Lannio's World online

A beautiful summer

2011-08-06T22:10:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that it's already well into August!

At the beginning of the summer my 14-month contract ended without securing new employment and I was worried! But, luckily 7 weeks later I was in a new job (thank goodness).

During that time off, I devoted some of my time to learning more about social media. As a seasoned marketing communications professional, I thought it was a good opportunity to see how this new media really works. I continued to explore the social media activity with my former employer along with a not-for-profit charity and a celebrity. And, when I wasn't doing that I was busy designing/making more jewelry, looking for new work, saving my pennies and resurrecting my solo-type singing.

While I became more active in a choir that I belong to last winter, I still didn't sing at my strongest and my voice was at its weakest point ever! The actual catalyst for getting my voice back into shape and resurrecting my solo work (which encompassed singing at church and doing concerts in homes for seniors, the mentally disabled and so on) was the celebrity that I began using as my social media case study.

The celebrity is a classically trained British singer who has moved his career to cover different genres from his operatic roots to show tunes and musicals. I discovered him on a PBS show celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables. He starred as Jean Valjean and the notes he sang got me interested in him so I explored more and was soon hooked after seeing his youtube videos, purchasing his CDs and observing his on-line presence. I honestly have to say that one of his CDs, with powerful spiritual overtones put me in the right frame of mind to be able to go out there and get a new job!

It's amazing how music and one performer can inspire a person - but it's happened to me. Not even the Mick Jaggers or Robert Plants of my youth have inspired me this way. But, perhaps that's also because of all the one-on-one exposure I've had to music and sport celebs through my professional and sporting life that's left me somewhat jaded with fans vs. celebs - but this time, somehow my soul was pierced.

Some people on social media might drool at his looks etc., but for me it's nothing like that. It's all about his amazing lyric tenor voice and musical choices that have really touched my soul. His public persona that radiates honesty and integrity has also helped too.

Anyway, now that I've got a job - I'm actually gonna go over to London in October to see him perform in the West End as Jean Valjean. Oh, and this marvellous singer with amazing personal integrity whose star is rising quickly goes by the name of Alfie Boe.

In a later post, I'll tell you about a crazy project that I've been working on with another that has to do with photography and his image.

Thats all for now .... love you xx

I'm back

2011-06-17T12:23:00.003-04:00

It's been almost a year and I can't believe it. I've always meant to post - but never did. I guess I needed a break and spent most of my time on facebook. However, I still am alive and kicking. Perhaps the warmer weather has taken me out of hibernation.

What inspired my return was reading my old posts and getting in touch with my past and missing the company on the blogosphere.

What have I been doing lately? Other than than the ordinary mundane things in life - I've been singing, creating jewelry, gardening and enjoying the warmer weather. As well, when it comes to music - I've discovered more great artists and vocalists that really want me to return to a more disciplined approach to singing again.

This post is spontaneous and I didn't have anything really planned to say. Except to say I'm back and give everyone a quick hello.

Some people's talents .....

2010-07-01T13:58:00.003-04:00

..... never cease to amaze

http://www.fosterfinefurniture.com/classic.html

http://fosterfinephotography.com/

No wonder teachers in school couldn't believe that I was this person's little sister. He's also a piano teacher and a published but retired biologist.

Disgust

2010-06-27T23:37:00.002-04:00

This week-end I lived in a city that I know well but didn't recognize.

Th G20 summit was held in Toronto and has now drawn to a close. For most people like me who live in this peaceful city, this summit was not something we were looking forward to. City politicians and ordinary citizens begged the federal government to hold it in a non-urban setting.

A huge section of the downtown core was fenced in and for many an hour no one was allowed in or out. Major highways were closed and businesses were forced to shut down on Friday or alter their work behaviour. Oh and the public transit system also shut down.

The cost of the summit was over ONE BILLION DOLLARS. This price tag is proof that the country was prepared for anything, but what transpired over the week-end is something I never expected. What happened was new and shocking for Toronto, for residents and business owners, police and protesters.

As the week-end draws to a close, I'm left with many unanswered questions from all sides and angles. Why smash windows, throw rocks and bricks or set fires? Why did the police storm peaceful protesters when only a few were causing the problems? And what came first, the installation of the fence or those trying to take it down?

I came to this city reluctantly but out of necessity for work. However, over the 10+ years that I've lived here, I now have learned to call it my home as it's not the pedestrian and boring city of my youth but a vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis of culture, arts, sports and well-being.

So I was shocked at how many behaved this week-end. Surely, protesting involves making clear messages and statements, not using hammers and boards to shatter windows at Starbucks, banks and other businesses nor burning police cars. Is it a lack of creativity? A lack of understanding about how to affect change?

I'm equally shocked at the behaviour of the police today (20,000 strong!). They set up a huge detention centre and held people "like pigs in a sty". I guess I don't get the "break everything in sight" because it's an opportunity thought process". Is it just for fun? When will all those police, storm troopers and military go away? I am very disheartened and hope I never see an event or type of behaviour here in Toronto again.

Progress ....

2010-06-19T11:12:00.004-04:00

In the last month I sadly hadn't made any more progress on my garden until today! Two week-ends I was out of town, the other week-ends I was entertaining friends. But! today at 6:30 I decided to get up and at it before the 30 degree humid heat arrived. Three hours later I have petunias, a rock border more wood chips. Yes, I have a little to do tomorrow .... but that will wait. Glad that my plants in the rock garden are getting a little bit bigger too. Now, I'm off to do some shopping for groceries now.

A few days south

2010-06-15T07:43:00.011-04:00

Last Wednesday, my new contract position brought me to the hot city of Atlanta Georgia. For two days I had continuous meet and greet meetings so when Friday rolled around I was pooped. Once I got back to the hotel, I slept for two hours. I awoke hungry and decided to go across the street to a big 200 store mall to find food and clothing.

I stayed on over the week-end as I had arranged to meet with blogger Anne Marie's in-laws, Herb and Gwen who live in the Atlanta area. I had met Herb and Gwen many times before on week-ends in Port Dover, Ontario.

We met up just east of Atlanta at Stone Mountain, a bare quartz monozonite dome. It's elevation is 1,686 ft (513 m) above the surrounding area and its circumference is more than five miles (8 km) in circumference at its base. We took a gondola up to the top where we were stranded for an hour due to safety as a violent thunderstorms in the humid 95 (35) heat rolled nearby.

One of the few trees atop Stone Mountain

On our way to the top!

After getting down and eating some southern fare at the base, we dropped my car rental at the airport and then continued south to Herb and Gwen's home for a reprieve from the heat and humidity, except for when I took their little white bundle of joy out for a walk!

Westy, looking at me and wondering why we had stopped walking!

Since we had southern fare for lunch and it was suggested to me that we have Mexican, that's what we did. The music was blasting inside and luckily as the sun was setting, the heat was going down too so we ate on the patio.

Herb and Gwen on the patio

The next day, Herb insisted that I drive their new golf cart along their 18 hole golf course. It was about 7:00 and not too hot. My biggest regret is not having my camera because the golf course trail took us to some marvelous sights along the greens and through the wonderful Georgian woods.

We then talked and chatted in their sun room, which looks onto some woods

Herb and Gwen just love their new retirement (55 years+) community. They took me to see the model homes and the well equipped amenity centre after having lunch and before I was off to the airport.

Golf Course view from Amenity Centre

Herb and Gwen's new home.
(much larger than the camper they had for four years)

It was a lovely visit and I am thankful that my work took me to a place where I was able to visit Anne Marie's in laws. They are lovely people and truthfully feel like extended family to me. They certainly adore Anne Marie as well.

A new temporary post

2010-06-14T12:48:00.001-04:00

Needed to put a new post up so that I didn't have to look at that creature in my previous post. Everytime I saw it my skin would crawl.

guess I really don't like that Gargoyle although I have to admit that there are some out there that are a lot better looking.

some people have a "thing" about clowns, I have a similar "thing" with these creatures.

A new real post coming soon

:)

Why I hate gargoyles

2010-06-05T18:15:00.003-04:00

I had to look at this humanlike gargoyle when I grew up. It wasn't so bad in our first home as it wasn't in a highly trafficked location. However, in our second home, my parents nailed it to the wall at the top of the stairs so it protruded outward, staring out and below to you. I think it's ugly and really gave me the creeps. It also made me swear off gargoyles for the rest of my life!

Another brick in the wall,.... no step in the garden project

2010-05-30T15:52:00.004-04:00

I've finally covered the black tarp with wood chips. Some the plants I put there are dead and others are showing signs of bloom. Now is the time for patience as most of these plants are very little things. It's been a glorious weekend with warm temperatures, but we're in need for some rain to help the flora along.

I'll never view organ donations the same way ...

2010-05-25T23:07:00.003-04:00

What a shocker ....

This week-end I went to visit my folks in the beautiful Laurentian Mountains on Lake MacDonald. The weather was gorgeous, the nights clear and the stars at their brightest. The first evening I was there I went down to the water's edge to look at the stars reflected in the still lake. I also saw the refection coming from a house that hadn't been there the last fall, so the next day I went over to investigate.

It was a new house, built by one of my best childhood friends, who had just inherited the land from her father who had recently passed. Ellie and her husband Norman were good friends who I had lost touch with recently .... for that I regret!

Norman walked out of the house to greet me and was as skinny as can be. He had bandages on his neck but was in great spirits. He invited me in and began to tell me about his winter ... what a winter ....

In the Fall, he had become extremely ill. It was his heart, which wasn't pumping properly so it was causing all sorts of problems. ....

To make a long story short .... he ended up having a HEART TRANSPLANT !!!!!

My God, a friend of mine, who I've known for over 30 years (I attended their wedding almost 31 years ago), who is only in his mid-fifties has a new heart. I couldn't believe it! The operation was in mid-February and he was only out of the hospital for one week when I saw him. He had complications with the surgery and it was "touch and go" for awhile. Poor Ellie had to make some very tough decisions, which could have ended Norman's life - but luck was on his side.

The doctors now saw he is healthy and his new heart is doing "just fine".

It's made me realize that I shouldn't lose touch with those I really care about because, for example, when Ellie and Norman could have used my support - I wasn't there. (I drifted away during a time when I was in a bad relationship with a man).

It also made me sign an organ transplant option on my driver's licence, which means that if I die, I can hopefully provide an organ to someone in need, just as someone did for Norman.

I thank god that Norman is healthy, and thank god both he and Ellie come from close, huge families so there was lots of support around them.

I pray that Norman will remain healthy so that he and Ellie can have at least another 31 years together.

Crazy Woman goes overboard

2010-05-16T08:30:00.005-04:00

While the photos can't really show the true efforts of my work, yesterday I spent approximately 8 hours planting about 70 plants in what I hope to be a beautiful rock garden. One of the reasons why it's hard to see is because I have a black tarp over the ground to help minimize weeds from crowding in. Another reason why its hard to see is because I bought the really small plants that have yet to mature and spread; more economical this way.
Today I still have more to do along the side of the driveway, where I've installed some patio stones. Maybe I'll post more pictures below. But, I can assure you that I am walking somewhat like my grandmother did during her latter years of life!

The bottom photo is of some stones that I installed next to my driveway. Great for me to step on to when I get out of the car ... and also great to deposit snow in the winter after shovelling the driveway!

May 14, 2010
May 15, 2010

Yes, I am alive ....

2010-04-27T17:46:00.004-04:00

.... things have been busy these last few months as I negotiated a new employment contract, finished up the curling season and dusted off my gardening tools. As you can see I have a lot of work to do - even tho I planted 5 rhododendrons, 12 hostas, one boxwood and some grass seed. I also have a bit of a trench at one side of my front square of dirt as I'll be putting in some tile there. Yikes, all the dirt I have there and I don't even have a big and active dog to blame it on!

Vancouver and Canada say farewell to the world

2010-03-01T00:37:00.008-05:00

I must admit that I've been addicted to the television for the past two weeks while the beautiful Canadian west coast city of Vancouver hosted the 2010 Olympics. Tonight I watched the closing ceremonies and admit that I had a tear in my eye more than once.

These games were spectacular for Canada as it showed a side of its people it's never seen before ... pure and golden patriotism... and I don't think I met anyone who wasn't blurry-eyed in Toronto because they stayed up late to witness all the events. Here are some other recollections:

There were the usual triumphs and defeats highlighted by the wonderful Dutch speedskater Sven Kramer who won the Netherlands all-time 100th Olympic medal by winning gold in one event and then being disqualified in another event that he would have won after skating in the wrong lane!

Clara Hughes - how can one really describe this amazing athlete? She's a Canadian speed skater who won her sixth piece of Olympic Hardware. She is the only athlete in the world to have won medals in both Summer and Winter Olympics over multiple games. I can't recall how many Olympians I heard speak of her as their hero. Well done Clara - a true representative of the spirit of courage and sport.

The youth taking over figure skating - Two 19 year olds winning gold and silver in the women's event. Yu Na Kim of Korea breaking a world record in point accumulation and Japan's Mao Asada landing three triple axels in the competition. As well, the Canadian gold medal ice dancers, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir who won gold at the tender ages of 20 and 22 - the first North American couple to win Olympic gold in the event and the only ones to win without prior Olympic experience.

Two vetrans winning medals in the snowboard parallel giant slalom. Canada's Jasey Jay Anderson and France's Matthieu Bozzetto had won everything in their sport except an Olympic medal. Both well into their 30s would never have another chance and ceased the day with Anderson winning gold and Bozzetto claiming the bronze.

Canada breaking a gold record - The curse is over. Canada was the only country to host an Olympic games without winning a gold medal. This changed in Vancouver as Canadians won a record 14 gold medals. No other nation in the winter Olympics have won so many gold. 13 gold medals was the previous record set by Norway in 2002 and the Soviet Union in 1976.

Now the best for last ...... Joannie Rochette of Canada and Petra Majdic of Slovenia. Both were winners of a special "Terry Fox award" created by the Vanoc committee. This award was to be given to an athlete who embodies the same values that Terry Fox did. (Terry Fox attempted to run across Canada with one leg after losing the other to Cancer. He didn't complete the run as the Cancer returned and he passed away. His mother said before he started his run that "He wanted to try the impossible - to show that it could be done". She believes that he proved to us all that the only limitations we have are those we impose on ourselves).

Despite four fractured ribs and a collapsed lung after a huge fall, Petra Majdic of Slovenia won a bronze medal, the first olympic cross country medal ever for her country.

Just days before her skate, Joannie Rochette's mother suddenly died of a massive heart attack at the age of 55. Joannie captivated the world and won a bronze medal in figure skating.

I stand in awe of these two women who are not only remarkable athletes but two very special young women.

The Olympics are an amazing thing. Thank you Pierre de Coubertin for resurrecting them in the modern era.

Lacrosse? LaWhat?

2010-02-13T20:45:00.004-05:00

Lacrosse is a team sport in which players pass, catch and carry a rubber ball using sticks with a netted pouch at one end. The object of the game is to accomulate points by shooting the ball into the opposing team's goal. It's a sport that is played with many variations: on a field with ten players per side; in an arena with six players per side; with wooden sticks; with plastic sticks; time differences and other variations.

The origins of the sport lie with North America's native Indian nations. Many believe that lacrosse is the root of which Hockey came from.

Last night Jim and I took Crystal to see a professional lacrosse game at Toronto's Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Rock were playing the Edmonton Rush from the National Lacrosse League. This version of the game consists of four fifteen-minute quarters with six men per side. Last night's game was easily won by the Rock 16 to 7.

It's a good idea that if you go to these games, that you like Rock music. Throughout the game a variety of hard rocking, toe tapping music is played. AC/DC, INXS, The Clash, Steve Earle, Cheap Trick, Jon Bon Jovi, Aerosmith etc.... But I think AC/DC is the team's favourite. After most of their goals, the sound system plays "For those about to rock, we salute you".

We all had a fun time and weren't sad that the Olympic opening ceremonies were on because I had the PVR recording the event at home. Once we got home, we watched them.

Perfect segue .... did you know that Field Lacrosse was once an Olympic sport? In 1904 Canada won both a gold and bronze medal. However, its the mohawk nation's bronze medal win that makes me chuckle. Here are the names of these bronze medallists: Almighy Voice, Black Eagle, Black Hawk, Flat Iron, Half Moon, Lightfoot, Man Afraid Soap, Night Hawk, Rain in Face, Red Jacket, Snake Eater and Spotted Tail ...

Travelling north to see winter

2010-02-07T11:12:00.007-05:00

There is no snow in Toronto which is a huge disappointment to Crystal, my Korean Border, who wants to experience a snow storm and enjoy the wonders of frolicking in it.

For her benefit, I would really like there to be a snow storm here in Toronto - as long as she helps me shovel the driveway!!! However, I'm not sure this will happen (even though I read that Washington DC received a record 78cms of the white stuff this week-end).

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day so I decided to drive Crystal north of the city to where I heard that there was snow on the ground.

First we went to Port Perry, a little town on the shores of Lake Scugog, to see fishing ice huts. There were indeed ice huts - but only a dusting of snow meaning we'd have to drive further north! However, when looking at the ice huts I noted that many cars and very heavy trucks were on the ice so I decided to drive out there to get close to them. For Crystal, this was a new and scary experience as she never even had walked on ice before!

Here she is on Lake Scugog beside my car with the fishing ice huts in the background, in a moment that she'll never ever forget.

After getting off the lake I drove to Orillia Ontario, on the shores and at the intersection of Lakes Couchiching and Simcoe. Finally there was enough snow of the ground for Crystal to enjoy....

- - - -

Here I am lying on the icy surface of Lake Couchiching making a snow angel.

Here's the completed snow angel that Crystal made.

- - -

Next Friday I'm taking her to an Ontario Hockey League game and in two weeks we hope to hit the hills for some snow tubing.

A $100,000 winner

2010-01-31T00:28:00.006-05:00

Below is a link to a short film that won a $100,000 prize in a competition put on by LG Electronics.

It's on this blog because this film, Nuit blanche (or white night) was produced by my cousin's daughter Stephanie and directed by her boyfriend Arev.

Hundreds of entries were submitted in four categories. The winners in each category then competed for the $100,000 grand prize - which Nuit Blanche won in the narrative category.

This is a huge victory for these two in a very competitive field. They plan to put the prize money towards their next film. The National Film Board of Canada has actually approached to collaborate with them. This is wonderful news for these two striving for success in an extremely competitive and tight industry.

Hope you enjoy this very artsy film with wonderful special effects.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tifuN6P7go

The Countdown is on

2010-01-23T19:37:00.008-05:00

.. and we're getting close!

Addition: for my sister Dale - The torch on the shores of the lake in her little town:

Too bad it came out so small here, but for a better view go here: http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/#photoScrollHref

In a couple of days they may have a video posted of the event as well.

Canada loses a musical icon

2010-01-19T09:14:00.009-05:00

It's a sad day when you wake up and hear that one of your country's greatest folk singers and musical mothers has died.

Kate McGarrigle, mother to Rufus and Martha Wainwright,passed away overnight from a rare form of cancer at the age of 63.

The McGarrigle sisters were born in Montreal and raised in one of my favourite Laurentian Mountain ski-towns, Saint-Sauveur-des-Monts. They recorded 10 albums in French and English, and their songs have been covered by artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Billy Bragg and Emmylou Harris.

I was lucky to see them live on several occasions in my earlier days within small pub-like environments, which is perfect for their style of music.

For a smile in rememberance you should view the Logdriver's Waltz. The National Film Board's video here at http://www.nfb.ca/film/log_drivers_waltz/ The song is an old traditional Canadian folksong.

Kate (left) with her sister Anna (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

Cropped Leo/Door picture

2010-01-15T13:27:00.002-05:00

As per my post below, I just had to crop this photo of Leo. I absolutely love it and think he looks a bit like a rabbit here.

Door

2010-01-11T16:41:00.013-05:00

It's great to have an insulated basement bedroom/office. However, when the desk is next to the entrance/exit of the non-insulated part of the basement and near the leaky/drafty door to the outside it can get its share of cool drafts.

The challenge this past week-end was to find a door that could fit the unique size of the entrance/exit, be strong enough to hold a cat door and have windows. (If I need to close a door to a room, I like to have windows so I don't feel so isolated from the rest of the house).

Jim and I explored the usual home renovation/hardware stores but didn't find anything affordable that fit the bill so we took a jaunt down the road to Habitat for Humanity's Restore and found this beautiful vintage piece that Jim installed for me.

The wonderful thing about this door is that the bottom middle window pane is gone so that'll be used as the cat door! They'll have no problem going thru the door when it's closed :-)

Between the stairs down to the basement and my newly renovated room, I've made some adjustments to organize my stuff and separate the room from the unfinished part of the basement by hanging some curtains I had used in my old condo. I bought a great shelf unit at a post-christmas bargain price - - and behind one of the curtains, you'll see a great little item that I found that I'm using to store my off-season clothes.

Next steps are to:

a) add a door handle to the door;
b) install a curtain over my main closet area (I'm using unused brass pipe that was left in the house when I bought it as curtain rods),
c) continue to organize my office;
d) hang some wall art/photos, and
e) finish the wiring

Enfin! - A story in pictures

2010-01-06T14:27:00.009-05:00

.... Now to organize my stuff!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T17:52:00.003-05:00

Hoping that 2010 brings everyone lots of happiness and personal fulfillment.

For me it started at blogger friend Anne Marie's house. Six of us munched on appetizers, played a great word-game game called Apples to Apples and then Wii Sports Resort. After the New Year came in we jumped into the hot tub under a light falling rain before heading off for a good night's sleep. In the morning we munched on a Mexican style breakfast and played more rounds of Apples to Apples.

I'm home now and doing a bit more work on the basement. Tomorrow the painting will commence.

Kidnapped

2009-12-28T22:28:00.006-05:00

My new mommy says “kidnapped” but I don’t agree. I like it here and want to stay.

I was quite surprised to be going home with my new Mommy last week – but I like my new home. It has a yard and my new Mommy lets me play in it all the time. She also likes to take me for walks – even when she complains that I pull on my lease too much.

When I arrived at my new house, however, I wasn’t impressed that there were two of those other types of animals in the house. You know, the ones that like to hiss at me and hide when I come their way. One of them (the skinny dark one) even tried to open one of my bags of food – humph the gaul of him – but luckily my new mommy stopped him. However, I do growl at him when he tries to eat my food just as I’ve started to chow down on it.

Speaking of food, I sure like the meat in this house. A prime rib was cooked for Christmas dinner and I just couldn't wait to get the bone. Oh, it was so good.... I also liked all the left-over gravy that was cooling down on the counter when the humans were on to after dinner drinks. Oh, it was so yummy! but one of my new Mummy's guests liked to call my "Garbage Gut" for all the snacking I was doing.

For the first couple of days here, my new mommy called me her foot soldier. I’m not sure why, but I just couldn’t let her out of my sight so I followed her wherever she went. Sometimes she would get tired of my trying to cuddle with her on the couch because she says I’m way too big to be a lap dog – but she did have some really nice friends over who gave me lots of attention so I didn’t mind not being on her lap every time she sat down. Last night she didn’t want me around much at all because she said I had bad breath. I wonder if that has something to do with the snack I had at the kitty litter box. Unfortunately it was a very short snack because Uncle Jim shooed me quickly away from the box. He now calls be “Poo dog” or “Whiskey the Poo”

The most bizarre situation happened when my new Mommy took me for a drive. I got really excited when the smells got familiar and I saw my old house. She got out but left me in the car in the driveway. She walked around the house and was mumbling. She then came back to the car and we drove back home! I don’t think my new mommy was very happy. We made the trip another time and my new mommy did more than just walk around the house and mumble. We both actually walked into the house only to be greeted by “Uncle Rob”. I was really happy to see him, but got a couple of hisses from the black furry animal that lives in my former house. Uncle Rob and New Mommy didn’t pay much attention to me though, because they were both doing strange things to the walls with these funny things they call tools and/or brushes in their hands. Some of the walls even changed colour! I think the colour is very dark, bold and very very dramatic.

A few hours later while at my old house, I heard a familiar car and then saw my best friend Scarlett and Auntie Giz. We played in the backyard and Scarlett and I did some greko-roman wrestling. Auntie Giz and my new mommy were talking and from their conversation I learned that if my new mommy had driven me to Scarlett’s house for that first car drive I could have gone into their house because she was given the key to Scarlett’s house even though she was told that it was the to my old house.

I was really surprised this morning when I jumped on her bed and discovered that I landed on those two other animals that apparently were sleeping under the covers. They weren’t too happy and gave me a few hisses and a many dirty looks. But, they seem to be getting used to my presence and look more relaxed than they did when I first arrived.

This evening, I went for a walk – pulling lots on my leash, had a nice supper and am now resting.

I really do like it here – and don’t think I’m kidnapped at all. I’d like to stay.

Below is a picture of one of those other animals trying to steal my food!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T14:29:00.001-05:00

.... To everyone that passes by. Hope it is a peaceful time ...

... and all the best for 2010

A basement in transition

2009-12-07T10:42:00.004-05:00

When I bought my home, the basement had thin siding on it - but there was no insulation. That is a no-no in a Canadian climate.

I took the siding away - and - oh no. Look what I discovered below!

A red wall, with questionable artwork .... and even worse ... see below ...

Black mold!!!

I got rid of the mold (with great difficulty .... and scraped the entire wall as seen here. This is the only picture I have of this, which I don't mind ....

This month, I bought a bundle of styrofoam....

and so this is what my basement currently looks like. I need to do a bit of sealing around some cracks. Then the next steps are to put new windows in, drywall, subfloor and ceiling tiles.

This actually will become my bedroom for awhile as I plan to rent two bedrooms on the main floor.

Lots of work, but great satisfaction too.

Thanks ....

2009-11-11T17:29:00.006-05:00

On this day of remembrance in Canada. I want to thank all those who have served for my country and in the allied forces for their sacrifices.

War can tear countries apart - or bring them closer together.
War isn't always right and I don't support every one.
But, for those who believe strongly in supporting their country in combat - that is an unbelievable personal sacrifice that I acknowledge.

Mostly on this day, I think of the two great (and horrific) wars that happened in the last century and greatly shaped how we live today. The poem below was written by a Canadian medic serving in Belgium just before he passed away.

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrea - May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The poppies referred to in the poem grew in profusion in Flanders in the spoiled earth of the battlefields and cemeteries where war casualties were buried and thus became a symbol of Remembrance Day, November 11.

Flanders Fields was the site where around half a million deaths occurred in the horrific trenches of World War I. There are numerous military cemeteries and ‘Missing Memorials’ in the region commemorating those of all nationalities who fell in battle. Most of the soldiers who perished were the victims of poison gas attacks.

Curling Season has begun

2009-10-25T17:42:00.004-04:00

The days in Canada vary drastically between summer and winter. In summer, the sun shines on us until 9:00 pm or later, but in winter the sun sinks beyond the horizon as early as 4:00 pm. So, now that we are approaching winter and the sun is making shorter daily appearances, I like so many other Canadians, turn to the sport of curling to help get through the dark evenings.

I began curling when I was 11, so obviously I have been doing it for a long time. During my teens and early 20s I was extremely competitive and had some relative success before taking seasonal breaks on and off for travel and other interests. But for the last three years I've become once again addictive and hope to regenerate some of my competitive ways and if I'm lucky, equal some of my earlier success. (So far I've curled seven games in the club, three mixed and four womens and have a record of seven wins - yeah!)

This upcoming year, we host the Olympics in Vancouver. Curling is one of the sports where Canada is hoping to medal in both the women's and men's competitions. Our representative have yet to be determined so all eyes are on our potential teams. Trials begin in November and conclude in December.

In the Toronto area these last five days, an mens elite international curling competition was held - with with five of Canada's top teams competing. I was lucky to have won tickets to the event and saw some fine play. Good practice as well for these Canadian teams before they enter the Olympic trials by playing the top teams from other nations that have already been declared as their country's Olympic representatives.

I'm just home from the finals where Canada's Glenn Howard (the 2007 world champ) won the competition. Here are some pictures from the competition.

Brad Gushue from Newfound and 2006 Olympic Gold medalist.

Alberta's Kevin Martin, 2002 Olympic Silver medalist

The Randy Ferby team from Edmonton Alberta, four-time Canadian and two-time World champs

The Ontario Glenn Howard team, 2007 world champ. (Glenn has won the worlds three times and his vice-skip Richard Hart is a 1998 Olympic silver medalist)

Autumn Splendor - My favourite season

2009-10-06T10:33:00.007-04:00

There is something that I like about every season, but in Autumn it's the colourful trees in this part of the world and the cool crisp air.

These photos are all from the Laurentian Mountains in the Province of Quebec. Lost River, Lake MacDonald, Mt. Tremblant and Campbell's Bay Road (in that order)

Happy Birthday Boys

2009-09-23T11:59:00.004-04:00

12 years ago these two brothers were born with four other siblings in the basement of my old house. Me and my ex discovered them after returning home from our favourite indian restaurant.

Over the years they have given me much joy and comfort. I love them very much!

Here's to you Leo (Leopold) and Rory (Rorschach)

Ta Da !

2009-09-16T16:21:00.002-04:00

An airline totally devoted to pets?

2009-09-12T12:14:00.003-04:00

Believe it or not, it's true!

A company, Pet Airways, is now flying from airports in five American cities and plans to expand into Canada next year for its “pawsengers”. In fact, the only humans allowed on the flights will be pet attendants and the pilots.

According to the airline, an estimated one million animals fly each year in America, and Pet Airways' goal is to capitalize on that statistic.

Flights begin at US$149, and come with the promise to "transport your pet with lots of love, care, safety, and comfort in the main cabin," according to the company. The planes are entirely designed with animals in mind so there are neither seats nor overhead baggage compartments.

The airline also offers a "pawsenger lounge" where pets can be checked in up to 72 hours prior to take-off.

Dan Wiesel, president and CEO of Pet Airways, said most pets travelling by air are transported in the cargo hold and "handled as baggage."
Operations began on July 14 with flights between Baltimore, New York, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver in 2010.

There is some competition here in Canada, however. While their mandates aren't as pet-centric as Pet Airways, major carriers West Jet and Air Canada both offer pet travel options.

Both airlines charge a $50 fee for pets that travel in the cabin, but Air Canada ups the fee to $105 for pets that are transported in the baggage compartment.

If you want more information, or don't believe these words – here is their website: http://petairways.com

Almost finished!

2009-08-28T15:42:00.012-04:00

This summer in my front yard I've been dealing with goutweed (as per my blog post a few posts below).

In my backyard, I had more goutweed (that used to be at the base of the trees shown above) and discovered another weed called "Deadly Nightshade" (also known as "climbing nightshade" or "bittersweet nightshade"). This is a poisonous weed that can be fatal to humans if they eat the leaves or red berries that it produces. I also had about 15 cedar trees in a row that were unsightly and at one time used to be a cedar hedge.

With time on my hands earlier this summer, I decided to get into "destruction mode". I pulled out the goutweed and started to cut down the trees [full stop] ..... that was until the city of Toronto had its strike because some of their outside workers collect yard waste and brush. Now that the outside workers are back at work I tackled the trees once again and only have the limbs on 1.5 trees left! yeah! The brush from the limbs is at my curbside awaiting pick-up and the stumps of the trees (seen in the photo above) will be cut down in pieces that will be just perfect for friends chimineas or campfires.

The remaining 1.5 trees will be dealt with in a couple of weeks, just in time for the my neighbourhood's next yard waste pick-up day.

Once the trees are all at low stump level I'll be completing the same goutweed treatment as on my front yard. I'm tired at the moment but have a good sense of satisfaction as I dream about what I can plant in both yards to make this piece of land my little oasis.

Something new from Pete. Guess we'll all be meeting his "Walter" in a couple of years. Wonder if he'll be related to his "Tommy"

2009-08-26T13:14:00.010-04:00

Mr. Townshend has announced plans for a new musical. Apparently this new project called "Floss" concerns the angst of the ageing Baby Boomer generation.

"I am writing a new musical," he writes in his blog "Floss is an ambitious new project for me, in the style of Tommy and Quadrophenia". The songs will be interspersed with surround-sound 'soundscapes' featuring complex sound effects and musical montages."

Townshend said the album is designed as an outdoor "son et lumière piece", to be debuted in 2011. Currently he's talking with producers in New York but hopes to release some of the musical's more "conventional" songs on a new Who album next year.

The musical tells the story of Walter, a pub-rock musician, who hits it big when one of his songs appears in a car advertisement. Suddenly wealthy, Walter becomes a "house-husband" as his wife, Floss, takes up horse riding!!. "When [Walter] tries to return to music after a 15-year hiatus," Townshend wrote, "he finds that what he hears and what he composes evoke the ecologically rooted, apocalyptic mindset of his generation. Shaken by this and torn by personal difficulties, he and Floss become estranged."

Townshend described the piece as a bit of a response to My Generation, the 1965 hit he calls "the most explicitly ageist song in rock". "At 64," he wrote, "I now want to take on ageing and mortality, using the powerfully angry context of rock'n'roll."

Don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to hearing more about this project and eventually listening to it.

Windmills, Cows, Wildflowers, Hay bales, Water and a Ferry Ride ....

2009-08-20T14:43:00.012-04:00

These are a few words that describe the peaceful Wolfe Island, off the shores of historic Kingston and the largest of the 1000 Islands right where the St. Lawrence River begins from Lake Ontario.

My dear friend Catherine from Ottawa was on holiday and wanted to take a day trip to Kingston, with me. Kingston is small and I know it well so I suggested we take a jaunt on the ferry from Kingston over to Wolfe Island.

Wolfe Island is a sleepy island with lots of farms. But what made it interesting this year is the installation of a new wind farm that began construction in the spring of 2008 and just became operational two months ago.

The wind farm has 86 turbines which generate about 594 gigawatt hours (GWh) of power - enough to create enough electricity to power about 75,000 homes. It's the The second-largest wind facility of its kind in Canada.

We drove around the island and had a wonderful lunch on a patio on the water. Looking in one direction you were able to see other islands while in the other - the shoreline of Kingston with all its hotels, boats and historic buildings.

While some may complain that the windmills are a nuisance, I believe that we should use renewable power whenever we can. The location of this wind farm is great because the mills catch the prevailing and strong winds from the west off the lake.

Our only disappointment of the day was when we were asked to pay $8 each for a 1.3km nature walk. We didn't feel it was worth it. Instead, we decided to do some window shopping in Kingston which was fun!

A typical summer sight

2009-08-17T22:24:00.003-04:00

This summer has, in my opinion, been lovely. But the weather has been weird. This picture has been a usual sight. Rainbows, sun and dark clouds all mixed together in one picture. The hot and humid weather that Toronto is famous for has held off until this week. It was the perfect week-end to relax on the beached shores of Lake Eerie with Anne-Marie's brother and sister!

Tomorrow I'm off to the Cedar Oasis and then a day trip to Kingston and Wolfe Island (the largest of the 1000 islands). I've snatched Jim's camera so I hope to get some nice shots (I can't find my battery recharger!!). Perfect timing and weather to get away from this heat and humidity to spend more quality time with special friends.

Do you remember woodstock?

2009-08-14T09:06:00.006-04:00

Being just a kid in 1969 and probably being at the summer cottage I had no idea this iconic event was happening. But, last night I was able to get a taste of some of the music that was played on Yasgur's farm in upstate New York because I attended a Woodstock tribute night hosted by Toronto's classic rock station, Q107. We heard Santana, The Band, The Grateful Dead, Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, CCR, Jimi Hendrix and Who tunes. Most of the bands were outstanding in their presence and musicality including - and I bet you guessed it - the Wholigans! Each set was about 45 minutes in length so we only had a little taste of each band. Barry and the boys (Darren, Bill and Dave) performed Summertime Blues, Amazing Journey, Sparks, Pinball Wizard, See Me, Feel Me/Listening to You, Baba O'Riley, and Won't Get Fooled Again. They, along with Michael White who performed Joe Cocker were my favourites - but I can't ignore the Janis, Jimi and Santana performances that were outstanding as well.

Q107 put on a mighty fine bash for its listeners and so they, along with the performers should be congratulated. It was even a more special treat to see/listen to the Wholigans again who had the crowd rocking better than any of the others.

Another mighty fine thing about the evening was The locale. It was at the Sound Academy on one of Toronto's many waterfront piers. Absolutely amazing outside views of the city's skyline, which at sunset is breathtaking!

On another note .....

The mercury has finally risen to near 30C levels so I'm off to Port Dover on Saturday for a quick visit and some, hopefully refreshing dunks in Lake Erie.

My fight against goutweed ...

2009-08-10T21:52:00.004-04:00

... or snow on the mountain, bishops weed or whatever name they have for it!

I bought this property in November and therefore didn't see all the vegetation. Apparently the previous owner wanted ground cover under the tree and decided to plant this goutweed. Unfortunately this plant is an invasive weed. If I planted other pretty plants this weed would just invade and eventually kill it.

So, on with the battle. I learned that this plant is one of the most difficult to get rid of so drastic measures were called for ...

I covered the weed with four layers of thick cardboard and then a couple of inches of mulch ...

I then covered the entire area with geotextile fabric. I'm trying to smother the entire thing and so my front yard will have this massive ugly spot for a year. Jim refers to it as a "missile launching pad"

I've taken the rest of the stuff out (see bottom of pic above for a look at the goutweed) in other sections of my yard and plan to smother it later in the Fall. It may take me about three years to get rid of it all!

Thanks AM & G for a great week-end

2009-08-04T11:52:00.006-04:00

My "super week-end" was launched on a beautiful Friday night on Danforth St., known for its famous greek food. I met Anne-Marie there and sampled their famous fare before heading down to Queen and Broadview to meet and listen to birthday boy Barry and the rest of the Wholigans. (I know I was lucky to be invited to this event as I was taken as Anne-Marie's guest and wasn't her first choice. AM's best friend and who-crazed fan Antoinette was visiting Toronto and was supposed to go - but had a return flight a few days before the event. Knowing that I'm a classic rock crazed singer who loves the Who - Anne-Marie graciously asked me and wasn't gonna turn it down).

Once arriving at the venue, we were warmly greeting by an excited and friendly Barry along with his really really nice wife Terry. We chatted for awhile before taking seats right next to the dance floor. Before the music began Anne-Marie was working the room, talking to many acquaintances while I was taking in the atmosphere, chatting to a few people myself and listening to the classic and fantastic (pre-1975) Rod Stewart tunes streaming from the sound system.

Friends of the Wholigans began the evening on stage playing music from The Band, Free and one of the best live performances I've seen of Grand Funk Railroad's I'm your captain/I'm coming home. Then - Barry and the boys took the stage and the room became electric. The musicianship was first-rate and the onstage antics were hallarious!

Anne-Marie and I spent most of their set on stage dancing up a storm and forgetting about anything and everything except for what what was happening in those moments. (We did take a short break and the second time we went up my left hip was killing me - but I worked through the pain until it temporarily left.) Being the crazed singer that I am - I sang along to every song sung - knowing all the words but no one including myself could hear 'cause it was as loud as the Who (Pete, Rog and those who left us but still in our hearts would have been proud). Yippie! I caught a T-shirt that was thrown out into the crowd by Barry. Wish it was Antoinette's size - but think Dale will be the lucky one.

I stumbled in at 2:00 am and awoke to the beck and call of Anne-Marie's sister as she had invited me to Port Dover for the week-end and wanted to leave the city as early as possible. I stumbled out of bed, limped to the car and was on the road at about 9:15.

PD was great! My hip prevented me from helping Giz out in the garden, but spent that time preparing for my important meeting on Thursday. At other times, we enjoyed sangria (thanks for the great recipe hint Giz), listened to tunes, ate BBQ steak (thanks Rob), hosted some of Rob's friends and enjoyed the garden. On Monday we went to the beach. The waves were gigantic, the breeze was cooling the hot tempertatures and the crowds enormous but not intrusive.

Back in Toronto now preparing for meetings on Thursday and next week. Thanks for the great memories AM, G and R!

My hip is much better but still not perfect. Guess that while I felt like I was 18 on Friday my body gave me a reality check and made me feel more than my 48 years!

Awake from the dead

2009-07-26T16:23:00.004-04:00

Well, I wasn't actually dead, but didn't have any words to write in me.

2009 has been a challenging year for me. It began with serious bouts of pneumonia that then got complicated with bronchitis (lasting from January to March and then recovering from it after that). I missed lots of work, had temperatures as high as 104F and didn't have much energy for anything but sleep and work. I had to cancel my fun activities - such as singing and curling so that I could continue working. However, it was getting VERY stressful at work due to a boss that was unsympathetic about my health and who began putting more deadlines and pressure on me. In April I began looking for alternative work - which my boss found out about and decided to let me go before I could find anything. There are tough times out there these days but I do have high credentials so I hope to get something full-time soon (perhaps even with a better salary). In the interim I've had a few small jobs to keep me busy. The stress of the winter and early spring is gone and my health has returned so it wasn't a bad thing to have these changes (but would have preferred it without a gap in employment).

As such, the words for a blog didn't come.

But, these days I've been spending lots of time with wonderful friends. I spent a week-end with Anne Marie and other friends at the beginning of July, then had a friend down from Ottawa the next week-end and went camping with other friends last week-end. My weeks have been spent looking for work, gardening (when not raining), and doing a few small marketing, pr or writing jobs on the side for some old clients I had when I did full time consulting. Oh, I'm also struggling with not spending lots of money too.

In August I'll be looking forward to a friend visiting from Hungary (who used to live in Toronto but retired in her native land), taking a week-end in the country to enjoy corn-on-the-cob season and maybe doing some small renovations in my basement that are labour rather than financially intensive. .... and if I'm lucky ..... negotiating new employment when all the offers come in !!!!

Hopefully, I'll get more words back to write in a blog. Until then .... bisous

My cats were the heroes of my Christmas!

2009-01-01T17:55:00.002-05:00

Who would have thought that my cats would have saved my Christmas for me? Let me explain.

Jim and I drove up to my parents empty cottage on two acres of land nestled above a lake in the wonderful Laurentian Mountains on Christmas Eve with my two cats.

Leaving Toronto we had pouring rain - this right after receiving a mighty 25 cms of snow - so driving conditions were messy. On the major highway we drove thru torrential rain and large fog patches, which made the drive long and slow. Once leaving the major highway about five hours later, we drove along secondary highway routes where weather conditions were changing - the winds were gusting and the temperature was reaching freezing and so there were large puddles of water on the road when there were dips in the road and black ice on the hills. We passed two cars who skidded into the snowbanks so we drove even slower. Slow and steady is best under these conditions, but with every passing minute the temperature and road conditions were degrading. I was starting to wonder whether we would make it up the big hills which would lead us into the mountains.

My mind was turning to where we could stay if we couldn't make it - the two of us, the two cats and a carful of groceries, including the uncooked Christmas turkey. But luckily we made it up the hills - very carefully - without slipping off the road. We did slip, but thanks to Jim's careful driving we made it past the tiny town of Lost River to the 1km dirt road that leads to the house.

It was just before midnight when we got to this road. The first part of the road was "crunchy" so there was no problem because the "crunch" provided lots of traction, but as we passed some fields where the winds were whipping all the water away - it was sheer ice! We had to drive down the first steep hill towards the little bridge that went over the fast currents of Lost River (the same river that runs through the town of the same name). We drove with two wheels along the side of the road in the snowbank to get traction - but woops we slipped - but thankfully ended up right in the middle of the bridge and were that much closer to the cold, empty house awaiting our arrival. Further along, we had to make a sharp right corner and go up a slight incline. Woops, we couldn't make it up on our first attempt. We were so close about .25 km from the house. Second attempt to no avail. I got out of the car and slipped right away. There was absolutely no traction under my winter boots. ... Oh no, how could we abandon the car and get all our bags, food and cats into the house along a road with no traction in the pitch black darkness??? I brought my shovel in case of emergency, but no sand. I was wracking my brain as to how we could get up this incline when Jim blurted out that we had kitty litter! Kitty Litter provides perfect traction - so he got out of the car (the stuff was on the floor behind his seat) and laid the stuff on the road. Voila! On the third attempt we made it and were on our way. After a dicy trip down the steep hill to the cottage - again with one side of the car in the snowbank - we made it.

If it weren't for the cats and their necessary supplies - our Christmas arrival would have been much different! So that's why I say that my cats, Leo and Rory, were the heroes of my Christmas!

Life is busy

2008-12-16T22:06:00.001-05:00

The end of the year rush is on at the office and parties are in full force, keeping my life busy and blessedly fulfilled.

Can you believe we're approaching another year so soon? It seems like only yesterday that I was celebrating last new year's - yet in some ways it does seem like a long time as 2008 was a year of adventure and expense!

I've lapsed in here the last little while and have missed you guys - but with curling, singing, pneumonia, house renovations etc. my life has been occupied.

Christmas will be spent in the laurentian mountains for about four days and then back to the "old smoke" for a week of R&R in this drafty little house.

Happy Christmas and Merry New Year to all .... in case I'm not on here before Jan 1.

Sorry - too busy, tired and occupied to say something insightful or brilliant.

The end of a life

2008-11-26T17:17:00.009-05:00

Sad news this week. A few years ago I used to go to a great hairdresser who I just learned died over the week-end at the age of 52 of a heart attack! This funny and animated native Scotsman was an amazing stylist who worked and lived in the downtown core of Toronto. The big joke that people used to tell him was that he was a far better hair dresser than a bassist.

You see, this wonderful man, Kenny, was also a member of one of Canada's most popular "New Wave" 80's band called Platinum Blonde. This band had some great Canadian and international hits that filled the airwaves with funky music while girls donned their shoulder pads and frizzed their hair with lots of hairspray.

Music never left his life, even though the 80s are long gone. Perhaps he just liked styling hair - which he certainly had with the band! On his own, he released three solo albums - including one that was just released this month! A previous album was produced by the same producer who did my CD last year.

The Canadian music community is in mourning this week along with many of his hair dressing clients like myself.

A real life illustration as to why it's impotant to clean your house ducts!!!

2008-11-02T17:23:00.004-05:00

When I sadly had to begin to turn on the heat this Autumn I started to get really stuffed up and sneezy. Lucky for me, I decided to change the duct work in my new (to me) home. This is what we discovered. I doubt the ducts had been cleaned since the house was built ... 55 years ago!!! Now I'm hoping that all this dust is gone that my sinus' will clear up.

Oh Deer!!!

2008-10-05T20:54:00.003-04:00

The poor thing is looking straight at me ... but look at the next picture to accurately see where I was taking this photo from!

The tranquility of a cool autumn morning

2008-10-01T17:04:00.002-04:00

Autumn Leaves

2008-09-30T18:56:00.007-04:00

Leaves that have fallen ....

and leaves still on the trees ....

now back to the concrete city home from the holidays.

On Vacation

2008-09-11T17:43:00.008-04:00

Tomorrow is my last day of work before heading up to the family cottage ......
for some Laurentian Mountain autumn splendor......

It has been a very long time since I've really had a relaxing break. I hope that the first week will be one of reading and relaxing.

The second week will be a bit more active as my friend Jim will be joining me and we'll go on adventure side trips to places like Montreal ....

Chateau Montebello (the world's largest "log cabin") .......

..... and Mt. Tremblant....

Summer ... curling???

2008-08-27T22:38:00.003-04:00

I spent this past week-end in the little Thousand Island village of Gananoque. This is the place where I have many very happy boating memories with my ex Barry. However, I wasn't there to visit friends or go boating - but to participate in a curling competition at the local arena.

Curling is considered a winter sport, which usually starts up in October. It's only the really crazy or really avid curlers who curl in the summer. I guess me and the rest of the team can fit into both categories.

Summer curling can be much different than winter curling because the outside temperature can dramatically change and/or alter the ice conditions. Ice conditions can also be different in an arena instead of a regular curling club. This was the case in Gananoque.

Our team is made up of very experienced curlers - some of us being winners of large championships too. But this didn't matter - it really was a disadvantage! That's because it took your entire strength just to get the rock to slide down to the other end of the ice sheet! (referred to the term "the ice was extremely heavy"). This took the entire precision out of the game. We struggled trying to cling on to the precision that we're known for - but it didn't matter. Instead, people who had only been curling for one year were beating us. As well, there were many patches of frost where you had no gliding ability and then without warning you hit a patch of ice that was as slippery as a fish. Two people actually fell, hitting their heads and having to go for stitches!

Curling is a sport that's hard on your quad leg muscles. And, if you haven't used these muscles in the curling manner for some time - you'll hurt the next day. Ha! next day .... it's been three days and I still am a "hurting unit". I don't feel so bad because my entire team is in the same condition - we've all been avoiding stairs as much as possible because - ouwww - it hurts to walk up and especially down them. The good news is that league play begins in a month and hopefully this pain will give us the upper hand then.

Despite this bizarre curling experience we had a tonne of fun. I'll be curling with these people in league play and competition this upcoming winter and I really look forward to it. If I can get thru a competition like the one we just experienced - I think I can get thru anything with them. Oh, and I won some bungee cords out of the entire thing as well.

This upcoming week-end should be fun too. I'm heading out to Port Dover with that "mild mannered blogging teacher" and a bunch of friends.

Adios for now!

Niagara Falls

2008-08-05T17:09:00.007-04:00

This past week-end I had my 14 year old nephew and a friend come down from the Ottawa region for the week-end. On Saturday, we took a trip down to Niagara Falls

Nephew - Jeremiah and his friend Ryan looking over at the US part of Niagara Falls with their toques on. It was about 30C, but they don't care because they're cool (In their own minds).

The Canadian Falls (above and below).

They sure love skate boarding ... Now I'm off for some well deserved sleep!

Closet renovation

2008-07-22T19:04:00.005-04:00

This is a picture of my closet then ... (above)

and my closet now .... (2 below)

... and below are pictures of its transformation ...

This couldn't have been accomplished in the one week without the help of my dear friend Jim, shown here.

Hockey Song

2008-07-19T10:06:00.004-04:00

Canadian sports is up in arms because our public broadcaster lost the rights to use their "Hockey Night in Canada" theme song, which has been airing for over 40 years. To replace this song, which many refer to as Canada's second national anthem, CBC is having a contest to replace the tune http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/

However, before this CBC anthem was written, Canada really had a hockey song - written by Stompin Tom Conners, seen here on UTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZWxErEbQkY . And, then there's my favourite hockey song, which I couldn't find on UTube. It's called the Hockey Song and the lyrics are below.

So, why worry about a silly hockey theme when, as illustrated here, Canada actually has many hockey songs ...

Me Like Hockey, by the Arrogant Worms

Me work hard five days a week
Sweeping garbage from the street
Come home not want book to read
Not 'nuff pictures for me see
Sit right down in favourite chair
Wearing only underwear
Favourite night is Saturday night
'Cause me can watch hockey fights
Me like hockey! Me like hockey!

Me no like pro basketball
'Cause me short and they all tall
Baseball slow like Forrest Gump
'Cept when Robbie spits on ump
Wrestlemania not so great
Me like to see Hulk Hogan skate
TV soccer not that hot
You play bad then you get shot
Me like hockey! Me like hockey!

Swedish players must be geeks
'Cause they still got own real teeth
Not like Finnish players names
What's a Teemu anyway?
Russians worst in history
Got stupid names like Valerie
Me like Sergei Federov
Me like him more if head were off
Ha ha ha!
Me like hockey! Me like hockey!
Me like hockey! We like hockey!

Please mister linesman let the players fight
Please mister linesman let the players fight
Please mister linesman let the players fight
Please mister linesman let the players fight
Let them fight, let them fight, let them fight
Let them fight, let them fight, let them fight
Let them fight, let them fight!

Friends come over put game on
Argue then we lay bets down
Got bag of chips and case of Bud
Should last 'til end of first period
But yankees they win the world cup
Me think they cheat use glowy puck
Maybe if we want to win her
Maybe we should play in winter
Me like hockey! Me like hockey!
Me like hockey! Me like hockey!

Yeah!

Progress ...

2008-07-17T09:41:00.001-04:00

This summer so far has certainly been different for me. Partly because I’m in my own home and am spending every extra penny I earn on it – and also because my evenings are now spent doing renovation work – the days are speeding by very quickly.

In my last blog I said I was going to start insulating the basement – but that’s now on hold. I’ve bought five basement windows that are being made currently and want to install them before the insulation goes in. In the meantime, I’ve been attacking my bedroom closets. The configuration of these closets was crazy. Both had small doors and were either four or five feet deep. With the guidance and help of my dear friend and curling teammate Jim, I’ve widened one to 6.5 feet (approx 2 metres) and shortened the depth of the other one to 2.5 deep (approx .760 metres). The demolition and moving the wall (in between the closets) was crazy. Currently I’m almost finished the drywall steps and so it will be ready for priming tomorrow. I’ve found a closet system created by Rubbermaid, which will allow me to maximize my closet space and give me the closet of my dreams. I’m really happy because I haven’t had the proper space to organize and put all my clothes away properly. The windows should be arriving in a week or two – so I’ll have a couple of weeks off before doing the room downstairs. In September I tackle the roof (which I’m hiring friends who’ve done this work before to do for me).

Wow, I never thought I’d get so excited over closets and basements!!! But, I consider myself blessed to have the friends around who have knowledge about renovation and electrical wiring to make my dream of having a perfect little house come true.

Before and after pictures of the closet to follow.

TGIS

2008-06-27T07:30:00.002-04:00

... otherwise known as "Thank God it's summer"!

I can hardly believe that July is almost upon us. This means that both Canada and the U.S.A. will be celebrating their birthdays.

On July 1st, Canada will be 141 years old (nothing compared to the motherlands of Europe - but still old for a child). People will be lighting up barbecue grills, fireworks and campfires all over the nation while consuming some of the nation's most popular beverages - namely beer and hoards of food.

My office is closed on Monday, the day preceding the holiday, so I've decided to take the entire week off along with (today) this Friday. In about an hour I head up to Quebec to spend some days with my folks but will only be there for about five days as I am going to begin the installation of insulation in my basement on Thursday.

My goal this summer is to complete one basement room from top to bottom and have the entire basement insulated. In September I'm also having my roof done.

sigh .... all good stuff to do, but no serious travel for me this year.

See ya'll when I get back

Celebrating 100 years of Canada's most famous novel

2008-06-19T17:45:00.006-04:00

On June 20, 1908, Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery of Prince Edward Island (PEI) Canada, received the first edition of her soon to be immensely popular novel Anne of Green Gables.

It started small: a few thousand copies of a first novel by an author from a small provincial island on the northeast corner of the North American continent, released by a Boston publisher whose first inclination was to send Montgomery a rejection letter.

In 100 years, Anne of Green Gables has grown into its own industry. The book has been published in 33 languages; Montgomery wrote seven sequels, and a prequel was recently published with the consent of her heirs. There have been two movies for the big screen, six for television, and three television series (the first an anime version produced in Japan). The Charlottetown, PEI Festival's stage version is the longest running musical in Canadian history and is making a claim to be the world record holder in that category.

Anne has made Prince Edward Island famous around the world and is at the centre of a tourism industry crucial to the province's economy.

Personally, Anne of Green Gables was one of my favourite books as a young adolescent and so it's for this reason that I celebrate this special 100th anniversary.

Frustrated with blog videos

2008-06-12T21:36:00.002-04:00

Hi folks,

Hope all is well. I've been trying to upload my short (less than 100MB) movies onto blogger, but to no avail. My videos are in AVI format so they should upload ... grrr

I've been busy with work, a show I was in a couple of weeks ago and house renovations (which are coming along very slowly).

This week-end I'm going to be brave with my bad arm (still) and paint the hallway. I'm tired of staring at plain white .... so boring! I'm also having friends over tomorrow night and spending time with friends on Sunday night. Oh, I'm also singing a duet on Sunday too (oh how I love singing)

Lannio
xx

I Love long week-ends!

2008-05-16T10:22:00.003-04:00

Today marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada with what is officially known as the May 2-4 week-end. While the 24th May may actually be next week-end this year, Canadian’s get the third Monday of every May off to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday. While this Queen may have “ruled” the British Commonwealth up until January 1901 – so most of us weren’t alive when she was – we don’t care because she gave us a day off! Yippie!

After living through the snowy winters and spring thaw, this week-end is the time when Canadians rejoice and celebrate the warmer temperatures and longer days with an extra day off.

This week-end brings back many mories for me. For years it was the week-end we'd open up the cottage and see all our summer friends for the first time in six months. My strongest memories have to do with the lake - where most of the time I'd try to brave the cold lake water for a swim and maybe even a waterski. However last year and 1978 stand in my mind as being exceptional because we had exceptionally warm springs both years and were able to enjoy a lake temperature of around 22C.

I'm heading to the lake in a couple of hours but will not attempt a swim this year!

I leave you with some song lyrics by the Canadian musical group Rush, who with this song refer to their own May 2-4 memories.

....... Everyone would gather

On the twenty-fourth of May

Sitting in the sand

To watch the fireworks display

Dancing fires on the beach

Singing songs together...

Though it's just a memory

Some memories last forever

Thank goodness for Spring

2008-05-10T20:57:00.002-04:00

I've been busy, but spent time today weeding my lawn and doing renovations to a basement room. Here's a picture of my front lawn, underneath the wonderful pine tree.

Here's my backyard - a mixture of mud and weeds!

And here's my basement room, in the midst of renovations.

Wish You Were Here

2008-04-21T20:38:00.001-04:00

Hello my friends. It has been a long time since I've been here - but life is still so wonderfully busy. All the snow is melted, it's been in the 20 degree range so I'm starting to see what type of vegetation is supported on this little piece of land that I jointly own with the bank.

Wish you were here .....

Snow .....

2008-03-15T08:42:00.008-04:00

Hellooooo.... I'm back. This winter has been crazy with the move, my job, the new house, several pinched nerves in my right arm affecting the use of my right hand and the general chores and fix-ups that come with having a new house.

Here are some pictures that I took last weekend. Toronto is close to having a winter snowfall record. This is what my yard and immediate neighbourhood looked like after our latest dump. Its hard to believe that I live in Canada's largest city. When I'm home, I feel like my house is situated in a small town.

Taking a Break

2008-01-20T17:29:00.000-05:00

To Live is to be busy
To be busy is to Live

My life has been extra busy these days with work, curling (canada's favourite winter sport across all provinces), singing and my upcoming move (Jan 30th).

I haven't had any time to really spend on this and don't anticipate that I will for the next couple of weeks of so.

However, I wish all a Happy New Year and send my love

These are exciting and exhausting days for me right now and I hope to share them with you when I get back.

Bisous

Under the Stormy Skies

2007-12-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

The weather outside is frightful, but it's warm and comfortable inside with the Christmas music streaming from the speakers.

The weather forecast is predicting up to 30 cms of snow and I just saw a few flashes of lightening followed by the rumbling of thunder. The wind is whipping up from the high winds and forming huge snowbanks outside this condo. I'm staying in all day as my curling game has been cancelled for this afternoon.

Inside, the moving boxes are starting to pile up high while the cupboards and closets get cleaned out. I think I've done as much packing as I can until the big day (in 45 days). I've now moved on to my Christmas holiday packing. For two weeks, I'll be in Mt. Tremblant with my extended family, including my brother and his family from Australia. His two children haven't ever seen snow, but they're expected to arrive today in Montreal (which is experiencing this same snow storm system!). Whether they can land or not is another question altogether.

I'm glad to have the Christmas break between now and the time I move as it'll help the time go by faster. Yesterday I went and visited my new house. On the way from here to there, I was thinking about how far it was from the centre of town.... Oh no.... I'm in the burbs! Some of my friends that I invited couldn't make it - but our own fabulous Anne-Marie did! Kinda neat that she and her bunch were the first ones to see my new home.

It's smaller than I remember and I've probably got to put about $25K of renovations into it - but it's mine! Oh, another clap of thunder outside.

Think I'll sign off and make myself a nice long mug of hot chocolate.

A bientot mes amis.

Eeeeeeeek!

2007-11-28T18:54:00.000-05:00

I Got it !!!!

I've been away from here for almost a month because I've been so busy looking for a place in this crazy Toronto housing market.

I just finalized the sale transaction on this house today! It's small, but I love the trees in the front and back yard along with the quaint little neighbourhood. However, despite its size, I'm more than doubling my current space when I consider the basement.

It's very solid but needs renovations to the bathroom, kitchen and basement along with other technical things. However, none of that really needs to be done in the short order so I can take my time. Lucky Home Depot (our huge renovations store chain)!

I move in January 30th! .... oh and it's only a 15 minute drive to my workplace downtown.

Busy times ahead ....

2007-11-01T09:01:00.000-04:00

I haven't been too active on here because I had a wonderful visit from my parents over the week-end and then on Monday was hit with bombshell news. The condo unit that I am renting is going on the market to be sold. I was given 60 days notice! Yikes ......

60 days is around Christmas ....

I've hurridly made arrangements in the last two days to get a pre-approved mortgage to buy my own place, made arrangements with the proprietors of my unit to let me stay until January 31st and hired and met with a Real Estate agent. We begin looking at houses tomorrow evening. Oh, and I've also started to pack my materials ... and pinched a nerve in my wrist upon lifting my first box!

I'd like to buy a cute little house (if I can afford it) about 30 minutes from the downtown core of Toronto. The bad news is that its a seller's market and so it might be a little bit out of my price range. However, if the market softens between now and Christmas it may be feasible. If not, I'll probably have to move closer to suburbia (yikes) or go into a Condo.... I think one is for sale in Anne Marie's building (lol).

I was hoping to purchase a home in six to nine months - so its being accelerated. It'll have to be a lean Christmas and a cheap homemade sandwich for lunch for the next while. I feel like I'm on a roller-coaster ride right now, but hopefully will find comfortable footing by the week-end!

Hope all had a Happy Halloween!

There's Ash in Dale's Backyard !

2007-10-23T22:05:00.001-04:00

Dale's Ne w Kitty

Ghostly Thoughts

2007-10-18T22:48:00.000-04:00

How old do you think you'll be when you die?
88 – one year for each key on a piano

How will you die?
In my sleep

What will your last words be?
Thank you

What will your epitaph read?
Beneath this silent stone is laid,
A noisy, antiquated babe,
Who from her cradle, sang till death,
And ne'er before was out of breath.

Any parts of your body you wouldn't donate?
Yup, my vocal chords

What song will be played at your funeral?
In Paradisum and Sanctus, from Gabriel Fauré's requiem, preferably a recording done by me and the U of O choir

Cremated, buried or "other"?
Cremated and tossed into the country wind.

If you could take one thing with you to the "next life", what would it be?
Any wisdom I’ve learned here and … my vocal chords

If you could take one person with you, whether they like it or not, who would it be?
The love of my life who is up there and hopefully waiting for me

Supposing they existed, do you think you'd end up in heaven or hell?
My version of heaven. Not anyone else’s that may have been interpreted for me and for society in general.

If you could haunt any one place, where would it be?
Lake MacDonald, down the road from Lost River

If you could haunt any one person, who would it be?
Mick Jagger

What type of ghost would you be?
A ghost as friendly as Casper with lots of sweetness and light

You've been given the chance to send one message back to the land of the living. What does it say?
You're here for a good time
Not a long time
So have a good time
The sun can't shine everyday

More of my original Banff national park mountain images

2007-10-16T15:21:00.001-04:00

Now for my original images ...

2007-10-14T15:05:00.001-04:00

During my stay in the rockies, I spent one night at this hotel !

Where I had views from my room like this !

The surrounding area had views like this !

Enjoy !
More mountain pics to come on October 16

Going West ....

2007-10-03T09:10:00.000-04:00

I am preparing to go West ..... about 2,000 miles or so to visit my sister and do a bit of work as well.

After my visit with Dale, and before I begin my conference I am going to spend a night in Banff, Canada's largest national park (and the world's third oldest national park). In doing so, I have decided to splurge for a night and stay at one of Canada's most magnificant hotels .... The Chateau Lake Louise. Normally the price is outrageous, however, in the off-season I am able to get a reduced rate, paying about $200 less for the night than I normally would. I think I deserve it - after all those hundreds of nights I've stayed at youth hostels.

Here are some pics. Hopefully when I'm there there'll be good weather so I can post some of my own.

For Anne-Marie .....

2007-09-26T09:34:00.000-04:00

..... The cat loving woman who had a Wine themed wedding shower.

My lunch with Steve and Dan

2007-09-21T17:29:00.002-04:00

This morning I had tonnes of work to do and smashed thru it like construction worker with a jack hammer. So, when lunchtime rolled around I decided to take a walk in the warm 25C temperature under sunny skies.

For some reason I decided to venture into BCE Place and see what type of food and merchandise offerings they had. ....

Well to my surprise, there were lots of people standing around a stage and listening to someone sing and play guitar. I couldn't identify who it was but figured it had to be someone "big" or else there wouldn't be the large number of people gathered. I was curious so I walked closer and identified a popular song coming from the sound system. Aha! it was a barenaked lady.... Steven Page, the band's lead singer to be exact! Wow .... what a surprise. So, I loitered in front of the stage swaying to the music (Brian Wilson, If I had a Million Dollars etc...) and then was surprised once again when Steven asked Dan Ackroyd to came on stage to play and sing with him!

I think I better take more lunchtime walks.

An old hobby resurrected

2007-09-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

Can anybody guess what that "rat looking" thing is on the cake above?

A bookworm cake I made for a work social with the same theme

2007-09-09T20:58:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged by many, therefore I will not tag anyone myself. However, if someone reads this who hasn’t been tagged then consider it done.

So, here are 8 things about me + a few of my simple pleasures that I’ve mixed in for the fun of it.

I am a traditional, liberated and adventurous.
I am a romantic realist.
I am a leader who sometimes likes to follow
I am a practical, pragmatic, creative person and thinker
I believe in fate, but also I believe in taking matters into my own hands.
I like wine and specialty drinks on occasion. But don’t like smoke on any occasion.
I like blue skies contrasted with white fluffy clouds.
I love the smell right after a spring rain.
I like rainbow colors along with black and white, but believe that life is made up of the shades in between.
I feel better when the sun is shining, but love walking in light drizzle.
I am a people, dog and cat person.
I like to mix it up. I like a touch of stability.
I am a quick study. I’m quick learner.
I like a challenge and don’t like to lose, however know the best part of any game is playing it.
I love my friends and family and am thankful to have them in my life.

For Alfie

2007-09-02T20:36:00.001-04:00

Mummy, Mummy I want to go too

2007-08-31T17:48:00.001-04:00

This is what happens when "Mummy" travels a lot

with Rory (above ) and Leo (below)

Montreal Architecture and panoramic views

2007-08-22T17:34:00.000-04:00

Looking at the past brightly

2007-08-15T22:29:00.001-04:00

As many of you know, I spent the last three days in Montreal participating in a work-related course on Copyright. Montreal is the place where I spent the first 22 years of my life. The course was only a block away from the office building that housed my first job as an insurance policy typist in a typing pool. At that time I was 17, "wet behind the ears" but knowing everything there was to know about life - just like all teenagers do at that age! But really, I knew nothing, or nearly nothing at all and was full of fragility and low confidence.

Being so close to my past led me on a journey (or a long walk and drive) through the city to some of my old hang-out joints, old elementry and high schools, and the four places where I lived ... (two with family and two on my own). I walked and drove around Montreal like a native, yet looked at the city with new eyes, almost like a tourist appreciating many things like the architecture that I used to take for granted as being normal.

Since I left there I've added 24 years to my life and added 24 pounds to myself, I've travelled half way around the world, attained multiple university degrees, gained much more self-confidence and have made more than 24 new friends. I really have come a long way since I was 17 and knowing nothing!

24 years ago, I never thought I would take a course on copyright with a room full of bright lawyers, including some law professors. The course was amazing and my fellow classmates highly impressive. We learned a lot, but it made me realize that I still know next to nothing. In fact, the more I learn the more I realize this.

All in all, it was an enjoyable trip for the course content and also for the trip down memory alley. I guess I'll just have to accept that I'll never be a "know it all". But be thankful for all the good things that have come my way and even the trying times that have built my strength and made me who I am today, who may not no everything, but is happy with where she's gone.

Now, I wonder what the next 29 years will bring?

Lower than normal activity for me in the next 10 days

2007-08-09T19:10:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends,

I am off to the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec and then to Montreal on business. I'll have limited access in the next 10 days, but hope to get to visit sometimes.

I thought I'd leave you with some amazing shots.... enjoy!

It's Hot, but I'm still trotting

2007-08-02T17:57:00.000-04:00

The "dog days of summer" have arrived in my neck of the "concrete woods". Temperatures reaching 35c or 95f. However, this still hasn't stopped me from trotting the 3km stretch between home and work. Thankfully I have central air so that I can cool down nicely upon my arrival home. It makes a huge difference because I probably lose a pound or two (a kilo) from water loss. Surprisingly I still enjoy it in the heat, but perhaps my iPod has something to do with that!

Things have been slow socially, but ramping up at work. This week-end is a long week-end so I'm going up to the mountains to see some real woods for a change! My cats are not going to be too happy because I'll be away in the mountains for three week-ends in a row, including one full week. But at least they'll be comfortable in the central air... Sure it won't be as cool as I would normally keep it, but at least they won't have to deal with the very oppressive humidity that always seems to accompany our high temperatures.

Summer Days - camping with Anne-Marie & Co.

2007-07-21T08:39:00.001-04:00

We had perfect weather (almost) on our camping trip to Sandbanks Provincial Park, allowing us to have 2.5 sunny and not too hot days on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. Upon our arrival some went to the beach while others stayed at the campsite and read.

On the first full day I awoke and noticed there wasn't a cloud in the sky. After a hearty camp breakfast we went to the beach where we swam, tossed frisbees, played badminton, ate lunch, read books, relaxed and put lots of sunscreen on. (for some of us a little too late). Afterwards, we grabbed supper, complete with vegetables, BBQ steak (for the carnivores in the group) and then sang songs around the campfire - led by six year old Autumn. I remember going to bed thinking it was a perfect day.

The second full day was pretty much a repeat, except that for supper. Austin made Spaghetti with an incredible tasting sauce. For dessert we had smores.... yummm. Oh, I also caught a thief (see pic below) stealing our bread.

On our last day we had planned to have a leisurely breakfast of pancakes before packing our stuff and stopping at the beach on our way out ..... but that never happened.

When we awoke, we could hear the roar of distant thunder. Austin and I were the first awake so we eventually decided to pack up. While we were getting the cars in order the skies opened and we had torrential rain that came down so quickly that the ground looked like it had a white aura (caused by the splashing of the raindrops hitting the wet and watery ground). Needless to say all our tents, gear and selves got totally drenched!! (Photo below taken just after the torrential rain had waned a bit)

We hightailed it out of the park and regrouped at a doughnut shop about 10 kms away. Over toasted bagels, coffee and hot chocolate we dried off a bit and then hit the highway towards home. En route, we had a beautiful sunny lunch on a outside patio at an English Pub in the lovely quaint town of Port Hope. This little town reminded me of Cheddar, England. After lunch we browsed the tiny shops but then noticed dark clouds approaching us so we jumped in the cars and headed for home. On the freeway the skies opened again for about 10 minutes making it very difficult to see anything, including other cars! At Anne-Marie's we unpacked the gear in the sun and then ate pizza in the warmth and comfort of her dining room while looking at more torrential rain outside. I left Anne-Marie's with my damp gear in the trunk of my car and my rain soaked tent with Anne-Marie's sister, Gisele who is taking it to Port Dover to dry off.

The entire holiday was a great success with lots of laughter and warped humour. It was lovely to spend time with these wonderful friends. It was especially a pleasure to meet fellow blogger Antoinette and her daughter Autumn, both of whom are now within my circle of friends.

Just home from Port Dover

2007-07-14T18:57:00.000-04:00

I just got home from Port Dover where I experienced the town’s largest-ever Friday the 13^th biker rally.

Since 1981, this quaint town on the north shore of Lake Erie has hosted a festival that attracts thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts on every Friday the 13^th.

Organizers estimated that at least 100,000 and maybe as many as 150,000 bikers and spectators crammed into this town of 6,000. We walked down Main Street from Gisele’s cottage at 7:30 am to view Toronto’s top Classic Rock radio station airing its morning show. On our return to the house at 9:00 am twice the amount of parked motorcycles lined Main Street. At 11:00, the crowd on the main street grew so thick it came to a virtual stop so we could barely move.

By 2:30 p.m., organizers had sold out of souvenir shirts.

I spent most of the afternoon on Gisele's front lawn just watching the bikes fly by. There was every make and model there.

In the evening, after another tremendous meal at the house thanks to hosts Gisele and Rob we went into “downtown” again to see a much younger biker crowd cram beer tents and see musical performance, including Steppenwolf. (famous for the song Born to be Wild) and Jeff Healey.

Pictures courtesy of a friend. I broke my camera (will cost over $250 to fix). While taking a picture (perfectly sober) I stepped on some uneven pavement, stumbled and broke the shaft of my camera lens (not the lens itself) when it hit the seat of the motorcycle that caught my fall. Mores the pity, because some of the views were spectacular - literally thousands of bikes gleaming of chrome and leather!

Tomorrow I’ll be off to the camera repair shop to see whether it is worthwhile to have the camera fixed. Then on Monday its off to camp for four days!

Glad to be leaving town for awhile ….

2007-07-11T22:03:00.000-04:00

…. Probably with my tail between my legs because today I had a double whammy of memories and regurgitated pain.

First I got an email from Barry, with whom I spent all that time in the Thousand Island area. He was telling me how wonderful life was and how he and his latest flame are really getting along. And, then, three hours later, I was walking down the street and on the other sidewalk was my last flame, Stephen, walking hand-in-hand with some woman who obviously has his “fancy”. We looked straight at each other for quite awhile and then he turned away and kept on walking. Perhaps I’m just feeling lonely, but to have some sort of contact with the two people who really broke my heart within hours is very jarring! And on the same day, when I haven’t had contact with either of them in months or years!!!!!

I’ve been joking with friends that I’m going down to Port Dover on the week-end to pick-up a biker friend. Well now maybe I just WILL! Well, either that or just cry. No, no, I won’t cry, I won’t!

I’ll just carry on and be glad that I’m not totally alone. I do have friends and I’ll be seeing a bunch of them tomorrow! Then I’ll lift my chin up, smile and maybe have the good fortune to find somebody who will like me and not leave me.

Sorry for the depressing post, but life can’t always be sunshine and smooth sailing. Actually, that would be quite boring because we wouldn’t learn as much about ourselves or others.

Have a good few upcoming days. I’ll be off-line for them (perhaps checking out the bikes and other scenery - lol).

ps: on Friday the 13th, bikers converge on the town of Port Dover, a little sleepy town that lies on the shores of Lake Erie.

Summer Reading

2007-07-05T22:02:00.000-04:00

I am all set for the rest of the Summer with literature.

Last week at work I won a gift certificate for our largest bookstore chain and decided to buy a bunch of books with it.

After reading Val's African Ways, it took me back to a book I read in Fiji a couple of years ago called Ladies #1 Detective Agency. It's about a woman, Precious, who opens up the detective agency in Botswana. This delightful light read was written by a Alexander McCall Smith, a professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh who was born in Botswana. For awhile I knew that he has written sequels so that is what I spent my gift certificate on. There are seven books in the entire series and I bought four of them, including one titled "Morality for Beautiful Girls" (take note my blogger friends!!!)

I'm looking forward to reading them at my leisure during my holidays and lazy evenings after work.

ps: the gift certificate was for winning a quiz at work on Olympic trivia.... little did they know I used to work for the Canadian Olympic Association (hehehe)

... next blog I'll have to write about my perfect day.

Canada Day

2007-06-28T18:06:00.000-04:00

This Sunday, Canada will be celebrating its 140th anniversary of Confederation.

It is therefore a holiday for all of us "Canucks" on Monday

I will be heading up to the mountains in Quebec (the largest province above in blue, travelling from the second largest province in beige) to spend some time with family and friends.

No doubt, I will enjoy some of what Canada is well known for

I hope everyone has a great week-end!

David

2007-06-25T19:39:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen please meet David, he is the official mascot of Fort Henry. A historic fort that looks over Lake Ontario and the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.

I met him this weekend when I visited Prince Edward County (as isthmus on the northern shore of Lake Ontario), Kingston a historic city that is home of one of Canada's best universities and Gananoque, Canada's gateway to Canada's thousand island region.

He was more interested in eating clover than saying hello to us.

Here are some snaps I took on the week-end.

Fort Henry, Kingston Ontario

The Kingston port at the Rideau River

Below are photos from the Thousand Island region of the St. Lawrence River.

Up to four years ago, I spent much of my time in this region as I was lucky enough to be with a man who had two boats and a house on the shores of this river. It was not only a week-end of relaxation, but also of wonderful reflection from days gone by.

In a few weeks I'll be coming back to Prince Edward County for camping (hopefully if my holidays come thru). A couple of weeks ago it was officially declared a designated wine region and I have a map of where the vinyards are. I think I'll have to go shopping when I'm up there and share the goods with my wine-loving friends ;-)

On My Way Home From Work Today ....

2007-06-22T16:35:00.001-04:00

I saw ...

Condos across the street from my office building near the shores of Lake Ontario ....

One of Canada's sporting Shrines ....

The world's tallest free-standing structure ....

Lots of office skyscrapers ....

Appropriate Friday afternoon "political messages" ....

Blends of old and new architecture ....

The flagship store for Canada's Oldest company, established in the 1600's

Dundas Square, where lots of events take place, including a recent soccer (football) event ....

The original Hard Rock Cafe. Also home to Toronto's classic rock station Q107 ....

The Ryerson University campus ....

A church a block away from home (we're getting close now) ....

Alan Garden's ....

Toronto's Urban "Wildlife" ....

and, alas ..... Home Sweet Home.

Memories

2007-06-15T21:58:00.000-04:00

I’m here thinking that I should have something intelligent to say. Instead, my mind has been taking me for trips down memory lane. Here are some of the reasons why:

Today for lunch I ate at one of my favourite French restaurants in Toronto called “Le Papillon” (The Butterfly). The last time I was there was on my last date with Stephen who broke up with me just a little over a year ago. I’m pretty much over him and am ready to move on if an opportunity were to come my way. But with him it was love and then his cold feet.

Next week, during Toronto’s Gay Pride festival (which totally dominates my gay neighbourhood) I’m heading out of town with a friend to Kingston/Gananoque, along the St. Lawrence River and the famous Thousand Island region. It was about five years ago that I practically lived in that region in a house along the river and in boats with another old “beau” Barry.

I also was surfing the net the other day and came across the name of one of my best High School Friends (Rhonda) who moved to Alberta about 25 years ago. I sent her an email and she replied.

Sometimes new beginnings and routines get me to think about my current life and how I ended up living it the way I do. I’m feeling really great about things, including my new job. This has given me an excess amount of restless energy taking my mind to past memories and wondering what the future will bring.

What to do and how to do it? rowing, photography courses, exercise … so many decisions, but I know it'll be good...

Like right now .... I’m enjoying the sunshine of these great days and reading Val’s great book, which is about memories too.

For Val

2007-06-08T15:28:00.000-04:00

"By George, I think I've Got It"

I'm looking forward to reading it now!

Thank You Dear Val

I'm back

2007-06-05T17:32:00.001-04:00

I am returning to my blog to make another well over-due entry. I began my new job last week and have been consumed with meeting new people, learning new subject material and navigating a new office system. On top of this, a key member of my new staff tendered her resignation on my second day in the office. She was just back in the office after her honeymoon and was offered a job while she was away. So I’ve also been busy writing new job descriptions and shuffling work projects around. Oh, I’ve also got a presentation to do this week to the Board of Directors …. and attend the Board meeting. Was it only a week ago that I was refreshed after spending some time away? Phew…

I like my new place of employment and the very professional staff who work there. What a change! I also like the location of the office, which is situated at the base of Yonge St., the world’s longest street. From my new office I get a wonderful vista of Toronto’s waterfront and well-treed islands just off-shore.

Sorry I’ve been away so long, but I’ve been tremendously busy! Hopefully I’ll get into a rhythm soon

Sunshine, Siestas and Sandals

2007-05-26T22:19:00.000-04:00

Those three words nicely describe my week away. I couldn’t have asked for anything better (well except for the speeding ticket I got on the way back to Toronto).

Literally, I don’t think that I’ve been in need of a holiday more than I did. I also couldn’t believe how much I slept - often ten hour nights along with afternoon siestas.

Another big surprise was the weather. The week started off being sunny with temperatures around 20 to 23, but then they climbed up to 28, 30 and 30 respectively! I hadn't planned for that and had to go and buy some cheap sandals so I could liberate my toes.

It was nice to see my friends on the Victoria Day holiday week-end (last week-end) and then visit with my parents in the mountains after that. I’m now in that holiday to work transition mode as I ready myself for the first day on the job this Monday. Hummm, next week I may feel like I need another holiday.

Away! Away!

2007-05-18T06:37:00.002-04:00

I'm up with the sun today doing last minute preparations before heading to my current job for the last time. At about 12:00 noon I'll be all done, and on the road directly out of town!

For the next week I'll be visiting friends and family before beginning my new job on May 28. I'll try to get on blogger from time-to-time, but it may not be too often.

I'm looking forward to being away for awhile as I'm exhausted and need a fix of relaxing days.

I Don't Know How To Love Him

2007-05-14T20:30:00.000-04:00

OK guys -

At the end of March, I sang a solo in a church and didn't know it was being recorded on the lousy sound system. (I was doing a lot of arm motions to eliminate distortion and actually at times had the microphone right at my lips and at other times a full arm length away))

A friend of mine sent me the recorded song and I thought I'd be brave and share it with you blogging friends. While it's not technically perfect, I thought it would be nice to have you hear my actual voice (albeit singing).

Click onto the link here: Song

We communicate usually via written word. But last month I took delight in hearing Gypsy give a narrative on her blog. That post gave me the idea (and bravery) to post this.

Thanks to Ian for his instructional help. While I wasn't able to post it to my sidebar, I seemed to have been clever enough to figure out how to put it in the actual post.

Hope you enjoy it and ignore all the singing flaws!

xx

ps: it was pretty much unrehearsed

Klienberg

2007-05-14T14:10:00.000-04:00

This past week-end’s weather was all about sunshine and pleasantly cool temperatures at around 16oC.

Saturday was a perfect day for a quiet outing north of the city to the quaint little town of Klienberg, now surrounded by the suburban sprawl of identical looking, mammoth homes situated on tiny lots.

What makes Klienberg a destination point for us from downtown’s diverse neighbourhoods is the wonderful art museum, the McMichael Gallery.

The McMichael Gallery is most famous for its large permanent collection of the Group of Seven. This group, actually consisting of 10 extraordinary painters traveled the country in the early 1920s and created some of Canada’s most celebrated works. (mostly oil on canvas, but also some acrylics on canvas). I’ve been to this gallery several times and never tire of these works.

The structure housing these works is also impressive as the gallery itself is a huge log building, complete with high ceilings, huge wooden beams and vistas as wonderful as the artwork itself overlooking a protected conservation woodland.

The visit, however also had a special exhibition of BC West coast painter Takao Tanabe. His exhibit displayed several large size acrylics on canvas works. My favourite works were from the early 2000’s of sea and landscapes.

The trip was lots of fun and also included visits to the local roadside shops and a nice lunch.

I’m now into the last week of my current job – hurray.

To my special people; especially one

2007-05-11T11:13:00.000-04:00

It’s okay to be afraid of things we don’t understand.
It’s okay to feel anxious when things aren’t working our way.
It’s okay to feel lonely … even when you’re with other people.
It’s okay to feel unfulfilled because you know something is missing
(even if you’re not sure what it is).
It’s okay to think and worry and cry.

It’s okay to do whatever you have to do, but just remember, too …
That eventually you’re going to adjust to changes life brings your way,
and you’ll realize that it’s okay to love again and laugh again,
and it’s okay to get to the point where the life you live
is full and satisfying and good to you … and it will be that way
because you made it that way.

You are a wonderful worthy and loveable person
Appreciate that about yourself
No one has ever been, or ever will be quite like you.
You are an individual, an original,
And all those things that make you uniquely you
Are deserving of love and praise

The New Job

2007-05-07T11:37:00.000-04:00

OK. I've had time to breathe after a busy and wonderful week-end with friends.

The new job will be working as a Communications Manager (with two staff) at a not-for-profit organization dealing with Copyright issues on published works, while moving slowly into electonic works. All this having to do with intellectual property. It will be a challenging position where I'll have to deal with external stakeholders, the media and issues management. Its a good thing that I'll also have five weeks vacation (amazing for North American standards) and a good health plan!

I'll be looking forward to the change as my current job isn't that challenging.

I find that I'm quite exhausted and will try to get some time off between the two jobs to recharge my batteries a little.

.... and three's a charm

2007-05-04T13:08:00.000-04:00

Well folks, I found myself a job just in the nick of time. My contract was finishing at the end of the month so I was a tad bit worried. Most of my "spare" time these last couple of weeks has been devoted to job hunting, which is why my posts have been scarce.

I begin sometime at the end of the month. The start date is still to be determined.

A night on the town

2007-04-29T08:55:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to see a friend play in his blues band before some poets took the stage to celebrate National Poetry Month at Toronto's most famous Blues Club (The Silver Dollar). It was a lovely time, but I don't feel too well today. The way I feel, kind of is in relation to the poet's line below, complete with accurate images:

All Things Must Pass

2007-04-24T08:02:00.000-04:00

Well, it's a good thing that I've been hunting for a job because I've learned that my current job contract will be ending May 31. Intrinsically, I'm delighted because I haven't been very happy at this job, but extrinsically it’s a little daunting thinking I may be without a steady salary in just over a month - so my stress level has elevated a little bit.

I did have an interview last week where I had to start with a 10 minute presentation on their material in front of a five-person panel. After the presentation was over I was bombarded with interview questions. While I didn't do badly - in reflection, I feel that I didn't particularly do a good job demonstrating how my past could help them in their future efforts. They decided to go with another candidate who probably did a better job making that connection. But, I was #2 out of 94 applicants! (oh so close….)

However, one must carry one’s learning forward to new opportunities, which is exactly what I did at last night’s interview for another job at another company. At the end of the interview I was told that I should expect a call for a third and final interview – so I’ll just have to keep my fingers and toes crossed on this one (which would be an excellent opportunity) while keeping my eyes and ears out for other potentially excellent opportunities.

Spring can indeed bring new opportunities so I say “Good-bye to the ho-hums and hello to new challenges and experiences”. While it’s normal to be a bit stressed about what may be unemployment – I need to keep my head high and smile. …. Ugh, wish me luck ;-)

"Wee, the Gang"

2007-04-16T20:15:00.000-04:00

Answering Stevie's post, here are some (not so recent) photos of me and my siblings.

Ian, Me, Glen and Dale at Expo '67

Pinky (my stuffed yellow and pink dog) Me, Glen, Dale and Ian on a 60's Christmas morning

Ian, Me, Glen & Dale ...
on a Christmas Eve. At that time I thought it was a shame to go to bed early, however, now I realize that I was able to get out of wearing "yucky" clothes and put on my warm and comfy flannels.

Me, Ian, Glen and Princess Di (I mean Dale) during an 80's Christmas celebration.

How did we turn out? Well I think Ian is the only "normal" one whose been married to the same woman for 15 years or so and lives the surburban life in Australia with his wife and two kids. The other three are artistic, ever changing and free-spirits (much to my parent's chagrin I believe).

A spring spree - A girl thing

2007-04-14T15:17:00.000-04:00

Today I had to go out and do groceries and get a photo done for a project I'm working on. On the way back I passed a new location of a shoe store that I used to go to all the time. I've been on the hunt for a new purse so I decided to drop in....... Now I'm poor ....

Here's why:

The good news is that it's a discount shoe store so I was able to get these authentic designer purses (not that I care about the label - just the quality) and leather shoes for a fraction more than I would have paid for that brown purse at a department store like The Bay or Holt Renfrew. (actually those red shoes are eel skin)

Now I have something to replace my "ratty" old purse when I go on interviews.

This is one of the reasons why I love Toronto!

Refrigerator Madness

2007-04-07T23:17:00.000-04:00

To keep up Suejoy's fun idea of fridge photographs, here is a shot of mine.

Postcards:

St. Petersburg, Russia & Paris France

Photo:
Annecy, France: One of my photos from the time I lived in this beautiful Haute Savoie town, nestled against a large lake with a canal system running through it.

Magnets:

grocery list, real estate agent, three cat depictions, alaskan showshoe, muir woods, penguins, ottawa, iceland, ladybugs galore and an imp from England

I also have a star in my honour from a hollywood themed party .... and the largest item is:

Canada's latest version of its Food Guide - which provides recommended daily food intakes for people of all ages.