Rainbows and kitten kisses

30 Aug 22

19:45 hrs

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

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

01 Sep 22

04:45 hrs

     Yes, I am awake. 

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

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

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

02 Sep 22

05:45 hrs

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

06:45 hrs

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

03 Sep 22

07:15 hrs

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

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

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

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

04 Sep 22

07:30 hrs

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

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

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

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

17:30 hrs

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

Literally!?

16 Aug 22

09:45 hrs

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

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

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

17 Aug 22

20:30 hrs

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

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

28 Aug 22

10:30 hrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back in the Valley

01 Aug 22

09:45 hrs

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

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

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

08 Aug 22

06:30 hrs

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

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

10 Aug 22

07:30 hrs.

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

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

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

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

The Road Trip continues...

15 Jul.22

10:45 hrs

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

16 Jul 22

06:45 hrs

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

21:30 hrs

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

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

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

Almost ready...

11 Jul 22

05:30 hrs

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

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

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

12 Jul 22

05:25 hrs

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

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

14 Jul 22

05:00 hrs.

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

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

We're still here....Barely.

23 Jun 22

06:00 hrs

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

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

21:00 hrs.

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

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

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

24 Jun 22

06:00 hrs

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

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

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

30 Jun 22

06:00 hrs

     And....Happy Thursday Kidlettes!

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

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

     12:30 hrs

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

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

The End of the Month

28 May 22

04:45 hrs

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

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

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

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

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

04 Jun 22

     Happy Birthday to me.

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

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

       Miseris Succurrere Disco 

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

09 Jun 22

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

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

13 Jun 22

09:30 hrs

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

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

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