It's been over a month since my last post to this blog. That's the longest I've ever gone without posting something here. My excuse? I was sick with a flu/cold bug for two weeks. It's a common bug, making the rounds throughout southern Manitoba and probably other parts of Canada. Now, that's history. Then, I had a week or so of severe back pain. That's almost history also. Not the greatest excuses, I know.
Now that I'm feeling a lot better, I expect you'll see more posts from me in the coming weeks. I did get out for an evening once, during the last month, with Margaret, to see the opening of the latest Celebrations Dinner Theatre show, "My Big Fat Winnipeg Wedding" on January 18th. It's a spoof on weddings and comedy films about matrimony. The actors for this show were great with their dancing and singing, as is usual for all CDT shows. I'm looking forward to seeing it again at some point.
So, keep watching this page for further updates from 43 Carbutt Place ...
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
'Twas the day after Christmas ...
First, an addendum to the late house cleaners. After waiting 2 hours for the cleaners, I called their office. They told me I wasn't scheduled until the 27th. This, after repeating twice before that I was scheduled for first thing in the morning on the 24th. Well, as you might guess, that was the last dealings I will have with this company. Their motto should be "incompetence reigns supreme"! I then proceeded to start doing the vacuuming myself only to find they left the vacuum hose totally plugged up the last time they used it. It took a half hour to clear after finally running hot water through the hose. I was not a happy camper!
Christmas eve was spent at home, with Alaskan crab legs and bacon-wrapped scallops featuring high on the supper menu. Margaret and I then exchanged gifts.
Christmas morning, we headed over to Josi's for a brunch prepared by her mom and her aunt. More gift exchanging after that feast. Then, home to pick up the dogs and off to Carman to pick up Aunt Lil and drive on to Poplar Point to have Christmas supper at Margaret's sister's place. More feasting and gift exchanging. After returning Aunt Lil to her Carman home, we headed back to our place for some needed R and R. It had been a long but pleasant day.
Now, it is Boxing Day and 62% of Canadians are out shopping for bargains. We are part of the 38% who refuse to be lured by so-called bargain sales. Don't people realize that the biggest bargain is to spend no money?
Today, we rest. my only job is to make supper. Today, it's plain and simple, Chinese comfort food.
Christmas eve was spent at home, with Alaskan crab legs and bacon-wrapped scallops featuring high on the supper menu. Margaret and I then exchanged gifts.
Christmas morning, we headed over to Josi's for a brunch prepared by her mom and her aunt. More gift exchanging after that feast. Then, home to pick up the dogs and off to Carman to pick up Aunt Lil and drive on to Poplar Point to have Christmas supper at Margaret's sister's place. More feasting and gift exchanging. After returning Aunt Lil to her Carman home, we headed back to our place for some needed R and R. It had been a long but pleasant day.
Now, it is Boxing Day and 62% of Canadians are out shopping for bargains. We are part of the 38% who refuse to be lured by so-called bargain sales. Don't people realize that the biggest bargain is to spend no money?
Today, we rest. my only job is to make supper. Today, it's plain and simple, Chinese comfort food.
Monday, December 24, 2012
'Twas the night before Christmas ...
Actually, it's the morning of the day before Christmas. It's terribly cold outside: the current windchill is -40C! I'm sitting in the heated garage, with Holly and Mollie, waiting for the always late house cleaners to arrive and do their magic. They're already over an hour late.
All three of us wonder if this house cleaning service is worth the money and bother. It seems like it takes longer to get ready for them and then await their arrival than it would just to do the work myself. They do a good job but I think we'll have to re-evaluate this service in the new year.
Otherwise, today will be different. Margaret and I will have a buffet style dinner at home, with all sorts of tidbits on the table. Not a special seafood dinner like someone I know, but different from the usual for us, for sure. There will be scallops and crab legs in the mix. Later, we'll attend Christmas Eve services at Margaret's church here in Charleswood.
Tomorrow, we're off to Josi and Greg's place in LaSalle for Christmas brunch and gift giving with my family. Then, off to Carman to pick up Margaret's Aunt Lil and drive on to the Poplar Point area to Cathy and Ian's place where we'll have supper and more gift giving with Margaret's family.
On Boxing Day, we just plan to relax at home.
All three of us wonder if this house cleaning service is worth the money and bother. It seems like it takes longer to get ready for them and then await their arrival than it would just to do the work myself. They do a good job but I think we'll have to re-evaluate this service in the new year.
Otherwise, today will be different. Margaret and I will have a buffet style dinner at home, with all sorts of tidbits on the table. Not a special seafood dinner like someone I know, but different from the usual for us, for sure. There will be scallops and crab legs in the mix. Later, we'll attend Christmas Eve services at Margaret's church here in Charleswood.
Tomorrow, we're off to Josi and Greg's place in LaSalle for Christmas brunch and gift giving with my family. Then, off to Carman to pick up Margaret's Aunt Lil and drive on to the Poplar Point area to Cathy and Ian's place where we'll have supper and more gift giving with Margaret's family.
On Boxing Day, we just plan to relax at home.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Filling the Larder
Last night, we went to Costco to restock our pantry for the holidays and beyond. Surprisingly, the store wasn't too crowded for a Friday night in Winterpeg. We suspect that was because the crowds were at the new Ikea store that opened here on November 28th. It'll be a while before we darken the doors of that store.
We didn't get any Christmas gifts at Costco. Our cart was full of food (mostly human and some dog) and a few toiletries. I won't say how much we spent. That would be embarassing. Let's just say 'a lot' or maybe two or three times 'a lot'.
But we did have a cheap supper there before taking the cart to the car. Polish sausage in a bun with all the fixings, an order of fries (boy, were they ever good!), and diet colas (because we were counting calories after all).
I took this photo from our plastic table, on my iPhone 5, as a souvenir of our shopping adventure.
It's not the greatest shot. Probably because my hands were shaking a bit because I was so hungry and the food hadn't arrived at the table yet.
We didn't get any Christmas gifts at Costco. Our cart was full of food (mostly human and some dog) and a few toiletries. I won't say how much we spent. That would be embarassing. Let's just say 'a lot' or maybe two or three times 'a lot'.
But we did have a cheap supper there before taking the cart to the car. Polish sausage in a bun with all the fixings, an order of fries (boy, were they ever good!), and diet colas (because we were counting calories after all).
I took this photo from our plastic table, on my iPhone 5, as a souvenir of our shopping adventure.
It's not the greatest shot. Probably because my hands were shaking a bit because I was so hungry and the food hadn't arrived at the table yet.
Monday, December 3, 2012
A Heart of Gold
Ever meet someone with a heart of gold. Someone who is kind, generous, and happy. Some people have to go through most of their life before they meet one. Some people never meet someone with a heart of gold.
Me? I'm one of the very fortunate people in this crazy world. I've travelled all over this world and met some great people along the way. Turned out the person that I was looking for and that I found lived only a block away.
Someone I had first met over 30 years before. I not only met a person with a heart of gold ... I even married her. One year ago today. Happy anniversary, Margaret!
Me? I'm one of the very fortunate people in this crazy world. I've travelled all over this world and met some great people along the way. Turned out the person that I was looking for and that I found lived only a block away.
Someone I had first met over 30 years before. I not only met a person with a heart of gold ... I even married her. One year ago today. Happy anniversary, Margaret!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Grey Friday
In the USA, Black Friday is the day after their Thanksgiving. It's traditionally the beginning of the Christmas holiday shopping season in the USA.
Shoppers look for deep discounts in prices. Black Friday is supposed to be when the stores make a big part of their annual profit. Their income would go to from 'in the red' to 'in the black'. Shoppers typically wait in line for long hours before going into a shopping frenzy once they finally get inside the store of their choice.
I don't think that really happened here in Winterpeg yesterday. The reports I heard on TV and radio suggested our home-grown copy of Black Friday was just 'ho-hum'. Sure, there were a few good deals, especially at the electronics stores, but not crazy deep discounts like in the States.
Myself, I checked out a few favourite stores on-line for any specials. There were some great deals but none of 'things' on sale were items that I wanted or needed. It was just another Grey Friday to me.
Shoppers look for deep discounts in prices. Black Friday is supposed to be when the stores make a big part of their annual profit. Their income would go to from 'in the red' to 'in the black'. Shoppers typically wait in line for long hours before going into a shopping frenzy once they finally get inside the store of their choice.
I don't think that really happened here in Winterpeg yesterday. The reports I heard on TV and radio suggested our home-grown copy of Black Friday was just 'ho-hum'. Sure, there were a few good deals, especially at the electronics stores, but not crazy deep discounts like in the States.
Myself, I checked out a few favourite stores on-line for any specials. There were some great deals but none of 'things' on sale were items that I wanted or needed. It was just another Grey Friday to me.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
The Ups and Downs
That's been our recent weather. After the pseudo-storm last week, we've been enjoying some great weather. The next few days are supposed to be warm, with highs above zero. Then, back to rain and snow and cooler temperatures.
The warm days will give me the chance to shovel some snow off the deck to make it easier for the dogs to go outside during the day. Also, to empty the compost pail for the last time this winter. It's too difficult to continue taking out the compost during the winter months. Not worth the chance of a fall, stumbling through the deep snow to the back corner of the yard where we have the two compost bins.
Remembrance Day here was quiet. We didn't attend any of the local services, limiting ourselves to watching some on the TV and the Web. We did observe a two minute silence about the right time that morning. I thought of some of my relatives who fought in the war. Some died for their country; others fortunately made it home again.
Later in the week, on Friday evening, we went to our favourite sushi place, here in Charleswood. A lovely restaurant called Asahi. Their food is a cut above most sushi places and their service is always excellent. It was a nice break for me from preparing the evening meal during the week. Marg does the kitchen work on the weekend or we go out somewhere. Last night she made some delicious chicken fajitas. The mutts were very happy to get some of the tasty leftovers.
The warm days will give me the chance to shovel some snow off the deck to make it easier for the dogs to go outside during the day. Also, to empty the compost pail for the last time this winter. It's too difficult to continue taking out the compost during the winter months. Not worth the chance of a fall, stumbling through the deep snow to the back corner of the yard where we have the two compost bins.
Remembrance Day here was quiet. We didn't attend any of the local services, limiting ourselves to watching some on the TV and the Web. We did observe a two minute silence about the right time that morning. I thought of some of my relatives who fought in the war. Some died for their country; others fortunately made it home again.
Later in the week, on Friday evening, we went to our favourite sushi place, here in Charleswood. A lovely restaurant called Asahi. Their food is a cut above most sushi places and their service is always excellent. It was a nice break for me from preparing the evening meal during the week. Marg does the kitchen work on the weekend or we go out somewhere. Last night she made some delicious chicken fajitas. The mutts were very happy to get some of the tasty leftovers.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
And so it begins ...
Winter is here. As a Colorado Low moves into Manitoba, the first few cm's of snow are already on the ground. Today, the forecast says "Snow at times heavy and blowing snow. Amount 15 cm. Wind north-east 30 km/h, gusting to 50. High minus 2."
Tonight, the forecast is pretty much the same. Tomorrow, the snow will taper off to only a few cm's.
I thought I'd document this first winter storm with my camera. Yesterday, there was no snow. This morning, here's what it looked like, from my front door, looking across the street.
I'm expecting the snow to be at or above the back bumper of my Ford Escape by tomorrow afternoon. I'm also hoping that my snow removal company will clear the driveway by tomorrow night.
Tonight, the forecast is pretty much the same. Tomorrow, the snow will taper off to only a few cm's.
I thought I'd document this first winter storm with my camera. Yesterday, there was no snow. This morning, here's what it looked like, from my front door, looking across the street.
I'm expecting the snow to be at or above the back bumper of my Ford Escape by tomorrow afternoon. I'm also hoping that my snow removal company will clear the driveway by tomorrow night.
Remembrance Day
Canadians have fought in wars since 1899, when troops were sent to South Africa to fight in the second Boer War on behalf of the British. More than 1.7 million of our country's soldiers served in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. At least 13,500 served in the war in Afghanistan.
Many others have also been deployed to peacekeeping operations or deployments in countries such as Cambodia, Egypt, Cyprus, Syria, The Persian Gulf, The Balkans, Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, East Timor, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
On November 11, we remember the soldiers who died for us in these wars and peacekeeping missions.
Many others have also been deployed to peacekeeping operations or deployments in countries such as Cambodia, Egypt, Cyprus, Syria, The Persian Gulf, The Balkans, Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, East Timor, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
On November 11, we remember the soldiers who died for us in these wars and peacekeeping missions.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
A Man and His Dog
An anonymous dog lover once penned the following words. "She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion".
When I first read these words recently, I immediately thought of my bouvier, Holly. I've had since she was a wee pup, seen here chewing on a stick.
We've been together now for six years. She's only been away from her home once, for one week when she was placed in a kennel while I was on holiday, a week that was extremely hard on her because she is such a creature of habit. She is used to doing certain things at specific times of the day and in certain places, not least of which is sleeping beside me at night.
I worried about her every day we were apart. When I picked her up, she seemed totally stressed out. It took several days before she returned to normal.
George Elliot said "animals are such agreeable friends ... they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms".
Sunday, November 4, 2012
More Big Boom
Marg managed to squeeze us in to another sold-out crowd at Celebrations last night for another viewing of "The Big Boom Theory". We shared a long table with seven of Marg's friends. The show and dinner were quite good. The popularity of the Celebrations show reflects that of the TV series, "The Big Bang Theory". And, the coffee was very good!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
The Devil Made Do It
I thought I should post something appropriate for Halloween. Fortunately, my daughter sent me a link that was nearly perfect for tonight.
You decide ...
Here's the link: http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=22984504&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=1&loop=0
You decide ...
Here's the link: http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=22984504&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=1&loop=0
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Retail Therapy
Why do we buy stuff? Especially stuff we don't really need. Most people will say they go shopping because it makes them feel good, if only temporarily. Yet that feeling is so fleeting. My daughter-in-law says it comes with a big dose of cognitive dissonance or buyer's remorse. She says you'll only feel great if you buy stuff for her!
This topic reminds me of the famous New Yorker caveman cartoon by Sam Gross, captioned "I'm a hunter-gatherer-hoarder". You can see the cartoon on-line at http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/I-m-a-hunter-gatherer-hoarder-New-Yorker-Cartoon-Prints_i8472841_.htm.
Of course, if you're retired and on a low fixed income (poor me ... break out the violins), you'll have to get your good feelings some other way. Something for me to think about.
I know! I'll make a slow-cooked pork roast for supper!
This topic reminds me of the famous New Yorker caveman cartoon by Sam Gross, captioned "I'm a hunter-gatherer-hoarder". You can see the cartoon on-line at http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/I-m-a-hunter-gatherer-hoarder-New-Yorker-Cartoon-Prints_i8472841_.htm.
Of course, if you're retired and on a low fixed income (poor me ... break out the violins), you'll have to get your good feelings some other way. Something for me to think about.
I know! I'll make a slow-cooked pork roast for supper!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Cleanliness is ...
... better than dirtiness. Today, we're starting an experiment in house cleaning. We've hired a cleaning service to do, initially, a "top to bottom" cleaning of this old house. Neither of us likes to clean the house. It seems that about the only time we do is when company's coming.
After this initial cleaning by two, hard working women, we'll have one person back, once a month to maintain things. I expect we'll still have to do some cleaning ourselves when we're having guests for dinner or whatever, unless we plan to have them over right after the house has been cleaned.
The funny thing about this event was that, this morning, I tidied up the house for a couple of hours so that the cleaning women wouldn't be too shocked when they came in the door.
Now, me and the mutts are in the heated garage for the next five hours so that we're out of the way. You need not feel sorry for us. We have drinks and snacks and I have my laptop and radio to entertain myself. I actually spend about five hours a day out here in my garage office anyways.
Happiness is ...
After this initial cleaning by two, hard working women, we'll have one person back, once a month to maintain things. I expect we'll still have to do some cleaning ourselves when we're having guests for dinner or whatever, unless we plan to have them over right after the house has been cleaned.
The funny thing about this event was that, this morning, I tidied up the house for a couple of hours so that the cleaning women wouldn't be too shocked when they came in the door.
Now, me and the mutts are in the heated garage for the next five hours so that we're out of the way. You need not feel sorry for us. We have drinks and snacks and I have my laptop and radio to entertain myself. I actually spend about five hours a day out here in my garage office anyways.
Happiness is ...
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