Remember the History

29 Oct 18
23:15 hrs

     This is important so PAY ATTENTION!

     In the past week there has been three major homegrown terrorist attacks in the Hugh-ess. Each of these attacks were carried out by white males who have been radicalized by the Tangerine Tyrant's rhetoric. Make no mistake that these three individuals were already bent by the right wing but were further emboldened by the constant anti-societal blather spewing out of the White House.

      I want you, Dear Reader, to think long and hard about what is right and what is wrong. I want you to pay attention to the axiom that states: He whoever does not remember history is bound to repeat it.

     How many people have to be shot and killed by these insane 2nd Ammendment loons before the population demands their elected officials bring in protective legislation?

     The venom pouring from the Tangerine Tyrant only pointed out the individuals who had publically opposed him and they became the targets for the bomber. Thankfully, none of the devices actually detonated.

     As neighbours to the sleeping elephant - to steal the descriptor from Pierre Trudeau - we must hope that in the upcoming mid-term and the following presidential election that common sense and human decency will prevail.

     Thank You

A Change in Power

24 Oct 18
06:00 hrs

     If you have been living in a cave then you may have missed the general municipal elections that took place last Saturday. I am proud to announce that our Jr. Loin Fruit has now been registered as a voter and he has cast his first set of ballots. Outstanding! The ability to vote, which is the ability to have a hand in charting the course of your community is very important. Now, we at the Wayward Inn are by no means one of those hyper-political families that you may have seen in the news South of the 49th Parallel but we do try to keep abreast of the current issues that affect us. We have never told our Couch Monkeys who they must vote for. That would be wrong. We all did our research as to what were the intended goals of the candidates and we all have our own concerns. But once an individual is in that voting booth the choice is all theirs.

     What I cannot understand is the total apathy from the younger voters. It seems like they do not give two shots about who's in charge and then they have the ball to bitch about it. My view is: If you don't vote you don't get to complain!

     But things are changing. Our local council has a new mayor and the majority of councillors are women. There is a town down by the Capital City that has elected a 19 year old to council. That's amazing. Maybe he can shed a new light on things or at least get will have the ability to see problems from a different perspective from the others. The major population centre here in the Valley also had a mayoral shakeup with fresh blood being injected to the top position. Good. Out with the old in with the new. Maybe that extra bridge will be built sooner than later.

     It was my L'il Sis's Birthday just the other day. I would tell you her age but if she ever read this blog she would probably send out a CowTown hit squad which would rope me, brand me and toss me into the back of a chuck wagon.

21:00 hrs

     I'm working the night shift of late. Its actually closer to the graveyard shift. Its throwing everything off in the Wayward Inn but we'll get through it.

     Something of interest was spotted in the local cage liner. Our solo movie theater has finally decided to invest in new seating and other stuff. Who cares about the other stuff it's all about the THE NEW CHAIRS. BIG WIDE COMFY LOUNGERS!

25 Oct 18
06:55 hrs

     Shop at Costco? How about prescriptions? Nice service. Cheap prices. All good? No. Not really.

     Have you ever tried to drop off a prescription first thing in the morning at a Costco? Good luck. It seems that every old person in the country knows all about the benefits of getting their meds at Costco and that's where the trouble starts. The game plan was to dash in, drop off the prescription, do my shopping and get out less than a hundred dollars poorer if I can. And, if the prescription is ready before my departure so much the better. But these Seniors - with their life time of aches and pains - are handing in multiples of scripts and the daily line up is the full length of the aisle.

     This is not a rant. It's an observation. If you have a solution, let me know.

     I have been informed by my Better Half that Elric the Stalwart and Sister Jo are coming to the Wayward Inn for a meal and games. Sounds like fun. I'll let you know what Chef Blaine and Sous Irene create for dinner. I understand that ribs and other things might be on the menu.

22:45 hrs

     I'm back at work. Babysitting contractors in the rain. Could be worse - it could always be worse - but I am very familiar with the job so it's a no brainer on my part. Chef Blaine made a pumpkin roll for dessert on Saturday. The recipe states the finished product is 16 servings and each serving is nearing 300 calories. So, do the math Kidlettes...as good as it tastes this dessert is not healthy for you in the least. I think Chef Blaine will whip up some extra icing just to ensure everyone has a massive sugar rush.

     End Mssg

    

Just the guys

12 Oct 18
05:50 hrs

     Just a heads up. My Better Half has returned to the Nation's Capital to attend the her aunt's funeral. She had been quite ill for quite some time and in my opinion her passing is now providing relief to her and her family. This has left myself and the Loin Fruits to look after ourselves. We're pretty self sufficient so it's not an issue.

     The Sages had been in the Peg for Thanksgiving. While there they visited with One of the Uncles and an aunt on the other side. They also went and saw the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. By all reports it's a fantastic display. My Better Half and I have been thinking about going back for a visit. It would have to be in the summer. I'd rather brave the bloodsuckers rather than the frozen prairie.

     Our neighbour, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia, has been moved by his kids to a facility in Capital City. There has been some concern of late of his ability to be on his own.

13 Oct 18
09:55 hrs

     The Big Swede sent me a message last week. It seems he went back to the Base Camp by himself - a lull in his work - and he had a night sighting of the big hairy monkey kind. From 140 feet away he had spotted eye shine that was close to eight feet off the ground. Pretty unnerving but the Swede held his ground at it left. He feels that it was just as shocked as he was. In his videk message you can see how stoked he was.

     We got rid of another rental cat last night. Our cats are very happy.

     The Sr. Loin Fruit is training for a second job. He's in a position where he feels like he is a key part of a team. This is a great boost for his person. There is nothing better than to feel like an essential part of an operation.

     Have the leaves turned colour where you live? We have started but we dont get the colors that they do down east. I'm sure the maples in the Nation's Capital are looking fantastic but I doubt if my Lobster has noticed them with all the traffic.

     Have you heard of the Saudi reporter who may have been assassinated by his own countrymen? Rumour has it a fifteen man hit squad took him out at the Saudi embassy in Turkey. He had been living in exile in the Hugh-Ess and had gone to the embassy to get some paperwork.

     There is a new wave that is about to hit the Great White North. In just four days cannabis will become legal to own and consume. Here in the Valley - which has been described as Hippy Central - I'm sure that the scent of burning weed will be very prevalent not that it isn't already. Another wave is that is about to take hold - and I hope that it is true - is the rise of the Democratic Party in the Mid Term elections. I hope that the Tangerine Tyrant is shaking on his golden throne.

     I've been struggling with getting my new book out. The Lady who uploaded my last book has suffered an injury and cannot operate a mouse for a computer. She gave me the names of individuals who could help me but I've decided to strike out on own. Our resident computer guru, the Sr. Couch Monkey, has helped with some of my glitches. Hopefully I can make the final corrections and get the damn thing uploaded. This new tome is 1.5 x the size of the last one at 463 pages. Not bad, really since my Better Half ethically screened out about 50 pages. She said those portions had to go as I would be facing a lawsuit or two. The last book is priced at $24.95 . If you have any ideas on what I should price this one at drop me a line. Once its uploaded I will order some copies for myself. I'll gift a dozen to the Air Museum here in the Valley for them to sell and keep the profits. I have to send a copy to a Hugh-Ess Air Force member who permitted me to use a quote and I'll be sending a copy to our PM & MND in the hope that they will wake the hell up.
Wish me luck.

It started out nice until...

01 Oct 18
05:15 hrs

     My Lobster and I recently celebrated our 23rd Anniversary. We also felt that we needed to get away from the trappings of the Wayward Inn for the weekend, so we headed south towards Capital City. The plan was to take a room at a B&B but that fell through so we were going to take the Mobile Wayward Inn to  point south of Hub City to use as a base of operations but that fell through as well. My Better Half came up with the notion of taking a room at the Squid Pen by Capital City. She had been there before and told me the accommodations were outstanding. Perfect!

     On route south we stopped at Tool Heaven where I purchased items for my new hobby before we continued on to the Squid Pen. Once we arrived we were given the keys to our room.

     Now  for an ex-service member the room was just below a drunken standard but for my Better Half it was totally unacceptable. Here's the list:

     1. The temperature of the room was at least 40C.

     2. The bed was a twin size bed.

     3. There was a fitted sheet - no flat sheet. The pillow was sweat stained and when I found the pillowcase in the desk drawer it was stained with blood.

     4. The only towel in the room was dirty and had been left by a former guest.

     With these items at hand I went to see the Rezident Duty Warden - the kid in charge. I found the Leading Seaman reading a book in his office. I informed him of the situation and he quickly ran about gathering a sheet, two towel sets, a pillow and fresh pillow cases. When I got back to the room my Lobster had just used the loo and discovered that it would not flush. I checked and discovered there was no water in the tank. The valve had been closed.  Why? Inquiring minds want to know so I went back see the Rezident.
He told me that the plumbers had been working on it the previous week. Had it been fixed? No. Well holy crap. I raced back to the room and shut off the water just before it flooded out of the tank. Back to see the Rezident.

     "Okay, I need the plumbing fixed today. Barring that I need my wife and I to be in another room because this comedy of errors is totally unacceptable! We're going out to meet some friends for lunch. Here's my number. Call me."

     And off we went.

     Lunch was great. I had received a call from the Rezident who informed me that we would be stuck with the room as is. I don't think so.

     After our repast we returned to the Squid Pen and checked out. My Cuz'n put us up for an extra night. Thanks Cuz'n. A letter of complaint has been penned and will be sent to the Powers that Be.

03 Oct 18
09:35 hrs

     My Better Half's aunt has passed away after an extended illness. As a result our Thanksgiving trip to the north end of The Rock has been modified to accommodate her flight to the Nation's Capital. This will leave myself with the Couch Monkeys for a couple of weeks. Not a problem. When we travel north our Friends from Over the Hump will be joining us. I am also taking my new spoon carving kit. Hopefully, I can get a couple of them done.

     I have had to re-edit my new tome into a pdf format. This will be slow going as I am not that conversant with the program. Text alignment and re-inserting the photos will be a new learning curve. I had really hoped that it would be out the door by now. But I have no choice but to do it myself as the person who had uploaded my previous book has suffered an injury. If I am successful I will invest in the full- blown pdf program which will be added to my tax deductions. I have some thoughts on advertising. Maybe I should pony up some cash as I could generate additional sales as opposed to the nonexistent methods I am using now.

     Do you have any ideas? If so, drop me a line.

Pushing Forward

23 Sep 18
07:45 hrs

     

     Each of us at the Wayward Inn have been moving - sometimes running - in our own little concentric circles that occasionally converge. My old/new employment venue has me working a graveyard shift which, at my age, is quite the bag drive; the Sr. Loin Fruit is pushing hard towards additional employment; the Jr. Couch Monkey is trying to balance is new education course with karate, his friendship with the BOM and a possible new Main Squeeze. My Better Half has the largest and tightest rotating circle of all of us with path lines of work, home, the health of relatives and The Oma. It's a lot that we are trying to maintain just to keep on an even keel.

     

17:30 hrs

     I'm in limbo. Trying to gain some rack time for my upcoming graveyard shift but I am not tired enough to doze off completely. My Better Half had booked an appointment for myself and the Jr. Couch Monkey for a pedicure. I had a couple of them in the Peg but it had been mostly to massage my aching feet - before I learned that I had plantar faciitis. This time it was different. Foot bath, nails trimmed, cuticles done, foot and lower leg massaged with creams and hot stones before the application of coloured polish of my choice. I know that some of my friends will see the pics on Facebook and will give me a hard time about it. Fuck 'em! At this stage of the game I could care less. It was a treat. A gift. And for the price I sat in a massaging chair and drifted in and out of consciousness as this lady worked on my feet. I wouldn't do it all the time but I will have it done again right before going to Cuba. I'll have the best dressed tarsals in Veradaro.

21:15 hrs

     We have learned through the grapevine that the Oma-nator now has electrical power. Her building and a great deal of the surrounding area had been out of power since the tornado ripped through. Fifty hours in the dark. Now, she may not know that the power is back on because she is probably sleeping.

     A group of stabilized rental units are just about complete for low income tenants. It's about time as there is a desperate need for more of them here in The Valley. If used correctly and given enough time the working poor may be able to save enough shekels to apply for a mortgage. Even with minimum wages rising it is becoming increasingly difficult for many young adults, not just here in The Valley, to move out of their parent's place and into their own home.

     We are slowly getting the Wayward Inn ready for the winter season. The final mowing of the lawns - I'll throw some long term fertilizer on it later, putting the patio chairs under cover, bring in the solar lights and all the wind chimes as well as our mason bees. If you have a yard that has deciduous trees don't rake up all of the leaves when they fall in your yard. Let some of them stay on the ground. The provide homes winter homes for insects which in turn provides food for wintering birds.

To There and Back Again

13 Sep 18
13:00 hrs

     Hello Dear Readers. It's been a while since you have read my ramblings. So here goes.

     There was a good reason why nothing new had been posted as I was Out in the Weeds for the better part of a week. Normally the expeditions run from Thursday to Sunday but I had the blessing of my Better Half to leave a day early and come home a day late.

     And, there was great rejoicing!

     My friend From over the Hump tagged along for the excitement. The weather was great for the first couple of days with clear skies but then it went south with drizzling rain during the course of the next couple of days. The cold cured salmon (gravlox) and the smoked and cured pork loin were a smash hit. I'll have to make more of the cured pork loin.

     We had some limited success. A former Alaskan State Trooper taught a tracking class and I taught a casting class. At night the rain drowned out the sound of any approaches but some unconfirmed vocalizations were heard. A new area was investigated and tracks from three different individuals were discovered. The largest was 17 x 7 inches and the smallest was 6 x 3 inches. The former State Trooper had canoed about two miles down the lake and had found tracks similar to the middle size ones and a couple of attendees had found  tracks similar to the smallest set over 500 meters away. All pretty cool stuff. On the Sunday night we may have had an approach to base camp.

14 Sep 18
04:30 hrs

     Yes, I am back from the Weeds and while I was gone some things around the Wayward Inn had progressed without me. The Jr. Couch Monkey has completed his first week of college and guess what? He has informed me that there is homework!
Lots of homework! Surprise! Our Sr. Loin Fruit continues to look for another employment option as his hours had been reduced at his current job. With a little luck he will find a new niche.

     Since coming back I have barely talked to the Sages as I have been working early in the day. I'll check with them later today. They'll likely be prepping for autumn by closing up their garden.

09:55 hrs

     I just finished reading The Last of the President's Men by Bob Woodward. It's the story of Alex Butterfield, the man who informed the world that there a secret recording system was installed in the Oval Office (and in other locations) at the behest of President Nixon. The reason for the system will shock you. But, in reading the book it dawned on me how similar the Tangerine Tyrant is to Nixon.

     Another thing has dawned on me. In reading another book, dated from 2000, references are made to people and buildings - ie the World Trade Center that now no longer exists. The quandary is that I know of these things and I know of their demise but for someone younger than myself who may read the same book sometime in the future these things will hold no significance. It's like when you see an old movie and you know the actors are all dead or that Twin Towers are no longer standing. But a younger person, if they didn't know the age of the movie, may think the film is CGI because of the shape if the skyline. It kinda puts my generation in a unique position of having to be a historical place holder. Of having to remind people that there were things, important things that were captured on film that are no longer with us. It's time for a Robin Williams film fest.

16:00 hrs

     It's drizzling here in The Valley which is good. The forest has suffered a lot over the summer. I don't think 10mm of precipitation fell over the entire month of August. It's time to turn on the fireplace snuggle up and nap.

     I have get a hold of my book formatter. So There I was...Tales from the Flight Line is ready as it ever will be to be uploaded for sale on Amazon. I dont know how long it will take her to do it. I may have to adjust some things as coloured photos may not be allowed on soft covered books. If I go with a hard cover the price may go up.

     I have other tomes in the works as well. The one about my a position I worked at may be on hold as there is a NDA clause that I have work around. Well, it's not really a NDA. It more like a set of guidelines preventing employees and former employees from writing or printing anything in regards to their employment with the District without their official blessing. I wasn't directly employed by the District but the company I work for was contracted by the District to provide a service and I actioned the service. As sn author I know fully that you shouldn't print someone's name without their express permission. Even if the subject matteror the incident is true the individual - in this case the District - will probably take exception to what you have written and will sue for defamation of character,  which is a load of shite.  The offended individual is not suing for defamation. The person is suing because you have publically embarrassed them. Their character was already defamed by their actions. So, suck it up Princess!

15 Sep 18
07:05 hrs

     The week has finished and work next week will start on Sunday evening. A new talking has been passed on to me. I love it. I've also heard through the grapevine that there are rumblings and issues at my old position. The transition between officers will probably not go smoothly and they should survive. If they dont, it's not my concern.

     I have noticed even more business changes around the Valley. A long time family run European restaurant turned aging Choke and Puke has finally shuttered. No longer will the local public be offered the Ptomaine Schnitzel or the Four Cheese Salmonella Surprise. Despite the ancient decor, cutlery, plates, etc the venue did have a dedicated fan base. I guess they eventually had enough as well. There is a new set of proprietors and hopefully new furniture and a new menu. If possible, the Better Half and I will check the place out and I can give you a more detailed report.

     I have also noticed quite a few of these modular or what appears to be modular homes being put up in the Valley. They have three or four separate rectangular boxes each with a single slope metal roof joined to a single point. I've dubbed the style West Coast Nouveau. If you are driving through the Valley or through your own neighborhood take a look. They are really neat.

    

A Change of Venue

02 Sept 18
19:45 hrs

     The past week has been a real piss cutter. On Monday I was informed that the new patrol vehicle was being brought up from Capital City on Tuesday and my manager was wanting to have a chat. Immediately, I was in a defensive mode. In fact on Tuesday I woke up at 03:00 hrs with my stomach tied up in knots and a headache like a ten pound Smartie - and I had not even been drinking. I went to the office for 09:30 hrs to assist transferring the ancillary equipment from the old vehicle to the new. My manager arrived shortly after 10:00 hrs and by 10:30 hrs I had been informed that - after five years of being an Animal Control Officer - my service was no longer acceptable to the District.

     There had been a complaint - from an individual outside my jurisdiction - about...what? I never did find out what the complaint was about. I do know that three weeks earlier The Albertans were away and had left their dog inside the house with the windows open. For the next ten hours I heard nothing but barking and whining. On the following Tuesday I had finished my patrol and was standing in my driveway when the neighbour kid came by delivering the paper. I asked if he had a dog and was told yes. I asked if they had been home on Saturday as the dog had been barking all day. Sorry, we were out he said. I suggested they get a bark collar and if his parents had any questions to call me. Well, junior told mom I had told them to get a choke collar. Mom took offence to 5he suggestion and called the District who, in turn phoned the Manager in Capital City.

     And, that was all she wrote.

     Dear Readers, I want you to know that I really loved that position. I was helping people, solving problems and mending fences. However, I was working every second weekend for five years, when I was on duty the phone would ring at all hours from complainants and the RCMP. Dogs, chickens, cows, pigs and goats. I chased them all. I admit that it was fun but until now I never knew the toll it was taking on my family. Here's a hint...family is always more important than the job.

     I'm not worried as for years I have been back filling my patrol position with plenty of security work on Base. I have been assured on numerous occasions that I will have work on Base for as long as I want it.

     I know how steep the learning curve I had climb was and my replacement will have an even steeper one. Good luck. Someone had asked me that if he doesn't work out would I consider going back if I was asked. First of all I doubt if the District would admit they fucked up by letting me go and second of all. I'm not going back. Now, if my organization took over another jurisdiction and had me as the manager over the Animal Control department covering both jurisdictions I might consider it. Maybe. But that will never happen.

     Another piss off took place on Saturday when I went to take my Jr. Loin Fruit out fishing. Everything went well until the motor wouldn't restart after we were 1/2 mile down the lake. I got some much needed exercise rowing us back. Naturally, the marine shops were all closed due to the holiday weekend so I will have to take the motor in for some much needed maintenance. If the repair costs are too dear I will look to purchase a 4-stroke in the spring - with my Better Half's permission of course.

     On Monday, the Sr. Loin Fruit has a job interview at a second location. We all wish him the best of luck. On Tuesday his brother will be attending the orientation day at the local college.  We wish him the best of luck too. Exciting times for everyone. Also in Tuesday my dear friend from Over the Hump will arrive and on Wednesday morning we will be departing early in the AM to grab a ferry off The Rock. We are participating in this years expedition and are heading Out in the Weeds for nearly a week. We will be in communicado during that time frame. There is still a campfire ban on so there will be a lot of sitting in the dark which is okay because it might draw the big guy out to play.

03 Sept 18
04:45 hrs

     Yes, I am awake. Up too early and now I'm looking to nap already.

     It rained in the Valley last night. Probably not a lot but some to dampen the Bush I hope. Some of the big leaf maple trees are already starting to yellow. Its the stress if little water and the heat that is causing them to change early. In the coming years I can foresee that this will be the new norm.

     The Sages seem to be doing fine. The gardening season is just about done and they will soon be prepping for winter. Once the last of the plants have been harvested Two Bob will finish putting the  remaining gutter guards in place.