Christmas is Coming!

So hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, followed quickly by the beginning of the New Year! I really like this time of year, yeah the cliché's abound, stores are crazy busy, but even I notice how much more pleasant and compassionate folks are to one another this time of year. Little things from a smile and nod of the head while holding the door, letting another driver out into the line, and not being afraid to wish each other the best of the season. Then there are the people who pull out all the stops by lifting everyone's spirits by going balls to the wall with Christmas Decorations, folks who volunteer to help those much less fortunate (and there are many more of those people who are in need this year), many who contribute and assist the feathered and furry creatures who sometimes get overlooked during the season. I think if it was not for these types of people who seemingly appear out of no where much like Mr. Claus, well I would be able to say the the world has gone to the preverbal in a hand basket. As greed seems to abound, and I still feel that unfortunately it is more and more people who are travelling this route, there are still those advanced souls who keep the spirit of the season in their hearts and try to show us all what its all about. I am very thankful to have quite a few of these people around me in my life 365 days a year. So there is no reason I cannot learn by their deeds and thoughts. I know I have a long way to grow spiritually, (and that word does not have to just be religious but encompasses so much more.), socially, perhaps that is why I am presented with the lessons around me that I am? Can only hope to grow and help to look after life around me no matter the form that it takes.

I attended the Boomer's Legacy Gala a little while ago, and was really looking forward to seeing the pictures the Professional Photographer took of Mel Cooper, General Hillier and myself… so here they are, at least the ones I downloaded… very cool.  An event I will remember for sometime to come, not every day you meet so many movers and shakers in Canadian politics, Military and Media. Was a really special night for me. Thanks Mel!!

More to come before the big day… stay tuned… Merry Christmas!!! 

 

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Knock Knock! Who's there? Old Man Winter

While it was predicted, it was still great to wake up to a bit of the white stuff this morning. Looking at weather reports we have much more (hopefully) coming. It's such a great change, brightens everything up and makes it feel like winter, as it should. Victoria is not really known for the full onslaught of a four season Year. Our winters are usually very mild, and sometimes wet, but with the occasional days or more of weather that resembles a Fall day or an early Spring one. Odin as expected luvs the snow, as I think most dogs do. He spent much of his time out chasing, who knows what, putting his nose into the snow and lifting the snow back towards the skies… Just having the morning coffee before I take the hounds for their walk. I think Odin is pretty keyed up to go and do some more running in it.

Guess I better get the winter tires on the Truck tomorrow as well, heck that was what they were bought for.  As I get older I find I really miss living in an area with all four seasons (not sure if this is a "Grass is always greener" feeling or a "Looking at the past through Pink Shades"), I grew up in Edmonton,. Alberta. Where you could always be guaranteed winter, sometimes it was the other season that suffered. There was always a great feel to the winter season, it was not a "beating my chest" I am tough feeling, but rather an enjoyment of experiencing that side of Mother Nature. Wonder where the best and most consistent place in Canada is for having all four seasons? Some said places like Penticton and Kelowna. What's your thoughts? Prince George? It's a really nice place too.

 

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November..

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot

Typical, I usually cheer for the underdog, it was one of the reasons I really liked the twisted tale based on the above, in the movie `V for Vendetta`. I guess in some circles (religious and Political) though this time of year has such a bonding or rallying effect. Does it still do so for the families who celebrate "bonfire night" or has it instead become yet another commercial marking of the passing days? I do think today that most folks, regular hard-working types, would also be behind Guy F, at least in the wish to start the government again from scratch, trying to eliminate corruption and turning it back (if it ever was) to a position of service to the people.

Cranked up the wood stove Saturday night, held off for as long as we could but it was starting to get a little damp in the Mornings, not really cold enough to hit it full on, and balancing the heat with the open window or door. Still nice to get up in the AM to a little bit of heat, so much nicer to have a coffee while sitting in the warmth. Gotta keep moving though, so easy to succomb to the heat, and sneak in a few naps.  :-)

Just prepping the office for paint and flooring. Gettting a good coat of Kilz-2 on, then will follow up with a good quality primer. As for the floor I think I am going to install some wood-look vinyl product, it comes in strips, and ends up looking very much like real wood flooring, but a bit more heavy-duty (10 Year Commercial warranty), this is one of the Manufacturers sites. I have also decided to scale back on the desk design, I wanted to do concrete topped desks, but nothing is going to cure very quickly at this time of year, plus maybe a simpler design like this, might really complement the room. I forgot how small the room is (11 x 12) so space is a premium, need two desks, 1 area for printers/scanner, bookshelfs, then later over-desk cupboards or shelves. The wiring is behind the wall ready to be pulled and mounted to the desks. Then will put arborite over the desks to give them a nicer finish that is durable.

I have a big event to attend this Saturday , Boomer's Legacy - 4th Annual Fundraising event being held at Royal Roads University. I have been invited by one of the organizer's, and will be sitting at General Hillier's Table.  Yeah I am stoked! Picking up a new suit tomorrow, I have it on good authority that I clean up pretty good.

Whiskyfest tickets go on sale tomorrow, going to have to do everything I can to get tickets for the event in January. Going to be a blast.

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