A Little Off....

In part, I suppose, it's a combination of the shift change and the heat but I feel sort of wonky. Had occasion to head off to a walk-in clinic this morning for an unrelated matter but this is a 'downtime' day. I'm taking it easy for the afternoon and meeting Lynda for a barbeque at the house when she's done work. I might stick around there to enjoy the air conditioning.

There are a whole slew of CD's that have been packed away for months so I've dug out a couple of faves for a good listen. Literally 'music to my ears'. David Gilmour's 'On An Island' sounds soooooo gooooood......lots of good memories around that concert last year at Massey Hall. Cousin BJ and I had been talking about musical tastes so, for her, I had John Coltane on a while ago. And with 'fuzzychip' in mind, here goes KT Tunstall.

Time to gather my stuff and contribution to dinner - a dessert of mixed berry yogurt and fresh blueberries.

Good news - an opportunity to earn some extra money. My boss has asked me to do one of those 26 hour shifts - Friday a.m. into Saturday a.m. Admissions, discharges, run a couple of meetings; all that good stuff. Woo-Hoo!!

Sarah is due within a couple of weeks and when I spoke to her last night she doesn't think she'll go that long - she's predicting around the 4th instead of the 13th. She's feeling good and has been energized and active. I asked her to call day or night when she goes into active labour. Daniel is keeping a good eye on her - he's a good man. When I have pictures I'll be doing the 'proud papa' thing and showing them off here. Must check into flight info soon.

Later.

Yee-Haw

Much as I've been a lazy bugger and not made a lot of progress lately, I re-arranged the computer and TV set-up this morning and set up the surround system.



Ta-da! Here are some of my cd's. I didn't feel that it would be safe to pile any more. Materially, this is what I'm connected to and I suppose this is how I measure wealth - by the ear full??



This likely isn't the final arrangement but it'll do for now. Lynda just bought me the cabinet in the corner to store the cd's but I'm pretty sure it's for bottles of wine.

What mischief can I get into this afternoon?

1,000 Visits

Over the weekend the site meter recorded the 1,000th visit to this site - a little landmark for me. In retrospect it was encouragement from Michelle in S. Africa and Kel in Australia that gave me the kick in the pants I needed to make a start back in October. I was inspired also in part by Glen in Seattle as he has quite a site and is a great writer. (must pick his brain about a couple of things he does). Off the top I was commenting on various things I'm interested in, things which were going on in my life and some current events. A bit on music or things I happened to read.

Things changed for quite a time and I'm surprised and happy that regular readers stuck around - the situation with Lynda and I must have been like watching a trainwreck unfold. That entire situation continues to evolve and I'm happy with how things are developing. We speak on the phone at least a few times a day, or email and see one another most days. We spend time at each of the houses, visiting back and forth, eating together or helping with a bit of work on either end. We're okay and doing well.

I'm happy cousin BJ has become a regular reader and that 'fuzzychip' has rejoined the ranks. I imagine she'll be a regular after having been an occasional visitor early on. She has a fine mind and I'd like to catch up on what her work experience has been like lately.

There's a lot to be accomplished here at home this week and I'm glad to be up early to get a start on the job list. Yesterday was an 'off' day - some sort of a virus - and so I was up for only about 9 hours total. (shopped for food, visited Mom and watched a movie) It's supposed to be stinking hot for the next few days so I'll pace myself and plod away crossing things off the 'to-do' list. Morning coffee is done so there's no time like the present to get started. Have a 'brilliant' week!

Little Big Plans.....

There has been little accomplished on the homefront this past week as I've enjoyed little sleep. As a result I've wandered about in a haze and managed to keep up on a few little things like laundry, a little shopping and cooking the occassional meal. If I'm successful in flipping my shifts quickly the push will be on to get things arranged, the rest of the boxes unpacked, pictures hung and bookcases filled. I don't think it will feel very 'home-like' until I get it looking the way I want it. 'Til then it continues to be a place to sleep and hang out. Lots and lots to do - one thing at a time.

I may be helping Lynda do a job when I get off work in the morning provided she gets up early enough. Terry is coming over after I get up later on Sunday to work on the computer. Monday night is my home group meeting. Tuesday morning is breakfast with about a dozen AA guys from various groups at a local diner. One thing I haven't taken time to do as yet is to walk the neighbourhood. There's a bike trail nearby which follows a creekbed down to the lake; that should provide some camera fodder.

If I manage to stay away from the computer I may just get some work done.

I can't believe July is almost over and with it half the prime summer weather. This week should be a good time for the first fresh taste of corn on the cob. Sounds like a good plan.

The Madness Continues...

All the agony and upset of Friday night spilled over and carried into Saturday. All I can be thankful for is that it isn't my upset. I walked into a mess Friday night and it seemed I was going round putting out fires and defusing conflicts forever. Things would settle, there would be a lull, then flare up again.

Issues have a life of their own when people won't let them go and stop talking endlessly about them. As soon as the guys were up for the day things heated up again and one guy was discharged for instigating and intimidation. Another self-discharged because he couldn't handle the pressure the ongoing situation was causing him.

When I arrived tonight we decided to hold the guys back from going to their outside meeting and I lead a meeting where the major players in the drama had an opportunity to present their views. It was important that they report only on their part, their words and actions. No interruptions, no cross talk, no accusations. Once they had their say the rest of the house let them know how they had been affected by the conflict. I offered a synopsis, some alternate perspective and suggestions for resolution, then opened the floor again for more discussion. We ran overtime but apologies were made and accepted, hands shaken and peace made. I hope it holds.

It's very unusual for these divisive situations to arise and last for any length of time. They normally flare up and get resolved as quickly as they begin. It certainly shifts the focus away from recovery.

A little full moon fever, perhaps?

Destress / Refresh

After a particularly hairy beginning to the night I've been laying back, taking it easy and goofing off watching Jeff Beck videos on YouTube. If you'd care to see some spectacular bottleneck guitar work do a search for Jeff Beck - Angel (Footsteps); a version posted by 'sqstrat'; added Oct 5, 06. It's some of his most controlled, understated and melodic playing. Watch for the final segment where he uses the bottleneck to tap out the tune on the strings. Awesome.

Just what the doctor ordered tonight.

fStop Friday

Here are a couple of shots taken during these last couple of weeks. I got this sunrise on the way home and liked how the clouds were underlit and rimmed with light.



I'm not overly fond of this shot. There aren't many pictures of me that I do like but for some reason Lynda likes it. I'm pretty sure this was the night before the move - The Last Supper.



I liked the composition of this one with it's strong graphic bands and the random shapes of the water droplets.



Here's a shot of the last full moon setting toward Toronto, just at daybreak. Dark and hazy but kinda cool all the same.



I have some places in mind to scout out for some interesting shots; next week.....

Regarding......

.....the title of this blog.

Change. I've seen a bit of that happening in my life of late....a tad here and there. Sorry, I'm being facetious. I've been thinking a lot about all that's happened; all the states of mind, thought, and emotion plus physical displacement and continuing changes in roles. At times it's been very difficult to simply maintain a semblance of sanity while continuing to attend to daily tasks and work. All the while directing my best energies to re-establishing this relationship and working on my end of our problems.

Today, courtesy of the folks at higherawareness.com, this found it's way into my inbox:
Life continually evolves. We’re always moving into new experiences, new possibilities. This constant change unsettles the personality, which finds security in stability. But with life always in flux, that security is an illusion. We experience pain by trying to hold on to things that are not solid.

Life becomes joyful when we can open to the constant flow and ride freely with it. This requires us to let go of the need to control. We need to learn to trust.

The only qualifier I would add is that trust should be tied to faith. Our lives can and will ultimately be much better with the liberal application of directed prayer and meditation. Through faith we will be open, trusting, joyous and free in the face of any adverse change in circumstance.

I no longer need to be in control as I take an active part in directing outcomes via positive thought and by having faith those prayers will be answered in the best possible interest of all concerned. Change isn't to be feared; it is to be expected and welcomed as a vital part of living. Live life fully and enjoy the ride.

Coincidently

As always, buzzing away in the background, there's a plethora (a $5 word there) of correspondence happening. Some of it is in relation to this blog but there's a lot besides that with family, friends, co-workers and program friends. Some are short and to the point; informational stuff. Others cover lots of ground on various subjects and are quite lengthy. One web of communication that had broken down for a number of months is the one between our Addictions professor and a core group of 6 of us students. We used to be in regular contact and have social gatherings at one anothers homes every couple of months. As the bunch of us found jobs in the field and began working at various institutions doing a variety of shifts, things began to slide. Phone calls and emails got less frequent, the get-togethers fewer and less well attended.


Out of the blue a couple of nights ago, I heard from one of the gals (Wendy) via email, announcing her engagement and upcoming wedding. I wrote her back within a couple of minutes and we had a little back and forth for half an hour catching up on each others news. Then earlier today another announcement, this one from Catherine, that she'd finally found work a little over 2 years since we completed the course. Hallelujah!! When I arrived at work this evening there was a message that one of the counsellors had been talking to a gal who knows me at an agency in Toronto; that I'm to call Shafeedah - another classmate. I checked my inbox for blog comments and here's yet another ('fuzzychip' - that nickname is a story in itself) from my best friend in the class. What are the chances of that happening in less than 48 hours??

I don't really care what the odds are; I'm just glad we're getting the lines of communication going again. There's talk of a party early in October.

All this reminds me of how much I enjoyed being back in school at age 50; to be learning a variety of new materials and trying out some new skills. We had a ball and a few of us had a healthy competition going regarding marks. 'fuzzychip' tied in top spot; I was in a tie for 3rd. If I had the time and money I'd gladly go back for more.

Getting back to correspondence: I'm blessed with a number of people who continue to send me thought provoking, supportive or spiritual messages. The one downside is that I'm getting behind; I can't keep up with the volume lately. One person I especially appreciate is my cousin BJ who checks in here frequently but doesn't comment on-site. We email; we email alot. And we talk about everything under the sun and then some. We're getting to know each other in a whole new way - gotta love it. I feel a day trip coming on - she lives in a small city I've never been to and from everything I hear it's beatiful. We'll have to work on some arrangements.

A Funny Thing Happened....

....when I went to leave work Tuesday morning. No keys!!! No car keys. No house keys. Where the heck is that panic button??? Oh, RIGHT HERE!!!!

I freaked. Mad scramble going through my pants and jacket pockets. Nothing. My briefcase. Nothing. Back through everything again, emptying everything out on the desk. Crap. It would be a $40 cab ride home and then no way to get in.

Luckily, a couple of things had happened lately. One - while packing I'd come across my spare set of car keys. (hadn't known where they were for ages) Two - just after moving I'd made a spare set of house keys and given them to friend / neighbour Terry.

Another stroke of luck - Terry is in town and happened to hear his phone ringing downstairs at 6 a.m. He got up, went down to my place, found the keys and was here within an hour.

While waiting for him, one of our early rising clients asked me why I was still here and after relating the problem he told me he'd seen a set of keys on a chair at the meeting we'd been at the previous night. Hmmm...worth a try. When Terry showed up I headed for the hall and let myself in with the key code. I have no recollection of taking those keys from my pocket in that hall but, sure as hell, when I let myself in they were sitting right up front on a table.

Am I ever glad I don't have to replace all those keys. My place, 'our' place, Mom's, a remote alarm control, briefcase, mailbox, gate......a slew of them.

That's the first (and hopefully the last) time that has happened. Someone is looking out for me.

Funny, Ain't It??.....

...How you can re-read something you've written and there's an underlying 'tone' to it that wasn't intended. That's the case with last nights post...it sounds downright bitchy on a couple of points. Oooopps! I guess I'm caving in to fatigue and ongoing pressure, sometimes without being aware of it.

Today, once I was up and cleaned up, I picked Lynda up and we went to visit my brother and his wife at Mom's. It's him I was describing as a jerk; he's done and said some things lately that need to be addressed but I held my tongue in check. There will be more appropriate times and settings for that conversation. This will be one that Mom doesn't have to be party to. It was good to see my sister-in-law looking so happy and healthy. She doesn't like to travel so we only see her once or twice a year. She's contributing to a book being published later this year about a line of high end costume jewelery that was produced in the 50's and 60's (which I think is called Juliana's).

Tonight the bunch of us from the centre loaded onto the bus going to my home group meeting. The chairperson wasn't very organized and so I wound up being drafted to speak at the last minute...literally, the very last minute. I thought I came across sort of flat but the guys from the house made a big deal out of it. At the end of the meeting, the group presented me with a pin recognizing my four years of sobriety and I had another few words to say. The guys will be sick of me soon as my boss has asked me to come in early tonight to run our in house alumni meeting. Poor buggers.

One of my favourite annual events is coming up - the Perseid meteor shower. There's a great local viewing spot, a conservation area called the Purple Woods, at the height of the moraine running E-W about 15 miles north of town - well removed from the light pollution of the cities running along the north shore of Lake Ontario. The parking lot will be full of people lying out in the beds of their pickups and on lounges gazing up to see the spectacle. The height of the show is to be the nights of Aug 11, 12 and 13 between 2 and 4 am but there will be sightings anytime after full dark (just not as frequent). Bring your mosquito repellent and a thermos of coffee.

How Is Life??....

.....well, as usual, it's pretty complicated. No surprise there, huh?

I had last week off work and my time was split between working at sorting out the townhouse (washing walls and floors, vacuuming, sorting and filing papers) and spending time with Lynda at 'the house' or going out shopping together for stuff we need for either place. We had a couple of evenings off during the week but mainly we were together when Lynda wasn't working.

She and I have been getting on terrifically well except for a blow out Saturday night that could have derailed everything we've been working toward this last month. There were lines being drawn in the sand and ultimatums stated but we managed to cut through the junk to the heart of the matter. After the anger and some tears and talking out all the angles we went to bed exhausted. We made up when we got up.

There were a couple of side issues that sandbagged us, too, catching us off guard - a certain sibling of mine is acting up and being a class 'A' jerk. I'm looking forward to a face-to-face later today; I don't have much mind left to spare but I'm willing to give him a piece of mine.

I had two days last week waiting around for the cable guy to hook up the internet; on his first visit he had trouble with the modem and told me before leaving that it may take a couple of hours to 'lock in' and be operable. Yeah, right. When I called through to arrange another visit it was late and of course there weren't any appointments open for Thursday. On his second visit, Friday afternoon, we found a splitter / signal amplifier hidden on the line in the rafters that was interfering with the connection. Within minutes of removing it I was on-line and he was on his way once more. It's funny how I've grown used to having that connection and how strange it feels not having it.

I'd had a call to come work a day shift on Friday and was able to do a half day in order to run a morning meeting with the guys inhouse. There have been some dramatic improvements in a couple of the sickest guys I mentioned about 10 days ago - the psychoses are evaporating and they're more grounded by the day.

It's already two weeks since I moved and I thought I'd be settled by now. Through this week I'll continue to work away at it on an hour by hour basis before coming to work. There isn't a great deal left to do so if I apply myself (and stop getting distracted and buying more stuff) I should be in good shape by the weekend.

Eureka!!

After a couple of days of problems with the local cable company, numerous phone calls and a couple of visits by their installation techs; I"M BACK ON-LINE!!!!

But it's Friday afternoon, high summer, fine weather and I don't know when I'll be inside to write. I know I've been tagged by a couple of friends for a meme so that will be the first thing I'll address.

In the meantime - I hope things are very good in your part of the world. I'm happy in mine (now that I have internet again - woo-hoo).

Time Is Short.......Again

It's late in my shift so this will be a quick one - time to wrap up and get on home to bed.

Earlier tonight I managed to call Calgary and spend about half an hour on the line to my son Russ in Calgary. Better late than never - we got caught up on each others news and made some plans for when he comes to town next month.

Next up, a call to Sarah in Vancouver. She has one month left until her due date and says she's all belly, no butt. Other than a sore lower back she's feeling fine and a new ultrasound on Friday confirms the baby is doing well. Sarah's mom had flown Friday night from Calgary to Vancouver so she could attend Sarah's baby shower on Sunday. Sarah handed off the phone and Vicki & I yacked for another half hour. I guess in some ways I've been blessed; I've married three pretty incredible women. [Maybe I should check in with Jan and see how she's been doing.(??)]

I should have internet hooked up at home sometime this week and I'll be able to get back to regular posts and more photos again. One thing I keep running up against when I want to get particular pictures is getting proper vantage points. It can really be key to getting the composition right; I find I've been settling with what I can get. Same with time of day lighting; I tend to be driving home at daybreak and lighting shifts very quickly. I'm generally not out and about through most of the day so I run into the same thing in the evening on my way back to work. Exercize a little more discipline and patience I suppose.

With a couple of days off it'll give me a chance to re-think where this blog is going again. Lately I haven't had time to pay much attention to the things that interest me so I've had nothing to say about music, books, art or any sort of current events. There is a lot of work facing me at home so it may be a while before I have time for myself or any of my interests. Oh; and there's that small matter of salvaging our marriage to deal with. Sometimes I think I should be twins; I might have time for everything.

7 Random Facts Meme

This got published on the 'wrong' date; when I saved a draft of the rules. It was actually written in the early hours of the 23rd.

Birthday girl Kel at 'thexfacta' tagged me to complete this meme and pass it along. Then a day or two later, friend Robin at 'Life in the Bogs' and 'Bountiful Healing' got me with it as well. After much delay (thanks to my local cable company) and a busy weekend here we go. This, being tagged, has never happened to me before. Does that count as one fact?

The Rules: Players start with 7 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged should post these rules and their 7 random facts. Players should tag 7 other people and notify them they have been tagged.

1 - seeing as how marriage has been on my mind so much; I'm the only guy I know who is on good terms with ALL his ex-wives.

2 - as a child I was awarded the title of 'World's Pickiest Eater' by my long suffering parents. I still have that badge somewhere. Basically I grew up on peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

3 - my sobriety date passed quietly last Friday. I took a little extra time reflecting on 'gratitude' for the health and sanity I've enjoyed these last 4 years.

4 - brush with greatness: I was knocked on my ass, literally but accidentally, by blues great Willie Dixon (composer of 'Spoonful') at Toronto's El Macombo club back in 1973. He was heading from the dressing room to the stage; I was walking to the washroom to unload some beer. 260 lb vs 130 lb - he won but was gracious enough to help me to my feet.

5 - most exciting experience: definitely my one and only sky-diving jump. I wish I had heavier bone structure so I could do it again. Being as I don't expect to get that I won't be jumping a second or third time, dammit. (I highly recommend it if you're young and fit though)

6 - favourite song (???) - if I can pick just one it would have to be Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb' as it is intertwined with a number of events, friendships and relationships. Plus, it has two great guitar solos and I never tire of David Gilmour's playing. He always manages to change it up a bit and give his renditions of it a new voice.

7 - getting back to food: periodically I intentionally try a sort of food that I've either never had before or, one that for one reason or another I haven't tried for a number of years. Last week it was beets. Guess what? I liked them!

**Note to Robin & Kel** Now, a bit of a problem, as you've tagged a couple of people I was thinking of tagging myself. I'll see if I can eke out 7 tags but it'll be close and I hope they'll choose to participate.

Seems Like....

......every time I get on here to write something one of the clients is up needing one thing or another. (Which is fine as that's why I'm here, after all.) The house population is down a little but we have a few particularly sick individuals in treatment right now; a couple with personality disorders - bi-polar and schizophrenic; another couple with drug induced psychosis; one whose seizures aren't completely controlled by medication. Add to that the mix of personalities and backgrounds and it makes for an interesting work environment. It keeps me on my toes.

I didn't write last night because it was a busy one so when I had time I caught up on a few emails. Otherwise I had a braindead sort of night; loggy, overtired. Today started off well; I took my time getting up and about, then went over to the house to see the 3rd installment of the Harry Potter movies along with a tandoori pizza for my breakie / Lynda's dinner. I used to be able to figure out and envision how they were able to do most special effects in movies but not any more. There doesn't seem to be anything they can't do; if you can imagine it, they can put it on film.

Earlier this week as Lynda and I were driving between our two houses we passed over the major east-west highway (401) and the bridge was lined with cars, trucks and emergency services vehicles and all their occupants. They were waiting for a procession of armed services vehicles carrying the bodies of the 6 latest Canadian soldier casualties to pass beneath them. The 6 met their common end when their armoured vehicle ran over a roadside bomb. It was good to see so many civilian supporters out and quietly waiting with flags waving to see our men back home. From local news reports the bridge we passed over was just one of many where these spontaneous shows of support and respect happened. Afghanistan has claimed 67 Cdn soldiers lives since we got involved there.

For the first time in a few weeks I ran into my g'friend Audrey on Thursday night; she had attained 50 years of continuous sobriety the previous day. She decided not to accept her medallion until the fall so that her family can be here with her. We had a nice yack about that and I thanked her for her prayers on our behalf. She was happy to hear things are turning around for Lynda and I and gave me a big hug. She's 87 or 88, chuck full of life, cheer, wit and good sense. Audrey's nickname around here is 'The Boss' but she's anything but bossy. I'm looking forward to seeing her again Saturday night at her home group. It's my turn to chair at my home group meeting Monday night and I've lined up a speaker for whom I have a great deal of admiration; friend Heather. Women tend to be under-represented in AA so it's always good to have a really effective speaker for any female newcomers to identify with.

I'm running out of gas here so before I start talking about all our fine clear summer weather, I'd better sign off.

Order From Chaos

Ever so slowly things are gradually coming together on the new home front as one room at a time is getting cleaned, sorted and arranged. Lynda and I took turns / worked together Sunday and Monday cleaning and arranging the kitchen. Tuesday I spent a couple of hours giving the washroom a thorough scrubbing. Wednesday I managed to set up the computer in the living room, a stereo system in the bedroom and got the windows gleaming in the living room. The woman I bought the place from is a heavy smoker and I couldn't believe the crud that came off the windows! Damned smokers!! (I haven't smoked indoors for a couple of years) I can't wait to tackle the wall washing and carpet cleaning in order to get rid of the stink. There was also a half hour visit from my real estate lady, Dierdre, who came bearing gifts - a really handsome wall clock and a 'welcome friends' greeting sign. Got a big hug too!

With the computer up and running I have music on the ground floor via all the downloaded songs in memory. What an eclectic mix I had happening today; bluegrass, folk, blues, brit pop, straight ahead rock, punk, thrash, techno, country, aboriginal. I'd like to burn a number of cd's to load in a six pack player I have in the bedroom that are conducive to relaxation, meditation and sleeping so, this is your invitation to submit suggestions for downloads. I should do another one to unpack boxes to; there is still plenty of that to do. And stacks of papers to sort and file. The furniture arrangement in the living room is a work in progress / flux / change and there is still the surround sound system to set up. That should determine where seating will be, then side tables, lamps, bookcases and music storage.

Lynda and I have been back and forth on the phone half a dozen times today, plus a few emails. Our movie date is for Sunday to see the new Harry Potter flick so Lynda has borrowed all the previous ones from a g'friend and we're to see the couple of most recent ones before we head to the theatre. We might wind up 'Pottered' out by Sunday night.

I might just slide by the house on the way home in the morning to pick up a set of heavy light-blocking drapes for the bedroom in hopes I'll have a better sleep today. Yesterday after being up for 24 I got 5 solid hours of sleep plus an hour and a half of light broken snooze before getting up for the day. More and better today, I hope.

Pretty mundanesorts of stuff but that's all I have for tonight. Later!

I'm Back.......

I'm Bad.....I'm Nationwide...oops, that's a ZZ Top song.

I've had no internet access since tearing down the computer and I'm waiting to speak to friend & new neighbour Terry about a plan for a shared account to get booted back up again. No time line on that as he's back and forth to the U.S. every few days.

The 'move' happened a little early. I had the truck earlier than expected on Saturday so bro Dave and I had a load packed, transported and mostly unpacked before 5 of my AA friends arrived to help. Dave split, they took over and we had another load done before dinnertime. I've continued to shift smaller stuff by car Sunday, Monday and earlier today. Lord, do I ever have a pile of stuff to sort, organize and arrange. Plus, I keep buying little things that I find I need and don't have.

Actually I'm back at work; it's late; I've been up for over 21 hours and I'm feeling strangely invigorated. Must be my 3rd or 4th wind cuz I'm way past the second one. It's been a full day to say the least - lots of work at home and running around before ever making it into work. My metabolism has to be cranked up a couple of notches - I just finished my third full meal of the day and I'm still famished. That in addition to a light beakfast and various snacks and desserts.

'Why?', you might wonder, am I energized, hungry and feeling so ALIVE?? Well, I'll tell you. *Newsflash* - over the last week to 10 days Lynda and I have been falling in love all over again. Whether this is long lasting or just flash in the pan, I don't care. Right now I feel like a goofy 16 year old who is with his first serious girlfriend. Other than when she worked over the weekend Lynda has been my constant companion and we've had a great time. We shop and split the groceries; we cook and eat at each other's places; we're making dates for dinners and movies; we're planning to travel to Vancouver together after Sarah has her baby next month.

What a trip; an evolution. The phoenix rises. I couldn't/wouldn't make this stuff up.

I haven't had a chance yet tonight to check all my friend's blogs but I see friend Sue posted Tuesday at callinitquits.com. Good to see you back in blogland! Thanks for stopping by.

Speaking of smoking - for the last couple of weeks I've been smoking 'native' cigarettes. They're supposed to be all 'natural' - organic, no pesticides, herbicides, or chemical additives - and unfortunately I haven't enjoyed smoking this much for years. They taste good (a little sweetgrass?), burn far slower, are less harsh even though they're a stronger brand, and my hack has all but disappeared. A friend came by tonight and GAVE me 2 cartons of them, 400 cigs. At normal prices that would have cost $150 - he paid $15. What timing - I had a quit date in mind and was prepared to start using the downloadable resources from Sue's site. Ah well, there's nothing stopping me from giving the smokes away, is there? But right now it's time for one - see ya!

Thanks....

...I see friends are continuing to check in. It'll either be today or Friday when I dismantle this computer in preparation for the move. I'm unable to say when I might post again but when I do it should be a doozy.

Lynda and I were out last night doing some shopping in order to stock the new place with the basics, when we decided to go for dinner at the local Kelsey's. By the time we made it home stuffed with food neither of us had much motivation to get into sorting our common kitchen stuff. That was supposed to be the main task of the evening.

I had been called into work Tuesday in time for lunch and worked one of those sleep over shifts. It turned into the night from hell - one fellow had to be sent to hospital on suicide watch, another elected to leave treatment just as I was headed to bed. It was a day heavy on details and demands; I found with all that plus the shift change I was unable to sleep. And so, after running the counsellor's meeting in the morning I picked up a few things on the way home and spent most of the day in bed accomplishing very little.

Today must be very different; it'll likely be a steady go from now until everything is done. Tomorrow at some point I get possession of the keys and go in to clean. Saturday morning I get the truck before noon, concentrate on getting it loaded and do the move Sunday. That is Plan 'A". I also plan to improvise when things mess up. I had a surprise call from one of my brothers ,up north, offering to come down and help with the move. A little shocked but thankful on that count. Most of the help I've been offered is program guys so this will be the first ever house move that doesn't involve vast quantities of beer.

Pitter, patter - I'd better get at 'er. Wish me luck!

?? What To Expect ??

My work week is over in a couple of hours; by the time I get up L'il O and his parents will have arrived to spend the rest of this long holiday weekend with us. (It's Canada Day - the Canuck equivalent of America's July 4th) We'd thought they were coming on Saturday but there was a misunderstanding about timing. This way I get to spend more time with Owen and maybe we'll make it out for a fireworks display!! Woo-Hoo!!

I was nosing around the house today checking to see how much work I have ahead of me in the way of packing. Whoops! There's more left to do than I'd expected; fiddly, time consuming stuff. Too bad now about all that procrastinating. And, of course, the obvious solution would be to stay put but I can't see that happening.

Earlier on I was doing some job searching through the newspaper ads and on the internet. It turns out there's one posted which is located in the small city where my cousin BJ lives. Want a boarder?? I cook; I clean; give back rubs....

With this being a short week everything seems to be expanding to fill all the available time - things could get interesting. I don't know if or when I might find time to blog but I will update if I'm able to do so. I'll certainly make time to check friend's sites. If you haven't already done so you ought to check this out. Friend Robin is doing a wonderful series of posts at Bountiful Healing on the theme 'colour'. I've been sitting back reading, viewing her photos and enjoying on a daily basis. Great stuff, well done!

Have a great week!!

Very Punny Joke

This was just too bad not to share - it's likely been kicking around for awhile but this was the first time I'd seen it. Without any further ado: The Louvre.

A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings from the Louvre. After careful planning, he got past security, stole the paintings and made it safely to his van.

However, he was captured only two blocks away when his van ran out of gas.

When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and the make such an obvious error, he replied, "Monsieur, that is the reason I stole the paintings. I had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh."

Groaner!! Thanks (I think) to JPW for that one.