LOVE and TRUST

Yesterday, Owen's mom and dad, Mark and Kristin had a wedding to go to in Edmonton.
Rather than taking Owen back and forth, his Auntie Erin babysat him overnight. Being only a year old, we were not sure how he would react to this long a separation from his parents.

Early in the afternoon, Owen was dropped off at Erin's place. His parents just brought him in , said goodbye and left. No big fuss about him being left. Which is as it should be.

He and Erin played all afternoon, both inside her condo and on her patio.He didn't have any toys with him and yet, he did not get into anything that he shouldn't. He left her plants alone as well as her laptop. He loves computers.

Erin phoned Mrs. Moose and she went in to bring him some toys from our house. While there they put him in his stroller and took him for a walk. There is a lot of construction going on and with the rain we had yesterday, the sidewalks in some places were very muddy and slippery. The wheels on the stroller caked with mud in no time. How to get it off? Easy. Go through the puddles and it will wash off. It worked going away but coming back, they just caked up again. What to do? They didn't want to get mud on the carpets in the condo building so down into the garage below. Right beside Erin's parking spot is the power car wash. Erin and her mom took poor Owen into it and power washed the caked clay off the wheels. Did they take him out of the stroller to do this? NOOOO! While they were doing this , another owner came by and just looked at them like they were nuts. I wonder why?

For supper, they had pizza. Owen can eat at least one piece by himself-onion, green pepper, pepperoni, cheese. He loves food. They ate outside on the patio.

He is fascinated by doors whether it be ordinary doors, elevator doors or patio doors. He can say DOOR very clearly and loves to open and close them. He has even figured out how to open and close a sliding patio screen door. When he goes out, he closes it behind him. When he comes in, he closes it behind him. I know adults who have not mastered this concept.

Of course, he also had to have a bath before bed. Mrs. Moose says he loves to splash and drink the water from the edge of the tub. As you can see from the pictures he certainly enjoyed himself and other people enjoyed him. He is a little devil.

Since both my wife and I are former teachers, we do know something about children. With some of the things he does, he is certainly advanced for his age. For instance, he sings. Most children at one year do not do this. He also initiates actions. Most children at this age react to actions and copy them. He has a great sense of humour and loves to tease.

Back on track. When he went to bed, in a playpen at nine o'clock, he had been up all day without a nap. It didn't take long for him to conk out.

Apparently he slept until 3 in the morning and then woke up. He only cried a little and Erin brought him into bed with her. He soon fell asleep again and cuddled right up to her. He even took hold of her hand and patted her arm in his sleep.
When he woke this morning he just played on the bed until Erin also woke up. He had corn flakes for breakfast. He loves corn flakes.

When Mark and Kristin got him , he just smiled when they came in and went back to playing with his toys. No big deal. No fuss.It was "Hi Mom, hi Dad, I'm having fun playing ! "

Mark and Kristin have done a terrific job of raising a boy who knows he is loved and loves in return. He also has a terrific Auntie Erin who loves him with all her heart.

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET

Yes, this is what the real Alphonsedamoose looks like. Handsome devil isn't he? And humble and modest.

The reason for this picture will become obvious in a few paragraphs. I have to tell secrets and inner thoughts. Why? Because my friend Catmoves, @ http://www.quekeyturkey.blogspot.com has tagged me for the following questionnaire. He is from Albuquerque, N.M. and writes a great post. He also has a great sense of humour. How do I know? He reads my posts !!!!

These are the rules as passed on to me:

1)Name the person, with link, who tagged you. See Above.

2)Complete the questionnaire without changing the questions. Now , whoever I tag has to copy them down and write their answers as I did. Sorry about that----NOT.

3)Tag other people. That I can do and I hope they will follow through. This tag is a questionnaire to be answered on the topic " What does blogging mean to me?".


QUESTION 1: Are you happy/satisfied with your blog, with its' content and look?
For the most part I am happy with the blog. I like the look of the page with the dots---adds some colour I think. For the content I am content with most of it. Especially the ones about my grandson Owen. There are times when I wish I had not promised somebody to be politically correct. I could have so much more to write about. But then, my radical thoughts would be exposed. So I just try to keep it light.

QUESTION 2: Does your family know about your blog?
OH YES!! Having been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century from the 18Th, my family thinks it is "AMUSING" that I have a blog. Of course, I am the only one who has dared to take the plunge. I don't know if this makes me brave or S****D.

QUESTION 3: Do you feel embarrassed to let your friends know about your blog or do you just consider it I private thing?
I don't mind my friends knowing about my blog. Most of my friends know much more embarrassing things about me. I have been known to clown around a bit and get myself into "situations".

QUESTION 4: Did your blog cause positive change in your thoughts?
I think it did. I am a staunch defender of Canada and it used to piss me off the way the States would treat us at times (lumber dispute, border crossings). I grew up in a time when the U.S. and Canada were great friends. In the last decade or so, because of politicians, I think this friendship has deteriorated somewhat and one tends to lump all people together. I think blogging has brought back that feeling of " we`all have the same concerns and we are not so different". I believe the grassroots people are basically all on the same page.

QUESTION 5: Do you only open the blogs of those who comment to your blog or do you love to go and discover more by yourself?
I have certain blogs that I read whether they comment on mine or not. Occasionally , I will go to other blogs just to see what is going on. Mrs.Moose is the one who likes to really read other blogs. I will also check out the ones that are recommended by fellow bloggers.

QUESTION 6: What does your visitor counter mean to you? Do you care about put it in your blog?
I have a visitor counter but I really never look at it. So, yes it is in my blog and no it doesn't mean a lot.

QUESTION 7: Did you try to imagine your fellow bloggers and give them real pictures? A lot of the blogs I read have the pictures already so I don't have to imagine them. The ones that don't--- well, there is the old trick you use when you are about to make a speech and you are nervous----PLEASE, PUT YOUR CLOTHES BACK ON!!!

QUESTION 8: Do you think there is a real benefit to blogging?
Heck Yes! Or I am just wasting my time. I think most bloggers find it to be very therapeutic to get their thoughts down in writing. By sharing them and getting feedback, I don't think we feel as alone as we might otherwise. It also helps get a better perspective on other people and the ways in which they handle things.

QUESTION 9: Do you think that bloggers society is isolated from the real world or interacts with events?
This is easy. The blogging society is far more interactive with events than not. All you have to do is read the different topics that are out there and you know these people keep up on things. Even if opinions vary, at least there are opinions. And the sharing of ideas and opinions is never a bad thing and usually brings about greater understanding of each other.

QUESTION 10: Does criticism annoy you or do you feel it's a normal thing?
Unwarranted criticism does bother me to a certain extent and anyone who says it doesn't isn't normal. If it is constructive criticism from somebody whose opinion I value, not much.

QUESTION 11: Do you fear some political blogs and avoid them?
I don't actively seek out political blogs but if I come across one I will read it. If I don't agree with the premise, I probably won't go back. I have enough going on without adding negatives. Because I am passionate about what I believe in , I don't tolerate fools lightly. This should give you a hint on why I don't write about politics or religion. I am not that tolerant.

QUESTION 12: Did you get shocked by the arrest of some bloggers?
Not really. In some societies, China for instance , their openness is not great. Or if people are writing terrorist or threatening messages, I see no reason why they should not be arrested. If they are just writing dissent, then yes I would be shocked especially if it happened in the "free world". If it is an HONEST opinion on a subject it should not subject you to arrest. Freedom of speech is our greatest strength and should not be stifled.

QUESTION 13: Did you think what would happen to your blog after you died?
I assume that my wife will write a last blog saying I died or maybe I'll just take it with me. I haven't decided yet.

QUESTION 14: What do you like to hear? What's the song you might like to put in a link, in your blog?
Sound of Silence or Eve of Destruction. I think they are both still relevant today.

RULE 4: Your turn to tag some other victim: Let's see now??? Three very interesting blogs are
Ticblog
Ramblings from the Outside of Nowhere
Flitzy Phoebie
Tag : YOU'RE IT!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

Auntie Erin and Owen
This picture was taken in the hospital where Owen was born. He is with his Auntie Erin, who came from work to spell off Kristin's husband, Mark during labour. He is less than 24 hours old here.

Before he was even born, Mark told Mrs. Moose and I how amazing it was that you could love someone so much when you hadn't even met them. He has already stolen everyone's heart.












Auntie Erin and Owen Sharing a Pickled Bean
This was at his birthday party that we had yesterday. As you can see the boy will eat anything from baby food to Thai food. Loves hot and spicy. We have only found one thing he doesn't like. Lettuce for some reason. He also likes onions and peppers.











First Ever Bite of Cake
Kristin made him his own little cake for his birthday. This is the first time he has ever had cake and as you can see he started at the bottom first.












Owen and Alphonsedamoose
He certainly enjoyed the cake and is letting me know. He sure can melt this old fart with his smile.

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY

A year ago today, September 2, 2006 Owen took over our world, as well as his mom and dad's, when he made his appearance at 9 lbs. 13 oz. and 21 1/2 inches. Life has not been the same since.

In the picture to the left, he is one day old and already he has stolen everyone's heart.

Tomorrow, we are going to celebrate his birthday with a special cake just for him. I will have a lot more to say and hopefully show you after the party.

A BRAVE NEW WORLD

During the time that I have been blogging I have seen that many people see the world in different ways. Just Me is a true philosopher and has great insight., Ticblog has a great eye and sees the world in a wonderful way with her camera. Bruno sees the world as a loner who has a heart of gold in spite of his gruff manner. Lin has her adventures and the gift of being able to describe them with words. Babzy with her wicked sense of humour and ability to bounce back. Each one of us sees the world in a different light.

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.

Fwd: Moose threaten global climate

As a moose from the great north woods of Canada, I would like all my friends to read the following article and consider how reprehensible the Norwegians are . They are blaming global warming on the moose of their country and , I can only assume, on Moose around the world. Do they not realize that we , the most majestic of the deer species, have been on this planet longer than they have? Have my ancestors not given them food and clothing? If you cut us, do we not bleed? If you hurt us , do we not feel pain? If we cry, do we not shed tears? Let them remember that they are guests in our lands. Where is the compassion for us? Where are the people , who will stand up and say "Nay. Let our moose go!"?
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

Fwd: Fw: Canadian Fighters

In response to Lin and Babzy- We have our own great Canadian Fighting Force

President George Bush was in the Oval Office wondering which country to invade next, when his telephone rang. "Hallo, President Bush" a heavily accented voice said. This is Archie, up 'ere at the Harp Seal Pub in Badger's Cove , Newfoundland , Canada eh? I am callin' to tells ya dat we are officially declaring war on you eh!" "Well Archie," George replied, "This is indeed important news! How big is your army?" "Right now," said Archie, after a moments calculation "there is myself, me cousin Harold, me next-door-neighbor Mick, and the whole dart team from the pub. That makes eight!" George paused.. "I must tell you Archie, that I have one million men in my army waiting to move on my command." "Holy jeez," said Archie. "I'll have ta call ya back!" Sure enough, the next day, Archie called again. "Mr. Bush, the war is still on! We have managed to acquire some infantry equipment!" "And what equipment would that be Archie?", George asked. "Well sir, we have two combines, a bulldozer, and Harry's farm tractor." President Bush sighed. "I must tell you Archie, that I have 16,000 tanks and 14,000 armoured personnel carriers. Also, I've increased my army to one and a half million since we last spoke." "Lard T'underin' Jaysus, bye", said Archie, "I'll be getting back to ya." Sure enough, Archie rang again the next day. "President Bush, the war is still on! We have managed to git ourselves airborne! We up an' modified Harrigan's ultra-light wit a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four byes from the Legion have joined us as well!" George was silent for a minute then cleared his throat. "I must tell you Archie that I have 10,000 bombers and 20,000 fighter planes. My military complex is surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I've increased my army to TWO MILLION!" "Jeysus, Mary and Joseph," said Archie,"I'll have ta call youse back." Sure enough, Archie called again the next day. "President Bush! I am sorry to have to tell you dat we have had to call off dis 'ere war." "I'm sorry to hear that" said George. "Why the sudden change of heart?" "Well, sir," said Archie, "we've all sat ourselves down and had a long chat over a bunch of pints, and come to realize dat dere's no way we can feed two million prisoners." CANADIAN CONFIDENCE CANNOT BE SHAKEN!

MOM

To the left is a very young lady. She is of course my mother. On April 1, 2007, she turned 86 years old(young?). At this tender age, you might think that she would slow down. Not my mother.

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.

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........ > >>> <http://www.intuh.net/barnfinds/afa70.htm>* > > >

This is how his dad babysits. Can you tell he loves to drive.