fStop Friday

There are some things going on that aren't conducive to 'a writing frame of mind'. I do have a couple of new pictures to share however.


Sarah's first shot of Zepherin with eyes wide open.


Sarah with Zeph in his sling. She laughed as she said it might have been a good idea to wear something that didn't match the colour of the sling so closely.

One Main Thing

There isn't a lot new but after a couple of calls and emails to Sarah I got on-line and booked our trip to Vancouver. Lynda and I fly out Sept 21 and return on the 26th.

I wrote Sarah a quick note to say it was booked and she wrote straight back saying she'd just heard from Russ and he will be visiting from Calgary at the same time as us. How cool is that?? - a little reunion.

Hot, Hot, Hot.....

We're back into a heatwave....pant, pant, pant...

I just got back from the company seminar in downtown Toronto and I'd forgotten how hot it can get when the heat is bouncing around from vehicles, glass, steel, concrete and the pavement. Five of us car pooled to the meeting and the A/C in the car wasn't able to keep even a cool edge to the air.

This is really just a quick post so as to let on I'm still alive. My plan to spend the night at my cousin's place in the city last night fell through as she isn't well. I had Lynda over for dinner instead, then watched Neil Young's 'Prairie Wind' DVD and went to bed early. My shift change hasn't gone well this week and I'm operating with a serious sleep deficit. The fellow who facilitated todays meeting almost cured my insomnia though; I was struggling for a while there.

Lynda just called to see if I'd join she and her brother at a local pub for dinner. Her brother is working on a project in town and is good company so I think I'll head over. I plan to order the biggest meal they have on the menu cuz I have to fast all day tomorrow - no solid food until sometime Friday. I haven't done that in a great long while and I'm not looking forward to it.

Maybe I'll post later when I'm not so hot and hungry - I sound bitchy. This too shall pass.

A Funny Thing Happened.....

....on my way home from work. I crashed. But, no, not literally. I was still feeling fairly energetic on the way and had intended to help Lynda with the job we do each weekend. Instead of disturbing the house I parked in the drive at the house, put the seat back to 'rest my eyes' for a few minutes and ..... gonzo. That was at 6:15. I woke at 7:15, the house door was open and lights on so out I got and stumbled into the house. I was stupefied - just like being drunk. Lynda said she'd come out and stood by the car but didn't want to scare the wits out of me so she left me. Needless to say Lynda went off to do the job herself; I climbed into her bed and don't remember my head hitting the pillow. Slept like a king and didn't get up til 3:30.

We had a date to go to the movies tonight and Lynda had picked up steaks for dinner so I barbequed them and off we went after we'd eaten. Rowan Atkinson's 'Mr. Bean's Holiday' had it's share of good laughs. We always enjoyed his TV show and his previous big screen release. We dropped by here to open some windows and get the fans working after the show - good thing cuz it was dead air in here tonight. Lynda needs to be up at 5 so I dropped her home so she could get some rest. I wasn't ready to head back to bed so soon and returned to my place. Hug, kiss, G'night.

As I've sat here working away I've listened to Santana's 'Supernatural' release. Small wonder it was such a huge seller for him - solid, fluid playing from beginning to end; terrific production; good variety of material; great backing players. I haven't seen him perform since the early 80's but caught 8 of his shows previous to that; I'd love to see him once more.


Freedom is ill these days. She's given to occasional off days especially when things are in flux at the house. She doesn't like change. Her temperment remains good but it's evident she doesn't feel herself. Might be time to see the (sshhh) v-e-t. Good puppy! Good girl!!


Just for the heck of it - here's one of Buddy. He'd just been doing the 'karate' thing chasing a bug on the screen but decided to look cool for this shot.

My laundry is done, the bed remade and the sheets are now calling. See ya.

Sunsets

I was going back through my photo library and was surprised at the number of sunset shots I've accumulated over the years. I guess I'm drawn to the richness of the colour and the drama of the images. It appears they are all taken from the side patio at the house and date back as far as 2003.

Points Of View

I've been on the receiving end of a few highly complimentary messages this week - one about my looks as a result of that picture of Lynda and I; a couple about my writing here, one of which included the question - 'When are you going to write the book?'.

In neither case do I take it very seriously but it does point up to me the glaring disparity between 'self' perception and that of 'others'.

If I were asked how I look I would say okay or alright - I don't think I'm ugly; neither do I think I'm incredibly handsome. I'm a tall, skinny gink who is aging tolerably well. I bathe, shave and change my clothes daily; get my hair cut every few weeks; have begun replacing my wardrobe an article at a time with each paycheque. Ya works with whatch'ya gots.

In regard to writing, this blog is recreation mostly and sometimes a way of checking my perceptions. For quite a while there it was a good emotional outlet. I tend to write from the heart and occasionally delve into humour but when I compare my writing to that of those whose writing I admire, well, I'm a hack amateur. There isn't enough time, thought or preparation put into it to make it really good; it's mostly off-the-cuff.

The person who asked about 'the book' wasn't specific about what it was they liked but it was enough to make me go back through a portion of the archives with fresh eyes. Mostly I liked re-reading what I found - some of it is pretty good; some I would like to delete. It is an honest account of what I was thinking and how I've felt at various times so I'll let it all stand, as is.

As for a book - that's a helluva concept! What would I write about?? Lord knows there has been a parade of strange characters through the course of my life who could be fodder for a few stories. (But isn't that true of everyone, everywhere?) There have been some incidents from my life that might make for an interesting chapter or two now that I think about it. What tales to tell.....

The single biggest benefit of blogging is akin to my involvement in A.A.; having come in contact with people that I wouldn't have otherwise. It's the people; the relationships - you know who you are. And those are my perceptions for today.

Small Insights

Outside just now my attention was drawn by the sound of a moth repeatedly bashing himself against a lamp and my first thought was, 'God, that's got to hurt.', followed by, 'What on earth compels him to keep doing that?'. Then I began to laugh as I thought that moth would make a damned fine alcoholic.

Nothing short of divine intervention will change the fundamental nature of the moth sufficiently that it will be able to resist the attraction of the light.

I can just imagine the sharing at a meeting of Lamplighters Anonymous.......

Musings of a retired drunk on a warm August night.

'John'

We had an hour together yesterday afternoon at local coffee shop and got caught up on the months since his son's murder. He continues to experience bad times and some bad days but I'm pleased to say he's handling it all very well. He and his wife have been working through things themselves without any formal counselling. I suppose when you get to John's age (late 60's) you expect to lose friends and relatives along the way but nothing can possibly prepare you for something like this. In a perfect world no parent would ever have to bury their child, even an adult one.

John met us at our outside meeting last night, got reaquainted with a few gents he knows and we sat together. He's planning to come to the in-house meeting tonight; says he misses the homelike atmospere of 'the house'. It's a positive sign that he feels like socializing again - good on him. (BTW - he's remained sober through all this; kudos)

More Fun Stuff

My work is done; the house is quiet and there is time to fill.

Back to dumpr.net for another take on some other photos that I have posted lately. To do all five took 2 minutes, tops. This first one is downright scary. 'Circles'






A couple of different takes on this reflection / projection. 'Spectrum' and 'Reversal'.


A 'Sketch' of 'The Door'.


'Rubik's Cube' applied to the 'Corvette' interior.

Oh, and I just found the link doesn't work from the previous post. Just enter in the address bar or google search for dumpr.net. Have a blast.
*** I got the link to work!!!***

Extended Family

I don't know the proper terminology for this one - (perhaps 2nd cousin twice removed??) - my mother's cousin's daughter, S and I grew up knowing each other as cousins. At different stages of our lives, especially when we were between relationships, we've been very close. 20 odd years ago if one of us needed a 'date' for an occasion we knew we had someone to fill in and we always enjoyed those outings. S has run her own practice for the last 20 or so years and specializes in anger management therapy. We haven't seen much of one another in the last number of years but have kept in touch by email and I've referred a couple of clients her way. Tonight we arranged a long overdue day together for next week.

Hers is quite a story. S had quit school quite young in order to marry but the marriage lasted just a couple of years. She worked hard at a variety of jobs until she made it into a quality job with a prominent firm. Everyone thought she had it made; that her hard work had paid off. The thing was that she wasn't happy with the type of work and when she quit the job so she could go back to school in her mid 30's everyone thought she was crazy. She got a degree in psychology and has taken umpteen courses since to go with it - one very sharp lady.

S is also quite beautiful. Not cute, nor pretty. Think model / movie star / jaw dropping beautiful. The thing that nails my feet to the floor every time is her eyes. Grey with flecks of violet. Eyes that truly see. When she asks how you are and fixes you with those eyes its as though she can look through your pupils and scan your brain. She claims to be able to see peoples auras; I believe her. She has read me a few times and scared the bejesus out of me with what she's had to say. Part witch, I swear.

If she asks how you are, you don't dare say 'fine' cuz she'll tell you what that stands for. I think it's a universal in the english speaking world but especially in counselling - 'fine' means:
F***ed up
Insecure
Neurotic
Egotistical

Then she'll ask how you really are. Gotta love her. I'm looking forward to seeing her and reconnecting again.

Fun Stuff

.....backtracking a bit.....

Lynda bought a new camera a couple of weeks ago and has been giving it a good workout. I'm chafing at the bit to get one myself but want to see if I can get a digital body that will take the variety of lenses from my SLR. Then we both bought new printers and I got hers up and running - mine is still in the box. (They were cheap and the features are great) I have to do some rearranging of the living room - desk, computer, TV and stereo - to get things the way I want them, again. Terry will help me on Monday.

Anyway, I'd asked Lynda to email me a picture that had been taken with her camera at that family 'do' last weekend (an interesting experience in and of itself, considering...). It's probably the best picture of the two of us that has been taken in the last 10 years. Lynda hates having her picture taken and usually looks hostile or 'caught in the headlights'. I don't mind having my picture taken but don't typically like the result - I don't take a good one. This one however I do like. It's definitely an exception.


After I opened it here I recalled a post of Robin's about a photo editing site and decided to play a bit. The site is called dumpr and can be found at dumpr.net. These effects are called alienator, sketch and rubik's cube.






If you use Flickr there are more and different effects to play with in addition to these. I'll be trying some other photos to see what I come up with.

Thanks Robin.

Tender Heart

There is an older gent who went through treatment just around the time I started working here. Let's call him John. Following Tx he joined my home group and we got to be quite good friends. We would see one another at various area meetings and he'd attend alumni meetings here at 'the house'. Last fall he decided in part because of age and health concerns that he would no longer attend meetings. John and I last talked during the Xmas holidays and he spoke with excitement about a reunion with his two sons who were going to pay a visit from out west.

Last week I ran into John's wife in a grocery store. She related how John's oldest son had taken in a friend who had lost everything and everyone that mattered in his life. The friend had become addicted to crack and needed a place to stay while he put his life back in order. The offer of a room was time limited and when his time was up he refused to leave. John's son was on his way to get assistance to remove the friend from his apartment when he was shot. He died in transit to hospital.

As she spoke I was stunned into silence, my throat closed and tears stood in my eyes. They are steeling themselves for the trip to attend the friends trial. I called and spoke to John on the weekend; we meet for coffee and a talk later today.

Baby, Mom & Dad

It Isn't Stealing If....

.....you give proper credit, is it??

Truth be told, with so much going on lately, I've been feeling conflicted, restless, a little discontent, a bit irritable. 'Stuck'. Most of it has to do with the disparity between my expectations and real life, hopes and dreams, wants and needs.

Then, out of the blue drop little reminders of what it is I need to do. This courtesy of higherawareness.com.

How are you sabotaging yourself?

"If you play it safe in life you've decided that you don't want to grow any more."

-- Shirley Hufstedler

How are you sabotaging your potential for change?

We unconsciously use defence mechanisms to shield us from situations we perceive to be scary or painful. A part of you may want to grow and change, but another part may be resisting because change always moves you into new territory in your thinking and emotions.

If you find you are getting anxious, fearful, angry, frustrated, dismissive or unmotivated, then defence mechanisms are at work. Watch for them and know them to be signs of fear that wants to hold you back. Then courageously move through them.

"I have never been contained except I made the prison."

-- Mary Evans

Many thanks to Higher Awareness for a timely message.

By at least identifying the symptoms and recognizing them as problematic I've solved half the problem. That just leaves the tough part; the work. Examining my motivations, checking my perceptions, weighing my priorities, looking at possible solutions and chiseling away at the source of my fears. It's time to get off the fence and start putting one foot in front of the other. When I'm not moving ahead I feel myself backsliding into dangerous ground. Giddyup & go time.

Car Show

Here are a few shots from the car show and meet from last week. These exhibitors come together each Wednesday night from mid-May through mid-September to show and share their vehicles. They include everything from early classic cars from the 20's and 30's right up to current limited edition and concept / prototype cars.

Much as I love muscle cars from the 60's it's these babies that turn my crank.


The interior of a 57(?) Vette.


Lynda reflected in the glossy paint job of a beauty old T-Bird.


Lynda beside one of her faves. She's fond of the mid and late 60's Chevy products.


End of day - high thin cloud sweeping in after another beautiful summers day.

The Door...

(photo by Norm. Aug07)

I enjoy simple graphic images and like to let my eye play over them for a time taking in the line, colour and texture without much thought. Then I start to think about place, time, function and construction. If I dawdle over it I begin to think about the abstracts - have I any business opening the door? if it were ajar should I peek and see what lies beyond? should I pass through will anything happen? who else has passed this way and what did they do?

Choices, attitudes, states of mind, actions....doors.

Relations

Funny too, to see your kids in their relationships as they get older. It also has to do with the fact Russ and I see each other so infrequently and so I'm used to having his full attention when we are together. He's just 24 and its almost 7 years since he moved west with his Mom. You can see the struggle in him to attend to me or to Lynda while keeping Melissa involved and doing little check-ins to make sure she's alright. She's a bright, sweet young woman and the two of them obviously adore one another. I can see them having a future together.

I'd hoped we'd have some one-on-one time but it doesn't look like that will happen. The four of us are getting together again Sunday for dinner and the evening to celebrate my birthday which falls Monday. I'm back to work Monday and they leave town Tuesday. They've certainly been busy during their stay seeing most everything worth seeing within driving distance. The last couple of days were spent in Niagara Falls.

Meteor Watching

Only a few minutes ago I was out having a smoke, gawking about the sky and a meteor went whizzing by -- cool!

After I spent considerable time looking for them last week on Thursday and Friday nights Lynda and I drove up to the Purple Woods on Sunday night. We'd been out to dinner with Russ & Melissa and they'd decided to head back into the city around 10 p.m. It was a perfect night for viewing from the highest point in the region - warm, breezy, clear and most importantly no bugs!! We were there from 11:30 until almost 2 and saw probably 18 -- 3 very bright, 6 pretty dim, and half in-between. There wasn't any consistency to interval between them, nor point of origin, nor trajectory. There were some considerable waits between sightings and then we'd see 2 or 3, then nothing for 15 or 20 minutes. Plenty of time to talk and cuddle as we leaned against the car. As an added bonus Lynda spotted one as we got out of the car when we arrived at the house.

Funny, as you get older, all you have to do is adopt and hold a different posture in order to strain muscles and joints. My neck and back have been SORE all week up until yesterday. Next year I'll have a bed in the back of a pick-up truck - damn straight - and a stock of anti-inflammatories.

fStop Friday

Ta-Dah! Introducing my son, Russ and his girlfriend Melissa. This was taken at Oshawa's lakefront park on the pier looking out on Lake Ontario. The bunch of us have spent a good deal of time together this week and the two of them have been doing day trips to see the sights.



Here's one of Freedom and her biggest fan, Owen. She puts up with a lot of love. ** I just noticed it looks like Owen has a tail.**



Much as Owen is a very polite and well behaved little guy, here's proof that he can be a real angel. (When he puts his mind to it.)

Back to regular posting soon - it's been nice having a week off; having some time to devote to Russ; doing some running around with Lynda. I work tonight for my co-worker in exchange for Sunday night off with Russ, Melissa & Lynda - then it's back to my regular schedule. Saturday night I'm escorting Lynda to a family 'do' and that's sure to raise a few eyebrows. How is anyone to know what is going on with us when we don't know ourselves?? One Day At A Time, doncha know.

Oh, regarding Owen's pictures. After some behind the scenes discussion recently with Robin I'm more cognizant of not disclosing anything regarding his identity or location. I certainly wouldn't want to put him in any sort of danger.

Looking Back...and Ahead

This has been a disjointed week; so much going on personally that I haven't wanted to be at work. All week. And that's a rarity, thank goodness. I suppose we all have an hour or two, or sometimes a day where we aren't into doing what is in front of us to do.

Thankfully the 'house' has quietened with the departure of a couple of high needs clients. The week was relatively uneventful except for having to send one client to hospital who had rushed his withdrawal and went into the acute stage the night after his admission. I thought his heart was going to explode. Oh, and the bus broke down on the way back from a meeting one night.....right at the entrance to a cemetery. The rest of that trip was a quiet one.

Owen's parents arrived unannounced on Friday afternoon and kidnapped their child back. Buggers. They couldn't bear not having him around any longer. On the up side we got lots of shots of him - Lynda has printed a bunch; I'll share a couple here.

Sarah and I were talking last night and Zeph is doing all the things he's supposed to be doing at one week - eating, pooping, sleeping, cooing and crying. Sarah has a couple of post delivery problems that I hope will resolve quickly and painlessly. They are having computer problems and so I have no pictures to share. Sarah is going to an internet cafe Sunday to email some as she did manage to receive my threatening email; she just wasn't able to respond to it.

Before coming to work tonight I found my old SLR and dug out my tripod so I could try some extended exposures to see if I can't get a shot of a meteor or two. Most of the night has been cloud covered but it has just cleared enough that it might work. This first one will be 15 minutes, then I'll try a half hour one. Cross you fingers.

I'm very much looking forward to spending time this week with Russ and his girlfriend. There ought to be a law against being separated from your children for such long periods of time. We aren't good at keeping in touch by phone or email - it tends to be one sided; mine. We both work strange hours on weird schedules so we catch each other at odd times. Being male we also stick to day-to-day factual topics most of the time so we're due for some 'face' time.

I'll be treating this as a week off and I'm not committing to anything but being available for Russ. Plans?? A night out of darts, pool and bowling. Lynda and I will be taking them out for dinner. Over to Mom's. There's a classic car meet and show Russ wants to check out. I know I need to clean up and re-arrange a few things before they arrive - nothing like the last minute. A least I have a beds for them now, one courtesy of friend Terry and an inflatable I picked up earlier today.

Anyone that I correspond with regularly - BJ, fuzzychip - I'll answer when I'm able. JPW - I'm around if you need me; call.

So much for photos. The clouds rolled back in.

I realize this post is choppy - it's a pretty apt reflection of my mind tonight. All over the place and weary. Gotta go - have a great week.

Mini Ha-Ha

I came across a greeting card, produced in the UK by a company called Scrawl, that I got a chuckle out of and thought I'd share.

It reads: "I've joined Alcoholics Anonymous.
I still drink the same just under a different name."

Gawking Skyward.....

.....and a slightly stiff neck. But it's worth it!

Each time I've gone out tonight since it got full dark I've been gazing, hoping and waiting to see at least one meteor. Until a few minutes ago I thought I was going to get shut out and then......

...a brilliant one flashed across Casseopea, NW to SE, spanning 15deg of the sky leaving an iridescent afterglow that hung in the upper atmosphere for about 10 seconds.

Beautiful!! and like I said...worth the wait.

Today Is....

....the 4th anniversary of my father, Doug's, death. Hands down the greatest power of example I've had in my life. He exemplified for me all the best qualities of human nature: love, generosity, service, citizenry, humility, humour, joie de'vive, responsibility..........and the list goes on.

Lynda and Owen are taking Mom on a day trip to the cemetery where he's buried.

Loved and missed by many; enemy of none.

Miss you Dad.

Backgrounder

Posts have been sparse this week as there's been a lot going on, even through the nights.

Besides Zepherin's birth,...Russ' arrival from Calgary,....Owen holidaying with us....

My former instructor Steve contacted me the other night to inform me they are looking to hire another instructor for a new session that is about to start next week...was I interested?? Hell, YES!! There have been phone messages left, faxes sent and emails dispatched. I still haven't had any direct contact with the guy doing the hiring - the school director. I know he's very busy but they want to start this course Monday night....Let's GO!!

I'm not getting my hopes up but it's been nice to have something to get a little excited about.

(I haven't written anything about Russ because I haven't had a chance to see him yet; not until Sunday night or Monday. We've been talking and making plans. He brought his girlfriend with him this time - we've never met - and she's never been to Toronto before so they've been seeing all the tourist attractions - Casa Loma, CN Tower, Harbourfront, Science Centre, St Lawrence Market.)

Night Sky Alert

This is the big weekend for the peak viewing opportunity of the Perseids Meteor showers. The best times will be between 2 and 4 a.m. for the next few nights with the early morning hours on Monday being the best (approx 50/hr). Tonight there has been a lot of high thin cloud which has prevented me from seeing any so I'm hoping for clear skies to come our way. Although it's removed from actual urban areas here there is enough light pollution from the south to affect viewing. Sunday night I plan to be another 20 miles north, approximately in the middle of nowhere. If you're able to find Casseopea you're looking in the right area.

Technical Problems.....

.....there's a nut loose on the control wheel.....I think it's me!!

Thanks Robin for keeping me informed. You can always email me direct at heyimtheluckyone@hotmail.com or my gmail account.

So, after I changed some of the settings the 'comments' tag below the new posts disappeared and I don't seem (yet) to be able to get it back. I was just into blogger 'help' and with a little more digging and fiddling I might be able to fix it.

There's a fine line between naivety and being plain dumb.....if there's one thing that can make me feel stupider than mud, it's computers.

Despite having reviewed & renewed the settings and republishing the blog the changes don't show. (They do in the preview but not when it's in regular view)

Hey! Anyone notice I got the links in alphabetical order?? And the spacing evened out?? What a wizard.

Time for more hair pulling.....

Hmmmmm....????

Just for the heck of it.

A Few Changes Here....

It's been awhile since I got into the template and settings for this blog and I thought tonight it would be a good idea to tweak a few things.

First off - 'enable comment moderation' tab has been changed back to 'off' so you should see any posted comments right away if you refresh the page. (if not, email me!)

Second - I added a link for friend Sue's smoking cessation blog - 'callin' it quits'. She has a ton of terrific advice and it's great to see her back writing regularly again.

Third - Another link I added is one that has become a daily 'must-read' for me - Bountiful Healing - because it is so well written,.... and for its insightful and inspiring quotes,.... and many beautiful photographs by friend Robin.

I'd hoped to post some pictures here myself this week but that isn't going to happen. We have Owen for the week and I've left the camera with Lynda so she can get some shots of his handsome little mug. Of course this would be a great excuse to run out and get a second camera, wouldn't it?? Hmmm....???

One Little Picture

This is all I have as yet; one wee cellphone picture. Look at the chops on this guy!! More of Zepherin to come I'm sure.

Busy Times....

It seems I've been running ever since I got off work Saturday morning and that's part of the reason these last posts have been very short and to the point. Most of my time has been spent over at 'the house' and Lynda doesn't have a computer yet. I've been making daily / twice daily trips over to my place for changes of clothes, more meds - one errand or another for something else I need and don't have over where I need it. A little frustrating sometimes..... but that is when I banged off those posts.

Saturday morning I picked Lynda up and we spent a few hours doing that job we do each week. We'd made a couple of stops on the way home and made it there just in time for Owen and his parents arrival. Owen is here for his annual week of holidays with G'ma and Pops. The bunch of us visited for an hour but I was completely distracted; my mind was on Sarah so I called through to the hospital in Vancouver.

The call got transferred through to the recovery room and Daniel picked up and gave me all the vital stats. How long Sarah's labour had been, how it had gone, that Zeph had been born just an hour earlier, been check over & cleaned up and returned to Sarah and Daniel to behold. Daniel is pretty wired most of the time and he sounded completely ga-ga happy. He handed the phone off to Sarah and she sounded a little weary but good - a sort of blissful contentment. Zepherin was coming through clear as a bell experimenting with checking out all the sounds in his vocal repertoire.

Zeph has 3 given names plus his dad's surname. Sarah had been thinking at one time of including our surname and hyphenating it but I haven't heard anything lately about that. Between Lynda and I he is called Zeph; being of the generation that I am, I've called him 'Led' more than once. Sad & sorry to say but..I have. Mea culpa.

Anyway, once I got off the phone, I was out doing some running around, hit the townhouse for a few things and made it back to the house just in time to barbeque some heat resistant steaks for everyone. In 95F temps, in full sun, next to a very hot B-B-Q, for almost an hour.....I cooked a lot faster than the steaks did. O's parents left for home shortly after dinner and Lynda & I kept Owen occupied so he wouldn't have a chance to miss them. After a full day he managed to hang in until just after midnight before crashing for the night; he beat G'ma and damned near outlasted me.

Sunday before coming to work was a little slacker but still a full one and the night was busy until just a while ago. The atmosphere around here hasn't been good lately. While some are quietly going about the business of getting well, there have been a number that are particularly ill who have provided a background of conflict and chaos on an ongoing basis. It's difficult determining sometimes whether to go along with some individuals and see they get as much help as possible or, for the good of the rest of the clients, hustle them out of here to minimize the negative impact they have.

Time to check on them and do a little more work. Later.

Happy, Healthy Baby

Zepherin was born in Vancouver at 10:34 local time this morning weighing in at 8 lb 4 oz. Mom Sarah and baby Zepherin are both doing fine. Dad Daniel is a proud and ecstatic papa.

Sarah's mom Vicki made the drive through from Calgary to Vancouver in time for Zeph's birth.

I'm over the top - very happy for Sarah, her hubbie to be, and for Zepherin's safe arrival. I was able to speak to Sarah via phone while she was in the recovery room and she was holding Zeph. He has a great set of lungs and was putting them to the test - squawking, gurgling and screeching.

Saturday Morning Update

Sarah called just after 11:30 last night to say they'd been to the hospital, back home for a rest and were heading back out the door to return to the hospital. The intention was to start inducing labour as it had been over 24 hours since her water broke with no natural start to labour contractions. It's been the overnight period and there have been no followup calls through the night here at work. I'm away in a few hours and will see if I can track down any word from the hospital regarding progress.

Yippee!!

New Life....Impending

We had a call from Sarah last night. She was at the Doctor for an exam when her water broke. That was about 14 hours ago so, likely within the next 14 to 18 hours ..... Zepherin will make his debut. Say a little prayer.

My New Roomie

Meet Jesus. I've been putting off bringing the two cats over here to live but decided this morning to bring Jesus to his new home. He's a Siamese Fighting Fish and seems quite happy with a freshly washed bowl and some new water. Rinse the pebbles and glass buttons, trim the plant roots, give him a little food; happy as a clam.

We started off calling him Fred, as in Fred the Fish. He developed a habit of burrowing into the glass beads and playing possum to the point where we'd be quite sure he must be dead. I'd stick my hand in to retrieve him and with a great flap of his tail he would scurry to frantic life again. He managed to fake us out quite a few times so we re-dubbed him Jesus in honour of his many rebirths.

I don't pray to him but I've been known to have fairly lengthy conversations with him. He's a great listener and doesn't disagree with a lot I say.

On The Run

Here's a shot I recieved from Sarah this morning which was taken last week, at the 37 week mark. She looks good - healthy and so very pregnant!!! Won't be long now!! I wish I'd been out there for all this but pictures and phone calls have to do.


Lynda kick-started me early this a.m. so I was up, out and doing before it got too, too hot. In this part of the country you need a vehicle emissions test every couple of years in order to renew your driving license. I had the test done by 9 and the renewal done at the license bureau by 9:30. In the 'old' days when I first started driving everyone had to renew by a certain date - I think the end of March - so during those six weeks of availability you'd face enormous line-ups in lousy weather. Now it's tied to the period leading up to your birthdate and it's relatively quick.

From there I headed to the local Sears store and happened to enter by the appliance section. I had a look at the vacuums and the sales gal asked if I needed help. Yeah, just looking at what's good and CHEAP. The light bulb came on and she said, "We have a couple of ends-of-lines that have huge markdowns, I'll go get them." I came away with a $250 vacuum for $50 - beautiful! Then I indulged in something I hate but really needed to do; buy some clothes for work. More sales! A pair of dress pants and 3 shirts for less than $40.

A quick meal, back home, assembled the vacuum and I've hung one (count it - one) picture. God, I'm good. I should be set up here by Christmas. Terry has been in and out here playing with the common internet connection through to his place and seems to have things sorted out.

Cousin BJ shared a local news article about a retired MD who was going to do a parachute jump for charity but the idea was vetoed at the last moment and he was grounded. Ahhh, memories!!! I'd do that again in a heartbeat if it was guaranteed I wouldn't get hurt again. Seems there's a cost to everything.