The Squamidian Report – April 12/03
Also in this issue:
North Nova News
The Ontarion
The Melbourne
Hi All,
We are in the time of year out here where we get spring rains on a rather regular basis. Luckily, they tend to happen mostly at night. That’s pretty good planning when you think about it. These are the rains that loosen up the rocks and soil on the steep hillsides. One morning the highway into Van was closed due to rock slides near Furry Creek. It was cleaned up fairly quickly as it was a small slide but it reminds you that you gotta keep your eyes open and on the road when traveling.
Hey, unofficially I’ve seen my first cougar. Very early one morning I looked up the street and saw a critter crossing the road. It was heading for the ravine behind the houses on the east side. That ravine marks the beginning of total wilderness where it is too rugged to even try walking. I have to say ‘unofficially’ as I can’t prove it was a cougar but I do know that it wasn’t any other animal I can think of. I’ve looked at pictures of every thing that could live out here and it can only be a cougar. Probably a young one from last years litters. My neighbour has seen cougars and bears on this street so it is certainly possible.
There have been several pet knappings that have been attributed to cougars in the year since we’ve been here. One small dog got snatched from it’s owner while been walked on a leash along the river. That would kind of wreck your day. Between cougars and eagles, Greg would have to keep his pocket size little dog in his pocket or get it a little suit or armor.
And it has been a year this month. Our house here closed on the 10th of April last year. I’m not aloud to tell anyone when Sue’s birthday is but that closing date was 2 days before her birthday. And I’m not aloud to tell anyone how old she is but she spent her 49th all alone here at the house. I was still in Ontario at the time, as I had to wait until the 25th to leave.
Well, I’m back at work sort of. I got called back to CME in Whistler as of this past Monday. As soon as I told them I’d be there I got a call from a local company that I’ve been talking to. This one is set up much more like I used to be and most of his work is in the Squamish area. That means no commuting, saving almost 2 hours per day. So I had to tell CME that I’d work out the week and then I’d be gone. The boss was a bit ticked but that’s life. They put me on some really grungy jobs for the week and sent me home early on Friday. However, if things don’t work out with this new job I’m welcome to check back with them. And because I got home before Sue, I had the dishes and vacuuming done by the time she rolled in.
I figured the cost in fuel, time and wear and tear to commute to Whistler is so high that I could take a $5 per hour pay cut and come out even. However, this local company, Castlerock, offered me more than I was making so I’m way ahead as long as he is tolerable to work for. So I start with him on Monday.
The ever-elusive Sue was in Victoria over on the Island this week. Victoria is a very pretty, colorful city with flower-lined streets and lots of old homes with park like yards. It is even milder there than in Vancouver so their flowers and blossoms start in early February.
We gotta mow the lawn again. Sure miss the old Massy Ferguson. Not that it would do me much good here as it would be way too big to mow with. I guess there is no place for a farm tractor when you live in a subdivision.
****
Well the floodwaters
have subsided but it has taken a good week for the road works department to fix
only some of the most major damage caused from that big rainstorm we
experienced. They even ran out of
warning signs to place everywhere. Two
of the roads near us had only a couple of pylons placed at each end of the
washed out side of the road. We were
all worried about new people traveling these roads at night and not realizing
half of the pavement was missing. As
far as I know no one in our area had any accidents. My aunt Mary called from Kitchener last week to see how we
survived the great flood. The
newspapers like to dramatize even the smallest disasters.
I just remembered
another one of my flinging mud stories.
Before our road was paved the potholes were many. Well one day after a fresh rain I stopped
along a field to admire a beautiful herd of deer grazing. I opened my window to get a better view and
just then a neighbour flew by in his truck splashing mud all over me and the
inside of my car. So much for stopping
and smelling the roses.
My business in Scotsburn is now celebrating 15 years. I have no idea where that time went but it is a good excuse to stimulate the business. After being in one place for that long you need to give it a boost or everyone gets bored and looks toward the competition which is everywhere. So we have planned some great prizes. One is a night stay at a chalet in our area. Another is a two hours cruise on a sailboat (ours). I’m not sure if other hairdressing shops give away such things but somehow a bottle of shampoo is just not that exciting to draw in new clients. I’ve had an offer from a fiddle player to entertain our customers and that might be fun. Of course we will have cake too. I’m trying to lure in lots of kids by offering a very reasonable rate and no tax on haircuts. All this will be happening over the next month. I’ve been having fun with the computer making signs to advertise this event. Being in a small community, other businesses have agreed to put in an advertisement in the local paper, along with our article, to show their support. There is such great community spirit here.
Until next time
****
THE ONTARION REPORT
April 10, 2003
Sunshine,
sunshine, sunshine! I look out the window and what do I see? Nothing but
Sunshine! Well, there is still a light coating of snow on the ground but I
assure you it’ll be history within the next day or two. The weather report
shows “Sunny” and warm for the next 5 days with highs of +5 to +15c. This makes
all of us here in The Big “O” feel a whole lot better. Like I’ve said before,
it’s been one heck of a long winter! Let’s hope we’ve seen the last of the snow
for this year.
With winter projects like bathroom renovations etc tucked neatly in our past, it’s time to think about the things we have to do outdoors. I know that Carole and I have a garden “Pond” in our plans for the next month or so. It’s something that Carole has wanted for a while now and this is the perfect time to do it. I have discovered a source for some nice sized quarry rocks that should look just fine surrounding the pond. Of course, I’m not talking about a pond that I can test our Kayaks in but one that will accommodate a few gold fish. We have no definite plans, we’re just going to wing it and see what we come up with. Should be interesting. It’s times like this that I wish I had a friend living nearby with a backhoe/truck/trailer combination. Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to haul the rocks home one at a time in the trunk of my Altima. We miss you Doug! LOL! I’m sure we’ll make out just fine without you but it would be nice to have your expertise handy. Carole is so very proud of her gardening accomplishments and this should be the crowning glory of our back yard. We are both looking forward to having it finished this spring. I envision an abundance of 2 to 4 cu ft boulders piled in a mountainous shape in the corner of the garden.
We have hydro to a waterproof receptacle mounted approximately 4’ away from the edge of the proposed pond site. So, that part is all ready to go. Shouldn’t take too long to come up with a design once we get under way. I’ll be sure to post a picture of the finished product when it’s completed.
Spring is the time for so many cool things. I’ve never been one to get into winter sports in a big way. The most we’ve done is some cross country skiing. Our favourite time of the year is the days when we can be outside in our shirt sleeves. Carole loves to garden and I like to spend my time working on the cars or tinkering in the garage. This year, I intend to hone my skills on our son’s new Mig Welder. He has done some interesting projects with it and has offered to let me use it to develop a new hobby for myself. There seems to be a lot of interest in metal garden and yard ornaments around these parts. Adam designed and welded a 7’ palm tree out of metal for his mother for Mother’s Day last year. We’ve had many people just knock on the door and ask where we got it. So, I figured there must be a market for such things. Carole has the Palm tree in the front garden beside the walkway and it attracts so much attention. Adam made the tree out of steel and just let it rust in the weather. It looks amazing! Well, as you can see, I have my work cut out for me this spring. Between the MG and the welding projects and the waterfall/pond project, my days will be full to say the least. I’m looking forward to every minute of the good weather and I’m sure you all have your plans for it as well. Until next week, take care and enjoy the Spring weather. Bye for now.
PS: Something to Think About:
There is one thing about baldness…..it’s neat!
GREG.
****
News From Behind The Black Stump!
G'day everyone,
Wow, where did the week go? It just went by too fast.
Big sigh of relief , now that the war is over... Wasn't that something to see the Iraqis topple the statue of Saddam. I couldn't help feeling happy, seeing the jubilation of the Iraqis, and what about all that looting in the aftermath...
It will be interesting to see what happens next.
These major world events make our own little lives seem rather insignificant. Never the less, here is my week:
Monday must have been pretty boring, because I can't remember what I did. It's usually my cleaning and laundry day. But I don't stick to that religiously.
Tuesday was Karl's birthday - It's no secret - he's 54. I had a long list of things to do...but got a bit sidetracked when my sister Lore called me - we chatted for at least an hour. I hadn't talked to her for ages, and we had a great chat...She has been so busy with her job, family and just life. She is not one to write very often, or phone, even now with everyone being on the net. So we had a lot to catch up on.
It was Lore's birthday on the 6 ths - so this is the annual birthday chat. I usually call her to wish her a happy birthday. We have such cheap rates, so we usually pay. (only about $ 6.00 for up to 3 hours). Lore and I never talk that long, but one time my sister Chris and I talked 5 hours. It was way back when we first started to get the cheaper rates. Mind you when we first moved to Oz, phone calls cost about $20 for 20 minutes, so these cheap rates (and now the internet), have really helped to bring us closer.
After I got off the phone with Lore, I had to go out and buy a present for Karl. It didn't take me long. I found what I thought was the perfect gift, at this "going out of business" book sale. Everything was 50% off, including this book. When I read the title of this book - "Sexual Secrets" - I knew Karl would like it...(he's a guy!)
I also found this funny card. I would have shared it with you, but my scanner wasn't working for some reason.
Anyway, I took the book home and wrapped it in nice gold paper and put a lovely gold ribbon on it, and then set about baking a cake. Karl got home, and I was eager to give him his present, as I was sure he would love it. I was very pleased with myself for having found the perfect gift, and was eager to present it to him and get his reaction. I said to him, "you are going to like this gift..."
So, Karl, being ever suspicious, looks at me and frowns and says, " You didn't buy me a book about sex, I hope"... as if I buy him books about sex every day... and then he adds "... one of those books on how to do it...?!"
It really cracked me up - and I was kind of miffed, and told him, he'd spoiled the surprise...
Anyway, he opened the gift, and when he saw it had lots of picture he didn't mind it too much. While he went flipping through the pages he says to me, " you didn't get this for me, you got it for yourself...didn't you"? That's the thanks I get for trying to please him...
Can't wait to read it, when I get a bit of time...ha, ha... wonder if there is anything in there I don't know...hmm?!
I didn't have to cook, because Karl wanted to go out for dinner. We went to the local Chinese restaurant and ate spring rolls, sizzling steak and sizzling shrimp, satay chicken and fried rice. We all enjoyed it, then decided to have coffee and birthday cake at home.
Karl's sisters Jutta and Maggy, and their husbands, John and Phil dropped by for a small informal birthday celebration. They didn't stay too late, but we did manage to drink a couple of bottles of wine as well as coffee and cake.
Wednesday I did the Arts and Crafts class in the morning. I planned to teach the class some simple brushstrokes so they could learn to paint some simple flowers(kind of like folk art). Turned out it wasn't as easy for them, as I anticipated. Some of these ladies find the easiest crafts rather challenging, so I never got around to doing the Easter cards I was going to do with them.
It's a big challenge to come up with projects which are easy and fun. The people in the class are all different levels, but most of them are fairly high functioning, but they do need a lot of help and encouragement to attempt even the simplest tasks. It's really rewarding when they do join in and enjoy themselves.
Wednesday evening, Karl's sister Eva and her husband Delfino surprised us with a visit for Karl's birthday. They hadn't eaten dinner yet and neither had we, so we all ordered some pizza. They brought a big bottle of mandarin liqueur , so of course we had to try that. It was good stuff, but one glass was enough.
Karl decided that two birthdays wasn't enough, so invited everyone over for Saturday as well. Groan...!
This is the birthday month...I think there are about 6 birthdays in the family, plus Easter...double groan...!
Thursday: glorious day - perfect weather. I had to go out to pay the dog registration, and run some errands in Altona. Altona, by the way is our neighbouring suburb. It is very close, practically up the road. Pier street - which is the main drag, with all the shops and restaurants - is right by the beach. It also has a lovely park right by the beach, where people can take the kids. Really nice. I go there often, even though we also have a shopping centre in Altona Meadows.
I finally registered myself with the local Art directory. So I will be listed on our local government website. That's just one of the places I will advertise my Art tutoring service, but it's a start.
Friday: rained all day. I spent most of the day painting in my studio. Cooked my first Lamb roast ever. I never cooked lamb before, because Karl has always insisted he hated it. His mom used to make mutton, which was where he developed his aversion. But he is a convert now, because he tried leg of lamb at his sisters one day, and it was really good.
So now lamb is OK in his books. Who says you can't change an old dog...?
Well, that was my week (more or less)...
Have a good one...
Karin
****
Looks like Karl has joined Greg and myself in the old 54 club.
Welcome aboard.
Have
a good one.
the
doug
****
Hi Doug, I was hoping to get this to you in
time to include in your newsletter this week. Could you pass it on anyway?
thanks.
Jack & Jim's B.C. Trip -- the Epilogue
Finally, finally, we have posted a selection of our photos from our trip out
west. When I say "we" I mean Jim posted them. I'm quite illiterate
when it comes to web pages and the like.
I apologize for the delay in getting them up and hope you are still interested
in viewing them. Coming home to a kitchen renovation in progress and a busy
work week meant we didn't have much spare time. I'm sure Greg can sympathize
with our reno situation (congrats on the bathroom).
The good news is that we are nearing the end now. Jim is applying the first
coat of paint as I type. Some finishing touches, such as a tile backsplash,
will have to wait until we can catch our breath and restock the bank account.
But it's looking gorgeous all the same. Maybe we'll post some before and after
pictures when we're done. Those of you who have seen my kitchen can vouch for the
fact that the cabinets looked like they were original to the house, which was
built in the early to mid 1930's. In fact, the wall colour we unearthed when we
tore down the cabinets was mint-icecream green. In style back in the 40's or
50's maybe? Ancient by my standards (my apologies to any of our readers who can
remember the decor of that period first hand).
Enough about my kitchen. I hope you turn your attention to our holiday pics. We
took tons more that we didn't post due to space and time considerations but
there are plenty to give you a sense of the wonder of the land. I hope you
enjoy them and that they'll inspire you to go out there and see it for yourself
if you haven't already.
The link is http://members.rogers.com/jcl.design/
And one last message specifically for Sue, Pookie, Fuzz & Misty.....Happy
Birthday!!!
For those of you who don't know, Fuzz and Misty are my mom's cats, Pookie is my
cat, and Sue is a cool cat. Three of the four turn 16 today. I'll leave it to
you to figure out which ones.
Have a great week!