its the beginning of a great adventure

Paddle to the sea

2011-10-22T13:28:00.004-07:00

Sleeping Soldiers - Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

2011-06-30T11:56:00.003-07:00

Sleeping Soldiers_single screen (2009) from Tim Hetherington on Vimeo.

I've been reading 'War' by Sebastian Junger. It's a heck of a good read. Gritty. I'm trying to understand more of what causes people to put themselves into such situations. How they cope with stress, deal with PSTD and generally manage to function. It's fascinating and I can't help but be mesmerized by their intestinal fortitude. Inspires me to be stronger.

Sebastian Junger worked with Tim Hetherington. They made a documentary film, Restrepo together. The name, Tim Hetherington rang a bell when I read it, but I couldn't place where. I'm sad to say now I know. The man was killed during the fighting in Libya. April 20 2011, in Misrata, Libya. He was 40 years old.

The video, Sleeping Soldiers, was filmed in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. It's unsettling but somehow beautiful.

I don't really know how I feel about all the things that are coming together with this particular exploration. It's easy to get caught up in the propaganda of either side. But the human part is the most poignant. Someday I'll manage to put what I'm feeling into words. It's just not ready yet.

Lowest of the Low perform So Long Bernie at ExploreMusic

2011-06-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

Lowest of The Low has been the CD in the car for a few drives now. It just plays and plays. I don't seem to get bored of it. They have such a rich sound. The lyrics. My god, are they good. And it's not like you're going to be gonna hear these guys on Top 40 radio any time soon, now is it?

Such talent.

STEEP trailer

2011-06-29T08:48:00.002-07:00

Last night we watched this. It was beautiful exploration of risk and reward in the mountains. Awfully 'Americentric' but past that is was good. The chromatography was stunning. Not that I have any urge to go up that high into big mountains anymore. I tried that and realized that I do not live exposure at all. Nope.

Part of my reason for bringing this disk home from the library was to examine the concept of risk and reward in the alpine. The spousal unit like his risks big. I could care less in many ways because I'm ok with him doing his thing. Hell, if that is what makes you happy, who the heck am I to say you neigh? But don't ever think about 'dragging' me along ever again. Been there, not going back. I'm done.

The other past is the general examination of risk in the workplace. The seemingly perpetual examination of safety in action that one experiences while being occupied in H&S. It permeates life.

One interview with the now deceased Doug Coombs brought forth a little gem of a phrase. "Creative Rationalization". That is always the root cause. As humans we can rationalize pretty much anything. The creative mind finds a route around the problem. In our enthusiasm to meet the objective, whether that is 'bagging the peak' or 'getting the job done' we rationalize the risk. We have already our minds on the rewards. So we have to do it. Failure? What? Not make the peak or piss the boss off? Naw man, we can't do that. We've already bragged about our success or perhaps they paycheque is already spent.

All in all, it was a worthwhile film to watch. Something unsettling about watching interviews with people who die doing what they love. Their ideas of risk and reward are not shared by me. But I suppose that is OK. Kinda must suck to be the one left behind to clean up the mess.

Death is nothing to us,
since when we are,
death has not come,
and when death has come,
we are not.

Epicurus

this car too high

2011-06-29T08:02:00.003-07:00

this car too high, originally uploaded by water-fall.

A few weeks ago we were lost. Driving around in Calgary. Took a wrong turn and were driving on some barely recognizable streets. It happens frequently. Someday I will know this city. Some day.

They we saw it. A big orange beast of a railroad snowplow. Some how like the bow of an oceangoing freighter. Or a massive pier of a tide swept bridge. Riveted. Graceful. Somehow elegant in the efficiency of its function.

We paused for a few minutes and I snapped a few photos. And then went off on our merry way. Finally we stumbled across a recognizable road and reached our original destination.

I wonder how they found out the plow was too high to pass though the Winnipeg train shed? Was it by accident? Did some clever person realize it was too high before proceeding? Kinds makes you think. Humm.

Safety. It comes third. Oh yeah, we say it's first. But reality hits us on the head and calls bullshit. Wonder how the snowplow vs train shed battle played out? I'll put my money on the plow.

Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman

2011-06-27T08:59:00.006-07:00

This is a sad tale, but beautifully written. The world lost a handsome and intelligent man that day, all for naught. The Pat Tillman story is compelling. How did this man come to that place and to his death? Jon Krakauer again has written a spellbinding tale. From the complexity of the soul to the bureaucratic bungling of the industrial military complex.

It so strange to think of the politics behind war. We are so easily lead astray. Blinded and baffled. Bewildered and bullshitted. Just like that conversation I overheard between former commandos. The older telling the younger, 'You didn't kill anyone, the politicians did.'

Canadian, Please

2011-06-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

So cute and catchy.

how long have I wanted you

2011-05-25T11:37:00.001-07:00

how long have I wanted you, originally uploaded by water-fall.

I have you now

perfect slippers

made of Moroccan Leather

tools for the carpet hunt

2011-05-23T16:41:00.001-07:00

tools for the carpet hunt, originally uploaded by water-fall.

a little movement of objects and a change of colour - the aquarium is now in the corner and the teak chest of drawers has been moved.

This feels roomier some how. Not sure why.

Playing around with the living room

2011-05-23T16:36:00.001-07:00

Playing around with the living room, originally uploaded by water-fall.

trying to reconfigure the living room - we don't seem to use the couch much. And it's such a nice comfy couch too.

Currently there is no rug/carpet. Just the very nice hardwood floors. I'm experimenting with different colours to see how that will change the feel/flow of the room.

Heaven in Alberta

2011-05-20T09:38:00.002-07:00

This piece of heaven that I've found
Rocky Mountains and black fertile ground
Everything I need beneath that big blue sky

Wildcat

2011-05-20T09:20:00.004-07:00

The orchid that I bought last year is blooming again. It shot off a little bulb and slowly that bulb grew. It sprouted a flower stalk and buds. Now is open, and wow, is it ever covered in flowers.

They seem darker than last year. Think is is one of the many Wildcat hybrids. It wasn't tagged, but what do you expect for $16? It's not like I went to the Orchid nursery either. Just Ikea.

The Last Saskatchewan Pirate by Captain Tractor

2011-05-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

When you see the Jolly Roger on Regina's mighty shores...........

Cowgirl Up

2011-05-15T18:43:00.003-07:00

Stampede is 53 days away. So soon, yet not soon enough. Must acquire some new outfits. Plenty of eye candy on Etsy. Turquoise old pawn buckles, red gingham blouses and the finest vintage boots. Not to mention some very lovely hand tooled leather. A girl could really put on a good look with a few of these lovelies.

Shania Twain - I Ain't No Quitter

2011-05-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

I love the dancing in this. The song is pretty good too. Love you Shania!

Sunday in the studio

2011-05-09T07:50:00.001-07:00

Sunday in the studio, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Sunday was a nice rainy spring day. Perfect for spending time in the studio. I made some seafoamy green rings and some aquamarine blue beads.

Not bad for the first torch day in a long while.

Good Bye Old Friend

2011-04-27T09:29:00.001-07:00

big tongue, originally uploaded by water-fall.

You were such a good little lizard buddy for such a long time.

Passing into that other world in your sleep. It sees like a peaceful way die. You had one last day in the sunshine. Old lizard King. The house feels empty with out you. Too quiet.

11 years with you seems like forever and yet not long enough.

Rest in peace Songporn

2011-02-05T12:07:00.005-08:00

Songporn died last night. His beautiful colors faded and he rested on the bottom of the tank for the last time. It's sad. He was such a beautiful fish. Like a shimmering piece of silk in the water.

Betta fish are special. They swim up to the front of the tank and franticly swim back 'n forth till you feed them. People who have never lived with a fish might find it strange to think a fish had personality. But they do. Each one is a little different.

Songporn was full of energy for such a long time it seemed. He only started to fade in the last few days. When he stopped eating, I knew the end would come soon. Sigh. Now it's hard to look at the empty tank.

Goodbye little buddy. You were a pretty cool Betta. I will miss you.

Toffee & Fudge

2011-02-02T08:38:00.004-08:00

This Christmas I made Toffee & Fudge. Mostly to share with friends and a little bit for us to munch on as a seasonal treat. We don't buy Christmas gifts anymore, so a bit of homemade candy seems to be an exquisite treat.

Both recipes came from the Cooking for Engineers website. They have a plethora of cool recipes that have the science of cooking explained. It's pretty darn cool. Maybe a bit geeky, but hell, it works.

The fudge recipe is super easy. A can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 pound of chocolate chips and a bit of butter. Melt it all together and pour it into a pan. Allow to cool and cut it it. Simple. And you can make it in the microwave. If you are keen on microwave cooking.

Toffee is slightly more complex. This is the crunchy type of toffee. English style. Not the chewy Scottish style. Apparently that is butterscotch. To make this recipe you will need a candy thermometer.

Toffee ingredients are simple. Butter & sugar are the main ingredients. Add a touch of water, vanilla extract & salt. Chocolate chips can be melted on the top. Chopped almonds can be added to the toffee as well. I made the plain version. It's yummy on it's own. Nice to have options.

I haven't bothered to copy the recipes for this entry. The Cooking for Engineers folks have done a bang-up job and I didn't see the need to try and improve on their work. So pop on over to their website for the Toffee recipe. They spell out the step-by-step process rather well.

'Hanna' Trailer HD

2011-01-31T12:42:00.000-08:00

This movie looks good. Anti-hero as a slight blond girl. Iconoclastic little viking.

Roy Rogers sings "DON'T FENCE ME IN" in "Hollywood Canteen" with TRIGGER

2011-01-31T11:19:00.002-08:00

I love this video of the fabulous Roy Rogers and Trigger putting on a show in the Hollywood Canteen. 1944. Wow. He's so darn handsome. That beautiful wide open smile that comes deep within. And Trigger! The smartest horse in Show Business. Yep, no doubt.

Notice how Roy and Trigger just ride on in. There isn't any cordon between the horse and the crowd. Trigger is performing all those tricks and there is no safety. Just a well trained horse and a seemingly polished floor. This isn't something that you would see today I don't think. Odd, the things that will change over time.

Roy and Trigger had a special magic. Handsome is as handsome does. A little bit of inspiration.

100 sled dogs slaughtered when B.C. tourism slumped: Report

2011-01-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

100 sled dogs slaughtered when B.C. tourism slumped: Report

Not good. Really, really not good. My heat goes out to the most unfortunate person who had to kill all these dogs. They most likely trusted you. Maybe even loved you with that uncompromising love that dogs have. You must have had that loyalty as well. You did as you were told. Killed them. Shot them. Cut their necks and buried them in a mass grave. My heart goes out to you. I cannot imagine your pain. I'm so sorry that your employer did not have the decency to try and find homes for these animals. In the bleeding heat liberal left-coast of Vancouver. Of all places in the world. Why your co-workers, bosses and managers couldn't put themselves to task and find a better way. You have my deepest sympathy.

just another beautiful morning

2011-01-31T09:17:00.005-08:00

The kitchen window has a great morning view. Each day teats us to a beautiful beginning.

chocolate revel brownie

2011-01-30T14:34:00.001-08:00

chocolate revel brownie, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Perhaps the most calorie laden bit of goodness to ever come out of my kitchen. Decadent overload for the sedentary. But essential nourishment for the high-output backcountry travel enthusiast. and they taste good too. The recipe is from Home & Garden Magazine. It's awesome.

chocolate revel brownie

Ingredients

1 c. butter or margarine
2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
2 1/2 c. sifted, all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
3 c. quick rolled oats

Directions

1-15 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1-12 oz. pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips
2 T. butter or margarine
1/2 t. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
2 t. vanilla

In a large bowl, cream 1 c. butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and 2 t. vanilla. Sift together, flour, baking soda, 1 t. salt and oats.

Stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture until blended. Pat 2/3 of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan. Keep pushing the dough until the bottom is covered.

In a heavy saucepan, heat together sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, 1 T. butter and 1/2 t. salt. Cook over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in nuts and 2 t. vanilla.

Spread chocolate mixture over dough. Dot with remaining oatmeal mixture.

Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes. Cool and cut into 1×2 inch bars. Makes 75 bars.

Cowboys vs Aliens Trailer HD

2011-01-30T14:30:00.000-08:00

This movie looks good. I dunno, maybe it's stupid. But I like Cowboy movies AND SciFi. a space western? Ya know, like Firefly? Bet it's one of those things I'll have to go see by myself though. Just kinda get that feeling.

meanwhile, back at the ranch

2011-01-30T06:40:00.007-08:00

Made a Cowboy themed treasury on Etsy. Something about living in Alberta, it's bringing back all those childhood memories. When I was small, one of my Great Aunts asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. 'A cowboy' was my instant reply. A giggle rose up from the gathered female relatives. 'Well that might be pretty tough, maybe you want to be a Cowgirl instead?'. Yeah. I was too young to know that there were boys and girls. Took me a while to grasp that. Thanks Aunt Winnie for setting me straight on that.

Meanwhile I turned my skipping rope into a lasso and roped the fence posts from my tricycle. I had a pair of pearl handled cap guns and I shot at the 'bad guys' (the Italian kids next door who told me I was no good because I wasn't an Italian, a Catholic and my parents were divorced). Things instantly became better when Auntie Daphene brought me a 'White Stetson' from the Stampede. Oh man, that was the white cowboy hat of my dreams.

I soon hatched a plot to turn our unused carport (we didn't have a car) into a stable. I was soon approaching the neighbors to mow their lawns to make hay. And had dreams of this beautiful palomino mare walking down the street. She was in foal of course, and I got to raise that foal. Yeah, that was an awesome fantasy. Too many Roy Rogers movies you say? Well, you can never see too many Roy Rogers movies.

Grandpa took me out onto the front step and tried to explain how big an acre was. And how you needed at least an acre per horse or they didn't feel right. Then he told me that you had to let the grass grow long and then cut in off at the base to make hay. They you had to dry it in the sun buy turning it over a few times. Then you still had to bale it. Cut green grass from a lawn would get moldy and make the horses sick. Then they'd get lame and you couldn't ride them. I wasn't really sure about all this, but Grandpa seem to be pretty set in his opinions. Grandma told me later that Grandpa was really smart about horses having grown up in South Dakota and all.

Stubbornly I stuck to my plans. Practiced roping that picket fence. Had a few train wrecks getting the rope tangled in the tricycle pedals. Kind messy that. Then I tried to 'steal' a bored Shetland pony from the pony ride in Stanley Park.Nice little paint who perked up and nickered when urged him toward the gate and onward to freedom. Didn't get far with that. I wasn't intending to keep him but didn't understand why we had to ride in a miserable little dirt circle. Poor little guy was nearly dead from a coma. Oh well. Grandma had a good chuckle. Yep.

Never did find that lost Palomino mare.

The Fall trailer

2011-01-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

The Fall by Tarsem Singh. It's like a fantastic dream. The colours, so vibrant. The cinematography begs to be shown on the big screen. Not confined to a monitor or whatever at home. I know, I know. This is why people have those tremendously expensive 'Home Theater' set-ups. But I'd much rather go on a month long adventure to somewhere fantastic and glean memories that will last a lifetime. Investing in lavishly luxurious home electronics are not for me. But I digress. I would love to see this film on the big screen. Projected against a screen in a real Movie Theater. Perhaps someday I will have the chance. For now this exquisite piece of work will have to be viewed on a tiny box. Sigh.

Oatmeal Cookies

2011-01-27T13:51:00.003-08:00

The cookie monster who lives inside me likes these. A perfect crunchy oatmeal cookie with the rich taste of coconut. Simple and easy to bake. They also freeze well, so you can keep a bunch in the freezer for visitors. Or to have with your breakfast coffee while sitting in bed on a cold morning with a warm cat.

The recipe is published in my old standby, 'The Harrowsmith Cookbook, Volume Number 1'. You can find it in the Baking Section, page number 273. It's credited to Andrea Stuart of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

It calls for 1 cup of butter. I've tried this and can attest to the rich buttery flavour that is the result. It's awesome. But then there is the cholesterol thing. Butter, rich and natural, sadly has cholesterol. My Doctor says that's bad. So I'm trying to reduce the butter. I cooked this recipe with Canola oil instead of the butter and it worked just fine. Not as buttery tasting, but nice and crunchy with coconutty oats.

OATMEAL COOKIES

1 cup butter (or Canola oil)
1/2 granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup coconut
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking sods
1/8 tsp salt

Cream together butter and sugar, then beat in egg, vanilla and milk. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.

Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets and bake at 375 f for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden.

Makes 5 to 6 dozen cookies.

The Good, The Bad and Some Ugly Crashes

2011-01-27T13:40:00.004-08:00

This is an awesome video of
a truck eating bridge. Apparently known as 11foot8 bridge. It's a simple railroad bridge. Nothing special. Except for it's low, take the top off your truck, height.

The creator of this awesome compilation video has a website. It features more videos and has historical photos of trucks crashed into the bridge in the time before colour.

Check it out: http://11foot8.com/

Modern Times

2011-01-01T19:48:00.003-08:00

MODERN TIMES from BC2010 on Vimeo.

Found this beautiful short film on Twitch - one of those pieces that is lushly rich in detail. Such nice work, I could watch it over and over again.

Bear Intervention - Banff National Park - short version

2010-12-21T15:14:00.002-08:00

The bears are all sleeping now - it's winter and hibernation has been their winter thing for as along as we know. This is in funky little video from Parks Canada. More for summer than the current frozen season. A little bit more personal responsibility for each of us by keeping our food out of the bears mouth could keep more bears alive in the parks. I know I can step up my game on this. I'm pretty good, but a little improvement is always possible.

Now what about all those roadkill and train deaths?

Chasing the Winter Blues

2010-12-18T11:55:00.002-08:00

Zaisy from Salt Lake curated 'Chasing the Winter Blues'. Seafoam is the featured colour. Diverse are the forms, styles and materials. Everything comes together quite nicely. Tentacle, bridal jewelry, sari cloth & more. Very nice.

It's cool that now anyone can make a Treasury. No more waiting for a spot to open up. You can just gather up a bunch of cool items in your favourites and put a showcase together. Much more fun than the way it was before.

another lovely morning view

2010-12-15T16:10:00.001-08:00

another lovely morning view, originally uploaded by water-fall.

This morning presented another beautiful sunrise. I'm loving the view. Seems like most mornings are beautiful. Nice. Very nice.

Circle Game

2010-12-15T16:06:00.003-08:00

Black Star curated this wonderful set of Etsy lovelyness. Titled 'Circle Game'I found a few new favourites.

'Long Gone to Saskatchewan' by Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans on Q TV

2010-12-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

Long Gone To Saskatchewan - another awesome Corb Lund & the Hurtin Albertans

Winter Whites

2010-12-15T15:38:00.003-08:00

Moose Girl Maria curated another very beautiful treasury. This one is titled Winter Whites. I'm particularly smitten with MaaPstudio's porcelain bangle , Norwegian Wood's leggings, and JRoseAtelier's layered dress.

The Truth Comes Out - Corb Lund

2010-12-15T15:36:00.001-08:00

Corb Lund is fast becoming one of my favourites. This song, The Truth Comes Out, is so beautifully evocative. The Antelope mourns the Buffalo in the night....

Holiday Wishes

2010-12-15T15:26:00.002-08:00

Marys Workshop curated this lovely treasury titled "Holiday Wishes" filled with soft beige, blue and gray. Really love her choices. The colours and so peaceful and soothing.

Ginger Dalahäst

2010-12-13T09:07:00.002-08:00

This year will be another low-key Christmas. Keeping things low-key and homemade. Part of our Christmas cheer is cookies. Simple and fun. Handmade consumables fight the good fight against useless Christmas junk.

Last year I bought a Dala Horse cookie cutter from Out of Scandinavia . At 9cm it's the perfect size for a gingerbread cookie. I was planning in punching a hole in each one and using them as tree ornaments. But no need, as we will not be having a tree this year.

A batch of gingerbread dough made up 3 dozen cookies. More than enough to share. Pretty, tasty and easy to create. They could be easily iced for a more decorative look. Next year they may well decorate the tree.

HOPE - a treasury

2010-12-12T10:36:00.002-08:00

Terraform curated a lovely new treasury Titled [ hope ] - a neutral-toned christmas gift guide. It features a beautiful selection of handmade items. I'm smitten by Seaurchin's bowl & ellaOsix's Yeva bag.

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

2010-12-10T12:06:00.004-08:00

Jam Thumbprint Cookies, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Used the recipe from Joy of Baking

I made a little change - just granulated sugar on the outside - not nuts. It's simpler and looks pretty with the jam.

Recipe - makes 20 cookies

Preheat the over to 350f

1/2 cup butter, room temp
1/4 sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
pinch salt (if using unsalted butter)

1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling the cookie dough in.
1/2 cup jam

With a mixer, whip the butter and the 1/4 cup of sugar together in a bowl. Blend in the vanilla and the egg yolk.

Mix together the flour and the salt. Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture. Mix until just sticking together.

Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces. Avoid over handling the dough as this will make it tough. I used a knife to cut the ball into sections.

Gently form the chunks of dough into round balls. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar into a shallow dish. Roll the dough balls evenly in the sugar.

Lay the sugar covered balls onto a parchment covered cookie sheet. Press a divot into each ball using the end of a wooden spoon or your thumb. Fill this divot with jam.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Enjoy.

The Truck Got Stuck - Corb Lund

2010-12-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

I love this song 'Truck got stuck' by Corb Lund. It's funny, catchy and a fine tale all rolled into one.

I Heart Copenhagen

2010-12-10T08:33:00.004-08:00

I'm wishing that everyone has a wonderful Christmas this year. God Jul to you all. With candles, and cookies. Toys to play with and schnapps to skål with. A hygge home full of cheer, comfort and joy.

Oh yeah, I made this treasury to spread the festive feeling with.

Black and Blue and Happy All Over

2010-12-09T08:13:00.004-08:00

Moose Girl Maria created a funky new treasury titled Black and Blue and Happy All Over. No, it's not some BDSM thing you silly puppy. It's all about Blue and Black the colours. And nice colour combinations are featured in it. Runs the gambit from affordable on a whim consumables like soap, beautiful jewelry that you'd never want to give away, right on up to a beautiful gown that you'd save for a very special occasion.

gray partridge

2010-12-08T15:19:00.001-08:00

gray partridge, originally uploaded by water-fall.

This is a terrible photo. The light was bad and I shot it through the plastic film covered windows (oh the joy of an 'old' house in winter).

I thought I had taken photos of one of the native grouse. But no, these birds are gray partridge introduced from Europe in the 1900's for hunting purposes.

They are a good sized bird. About 30cm. They act like chickens. Digging and pecking. On the hunt for dinner.

Shop Local Calgary - For Her

2010-12-07T06:58:00.003-08:00

Etsy seller Handmade Therapy created this cool Treasury featuring a bunch of Calgary made items. Shop Local Calgary! It's titled part one, for her, so presumably there will be several editions on this theme. Which is good, because there is no shortage of creative people here in Calgary and a Treasury like this is an excellent way to see their work.

Cheaper To Keep Her

2010-12-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

This song has been going though my head a lot lately. It's infectious in a cute and sweet way. And my oh my, that Aaron Lines is a looker. Sigh.

and along came a band of grouse

2010-11-27T11:08:00.001-08:00

and along came a band of grouse, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Yesterday a flock of birds appeared on the street. They walked down the lane and explored peoples gardens. They pecked at the ground & the trees in search of food. I counted 7 in total. One appeared to have different markings, the male perhaps?

Not really sure what type of grouse these were. I'm leaning towards Spruce Grouse. They don't have the crest or the long tale of the Sharp-Tailed Grouse. Nor do they have the markings of the Ruffled Grouse.

Fred (who has become a housecat) was quite taken by them. He sat watching them from his window seat. Bright eyed and swishy tailed. Absolutely fascinated. No interest is going outside and getting closer to them. I suppose that is good.

Anyways, the group walked along and explored looking for food. Up one side of the street and down the other. Mostly they suck to the sidewalks. But on occasion they went into the snow. Their tracks look like a series of balls. The snow is soft and fluffy, no crust yet.

Valhalla Rising Trailer

2010-11-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

This is a viking tale. Dark and brooding. Menacing. The violence is ruthless and primitive. Man against man in a harshly beautiful landscape. Bloody brutality in set in cold dark mud.

Is this a tale of Odin & Thor? The one eyed all father and his powerful son who often appeared as a small boy?

A tale of the old spirits of the Celts & the Vikings being driven away by new made Christians? The fight to supplant the Norse pantheon in favor for the single sky father and his tortured son?

Or is it simply a warriors tale from a cold and dark time? Man living in nature, fighting other men just for the right to live?

Hard to say really. It isn't Hollywood, that is to be sure. The characters are covered in cold dirt. Their clothes are the most basic wretched things. Only the chief has something that looks warm albeit decorated with silver coins. No romance or gilded halls with platters of meat and a roaring fire. No stunning costumes or charging warhorses.

It's a gritty and brutal tale. I was entertained but had too look away when the brains were getting bashed out with a rock in the deep mud. Not for the squeamish or the faint of heart.

Etsy Treasury see-side

2010-11-26T10:49:00.003-08:00

Etsy Treasury see-side curated by an Italian artist Tinca Design

Paul Brandt - Alberta Bound

2010-11-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

morning visitor

2010-11-16T09:00:00.002-08:00

morning visitor, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Every day we seem to get a visit from a local wild hare. In summer they are a brown colour. As the cold weather comes on their coats turn white. The ear tips stay black.

This regular visitor started to turn white a few weeks ago. He looked so bright against the still green grass. Must make them easy targets for the local coyotes.

Now the weather has caught up to his coat change. He well camouflaged.

The black wrought iron fence is in our yard. I plan to remove it in the spring.

winter storm warning in effect

2010-11-15T11:37:00.001-08:00

winter storm warning in effect, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Ah Calgary. It's been the most beautiful Indian Summer ever. Golden leaves falling from the trees. Mild and warm. Barely even a touch of frost.

Now it seems, that is all coming to an end. Winter is on it's way. In a big, big way.

Hold onto your hat.

Snow, at times heavy.

Oh baby.

kitchen window view

2010-11-14T07:02:00.001-08:00

kitchen window view, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Every morning we are excited to watch the sunrise. Mostly these sunrises are beautiful and colourful. Very seldom do they disappoint.

This little kitchen window provides the best view for watching the morning light snow. It looks east. This view is what made us chooses this house.

Sheryl Crow - If It Makes You Happy

2010-11-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Current 'can't get it outta my head' song. If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad......

Door

2010-11-11T19:12:00.001-08:00

Door, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Our new home was missing a door for the living room/front entrance closet.

Very untidy looking at all the coats.

My quick fix was to remove a matching door from my studio closet and install it up-stairs.

Said door didn't come off as easily as I had hoped. It put up a good fight. In the end my perseverance paid off.

The door has now been washed, buffed with steel wool and oiled with liberal amounts of Teak Oil.

The handle came off another door in the house. It's copper, stamped 'Made in Japan'

Speedflying in Wengen 2010

2010-11-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

Ox Horn tea scoop

2010-11-10T09:31:00.002-08:00

Ox Horn tea scoop, originally uploaded by water-fall.

We were in Yangshou earlier this year and noticed quite a bit of Ox and Water Buffalo Horn craft work in the Night Market. It seemed easy enough to carry in a pack so we picked up one piece. This simple yet functional tea scoop.

I've seen horn craft on-line and in a few shops. It can be garish and awful at it's worst. But some objects seem to be graceful, natural and elegant all at once.

The horn is quite light and easy to carve. Heat it and it becomes quite plastic and easy to shape. The potential for light weight, interesting objects is huge.

This tea scoop is crafted from Ox or Cow horn. The exterior is polished and the interior is more textured. Perfect for scooping tea. Shown here with this years Dragon Well green tea. Purchased at the Ten Ren shop in Beijing.

JourneyQuest - Episode 1: Onward

2010-11-09T20:35:00.000-08:00

How To Destroy Angels- Fur Lined

2010-11-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

Norwegian Wall Unit

2010-11-08T10:40:00.001-08:00

Norwegian Wall Unit, originally uploaded by water-fall.

The Teak Wall unit has been mounted on the wall. We brought this from Anne's house in the spring. It's been sitting and waiting ever since.

Made in Norway. Teak and Rosewood. Carved finger pulls. The rails are shaped like yacht handrails. The two cabinets have a rounded square profile.

Nice clean design with charming details. Love this addition to our living space.

good morning

2010-11-05T08:59:00.001-07:00

good morning, originally uploaded by water-fall.

thy sky lit up this morning with a beautiful colour show. Our new house has a pretty decent view to the East. Dawn in big sky country. Like.

Loki has a new view

2010-10-28T13:57:00.001-07:00

Loki has a new view, originally uploaded by water-fall.

Loki has a new view. He wasn't that interested this morning and went back to sleep after the photo. Hope he isn't bored, it is a quiet neighbourhood. Not a lot of action for the Lizard King.

Kruder & Dorfmeister - Night Nurse (Gregory Isaac rmx)

2010-10-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Gregory and thanks for all the love.

Zero History - September 7, 2010

2010-07-07T18:03:00.003-07:00

William Gibson's newest novel is set to release on September 7, 2010 in the USA. It's a continuation of the "Pattern Recognition" "Spook Country" story line.

Here's an excerpt:

Hollis Henry worked for the global marketing magnate Hubertus Bigend once before. She never meant to repeat the experience. But she's broke, and Bigend never feels it's beneath him to use whatever power comes his way -- in this case, the power of money to bring Hollis onto his team again. Not that she knows what the "team" is up to, not at first.

Milgrim is even more thoroughly owned by Bigend. He's worth owning for his useful gift of seeming to disappear in almost any setting, and his Russian is perfectly idiomatic - so much so that he spoke Russian with his therapist, in the secret Swiss clinic where Bigend paid for him to be cured of the addiction that would have killed him.

Garreth has a passion for extreme sports. Most recently he jumped off the highest building in the world, opening his chute at the last moment, and he has a new thighbone made of rattan baked into bone, entirely experimental, to show for it. Garreth isn't owned by Bigend at all. Garreth has friends from whom he can call in the kinds of favors that a man like Bigend will find he needs, when things go unexpectedly sideways, in a world a man like Bigend is accustomed to controlling.

As when a Department of Defense contract for combat-wear turns out to be the gateway drug for arms dealers so shadowy that even Bigend, whose subtlety and power in the private sector would be hard to overstate, finds himself outmaneuvered and adrift in a seriously dangerous world.

Wired's Scott Thill wrote this up, 'William Gibson: I’m a Natural-Born Twitter Machine '

There is also a Podcast interview at BookExpo America

I'm looking forward to this........ may be time to re read the other two.

Roof Details at the Temple of Heaven

2010-06-12T16:02:00.003-07:00

Roof Details, originally uploaded by water-fall.

The roof details were quite amazing. The Temple of Heaven complex features blue roof tiles, because blue is the colour of heaven.

Dragons are prominent, as they represent the power of the Emperor. Some of these dragons have intact whiskers. Quite the feat when you consider how old some of these may be.

There is a prince or a Mandarin astride a Phoenix leading the parade of guardians. This man became greedy for power and was hung from the roof because his greed led him to commit treason. Apparently this is to remind the powerful not to get too haughty.

You can see the corbeled roof brackets, symbolic of clouds. These are highly painted with many colours and have gold trim. Quite a bit of work and fantastic too look at.

There is a wikipedia article if you want more info.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_roof_decoration

entering the Temple of Heaven

2010-05-11T10:05:00.001-07:00

entering the Temple of Heaven, originally uploaded by water-fall.

We had a day and a half in Beijing. No much time. So we packed in as much as we could.

Early morning start mend we were at the Temple of Heaven complex before it opened. The outer park is very popular with Bejiners, people were out walking and exercising in the cool morning air. They were also playing a kicking game much like Hacky Sack, but using a large shuttlecock instead. Apparently it's called jianzi and is quite popular.

We toured the three temples in the complex and them moved onto the Forbidden City.

Flickr

2010-04-07T14:58:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Arnica

2009-08-18T05:52:00.001-07:00

Arnica
Originally uploaded by water-fall

Apricot & Honey Jam

2009-08-17T21:26:00.001-07:00

Apricot & Honey Jam
Originally uploaded by water-fall

Apricot & Honey Jam Recipe

From Edon Waycott's "Preserving the Taste"

Makes 9 Half Pints

6 pounds ripe apricots
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup mild honey
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Wash apricots. Cut them in half though the natural indentation and remove the pits. Slice each half into 4 lengthwise strips. There should be 4 quarts.

Combine the apricot slices, sugar, honey and lemon juice in a large non-reactive bowl. Allow to stand at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, stirring several times to keep the fruit coated and help the juices dissolve the sugar.

Pour the fruit mixture into a large 6-quart non-reactive shallow preserving pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Take care not to burn. With a metal spoon skim off and foam that forms on top. Reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally for 20 to 30 minutes until the mixture is thick with a few chunks left and appears slightly glazed.

Turn off the heat and skim and additional foam. Ladle into hot sterilized jars, wipe rims clean with a damp cloth and seal with new lids and metal rings. Process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes. Remove, cool, check seals, label and store.

Yummy and nicely tart. No pectin added.

Etsy Treasury - Glass Half Full....

2009-04-18T13:17:00.002-07:00

Etsy seller Clare Bears was kind enough to add my work to her very optimistic treasury Glass Half Full

28 Jars of Dill Pickles

2008-08-26T18:02:00.001-07:00

28 Jars of Dill Pickles
Originally uploaded by water-fall

This was my work Sunday - beautiful Hutterite Colony cukes from the Calgary Farmers Market. Very very crunchy.

I am in love with Royal Copenhagen's Elements

2008-08-18T09:36:00.003-07:00

I am in love with Royal Copenhagen's Elements. It's so cool. New and fresh with that charming detailed touches of the past. Modern and traditional and wrapped into one. Nice. Think it will work well with the inherited set of Blue Fluted Half Lace plates. Throw in a bit of Blue Fluted Mega, some Tord Boonjte Table Stories and it will work perfectly with the assortment of Japanese dished I've been collecting for years. Elegant, playful, functional and graceful.

Progress in the studio

2008-08-18T09:33:00.001-07:00

Progress in the studio
Originally uploaded by water-fall

Progress in the studio has been slow. I have been having trouble figuring out the layout of the room. Strange because I've set up so many studios. Normally I walk into the room and just know where everything should go. This one is tough. And I'm putting it off because it's frustrating the heck out of me.

Flobots - Handlebars

2008-08-15T18:39:00.001-07:00

I'm really in love with this song right now.

sushi

2008-07-19T19:02:00.001-07:00

This is a very humorous look at Sushi. It is said that one should laugh every day for health. And this little vid made me laugh so hard my abs hurt. Oy!

SeaSide

2008-05-06T08:22:00.002-07:00

Today one of my rings is featured in a Trunkt showcase titled SeaSide - curated by Starfish Designs

Snoop Dogg - Beautiful

2008-05-05T07:47:00.001-07:00

today's song of the day - this will be playing in my head when I ridding my bike today

cinco de BUYO

2008-05-05T07:40:00.004-07:00

cinco de BUYO - selected by smashing - these are subtle birthday hints!

feeling stitchy!

2008-05-01T13:31:00.002-07:00

Jenny of Sublime Stitching blogged on Feeling Stitchy about Sashiko Embroidery. And she used one of my photos. Very cool. Sashiko is spreading. Yay!

.verdant.

2008-05-01T13:21:00.002-07:00

This is a beautiful green treasury curated by MOXIE Designs. It features many of my favorites. I'm espically drawn to the Moss Pomegranate by Whitney Smith and Pamela Tang's SILK CUSHION in moss green

Snow 'n Go for May Day

2008-05-01T07:45:00.003-07:00

Happy May Day. I woke up this morning thinking about the traditional May Day festivities in Naramata. The little kids will be dancing around the May Pole with their red and white ribbons. The May Queen will be crowned with a Hawthorn Garland. Flowers and dancing on the green grass.

But here in Calgary things will not be quite so spring like. The hawthorns have not even starting budding up yet - let alone burst into bloom. It snowed last night or early this morning. My landlady joked yesterday that it would be a Snow 'Go. It will snow - and then the snow will go. Kind of like snow in Vancouver - but different because it won't get rained off. Calgary either blows off the snow with wind or melts it off with a Chinook.

So I took some photos of the snow before it melts. And it is melting very very quickly.

And the freaking squirrels and running laps in the eves. Nasty little vermin. The landlord will be over later today to try and run them off again. Vince has a plan. He's dealt with all manner of vermin in the houses he and his daughter rent here in Calgary. The episode of the 30 skunks pales in comparison to this I am sure.

Think I'll light a candle and pray for the squirrels to be gone.

2008-04-30T08:40:00.002-07:00

Have you checked out Free Rice yet? Jen and Dwayne introduce me to this, well - maybe Zack did as he was the one playing. It's really cool.

It's an English vocabulary building tool that you can easily play for just a few minutes when in inevitable desktop boredom kicks in. Its set up to adapt to you vocabulary level. Giving you more challenging words as your correct answers increase.

What makes it interesting is that every correct answer donated a few grains of rice to the worlds poor. The player does not pay anything - the funds are donated by sponsors.

Internet Games for Good!

Year of the Rat?

2008-04-29T08:22:00.002-07:00

We moved into this new house at the beginning of April. There were interesting new house noises to adjust to. Like the fridge that gurgles like an old fashioned coffee percolator. The furnace has a fan that makes a grinding noise when fired up. And there is a small animal that gallops along the roof and makes an incredibility loud racket. It as though it's running on a tin roof or directly on the rafters themselves.

And we hear this small critter galloping noise quite a bit. Especially late at night. We were happy to dismiss this a just a noise made by a Squirrel running along the ride of the roof. Galloping from tree to tree as the mad little creatures are prone to do. There a a few squirrels here. Mostly the Blacks and Grey alien versions of the Eastern Grey Squirrel. This is one of those rather poorly thought out imports of the previous century - though who would have thought a squirrel from the east would have so much trouble here in the west. Much more aggressive than our sweet little native squirrels. And never very healthy looking either. It's as though our region doesn't have enough of the Oak Trees and Acorns they were met to survive on. They seem to end up looking like rats with furry tails. And I can't think of as being cute at all. Not when I've seen sweet little Chipmunks. Those are cute and charming.

So Monday morning I was sitting at the table having my Oatmeal and Coffee. We've set up the table by the window that overlooks the side yard. It's nice to eat with the bight sunshine. And I noticed a Tabby cat in the yard. I've seen it before and it runs away when I look at it. The cat was staring at something by the window. So I went out onto the deck to see what had kitty's attention.

There I found a pile of debris. Torn bits of tar paper. Bits of spruce branches. Chunks of cotton stuffing and bits of fur. Odd. And messy too. This wasn't just debris brought in the the wind. Something else was at play here.

Then I looked up and notice the space between the higher and lower sections of the roof. Nice big opening. With so many claw marks that the paint is worn away to revel the bare wood. Looks like a squirrel is in nest building mode. Sigh. This is not good. They have the unfortunate habit of gnawing wires and starting fires that burn down houses. Not to mention the stink of urine and feces. Not an issue when they nest in the forest - but definitely a concern when they move into your home.

So I went back inside and called Vince, our new landlord. No time to waste here. Spring is upon us after all. And I'd much rather block out a female before she breeds. Let her find a new nest site somewhere else. It would be awful to have a littler of babies trapped inside without their mother. Now chicken wire blocks the entrance. We will have to see if that will put her off. Hopefully it will.

Blind Boys of Alabama - Amazing Grace

2008-04-28T07:26:00.001-07:00

This is my song for the day. I love the way they have combined 'House of the Rising Sun' with 'Amazing Grace'. Its wonderfully sad and hopeful all at once.

First heard these guys on a misty Sunday Morning at the Victoria Folkfest. My friend had told me there was nothing better than the soulful sounds of Gospel on a Sunday morning especially if you are hungover from the night before. I didn't believe him - but lo and behold. He was most correct.

The Snow is Gone!

2008-04-27T18:37:00.001-07:00

snow is gone
Originally uploaded by water-fall

On Friday the front lawn was covered with snow.

Saturday came and so did the sunshine. In the morning a little bit of snow had melted. A faint dappling of ground was appearing below.

By Saturday afternoon I could see close to have the lawn. The temp might have risen to 10 or 15 degrees.

Today, Sunday morning there was still some snow. It's been nice and warm again and all the snow has gone from the front of the yard. There is still snow in the side yard - but it's between the houses and it doesn't see as much sun.

Wonder what will happen next?

K-OS - Crabbuckit

2008-04-27T13:11:00.001-07:00

I like this tune - sounds a bit like the Cure - Lovecats. Cool.

No time to get down - because I'm moving up. It's a good message. So much to get done. No time to mope about.

Pan's Labyrinth

2008-04-26T12:19:00.004-07:00

So i just watched Pan's Labyrinth. Somehow I had the silly idea it was a nice little fairy tale. You know? The kind of film that is suitable for little children. A bunch of pretty scenes with a nice sweet ending.

Well, it's anything but that. It is a fantastic bit of cinema. Beautiful imaginative story and fantastic creatures. The real humans play their roles with a rich depth and presence. The outdoor, indoor and otherworld sets are convincingly rich. Really transfered me into the story. Very, very well done.

I wasn't prepared for the gore and violence though. Maybe the way if was presented with such fantastic imagination made it more grim? I'm not sure. But it terrified and captivated me. I am quite worried that those fantastic creature will seep into my dreams this weekend. Think I could potentially have some nightmares.

The news that Guillermo del Toro is to direct 'The Hobbit' rekindled my interest in Pan's Labyrinth. It's one of the movies that has been on my 'oh that sounds cool' list for a while. Guess it's good that I didn't know how scary and gory it would be. Or I most likely would not have watched it.

And the frightening parts remind me of how safe and sanitized our fables have become.
It's not like our society has become calm and civilized. But fairy tales have been gentled to a point of sickening pap. It's as though someone is dammed an determined to preserve the fable of innocence no matter the cost. A sugar coated illusion. The smoking mirror. Oh well.

Nike Hockey Commercial - Taxi Driver

2008-04-26T07:21:00.001-07:00

Yeah - maybe it's a Canadian thing. Maybe no one else will understand. But this is funny. And oh my, there are a lot of them. Ex-NHL goalies panhandling next. Mais oui.

Opening Skit For The Gemini Awards

2008-04-26T06:44:00.001-07:00

Laughter is good medicine - and this made me laugh so hard I got an ab workout.

Awesomeness!

It's A Good Life if you Don't Weaken

2008-04-24T11:13:00.001-07:00

It a sad day today. I'm really starting to dislike Cancer and it's choices. Why can't it purge the world of the assholes? Why does it have to lay it's virus on people who I love? Is this my curse? To have the people I love snatched away? Life seems so short. Death is so cold and long.

snowflake to celebrate Earth Day

2008-04-22T07:58:00.001-07:00

flake
Originally uploaded by water-fall

To celebrate earth day I'll be shoveling snow - trying to keep warm without turning on the heat today. This house has an old furnace and seems to be hard to heat. We shut off the vents into the basement so we are only heating the up stairs. Still cold. Takes an house to move from 12 to 17 degrees in the morning. No fun for us and I think it will be expensive to stay here for a Calgarian winter. It's only -7 outside and the house dips to 10 inside very quickly. What the heck will it take to keep the place warm when the mercury really drops? Yikes!

Not really sure if this April snowstorm is a Climate Change thing - but hey - who knows? We are trying to drive less. And with the pump price at 1.21 who isn't?

One the home front I've switched to environmentally friendly laundry soap and toilet paper made with 100% post consumer recycled paper. These consumables have become more available and less expensive. Makes me happy as all the cleaning supplies, soap and sundries in the house are now earth friendly.

I bought more cloth bags and use them constantly for grocery shopping. Think we have 7 bags now. Two of them are more than 15 years old and have seen constant use. That keeps so many plastic bags out of the landfill.

Yesterday I changed over 4 light bulbs to Compact Fluorescents and I'll change over more today. And I'm looking for perfect job in walking distance.

There isn't a compost box here at our new abode. So I'll be putting in a call to Clean Calgary to get one.

Calgary has no Blue Box system. There is a self sort recycle station up the street. So I've set up a bunch of boxes downstairs to sort the plastic, glass and tin. We'll tag a recycle run onto the weekly shopping trip when those boxes are full.

I made these compost and light bulb changes at the old house. It's kind of a pain to have to make them here too. Especially when we are hoping not to stay in this house for long. We want our home. And energy efficient small house at that. Oh well.

Exploring Calgary - Hunter Gatherer Style

2008-04-21T11:04:00.001-07:00

croissants from Urban Baker
Originally uploaded by water-fall

We have been spending some of our time looking for good eats here in Calgary. Good food is one of life most enjoyable pleasures - so why not make the most of what there is to be found locally.

Our new neighbourhood - Crescent Heights has many culinary jewels and we have started to enjoy.

Urban Baker is two blocks away - lovely bread and delicious croissants. Good enough to venture out into a snowstorm for.

We've been sampling Pho from the various Viet places that dot the streets. So far Pho Kim has been the winner. Perfectly tender and succulent beef with very fresh lime, bean sprouts and basil. Though I don't recommend eating the chili pepper by mistake as I did. It was really really hot.

There are a pair of Asian mini malls a few blocks away on Center street. 100 tops is cleaner that the other and seems to have fresher produce. The BBQ Pork is good as is the Chicken. It's been awesome to east good quality Chinese food again. not quite as cheap as Vancouver, but hey, it's here and it's good.

Yesterday we took a trip to 17th Ave SW - think it's called 17th Ave Uptown? We read on chowhound.com about a Greek Grocery called Kalamata and decided to explore a bit and check it out. Not bad at all. We came home with two different types of Feta, real Pita bread, Olive Paste and a bunch of other goodies. Had a nice nosh of Greek Salad, Pita Bread, Hummus and Taramosalata. Super yummy

Next on the list is to find the store will all the Belgian Beer. And a job, so I can afford all these nice things. Yeah. Soon too.

April Snowstorm in Calgary

2008-04-21T09:54:00.001-07:00

April 17th snowstorm
Originally uploaded by water-fall

Yeah - it's a mid April snowstorm here in Calgary. A high of minus 7 and more than 20 cm of accumulated snow.

It's so dry here and very windy too. The snow doesn't really settle like a big flat white blanket like it did in the Kootenays. It gets blown into drifts, so some places are bare and wind scoured. While other areas have huge fluffy piles.

The wind blew the snow off the roof of the house next door and onto our truck. It formed cornice like ridges along the edge of the truck roof. The garage shelters the truck from most of the wind so the snow doesn't blow off the rest of it. we had some fun digging it out for our weekly grocery expedition.

I shoveled off the sidewalks and was shocked too see the ice turn to water as I was working. -7 and water on concrete. How freaking weird! This liquid quickly vaporized and the sidewalk was soon dry. Strange, very freaking strange.

This place is so different that anywhere I've lived before. Yet it isn't really that far away from where I grew up. Totally different climate. Will take some adapting. Guess it's a good thing that we are getting our first taste of winter now in the spring. We'll have a better idea of what to expect in November.

Oh yeah - it's mid April and it's snowing.

2008-04-18T12:01:00.002-07:00

Yes - I cannot say that I was not warned. People told me - Calgary has weird weather. Guess I really have to see things in person before I believe them.

Yesterday was sunny. Beautiful and sunny. I had to undo my jacket and take off the velvet scarf. People were in short selves and shorts for crying out loud.

Now it's snowing to beat the band. Apparently this will continue all weekend long. 5 to 10 cm of acclimation expected. And a low of -11.

Yay. Too bad that fireplace is fake.

On an up note - Loki like to watch the snow fall. He finds it entertaining.

waiting to set up the new studio

2008-04-16T10:03:00.003-07:00

It's so hard to be patient and wait for the landlord to finish the floors. The lino is new - it replaces some kitty pee soaked wall to wall. They have done a really nice job - but I am growing impatient for everything to be complete so I can start the set up. It's not a huge room but it will work. Still not realizing my dream studio. But I can make do with what is at hand.

Everything is in boxes and I want to set the set up over and done with asap. I haven't worked in what seems like forever. Oh yeah. I foolishly planned to have only a day or two down time. Phhht. Silly Rabbit - take the crack out of the pipe - that is not going to happen. Oh well. It's not like I have a shortage of other important things to do. Pretty much the entire house needs to unpacked and sorted. Work - work - work.

Arriving a second time

2008-04-15T10:04:00.001-07:00

Moving Loki
Originally uploaded by water-fall

So me and Loki did it. Having a quiet copilot helps me not get lost and I remembered to refuel. Not more running of vapors! Yay.

So now to unpack. Another ordeal. The basement it still having it's floors refinished so I can't set up the new studio yet. Must wait. Must be patient.

Think it might be time to get out the list again. Feel like I am running around in circles.

Many cool things to see as I unloaded the truck yesterday. The Birch Tree in the front yard has a branch pruned. The sap is rising and the wounded branch drips. So the Chickadees come along and drink it. It's so cute. And there was a pair of Nuthatches too. And a Robin eating last years fallen Crab Apples. A Peregrine flew over too. Think I might like it here. For a while at least.

Move number two.

2008-04-15T09:49:00.001-07:00

Day two - stuck at the pass for Avi Control
Originally uploaded by water-fall

Move day number two starts out a bit later than I would like. But the second truck is packed and I am happy to have accomplished this by my self. It's been a lot of work. A real honest struggle. But it's done and we are on the move. I've somehow manged to loose the cell phone. It's been the sacrifice it seems. Something has to get lost or broken. Might as well be the replaceable phone.

A pair of Ospreys at in the nest at Rock Island. It makes me so happy to see them. It feels like a blessing.

Loki rides shotgun beside me and off we go up Kootenay Pass. We see a shaggy Big Horn Sheep with two kids. We slow to let them cross the road in front of us. We are slow moving up the big hill. It's steep and long. Then we stop. It's April and they are still shutting down the pass for avalanche control. Oh joy. It's a one hour closure. We wait. Loki basking in the morning sun. Me napping. Loki and I drink some Gatorade and he licks peanut butter off my fingers. It's all good.

The helicopter flies overhead drooping it's charges on an unsafe snow build up above the road. The pair of D-9 cats tag team the slid snow off the road. Carving us a tunnel one lane wide. It looks to be 8 to 10 feet high.

The hour passes and we are moving again. A little rested and trying to make time. The driving is better this trip. The truck is lighter and there is no trailer slowing us down.

We stop in Cranbrook at the Tim Horton's for a quick Double Double. Like is watching me as always. My little buddy. He is alert for most of the trip and only sleeps towards the end.

The road takes us along the Rocky Mountain trench. A Bluebird files in front of us. It's plumage is a brilliant blue. The blue bird of happiness has blessed us. Then there are swans. More and more swans. They are so beautiful, pure white and elegant of form. The water is blue and last years reeds are golden. Another good omen.

We get to Radium and I make sure to refuel. Not going to make that mistake twice. Once was stressful enough.

Back at the old house

2008-04-15T09:22:00.002-07:00

she guards the nest box
Originally uploaded by water-fall

Meanwhile, back at the old house. Spring has sprung. The Violet Green Swallows have returned and are laying claim to the nest box. Their antics keep me entertained as I pack and clean.

Dave drives back to Calgary and his new job. The plan is to have me driver out with the second load ASAP and get this over and done with sooner rather than later. The second load is less than the first. But it isn't as packable and is very challenging to organize. And just like the first load, it takes much longer to pull off than planned. Oh well. Change is never easy.

This time boxes are harder to come by. I don't have the truck to pick things up in and things slow down. I feel as though I'm just going in circles. Frustration sets in. So I start making lists to keep organized. This really works well.

Loki is watching me constantly. He's moved before and it don't seem to stress him out too much. I try extra hard to feed water and bathe him. It's a long drive and he should be well fed and hydrated before the journey starts. It's unlikely that he will eat during the move. Normally he watched the work go by and sleeps. Taking care of him makes it easier to take care of myself somehow. Loki the stabilizer.

Driving back to the Kootenays

2008-04-15T09:16:00.001-07:00

Windpower
Originally uploaded by water-fall

We had planned to do the drive back to Trail on Friday night. But both of us were tired. It has been such a long week.

Night driving is hard enough and we thought it would be safer and healthier to take it a bit slower the following day.

We woke up to snow! This after a beautiful day of sunshine. People have warned us the Calgary weather is very hard to predict. True. Very, very true.

So we took the southern route back to BC. Though the Crowsnest Pass. It's much lower and the driving is much easier. It takes a little longer but we wanted a mellow day.

There are plenty of Wind Turbines along the way. Alberta isn't just about oil anymore.

It was kind of cool driving along the Prairie towards the mountains. the view is very nice. The horizon is so big. the sky seems more vast.