Update and hello

I'm going to have to stop talking about just how negligent I've been here. Jeez!

Anyway, work stuff rolling along very well; folks at home all happy with the goings on; settling in a little more here; workin' on da tan, and havin' a laugh.

The upcoming time seems as though it will be pretty busy. Ma and Neil are coming in mid-August, Kenny is here Aug. 21 - 24, and Boo is coming Aug. 22 - 29.

I'm heading east on the 30th for a spell. Mind you, I think I may hop on the red eye the night of the 29th. I'm looking at a 6-hour flight to Montreal, and then I get to roll the clock ahead 3 hours! Y'wanted t'see me when I realized that I would lose 9 hours on this flight...and not even span the country! To think that Newfoundland is another 2,000 km after THAT! Not to mention...the clock rolls ahead another hour and a half.

I expect to return to Vancouver in late September. Details t.b.a.

However, for those of you in Montreal and Ottawa...I'll see you soon! I really can't wait.

There is a chance I'll head home after the 25th of September, but I'm not sure if that's pushin' it or not! Jury's out!

I bid you all a very bonne nuit!

Thank you. Another year older, a birthday on the west coast, and Boo is coming here!

I'm another year older.

I thank you for the heartfelt birthday wishes, twisted e-mails, and funky cards.

For my birthday, I spent time on the beach; time working; and I went to Doolin's (thanks to my newest pals in Vancouver).

I also spent time on the phone with several of you, and I do thank you for the calls and "Happy Birthday" seranades.

My Nessa and Baby Madison Molly Rose called today and we had a great chat. Nessa and Madison were on the CBC and NTV news this evening regarding the childcare commitment of the former Liberal government and the new Conservative government. The unknown of Stephen Harper is truly scary. Why did Canadians ever give him this toy to play with???? Referendum on the Gomery Report...OK...but...to what end, and what was really to our advantage (long term)? I say so rhetorically. Mind you, is someone can explain this extemist right-wing former Reform Party leader's mentality and objectives...please do so. I sincerely welcome the enlighenment. Who ever let him out to play?

The Premiers' Conference is presently in St. John's, Newfoundland. There are several groups that are lobbying (especially due to the change of federal government this past spring). NTV and the CBC approached Nessa for an interview this afternoon, and I'm glad she spoke on behalf of Childcare professionals and parents. She has really legitimate points and an amazing way of expressing herself. She is very well spoken and has a way of 'hitting' people when she speaks, and I believe she did well by the parents and childcare professionals of the province/country. Fair play!

I also spoke to Kayla (I call her "Boo") today and she is coming to Vancouver to see me. My girl! I have a previous posting that speaks of her, and she means so much to me. Today is a great day not because of my birthday, but because she is coming here. I will take her to the Blue Rodeo concert (for which I won tickets from Jack FM).

Boo and I have seen tennis matches at the Rogers Cup in Montreal and now we'll see our first concert together. Heaven help us...she's now old enough to go to the pubs.

I love new experiences with Boo because she really falls into her own category in my life and I really love who she's become. Truth be known... I'd love her anyway, no matter what - but I just guess I'm glad she's so spectacular. I'm really proud of her and am proud of who she is.

So, it's been a very happy birthday, and I thank you. You have called/e-mailed, and written from Australia, Germany, Ireland, England, Newfoundland, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, and parts unknown (literally).

I went out this evening with new friends from Vancouver and I thank them for the lovely evening, and memory.

I also spoke with a lot of friends and other family members at home today and I would really love to see them, but I don't know when I will.

So, over-and-out from the west coast. Safe home, wherever you are, and remember that perspective and interpretation play a large role!

Bonne nuit!

I won Blue Rodeo Tickets! Royal Newfoundland Regiment. My Negligence

Hi.

It's 12:42 (am) on Saturday morning...July 22. It's still technically Friday night.

I was at the Boathouse today. I took the laptop there and did some work. It's a oceanfront restaurant with a fabulous desk. I really make a very honest effort to do any appropriate 'linking' when I mention something 'linkable'. This particular Web-site isn't the best and it really doesn't do the place justice.

This afternoon Jack FM was broadcasting live from the Boathouse deck in English Bay. Everybody was given a 'slip' to fill out to win prizes. I really thought nothing of it and thought I'd win a cap, sticker, or T-shirt at best. As it turns out...they drew my name!!! I nearly died. It was weird hearing my full name and that I was from Vancouver! I won tickets to Blue Rodeo for late August. Cool! It will be an outdoor show at the Theatre Under The Stars in the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Apparently, they will call me on Monday with details! I'm excited about that.

I am tired and can not do the proper 'crediting' for this...but I certainly will with the posting. Anyway, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment is a very interesting thing. Most people know that Newfoundland joined the confederacy in 1949, but we don't usually think about things in Newfoundland prior to its 'date' with Canada. I want to talk about the Memorial Chamber (in Peace Tower - Parliament Hill, Ottawa) and The Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

My negligence. I am sorry. I have been 'away' from the blog for a little bit as of late. I have tons of things to write very soon (next week).

Talk to you soon.

View from My Place; Ambience in EB; and Bianca

(above:) This picture was taken from Coast Hotels (shown here)

This is part of the vista from my place.

If this picture were about three times as wide...that would be exactly it!

(above): English Bay at dusk

Picture taken from: www.vancouversider.com

(above): English Bay at night (those white lights atop the mountain are Grouse Mountain (there are pictures of that in the posting called Jerome).

Picture was taken from: www.vancouversider.com

(above): My place, English Bay Beach, Stanley Park (to the left), and the magestic Rockies

Picture courtesy of Vancouver Tourism, I found it here

Anyway, I was trying to capture the 'ambience' of English Bay and the little neighbourhood. I've managed to find lovely pictures of the place, but not of the little shopfronts and of the view from here (as opposed to of here). Not easy.

There is something very nice (and difficult to describe) about walking in your neighbourhood as the shops are coming to life. There is almost an eerie silence as people aren't quite into their groove and merchants set things up for the days passers-by.

It was so lovely this morning. The Chinese lady was putting the flowers and fruit out; there was a man with a stack of newpapers under his arm as he raised a metal security 'garage door-like' thingie; there was an older couple walking (horrible hats on); and there was a man putting tables and chairs out on the sidewalk so people can sit outside and have sushi! Then, there was yours truly...just takin' it all in. Nice. I love that quiet time of the morning. Sunday mornings are often like that.

This neighbourhood feels almost 'plateau-like' (Montreal)...but a little wilder.

"Janine" is on the radio....one of my favourite Trooper tunes....(I am so singin' into my air mic and movin' around here like a pure f-r-e-a-k, folks). La, la, la,l-la, l-la, ...and if the world's getting harder and harder to understand... That particular song doesn't get a lot of air time (nor does the "Thin White Line"...lyrics to DIE FOR).

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Sue...I fuckin' love Trooper! She likes to give me shite for anything like that! I love it! I can hear her uber-witty one-liners now! Dare I attempt...

OK, this is something she would say (how brave am I?), "OK, fuckin' Trooper. WHAT-EV-ER! WE GET IT! NEXT!" Of course, she would then break out in a rap song and shag up the words (but be very clever in making up her own). I would then interupt and remind her that she is not an 18-year old African American boy....to which she will reply using words like 'homies' and 'crib' and telling me to fuck off because I'm jealous because I can't rap! She will then sing me the first verses of "Memory" (from Cats), "Tomorrow" (from Annie), and the theme song from the Brady Bunch. The really sick part of it is that...by the end of it... we'll both be singing "Radar Love" (including our vocal renditions of the guitar licks...) and laughin' our heads off. I know Sue is secretly yearning for the "Best of Rick Springfield" collection!

So, G, did I get that right? Sound like us? Of course, Bianca will have something clever to say on that one. Folks, Bianca is another friend in Ottawa. I think Sue and I met her the same night...not sure; I don't remember exactly how that one went down. I know it was at the pub though (Snug).

Bianca is an interesting sort. She will tell you tales of the lovely violence one can achieve with a toaster-oven; she will tell you about vicious 'hiss and spit' moments between 'her friend' and 'her friend's' mother in-law. Well, hello, Lena. I'd love to tell you what happened to 'her friend's' laundry room...but I'd be hung.

King of Kensington

Most of you fine loyal subjects are Canadian...ALL of you are of a 'certain age'...so, The King of Kensington should ring a bell.

This was just a Canadian sit-com (CBC) about a guy and his interaction with his neighbours and his neighbourhood (I can still see the intro where he's walking down the street saying hello to everybody...with something in his hand...I forget what...a newspaper...a hot dog...dunno).

There were 111 Episodes, 1975 - 1980, and the show starred Al Waxman Helen Winton, Fiona Reid.
Article Courtesy of the Toronto Sun.

I found this here (you can read the article better by clicking here instead of on the picture)

Walking in my little neighbourhood early morning really reminds me of Larry King (Al Waxman) during the intro to his show. There are little chairs and small tables outside shopfronts; I can now say hello to the Chinese lady who has the flowers for sale out frontl; I can say hello to the girl at the burger joint who can tell you all the people who pull parking scams in front of her shop; I can even name a few who work at the 7-eleven; and I am sure to see everything from a limousine to a strung-out druggie talking to a gull! I'm not sure the "King" had the crack-head and fowl element to his cheerful existence in Kensington Market.

I am paying closer attention to shop windows and can almost list the shops that are closest. You can see some really nice aerial pictures of Vancouver if you click here.

By now Sue is saying, "Oh, fer God sakes...can you talk about anything that happened POST 1995?!" (ok, Sue, don't read this part... to the rest of you...she loves the attention!)

There seems to be a problem with putting pics up now. Geez. I'm going to post this and continue it. I can't believe I've actually found some great pictures that are my view here!!!!

Talk t'ya in a minute.

Atlantic Trap & Gill - gonna check it out

Hello, one and all.

I have a great post coming (entitled: The Opposite Sex). I usually just write them and post them directly, but, I've lost some concentration and I want to do it justice.

I spent the day on the beach (which is always nice).

I'm going to the Atlantic Trap & Gill tonight (Davie & Seymour). Being from Newfoundland, everybody I meet suggests this place to me. Well, tonight's the night, folks. They have live music and I will surely report tomorrow.

As it turns out, the 'unknown' person who has contacted me through this blog is German and living in Switzerland (you can see the person's comments on another post). That means I am officially in 4 European countries. I know my blog is being read from Hawaii to Switzerland. I like that! Thank you!

Bonne soiree a tout le monde!

Brief Update

Greetings from the west coast.

I've been workin' m'tail off the past few days. It's actually been a very quiet few days, but you know those 'productive' modes one can get in? Well, I don't know what moon is lined up with what planet in what house...but I've surely been on a roll.

Today is "Bastille" Day...the national holiday in France. Bonne fete, mes amis en France!

I've been a well-behaved Newfoundlander and have not gone out too much in the last week or so. I'll probably do something over the weekend though. I still haven't figured out Victoria and what not.

I will try to write more later...it's Friday, I'll probably knock off early!

Today's Work and Activities, VOCM Open Line (gentle), Seabirds, and projects for the remainder of July

Another sunrise and sunset later...

Worked well today, and am very pleased with the other EnCana project; almost finished.

Listened to the VOCM Open Line a bit today on-line. I don't even dare get on to that subject... it would be like talking politics, religion, immigration, and hockey all at once. The Open line is a public forum (where you can say anthing you want because you are just 'Caller') on the radio every morning in St. John's. It gets very heated and is never calm, easy listening. I woke up at 4:00 am today...so I was able to catch a sunrise with the Open Line. With the time difference... the Open Line is over at 7:00 am! That's crazy!

I spoke to Ma this morning at 4:00 am (8:30 am in NF). I could hear the Atlantic seabirds at the same time as the Pacific seabirds. Nice! "Gulls in Stereo".

Today, I looked up some recreational sports teams to join (softball and curling); both co-ed and for fun.

There is 2 kinds of softball here though; 4-ball and mat-ball. In 4-ball, every batter gets 4 pitches and that's it. The mat-ball is more what I picture as rec softball (pitch away...4 balls=walk...3 strikes and yer outta there). I'm very late signing up (they started the last week of April), so the girl at Vancouver Recreational Softball Leagues has to see who has the fewest players and that's the team I'll go on. Guess I should getta glove, huh?

The curling is year-round, and they're finishing up a 'session' in 3 weeks, but I may be able to play before that. Should be cool. Ma would have a fit! She's so afraid of me getting hurt! I secretly feel like I'm 10 and just got away with something!

I'm want to go to another Trooper concert! Actually, I'm friggin' goin'! This will forever be my "Trooper" time of life. They're playing July 22 in Maple Ridge.

I am also going to head to Victoria to see Ivan and Cecile (friends of mine from Humboldt, SK who are housesitting for a relative of theirs). There are 5 cats at that house!!!! Apparently, the house is close to the Empress (the big Fairmont property on the water), so that means it's very well situated and I know that area.

I met Ma and Neil in Victoria on the Victoria Day weekend (we worked a gig with National Defence - Esquimault). Of course, Ma showed me around and it was really neat to be there over Victoria Day. They had all kinds of special events going on. I particularly liked the Harbour Hopper to Spinnakers!!!!

I have to go and come before the 22nd though. Ivan and Cecile are coming here on the 25th (as their housesitting duties will be fulfilled) on their way back to Humboldt. I also need to go to Calgary and I won't find out the details of that until a conference call that is scheduled for the 17th. So, I expect it will be pretty crazy considering the 11th is quickly coming to an end.

This time, when I go to Calgary, I'm calling friends I know in Bassano, AB (an hour south of Calgary) to meet me. I'm going to spend extra days there. When I went in June...it was really just in - out and that's it. I want to poke around more this time. I was supposed to go this week...which would have put me there for the Stampede. That would have been neat.

Anyway, friends, bonne nuit de l'ouest.

I will close with a quote from the Open Line this morning:

"It's not comin' down in buckets...it's comin' down in 40-gallon drums" - referring to rain.

Posting Comments

Thank you so much for reading my blog! I love it when I see comments, get e-mails, and hear over the phone that people are reading it.

If you do post a comment, don't forget to check back there because I will answer you.

I think I got my first truly 'anonymous' comment, so that's pretty cool.

Merci, les amis.