Monday, December 29, 2008

Furniture Dents in your Carpets- How to get rid of them

This is so cool. Did you know you can get rid of those horrible furniture dents in your carpets with a Tea Towel and a Steam Iron?

Just put the cloth over the dent or dents and get your Steam Iron on Hot and Steamy. ( Sounds like an XXX rated film) LOL.

Leave the Iron on the spot for a few moments depending on the size and depth of the dent. Make sure that you have it over a Tea Towel.

And Presto no more dent. The Steam from the Iron softens up the compressed dent and it springs back to normal.

It works like a charm. Of course you could always put down Hardwood or Laminate instead of carpet that works too.

This is a lot cheaper. :))

Happy New Year everyone.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A Family Christmas Tradition




This has become one of our Favorite Christmas Traditions at our House. Ginny and I have for many years used the same Christmas Cards and we just write a new verse on it to sum up the year. It is fun to look back over the years and the memories of past time, friends and family that comes back to the heart and mind.

This is the card that I recycle each year for Ginny. I haven't thought of a verse yet but will sit down and compose it prior to tomorrow night. Her Card and Love are the only real gifts that I need each year. The rest is only material stuff.

The Following is a verse I put in for 1995.

Each Year a snappy greeting, to think of gets hard.
To share my thoughts without buying a new greeting card.
So I recycle the old, but my love for you will never grow cold.
Thank you for everything.
Love Don xxx


What special things do you guys do for Christmas?


So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our home to yours. There is always an extra place set at the table in case you happen along.

Friday, December 19, 2008

It pays to complain to the Person in Charge at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax NS

Mermaid's Grandmother always said "If you want something done, go to the top."

A case in point that happened today. Ginny and I decided that a nice relaxing night away from the Condo was in order and it would be nice to go somewhere romantic. So we decided that we go and book a room at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Downtown Halifax.

I realize it is only across the Harbour from Dartmouth where we live anyways. Here is a picture of the Pool and our Room opening onto the Pool.



We wanted an extra large room and with slide out doors to the pool. So as we couldn't go to Cuba for Christmas we would go here and just pamper ourselves. Have a few glasses of Bubbly do a little swimming and just laze around the pool. As we were not going to cook the Traditional Christmas feast but have a few nibbles and some Fish Chowder and spend the day with dear friends Frank and Shirley.

So I called up the Reservations desk at the Marriott and booked a Pool side room with parking and a gas card for 149.00 plus tax for Xmas Eve. I even got a nice confirmation number and was assured that we would have a pool-side room for the 24th at the Harbourfront Hotel. Now you must understand that there is nothing open after 5pm in Halifax Christmas Eve except for a few Pizza places, the Bars are closed and the Casino next door closes early as well. So we wanted the ability to just pretend we were on a warm beach somewhere.

So, I called up the Hotel today to check on our reservation and was told we had none. In fact we were booked into another Hotel and not the one we asked for. So, the man at the Reservation desk said " It is not my fault and if you want a Pool-side Room without parking it would be 204.00 plus tax and an extra 23 for parking." I explained that we would have gone to the Harbourfront Hotel and expected a room at the Inn and found none. ( A very important event like this happened over 2000 years ago. Things worked out very well on that occasion. Which is the Reason for the Season.)

I wasn't going to get an apology or any incentives because of the mix up from the Marriott . Even though they quoted us the wrong rate and put us in the wrong Hotel to boot. It was tough Titty to us. Bah, Hum Bug.......So I called Ginny and told her what happened and we decided to cancel our plans. So I cancelled the Reservation on line. We were both disappointed at this point as we were looking forward to this.

I then decided that we were owed something. So I called and asked to speak to the General Manger, who is a nice guy by the name of Dave. I explained the situation and told him that the "Grinch of the Marriott Hotel" had ruined our getaway and possibly our entire Christmas. He agreed that it was a good thing I called up before hand than showing up on Christmas Eve and finding things were "Grinched."
So, He agreed to honour our 149.00 price with free parking and a large Pool-side Room to boot for Christmas Eve. As I pointed out that The Hotel would not be overly booked for Christmas Eve and it was the Reservation Desk who made the mistake.

Merry Christmas. So on Christmas Eve were ever you are. Remember to raise a glass in a toast to Friends present and absent. We will set another place in case anyone of you happen along to visit. So if you come to Halifax, please stay in the Marriott. I give it 5 stars. Thanks Dave.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

SAD CHRISTMAS NEWS FROM OTTAWA




There will be no Nativity Scene in Ottawa this year!

The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in Canada's capital this Christmas season.
This isn't for any religious reason. They simply have not been able to find Three Wise Men in the Nation's capital. Nor could they find a virgin.




P.S. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Two Tails of One Kitty



This is a picture of my Cousin Bob and Lois with Ginny and I on Holiday together in May of 2008.


Well My Cousin Bob who lives in Hope, BC. They have this Cat named Mercedes Benz the reason for the name was Bob always wanted to have a Mercedes Benz Car. So one Christmas his family told him they got him a Mercedes Benz out in the Garage for him as a Christmas Present. So Bob blind to the fact that they can only just afford the gas in his SUV staggers out in to the Garage looking for this fancy present. So He walks into the Garage turns on the light and no car but this little furry Kitten is laying in a box that has drawn on it a car with a little note. Here is your Mercedes Benz. The Cat is now 8 years old and still living with my Cousins.

Well, several years ago. I went out to help Bob Paint his new store. They were going to expand the business from a little run of the mill Jewelery Store come Junk Shop on it's last legs. He was getting the OK for a Sears Outlet Store with Appliances, TVs etc and a real chance to turn things around. So As my Uncle Joe and Aunt Mildred are getting up there thought I kill two birds with one stone and went out for two weeks. Well I stayed at Bob and Lois's Place and was sitting in a Wooden Rocking Chair having a Beer, I only just got there about 2 hours. This rather large Cat came in the front door and immediately jumped on my lap, stood up and put it's paws on my shoulders and started to kiss my face then promptly sat on my lap and went to sleep.

( My friends and Family call me the Cat Whisperer as strange cats seem to come up to me.)

Bob and Lois were thunder struck as this cat doesn't like to be petted and avoids strangers and never show any sort of affection unless it wants to be fed. They hadn't seen Mercedes for 3 days as they live right at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and he goes off hunting for days at a time.



This is the view from Bob's back door at his place.


Well for the two weeks, I was there this cat was my constant companion. He came down and slept in my room right on top of my blue suitcase which got covered in cat hair. I always have a glass of water to drink during the night. One night I woke up and heard a lap, lap,lap, lap right beside my head. I turned the light on and the damn cat was drinking from my glass. So for about 10 days or so I was drinking water with Cat's Spit in it, unbeknown to me. So I stopped drinking water in a glass and now have a covered plastic water bottle. The Cat still follows me around when ever we visit my cousins.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Condo has been Sold

I apologize to my Reader Friends that I caused some confusion reference a recent post. I buggered up the Links and so had to delete the post.

Yes finally, We sold our Condo. We have to wait until the 28th of November before we could really count our chickens. That is the final dates of pull out for Financing or Legal problems etc.

We were asking for 219,00 and we got an offer of 210,00. Considering the economy we didn't do too bad.

We actual close on the 22nd. of January. We have booked an Apartment at at Place called the Harbour Shore Acres here in Dartmouth. It is half the size of what we have now so we are down sizing our stuff.

Tomorrow will be our first winter storm of over a foot of snow falling. I think we put stuff in an Auction tomorrow so we will only get pennies for our treasures as no one will go out and those there will benefit from no one to bid against them. Hey they have changed the date to Sunday instead so cool. But everyone will still have to dig themselves out of the snow to get there, Oh well at least it would have stopped by then.

I will put a link to the rentals should anyone be interested to check it out. We will be on a month to month lease so we can still look for places to live and wait until we see something we really want to have.

Ginny works right next door so how cool is that and we get a DND discount on top of things. She figures as she is next door that she will be late for work everyday now. On the slide show I am showing pictures of Dartmouth NS where we live .

Monday, November 17, 2008

What not to say to a Mother-in-Law


Picture of what my Ex. Mother-in-Law looked like to me. She is the one on the left. I had more hair in those days and my voice hadn't broken yet.


Form of transportation offered to my Mother-in-Law on her visit to Ottawa.


How I imagined her Traveling to and from England to Canada. It is not very far from the truth. "Ok, it is sorry (Mermaid)."


Many years ago in a Galaxy far, far and far away . Actually it was in Bell's Corners, just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. Lived a family in crisis as the scary Mother-in-Law was coming over from England to visit. And give us the benefit her so called wisdom handed down to her from generations before. Mermaids Gran. was the 7th child of a 7th Child and she considered herself a Hedge Witch. Read tea leaves, made potions and generally scared the day lights out of me and everyone around her.

All I can remember of that Fateful visit to us. My Daughter (Mermaid) was only about 1 year at the most. Life at "chez nous" was very rocky and a mini-war raged day and night anyways. It was either before or just after my ex. Mother-in-law arrived.

I got a old corn broom and put it on her bed and tied a note to it.

The note went something like this. " Mum, this will save on your bus fares in and around Ottawa. We are on a direct flight path to the Airport should you want to fly there anytime."

The Mermaid's mother had no idea that I did this. So It did not go over too well. But on the upside someone's Mother refused to speak to me at all for the two weeks she was there. Did I get cursed by my ex's mum. Probably; after all I did marry her Daughter. :))

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween- Ahhhhhh the Horror of it all.




I stole this from Daisy. Some People are ready for Halloween all year it seems. Follow the link to Michael Jackson's Thriller Video.


ARGHHHHHHHHHH

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

New Photo of Yours Truly- Common Thoughts




Your comments please as to what we should call this work of Art. Thanks Mate.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Windsor Nova Scotia-10th Annual Pumpkin Regatta



Picture of the Parade. One of the entrees was Shrek. He sunk by the way. the Pony also sunk.



View of the distance across the Lake. The guy in the Football actually was the winner this year.



Even Elvis was in the House.



Some of the other inmates.

Well Ginny And I went up to Windsor NS to watch the only festival of it's kind that I know of. Where you get a lot of silly git's dressed up in funny costumes. Rowing ,Paddling, Sailing or Motoring across a mile wide Lake in a very large Pumpkin. Yes you heard me a Pumpkin. What you make Pies out off or Jack-o-Lanterns.

Now we are talking about 300 plus pounds up to 900 lbs Giant Pumpkins or Squash. It all started with a Mr. Howard Dill who grew over the years a world wide following for Giant Pumpkins. Some of these Pumpkins are the size of small cars and can carry more than 1 person. It is the 10th year of the Pumpkin Festival.

Unfortunate Mr. Dill passed away earlier this year. Mr. Dill also has on his property" Long Pond' the place where Ice Hockey actually started. The farmers allow various groups and individuals use of the Giant Vegetables as long as they give the seeds back to the farmer. they then are hollowed out painted, stuff added for fun and partially filled with foam or sponge to give them more stability and flotation increase. Although that doesn't guarantee that they will not sink or fill up with water.

This year we had over 60 Pumpkins in the race about 10 didn't make it and sank some sank and were still paddled or pushed over by the person. they then have a parade with funds being raised for the Children's wish foundation.

I have included some links to some Video I shot that is posted on You Tube.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Well it is Election Day in Canada-Eh!




Well Joy of Joys Election Day is finally here. There was no choice to be had in local Candidates.

Ginny and I went to do our duty and Voted anyways. If the Bloc had been running here in Nova Scotia I might have been tempted to vote for them at least they look out for the people of their "La Belle Province".

We just held our nose and voted for the person regardless of the Party who would represent the People of Dartmouth the best.

It damn well wasn't either the Tories or the Liberals. This way at least. We have someone to complain too as we voted for Him. Should He not get in, then I have someone to complain too about how bad things are becoming. Only in Canada , EH.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Snow Geese crossing the sStreet to get to the other Side

These poor Geese didn't realize how close they came to being someone's Thanksgiving Dinner.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Hurricane Kyle is now here

The Hurricane Centre have upgraded Kyle to a Cat. 1 and He is picking up speed just like Juan did. So Kyle will slam into Yarmouth, Shelbourne around 9pm instead of going up the Bay of Fundy. The interesting fact of this Hurricane is that Kyle is hitting Nova Scotia 5 years to the day that Hurricane Jaun slammed into us here in halifax.

Kyle is now expected to cross Nova Scotia over towards Digby and up through NB.

The wind and the rain here in Halifax is terrible the rain is warm like bath water and is coming at you almost sideways. You can hear the rumble and moaning in the wind and it sounds like souls in distress.

We have our candles out and our flashlights in easy reach. Filled up a 5 gallon jug of water just in case.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Oh Bummer- Now Hurricane Kyle is on its way to Nova Scotia

What a way to wake up to a Hurricane warning about Kyle on it's way towards Nova Scotia expected to hit the Western Shore which is more or less than the same area as Hurricane Jaun; 5 years ago almost to the day. If it veers from present course a few degrees will go right over Halifax once again.

We had another showing today at 9am. So we were up early to clean up the house and get things in order before Ginny headed off to work.

We are also Cat Sitting "Munchkin". for a couple of dear friends as they head to Montreal for a vacation. Patches is not amused as she likes to be the only centre of attention.

Well I guess it is time to batten down the Hatches. Look for Batteries and get the flash lights loaded and candles out just in-case.

Here is a picture of Munchkin with a Super Model.

Monday, September 22, 2008

I owe an apology for the deletion of my last few blogs

I was going to put a picture of the Queen in her Mac Donalds outfit. When I realized that I was taking the thunder from dear Mutleys Blog. I didn't wish to do that. So please pop over to Mutleys.

Then I thought about putting up a link to the countdown to Christmas. If that thought really entered your minds as of yet.

Due to the Mind numbing and frightening state of the worlds economy at this juncture in time. The last few weeks we have been been anxious for news of our friends down in Holguin area of Cuba after Hurricane Ike tore through. Still haven't heard any thing apart from the Youtube pictures and travel forums. What we see is very bad, both down there and in the Stock Market.

So just in case you really want to know how many days till Christmas. If you are not depressed enough already. I have put that gadget on the sidebar of this blog anyways.

After all it is now officially Fall in Northern Hemisphere. It is gone 4 in the morning here in Nova Scotia and I have nothing of any importance to blog at this time. I am up at this time due to my chronic pain giving me yet another sleepless night, just one of the many thousands over the past 12 years.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Bank Job Movie-2008


How many of you saw the Movie that just came out recently of a bunch of inept crooks. Who do the impossible and rob a Big Bank in the Middle of London and get away with it all. Well sort of got away with it all. Only to get tangled up with several shady characters a Malcolm X, a London Madam with ties to the Upper Crust, a Porn King with ties to the Police and of course to make things interesting MI5.

Well all around that same time frame Michael and I were under the wing of our very Shady Manager a Mr. Peter Utal and a Lady by the name of Janie Jones. ( If you happen to Google them Peter was arrested for living off the means of Prostitution and Janie Jones was a local London Madam. Who by the way was the subject of a song by the group "Clash". ) It appears that Peter is still up to his eye teeth in "Tricks of the Trade " so to speak.

This all occurred around the time of the London Bank Job and the subsequent Arrests/Public Embarrassment/Resignations of many of the Lords and Senior Government Officials being caught up in a scandal that had so called ties to the Royal Family.
Due to the unseemly nature of a so called Madam known as Sonia Bern according to the film.

Now the interesting thing in of all this. Is the fact of our acquaintanceship with perhaps some or all of these persons apart from Malcolm X, MI5 and the Porn King. Michael and I were actually practicing in the basement of a rather large house in London in the Studio at the time, where they had a Dark Room funnily enough as well. Peter Utal had a different coloured Jaguar for each day of the week. We often remarked about all the girls at the House but we were told it was a modeling agency so never really paid any attention to what was really Going On or "Coming Off." We never did get to know the name of the Lady who owned the House was exactly either and never came in through the front door of the place.

Michael and I were busking at the Marble Arch. We met some chap who had an Italian Restaurant in the Marble Arch Area.
We used to sing at his place on the weekends for meals and enough to pay for our 1 room flat off the High Street over a Greek Restaurant between Paddington Station and the Marble Arch. While were were playing one night we met Peter Utal who used to come in to the Restaurant with Janie Jones and some other Lady on occasion to talk business or to eat, who knows or even remembers all the details after all this time.

I haven't really thought about these events for decades until I saw the Movie the other night and things came back into a blurred focus. I remember Micheal came over to the flat one night and said. "Our Manager Peter and Janie were busted for vice and running a Brothel etc and a lot of Mucky Mucks will be brought out in the open because of it." ( that may not have been his exact words, hey it is over 35 years ago at least or longer). I didn't believe him but the next day headlines in the local papers and on the news told the sorid story.

I certainly was in the wrong place at the right time a lot in those days. We later on through EMI and another more legitimate Manager were going to be the Opening Act I think for Mungo Jerry but the Miners strikes brought an end to the tour and Michael and I went off in our own separate directions and I haven't seen him since. He did record a song or three with EMI.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Home Selling Cartoons



I found a buyer for the house. How much you willing to pay him.





It is a start. The for sale sign has been sold.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Seniors Moments -Daily Life at Chez Nous






My life in a nut shell. Murphy's Law.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

We are up to 6 Showings



Nice Home in-between two undesirables.

We have been there before in the last few houses. We had some neighbours from Hell. Been threatened with a bullet in my head on Queen Street from the Witch of Queen Street. Been threatened with death from our other neighbour on North Street. The Airman from Hell about the right of way. Come to think of it both times it was a right of way that caused all the problems, interesting both flew through the Air, one on a Broom and the other in a Helicopter.

So lesson to be learned in this. Do not buy anything that has a right of way or easement.

We are getting a little yancy and want to do something besides clean the house.

Really worried about our friends down in Cuba as Hurricane Ike went right over most of our friends homes in the Santa Lucia and Costa Verde Beach Area.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Well the Condo showing is continuing



We have had 3 showings in the last 5 days, so the activity is good. It is a little frustrating having to keep everything neat as a pin. The old cat is getting fed up with all the vacuuming. So far we had only good comments on the place. We would be happier with
an offer though. Hey it is early days. Drove around Dartmouth to look at a few locations so we have a better idea of what is out there.

This is a link to a similar property we are interested in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7deN_dpQIYs

We apologize in advance for the music for the youtube video, it is a little loud and not that appropriate.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

How to tell the Weather

To tell the Weather, go to your backdoor and look for the family Dog. If the dog is at the door and he is wet, it's probably raining. but if the dog is standing there really soaking wet, it is probably raining really hard. If the dog's fur looks like it's been rubbed the wrong way, it's is probably windy. If the dog has snow on his back, it's probably snowing.

Of course, to be able to tell the weather like this, you have to leave the dog outside all the time, Especially if you expect bad weather.

Sincerely,


The Cat


Yes, it is raining outside.

Friday, August 29, 2008

First Showing Today-



Picture of the MacDonald bridge from the Dartmouth Side looking toward Halifax.


Well had to get up early, to get ready for the first showing today. Ginny took the car to work so she can get back early and inspect the Butler's cleaning up of the Condo. I hope she doesn't do the white glove test. I do not know what I am worried about as I do not get paid for the housework anyways.

Not likely I would be fired.

Well we decided to expand our search once we get an accepted offer to Halifax as well. Just the thought of moving to Halifax is something very different . We would be breaking the trend; You tend to either live in Halifax and not Dartmouth or live in Dartmouth and not Halifax. We only go to Halifax if it is really necessary. So Ginny would have to go over the Bridge to get to work everyday, do not know how long that would last before buying something else back over on this side of the bridge.

Hey, we may really like it. Who's to say. Well will keep you posted on events.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Well the Condo is now listed-The Fun begins



These pictures have nothing to do with the sale of our house. I went as the Tooth Fairy and Ginny went as the Great White Hunter. Good thing we weren't looking like this when the Real Estate Agent came over. We had a Halloween Dance up at the camp last weekend.



Just follow the link to the website of our Real Estate Agent. We are very happy with the choice of Agents. Even though we had to move stuff out to increase space and we went so far as to put my Guitars and Amps away to tidy. It was suggested that we bring them out and leave them out with a few song books to give the other bedroom some sense of life and purpose. Go figure.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Time to Move-Condo for Sale



Picture of our living room.



Picture of our Kitchen

Well, We are at another crossroad in our lives. We are putting our 3 Bedroom, 2 bathroom Condo upon the market next week. Will it sell? Will we find another Home? Will we finally get the Gypsy out of our shoes?? Stay tuned to the same Bat Channel for all the nitty gritty.

This will be our 6th Move in 20 Years here in Nova Scotia. Our Friends after a year or two usually ask us when are you moving again. We have a 1600 sq foot condo in downtown Dartmouth. We really do not need all the space. Also all our eggs are tied up into this property and it would be nice to free up some extra for reinvesting elsewhere.



Picture of the Dining Room

This property is in a really good location and Ginny can walk to work from here. So to give up that convience is going to be really hard on us. I enclose a few photos of the Condo. We have de-cluttered some. I have put in a gallery a bunch of Folk Art. We went to the Flea-market on Sunday last and sold a bunch of stuff ( gave them away really) but made money. I have also tentatively sold 6 of my Native Art pictures for a tidy sum. We are planning on going to the Flea-Market again in September to get rid of some more stuff.

So will keep you posted on what is happening at " Chez Nous".

Sunday, August 17, 2008

All I really need is you-

wrote this for my wife. I was inspired by her and the words just came along once the idea started to form. Everything else is History. The smile on her face when I played it for her was worth a Million Bucks.

I said to a friend that I wouldn't trade Ginny for all the Tea in China. As what is the point of having Riches and Possessions.
When your own personal life is in tatters. Love is the most important ingredient in one's life all else is meaningless and can fade or be stolen. Love will always remain and it doesn't corrode or decay.

This is in a similar vein as some of the"Barenaked Ladies" tunes.
I seem to write things with a little tongue and cheek.

Hope you enjoy it.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Ocean Lullaby



This was inspired by a walk along the shore line on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia one evening. We went for a walk along the shore at sunset the murmur of the water lapping at the shore and the sounds of the shore birds. We noticed the lack of noise from the cars and people. A sense of peace and tranquility descended upon us.

We saw the impressions of our feet on the wet sand along the shore and as I am a bit of a romantic drew a heart in the sand with our initials in it.

The sun started to set on a very warm
Summer evening and it made lot more difficult to find your way. As the tide had turned and our foot prints were slowly disappearing with the waves
coming in.

We saw a Great Blue Heron get a last minute snack from the shore and flew off to his Roost on a near by island.

As we got further away from the Ocean the City Life started to take over again with its own hustle and bustle. So I wrote this song. Think of your own walks along the shore as you listen to this.

Enjoy.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Air Miles, PC Points, Clip and Save Coupons



Well I do not know about you but in our household, we or I should say myself. I am a little fanatical about saving money and getting free stuff in the bargain. So as we are on a fixed income like most of the real world. I have a very small Disability Pension that I get each month. Fortunately G. is still working so we get Health Benefits etc from her employer.

We were a two salary family until the Accidents that we both had within 6 months of each other. Since then I have been a house husband and so have been keeping the accounts and always on the lookout for deals.

When we first met and for the first few years of our marriage I did the accounts 6 months in advance. I know I used to get some odd looks from G. as I did this. You know we never had a argument once about money or purchasing stuff. I only do the accounts 1 month in advance now. We have doubled our mortgage payments and I was able get a better interest rate with the bank than we had this time last year. Now we will be mortgage free in a little under 3 years. I am always pitting 1 company against another to get a better deal on Insurance, cable, phone etc. You have to do it , I know you are thinking; I just do not have the time. But believe me it all adds up very quickly so take the time and do some comparison shopping after all it is your money.

Cost of fuel for the car is up so everything has gone up very quickly and of course our income shrinks and does not go up with the cost of living. I just went over to Shoppers DrugMart today and found Thinsations they are cookies only 2 points on weight watchers for a packet. They were on for 1.49 regular 2.99 and I happened to have 8 coupons for 50 cent off each box. I had to walk home about a mile to get them but it was worth it. Hey that was 4.00 I just saved as we buy them anyways they are great for lunches and snacks. Help to keep us on track and not go belly up in the Cookie Jar.

We shop at Shop and Save or any of the Loblaws Chain as we have our bank accounts there and so have no monthly bank charges. It is another way to save our hard earned money.

We get PC Points on our purchases and if we use the PC green bags as well at the check out get more PC points for each dollar we spend. So we do not get any more plastic bags as well so it is a win, win for the Environment. In the course of a year probably get between 100-200 dollars a year in free groceries.

AirMiles we collect them both with the card and our Amex card and we get free stuff like printers, cameras, both digital and SLR ,Ipod, tools, suitcases and free trips all in the course of the last 18 months.

So I reckon because of a little extra time spent comparison shopping, collecting coupons and Airmiles. We are way a head of the game and can afford the little extras now and then without feeling guilty. So if you are a closet coupon collector be proud and hold your head high. When I see coupons that we use. I always take a lot of them as the expiry usually lasts for a while it is money in the bank in the long run.

"Coupon Funerals: 'Let us remember his life, not his expiration date. For we know our Saver (Old Tarf) will redeem him.'


Remember you are saving yourself a small fortune over time. More money for Whiskey and Beer.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Bud Light Commercials That Never Aired-

Hey great weekend. sorry about the first one. Try this.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Bud Light commercials that never aired or got banned!- Dedicated to Sabrina

Just for laughs- Have a great weekend everyone.

I intend to have a few. "Surfs Up SomeWhere".

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Pop corn with cell phones : made by Cardo Systems

Imagine what it is doing to your Brain Cells.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Moral Dilemma -This is in honor of Electro-Kevin

Don't cheat now, this is a really important question....

This test only has one question, but it's a very important one. By giving an honest answer, you will discover where you stand morally.
The test features an unlikely, completely fictional situation in which you will have to make a decision.
Remember that your answer needs to be honest, yet spontaneous.
Please scroll down slowly and give due consideration to each line.

THE SITUATION

You are in England, York to be specific.
There is chaos all around you caused by a hurricane with severe flooding.
This is a flood of biblical proportions.
You are a photo-journalist working for a major newspaper, and you're caught in the middle of this epic disaster.

The situation is nearly hopeless.
You're trying to shoot career-making photos.
There are houses and people swirling around you, some disappearing into the water.
Nature is unleashing all its destructive fury.

THE TEST
Suddenly, you see a man in the water.
He is fighting for his life, trying not to be taken down with the debris.
You move closer... Somehow, the man looks familiar...
You suddenly realise who it is... It's Gordon Brown! You notice that the raging waters are about to take him under forever.

You have two options:

You can save the life of Gordon Brown or you can shoot a dramatic Pulitzer Prize-winning photo, documenting the death of one of the country's most powerful men!

THE QUESTION

Here's the question, and please give an honest answer...


Would you select high contrast colour film, or would you go with the classic simplicity of black and white

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Something I didn't know ( there is a lot I do not know still)

Who knew?

Eliminate ear mites. All it takes is a few drops of Wesson Corn Oil in your cat's or dog's ear... massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Kills fleas instantly... Dawn Dishwashing Liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor: Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Did you know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers?

Did you know that Colgate Toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 tablespoon horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes... cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus: Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine Mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection... to prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loose ning, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear Nail Polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... if menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover: Just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt's Tomato Paste boil cure... cover the boil with Hunt's Tomato Paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters... to disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine, a powerful antiseptic.

Vinegar to heal bruises... soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief... it's not for breakfast any more! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Have fun with this one





The following was developed as a mental age assessment by the School of
Psychiatry at Harvard University. Take your time and see if you can read
each line aloud without a mistake.

The average person over 40 years of age cannot do it!

1. This is this cat.
2. This is cat.
3. This is how cat.
4. This is to cat.
5. This is keep cat.
6. This is an cat.
7. This is old cat.
8. This is fart cat.
9. This is busy cat.
10. This is for cat.
11. This is forty cat.
12. This is seconds cat.

Now, go back and read the third word in each line from the top down.
I betcha' you can't resist passing this one on

Monday, June 30, 2008

Dancing Walrus

I couldn't resist this. Thought Hey, it would go with the other Odds and Sods. Have a great Canada Day.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

"Have Caulking Gun Will Travel" and Silicone almost anything



I found out recently that Silicone is a very sticky substance. (actually I found that out a long time ago). I have used Silicone or caulking to fix and seal a lot of stuff over the years. I have used it to mend sinks and along the floors to stop leaks, around bathtubs and basins. To hold tile and boards to mend boats and make gaskets to stop leaks at the trailer. Fill in little gashes on metal etc. I have used 100's of tubes over the years as part of preventive maintenance. Sealing the outside from getting inside on windows and door to roofing and flashing.

There was a problem last fall at the camp with our bathroom sink that wouldn't stop dripping. So in the fall as the water was turned off. I found the plumbing to be faulty in the bathroom and promptly went out to find parts for the trailer. As anybody would know who has also went to look for parts for your RV as you tend to need them ( parts) on the weekend the problems occur. You can buy a new trailer on a weekend but no parts what-so ever are to be found from an RV Dealership even those with Spare parts Dept. As the Parts Dept. are not open on weekends. It really doesn't make a lot of sense to me. As one only realizes, you have a problem or need something on a weekend.

So I cut the pipes knowing ( so I thought anyways) I could fix them in the spring, before I turned the water on again. So the Spring now arrives. I cannot find in any Hardware Store 3/8 inch Pvc pipe or connectors or any one who knows anything about Plumbing in a Plumbing Store or Dept. of Home Hardware or Home Depot or even Kent's. So I found out by chance something called compression fittings or caps in a 3/8 but know one has any idea how they work. Or even if they would work; to stop the water from flowing out and flooding the trailer once the water was turned on. So I bought 4. I got more Airmiles that way. I read the directions for use. Yes I actually did read them. As real men do-not usually read directions and just wing it. I would have been smarter just to wing it as they were written in every language under the sun with fancy diagrams but still didn't explain how they werre put together and how to use them.

So I did what any red blooded male would do or so I thought anyways. I reached for the Caulking Gun and my trusty Silicone Tube. I filled the water pipes both cold and hot with Silicone just a little at the top. I thought just in case it goes down a long ways and blocks the pipe altogether and then put the compression caps on the top of the cut pipe. Well It worked no water was coming through. So my plan was to use the Shower Hose from the Shower as it stretched to the sink for water to wash up with.


Brilliant I thought
. Ginny had other ideas and told me so in very blunt english even I could understand. And asked Jim one of the gang we hang around with to look at the sink and fix what Don had done.. So he came in looked at it and promptly went home and brought back a bunch of stuff to put the water back on, connectors, metal hoses etc.

So He takes off the compression caps to hook up the water. Found we didn't have enough piping to do both hot and cold water as all he had; was standard stuff that didn't fit. No, problem we will just make due and put on the hot water only use the pipe that is under the sink and connect them." I found some compression tees to use ." He told me with a smile." Do not know if they will work though as I can't understand the instructions but they are 3/8." Well, it was deja vue . I already knew that. Didn't want to say anything as He is an Handy Man with the County Housing Authority. I am used to having someone repair what I attempt to fix anyways.

So He looks and sees silicone in the pipes. " Who the hell put silicone in the pipes." He asked rather loudly " I did" I said very quietly and starting to realize maybe it wasn't such a good idea. "Well you know where to shove your silicone the next time you have a plumbing problem . Just bend over." He scolded me.

Meanwhile this was attracting a lot of curious onlookers with their beer and rum as my repair job was becoming the joke of the camp ground. Due to the very excitable sounds coming from the bathroom of our Trailer. Well it got worse the little caulking I used was a lot and I managed to plug up both the pipes a very long ways down. He got a wire hanger and proceed to push it down through the pipe to clear the silicone which he thought he did. And put the pipe together with the tee connector. He then got the pipe connected to the hot water on the sink and put new taps in as well. The crowd was getting bigger and more laughter.

The magic moment arrived the water was turned on but no water. @@#@#$%$#@@##$%$#@ing. Which got even more laughs from the deck. Jim was beaten. My beer was all drunk.

"I WILL BE BACK IN TWO WEEKS GET SOME 3/8 PIPE AND WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER GO." He took my caulking gun with him and the crowd followed him back to his camp. I was now known as Silicone Don.

I went the next day on a Monday and lo and behold the Parts Dept of the RV places were open. I found the pipe I needed different color and the guy at the desk explained how the compression fittings were to be used. Emboldened or humiliated from the day before latter more than likely. I drove up to the camp to fix the problem myself. I asked Ernie to hold my beer and to watch so He was a witness and I managed to fix the problem myself but I had to keep cutting the pipe down till almost none was left to find water as the silicone went down a long ways. Even bought several washers I needed. The Water is now running and Jim is happy, the work has been approved by him. I thanked him for being a very good teacher.

It was a very good thing he didn't turn on the cold water tap . As I have Hot water coming out of the Cold water and Cold coming out of the Hot. Hey it works and I got a new Caulking Gun with Silicone just in case in the Bathroom drawer. You can never be too careful.

So what plumbing horror stories do you have??

Monday, June 16, 2008

Aphorisms


**************
* 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
* De ja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
* The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.
* Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.
* If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
* Always remember to pillage BEFORE you burn.
* Eagles may soar, but weasels aren't sucked into jet engines.
* If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.
* Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
* For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
* Success always occurs in private, and failure in full view.
* To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your principles.
* Two wrongs are only the beginning.
* The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up.
* A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
* If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
* Change is inevitable.... Except from vending machines.
* Don't sweat petty things.... Or pet sweaty things.
* Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Trip to British Columbia



Picture of the Harbour in Anacortes, Washington State.


Please follow the link to our Web Page. To view the pictures of our trip out West and to Washington State.

Boys in Training -Fixation starts early


Look at what I did. I planted my Dinky toy and watered it. Looky it growed.

Give me my Beer.

Ohh,look at those suckers. I am getting hungry.

Babe Watch is on.

That's different.

I am pushing the knob, but still no FM.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Hey, put me out first you "Bastard"




Went to the Halifax infirmary on thursday for my minor surgery. This is the 3rd time I have had my various Veins stripped. the first time I was in Hospital for a day or two. The second time was under general painkiller and out cold. Woke up with 150 staples ( doc called them clips) Clips my ass they were metal staples, felt like they were put in with a stapler ( not yours I hope mermaid).

So I went this time not knowing what to expect. No drugs, only a local painkiller . He marked my leg with felt tip ink and preceded to put a sedative in my leg like a flaming pin cushion. then Told me not to look, so Like a naughty boy I looked. Here was this mad Doctor slicing my leg with a scalpel, blood gushing out and what looked like spaghetti being pulled out of my leg.

Now the kicker was, I was done in 20 minutes, bandaged up and out to the waiting room. Ginny didn't even have time to drink her coffee. So I am waiting to have these Staples taken out ( oh, excuse me Clips). Then may have to go back and get my lower leg done as, he only did the knee to the groin this time.

Hopefully , there will not be a next time. Only took me 2 years to get to see him in the first place. Good thing it wasn't life or death situation. Next time I will have a few shots before I go. I will probably have to bring my own Band-Aids and tensor bandages as well as do the surgery myself. He did say only Healthy people come to Hospital now and you do not want to get sick here, as the food is worse than Mac Donalds or any fast food place.

I always thought Hospitals were suppose to be the place to cure you, not contract the plague. Hey, where are my drugs. Knock me out next time and do not tell me not to look.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Stuff if only we thought of it- " or Not" Part 1



So how much of the bed is mine.






To bad we have a life. Or we might be inventing these things.




Seems toilet humor is in for this family.