Thursday, August 30, 2007
A BRAVE NEW WORLD
And during this past year, especially the last couple of weeks, I have a new way of seeing the world. It is a way that I have not used in years. I have seen the world through the eyes of someone who has never seen the world. Of course, I mean my grand-moose Owen.
As some of you know my wife and I babysit him almost everyday for about two hours. During those hours, Owen and I have our special time together. I take him for a walk in his stroller. It is good for my back and a good bonding experience for both of us.
During these walks we stop to feel the textures of different types of trees and leaves. Some, like a cedar are soft. Some, like a pine are hard and prickly. Some leaves are different shapes and colours. Trees trunks can be smooth or rough. Pine cones can be hard but brittle.
As we go along we stop at fire hydrants with there bright yellow colour. Then it is on to the mail boxes which make a great drum sound when hit hard enough. The power boxes and street lamps all make different sounds and each has a different feel.
The sand at the playground is a must. Sometimes it can be wet and sticky and sometimes warm and able to run through your fingers.But always fun for digging.
The last couple of days we have changed our route. We know go over to a pond that is home to ducks and geese. It takes him a few minutes to realize they are there. But, once they start to move into the water with their waddling gate, they became an object of intense scrutiny. And also great amusement. For some reason, these birds make him laugh out loud and talk? with great excitement. Owen will sit there for the longest time, just watching the geese and ducks as they swim. He will point to different ones and make some comment. And as most babies are, he is a great mimic. As the geese honk back and forth to each other, he joins in with almost exactly the same sound.
And when they take flight with the great flapping of wings, he is delighted. He will watch very quietly and wave good-bye.
As for me, I too delight in the sights and sounds as I see and hear them with his innocence. I will try to teach him to always be in awe of nature around him. And to look at each new experience with delight.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Fwd: Moose threaten global climate
Where is the compassion and realization that all Moose are created equal? Is it not better to stop a car than kill a moose? Where is the outrage that should coming hence to stop this barbaric slaughter?
http://archive.patriotpost.us/pub/07-34_Digest/page-5.php
We have not taken up antlers against you puny people except in the defense of our off-spring. We are a peace loving animal, who just want to roam free in this world. Content to just eat, sleep, have sex and fart. We have not built factories and planes and burned coal to heat ourselves. No, we grew our fur out. We sleep under the stars. We have no need to cut down forests and pollute our water systems.
No we are a free species who have the inalienable right to pursue life, liberty and justice for all of us.
Please, on behalf of other members of my family, I beg of you, do not let this injustice continue. If we, the moose of the world set up a hunt for all the humans who farted, our permit totals would be in the millions. Help save my family.
I know we can do this together-- ALPHONSEDAMOOSE
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Fwd: Fw: Canadian Fighters
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Thursday, August 23, 2007
MOM
She lives by herself in an apartment. She still drives and does everything for herself pretty much. Usually at Christmas , she flies to Toronto to visit my older brother. When she is there she can visit with her three grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
Last Christmas, she came west to visit us for a month and meet the newest member of our family, Owen. She almost spent the whole time in her room as she is deathly afraid of dogs (especially shepherds) and as you know we have 2 dogs( 1- a shepherd). I reassured her that they were very lovable and by the time she left she said that she certainly did like Kaito( the shepherd).
As I wrote , she lives by herself in an apartment. However, during the summer , she goes out to our "camp". It is an old miner's house on the shores of Lake Superior. There is no running water, no phones and no electricity. When my dad was teaching it was a great place to go to enjoy the quiet life. To get water, there is a gas pump that takes water from the lake to a trough up on the cliff. From there it is gravity fed to the house. Cooking and lighting is done with propane. There is also a wood stove for extra heat if it is needed.
We used to have outdoor plumbing(outhouse) but about 40 years ago, my mother went out one night. When she came back in and just closed the door. there was a thump on the other side. She opened the inside door and there , on the outside of the screen was a huge black bear. We got indoor plumbing put in during the next week.
Last year she was getting ready to go out and heard a noise from the kitchen. She went to investigate and there, trying to come in the propane vent hole was another black bear. She took off to a neighbors as fast as she could. So did the bear. She went one way, he went the other. Except he went INTO another neighbours house.
She also has problems with deer. In the back of the camp is a beautiful tiered garden. It also backs up against the cliff. The deer come down the cliff and strip her garden almost every year. When she goes out to"shoo" them away, they just look at her like she is nuts. They have no fear, as this is all inside a provincial park. Which means no hunting.
While she is there, she also walks at least 2-3 miles or more everyday. I just wish I had her energy. If my dad was still with us they would have been married 66 years two days ago.
Here's to you mom.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Fwd: Fw: Click and Weep!
> > How would you like to have bought this property? > > Imagine you're going to live in Portugal. > You find a lovely farmhouse set on a decent plot of land. > The place has been empty for 15 years... > While exploring your new property you find a large barn. > The door is padlocked and welded shut and it's all rusted solid. > So you grind the padlock and the welds off > and........ > > > > | |||
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Thursday, August 16, 2007
SAND AND KIDS
What is it about sand that kids just love? Today, my son and I took Owen for his daily walk. He has certain places where he likes to stop and feel things.
When we went today, we decided to stop at the playground in our neighbourhood. It has the usual assortment of swings, slides and climbing apparatus. And surrounding it all is a giant sandbox. We let Owen out of his stroller to play on the grass and immediately he headed for the sand. As far as I know he has never been in a sandbox before.
At first he was hesitant to get in but after feeling the sand for a bit, away he went. And as you can see, he started to dig. He had his right foot covered in no time and a few seconds later, his whole leg. He would lean as far forward as he could and scoop the sand towards himself. Pretty soon . he had a good sized pile. Then he would pick up what he could in his hands and let the sand dribble through his fingers. He was fascinated watching it. He also had to do what all kids his age do. He had to taste it. (Don't tell his mother).
When we got home he got a diaper change(from Mrs. Moose) in case he had sand in there. What a way to get diaper rash. Fortunately --nothing.
But what is it about sand and kids? They just love to dig it seems.
Can you tell I am reliving my childhood with him?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
WE"RE IN TROUBLE
As you can see by the picture, the grand-moose is almost walking. This picture was taken yesterday while Mrs. Moose and I were baby-sitting. He has been able to get to his feet and walk around with the help of furniture. Not a problem.
He can go to a standing position and balance for 30 seconds without falling. No help from furniture. And when you do hold his hands to walk, he runs. Also today, he was able to go from a squatting position to standing with no problem. In fact he went so fast and forcefully, he was almost jumping. And that was going from a full squat.
We think , once he starts to walk, he will just run instead. When you do walk with him, he tries to run. When you offer him a cookie, he gets to it as fast as possible.
When he does start, we are in trouble. We don't know if old farts like us can keep up with him. I sure hope we can. He is keeping us young and mobile.
Monday, August 13, 2007
CHERRY TREE
We bought this tree five years ago and it was only eight inches high. In that time, it has grown to be eight feet high and extremely bushy.
We got our first crop of cherries last year. This year , it looks like we will have an even better crop.It is so loaded that the branches are bent over touching the ground. We have to tie them up so they won't snap off. We should probably get six to eight ice cream buckets full.
The tree is very hardy as it was developed here in Alberta and is made for our climate. It survives the cold extremely well and grows like crazy. Maybe I'll pick some tomorrow before the Cedar Waxwings come and strip the tree.
Talk to you later
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Fwd: Fw: Sunday Morning Sex
Sunday Morning Sex
I will never hear church bells ringing again without smiling...
Upon hearing that her elderly grandfather had just passed away,
Katie went straight to her grandparent's house to visit her 95-
year-old grandmother and comfort her. When she asked how her
grandfather had died, her grandmother replied, "He had a heart
attack while we were making love on Sunday morning. "
Horrified, Katie told her grandmother that 2 people nearly 100
years old having sex would surely be asking for trouble.
"Oh no, my dear," replied granny. "Many years ago, realizing our
advanced age, we figured the best time to do it was when the
church bells would start to ring. It was just the right rhythm.
Nice and slow and even.
Nothing too strenuous, simply in on the Ding and out on the Dong."
She paused to wipe away a tear, and continued, "He'd still be
alive if the ice cream truck hadn't come along."
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Fwd: Fw: Just LOVE the last one!
Actual call center conversations! Customer: "I've been calling 700-1000 for two days and can't get through; can you help?" Operator: "Where did you get that number, sir?" Customer: "It's on the door of your business." Operator: "Sir, those are the hours that we are open." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Samsung Electronics Caller: "Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?" Operator: "I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about." Caller: "On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?" Operator: "I think it means the telephone plug on the wall." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while traveling in Europe ) "If I register my car in France , and then take it to England , do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Directory Enquiries Caller: "I'd like the number of the Argo Fish Bar, please" Operator: "I'm sorry, there's no listing. Are you sure that the spelling is correct?" Caller: "Well, it used to be called the Bargo Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven. Operator: "Woven? Are you sure?" Caller: "Yes. That's what it says on the label -- Woven in Scotland " ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tech Support: "OK. At the bottom left hand side of your screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?" Customer: "Wow! How can you see my screen from there?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This has to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the WordPerfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the WordPerfect organization for "Termination without Cause." Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations!): Operator: "Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?" Caller: "Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect." Operator: "What sort of trouble??" Caller: "Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away." Operator: "Went away?" Caller: "They disappeared." Operator: "Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?" Caller: "Nothing." Operator: "Nothing??" Caller: "It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type." Operator: "Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??" Caller: "How do I tell?" Operator: "Can you see the 'C: prompt' on the screen??" Caller: "What's a sea-prompt?" Operator: "Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?" Caller: "There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I type." Operator: "Does your monitor have a power indicator??" Caller: "What's a monitor?" Operator: "It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??" Caller: "I don't know." Operator: "Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??" Caller: "Yes, I think so." Operator: "Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall. Caller: "Yes, it is." Operator: "When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??" Caller: "No." Operator: "Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable." Caller: "Okay, here it is." Operator: "Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer." Caller: "I can't reach." Operator: "OK. Well, can you see if it is??" Caller: "No." Operator: "Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??" Caller: "Well, it' s not because I don't have the right angle -- it's because it's dark." Operator: "Dark??" Caller: "Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window." Operator: "Well, turn on the office light then." Caller: "I can't." Operator: "No? Why not??" Caller: "Because there's a power failure." Operator: "A power .... A power failure? Aha. Okay, we've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff that your computer came in??" Caller: "Well, yes, I keep them in the closet." Operator: "Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from." Caller: "Really? Is it that bad?" Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is." Caller: "Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??" Operator: "Tell them you're too stupid to own a computer!!!" | ||
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Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Fwd: WATCH!
THIS WAS SENT TO ME BY MY DAUGHTER- VERY INTERESTING
WATCH THIS BEFORE IT'S TAKEN OFF THE WEB!!
One impressive woman
Here is a powerful and amazing statement on Al Jazeera television.
The woman is Wafa Sultan, an Arab-American psychologist from Los Angeles. I would suggest watching it ASAP because I don't know how long the link will be active. This film clip should be shown around the world repeatedly!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Fwd: [Fwd: Fw: Senior Moment]
> A very self-important college freshman was attending a recent
> football game. He took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen
> sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to
> understand his generation.
>
> "You grew up in a different world, actually an almost
> primitive one," the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby
> to hear. "The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes,
> space travel, man walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars.
> We have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with
> light-speed processing, and....," pausing to take another drink of beer.
> The Senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany
> and said, "You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were
> young........so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little shithead,
> what are you doing for the next generation?"
> The applause was deafening.
>
>
> I just love senior citizens!!!
>
>
>
Saturday, August 4, 2007
OFF FOR WHILE
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Fwd: Fw: Senior Pride
Two elderly friends, Bill and Sam, met in the park every day to feed the
pigeons, watch the squirrels and discuss world problems. One day Bill
didn't
show up. Sam didn't think much about it and figured maybe he had a cold
or
something. But after Bill hadn't shown up for a week or so, Sam really got
worried. However, since the only time they ever got together was at the
park, Sam didn't know where Bill lived, so he was unable to find out
what had happened to him.A month had passed, and Sam figured he had seen the last of Bill, but one
day, Sam approached the park and -- lo and behold! --there sat Bill! Sam
was
very excited and happy to see him and told him so. Then he said, "For
crying out loud Bill, what in the world happened to you?"
Bill replied, "I have been in jail."
"Jail?" cried Sam. "What in the world for?"
"Well," Bill said, "you know Sue, that cute little blonde waitress at the
coffee shop where we sometimes go?"
"Yeah," said Sam, "I remember her. What about her?"
"Well, one day she filed rape charges against me; and, at 89 years old, I
was so proud that when I got into court, I pleaded 'guilty' and the judge
gave me 30 days for perjury!!!!!!!"