The Medium

06 May 19
06:15 hrs

     When was the last time you picked up a newspaper? Or actually watched the news on TV? Or listened to the news on the radio? Probably not lately. Our reliance on seeing the "facts" on our digital devices as quickly as they have occurred and as fast as they can be uploaded means that we, as consumers may not be - and probably are not - recieving all of the facts as the investigator had discovered or reported. Couple that with the erroneous spin from everyone in Twitterland it's truly amazing what people actually believe is real. Case in point is the scientific community stance on climate change, the intelligence community opinion of Russian hacking efforts and the reports of theft of intellectual property by China vs anything that comes out of the Tangerine Tyrant's mouth.

     Who are you going to believe?

     I suggest that you slow down. Pick up a newspaper. If you haven't read one in a while start with the local birdcage liner and move up from there. I prefer the National Post as it covers a broader spectrum that anything out of the Golden Horseshoe and it has none of the dozens of ad pages as from any of the Sun chain of papers. I like the crossword puzzle too.

     Being Canadian I do like to know what happening abroad and for that I do have the Guardian paper as an app on my phone as well as two CBC apps - news feed and radio. The Guardian covers Europe and the Middle East very well and there is very little of the "Hooray, let's wave the flag" bullshit you have with the Hugh-ess media.

06 May 19
19:55 hrs

     I really need to sleep. I'm back onto the airfield tonight. It will be the eighth night in a row and the novelty has worn off. My Better Half doesn't like it much either.

     I've been slowly packing the Ram with the necessary gear for the coming road trip. I still have to add the tools, a cooler, clothes, a pop up shelter - as the weather in Cowboy Land is looking to be shitty - and liquid refreshments. On my way to the Sage's I'm diverting into the Megatropolis to meet my niece for breakfast. It should prove to be interesting.

     The temperature here in the Valley is supposed to shoot through the roof so stay hydrated Kidlettes and keep you pets at home - NOT ON YOU VEHICLES!

Drip Drip Drip

03 May 19
05:00 hrs

     I just got home to the Wayward Inn. Working the graveyard out on the runway is cool but it really messes up the home life - the personal disconnect, but I digress. As soon as I got inside I spotted two concerns. One minor and one more of a pet peeve. The first thing I saw was the Sr. Couch Monkey's light was still on. Maybe he was getting up for early shift? Nope. I knocked. More answer so I opened the door to find him asleep with the lamp on. No big deal. The second issue was the sound I heard coming from the kitchen. A steady drip of the kitchen faucet. Now, our kitchen faucet is in good working order and yes even I have, on occasion, not pushed the handle down far enough which has allowed the water to continue to flow. Anyone could make the mistake but that being said i have a sneaking suspicion that the Onion is the culprit. It's no big deal either she'll just need a lesson in water conservation.

     I almost made a catastrophic mistake. In looking at the dates for my road trip I had erred in thinking the date of my depature was a week later than expected. That wouldn't have gone over well if I had shown up at the Sage's a full week after Mother's Day.

17:00 hrs

     I am awake again. My Jr. Loin Fruit called me looking for information and woke me from a REM sleep. Thanks. Thanks a lot!

     Have you notice that people in the Valley do not know how to park a vehicle? It shouldn't be a shock because most of them can't even drive a shopping cart. I stopped at The Sensei's house on an errand and shortly there after - at the next intersection - a lady driving a minivan was looking left as she drove straight through the intersection as I was turning left. I jammed the horn causing her to pin the brakes stopping two feet from the Ram. I bet that left a stain on her seat!

     My Lobster came home with another mason bee house. That makes two. Boosting the world bee population should be(e) everyone's concern. No bees, no crops, no survival. It's just that simple. And mason bees are great for any home - even ones with children and pets - as they have no stingers!

18:10 hrs

     I'm waiting for my Lobster and the Onion to come home. Then it's a light supper and back to the rack for another couple of hours of sleep. Graveyards are such a killer. In the meantime I am watching S1E8 of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown on Netflix. He was in Peru with Chef Eric Ripert - who found Tony nine years later hanging in his hotel in Paris.

04 May 19
06:45 hrs

     It was a long night and when I got home no sound of dripping taps was detected. Obviously, my little lesson to the Onion in basic kitchen mechanics worked. 

     May the Fourth be with you!
     And on that note, it was reported that Peter Mayhew, the actor who portrayed Chewbacca the Wookie, has passed away at age 74.

     The Snow Chickens are here for another week of multi-terrain training. I believe their show season starts sometime in June and goes through to September. They are a busy bunch. The question is what are going to be flying once the 50 year old CT-114 Tutor is finally retired. Knowing the Feds the Air Demonstration Team will soon be staffed by civilians as well.

Things you see and hear!

25 Apr 19
17:00 hrs

     Today I was working at the new traing centre at CFB. It's a huge building with a great number of classrooms, offices, a great lunch room over looking the main entrance and a Secret Squirrel Zone too. The construction site is festooned with trades people. Brick layers, glass specialists, electricians by the score and wall boarders by the dozen all working I  concert. It is pretty amazing. Have you ridden in an elevator? Sure you have. But have you ever seen one being built? I have. The Cajone Boys have done bang up job and along the way I've watched the put it together. Really cool stuff.

26 Apr 19
09:30 hrs

     I learned yesterday that a young girl was brutally attacked near a school here in the Valley. A group of cowardly individuals struck her from behind and physically assaulted her until she passed out. However, she was able to realize that there was a female and several males beating her up. A description of the pants and shoes - all distinctive - may be the clues needed for the local Constabulary to arrest the perps.

     The viciousness of the assault reminds me of the Reena Virk murder that took place nearly a generation ago in Capital City. Reena had been lured to an area by people she thought were friends. The beat her to the point of unconsciousness and then threw her into the water where she drowned. It also didn't help when the ring leader  - a girl by the name of Kelly Ellard - went back to repeatedly smash Reena's head with a rock. These were not adults. They were high school bullies.

     Bullies now adays are treated differently than in my day. Its kinder and gentler but bullies relish in delivering pain for their own pleasure and pain is all that they understand. I was bullied and to survive one one the Sages taught me to stand up and take them one at a time. Once done they never bothered me again. The other survival tactic I learned from my other Sage was to ignore it. To turn the other cheek and to stand resolute with other victims - strength in numbers. In my opinion the second lesson should be applied first but do not go down with out a fight. And remember, defending oneself from a bully does not make you a bully. And Avenging Angels are just bullies with scorched wings. It still doesn't make it right. My hope is that these bullies are caught soon.

27 Apr 19
16:15 hrs

     Work continues around the Wayward Inn. A sprinkler head was repositioned and a triplet of wind chimes were repaired, plants were planted, weeds pulled, the Jr. Couch Monkey's BOM is making a racket and so I am outside with my Lobster writing to you Dear Reader.

     I heard through the grapevine that my replacement in my former position has also been replaced. It seems he did not follow up on an incident and when asked if he had he lied saying that he had. Additionally, he altered documentation to show that had. However, a quick search revealed the inaccuracies. I did the job for five years. He barely lasted six months. Maybe, he really didn't want to do the job and was forced into it. If that's the case he should have spoken up because now his word is worthless. Would you trust him?

     Preparations continue for the Big Road Trip. Destinations are more or less set but the itinerary is not. It's best to stay fluid during all of this. There are a few musts that have to be completed but other than that it will be me in the Ram scooting down the road jamming to the tunes.

Happy Easter

21 Apr 19
07:10 hrs

     My Lobster and I fled the Valley with the Mobile Wayward Inn heading north to one of our favourite haunts. The site is about 1/3 full and we haven't had any rain so far but some is expected later today. Yesterday, we visited a cetacean interpretive centre at a nearby resort.

     I'm looking out the window and I can see a tugboat towing a barge through the strait between the islands. The barge is full of stuff needed for and by someone in the village across from us.

     Last week I made a purchase of a larger espresso maker that I can take out camping. This was necessary as my old percolator pot had developed a leak. This new one is identical to the one the Big Swede has but mine has a handle where he uses a pair of vice grips as a handle. It makes six espresso cups of eye opening road fuel which translates to two camp cups or one thermal coffee travel mug. I'm enjoying some this delicious elixir as I tap this out.

     We have neighbours across road from us in the camp site. My Better Half calls them: Cotton Eyed Joe. The four guys, all buddies from Hub City - which is an hour and a half farther away than we are - came up with two trailers, a camper and a big ass boat. They dropped prawn traps and had rigged crab pots - but didn't drop the pots. They pulled the boat out last night. I guess they must have to work on Monday. Too bad as the weather is perfect outside. The water is flat calm and the rain will hold off until this afternoon. I know that if it was my boat - and if I was qualified to operate a larger vessel - I'd be out trying to hook up with some big 'buts. I haven't fished for them and I would really like to. I may just have to tag onto a charter trip. The only issue is that I would be the only one enjoying the feast as my fish eating compatriot at the Wayward Inn is now munching on carrots instead of cod.

     The additional copies of my latest book  arrived last week. Just in time for The Road Trip. I also recieved the emergency led road flares. I first saw them at an accident scene that I attended as an Animal Control Officer. The RCMP constable took out this package of enlarged orange hockey pucks pressed a button to initiate the flashing led strobes and placed them across the roadway. I watched as approaching vehicles slowed when they saw them. Some even drove over them by accident. No problem.  The kept right on flashing. I found that Central Bandits carried them in their store for $20+. I picked them up on Amazon for less than half the price. Three per pack, they run on triple A batteries. They have a hook to hang up and a magnet to stick it on your car. I think they are a must need for your vehicle emergency kit.

08:05 hrs

     My Lobster is still dozing away and I heard a small drizzle of rain fall. There isn't supposed to be more than a couple of ml fall today. Tomorrow we are expecting a larger deluge. I'm hoping to see a whale or some orca in the strait. (Yes, an orca is a whale, a toothed whale but it is a whale.)

     I heard that on Thursday - or it could have been Friday - the ferry from the Island to the mainland had a four sailing wait. That's about six to eight hours depending if you are at the head or the tail of the pack. And for those of you who indulge there is no smoking on BC Ferries property which includes the parking lot. I'd like to see them try to police that with four boat loads of pissed off drivers jammed in the parking lot for a work day length of time.

22:20 hrs

     For supper I cooked up two steaks while my Better Half did up the veggies. We had purchased a table top Napolean grill. It does a mighty fine job.

     We'll be heading back to the Valley in the morning. Once we get back I'll have a couple of days to sort out the Mobile Wayward Inn before I head back to work.

22 Apr 19
18;30 hrs

     We are home from being away. Laundry is done. The Onion made supper which was really tasty despite not on piece of meat to be seen. Today is the Sr. Sages birthday we all called and wished him the best.

I'm just about done!

12 Apr 19
19:00 hrs

     What the hell is wrong with these people who insist on eating supper late in the evening? I'm not saying that I have to eat at a specific time but anything after 1800 is bullshit.

14 Apr 19
10:00 hrs

     My Lobster has started brunch. I've been up for four hours already. In that time I have played World of Tanks and worked on my new book.

     As an update, all of our dining room chairs have now been recovered. It's a wacky pattern of material but it is not the industrial contractor beige that permeates the Wayward Inn.

     Yesterday saw the first of a whole bunch of realtor open house showings next door. We - my Better Half, the Jr. Couch Monkey and I - are done with trying to clean out that house. Since October we have been involved and now that the house is empty - after three dump runs, a half dozen trips to the local thrift shops, organizing the sale of furniture, et al - and now it is up to the family and the real estate pimps to handle the rest of the articles left behind.

      Last night the Onion taught us a new card game. It may have been lost in translation but the name of the game came out as Cod Piece. The Onion confirmed that this was the title but it was pronounced differently. Cod Piece is funnier.

15 Apr 19
22:00 hrs

     The mobile Wayward Inn has been certified for travel. All that is left for us to do is make the bed, stock the provisions and load the Ram. Friday morning we are out of here. I think I'll take my carving tools along as well. In fact a lot of stuff loaded for the this trip will probably remain in the Ram as I'll be needing it on the Road Trip next month. The only thing I won't toss in now are the coolers, the BAT and my sleeping bag.

     I found my second Halon 1211 firex. I can't find the mount for it but it does fit nicely in a cup holder in the rear seat. I would prefer the proper mount but this will have to do.

     Last night we went out diiner to support a local school - fundraiser - to send their students to the BC Couch Monkey festival. The students performed five songs from their repertoire. They were not vocal songs but percussion instrumental pieces banged out on various sizes of commercial containers from garbage cans to shop pots. My Lobster calls it Tub Thumping.

     I think I have a broken toe. I'm blaming it on the Jr. Couch Monkey but I think it's a case of me hitting him. Its black/ blue and it hurts a lot.

Looking forward not back

04 Apr 19
05:05 hrs

     Today is my youngest Loin Fruit's birthday. He is 19 now and I am very proud of him. He has accomplished so much in the past year and I know that he will go on to bigger and better things. We had a quick celebration for him last night as his Thor's Day schedule is packed. Practical gifts were bestowed upon him. Books, a thermal tea cup from the Onion - they really do look good together, just wishing - , new work gloves and some futuristic - Fallout - currency. We are booked into a local posh seaside restaurant for his Bday meal who's patrons must be 19 or over.

     I have started inspecting the Mobile Wayward Inn for this upcoming season. Since I am no longer doing Animal Control  my weekends are free, so to speak. My Better Half and I plan on making better use of the trailer. Should be fun.

     Everything is greening here in the Valley. Lawns are being mowed, bushes are being trimmed, boats are being prepped for the fishing season and yet people are still getting in a few last runs on the ski hill while planning on doing the back nine in the afternoon. The Valley is a magical place. And no Bugs! Call us spoiled.

11:55 hrs

    

 Sales for my new book are slow. I've donated or gifted as many as I have sold. Hopefully, it will pick up. The copy that I sent to my Member of Parliament was received. Her EA sent a reply stating that the MP would be contacting me after she reads it and that the copies for the PM and MND would be forwarded on to them. Stirring the pot. I have another couple of titles in the works, one of which is a cook book.

17:45 hrs

     The week is done. We have some chores for the weekend but for now the pizza dough is in the bread maker, the Free State of Jones is on Netflix and there's a fine Merlot in my glass.

06 Apr 19
07:45 hrs

     

Its finally raining here in the Valley. We really need the rain as this spring has been one of the driest on record. The lakes are extremely low and with the summer approaching there was concern already that the forest fire season would be a bad one. I heard the provincial government had increased the funding to combat forest fires. It's about time. After a really bad fire in the Okanagan the concept of educating home owners to keep forest fuels - pine needles, dead branches, leaves - free and clear for 50 meters or more from their houses. Wow, what a concept.

The Results are not yet Clear

25 Mar 19
18:00 hrs

     The results of the two year probe into the Tangerine Tyrant's wrong doings have shown NO COLLUSION! This by no means says the big dick is off the hook. It just means that, although it is quite obvious to anyone with half a bloody brain, the investigators could not find a direct link between Russia and the presidential campaign. Time will tell when the investigations being conducted by New York City DA into the Trump Organization are completed. Unlike the federal probes the Tangerine Tyrant has no control over these ones.

26 Mar 19
0600 hrs

     Here in the Valley some crazed Whackadoo decided to torch some buildings. A hostel, a mini-mall and a bridge were hit all on the same night. The hostel is probably a write off, the bridge may be unusable and the mini-mall was undamaged. The good news is the most likely suspect was caught. I have not heard if the individual has been before a judge or if he has retained counsel. I believe that he is still in custody. A friend of ours was driving through the area of the hostel fire and saw a gas can in the middle of the road.

     A major project at the Wayward Inn has been completed. The fence between us an the Albertans has been repaired and replaced. And none too soon either as I was getting tired if finding landmines left in our yard by their chow hound. All that's left is for a bracing rod to be placed on one post and to put the fence decorations back where they belong.

     Some sad news. Kne of the Sages called to tell me that the grandson of a friend of ours has decided to take himself out of the BIG GAME. I have no clue as to why and realistically speaking no one but the deceased will ever know the true reason. What is true is the surviving family members are the victims. My heart goes out to them. The only silver lining is that he had signed his organ donor card and the medics were able to keep the body alive long enough for all the organs to be harvested.

27 Mar 19
06:15 hrs

     My Better Half had noticed that a local small golf course has been swallowed up by a larger one. Last year the smaller one had been up for sale but there were no takers. Yesterday she told me that there is a new sign proclaiming that the larger one is the new owner. I doubt if the new owners will want to operate two separate set of links and it will probably remove the course in favour of building a new gated community within its enclave. The larger course is fast approaching the size of a small town with much more property yet to develop.

     Arrangements have been made for Elric the Stalwart and his Lobster to attend to the Wayward Inn this weekend. The Onion will be instructing the Lobsters and Elric on how to make tamarind rice. Naturally, there will be a salad as well but I am going to doing some baby backs in the Flame Pit.

     I have decided to attempt to make my own chef's knife roll to take with me to the Helgeson Hilton in May. I'll have to go through my scrap material bin to see if I have any heavy cotton cloth. Wish me luck.