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.