Tuesday July 20

I have been very lax as of late in blogging. Seems there is one thing or another that takes its place. The summer is whizzing by at an unGodly rate but I need to stop the whirlwind for just enough time to put some thoughts down on my blog.

On June 13 I was able to accompany my hubby to Vancouver, BC. I have never been there and thought this a perfect opportunity to go. So, though on separate planes, we hit the skies. After a 5 hour flight I landed at the Vancouver airport to grey drizzly skies. I meandered about the airport with a cart and my luggage and waited for hubby's plane; some 3 hours later. By the time he arrived, the skies had cleared and it became a bright sunny, though a tad cool, day. Every day I took photos, walked like I've never walked before (despite a knee brace and sore joints). I saw many of the waterfront attractions; Stanley Park being just one. The Vancouver Aquarium was really nice - not to compare to that of San Diego, but a pleasant break for sure. I saw BC place where the Olympic ceremonies were held, the steam clock in Gastown, Canada Place and many more touristy sights. 6 days later we flew back to Quebec.

A week later, hubby and I drove to Nova Scotia, our home province. 14 hours later we landed there safe and sound; though pretty much worn out. The cottage was still standing with only a minor amount of spiders and mouse droppings. Oh how I loathe spiders. Anyway, we hit the hay and awoke to cloudy skies and threats of rain. After killing one lawn mower and a weed eater, we bought a new one and mowed our grove of killer weeds to make the place a bit more presentable. My peonie bush was about to explode with blossoms and by the time we left, some 10 days later, it was in full bloom. What a sight to behold. We cut trees, mowed and weeded, we cleaned the place and even installed a hot water heater on day one and two. That was manditory; have to have hot water and a shower when cottaging. On our way home to Quebec we detoured to old Quebec City for meetings. Two nights there in an unGodly heatwave was another pleasant diversion from the norm. We drove back home within 5 hours and here, again, we are.

Getting back to the normal routine is not too demanding; though having the house a complete shambles is disappointing. Responsibility, to some, is a four-letter word. Ho hum ... let's not open that can of worms.

Am keeping busy with the patrol special events. Bluesfest has just ended and a new crop of events is on schedule. Returnee requal is fast approaching as we try to requalify some 400 members. It's a huge job but a needed one. Lift evac is due this year for me and those in my class of 2008. That is always fun and very difficult to fail, unless of course you send your patient crashing into the earth from a chair. NOT. So soon the patrol education aspect will resume with a new group of recruits who need to be sent through their paces. September to December is the normal class schedule the off to their drafted hill they go for 'on hill' training. By the end of January, they should be all trained and jacketed for patrolling the remainder of the ski season. May MY ski season actually exist this year as last years was an utter failure. Damned ACL.

Friday June 11, 2010

Well folks, once again I've been very lax in not blogging - something I am still getting accustomed to. Yet one more thing to keep updated. Where does one find the time?

On Sunday June 13th I am heading out West, to Vancouver BC in fact. It's a 6-day journey to a place I've never been. I am looking forward to seeing the Pacific Ocean and the sites and scenes so many speak of. Stanley Park is on my 'to do' list as is the Vancouver Aquarium and the like. I adore the ocean, the hotel being right on the waterfront; a marina right there. In the background are mountains; the Olympics were held there too. It should be a wonderful time away. So I am readying my suitcase, myself and the household to be 'sans Victoria.'

So for a week, you'll have to fair without me and my blog. Why should this be any different from the lack of posts as of late? LOL LOL

Bye for now,
Stay tuned for trip updates!

June 2, 2010

Well in theory summer should be just three weeks (plus or minus) away. By the looks of it, I'd say that is a bit inaccurate as our weather and temperatures indicate a very warm spring/summer. Few days of rain and sunshine most of the time. One really can't complain - of that anyway.
Am really looking forward to my upcoming trip out west to Vancouver, British Columbia. It is only for 6 days but I've never been there and it is a marvellous opportunity to take in some sights and get away. Lord knows I need a break; these 5AM wake-ups for the past two weeks are unnecessary and extrememly disruptive to my constitution let alone my psyche. That is shaky at best right now but unless things are set in place; rules are made, etc; things will never change.

Think think think ....

May 27, 2010

Well once again I am back at the blog seat trying to come up with wondrous inspiration of what to say. Well, it isn't going to be anything flamboyant - we have a heat wave here - 40C with humidex and it's most uncomfortable, especially at night. The A/C is humming away but the poor thing can barely keep up. It is, however, much better than the alternative.

My trip to Niagara was fine. Nice weather, great sights and seeing my Mum was obviously the best part. The 7.5 hour drive to and fro was uneventful but long; traffic, construction, heat ... but uneventful just the same. A trip well timed and most enjoyable.

Thursday May 13, 2010

Well I've been rather delinquent in uniting thought with blog. Forgive my absence but volunteer duty has called regarding the Osiris Radio website and facebook affiliates. All well worth it, I might add. I'm duly impressed, truth be told - for someone who has no background in web design.

THANK YOU, David!

Starting this Saturday, I will be heading to the Niagara Falls area (Thorold) to visit with my 89 year old Mum. It's been 5 months since I've seen her; as she was here for Christmas. It'll be great to get away from home for a while and recharge the ol' grey matter LOL.

So if a gap develops in my blogs, you'll know why.

Gin is going to meet Tonic, yet again.

May 9, 2010

Will keep this blog short and sweet; given the occasion and date.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ONE AND ALL!

I wish my own mother(s) the very best of the day, the greatest people I know. I look forward to celebrating and commemorating many many more to come as the years pass.

My love...always...all ways! xoxoxoxo

May the 4th be with you ... hahah!

Well, yes, it is indeed May the 4th - as the play on words eludes to. I thought this statement to be brilliant actually - created by some Star Wars fanatic, no doubt, but good none the less.
Much was accomplished today pertaining to the upcoming launch of Osiris Radio website (May 10) and the impending radio show to follow in mid-summer. It seems that I 'may' be the one to be in the drivers seat for the broadcast. With the help from acquaintances or show enthusiasts, this MAY become a reality. Right now it seems a bit overwhelming as I haven't a clue how to do this broadcaster stuff. Anyway, it's a new thing to add to my resume of 'trials.'
Tomorrow is the dreaded 'go to the dentist' day for a repair. Seems that sponge toffee and root canal plugs don't go hand in hand. After countless years, I guess the thing just wanted out with the aid of this overly sweet confectionery. Lesson learned, we hope.
On Thursday is the long awaited for launch of David's book, Stepping into the Dark. I am anxious to see the photo coverage of this event; hoping it goes smoothly and with much fan fare that he deserves.
Good Luck, David and enjoy the momentous occasion.

Thursday April 29, 2010

Well I seemed to have become a tad delinquent in my blog posts. My head has been trying to wrap itself around a few things at one time and I chose to forego my writing. Today, however, I shall endeavor to catch up.
Today was what we thought would be the first practice run of Osiris Radio show. It is a good thing we have decided to do lots of practice runs and there are many glitches and quirks that need ironing out. Our biggest hurdle is having our co-hosts heard on air via Skype. For now, however, we have found a rather archaic method that reveals fairly good results but I fear it is not a permanent solution. So far, though, so good. Tomorrow we shall endeavor to do a full show start to finish and see how we sound. The material will fall into place once we are confident the audience will hear a quality product.
This coming Monday (May 3) marks a couple of notable events. Firstly, David Lucas' book "Stepping into the Dark" will be launched. I am so happy for him, his accomplishment and notariety that has been bestowed upon him. It is a well deserved accredation; his trials and tribulations on coming to terms with being visually impaired and the stigma that attaches itself to you. The acceptance of a guide dog, Abbot and subsequent replacement when he retires, and how that change altered his life forever. I implore you ... read this book, cover to cover. As a non-visually impaired person, it changed how I see things completely.
The next event happening on Monday is the lighting of the 2011 Canada Games torch here in Ottawa at Parliament Hill. As a volunteer for these games, I wish to enjoy and experience the commmencement of the festivities as I will be 'working' the event in Halifax, Nova Scotia as a first aid provider/ski patroller. This will be unlike anything I've done before or possibly will again. I look so forward to this new challenge.
A point of highlight, too, is that I am finally able to order a second knee brace for my torn ACL, etc.. This one, a Derotational II brace, is quite unique to what I have now and 'apparently' will better suit my injury and subsequent movements. At a cost of $1600, the fact that CSST will cover the cost is so very welcomed and much appreciated. Stay tuned on that front! Happily, I can likely order it in CSPS Yellow :)

Sunday April 25, 2010

Well another weekend is coming to an end; a new week unfolding.
Had a lovely time at our CSPS patrol banquet on Saturday evening. All decked out, great friends, awesome meal and a really good DJ for the evenings entertainment. Fellow patrollers won awards, Female Patroller of the Year, Male Rookie of the Year, Instructor of the Year. That is such a boost for our hill and patrol hut. I was proud. Yay, Vorlage!!

I have upped the leg lift weight to a whopping 3lbs. That seems so incredibly piddly but in reality it is actually too much. Sore! Oh my dear I've over done things a bit but will persevere. 2lb was likely enough for another few days but here we are at 3. I truly hope that when all is said and done that it makes a difference in the end. Right now, thing are just disappointing and very slow going. Keep the faith ... keep the faith ... oh hell ... get 'er done!!

This week is the wrinkle week of the Osiris Radio show. The website is being dealt with as we speak but the actual radio show needs rehearsal to achieve the quality of show and sound we want. I hope that we are all on board, David, Kevin and myself; focused on getting this to the level where we are all proud of our (mmm) hard work. I'm looking forward to the music, light hearted comments and show ideas. As the week unfolds, so does the future.

'Til next time - stay tuned - stay smilin'!!

April 22, 2010 - Earth Day

Not much in the way of thoughts to share today, aside from it being Earth Day and the weekend is soon upon us.
It has been quite the week; enlightening in many areas and totally frustrating in others. It is my hope that, above all else, I've made some important head way. I think I have.
This weekend is my Ski Patrol awards/end of season banquet. I look forward to seeing a lot of these people once more before the summer gobbles them all up. Despite rostering many of them for our summer event duty; I don't get an opportunity to see as many as I'd like. So all gussied up we get; kick up our heels (ok not me with a torn ACL) but figuratively speaking.
Next week we begin the rehearsal for the launch of Osiris Radio - the non-profit visually impairment based website and radio show. A wonderful cause with incredible potential so we have to do our very best to ensure that people receive quality information and good ol' fashioned fun.

'Til ink and paper meet again .... bon journee!

April 21, 2010

An uneventful day, thus far, but then again it is only 07:44 in the morning. Sun is shining, temperature are supposed to rise and the hope is that productivity will too. Laundry is a dryin' and the dishes too.
Today I will venture out for a great lunch with a patrol friend, Serena. I think today is Sushi day, as last time was Pho day. I think I am becoming more of an oriental personality with all of this Asian food that I have been eating as of late. I love the stuff, healthy, light and very tasty.
I am hoping that the week plays out well; getting some outdoor time under my feet and some appointments changed and reorganized.
Next week we (I) begin the rehearsal shows for the launch of the Osiris Radio website and online radio show. It should be oodles of fun and a tad stressful, no doubt. It will be nice to do this globally as our one key member is from the UK...YAY, David Lucas!!
So for now, I bid you adieu and wish you the happiest and most sun-filled day!

April 20, 2010

Today has two notable events that occur, one is quite funny and harmless, the other ... not so much.
(1) Hitler's birthday b. 1889 d. ??? officially

(2) Weed Day - Today is National Weed Day, a day dedicated to discussing the legalization of marijuana.

Why choose April 20 as their national holiday?

Because 4/20 or 420 is often used in slang to refer to the smoking of marijuana. Some believe that the term originated from a group of teenagers in San Rafael, California, who would meet at a statue of Louis Pasteur in their high school grounds to smoke marijuana at 4:20 p.m., when detention let out.

Somehow, from a small group of wastoid teenagers, that holiday has evolved into a national celebration for all people who suck the sap out of our nation’s productivity. On this day, those who favor legalization of marijuana gather together and smoke a lot of pot. In other words, this day does not differ a whole lot from any other day for these people.

The biggest celebration is held on the University of Colorado’s Boulder campus, which generally becomes engulfed in a mushroom cloud of cannabis smoke this time of year. Reportedly, as many as 10,000 people gather each year to smoke pot with others, instead of at home in their mom’s basement with a towel under the door.

So there you have it - two notable events at either end of the spectrum. The latter causing the reader and blogger to crack a smile; the former, well ... enough on that.

A bientot! Have a splendid day!

April 19th, 2010

Today is a special date in the year. April 19th has much meaning for me; most importantly it is the date that my father, Philipp was born back in 1921. Today he celebrates his 84th birthday with a steak dinner, baked potatoes and a few good friends. Though he has Parkinson's disease, he tries valiantly to keep his thoughts straight and to keep a firm upper lip every day. He rarely complains and to me that is something we can all take heed in. I admire his courage and his sense of living.

The other reason why April 19th is special is that my very best school friend, Dawn Coles (Isnor) was born in 1964. She would be 46 today had she not succumbed to cancer two years ago. Her essence is here today with her family and dear friends and for me I toast her memory and thank her for every single happy day I had back then.

Tomorrow, another day ... a new horizon ... new thoughts!

Virgin Mission To Blogging

Hello all, this is the first virgin mission into the world of blogging. Quite interesting actually...something everyone seems to be doing.

Wish me luck, stay tuned and see what the future unfolds!