Inukshuk

The mysterious stone figures known as inuksuit can be found throughout the circumpolar world. Inukshuk, the singular of inuksuit, means "in the likeness of a human" in the Inuit language. They are monuments made of unworked stones that are used by the Inuit for communication and survival. The traditional meaning of the inukshuk is "Someone was here" or "You are on the right path." Credit to 'The Inukshuk Gallery' for the quote.

More and more over the last 25 years these stone symbols have become more popular and crept into the common consciousness. You used to see them rarely while driving on northern roads and usually on the horizon where they would catch your eye. Now they pop up all over. Their original intent in the far north was as a sort of assurance that someone had passed this way before - keep going. The one above was made by one of our clients from some simple building materials he had at hand - keep going.

The inukshuk has been adopted as the official symbol of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Find Your Own Path

Time is short this morning again. Yesterday was spent grubbing around in the dirt while sorting out a couple of garden areas - not so interesting to write about perhaps. Soooo.... here's another shot stolen from my daughter's Facebook page which I just love. It's her son Z walking the independent walk. (Hmmm... now if I just had some airfare, I'd surprise them with a visit.)

Oh, while on an errand yesterday I stopped in to an art supply store carrying yb's material list in my grubby hand. I checked out all they had to offer and came away with a different assortment of materials. A variety pack of conte crayons, another pack of oil pastels, a kids watercolour set and another basic set of markers. I could have spent hours there and spent a whack of money but I tore myself away. The clerk and I had quite a long chat and reviewed yb's list - he explained some of the features of those pens - good guy.

Anyway - brand new day but wet today. I might get some time checking out those new toys afterall. Later.....

Colour Splash

Gotta love springtime for the colour!! Yay!!

Boo!! Right after this I started in cutting the lawns for the first time this year.

Hey!! It beats shovelling snow.... I ain't complaining.

f-Stop Friday

Wow! I haven't done one of these in a dogs age but seeing as how I'm back into posting photos again I thought it was in order. BTW, thanks for the positive comments on this latest bunch I've put up. Your comments are appreciated (and encouraged) Feel free to say what you don't like, too.

I'm not going to mess around with trying to put type where I want it.... too muc agg. Big, big shift in the weather - it got milder straight through last night and I've gotten up to a balmy 14C, which if memory serves, is around 55F. Huge difference from the -25 from just the other night., and I love it.

With that in mind I thought I'd clear the deck and look back on a few wintery shots so I can start thinking of the season in 'past' terms. (I know we aren't done yet but.....)

Shot #1 is Freedom playing sentinel on her hill over looking her domain during on particularily fierce storm. Good girl!!!

#2 was taken at work after we had been dumped on a couple of days in a row. It has been so cold that it hasn't alll had a chance to melt yet - no where near that deep anymore, but still..... go away.

#3 is looking straight up our driveway. Taken one morning after arriving home from work and being unable to negotiate the driveway because it was too deep and choked with snow to drive in. I'll do a spring or summer shot another time for comparison.

#4 is one I took last year while living at the townhouse. Meet my gate. I liked the stuck-on snow on the board faces and the blue cast that the low light gives this. It's a strong linear image, too.

Cool (as in cold) Pictures

Here are a few that have been taken over the last couple of weeks.

This is dog tracks frozen in the ice and snow.






















This was taken while it was still snowing. Shot from our kitchen/patio door toward the greenbelt.

A wider view from the same spot that shows more of our yard. Birch tree, willow, grape vines, wind mill.

A couple of shots got lost here so I'll publish these and try to track down the others.

Stolen - Honest

I was browsing through my daughter Sarah's albums on Facebook and came across this one she took last weekend during a visit to Victoria, B.C. with her Mom and Zeph. Striking, isn't it? If I'm not mistaken this is the provincial parliament building beautifully silhouetted against a cloudless sky.

Sorry Sarah, I had to 'borrow' it. I'll return it in good condition. Promise.

Golden Slumbers

Owen would have been completely insulted had we suggested he have a nap because, 'naps are for babies, Pops. Big boys don't have naps.' "Okay, O." On this afternoon he climbed up on the windowseat with Milo and after chattering away for a few minutes, then daydreaming for a few more he promptly fell deeply asleep. On awakening he was one very surprised little guy. What happened?? 'I dunno!! I sleeped, I guess!!' A shrug of the shoulders and off he went again on another adventure.

In Unison - Stepping Out

While sorting through some prints I came across this one of Owen and I taken during his week long visit with us back in August. At first glance it didn't seem too special until I noticed we were in synch, completely in step with one another. Weight on the right foot, stepping forward with the left, hands in the same position, looking down and ahead - Pops and O enjoying a walk on the beach.

This shot includes a couple of rare sightings. I wear shorts maybe once a year because I don't like how my legs look - skinny, scarred, discoloured. And I rarely wear a hat - it must have been awfully bright and hot that day (and if it was where is Owen's sun protection?).

Photo credit to Lynda. Yes, that is Lake Ontario.

Dazed Days

Although we're enjoying a brilliant warm autumn day outside the weather between my ears isn't so good. Chuck full today with anxiety, fear and uncertainty. This too shall pass.....

In the meantime a shot of colour seems approriate. This shot is from our trip to Vancouver 13 or so months ago and if memory serves correctly Lynda took this one. We visited a few different gardens so I can't credit this one with any certainty.

I attended a meeting yesterday morning up at 'the residence' and things are still very much up in the air. Regular daytime staff have been assured of an income through until the end of the year. My status is yet to be determined in that regard. I might get pulled in with other staff to run day programming, or not. I know I'm supposed to work a shortened week next week into Friday morning. That is crunch day.

Lynda and I are talking out the various angles around these issues and mainly it's providing a way to vent and discharge the negative stuff but also brainstorm some creative solutions. Time to get back to working on some cover letters.....

It's Friday Night....!!!!!!

and no, it isn't that lush and green here (yet...)
but I felt like another splash of colour this evening.

Funny week. Low energy. Alright weather - a little snow the other day.
Otherwise, a dominant high pressure system and clear skies with decent temps.

I try to live in the present and appreciate the moment.
A bunch of us were standing outside after a noon time meeting
and enjoying the mild weather, sunshine and one another's company.
There were some powerful thought provoking messages shared around that table today.
A men's only closed discussion group - 25 to 30 in attendance. 3 of us from my home group.
One fellow completed treatment at our facility early this week; good to see him out doing the 'do's'.
A number of guys in excess of 20 years sobriety, a couple close to 50.

Hmmm.... let's see.... one day at a time.... at 50 years sobriety I'd be just shy of my 99th birthday.
A worthy goal.....


The mess is cleaned up from an early dinner and I've checked in to see how Lynda's day went.
Time to pack up my gear and head over to the house for the night.
There should be time to walk the dogs before dark if I hurry.
Later.

Sheer Laziness.......

..... and loving every minute of it.

Lynda is back on days and needed someone to tend to Milo for the day yesterday. (Pick me, Pick me) He is a perfect angel when sleeping as you can see. When he isn't sleeping it is difficult to get a shot of him as he is a busy lad - everywhere and into everything; where you want him to be, he isn't. Our visit at at mom's was a quick one as he was into all manner of stuff - balls of knitting wool, piles of papers - everywhere we were, he didn't want to settle.

Once over to my place he had to give the place a thorough inspection but eventually found a sunny spot of a carpet and used my shoes for a pillow. After he had settled it didn't take me long to find the couch for a rest of my own. (I can't seem to conk out at night but give me anything horizontal during the day and look out) You see, REST, that is the theme for the week. I didn't know that back on Monday and it is only becoming clear to me today, Friday, but that's okay. It may not have been the intention at the beginning of the week but that is how it has turned out. Ah, well... Sleeping hasn't been a great deal better but I've hung in there like a trooper with those sheets swaddled around me winning all the debates as to why I should be up out of bed.

Milo and I snoozed so Al, my boarder, cooked and we had eaten when Lynda arrived from her dinner date. Despite being stuffed she joined in and had a cuppa but declined the biscuits. Chicken!! Lynnie didn't stick around for ages - we had a nice visit but before too long she felt like getting on home. We continue to help one another with day-to-day pressures, outside relations, work stuff, finances, our kids stuff. Hmmm....sounds just like being married, doesn't it?

I just had a check-in call from a friend knows why I missed Mondays meeting and who hasn't seen me at meetings since; there's a 'men's only closed discussion' happening at noon - let's go. There will be some new idea floating about the room that I need to hear today.

Gotta go.... likely check-in later.

*Update* I can see I hadn't been up long enough to be writing anything here. Even after editing it's a mess. Mea culpa. Shut up Norm.*

L'il Dancer

When I arrived yesterday afternoon Owen, his gramma and his mom had spent a couple of hours on the side patio - it was cool but sunny and shielded from the wind. Once again gramma was the focus of Owen's world and referred to her in everything he wished to do. Out of the blue he began to sing, then to dance and decided he needed a partner. Here, gramma gives him a whirl.

7 of us walked down the street, round the corner to the local pub for a belated birthday dinner for Lynda. As we ate a band was setting up equipment and doing sound checks and Owen was following what they were doing. He stopped a couple of the band members to ask questions as they worked. I watched him as they stepped up to the microphones to introduce themselves and then count themselves into the number. The expression on Owen's face was worth a million bucks as they quickly ran through the first few chords and began to sing. He was off his chair like a shot, running up to where he had the best vantage point and proceeded to stomp his foot, shake his leg, clap his hands and dance, dance, dance. When the applause died after the song was done the band members gave Owen a hand and high-fives all round. He was a hit to say the least. Such enthusiasm - what's the saying? dance like no one is watching? he did....

Lynda and I took Owen back to the house to give the kids a couple of hours to themselves and the chance to sit and talk over a couple of beers. Lynda and I still haven't told Owen we live apart - whenever I arrive at the house I'm coming from work; if I have to leave I'm going back to work. Simple; it works and doesn't upset his view of the world. I had a couple of additional hours with him before leaving for work - big hugs and squeezes and a kiss on the cheek; he doesn't like my whiskers. Got a couple of hugs and kisses from Lynda , too. Woo-hoo!!

Last night was exceedingly quiet; downright boring. I caught up on a couple of important emails, considered watching a movie but then surfed and followed links on friends blogs. Found lots and lots of good creative writing and excellent photography. I'm looking to update those I link with and want to add a few. I'm not really sure of the etiquette involved - should I tell them I intend to link and give them the opportunity to veto the idea? Input people???

BTW - the time spent at the house and bar were the worst I've had for craving a smoke. Neither are 'smoking' places but both were loud, confusing and loaded with stress (for a few reasons). I used some of the 'tools' I'd been told of and they worked in the short term. I kept fantisizing about that '1' smoke all night and was glad to get home to bed. hmmm.... 11 days now. Best regroup, review, renew or ... relapse.

Diggin', Diggin'.....

Still around - just up for the day and catching up on friend's posts. Here are a couple of shots from a few days ago. It's been dull and raining here - not conducive to much in the way of picture taking.

I can lose myself in the zen-zone when I consider this one......

There may be something rattling around my mind worth sharing once I get to work this evening.... perhaps.

Hocus Pocus

and shazaam!! Poof!!

So far.... so good; no problems. I kept that hypnosis appointment earlier on and although it has only been hours I'm pleasantly surprised. That is how I intend to continue with this quit effort - by the hour (or minute if necessary).

All prayers, good wishes and positive vibes gratefully received and acknowledged.

Today is son R's 25th birthday!!

Recent pictures

Lynda took this one at Owen's birthday party Saturday. It was well attended and Owen had fun dragging Gramma around playing with all his toys.

This is Milo's reaction to Lynda whimpering and whining behind the camera. While Lynda was in the pet food store she ran into someone who is familiar with Milo from before his adoption. Speculation continues as to daddy's identity and breed; the groomer came out and said he's a dead ringer for another pup she had seen recently that was the offspring of a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Could just be with that confirmation and colouring; we'll see.

Yesterday was a lazy day - I slept in, got cleaned up, dropped in on Lynda to see if she needed any groceries to hold her through the week, and then enjoyed a couple of quiet Sunday night shopping hours at the 'evil empire'. It was glorious just putzing around the store checking out the merchandise with no one wanting or needing anything from me. (It's amazing when you hit the checkout just how much money you can run through though.) For a change I didn't run into anyone I know during the outing and didn't have to do anything but occupy myself with my thoughts. I dropped a couple of items off to Lynda at the house, beat it home and started to eat, ate some more, continued eating and then had some dessert. Mea culpa, I couldn't stop and that might have had something to do with why I was unable to sleep. I had a lot of plans for today and I'm way behind but have made a couple of arrangements by phone for tomorrow's appointments.

My home group meeting is tonight and we're having elections for a variety of positions prior to the actual meeting for our group members. It doesn't involve me as my term is 2 years and it'll be nice to see more involvement from other members on a regular basis to ensure things run smoothly.

Time to get cleaned up and get on with the day..... what's left of it.

Rock Garden....

.... this is where I go to ponder heavy thoughts.

Check Out The Map On This.....

Too damned cute not to share - here's more Milo. And, of course, if you want a real close up - right click the picture and select 'open link in new window'.

My work here is done. Time for bed - g'day.

Introduction

This one is just for the heck of it - a couple of small planters that were left out for the season, sporting their own little mountain of snow.

Here's the intro picture - not a bad one of Milo; a pretty awful one of Lynda - taken just inside my front door. Milo is a short haired pup so he has an insulated jacket complete with reflective bands. I haven't heard as yet how their first night together went..... heh, heh, heh.

A Day At The Beach.....

...which is a bit of a lie.... 15 or 20 minutes was enough to bring me to the verge of frostbite. Althought the lakefront is just a quick 10 minute drive from either home I don't get down there very often. Because it had been fairly mild - just around freezing - early today and we were getting some sunshine for a change I thought I'd take a run down. Only problem being that the wind direction had changed from SW to NW causing the temp to drop and windchill to rise. This first shot is looking west toward Toronto along the north shore of Lake Ontario. This is the beach and lakefront park in Oshawa.

A look back the way I'd come; toward the pier and harbour area. Those domes are for storing the salt and sand mixture that is spread on the roads prior to and during snow storms. On the right side of this shot you can see some lake effect snow showers sweeping in.

An ice bridge at the waters edge. Unfortunate about the angle of the lighting..... and look at those crazy Canada geese floating out there. I'd perish in about 10 seconds in that water.

This is looking due south down the length of a man made look-out pod that juts into the lake. 25 or 30 miles across the lake is Rochester, New York. Hellooooooo!

This walk took just about 20 minutes and was perhaps a kilometer long but by the time I made it back to the car my eyes and nose were streaming, ears blazing red and damn near frozen off, chest heaving from gulping the cold air. If only the wind hadn't picked up... if I'd worn a hat and gloves..... it wouldn't have been as invigorating. Nice to be out and about enjoying the day - I'm ALIVE!!

It's time for something savoury for supper.

Snow Daze.....

I thought I'd share these as I finally got around to downloading my camera software to my re-jigged computer. If you happen to be in warmer climes perhaps these will cool you off for a moment or two. This top shot was taken about a week ago from my townhouse doorway looking across the complex. That is a crab apple tree with a nice dusting of the fluffly stuff.

This shot was taken yesterday over at the house from the kitchen looking out at the little side patio after our most recent storm. Nice, eh? Later on in the day a high pressure system swept in so it was clear, sunny and bright. We're in for another small storm tomorrow night and the forecasters are telling us there is another major one heading our way Sunday into Monday which is supposed to dump another 20 cm. (about a foot)

Ah, the joys of Canada in February...... (please tell me why I still live here.....) Florida, the gulf coast of Texas, Arizona and California all sound good right about now. So do Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Trinidad.

**TEASER** - I have some major news to share later; good stuff. Woo-Hoo!!!!!