I am trying to think of the title for this post. I am struck by the fact that I have no words to state what it is that I am going to write about. It is very challenging to sit here and try to figure how to describe this post.
I have a few Items that I was hoping to write about, success this week, finished some things around the house. Proud of the work and effort and the result. But I was struck by something I saw that made me realize that the success this week was overshadowed by another success.
Not to hold out I am really in a bind as I said I had some wonderful things to put in here. I am looking forward to going out to take pictures on Saturday with Traci. So why not be excited to talk about that. But it is not that significant.
I thought the title might be how to be brave and courageous. Or how to be stronger than anyone in the world. Yeah a lot people had a lot really bad stuff happen in the last two weeks. I will not deny those the opportunity to express their feelings. But I am going to circle back to what I am thinking.
Some time ago Facebook made it possible to reach out and find all those people you know or used to know or thought you knew. It made it possible to show your vacation on the beach and to put up pics of all the cool stuff you have done. So much more interesting than that other persons life. I am better than them, maybe that was what you said to yourself, look at what I have done. Insert beach vacation photo.
In that time I have reconnected via Facebook. I know more about some of the people in my family. Those that actually post anything. I am not really a Facebook posting guy. I share my photos as a way of showing off my photo skills. Yeah, I am using Facebook for the same thing as all those others I guess. I like to think I am not but probably a bit of me is.
So what is this really about? I have watched somebody on Facebook facing something that most of are not going to face in the same way. I am talking about death. I have watched and read all the posts from my cousins. I have looked at the photos. I have seen my aunt slowly disappear as her body gives itself up to the fight that she has been in for the last many years. I see her photos, no embarrassment or pity. I see her smiling at the camera, even posing like she is saying this is me at this moment take my photo. Most of us do not think about how we are doing or what we are doing. Sure I have those aches and pains from things I did years ago. Knees hurt back hurts, but none of that is killing me. I am not looking into a camera going this may be that last photo.
So I am inspired by my Aunt. My wife asked me when was the last time I saw her? I thought long about this and she finally said it was at our wedding. I went yeah you are right. Many years have gone by since that time. To say I know my aunt really well I guess would be misleading. I probably do not know here at all. What does she like or not like. I spent time around her as a kid and young adult. But that was it. Still I have never once not thought of her as person you would not want to be around. Others may have different opinions. She was always nice to me, friendly and so on. I always thought of her as a bit of a rebel really. A bit dark and mysterious. Not sure if that is true or not but I recall as a kid thinking she was pretty cool.
But life is leaving her and she is showing those signs of somebody who has very little time left to be with family and friends. Yes I think we all appreciate that fact that nobody knows for sure what we have. I always think of the phase "how did you spend your time". I think about this more often now, how do you spend your time? Bank account that you are spending but do not know when you are going to hit 0$.
My Aunt V. is tough though, she has put this fight inside and kept it closed off from the world from what I see. She told it to stay out of the way while I enjoy what time I have. I wonder if you put that to some of these people in the world today that this was what they face how would they do? My Aunt V is tough, brave and courageous, beyond words. I see the photos, the smile and sparkle in her eye. I see her girls and grandkids all of them brave. But most of all living. There is no greater gift to give than yourself 100% and I think that is what her family is doing. Unselfish and unquestioned devotion and love.
So to my Aunt V a toast, a hug and a smile.
Most do not know the strength and will it has taken you to fight the way you have.
To the rest of us, maybe that problem or argument or what ever wrong was done is not the worst thing in the world. I know 2 girls that are supporting their mother through a battle, one that everyone knows has only one outcome. I know a mother who through her strength has fought as hard as any one can, but also was humble enough to accept the help of her daughters. I know a couple of families that would trade everything for 1 more day. Those are the people that we should aspire to. Those are the ones that we should want to be more like.
I was never great at interpreting poetry but when I think of my Aunt I think of this poem. Maybe it means something different than what I think it does. But to me it symbolizes that determination and fight.
Do not go gentle into that good night
Friday, 27 November 2015
Sunday, 22 November 2015
I now know why I do what I do....
Yes it is time for that post about renovations. The long of it is that we are still in the middle of these changes to our home. But these changes are all slowly showing signs of being done. We are starting the final processes if you will. That is where I think we are at currently. The kitchen is a patch work of cabinets, 2x4 tables and so on. But it works. We have all the stuff we want or need on order and that is the big thing. To have the cabinets and counters ordered we are just a short distance from the finish line. So when this is all said and done we are hopefully going to be in a position to say that we are done for a while.
So let me do the recap for you. Half the main floor is done. we ripped out the kitchen and opened it up. Ripped out a bathroom upstairs and have been working on that. In the grand scheme of things there is a lot left to do and a short period to do it in. This week is finish the bathroom. it has the new tub and shower unit installed. New plumbing installed. Removed the old drywall from the walls and ceiling was recovered. New ceiling fan installed. Drywalling in mudded and taped, walls and ceiling is primed. Ceiling also was replaced. New paint is done. Tile was in this weekend. We are just waiting for the mortar to set. So Monday is grout day. Then the floor is done. Next step is to get the toilet and new vanity installed. Then the bathroom is done.
Next in line is remove baseboards from the main floor. Get the walls and window casing painted. Follow that with new window treatments and then we are hoping to see what happens for the cabinets. About 2 weeks prior to the cabinets we have to remove the old kitchen entirely. No sink no nothing. Move the electrical outlets and do some drywall repair. Remove the old flooring entirely and then it is down to waiting for the cabinet installers.
So Kitchen completion around January or February time. Which means that by spring our house rents are maybe going to be done.
But just for fun our furnace has chosen to act up so on Friday this week we get to have that priced out. Which could put a bit of a damper on the renovations we are doing or should I say some of the stuff we had on our wish list to complete.
Back to the title, I do not want to be a professional tiler ever!!! my knees and back are done after this weekend of tiling. That is why I am a sit at a desk computer guy.
Oh yeah, window, forgot about the new kitchen window we put in. Love it to bits. large and bright makes a huge difference to the space. So pictures will be coming once we have some completed work to show in the kitchen area.
So let me do the recap for you. Half the main floor is done. we ripped out the kitchen and opened it up. Ripped out a bathroom upstairs and have been working on that. In the grand scheme of things there is a lot left to do and a short period to do it in. This week is finish the bathroom. it has the new tub and shower unit installed. New plumbing installed. Removed the old drywall from the walls and ceiling was recovered. New ceiling fan installed. Drywalling in mudded and taped, walls and ceiling is primed. Ceiling also was replaced. New paint is done. Tile was in this weekend. We are just waiting for the mortar to set. So Monday is grout day. Then the floor is done. Next step is to get the toilet and new vanity installed. Then the bathroom is done.
Next in line is remove baseboards from the main floor. Get the walls and window casing painted. Follow that with new window treatments and then we are hoping to see what happens for the cabinets. About 2 weeks prior to the cabinets we have to remove the old kitchen entirely. No sink no nothing. Move the electrical outlets and do some drywall repair. Remove the old flooring entirely and then it is down to waiting for the cabinet installers.
So Kitchen completion around January or February time. Which means that by spring our house rents are maybe going to be done.
But just for fun our furnace has chosen to act up so on Friday this week we get to have that priced out. Which could put a bit of a damper on the renovations we are doing or should I say some of the stuff we had on our wish list to complete.
Back to the title, I do not want to be a professional tiler ever!!! my knees and back are done after this weekend of tiling. That is why I am a sit at a desk computer guy.
Oh yeah, window, forgot about the new kitchen window we put in. Love it to bits. large and bright makes a huge difference to the space. So pictures will be coming once we have some completed work to show in the kitchen area.
Monday, 9 November 2015
For the dogs.....
Hi and welcome back. I am going to get things going on the dogs, not too obvious from the title. Molly our new fuzz ball is a lakeland terrier. Not really what I thought we would be going for in a dog but she is wonderful. Full of energy and playful as every puppy is. The transition from dog owner to a family with no dog was tough. Cole was very much part of the fabric and he to this day has managed to leave clumps of dog hair around the house. I cleaned some out of the corner of a closet this past weekend. Maybe that is more a comment on my vacuuming skills? Anyway, we said we would go without and not leap into another dog/pet take the summer and see. Well we lasted about 4 weeks. It was so strange to have no dog around. My biggest concern was getting another lab. I love the breed and the temperament is so people friendly. But there is the hair and other things that come with labs, such as the desire to roll in stuff and swim all the time even in the cold weather. But to be honest if I got another lab I would be looking for Cole and that is not fair to any dog or to our family. So along comes the debate. Smaller, non-shedding, nothing to fluffy, something with some spunk. The list went on. We had started to investigate wire hair fox terriers, but they were not ready for ownership when we contacted the breeder, in fact they were not born yet. Then we were told about the lakeland terrier, I am not a terrier guy so I use google and look them up. Seems possible they would work. I contacted a breeder who is currently holding 2 puppies that are almost 6 months. Murphy and Molly.
Lets skip ahead a smidge. I am not the best person to pick dogs. I tend to be more of a give me that one and lets go, so no real process. But this time I came with a list of things. We met Murphy first, he was in and out and done with us in 2 seconds, he has more important things then the people in the room. Which is ok but he also was having some teeth issues which may have been a trip to the vet to have some baby teeth pulled. That said I am not big on vet bills. Molly was next and there was that immediate charm, she was sitting with Traci and by sitting it was just at her feet, but she came in the room full of energy and said hello and then boom she was calm checking us all out and then sitting. Loved that part of her, still love that part of her. She is a people dog and that is great by us.
Back to contact with the breeder, I am wondering why these 2 dogs are still there. Well murphy is a male and he is very dominant personality according to the breeder she had never seen a pup with that much personality at such a young age. Already lifting the leg and so on. So why is Molly still there. Well it is simple she has a little kink in her tail. it was probably broken at birth or some place along the way and the conformation is not right for a show dog. We not needing a show dog don't mind the twist in the tail. So Molly would be coming home with us.
Now when thing work out or come together like this I am always amazed. Sort of a seek and ye shall find attitude. It is like looking for that one specific gift for a person and you find it right away. You go yeah! that is it!. Well it all just kind of works. We get Molly and we have a slightly older pup and life is good.
We are back to dog people again. The space that our pets fill in our hearts is a unique one. I know Molly is not Cole and Cole was not Coco our first lab. Coco was a rescue with many issues mostly due to abuse. She was a loving dog, we have pictures of Sinclaire at about 2 reading leaning back against Coco. She loved us and we loved her. Sadly here hips and knees gave out at 10 and she did not make it to old age. Cole he was ours from a pup. All the good and bad that he brought as he had his moments. But now we have Molly, again the special place that animals take in our home and hearts is really a unique space. They make you think about things. They take your mind off your troubles, they make you go for walks when it is cold or raining. They even make you go for walks when you head is full of work related garbage. But when you are out there with them that garbage gets sorted out and thrown away.
I hold all the dogs in my life in special places. I have favourites for sure. I hope I have given them something that resembles a happy and fulfilled life. As is always the case they give more to us humans unconditionally than we realize. I am for that reason thankful that we choose to have these four legged family members.
One thing I did when I had taken Cole in to the vet, this was a few month's before he died. I sat down on the floor and got really close to him. I thanked him. I told him what he meant to us as a family. I told him I was not ready to see him go. I wanted him to stay with us for a very long time. I told him I would not let him suffer and I would be there when it was time. I looked into his eyes and I know I saw his response it was warmth and love.
I look into Molly's eyes and I see energy, love and warmth.
Lets skip ahead a smidge. I am not the best person to pick dogs. I tend to be more of a give me that one and lets go, so no real process. But this time I came with a list of things. We met Murphy first, he was in and out and done with us in 2 seconds, he has more important things then the people in the room. Which is ok but he also was having some teeth issues which may have been a trip to the vet to have some baby teeth pulled. That said I am not big on vet bills. Molly was next and there was that immediate charm, she was sitting with Traci and by sitting it was just at her feet, but she came in the room full of energy and said hello and then boom she was calm checking us all out and then sitting. Loved that part of her, still love that part of her. She is a people dog and that is great by us.
Back to contact with the breeder, I am wondering why these 2 dogs are still there. Well murphy is a male and he is very dominant personality according to the breeder she had never seen a pup with that much personality at such a young age. Already lifting the leg and so on. So why is Molly still there. Well it is simple she has a little kink in her tail. it was probably broken at birth or some place along the way and the conformation is not right for a show dog. We not needing a show dog don't mind the twist in the tail. So Molly would be coming home with us.
Now when thing work out or come together like this I am always amazed. Sort of a seek and ye shall find attitude. It is like looking for that one specific gift for a person and you find it right away. You go yeah! that is it!. Well it all just kind of works. We get Molly and we have a slightly older pup and life is good.
We are back to dog people again. The space that our pets fill in our hearts is a unique one. I know Molly is not Cole and Cole was not Coco our first lab. Coco was a rescue with many issues mostly due to abuse. She was a loving dog, we have pictures of Sinclaire at about 2 reading leaning back against Coco. She loved us and we loved her. Sadly here hips and knees gave out at 10 and she did not make it to old age. Cole he was ours from a pup. All the good and bad that he brought as he had his moments. But now we have Molly, again the special place that animals take in our home and hearts is really a unique space. They make you think about things. They take your mind off your troubles, they make you go for walks when it is cold or raining. They even make you go for walks when you head is full of work related garbage. But when you are out there with them that garbage gets sorted out and thrown away.
I hold all the dogs in my life in special places. I have favourites for sure. I hope I have given them something that resembles a happy and fulfilled life. As is always the case they give more to us humans unconditionally than we realize. I am for that reason thankful that we choose to have these four legged family members.
One thing I did when I had taken Cole in to the vet, this was a few month's before he died. I sat down on the floor and got really close to him. I thanked him. I told him what he meant to us as a family. I told him I was not ready to see him go. I wanted him to stay with us for a very long time. I told him I would not let him suffer and I would be there when it was time. I looked into his eyes and I know I saw his response it was warmth and love.
I look into Molly's eyes and I see energy, love and warmth.
Friday, 6 November 2015
East Coast to home and then some
I am back. Finished the St John's tour with a day at the museum. It was terrific. I wonder why as kids the stuff never sinks in how amazing this country is? I am amazed at the people and the country on the coast. Very much a different place. I saw colour and vibrant life out there. Not too sure what inspires the art but it is everywhere. They have a bunch of stuff going on. Then you put the history of the area and wow truly a unique place in our country.
So let me see what I am owing the readership. Photos, updates on kitchen renos, details on Molly, and some tidbits on St. John's.
So let me give you the tidbits. Trip was a quick one with little time to plan but thanks to some former coworkers I know that live out in ST. John's I am able to say we saw things. I toured the first 2 days with Traci, we did the usual, signal hill and cape spear. Cape spear is the furthest east point in North America. I think I have a lot photos very interesting area. Light houses, rocky terrain, ocean, and of course wind.
After the first couple of days I was on my own and that was ok but not as fun when I know Traci is working. I went down to Maddox Cove, Fort Amherst, Quidi Vidi and lots of little stops in between.
Spent a couple nights trying to get some night photos. I have to admit I got the idea from the web but hey that is what the web is for, giving you ideas right.
So onto some photos. Here is a quick sample of what is to come. Some of these are unedited, so I hope they are decent enough to give you a glimpse. I think I took around 800 plus photos and I am hoping to probably edit 40 to 50 of them from what I am seeing in my pile of really likes. Again just a sample so I will make some more available as they become ready for public eyes.
To summarize if you have been out to the east coast you are probably thinking meh, but for me it was a great time, I would love to go back with maybe a couple of weeks to cruise around and see more of the place and maybe get out to Gros Morne national park.
When I was in Quidi Vidi there was a group of artist that I went to see, they do all types of art, but mainly they do traditional stuff, I bought a couple of pictures from the folks again because they are unique and they are hand made and to me they speak about the place I was at. I like that idea a lot.
But the one artist saw my camera and we started talking I showed them some of the images I had from the other day and so on. Then they showed me Gros Morne on their laptop. Amazing place so now that is on the list of things to explore in the future. But for now enjoy the samples of ST. John's and I will try and get those other things I owe the readers onto the blog soon.
So let me see what I am owing the readership. Photos, updates on kitchen renos, details on Molly, and some tidbits on St. John's.
So let me give you the tidbits. Trip was a quick one with little time to plan but thanks to some former coworkers I know that live out in ST. John's I am able to say we saw things. I toured the first 2 days with Traci, we did the usual, signal hill and cape spear. Cape spear is the furthest east point in North America. I think I have a lot photos very interesting area. Light houses, rocky terrain, ocean, and of course wind.
After the first couple of days I was on my own and that was ok but not as fun when I know Traci is working. I went down to Maddox Cove, Fort Amherst, Quidi Vidi and lots of little stops in between.
Spent a couple nights trying to get some night photos. I have to admit I got the idea from the web but hey that is what the web is for, giving you ideas right.
So onto some photos. Here is a quick sample of what is to come. Some of these are unedited, so I hope they are decent enough to give you a glimpse. I think I took around 800 plus photos and I am hoping to probably edit 40 to 50 of them from what I am seeing in my pile of really likes. Again just a sample so I will make some more available as they become ready for public eyes.
To summarize if you have been out to the east coast you are probably thinking meh, but for me it was a great time, I would love to go back with maybe a couple of weeks to cruise around and see more of the place and maybe get out to Gros Morne national park.
When I was in Quidi Vidi there was a group of artist that I went to see, they do all types of art, but mainly they do traditional stuff, I bought a couple of pictures from the folks again because they are unique and they are hand made and to me they speak about the place I was at. I like that idea a lot.
But the one artist saw my camera and we started talking I showed them some of the images I had from the other day and so on. Then they showed me Gros Morne on their laptop. Amazing place so now that is on the list of things to explore in the future. But for now enjoy the samples of ST. John's and I will try and get those other things I owe the readers onto the blog soon.
Monday, 2 November 2015
time for a little update
So if this blog is supposed to be about me or at least about what I am up to. Maybe not people really do not care that much if I change my socks or underwear on a daily basis. Anyway, I have remained quite for some time. I think now is a good opportunity as the wind is ripping outside. Drizzle is sort of happening and I must say that my day was awesome. It started with a downpour, yep the wind was blowing the rain sideways. I was not concerned as it was an option in my plans that if this happens I would be able to do something indoors. No biggie. Well, maybe I am leaving out a big part of the information for my readers. I am currently doing something fun, I am in St John's NL, east coast of Canada. This wonderful country amazes me. So how did I get here you ask? Lets wind the clock back a bit shall we?
First in spring when cole passed away in our home I was crushed, I did not feel much like posting so I took a break. As you can see that break was an extended time. So with that I think some catching up is in order. Introduce Molly. Our new gal, I will probably have to do a bunch of updating on her, she has brought the wonderful back in to our world. Definitely a challenge having a young dog again, also a breed that has a different attitude and temperament. More on Molly later.
So kitchen stuff, yes the reno's continue. But the light is coming and we have updates I will do that as well.
Finally summer and all the fun photo stuff I have done. It was amazing I truly enjoy the photo stuff. My bank and CFO probably not so much.
Then fall happens, the girl is back at University, year 3, the kid he is in 12 and well it is high school and pressure and so on. Not sure how he is handling all of it but he is a great kid and will figure out life when he is ready to take things on.
Then hey my better half needs to go to St John's, say what? I am right there, booked days off work, used airmiles and said lets go early and enjoy the sights. Yep never been here before but I am impressed. Now St John's is not under 10 feet of wet snow right now, but I am impressed this is a beautiful city with may beautiful things in it and around it. Photography abounds, I keep seeing things that make go yep coming back later when the lights are on for a night shot or that would be a great shot from across the bay. Just never ending. So I have taken a bunch of photos. Traci and I spent two wonderful days exploring as much as you can. I even heard Traci say this is how I see us when we are older, exploring and doing....So love this gal she amazes me.
So St John's small city, small city things, like closed on sunday, closed on Monday. Not cool when I am looking for things to do. But since today is a bit wet and definitely windy I am game for anything. Walked to an old battery on the side of the coast, went up to signal hill in fog and rain, just endless adventure. I will put some photos up once I get my stuff together which is 1. get back to calgary and 2. have a minute to edit and post photos.
Anyway, thanks for holding on and waiting me out. I know this is not maybe the detailed post you were looking for but maybe it is enough to let you know I am here. Loving Canada on the East Coast and looking forward to getting home and maybe back to reno's and photo editing....maybe.
cheers.
First in spring when cole passed away in our home I was crushed, I did not feel much like posting so I took a break. As you can see that break was an extended time. So with that I think some catching up is in order. Introduce Molly. Our new gal, I will probably have to do a bunch of updating on her, she has brought the wonderful back in to our world. Definitely a challenge having a young dog again, also a breed that has a different attitude and temperament. More on Molly later.
So kitchen stuff, yes the reno's continue. But the light is coming and we have updates I will do that as well.
Finally summer and all the fun photo stuff I have done. It was amazing I truly enjoy the photo stuff. My bank and CFO probably not so much.
Then fall happens, the girl is back at University, year 3, the kid he is in 12 and well it is high school and pressure and so on. Not sure how he is handling all of it but he is a great kid and will figure out life when he is ready to take things on.
Then hey my better half needs to go to St John's, say what? I am right there, booked days off work, used airmiles and said lets go early and enjoy the sights. Yep never been here before but I am impressed. Now St John's is not under 10 feet of wet snow right now, but I am impressed this is a beautiful city with may beautiful things in it and around it. Photography abounds, I keep seeing things that make go yep coming back later when the lights are on for a night shot or that would be a great shot from across the bay. Just never ending. So I have taken a bunch of photos. Traci and I spent two wonderful days exploring as much as you can. I even heard Traci say this is how I see us when we are older, exploring and doing....So love this gal she amazes me.
So St John's small city, small city things, like closed on sunday, closed on Monday. Not cool when I am looking for things to do. But since today is a bit wet and definitely windy I am game for anything. Walked to an old battery on the side of the coast, went up to signal hill in fog and rain, just endless adventure. I will put some photos up once I get my stuff together which is 1. get back to calgary and 2. have a minute to edit and post photos.
Anyway, thanks for holding on and waiting me out. I know this is not maybe the detailed post you were looking for but maybe it is enough to let you know I am here. Loving Canada on the East Coast and looking forward to getting home and maybe back to reno's and photo editing....maybe.
cheers.
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