gr33ncoland3r

Letter from Gunky, February 14, 2007

2010-05-20T15:32:00.001-04:00

Feb 14, 2007

Dear Michelle:

What [a] lovely letter from you, I really enjoyed it! I am so glad to hear from you but especially to know you still remember so many things that I had long ago forgotten. "How little we realize how much we'll be remembered!"

I always delighted in observing all the beauties and wonders of nature, but I had no idea that when I pointed them out to my grandchildren that they, and you in particular would remember those years, yes, decades later. You mentioned the touch-me-nots, I have some growing in my perennial garden so now I will be reminded of you every time I notice them.

Thank you too for your Valentine's Day card with the photo of you and Sarah and Meaghan.

I really am amazed at how you remember so many things that I had long ago forgotten. I especially "got a kick" out of your little story of driving in my old Jeep and my response to the curvy road ahead sign.

I have experienced such a wonderful and good life it is hard for me to place a happiest moment, but I would suggest it was meeting Myrtle and her acceptance of me, and of course her giving and raising such 2/ a wonderful family, and also her example of a loving wife, who raised and looked after them in their early years which had to be quite difficult when we consider how unsettled our first years of marriage were.

Well here we go again, after lunch, which my generation called "Dinner", washed the dishes, had a nap, picked up today's mail, and our usual bi-weekly visit by the Health Nurse; check my Blood Pressure, and said "Perfect." In the meantime it has started to snow, fine light snow. The least snowfall this winter in my memory.

I had my first car ride and the only one I remember; in England; just up the street from where we lived, a school chum; Donald Noakes, his Father had a car, and gave me my first and only car ride I remember in England.

Here is the story of my meeting your Nanny. An older girl who I went to school with in the little country school at Lower Knoxford, NB had married, had two children, and whose husband worked as a Lumber Grader; need assistance, she had two small sons and Myrtle was working for her. Her husband Fred Weir was a lumber grader.

3/ and worked for Flemming and Gibson in Juniper Sawmill, they offered me $1.00 per day, 10 hours, to tally for Fred and, I also could live with them, and learn Lumber Grading. The mill was known as Flemming and Gibson Ltd., one of the company was Hugh John Flemming, who later became Premier of N.B.

I see Sarah just about every Sunday at church here in Andover, I really enjoy having her sit with me; last Sunday I assisted our Rector with the Service of Holy Communion, I thought they retired me, but am glad I can still assist if needed.

Had another welcome interruption; my good neighbor across the Street, Judy Wood, brought me some of her specialty "Cinnamon Roll," some Soup for supper, bread and cake, what a blessing to have such a neighbor! She does not know I have a Bread Machine, and yesterday I made a loaf of my Special, "Rustic Brown Bread."

So thanks for your nice letter memories, hope I have answered all questions, Sterling phones every Sunday morning, so I will be reporting your nice long letter. Hope you will be down some day for a visit.

All my love, "Old Gunky." (Over PS)

I still remember meeting you at St. Leonard's Airport, along with your pet White Rat.

Is it illegal to eat ice-cream on Bank Street on a Sunday?

2010-02-26T21:37:00.003-05:00

I came across this "dumb law" via Google's new buzz:

It is illegal to eat ice-cream on Bank Street on a Sunday.

This dumb law appears frequent in "dumb law" lists on the internet.

http://www.lufa.ca/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=7235
http://www.skrause.org/humor/stupidlaws.shtml
http://socyberty.com/law/10-dumbest-laws-in-canada/
http://courtneyjane7.tripod.com/id3.html
http://www.everytingjamaican.com/jamaicatalk/general-discussions/10136-stupid-laws.html

Being the brat I am, I emailed the City of Ottawa.

There seems to be an urban legend that it is illegal to eat ice cream on Bank Street on Sundays. (See http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/469049/stupid_laws_in_canada.html?cat=17)

Can you let me know if this is true? If so, can you refer me to the City bylaw? Thank you!

The reply arrived less than a half hour later:

Hello Michelle

Thank you for your e-mail. Although interesting, I have never heard of such a law in the City of Ottawa. I am sure you can happily enjoy an ice cream on Bank Street without concern.

Elaine Elrick
By-law & Regulatory Services

There you have it, internet. You CAN legally eat ice cream while strolling down Bank Street on a Sunday.

another dream dead

2008-09-01T16:40:00.004-04:00

Another one of my little dreams will now never come to life.

Star Trek: The Experience closing down

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AP) -- After a decade at the final frontier, Star Trek: The Experience is going where no Las Vegas Strip attraction wants to go.
With a decommissioning ceremony -- as befits any great vessel -- the exhibit and its replica of the starship Enterprise are closing Monday.
Thousands of trekkies are "beaming up" from across the United Federation of Planets, er, the United States and around the world one last time, according to exhibit spokesman Chad Boutte.
Some seek a final encounter with the Borg, the television show's race of organic robot aliens who tell everyone "resistance is futile." Others just want to share a farewell drink -- likely a stiff Warp Core Breach, with 10 ounces of rum -- with fellow fans at the attraction's restaurant.
Employees dressed as aliens discuss the minutiae of their worlds' mythologies with visitors who learn, in typically circular trekkie logic, that the exhibit is a "time station" for transporting researchers and equipment between the 21st and 24th centuries.
For $49.99, fans can enjoy two virtual rides and the Museum of the Future, with costumes, "phasers" and Mr. Spock's coffin. More than 3 million people have come through since the Experience opened in 1998.
In the end, the frontier the USS Enterprise couldn't breach was earthly: The attraction's owner, Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., and the Las Vegas Hilton, its landlord, couldn't agree on a new lease. They worked as a typical landlord and retail tenant, with Cedar Fair keeping all revenue from the attraction, said hotel spokesman Ira David Sternberg.
Trekkies are incensed. They've scrawled reminiscences about the exhibit on the walls inside, and they're calling Cedar Fair and the hotel to complain. But their online rumor that the space the exhibit occupies will become a theater for pop star Michael Jackson is unfounded, Sternberg said. He said nothing's decided.
Karen and Eric Klein, from Easton, Pennsylvania, had planned to renew their wedding vows at the Experience on their 10th anniversary but came this week instead, four years early.
A Federation captain told them during the ceremony on the bridge of the Enterprise that the energy between them created their love.
"He had his own schtick, and it was very beautiful, and it actually made the moment even that much better," said Eric Klein, 39, still holding his wife's hand outside the gift shop. "It wasn't simply being on the bridge, it really felt very emotional."

Nik and I had always dreamed of a Las Vegas Star Trek Klingon wedding. *sob*

Posted on 16 Aug 2008 at 19:18 UTC

2008-08-16T15:18:00.001-04:00

I can now update my blog via my cell phone and my iPod! How trendy is that?

Yay! Camping!

2008-07-23T20:15:00.005-04:00

Somehow I got the brilliant idea to visit a friend in Edmonton.

"Ha ha," I think I wrote in an email last winter. "There's an X-Files movie coming out this summer. I should fly out west to see the movie with you."

The friend agreed. We tossed around dates and ideas, and suddenly it turned into a camping trip. In Jasper. ("You'll be eaten by a grizzly bear" my mother said, worried.)

Don't get me wrong - I'm excited! Well, actually, I'm excited to do anything beside sit at a desk, inside a building with a forty year old air conditioning system that moves the air from a room full of sick, explosive-diarrhea cats to my cubicle. I could be spending three weeks at the hospital having my limbs removed and I'd be excited about it. But no, really, I'm looking forward to this trip.

Tonight I thought I had better check out my tent. I bought it eight years ago on the occasion of a friends' wedding. Brilliant idea they had: let's have it outside! In a cow field! Late at night! In August! It's dry and hot in August! What could go wrong?

The day, of course, was wet and cold. The catered meal was late, and served cold. I decided to warm myself up by finishing off the mostly empty bottles of wine left on tables -- after all, no one would want good wine (read: home brewed by a friend's odd relative) to go to waste.

Halfway through the first campfire song I had to pee. After stumbling through the dark to a port-a-potty located at the opposite end of the cow field, I realized I needed to pass out. I restumbled my path, vaguely aiming for my tent. Oops, that wasn't my tent. Nor was the next one, nor the one after that. Ah, there we go. I passed out on top of my sleeping bag.

A worried Nik came looking for me about an hour later. "Shhhhit," he slurred. He had helped me finish off the wine. "I thought you were losssst." I pushed him aside, grabbed the nearby fence, and puked. And puked some more.

"Hey, look up!" Nik grabbed my arm, pointing to the heavens. A break in the clouds showed a sky heavily peppered with stars. "A sshhhhoooting star! A ssshoooting star!" I puked again.

Good times. I used the tent a couple of years later on another adventure (which, coincidentally, involved me drinking too much wine). Since then it's been neatly folded up, waiting to be used.

Tonight I had the great idea of setting it up in the dining room. My first mistake? Forgetting how much space this tent can take up, without it being big enough for comfort. The second? Not knowing that Enkidu really wants to go camping.

My third mistake was to drag the entire thing out onto the balcony to try setting it up there. Thirty seconds later the sky opened up, sprinkling me and the tent with rain. Sigh. Back inside we went, and I gave up on the notion of a trial set-up.

A warning to my friend: setting up the tent will be a grumpy affair. And please -- PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF SPAGHETTI! -- don't bring any wine!

Umi Cafe

2008-07-21T12:04:00.002-04:00

I've been dying for a coffee shop to open close to home. Last year a Starbucks opened on Preston Street near Aberdeen. For work that location is great (nothing like an iced venti sugar-free vanilla soy latte to get me through a stressful work day!), but I rarely head down Preston during my recreational hours.

And hooray! It appears that I now have a new option: the Umi Cafe on Somerset and Percy.

While it's uphill from me, I think it's going to be a great addition to the neighbourhood. Nik and I went on Sunday to have a quick peek. Sadly, they don't have an Interac machine yet, so we counted our pennies and ordered small drinks. The Americano was superb! Nik had a democratic something or other - it was ok, but could have used an extra espresso shot.

The helpful staff have told me that they are meeting soon to finalize the menu (they are a coffee co-operative!), and hopefully when that's done they'll post their menu online. For those who want to know, they offer vegetarian and vegan options (such as soy milk and vegan cookies).

I took some pics:

And Nik's score?

2008-07-19T10:02:00.001-04:00

As a 1930s husband, Nik is
Very Superior

Take the test!

Oh dear

2008-07-18T22:57:00.001-04:00

-20

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Poor (Failure)

Take the test!

snow

2008-03-31T12:00:00.002-04:00

Ugh, what a depressing winter it has been. I need to move South.

Snow.

And more snow.

Snow, etc.

Just in case...

2008-02-09T14:48:00.000-05:00

Just in case you haven't noticed, I'm doing a "Photo a Day" challenge on another blog.

renovations ad nauseum

2007-12-09T19:24:00.001-05:00

They were supposed to last 6 days. Here we are into the second month, and there are "issues".

Cupboards are 1/4 inch too small for my dishwasher. I have been without a dishwasher for a month! The horror!

Electrical problems! Electrical problems!

Electrical inspections.

Holes in the walls to facilitate electrical inspections.

Painting delays. "Can we paint yet?" "No." "Can we paint yet?" "No." "Can we paint yet?" "Go for it, and we'll patch up the holes for you later.

I still don't have my house key back!

It's been a bit tedious and annoying and frustrating and ugh ugh ugh.

So here are the photos, with little comment.

Living Room, before

Living Room, before

Living Room, before

Dining Room, before

New Laminate floors, dining room

New Laminate floors, kitchen

New floors being installed ("Don't take my photo!")

Painting - this is Racy Red

The dining room is now green!

Panoramic of the living room with new paint job.

Best Movie Lines Ever

2007-12-08T11:19:00.000-05:00

From "The Incredible Melting Man":

[it's lunch time at the Nelson home]

Dr. Ted Nelson: Steve escaped.
Judy Nelson: Oh God. What're you gonna do?
Dr. Ted Nelson: Uh... did you get some crackers? I told you yesterday that we needed some crackers.
Judy Nelson: Oh, I forgot. I knew there was something... Y'know there's uh, there's a pad right by the phone y'know, you could write it down too.
[she brings over his soup]
Judy Nelson: So what about Steve?
Dr. Ted Nelson: So, we don't have any crackers?
Judy Nelson: Ted. Steve?
Dr. Ted Nelson: Steve? I've got to go out and find Steve.

German Movie Poster

Day 7

2007-11-12T21:40:00.000-05:00

Or is it day six? I'm very bad at keeping track.

Anyway, the cupboards and counter were installed today. When I had been consulted on the project, I asked for an open concept, white cupboards, and a dark grey counter. After seeing what I was given, I am left speechless. I guess that aesthetically, this layout and colour scheme will appeal to some. But I think it horrid. Why?

I frikken hate BEIGE!

Anyway, I'm trying really hard to not punch a hole in a wall (bonus: I'm PMSing this week too), so I'll just post the photos, and give more opinion later when I've calmed down.

Day 5 - Saturday

2007-11-10T17:02:00.002-05:00

Nik and I went out for coffee and a movie this afternoon, and when we returned, look what happened to our kitchen!

Day 2 or 3 or possibly 4

2007-11-10T17:00:00.000-05:00

Oops, I got busy.

Drywall + plaster.

Kitchen Renovations

2007-11-06T20:16:00.000-05:00

I'm such a bad blogger. I totally got hooked on Facebook.

But I'm back: this time to document the Kitchen Renovations!

First, a bit of background. I never thought that I would ever again live in a house needing renovations. My parents bought a fixer-upper back in 1973 (Mom, correct me if I'm wrong), and I lived through those renovations. A garage added; the uneven and flood-prone lawn raised and re-seeded; the upstairs completely gutted and redone; the roof raised; the house lifted onto stilts so a basement could be added; and the slow years of the basement being finished.

Dad sitting in the "Unfinished Basement"

So lo and behold, I am now living somewhere (probably for the rest of my life, laziness willing) that needs renos, and for the second time in this unit, I am living through them. (Recall the bathroom fix up?)

Voila the kitchen!

Before:

Day One: Wall Extension

Stay tuned!

indeed

2007-09-04T20:11:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking.

About trying harder to do the blog thing again. Facebook kind of put a stop to me blogging, but Facebook is losing its golden veneer. And this blog is kinda sorta like a diary I can refer to.

Happy Birthday to my Dad: he turns 65 today! I'm so jealous that he can retire now.

Canadian Uranium

2007-08-22T12:22:00.001-04:00

Yes yes yes, I haven't posted in a while.

Just want to point out that I support the Native Protestors in Central Frontenac Township in blocading the uranium prospectors. Why? Canada doesn't need anymore uranium mines, especially if we're using uranium to contaminate soil in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

bird watching

2007-05-31T12:11:00.000-04:00

I am somewhat of an amateur ornithologist. I was pleased to spot a Bonaparte's Gull a few weeks ago and was able to snap his photo. I had the sighting confirmed by the Wild Bird Care Centre. The Bonaparte's Gull is the black-headed bird in the middle.

Woot!

3 things

2007-05-30T21:30:00.001-04:00

1. Someone had pooped in a shower stall at the gym. It looked kind of like a wet dog turd. I used another stall.

Gravity is reversing, taken during the May Ottawa Flickr meet-up

2. There is a hockey game tonight. I'm not a hockey fan, but find it funny that I can hear the game throughout the neighbourhood. As well, I can hear the universal cheers and groans.

3. A chocolate lab peed on my leg at the dog park today. Not just a drip, but a full stream. It soaked the left shoe of my favourite, specially-ordered-from-the-States vegan pair. I expect to be peed on at work, but not while I walk around the neighbourhood. Now I am grumpy.

saturdaying

2007-05-26T10:33:00.000-04:00

Saturdaying noun: the art of enjoying the first day of the weekend, Saturday, in a lazy and slow-paced manner. Michelle is saturdaying on her deck, reading the newspaper, coffee in hand.

HUGE Pet Food Recall

2007-03-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

I'm adding this to my blog to help ensure the word gets out!

Check if your Pet’s brand of food is affected

Cat Food

Dog Food

Contact Menu Foods Information Line immediately

Recall Information 1-866-895-2708
Follow any news and updates about this Recall

Official Menu foods website

day off

2007-03-11T19:00:00.000-04:00

Wednesday is the first official vacation day of 2007. One day off to go to the Ron Mueck exhibition at the NAG.

I forgot that this week is March Break.

March 1st

2007-03-01T07:27:00.000-05:00

A Martenitsa:

Rabid rabbits!

z!!!RRr#2

2007-02-26T17:04:00.000-05:00

alt.fan.mr.tribe FAQ
version 7,432,559
no rights reserved
(who really has rights, anyway?)

Q: Who is this person -- mr.tribe?

A: Michelle R. Tribe

Q: Who's she?

A: That person over there .

Q: That's not an answer.

A: And that ain't no question.

Q: Fuck you.

A: Fuck you!

Q: Whatever. What is this newsgroup about?

A: This newsgroup is about five pounds. Or, to put it another way, it is hiding in your sock drawer. If you still don't understand, you need a haircut.

Q: Who posts here?

A: Only the certifiably insane. To become a registered poster, you must send a certificate attesting to your degree of mental illness, plus the signatures of four of your doctors, to:

alt.fan.mr.tribe registration
372 Broadway Avenue
Woodstock, NB
CANADA

Q: Wait a minute! There's no 372 Broadway Avenue in Woodstock! I checked for the postal code in the "Canadian Field Researcher's Guide to Elusive Postal Codes".

A: Ok, you caught me.

Q: What do the people here talk about?

A: The people here don't talk.

Q: Grr. What do they post about, then?

A: Verbal vomit. Brain blockages. Incoherent babblings. What they found between their toes. Most of it is illegal, blatant plagarism from the so called "Bible" from the planet z!!!RRr#2.

Q: Am I allowed to post anything about Radiohead?

A: Only if it's a positive post. Michelle does not tolerate Radiohead-bashing.

Q: Oh. She's a big fan?

A: Regardless of what some people in Bells Corners may say, Michelle just likes the music. She has absolutely NO desire to lick Colin Greenwood's elbow.

Q: Does Michelle know the meaning of life?

A: The answer to life is not 42. Michelle has discovered, through a series of highly secretive yet scientific tests, that life is just a big game. The purpose of life is to have the most fun with what role you have been given. If you manage to win the game, you get to become a god. (So far, nobody has of yet won.)

Q: Uh huh.

A: Yeah, baby.

Q: What's Michelle's favorite colour?

A: Eleven.

Q: What would Michelle like to see people post?

A: Michelle would be happy if people posted. Anything goes -- post-modern, surreal, Jungian or anthropological subjects; detailed descriptions of a 30 second interval of your life; mocking those who are under-educated, middle-class (or higher!), white, anorexic, polluting, capitalistic consumerist pigs.

Q: Jeez. Are there many happy people here?

A: I'm tired of answering questions. Go away.

Q: But....

A: I said fuckin' go away! Sheesh!

button

2007-02-26T07:43:00.000-05:00

Once again, I discovered this button.

In 1991, during the climax of a lonely self-pity party, I buried it on a hill overlooking the northern reaches of the Appalachian Mountains. About 8 years later I climbed that same, recently clear-cut hill. There the button lay, brillant in the sun amongst the greyed wood chips. I pocketed it, musing on the possible psychological meanings.

Fast-forward to the time a desperate someone broke into my apartment to steal laundry change, second-hand CDs and an old laptop. I suspected this orange button lay hidden in a stolen backpack used to hide the ill-gotten goods. But last month I found it in an unloved jewelry box. This button entered my life 17 years ago. It follows me around.

empty handed

2007-01-27T23:45:00.001-05:00

White And Pink
Originally uploaded by jdarren.

I ran down the stairs, leaving behind something I did not want to confront. (I avoid conflict, even in my dreams.) Along the stairs grew white flower with pink centres. I paused and plucked one. I held it in my left hand, gazing at its beauty. A single rain drop fell from the sky - I looked up, and seeing the grey clouds continued to descend the stairs.

I woke up, my left hand outstretched, empty.

more macro

2007-01-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

I need to start photographing macro shots with more light.

y do u blog?

2007-01-22T20:38:00.000-05:00

Why do you blog? Survey

If you fill in the survey you could win a prize.
If you link to the survey you could also win a prize.

I am so transparent. Plus surveys are fun.

more macro

2007-01-09T21:01:00.000-05:00

new toys

2007-01-09T19:37:00.000-05:00

Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 II Lens

Portrait of Freud taken in incandescent light:

Kenko Extension Tubes

Close-up of Freud taken in incandescent light (should have used a tripod):

A big thank you to Mom and Dad for these gifts!

Dec 19: Sens vs. Bruins

2006-12-30T21:35:00.001-05:00

The Tickets!

Outside ScotiaBank Place

Nik and Michelle have fun

Sarah's sign

Oh Canada!

Dad intently watches the game

Emery kind of sucks!

Go Bruins Go!

Even a Yeti attended the game!

Fight!

The Refs try to restore the peace.

Sparty, the Sens' mascot.

That's what friends are for!

2006-12-30T21:26:00.000-05:00

What is a friend? Someone who is there to take the photos when you get injured, to help you win a huge settlement when you sue the government. Not there to make sure you're ok, or to call an ambulance.

it's over

2006-12-26T16:52:00.000-05:00

For another year, at least.

Boxing Day blahs - slept in, small indulgences, laying on the couch with a pile of animals on top of me. Quiet, quiet day.

After hurting my back on Friday morning, I had to take Christmas slowly. With lots of painkillers and alcohol. The first stop was a hyper yet hilarious evening with Meg and Pedro, their two girls, and my friend Mike. Pizza, beer, a giant fruit platter, air hockey and songs. And plenty of giggles.

Christmas Eve, after I fell from the bed with painful cries, we managed to hobble to the grocery store for last minute goodies. Eggnog, junk food, fruit and pancake mix. We shuffled home and did some last minute cleaning until Mike showed up again. Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and the Star Wars Holiday Special were watched (with much groaning from me about the latter).

Christmas morning, we enjoyed pancakes. I phoned family and friends. We made plans with Sean and Tracey. They showed up and we went for our traditional Christmas Poutine at the Elgin Street Diner. We returned to chez nous to watch more movies (two documentaries, actually) and be silly.

And here we are to Boxing Day. Quiet, peaceful, and still (quite literally, due to my back).

I envy those civil servants who have the next three days off.

smoke!

2006-12-20T19:53:00.000-05:00

xmas dinner

2006-12-17T19:45:00.000-05:00

GC's Xmas Wish List

2006-12-01T19:06:00.000-05:00

A Neti Pot

A Laptop Lunch System in Designer Fabric

The Vegan Lunch Box

Donation to Doctors Without Borders

Donation to the Ottawa Food Bank (or your local food bank)

Warm Socks! (or a Mec.ca gift certificate!)

Bathroom Reno: done and moved in

2006-11-29T19:54:00.000-05:00

Bathroom Reno: Complete!

2006-11-26T20:34:00.000-05:00

Sorry folks: no update Friday night or Saturday. Merek and Vladick were hard at work both those days to finish up the bathroom for us. Here are the final photos, plus an additional treat!

New Shower Curtain Rod!

Close-up of the New Tiles and Blue Grout

Finished Shower Tiles (and new paint job!)

Another View of the New Sink and Countertop

And Last, but not Least, the Low-Flow Toilet takes Center Stage

AND BONUS:

Listen to the Old Toilet being flushed.
Listen to the Low-Flow Toilet being flushed.

Once we pick out a new shower curtain and bathmat, as well as move all our stuff back into the room, I'll take some final photos to share.

Day 4 of the Bathroom Reno

2006-11-23T19:54:00.000-05:00

Yay! They are going to paint the walls and ceiling, as well as fix the ceiling fan! WOOT!

Day 4: New Sink

Day 4: Wall Plaster

Day 4: Shower Tiles

Day 4: the Low Flow Toilet

Bathroom Reno: Day 3

2006-11-22T20:02:00.000-05:00

Another disappointment: because of the change in tile, our second choice of countertop is a better match to the new floor than our first choice. The first choice was a darker blue - I agree that the choice of this countertop is excellent to go with the floor. I'm just sad it didn't turn out quite the way we had hoped. But it's still a million times better than what there was before! Do not for an instant think I don't appreciate all of this wonderful work by Merek and Vladik!

Day 3: Blue Grout!

Day 3: Countertop

Day 3: More Drywall in Place

the Reno Day Two

2006-11-21T19:50:00.000-05:00

To answer E.'s question, when we moved in our tub was like that. The bottom was all rusted out. We had placed a Rubbermaid anti-slip mat in the tub to hide the rusting.

Day 2: some drywall is installed

Day 2: the tiles are in place

We're a bit disappointed about the final tile selection: we had been granted permission to pick out our own tiles and counter-top. The tiles we wanted were not available; the plumber guy picked out our new floor and walls for us. Oh well - at least it's not beige.

the Reno

2006-11-20T20:05:00.000-05:00

Yay! The co-op is replacing our bathtub. PLUS we are getting a new low-flow toilet, new tiles on the wall and floor, and a new counter top.

Day 1: the Before Pics

End of Day 1

how to create a Vectored photo with Adobe Photoshop Elements (extremely basic instructions)

2006-11-12T16:40:00.000-05:00

I am using Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 for the Mac - I don't know if it's exactly the same in other versions and for Windows.

Vectoring (or is it vectorization?) is the digital effect seen in the movie A Scanner Darkly.

Original Photo

Vectored Photo

1. Open the photo, and using the Magnetic Lasso tool, select the part of the photo you want to vector.

2. Create a new layer from the copied selection (layer 2).

3. Create a new layer with a solid colour (layer 3).

4. Make the original layer (layer 1) invisible (click the "eye" in the layer window).

5. Make layer 2 the working layer. Use smart blur to "decomplicate" (I made that word up).

6. In the filter menu, under "Artistic" choose "Poster Edges." I find that 1 in all the choice boxes works best, but feel free to play around.

7. Under "Edit" choose "Stroke (Outline) Selection". This adds a thick black line around the outside of the image.

8. Under "Layer Styles" in the layer window, create a drop shadow. Double click the "f" in the layer 2 box to change the shadow width and directionality.

9. Delete layer 3 (the solid colour).

10. Under the Layer menu, choose "Flatten Image."

11. Save as desired name.

Ta da!

why is this funny?

2006-11-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

I love the internet. You can find the stupidest stuff and laugh forever about it. Why is this funny? I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps it's because the man is trying to have a rational discussion with an attack dog; or perhaps because the dog is indeed wearing shoes. Whatever the why, please enjoy.

vectored

2006-11-05T14:47:00.000-05:00

I bought a PhotoShop magazine, and they had an article on how to "vectorize" a photo. While I don't have PhotoShop Pro, I was able to emulate the process in PhotoShop Elements 4.0.

(self-portrait below stolen from my friend Mike)

corn smut

2006-10-30T20:18:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read that title right. Read it slowly out loud:

Corn. Smut.

I thought perhaps I read it wrong when perusing Wikipedia's List of Taco Fillings. Nik and I were mutually bored at work when we started to discuss what's for dinner. For fun I checked Wikipedia's taco entry.

And I learned something. Something quite frightening. Lo and behold, corn smut!

Corn smut is a disease of maize caused by the pathogenic plant fungus Ustilago maydis. U. maydis causes smut disease on maize (Zea mays) and teosinte (Euchlena mexicana). Although it can infect any part of the plant it usually enters the ovaries and replaces the normal kernels of the cobs with large distorted tumors analogous to mushrooms. These tumors, or "galls", are made up of much-enlarged cells of the infected plant, fungal threads, and blue-black spores. The spores give the cob a burned, scorched appearance.
- from Wikipedia

Yummy. "Diseased corn."

But it gets better. Read some dude's experience in eating a can of corn smut (with excellent photos). It was once featured as Tom Volk's Fungus of the Month in March 1998.

Yurgh.

gym-eve

2006-10-26T21:39:00.000-04:00

On the eve of my last personal training session (not so much by choice, but the complete lack of finances to support that kind of lifestyle), I am left to consider what kind of impact it has had on my life. There is the expected: weight loss, muscle gain, increased flexibility, increased ability to run up stairs, climb hills, chase after dogs, etc.

But some other expected gains never appeared. I still don't have good self-discipline. I still find waking up at 6am torturous. I sometimes find myself comparing my body to the women at the gym and wonder why I even bother - I will never have perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect breasts, or the perfect feminine face like them.

I am just Michelle. Often lazy, mostly goofy, and, as one lover once said: "You are so beautiful in this light." (It was pitch black.)

Anyway, this isn't a down-on-Michelle kind of post. I just had some thoughts and words rattling around inside my head, and had to share.

[Remind me to compare myself to summaries later on. It's a good theory, but it's way past my bedtime right now.]

my great-grandpa

2006-10-18T19:57:00.001-04:00

George on the Knoxford Farm
Originally uploaded by JudithAnne.

George on his farm in Knoxford, NB

oh no

2006-10-18T19:50:00.000-04:00

Today is October 18, 2006.

And I just saw my first Christmas commercial on TV.

!!!

enough

2006-10-14T23:22:00.000-04:00

I need to get this out of my system. This has become a growing concern of mine over the past few days, and tonight I cannot sleep because of it. I need to get it all out to take care of my mental and physical health.

Several points:
1. The few people who read this blog are most likely aware of where I work.
2. The few people who live in Ottawa and read this blog are most likely aware of the recent controversy about where I work.
3. The few people who know me apparently don't understand my personal code of ethics.

The "recent controversy" has greatly upset me. It makes me want to stand up on a soap-box and SCREAM. It is the same dialogue repeated by people who like to point fingers at an easy target. Those people who blindly demand change at the HS never demand change from the true sources of the problems:

1. The puppy and kitten mills;
2. The people who blindly purchase animals from puppy and kitten mills;
3. The people who blindly purchase animals from pet stores and backyard breeders;
4. The people who irresponsibly add to the numbers of unwanted pets;
5. The people who purchase pets yet don't seek reputable advice on the proper care for those animals;
6. The people who do not seek basic veterinary services for their pets;
7. The Municipality which does not deem the Spay and Neuter Clinic a priority;
8. The people who to this day continue to dump unwanted animals in the country, in parks, on the streets, or leave them abadoned in boxes, in carriers, in empty apartments and garbage dumpsters.

No, it's the organization whose mandate is to attempt to help these unwanted animals who gets the blame. He who weilds the mop is not always responsible for the spilled mess. It angers me that the people behind the controversy have done nothing but point fingers. I have seen no evidence that they have helped any other unwanted homeless animal. This, more than anything else, is what I find extremely disheartening.

But worse still have been my friends. I deal with a lot of horror on a daily basis. True horror. I don't discuss any of it with my non-coworker friends and acquaintances, because really, who wants to listen to that kind of thing? I'd rather be a positive, listening friend than a pessimistic, complaining one.

Over the past few weeks several friends have commented negatively on my work. That they believe in the myths instead of my word; that they interrupt my experiences and dedication with their assumptions... It really stings. I am shocked that you would think so little of me.

Perhaps I need this emotional stress to discover that I need to speak out about these issues. Perhaps I haven't been loud or proactive enough. Maybe I should tell my friends more about the phone calls I receive, the animals I see, the people I talk to. I've been silent when relatives allow their cat outside near a busy street; I kept quiet when my personal trainer purchased a puppy from a petstore known for selling puppies from mills; I haven't said a word when the woman down the street who can't afford emergency veterinary care for her cat gets more pets; I have minded my own business when people at the dog park repeat old fallacies. Perhaps this needs to change.

A coworker recently got the HS logo tattoo'd on her forearm. At first I thought her crazy. But now I'm beginning to realize I should emulate her bold statement. This is where I work, and I am proud of it. The policies and procedures mesh with my personal code of ethics. I have extreme confidence in my coworkers. I respect them for their dedication and unwaivering commitment to promoting animal welfare in our community. I hope that I can inspire the same respect in my friends and family.

Phew. Ok, I think I can sleep now.

Perth Fall Art Show

2006-10-09T08:20:00.000-04:00

Art

Flat Tire

Other

the wishlist begins

2006-10-04T06:55:00.000-04:00

Here's the first item: a Book Bag! A bag, made from a book!

sick at home

2006-10-03T10:32:00.000-04:00

Again with the illness. Waves of nausea. Becoming intimate with the toilet. This is my day.

So why not do a "stream of consciousness" blog entry to keep myself entertained? This, perhaps, will be the longest blog entry ever.

~*~

First up, my housing co-op neighbour, Mark Bourrie.

I didn't know much about Mark, except that he has children and has lots of rocks in his driveway. Until I heard him being interviewed by CBC's Ottawa Morning. I checked out his blog and discovered his battles on Wikipedia. I now know a lot more about the man who lives two doors down. The fact I can't post comments to his blog frustrates me - for I would like to tell him in response to this that I visit the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography by the Chateau Laurier quite frequently. I like photos.

~*~

It's autumn again, which makes me sad. I do enjoy autumn - the produce, the crisp air, the vivid colours! However, I have turned into my mother. I am constantly cold. As winter is cold, it means that I go about in a state of perpetual frostiness. My toes and fingers turn bluish-white; I waddle around wearing longjohns under sweaters and coats, two pairs of socks (minimum) on my feet; Nik screams at my frigid touch.

Perhaps this will be the year someone surprises me with a trip to Jamaica in February.

~*~

I never replied to Zoom!'s enquiry to the NAC production of "The Wrong Son." This is quite neglectful of me: I apologize.

The Wrong Son: A brand new jazz musical thriller in the film noir genre starring some of Canada's finest musical performers.

The music was fantastic. The set was simple yet surprising. I loved the truck, the trap doors in the stage floor, and the mirror ball. The lyrics were sometimes uninspired - they were sometimes sacrificed to make rhymes. ("Do not speak, my love. Touch my cheek, my love.") The story was sometimes very s l o w. Yet Tamara Bernier as Maggie.... oooh, she has a smooth and buttery voice that makes you think of warm spring breezes. We first hear Maggie as the mirror ball descends in front of a sheer red curtain, with the lights twinkling all over the audience. A magical moment during which you are introduced to a beautiful voice.

I enjoyed the play - but I'm not sure it was worth missing Coronation Street for. But you don't have to take my word for it!

~*~

And recalling overdue replies, my dear friend Steffi in Germany (who has a vacation today, to celebrate the reunification of Germany) sent me this link.

~*~

Busy Bee

~*~

Nik and I both love brachycephalic dogs. But we both hate brachycephalic cats. Moxie is brachycephalic.

We were looking at the Frenchies needing rescuing at the the French Bulldog Rescue Network's website this morning. Dewey is very cute!

~*~

Last week was Banned Books Week. Ironically, a Conroe, Texas father wants "Fahrenheit 451" banned.

Alton Verm's request to ban "Fahrenheit 451" came during the 25th annual Banned Books Week. He and Hines said the request to ban "Fahrenheit 451," a book about book burning, during Banned Books Weeks is a coincidence.

As a child, I loved Judy Blume. Here was an author who wrote honestly about being a kid, and the mysteries adults attempted to hide from us. On her website she writes about censorship. Once, as a child, I tried to borrow Then Again, Maybe I Won't from the Woodstock L. P. Fisher Public Library. The librarian asked me if my mother knew I was checking out this book - I gave an honest answer, saying no, she didn't. She whispered to my mother, and it was decided I couldn't read the book. No bother, as I spent a lot of time at libraries. The next visit I sat in a chair and read it in the library. And I wasn't immediately cast in hell for my sin, either.

~*~

Ok, so now I'm bored.

Ottawa Valley Cat Show

2006-10-01T09:03:00.000-04:00

Yee haw! We went last year, and like the crazy forgetful fiends we are, we went again this year.

There were cats:

The judging:

The desperate women looking for a cat-loving man:

tonight

2006-09-22T23:07:00.000-04:00

Yeah yeah, we went to see a play tonight at the NAC called "The Wrong Son" and it was a musical and yes it was written by a Nova Scotian playwright (Cole?) and was set in Nova Scotia... Yeah yeah.

But John Manley sat two rows behind us! That means he ended up with worse tickets! HA!

(I need a life.)

family history

2006-09-20T21:03:00.000-04:00

Very cool (for me). Head over to my mom's new blog and read about one of my ancestors. I did my grade 6 speech about my family history.

And if you think that's cool, swing by the National Geographic Genographic project's site to find out more about your ancient ancestors! (My mitochondrial DNA haplogroup is "H".)

at play

2006-09-19T15:58:00.000-04:00

attempted responsibility

2006-09-19T08:35:00.000-04:00

I tried to play the part of a responsible grown up on Saturday.

The neighbourhood kids were playing in the courtyard. By playing I mean they were bullying one kid to lay still in a soccer net while they took turns kicking the soccer ball at his head. The kid is about 7 years old, and he was near-crying while struggling to maintain a tough exterior.

Having been the victim of bullying in my life, I didn't like it. But I'm also not good with kids, and I'm never sure where I can draw the line. Sure, once I told a kid in the co-op who was using the roof of his father's car as a trampoline that he should get down because if his father found out, he'd get into trouble. But these kids aren't my responsibility, and I don't want to irk any of my neighbours.

I debated what I should do. Standing on the balcony/deck to photograph a spider, I could see and hear their actions. Despite their parents living along the row, no one came to the kid's aid. So I thought I should do something.

"Hey guys," I said in my most stern and authoritarian voice. "Play safe, ok?"

The two older boys froze for a moment. In unison they replied in dull monotone voices. "We are."

Then they resumed kicking the ball at the bullied kid's head. Ah well.

Little Ray's Reptiles

2006-09-17T19:12:00.000-04:00

be it ever so humble...

2006-09-16T20:43:00.000-04:00

I began to feel that myself plus the bicycle equaled myself plus the world, upon whose spinning wheel we must all earn to ride, or fall into the sluiceways of oblivion and despair. That which made me succeed with the bicycle was precisely what had gained me a measure of success in life -- it was the hardihood of spirit that led me to begin, the persistence of will that held me to my task, and the patience that was willing to begin again when the last stroke had failed. And so I found high moral uses in the bicycle and can commend it as a teacher without pulpit or creed. She who succeeds in gaining the mastery of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life.

- Frances E. Willard, How I Learned To Ride The Bicycle (1895)

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live.

- Mark Twain, Taming the Bicycle

golden day of September

2006-09-16T18:26:00.000-04:00

Beautiful day - a gorgeous weekend day. Shorts, sun, laziness and biking. Spent lots of time outside.

Signs of Autumn

Mushrooms

Spider on the deck

yard sale

2006-09-11T20:39:00.000-04:00

Never a dull moment in Arnprior.

Sale Table

Ed watches

and then...

2006-09-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

I found this one.

little secrets

2006-09-11T20:33:00.000-04:00

Going through old photos tonight, I found this one taken in Arnprior earlier this summer. The irony.

found photo

2006-09-09T17:23:00.000-04:00

This is a photo I found at work.

And perhaps it's just a sign of my evilness, but I love the old lady in the middle.

Her crossed eyes, her expression, the way her polyester dress is hanging over her spread knees.... To put it simply, she makes me laugh. (I'm going to hell now.)

Just Say No (to Diamonds)

2006-09-09T13:46:00.000-04:00

Ten Reasons Why You Should Never Accept a Diamond Ring from Anyone, Under Any Circumstances, Even If They Really Want to Give You One (2/14/02)

By Liz Stanton, CPE Staff Economist

You've Been Psychologically Conditioned To Want a Diamond

Diamonds are Priced Well Above Their Value

Diamonds Have No Resale or Investment Value

Diamond Miners are Disproportionately Exposed to HIV/AIDS

Open-Pit Diamond Mines Pose Environmental Threats

Diamond Mine-Owners Violate Indigenous People's Rights

Slave Laborers Cut and Polish Diamonds

Conflict Diamonds Fund Civil Wars in Africa

Diamond Wars are Fought Using Child Warriors

Small Arms Trade is Intimately Related to Diamond Smuggling

References:

Collier, Paul, "Economic Causes of Civil Conflict and Their Implications for Policy," World Bank, June 15, 2000.

Epstein, Edward Jay, "Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?", The Atlantic Monthly, February 1982. www.theatlantic.com/issues/82feb/8202diamond1.htm

Global Witness, "Conflict Diamonds: Possibilities for the Identification, Certification and Control of Diamonds," A Briefing Document, June 2000, www.globalwitness.org/text/campaigns/diamonds/reports.html

Human Rights Watch/Asia, "The Small Hands of Slavery: Bonded Child Labor In India," Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Project, www.hrw.org/reports/1996/India3.htm .

Human Rights Watch, "Children’s Rights: Stop the Use of Child Soldiers;" www.hrw.org/campaigns/crp/index.htm .

Kerlin, Katherine "Diamonds Aren’t Forever: Environmental Degradation and Civil War in the Gem Trade," The Environment Magazine, www.emagazine.com/september-october_2001/0901gl_consumer.html .

Le Billon, Philippe, "Angola’s Political Economy of War: The Role of Oil and Diamonds, 1975-2000," African Affairs, (2001), 100, p.55-80.

Mines and Communities, "The Mining Curse: The roles of mining in ‘underdeveloped’ economies," Minewatch Asia Pacific/Nostromo Briefing Paper, February 1999, www.minesandcommunities.org/Country/curse.htm .

Other Facets, Number 1, April 2001; Number 2, June 2001; Number 3, October 2001, www.partnershipafricacanada.org/hsdp/of.html .

© 2002 Center for Popular Economics

i probably need some of these

2006-09-08T19:44:00.000-04:00

By the bucket load.

"'A fool uttereth all his mind.' Proverbs is harder on the fool than on anybody else, Jane... and rightly. It's the fools that make all the trouble in the world, not the wicked." - from L.M. Montgomery's Jane of Lantern Hill

"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. But all the angels are in heaven, and few of the fools are dead." - James Thurber

Let the self-flagellation continue.

Happy 64th Birthday Dad!

2006-09-04T15:29:00.000-04:00

Once again, he's somewhere in the Nova Scotian wilderness for his birthday.

Photo of Dad in NS on his 60th birthday

Me and Dad playing

One more year until retirement! Woot!

rainy garden walk

2006-09-04T15:08:00.000-04:00

In between rain showers I walked about the neighbourhood, peering into people's gardens.

I had to run home in between rain drops.

early morning walk

2006-09-01T09:03:00.000-04:00

Summer is slowing coming to an end - we went for a walk this morning to enjoy what's left of it.

My first Heiligenschein

tonic crisis

2006-08-30T19:41:00.000-04:00

OMG - when I arrived home from work I discovered we were out of tonic water. What would I drink during Coronation Street?

Thankfully, we live in a neighbourhood with a very well-stocked corner store, run by a very great neighbourhood man.

Meet Mike, of Mike's corner store.

We got 6 cans of tonic water, so I enjoyed a giant G&T during Corrie Street. Crisis averted.

1/2 hour respite

2006-08-29T20:00:00.000-04:00

I watch Coronation Street.

Don't you laugh - it's currently my only tv obsession. (But when the new season tv line-up resumes, I will be eagerly *ahem* watching the Office, CSI, the Amazing Race, and Doctor Who. And yay! Weeds is finally back!) But Coronation Street lets me enjoy the misery of the working class while I sip on a G&T in the comfort of my own home. It's also a half hour during the day when I'm not forced to help others, I can ignore the phone, and shut off the world around me. It's a blessed half hour of silence - a recuperation for this introvert.

P.S. I hate Gail Platt.

fire fire

2006-08-29T19:51:00.000-04:00

On Friday we biked to Vincent Massey Park with our pal Mike for a barbecue.

We had a problem getting the fire going: "no dirty hands" my arse.

Thankfully we were in the woods with lots of twigs and branches.

Ottawa Gay Pride Parade

2006-08-27T16:31:00.000-04:00

Continuing our marvelous ability to stumble upon Ottawa's happenings, today we stumbled upon the Ottawa Gay Pride Parade.

Of course, the usual crazy Christian protesters were out.

This person stood halfway between the sidewalk and the parade - occasionally s/he (?) would mutter uncomprehensively. The parade-goers, however, took her/him in stride.

We only caught the last of the parade, but at least we didn't miss this happy and sexy guy:

summer rain; hint of autumn

2006-08-24T22:38:00.000-04:00

yet another vacation posting

2006-08-24T21:50:00.000-04:00

Today we went to the Ottawa Food Bank for a free guided tour. Yes, perhaps we're crazy. Professionally I've been working with Sean, an employee of the OFB, and a few months ago he invited me to the warehouse for the grand tour. As we're slumming it in Ottawa this vacation, why not spend a morning visiting one of Ottawa's best and deserving non-profit organizations?

Helping Hands
When groups of people volunteer at the Ottawa Food Bank, they get to add their palm-prints to the wall.

Towers of Food
While this may look impressive, the Ottawa Food Bank is somewhat low right now. At Christmas they have rows upon rows of ceiling-high stacks.

Sean's office
Almost better than my office! I really should get a sign, too.

Super Sean!

Food banks need bread: Ottawa Sun
By NELLY ELAYOUBI
This has been one dry summer.

Food agencies across the city are feeling the pinch as donations dwindle and demand remains at a constant high.

The Shepherds of Good Hope runs a grocery program that tops up food needs for families, students and seniors. Last year, the program served just under 30,000 people and numbers are expected to climb this year. The program hands out groceries to people three times a week.

"We're having to stretch our food," said the shelter's spokesman, Rob Eady. "Yesterday (Monday), the bins were empty for bread. We had enough for our sandwiches and soup kitchen, but no loafs of bread to hand out."

FEWER FOOD DRIVES

Shortages stem from fewer food drives during the summer; it's usually the fall-through-spring months that many food drives are headed by area schools and businesses.

"We're trying to get the word out that people are hungry all times of the year, and especially in the summer to think of us as well," Eady said.

Peter Tilley, executive director at the Ottawa Food Bank, said shortages at food agencies in the summer is a consistent trend right across the country.

"We're right down to our food purchases," Tilley said. "We're falling back on our food inventory."

The Ottawa Food Bank this year budgeted for $700,000 in food purchases, but will more likely spend $750,000. About a quarter of that will be used during summer months.

With the fiscal year starting in October, Tilley said they will budget slightly more next year -- $800,000 -- in anticipation of future demands.

Britannia Beach

2006-08-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

Phew. We biked all the way out to Britannia Beach with a friend and back again. Not bad for a fat chick with only a one-gear bicycle!

And KnitNut: I suspect it's a little bit of training and a lot to do with having such a wonderful quality camera that I can force to do what I want it to do. Now I just need to get PhotoShop for my laptop, and I'll be set....

wild plum

2006-08-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

I hadn't been aware there were wild plum trees growing at the local dog park! I missed the spring blossoms. Perhaps in a week or so I'll be able to harvest some (if the birds, bugs and dogs dont' get them first!).

Vacation day four

2006-08-22T13:16:00.000-04:00

Just a photo essay, as Nik is bugging me to assemble our bikes and hit the trails.

Nik's amazing powers of levitating objects

Snack time at Thyme & Again

comix

2006-08-21T16:52:00.000-04:00

If you need an inappropriate laugh, visit The Perry Bible Fellowship. If I wasn't in vacation-mode I would describe them to you in rambling paragraphs using words I used to bullshit with in university. But alas, it's vacation-week.

vacation day two

2006-08-20T18:03:00.000-04:00

vacation day one

2006-08-20T17:52:00.000-04:00

We had a party at the Rochester Pub.

Good food, good beer...

Good times!

itch x 23

2006-08-20T17:47:00.000-04:00

This is what I get for sitting outside on a hot summer's day without a shirt on. Mosquitos attacked!

(Sorry for having to show you my flabby back.)

I am very very very itchy.

vacation-eve

2006-08-19T07:12:00.000-04:00

The best time of any vacation - and even the weekend - is the evening after work before the vacation starts. For the weekend (and our vacation) this time was last night, Friday evening.

Work is done for the week and the entire vacation lays stretched out in imaginable R&R. Nik surprised me at work. We went to the Roses Cafe for a little pre-vacation indulgence. I recapped the exciting details of the day; Nik highlighted interesting factoids about margarine's unpopular past. Potato vadas, pakoras, Tiger beer, lentil soup... I could only manage one third of my dosa. (Guess what I'm having for lunch on Saturday?)

"Should've brought the camera," I sighed, setting down my napkin.

"To record the beauty of this meal?" asked Nik.

"No, to record our vacation," I said with a smile.

Grumpy Day

2006-08-09T21:01:00.000-04:00

Today's mood: very grumpy. But it got better. There are two words that I'd really like to send out to a special someone tonight, but it appears Blogger.com is going down in two minutes for maintenance.

Thank gawd for extra large G&Ts!

August Afternoon

2006-08-07T15:24:00.000-04:00

BAR-B-Q

"Let's have Michelle, Nik and their dogs over for a barbecue!"

"You've got to be kidding."

Stacey came along - Rosie wasn't feeling well.

Dogs.

More dogs. We all love dogs.

hate

2006-07-27T07:56:00.000-04:00

Shortcutting through the local park last night with the dogs, we passed a rowdy group of teenaged girls. Drunk on their own youth, high on their mob mentality, they nosily shouted hate at all those who passed. We went by them unscathed, shaking our heads, making jokes about them. Then one stood up to ask us: "Can I bum a cigarette?" Nik, hot and tired, started shouting back. He lied, saying he's a member of the group they hate. "I wouldn't give you a cigarette even if I had one."

Words volleyed back and forth over the fence as the dogs slowly led us homeward. "Lick my clit!" she shouted, admist the giggles of her friends.

"I don't like fish!" retorted Nik.

a drinking song

2006-07-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

W.B. Yeats

Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That's all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.

Abdel-rahman

2006-07-20T13:40:00.000-04:00

Yay! A letter in the mail for me today, containing an update about my Foster Parents Plan sponsor child.

Abdel-rahman:

With his cousin:

The update includes information about Abdel-rahman's family (he has a new sister) and the activities of Plan in the community (improving health care services, improving schools, creating safe places for children to play, and creating day camps). Sadly, this letter from Plan did not include any letters from either Abdel-rahman or his family.

fat cat Enkidu

2006-07-20T13:33:00.000-04:00

Enkidu appeared in last Friday's Ottawa Citizen. Dearest Nik wrote the article (and I took the photo!).

Incidentally, the article to the right, about the OHS cats, was written by yours truly, filling in for a co-worker.

home sick (and bored)

2006-07-20T11:36:00.000-04:00

What's a gal to do when she's just sick enough to have her mom tell her not to go to work (abdominal cramps and other such nasties not lady-like to discuss) but not so sick that she has to lay on the couch all day, napping?

Tease the dogs, of course!

With the new camera in hand, I came up with the brillant idea of taking pictures of the dogs eating cookies off of the balcony table. Little did I realize that my dogs have been hard-wired to NOT take food off of tables. Ever. Even with coaxing and tapping and turning the phrase "it's ok, take it" into a strange mantra, they still were extremely hesitant to enjoy a treat.

Tobique sees the cookie.

"Are you seriously telling me to take that cookie," he looks at me to ask.

"You're really, really serious?" (I broke the cookie in half to show him it was a really good cookie.)

"Ok!"

Moxie takes longer. Whether it's 5 years of training or the fact that she's smaller, she's more hesitant to grab what she wants.

Moxie looks.

Makes an attempt...

...but chickens out.

She goes in again for the kill!

AND SCORES!

(Trust me, this was more exciting and time consuming that it appears on this blog.)

Now to find more ways to waste the day....

hot sunny birthday day

2006-07-16T20:49:00.000-04:00

Here I am, looking at the heavens for a little help.

One of the nieces had her birthday party today, and we attended the party along with a dozen or more children.

We played at the local park and had lots of fun and craziness.

Some children had more fun...

...than others!

the Beach

2006-07-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

We went to Westboro Beach last night. We watched the sunset and attempted some night-time photography. And, of course, we swam (and got eaten by mosquitos!).

mango

2006-07-12T21:17:00.000-04:00

I just ate the sweetest mango. Making my lunch for tomorrow, I sliced a perfectly ripe mango, intending to chop it up and stash it in a small container. But its scent rose up like an exotic perfume. I simply had to taste it. Almost too sweet, with a succulent texture and a heady perfume. I couldn't resist. I ate it up. My teeth ripped into the yellow-orange flesh. Its juices dribbled down my chin. I nearly moaned from the pleasure. Where have mangoes been all my life? A pine-woodsy high note with irresistable sweetness and tropical allure. I looked about when I had finished it. Only Moxie at my feet in the kitchen - I licked the cutting board for the last little taste. Godly fruit.

Only a tender memory remains.

Yellow and White

2006-07-10T21:35:00.000-04:00

moxie

2006-07-09T17:48:00.000-04:00

"Come closer, I want to lick you!"

Mud Lake Photos

2006-07-09T10:25:00.000-04:00

We hunted for frogs.

I can't find my wild flower book (darn!) so I can't tell you what these little flowers are:

And remember: don't eat wild mushrooms unless you are with a good mycologist!

live music

2006-07-08T10:01:00.000-04:00

A coworker asked me yesterday if I planned to attend Ottawa's Bluesfest. "Uh, no," I replied. "Standing around watching someone play a guitar is not my idea of fun."

Live music has never been my idea of fun. Unlike my pal Parasol, standing in a crowded venue listening to music loudly amplified is not my idea of fun.

A few years ago, Nik and I had seasons tickets to the GCTC. Excitedly we attended the first play - our chance to enjoy some higher culture. Imagine our surprise to discover the first "play" consisted of three women singing Joni Mitchell songs. On the stage. For nearly three hours. Stupidly, we didn't escape at intermission.

In university, a friend invited me to see Gordon Lightfoot in person. A great Canadian icon, she said. An opportunity not to miss. I relunctantly allowed her to buy me a ticket. We had bad seats in the balcony. After the loooooong show, she asked me for my opinion. "I couldn't understand a word he sung," I confessed. "All he did was mumble."

She didn't speak to me for days.

This post is getting longer and duller than I had hoped. Apologies.

To sum up: watching people play music live has never been my thing. Too crowded, too noisy, and they never play my favourite songs. But to walk in the mud this afternoon, taking photos of insects and amphibians and plants with my friends and my lover - that's an exciting happy day.

Yes, I'm weird.

just photos

2006-07-02T11:10:00.000-04:00