed being involved in an vehicle accident or some manager didn't ensure that the delivery vehicles had regular  maintenance and as a result the goods cannot be delivered on time and if a portion of the electorate does not take the time to research their choice of candidates could push back their country more than 80 years.

     If you refuse to learn from history you are bound to repeat it!

     Recently, the Tangerine Tyrant held a rally in the Big Apple where the misogynistic leader along with the racists and the homophobes were out in full fascist force. History shows that in 1939 the American Nazi Party held a rally in the very same place and railed against the very same issues. In 1945 World War Ii ended when the Allies defeated the German National Socialists (Nazis) and in the following years showed the world the horrors they had committed to maintain their racial purity. In today's political arena, the Tangerine Tyrant has spoken of building internment camps, of rounding up illegal immigrants and of going after the enemy within all of which was done during the German Nazi regime. 

     I really don't know what of world history is taught in the Hugh-ess. I do know that the focus is primarily of their own internal history and how their country was involved on the global stage. But, now even that history is being skewed in some GOP  areas as The PowersThat Be want to remove anything and (it seems) everything that:

a) reflects badly on them or their party

b) promotes independent thinking

c) anything they don't understand

d) any challenge to their authority 

e) anything that is different from them.

     What is happening in the Hugh-ess is not happening in the Great White North. Or, is it? Recently, one of the candidates running for the leadership of the Left Coast made it abundantly clear that if elected he would repeal the provincial act requiring consultation with First Nations before any construction takes place because their needs don't need to be considered. Sounds pretty racist to me.

     If you think 'Merican Nazism is not much of a thing I beg to differ. If you want to hear some deep background research stuff I ask you to look for "Ultra" on your podcast. It's by Rachael Maddow from MSNBC. There are two seasons. Start with S1E1 and be prepared to be stunned.

     North of the 49th all we can do is hope that good will triumph over evil. And it will be evil if the Orange Shit-gibbon is re-elected especially since the Supreme Monkeys has given him unchecked carte blanche clearance to do whatever the hell he wants. In order to ensure a safe and fair election Hugh-ess vote some counting centres have been beefed up with perimeter steel fencing topped with barbed wire, rooftop snipers, bi-partisan scrutineers and multiple security check points. Over $10m has been spent just at one counting centre. And all in the name to safeguard their voting freedom.