Well, hello there.
I am sorry I didn't write on Monday night. I got home from work a bit early. Once we dealt with the guy from ADT, I had to take a nap. I pretty much didn't get up until Tuesday morning.
Today we had a potluck lunch at work. My frig, there was a lot of food. I had my fill, and maybe 10% more. Then, after work, instead of participating in Hallowe'en, we went to a movie. Patricia and I ate at the Canadiana restaurant in Bayer's Lake. I had a couple chicken quesadillas, while Patrica had something a bit more substantial.
The film we saw was "The Foreigner", starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan. We both loved it. Highly recommended. Great fun to see a much-older Jackie Chan still be able to fight, even if the effort is much more realistic these days. Yeah, he is able to beat the bad guys, but it takes its toll on him.
We got home. Hugged our neighbour, who is moving across town. And now we are settling in for the night.
Tomorrow I have my bi-weekly Toastmasters evening. It promises to be... interesting, to say the least.
See you then.
Bevboy
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Post 3585 - Sunday Night
Why, hello there, handsome. Miss me?
We did not end up going to the cottage. We got up Saturday morning and had breakfast. Around 8:45, we loaded up the car and drove to the Canadian Tire in Bayer's Lake to get a few things. And once we got there, we both realized that we didn't really feel up to going. We were both struggling with some bug of some description and did not think we had the intestinal fortitude to do the two hour drive.
So, instead, we finished our shopping at the Crappy Tire and then hung around Chapters. We got a beverage at the Second Cup across the street. We decided to go to the Value Village. Shocked by the prices there. It is outrageous how much they charge for stuff that is donated by the public. I bought nothing, but Patricia got a decent art portfolio thingy for five bucks, a good price.
(Even the used books are no longer individually priced at Value Village. There is a sign spelling out the cost, based upon the original price of the book. All books are donated by folks, as I have pointed out before. The maximum price for a book there is six dollars. Contrast that with the prices at the Salvation Army thrift stores, which sell paperbacks for 99 cents each, or five for four dollars; or, $2.99 each for hardcovers, or four for 10 dollars, I think it is. The other thrift store we went to on Friday charged fifty cents for books, and I'm pretty sure they did not differentiate between hard and soft cover.)
We drove from there to the Halifax ReCycle store, up and around the corner. Nearly got a really nice stuffed chair for $45, but left empty handed. From there, we drove to Tantallon and hung out at Otis and Clementine's, our fave used bookstore. Yes, some books cost more than $5.99, but they buy books from people and/or offer store credit, so I do not have a problem with what they charge. Love that bookstore. Love. It.
We returned home and watched some episodes of "Stranger Things" and turned in relatively early.
This morning I helped my next door neighbour load her things into a moving van. She is moving across town in the coming days. After that, we hung around the house and did some cleaning up for Tuesday's garbage collection. Lots of stuff will be going out.
Another three day weekend is behind me. It is back to work in the morning. I don't know where the weekends go. Hardly seems fair.
I think I will turn in.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
We did not end up going to the cottage. We got up Saturday morning and had breakfast. Around 8:45, we loaded up the car and drove to the Canadian Tire in Bayer's Lake to get a few things. And once we got there, we both realized that we didn't really feel up to going. We were both struggling with some bug of some description and did not think we had the intestinal fortitude to do the two hour drive.
So, instead, we finished our shopping at the Crappy Tire and then hung around Chapters. We got a beverage at the Second Cup across the street. We decided to go to the Value Village. Shocked by the prices there. It is outrageous how much they charge for stuff that is donated by the public. I bought nothing, but Patricia got a decent art portfolio thingy for five bucks, a good price.
(Even the used books are no longer individually priced at Value Village. There is a sign spelling out the cost, based upon the original price of the book. All books are donated by folks, as I have pointed out before. The maximum price for a book there is six dollars. Contrast that with the prices at the Salvation Army thrift stores, which sell paperbacks for 99 cents each, or five for four dollars; or, $2.99 each for hardcovers, or four for 10 dollars, I think it is. The other thrift store we went to on Friday charged fifty cents for books, and I'm pretty sure they did not differentiate between hard and soft cover.)
We drove from there to the Halifax ReCycle store, up and around the corner. Nearly got a really nice stuffed chair for $45, but left empty handed. From there, we drove to Tantallon and hung out at Otis and Clementine's, our fave used bookstore. Yes, some books cost more than $5.99, but they buy books from people and/or offer store credit, so I do not have a problem with what they charge. Love that bookstore. Love. It.
We returned home and watched some episodes of "Stranger Things" and turned in relatively early.
This morning I helped my next door neighbour load her things into a moving van. She is moving across town in the coming days. After that, we hung around the house and did some cleaning up for Tuesday's garbage collection. Lots of stuff will be going out.
Another three day weekend is behind me. It is back to work in the morning. I don't know where the weekends go. Hardly seems fair.
I think I will turn in.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Friday, October 27, 2017
Post 3584 - A Day Later
Well, hello there, my lovelies.
I will be turning in soon. We have to get up early to drive to the cottage so we can shut it down for the Winter. Weather depending, we will mow the lawn one last time. By Sunday, we will load the car with the foodstuffs we are bringing back with us and return them here.
We have so much food in the house. So. Very. Much! We have a full fridge, with a good size freezer on the bottom. A full freezer that is nearly as tall as I am, stuffed to the gills. Another freezer down here in my home office, full of freezer-burned items. Now, we have to find room in our fridge, in our freezers, in our cupboards, for the food that is at the cottage. Mother of Moses.
Plus, there is food in the Valley, both in a full-sized chest freezer, and the fridge freezer.
Counting Newbie, it is just the three of us. There is no need for us to have so many victuals, but there you go.
In an effort to use a bit of that food, I prepared breakfast this morning. A Western sandwich, only I used bacon instead of ham. We hate ham. It is to meat as Bob Dylan is to singing. Bacon with orange and yellow peppers, mushrooms and onions. Add some beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until the eggs are cooked. Serve between two pieces of toast. Plus, McCafe coffee, which you can buy in local grocery stores and prepare in your coffee maker. We don't like Tim Horton's coffee. It is to coffee as acting is to Pauly Shore.
Made several sandwiches.
Mid-afternoon, we hit the two thriftstores in Spryfield. One is run by a local church, St. Paul's or something. Huge thrift store, although the prices are not what I would call thrifty. The Salvation Army down the street was better. All clothing was fifty percent off. I got two Kirkland shirts for about $3.00 each. One of them still had the Costco tags on it; it had cost $17.00 new.
We left there and went to the Sobeys in Spryfield. I had not been in that store in... 15 years or so, I think. Quite a spell. The store is quite nice. And since it is open 24/7, the hours are hard to beat.
This evening we watched a couple episodes of Season Two of Stranger Things. All nine episodes were released today. Episode two ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so it was a challenge to back away from the tv for the evening. We have an early day tomorrow.
Speaking of which, I have an early day tomorrow. I think I will turn in.
See you... Sunday, I guess.
Bevboy
I will be turning in soon. We have to get up early to drive to the cottage so we can shut it down for the Winter. Weather depending, we will mow the lawn one last time. By Sunday, we will load the car with the foodstuffs we are bringing back with us and return them here.
We have so much food in the house. So. Very. Much! We have a full fridge, with a good size freezer on the bottom. A full freezer that is nearly as tall as I am, stuffed to the gills. Another freezer down here in my home office, full of freezer-burned items. Now, we have to find room in our fridge, in our freezers, in our cupboards, for the food that is at the cottage. Mother of Moses.
Plus, there is food in the Valley, both in a full-sized chest freezer, and the fridge freezer.
Counting Newbie, it is just the three of us. There is no need for us to have so many victuals, but there you go.
In an effort to use a bit of that food, I prepared breakfast this morning. A Western sandwich, only I used bacon instead of ham. We hate ham. It is to meat as Bob Dylan is to singing. Bacon with orange and yellow peppers, mushrooms and onions. Add some beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until the eggs are cooked. Serve between two pieces of toast. Plus, McCafe coffee, which you can buy in local grocery stores and prepare in your coffee maker. We don't like Tim Horton's coffee. It is to coffee as acting is to Pauly Shore.
Made several sandwiches.
Mid-afternoon, we hit the two thriftstores in Spryfield. One is run by a local church, St. Paul's or something. Huge thrift store, although the prices are not what I would call thrifty. The Salvation Army down the street was better. All clothing was fifty percent off. I got two Kirkland shirts for about $3.00 each. One of them still had the Costco tags on it; it had cost $17.00 new.
We left there and went to the Sobeys in Spryfield. I had not been in that store in... 15 years or so, I think. Quite a spell. The store is quite nice. And since it is open 24/7, the hours are hard to beat.
This evening we watched a couple episodes of Season Two of Stranger Things. All nine episodes were released today. Episode two ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so it was a challenge to back away from the tv for the evening. We have an early day tomorrow.
Speaking of which, I have an early day tomorrow. I think I will turn in.
See you... Sunday, I guess.
Bevboy
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Post 3583 - The Weekend Is Here (Again!)
Off till Monday.
I love these three day weekends. I always approach them with a great sense of anticipation. But, come Sunday night, I will wonder where they went. Always the way.
Patricia had Pilates after work, so I was left cooling my heels at work for a while. I got hungry so I grabbed something and just made it to the Pilates studio in time to see Patricia put on her coat. I suspect she was a few seconds away from calling me and wondering where the frig I was. Skin of my teeth.
We got home and just beat the rain. It is supposed to rain like crazy over night, but I haven't heard anything yet.
We have all kinds of plans for the weekend. Best to tell you about them as the time approaches.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
I love these three day weekends. I always approach them with a great sense of anticipation. But, come Sunday night, I will wonder where they went. Always the way.
Patricia had Pilates after work, so I was left cooling my heels at work for a while. I got hungry so I grabbed something and just made it to the Pilates studio in time to see Patricia put on her coat. I suspect she was a few seconds away from calling me and wondering where the frig I was. Skin of my teeth.
We got home and just beat the rain. It is supposed to rain like crazy over night, but I haven't heard anything yet.
We have all kinds of plans for the weekend. Best to tell you about them as the time approaches.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Post 3582 - Two Days Later
Well, that was fun.
I did not write last evening because I wasn't feeling very well. My head was lolling about by 7:30. I came downstairs to rest on my recliner for 30 minutes or so, after which I would work on my next cold case article for Frank.
I was down for the night, pretty much.
My goodness, I slept a lot last night. But I felt perfectly fine this morning and went to work and everything. This evening, Patricia was getting her hair done, so I was able to research some cold case files at the library for a couple of hours. I found quite a bit of information about other cases to write about at a later date, some cases I had already written about, and one or two cases I knew nothing about. I learned about a missing persons case from 2000 I had never heard of before. Good chance it has long since been resolved, but that clippings the library had did not show that, just the initial article.
In the last few minutes, about 10:45, I sent the latest article to my editor. Trying a couple of slightly different things this time. We will see how it plays out.
Very little else to report, so I think I will turn in. Patricia has Pilates tomorrow night, so I will be home late tomorrow night, too.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
I did not write last evening because I wasn't feeling very well. My head was lolling about by 7:30. I came downstairs to rest on my recliner for 30 minutes or so, after which I would work on my next cold case article for Frank.
I was down for the night, pretty much.
My goodness, I slept a lot last night. But I felt perfectly fine this morning and went to work and everything. This evening, Patricia was getting her hair done, so I was able to research some cold case files at the library for a couple of hours. I found quite a bit of information about other cases to write about at a later date, some cases I had already written about, and one or two cases I knew nothing about. I learned about a missing persons case from 2000 I had never heard of before. Good chance it has long since been resolved, but that clippings the library had did not show that, just the initial article.
In the last few minutes, about 10:45, I sent the latest article to my editor. Trying a couple of slightly different things this time. We will see how it plays out.
Very little else to report, so I think I will turn in. Patricia has Pilates tomorrow night, so I will be home late tomorrow night, too.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Monday, October 23, 2017
Post 3581 - The Weekend Is NOT Here
Monday evening. Sorry I haven't written the last few days.
Saturday we drove to the Valley. We were invited to a dinner party at a cousin's place in Hall's Harbour. We went up late in the morning and alighted at Lightfoot and Wolfville, just on outside of Wolfville proper. One of the many, many wineries in that part of the province. An absolutely lovely winery. I don't give a rodent's rump about wine, but lots of people sure do.
We wanted to grab a snack as it would be a later dinner than we are used to. We ended up at Joe's Food Emporium in the downtown. Ordered a couple appetizers, plus water. The water came in about 10 minutes. The food never came. Well, that is not a fair statement. We got up and left after about 35 minutes. We wandered up the street to Paddy's Pub, where we have been many times. Ordered a couple of things, and they were in front of us barely 10 minutes later.
I feel a little badly for the waiter at Joe's. I hope that our bailing on the food doesn't mean she has to pay for it out of her pay cheque. When we were at Paddy's we heard additional things about Joe's: the service is slow at the best of times. Servers are treated horribly. The owner tends to hire younger, attractive women who are skinny, and maybe a couple of guys who are also skinny and attractive.
We will not be going back to Joe's Food Emporium.
We got to the house and lay around until it was time to go to the dinner party. We got there a few minutes late. I took a wrong turn. Because I always take wrong turns. I am incapable of taking the correct turns. Not in my genetic code.
My cousin greeted us warmly. Her boyfriend was there, and a couple other dinner guests.
We had a grand old time. The older dinner guest had zero filters and discussed literally whatever was on his mind, which was shocking and refreshing at the same time.
We left around 11:30 and spent the night at the house. Sunday morning, we had breakfast in nearby New Minas. Rather than go to tried and true Cora's, we ended up at Applewood's, a new restaurant across the street from the Irving Big Stop (a.k.a. the Old Gummer's Restaurant). We both had the fishcakes and eggs and baked beans special. Delicious. We will go back.
We drove around Kentville for a bit, grabbed our things from the house. and returned to Wolfville. We always get some food at the grocery store there. Some terrific deals on things. Then, we returned to the city.
Back to work today. Researching stuff for my next Frank article this evening. So, it is the circle of life again.
We had a great weekend. The only blemish was the experience at Joe's Food Emporium, but since we are never going back, and are not out any money, it could have been much, much worse.
I think I will turn in. Lots going on tomorrow,
See you then.
Bevboy
Saturday we drove to the Valley. We were invited to a dinner party at a cousin's place in Hall's Harbour. We went up late in the morning and alighted at Lightfoot and Wolfville, just on outside of Wolfville proper. One of the many, many wineries in that part of the province. An absolutely lovely winery. I don't give a rodent's rump about wine, but lots of people sure do.
We wanted to grab a snack as it would be a later dinner than we are used to. We ended up at Joe's Food Emporium in the downtown. Ordered a couple appetizers, plus water. The water came in about 10 minutes. The food never came. Well, that is not a fair statement. We got up and left after about 35 minutes. We wandered up the street to Paddy's Pub, where we have been many times. Ordered a couple of things, and they were in front of us barely 10 minutes later.
I feel a little badly for the waiter at Joe's. I hope that our bailing on the food doesn't mean she has to pay for it out of her pay cheque. When we were at Paddy's we heard additional things about Joe's: the service is slow at the best of times. Servers are treated horribly. The owner tends to hire younger, attractive women who are skinny, and maybe a couple of guys who are also skinny and attractive.
We will not be going back to Joe's Food Emporium.
We got to the house and lay around until it was time to go to the dinner party. We got there a few minutes late. I took a wrong turn. Because I always take wrong turns. I am incapable of taking the correct turns. Not in my genetic code.
My cousin greeted us warmly. Her boyfriend was there, and a couple other dinner guests.
We had a grand old time. The older dinner guest had zero filters and discussed literally whatever was on his mind, which was shocking and refreshing at the same time.
We left around 11:30 and spent the night at the house. Sunday morning, we had breakfast in nearby New Minas. Rather than go to tried and true Cora's, we ended up at Applewood's, a new restaurant across the street from the Irving Big Stop (a.k.a. the Old Gummer's Restaurant). We both had the fishcakes and eggs and baked beans special. Delicious. We will go back.
We drove around Kentville for a bit, grabbed our things from the house. and returned to Wolfville. We always get some food at the grocery store there. Some terrific deals on things. Then, we returned to the city.
Back to work today. Researching stuff for my next Frank article this evening. So, it is the circle of life again.
We had a great weekend. The only blemish was the experience at Joe's Food Emporium, but since we are never going back, and are not out any money, it could have been much, much worse.
I think I will turn in. Lots going on tomorrow,
See you then.
Bevboy
Friday, October 20, 2017
Post 3580 - The Weekend Is Here!
How are you doing this evening, my lovelies?
I am typing this post on the desktop computer to which the model m keyboard is attached. I have only had the keyboard for a day, and not typed that much on it, but so far, it is excellent. I have decided I will keep this keyboard. And I wish I had a few more of them. I would love to be able to replace my other keyboards on my other computers with a similar Model M keyboard.
What a joy to use this keyboard. Lovely, responsive keys. Noisy, so you know it got pressed. And I have to wonder how many more years the keyboard has left in it. I think I want to find out.
Anyway.
The weekend is here. We have plans for Saturday night. Dinner at friend's place. Patricia is in charge of purchasing an appropriate bottle of red wine tomorrow morning. I will tell you about it tomorrow night or on Sunday, depending on how late we get home.
I think I will turn in. Been a very long day. These 18 hour days can wear a fella down.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
I am typing this post on the desktop computer to which the model m keyboard is attached. I have only had the keyboard for a day, and not typed that much on it, but so far, it is excellent. I have decided I will keep this keyboard. And I wish I had a few more of them. I would love to be able to replace my other keyboards on my other computers with a similar Model M keyboard.
What a joy to use this keyboard. Lovely, responsive keys. Noisy, so you know it got pressed. And I have to wonder how many more years the keyboard has left in it. I think I want to find out.
Anyway.
The weekend is here. We have plans for Saturday night. Dinner at friend's place. Patricia is in charge of purchasing an appropriate bottle of red wine tomorrow morning. I will tell you about it tomorrow night or on Sunday, depending on how late we get home.
I think I will turn in. Been a very long day. These 18 hour days can wear a fella down.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Post 3579 - Two Days Later
Sorry I didn't write last night. I was exhausted and turned in around 9:30.
Boy, did I get something neat today.
I got an IBM Model M keyboard, manufactured in October of 1989.
For fifty cents.
Here it is!!
(*Crickets*)
Okay. Maybe I should back up.
Keyboards are nothing new. They have been the primary way of getting information into a computer for decades. But for the past 20 years or so, keyboards that have been bundled with newly-purchased computers are, well, cheap. Sucky. Mushy. Not very good.
There are exceptions to the above rule. Old PS/2 keyboards can be not bad at all. But the keyboards I used in university, and into my 20's, haven't been made in bulk for many years. There is a company that makes 2017 versions of these classic keyboards, but they are not as good as the real thing.
The keyboards that IBM manufactured in the 1980's and into the 1990's have a special spring under each key that gives a very satisfying "clack" every time you press it. These "mechanical" keyboards are nearly indestructible and can last for very long time. The one I got today, which is attached to the computer I am typing this blog post on, was manufactured in March of 1989.
Even now, typing this, I am getting back the old feeling of typing again, and I am enjoying the sensation very much. Takes me back to that first job after university where we would clack away all day in an office on these and similar keyboards. I can find and use the home row of keys much more easily. I was a little concerned that the keyboard tray would not accommodate this keyboard as it is quite a bit "taller" than the one I just had here, but the keyboard tray is closing. It fits, if only barely.
My goodness, this is a wonderful feeling, typing on this keyboard. A little noisy, perhaps, but it feels great to use a real keyboard again. I wish I had several more of these critters. I will keep looking.
I bought it today at a thrift store on Almon Street in Halifax. I go in there from time to time. They had a box of keyboards, 50 cents apiece. I sifted through the 8 or so, until I found one that was very heavy relative to the others. I noticed that all the keys were present. I flipped it over and saw the underside of it. Here it is:
Yep. Model M. Manufactured in October of 1989.
I have the option of selling this on kijiji or ebay for $100 or more. I am leaning toward keeping it. I will let you know. If I keep it, I imagine I can get a few more years, maybe quite a few more years, out of this keyboard.
What cool things have you found and purchased at a thrift store over the years?
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Boy, did I get something neat today.
I got an IBM Model M keyboard, manufactured in October of 1989.
For fifty cents.
Here it is!!
(*Crickets*)
Okay. Maybe I should back up.
Keyboards are nothing new. They have been the primary way of getting information into a computer for decades. But for the past 20 years or so, keyboards that have been bundled with newly-purchased computers are, well, cheap. Sucky. Mushy. Not very good.
There are exceptions to the above rule. Old PS/2 keyboards can be not bad at all. But the keyboards I used in university, and into my 20's, haven't been made in bulk for many years. There is a company that makes 2017 versions of these classic keyboards, but they are not as good as the real thing.
The keyboards that IBM manufactured in the 1980's and into the 1990's have a special spring under each key that gives a very satisfying "clack" every time you press it. These "mechanical" keyboards are nearly indestructible and can last for very long time. The one I got today, which is attached to the computer I am typing this blog post on, was manufactured in March of 1989.
Even now, typing this, I am getting back the old feeling of typing again, and I am enjoying the sensation very much. Takes me back to that first job after university where we would clack away all day in an office on these and similar keyboards. I can find and use the home row of keys much more easily. I was a little concerned that the keyboard tray would not accommodate this keyboard as it is quite a bit "taller" than the one I just had here, but the keyboard tray is closing. It fits, if only barely.
My goodness, this is a wonderful feeling, typing on this keyboard. A little noisy, perhaps, but it feels great to use a real keyboard again. I wish I had several more of these critters. I will keep looking.
I bought it today at a thrift store on Almon Street in Halifax. I go in there from time to time. They had a box of keyboards, 50 cents apiece. I sifted through the 8 or so, until I found one that was very heavy relative to the others. I noticed that all the keys were present. I flipped it over and saw the underside of it. Here it is:
Yep. Model M. Manufactured in October of 1989.
I have the option of selling this on kijiji or ebay for $100 or more. I am leaning toward keeping it. I will let you know. If I keep it, I imagine I can get a few more years, maybe quite a few more years, out of this keyboard.
What cool things have you found and purchased at a thrift store over the years?
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Post 3578 - Traffic and Construction
Sigh.
I need a drink.
Maybe two.
Traffic in Halifax is a nightmare. All the bloody construction is driving me crazy. It can take me as little as 20 minutes to drive from my home in Timberlea to my work.
Took me 65 minutes this morning.
The construction on the St. Margaret's Bay Road has been delayed over and over. Especially disheartening was the news on Monday that the road will not be open again until the end of November. Two major delays. I am not putting money on it being open then. How about Christmas? Of 2018?
But that is only a tiny part of it. There is so much construction in so many parts of the Halifax and Dartmouth that thousands of people are inconvenienced every day. Plus businesses are suffering. I don't know how many of them are holding on. I feel sorry for them.
I am sick unto death of municipal politicians telling us to be patient about this work. That things will be so much better once it is over. Be patient. "Shut up" is more like it. I cannot remember the last time I was more disappointed by so many municipal politicians than many of this sorry lot.
Why can't we have politicians at the municipal level who would at least pretend to listen, to give a darn when people complain to them about the traffic and the construction and the frustration? At least say something like, "I feel your pain"?
But no.
They just tell us to keep waiting.
Businesses are suffering. Drivers are getting so frustrated that I am shocked that there are not more accidents.
We just want this to be over.
When, folks? When?
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
I need a drink.
Maybe two.
Traffic in Halifax is a nightmare. All the bloody construction is driving me crazy. It can take me as little as 20 minutes to drive from my home in Timberlea to my work.
Took me 65 minutes this morning.
The construction on the St. Margaret's Bay Road has been delayed over and over. Especially disheartening was the news on Monday that the road will not be open again until the end of November. Two major delays. I am not putting money on it being open then. How about Christmas? Of 2018?
But that is only a tiny part of it. There is so much construction in so many parts of the Halifax and Dartmouth that thousands of people are inconvenienced every day. Plus businesses are suffering. I don't know how many of them are holding on. I feel sorry for them.
I am sick unto death of municipal politicians telling us to be patient about this work. That things will be so much better once it is over. Be patient. "Shut up" is more like it. I cannot remember the last time I was more disappointed by so many municipal politicians than many of this sorry lot.
Why can't we have politicians at the municipal level who would at least pretend to listen, to give a darn when people complain to them about the traffic and the construction and the frustration? At least say something like, "I feel your pain"?
But no.
They just tell us to keep waiting.
Businesses are suffering. Drivers are getting so frustrated that I am shocked that there are not more accidents.
We just want this to be over.
When, folks? When?
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Monday, October 16, 2017
Post 3577 - RIP, John Dunsworth
Well, I just learned that John Dunsworth died. You know, Mr. Lahey from the Trailer Park Boys.
I was only ever a casual fan of the show, which has defied all logic by remaining on the air in new episodes years and years after anybody cared about the show, sort of like a Canadian "South Park". But even though I was not that big a fan, I was a fan of John Dunsworth's, who played Lahey with such abandon and enthusiasm that you couldn't help but watch him.
He had an extremely varied career, and seemed to take on any kind of role offered to him, probably because he lived in Nova Scotia most of his life and acting roles are not exactly plentiful at the best of times.
I only ever met him once. I think it was at the Spatz Theatre at Citadel High School, at the Sons of Anarchy discussion that Kim Coates was invited to. I can only imagine they knew each other, having worked at Neptune Theatre in various productions over the years. Somewhere I have a phone picture of Dunsworth posing with Patricia. I will try and find it.
It's a testament to his acting ability that John Dunsworth played Mr. Lahey, an inveterate drunk and gambler, but did not drink in real life, and embarked on an anti-gambling crusade in recent years that bordered on the over zealous and puritanical.
I have to respect a guy who lives his life the way he bloody wants to and doesn't let anything get in the way of that resolve. I wish I had a tenth of that determination.
Rest in peace, John Dunsworth!
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
I was only ever a casual fan of the show, which has defied all logic by remaining on the air in new episodes years and years after anybody cared about the show, sort of like a Canadian "South Park". But even though I was not that big a fan, I was a fan of John Dunsworth's, who played Lahey with such abandon and enthusiasm that you couldn't help but watch him.
He had an extremely varied career, and seemed to take on any kind of role offered to him, probably because he lived in Nova Scotia most of his life and acting roles are not exactly plentiful at the best of times.
I only ever met him once. I think it was at the Spatz Theatre at Citadel High School, at the Sons of Anarchy discussion that Kim Coates was invited to. I can only imagine they knew each other, having worked at Neptune Theatre in various productions over the years. Somewhere I have a phone picture of Dunsworth posing with Patricia. I will try and find it.
It's a testament to his acting ability that John Dunsworth played Mr. Lahey, an inveterate drunk and gambler, but did not drink in real life, and embarked on an anti-gambling crusade in recent years that bordered on the over zealous and puritanical.
I have to respect a guy who lives his life the way he bloody wants to and doesn't let anything get in the way of that resolve. I wish I had a tenth of that determination.
Rest in peace, John Dunsworth!
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Post 3576 - An Eventful Weekend.
Sunday night. Back to work in the morning.
Another vacation is behind me. Once again, I do not know where the time has gone. It was just the other day when it started. Now, it's over, and it is back to reality tomorrow.
Anyway.
Had some fun this weekend. Went to the Giant Book Sale, presented by Women For Music, a fund-raising arm of Symphony Nova Scotia. They have been doing these book sales for something like 55 years now. I had gone to one or two of them when they were at the Halifax Shopping Centre, but in recent years they have been in Maritime Hall at the Halifax Forum, a nice space, but they have to pay rent for the room.
I got the following books. Details and commentary to follow:
Okay. It occurs to me that many of you, maybe even most of you, don't know who "Fireside Al" was. I grew up listening to "As it Happens" on CBC radio. Started listening to that excellent program in the early part of 1975. The host was Barbara Frum, with the story intro's by Alan Maitland.
My god, I loved that show. Every week night, Barbara and Alan would interview people from all walks of life, all through the magic of the telephone. When she left the show around 1982 to become the host of CBC television's The Journal, much of the magic was gone from AiH, at least for me.
Barbara had at least two children. Linda used to write those smarmy books about the coolest Canadian universities to attend, which often got her in trouble for her superficial overviews of those universities. I remember a particularly snotty story about Linda when she visited Acadia University that was reported in the university's newspaper, The Athenaeum.
And her son David Frum is a well-known political commentator who wrote speeches for George W. Bush, before writing one of the first books about that administration. He is on tv all the time.
Anyway, Alan Matiland was the other half of the AiH team back when I was initially listening to it. I loved his voice, which is just as well, due to his 1950's era rock and roll roots.
Later in his career, around the holidays, he would read Christmas stories. Other times of the year, as the feature became more popular, he would read stories, as only he could, about that time of the year. I can never forget his reading of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi".
Years and years later, long after his 1997 death, maybe even up to the present day, around the holidays, the CBC dusts off one or two of Alan Maitland's story readings and replays them for the AiH audience.
As the feature became more popular, Alan started referring to himself as "Fireside Al" around the holidays for the presentations of these stories. I think, for the summer stories, he was "Porchside Al". I think I have that book.
Anyway, I got the "Fireside Al" book yesterday. And as you can see from the cover, it is authographed by Mr. Maitland himself. Set me back three dollars. I will never part with it. I have a "cell" in one of my bookcases devoted to Christmas books. It will be up there soon.
The Rick Boyer "Doc Adams" books go back to the 1980's. I bought the first one, "Billingsgate Shoal", in the summer of 1986 after I read a positive review of it in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. I probably bought it at Chisholm's Bookstore in downtown Kentville.
I will confess now that I was unaware of how many Doc Adams books there were, but he wrote them well into the 1990's. The three books I got yesterday, ranging in price from $1 to $2, I did not know existed. I just read "Shoal" all those years ago and recalled it fondly, but had never seen or heard tell of the other books in the series. Now, I have three more of them.
Boyer also, as a 23 year old, wrote "The Giant Rat of Sumatra", one of those Sherlock Holmes stories that Doyle had Watson allude to in one of the canonical Sherlock Holmes short stories or novels. I got that book for Christmas in 1976 and loved it. Edge-of-my-seat stuff. I am pretty sure I still have that book, down in the Valley, where it has remained on a bookcase all these years. Ah, youth!
Walter Mosley is a writer I have tried to get into, without much success. His most popular character is "Easy Rawlins", the subject of "Devil in a Blue Dress", which became a Denzel Washington movie some years back.
They had a large section of books devoted to the mystery genre, which is a very, very, very big tent. I try to be informed about detective/crime fiction at the very least, and take pride in being able to be familiar with many of the luminaries in that under-appreciated field. So imagine my surprise when I saw the vintage (copyright 1932) "Case for Mr. Fortune". Two dollars. Never heard of "H.C. Bailey" or "Mr. Reginald Fortune" before. Here. Read about him on wikipedia if you want.
Reading about him this evening, he appears to be a largely-forgotten writer who was very popular in his day, and whose stories take a darker turn that may appeal to me. I think I lucked out.
Anyway, we took our leave of the book sale around 4:45 and proceeded downtown for the annual Nocturne event. We decided to have dinner first. After wandering around Spring Garden Road for a while, we went up Queen Street and checked out the menu at the sushi place there. It is called "Minato Sushi". It has been there for 15 years, winning best restaurant in urbanspoon in 2014. And it was transcendent. Here is the website.
We had the "Tokyo Dinner for Two", 20 pieces of sushi, two salads and two bowls of miso soup.
It is obvious that this is an old house. It had great bones. We ate downstairs, but the upstairs is open as well. There is a little area upstairs that can accommodate parties of up to 12 or so.
People at the next table had been there many times. I think that we will go back there, soon, and eventually beat their record.
After dinner, we had coffee at the Starbucks on Spring Garden Road. By the time we were done, it was dark enough to see some Nocturne art projects.
And the disappointment began.
We looked at the map and the write ups from The Coast, whilst at Starbucks. We started walking down toward Barrington Street. The throngs from previous years were not present. There were a lot of people out, but not as many as we had been expecting. We did manage to crush some bubble wrap as part of some performance art. We observed a Halifax Dance exhibit while both of us lamented growing up in rural Nova Scotia, where there was no such thing at the time. The Halifax Circus fire show was impossible to see, so we went next door to St. Matthew's Church to see the circus aerialists. That was fun. We proceeded North on Barrington and saw very little, actually. The odd little performance here and there.
Made our way back up to Spring Garden Road to the Public Gardens, which is never open at night, but was last evening. Saw some arty things. We were getting tired at this point, and ever more disappointed, so we made our way home.
Today we lazed about, but did laundry and washed dishes. I made dinner. I am freshly showered and shaven.
And first thing in the morning, before we go to work, we have to take the car for its semi annual oil change. Good times. Good times.
I think I will turn in.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Another vacation is behind me. Once again, I do not know where the time has gone. It was just the other day when it started. Now, it's over, and it is back to reality tomorrow.
Anyway.
Had some fun this weekend. Went to the Giant Book Sale, presented by Women For Music, a fund-raising arm of Symphony Nova Scotia. They have been doing these book sales for something like 55 years now. I had gone to one or two of them when they were at the Halifax Shopping Centre, but in recent years they have been in Maritime Hall at the Halifax Forum, a nice space, but they have to pay rent for the room.
I got the following books. Details and commentary to follow:
Okay. It occurs to me that many of you, maybe even most of you, don't know who "Fireside Al" was. I grew up listening to "As it Happens" on CBC radio. Started listening to that excellent program in the early part of 1975. The host was Barbara Frum, with the story intro's by Alan Maitland.
My god, I loved that show. Every week night, Barbara and Alan would interview people from all walks of life, all through the magic of the telephone. When she left the show around 1982 to become the host of CBC television's The Journal, much of the magic was gone from AiH, at least for me.
Barbara had at least two children. Linda used to write those smarmy books about the coolest Canadian universities to attend, which often got her in trouble for her superficial overviews of those universities. I remember a particularly snotty story about Linda when she visited Acadia University that was reported in the university's newspaper, The Athenaeum.
And her son David Frum is a well-known political commentator who wrote speeches for George W. Bush, before writing one of the first books about that administration. He is on tv all the time.
Anyway, Alan Matiland was the other half of the AiH team back when I was initially listening to it. I loved his voice, which is just as well, due to his 1950's era rock and roll roots.
Later in his career, around the holidays, he would read Christmas stories. Other times of the year, as the feature became more popular, he would read stories, as only he could, about that time of the year. I can never forget his reading of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi".
Years and years later, long after his 1997 death, maybe even up to the present day, around the holidays, the CBC dusts off one or two of Alan Maitland's story readings and replays them for the AiH audience.
As the feature became more popular, Alan started referring to himself as "Fireside Al" around the holidays for the presentations of these stories. I think, for the summer stories, he was "Porchside Al". I think I have that book.
Anyway, I got the "Fireside Al" book yesterday. And as you can see from the cover, it is authographed by Mr. Maitland himself. Set me back three dollars. I will never part with it. I have a "cell" in one of my bookcases devoted to Christmas books. It will be up there soon.
The Rick Boyer "Doc Adams" books go back to the 1980's. I bought the first one, "Billingsgate Shoal", in the summer of 1986 after I read a positive review of it in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. I probably bought it at Chisholm's Bookstore in downtown Kentville.
I will confess now that I was unaware of how many Doc Adams books there were, but he wrote them well into the 1990's. The three books I got yesterday, ranging in price from $1 to $2, I did not know existed. I just read "Shoal" all those years ago and recalled it fondly, but had never seen or heard tell of the other books in the series. Now, I have three more of them.
Boyer also, as a 23 year old, wrote "The Giant Rat of Sumatra", one of those Sherlock Holmes stories that Doyle had Watson allude to in one of the canonical Sherlock Holmes short stories or novels. I got that book for Christmas in 1976 and loved it. Edge-of-my-seat stuff. I am pretty sure I still have that book, down in the Valley, where it has remained on a bookcase all these years. Ah, youth!
Walter Mosley is a writer I have tried to get into, without much success. His most popular character is "Easy Rawlins", the subject of "Devil in a Blue Dress", which became a Denzel Washington movie some years back.
They had a large section of books devoted to the mystery genre, which is a very, very, very big tent. I try to be informed about detective/crime fiction at the very least, and take pride in being able to be familiar with many of the luminaries in that under-appreciated field. So imagine my surprise when I saw the vintage (copyright 1932) "Case for Mr. Fortune". Two dollars. Never heard of "H.C. Bailey" or "Mr. Reginald Fortune" before. Here. Read about him on wikipedia if you want.
Reading about him this evening, he appears to be a largely-forgotten writer who was very popular in his day, and whose stories take a darker turn that may appeal to me. I think I lucked out.
Anyway, we took our leave of the book sale around 4:45 and proceeded downtown for the annual Nocturne event. We decided to have dinner first. After wandering around Spring Garden Road for a while, we went up Queen Street and checked out the menu at the sushi place there. It is called "Minato Sushi". It has been there for 15 years, winning best restaurant in urbanspoon in 2014. And it was transcendent. Here is the website.
We had the "Tokyo Dinner for Two", 20 pieces of sushi, two salads and two bowls of miso soup.
It is obvious that this is an old house. It had great bones. We ate downstairs, but the upstairs is open as well. There is a little area upstairs that can accommodate parties of up to 12 or so.
People at the next table had been there many times. I think that we will go back there, soon, and eventually beat their record.
After dinner, we had coffee at the Starbucks on Spring Garden Road. By the time we were done, it was dark enough to see some Nocturne art projects.
And the disappointment began.
We looked at the map and the write ups from The Coast, whilst at Starbucks. We started walking down toward Barrington Street. The throngs from previous years were not present. There were a lot of people out, but not as many as we had been expecting. We did manage to crush some bubble wrap as part of some performance art. We observed a Halifax Dance exhibit while both of us lamented growing up in rural Nova Scotia, where there was no such thing at the time. The Halifax Circus fire show was impossible to see, so we went next door to St. Matthew's Church to see the circus aerialists. That was fun. We proceeded North on Barrington and saw very little, actually. The odd little performance here and there.
Made our way back up to Spring Garden Road to the Public Gardens, which is never open at night, but was last evening. Saw some arty things. We were getting tired at this point, and ever more disappointed, so we made our way home.
Today we lazed about, but did laundry and washed dishes. I made dinner. I am freshly showered and shaven.
And first thing in the morning, before we go to work, we have to take the car for its semi annual oil change. Good times. Good times.
I think I will turn in.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Friday, October 13, 2017
Post 3575 - Where Was I?
Hi. Sorry I didn't write on Thursday night. I was up crazy late doing stuff. Then, Friday morning, I got up crazy early. I was functioning on about four and a half hours of sleep.
Patricia and I went downtown quite early Friday morning to take care of some business. Once that was done, around 10:45, we had the rest of the day to ourselves. We walked around the downtown for a spell and had lunch at the Hali Deli on Agricola Street. I am not sure if I will ever go back.
The food was fine, but I am puzzled about the place. It is a sort of Jewish deli, but yet, you can order bacon and eggs on the menu. Not exactly Kosher. And I thought that actual Jewish deli's did not serve milk products. Like, you can't get a cheese burger at an authentic Jewish deli. Maybe I am wrong about that last part. Feel free to correct me.
I am not happy about the service at the place. Our server was busy and wasn't goofing off or anything, but when I told him that I needed a detailed receipt, he just said that the slip of paper that had the amounts of the items recorded on it was all they offered. He did write the name of the place on the cheque, along with the date, so that is something. I ended up leaving a much bigger tip than I should have. I will carry that regret to my grave.
There are plenty of people who can expense their meals, on a regular basis. Occasionally, I can too, due to my freelance work. When that does happen, I need a detailed receipt spelling everything out that was purchased. I don't think it is too much to ask. Especially in this day and age.
The Haligonian Cafe and Bistro across the street is much, much better. We should have gone there.
Anyway, Patricia and I made our way to the Wal*Mart in Bayer's Lake. She needed to pick up some things. I got some more of the shaving soap that I use. Less than two dollars a bar, and lasts me 6-8 weeks, or even longer if I go for the scruffy look.
We returned home mid-afternoon. I kicked back and relaxed and slept for a few hours. We spent the evening here at home watching the tube.
Tomorrow is a bit up in the air. Nocturne is at night. Gotta see that, weather depending. There is a farmer's market at the Halifax Forum. Never been to that one. And the Forum is also playing host to a semi-annual massive book sale. Never been to that, and they have been holding this book sale twice a year for quite a few years now.
I should also put in an appearance at the archives. I need to start work on another true crime case for Frank.
I think I will turn in. Looks like a busy day tomorrow.
See you then.
Bevboy
Patricia and I went downtown quite early Friday morning to take care of some business. Once that was done, around 10:45, we had the rest of the day to ourselves. We walked around the downtown for a spell and had lunch at the Hali Deli on Agricola Street. I am not sure if I will ever go back.
The food was fine, but I am puzzled about the place. It is a sort of Jewish deli, but yet, you can order bacon and eggs on the menu. Not exactly Kosher. And I thought that actual Jewish deli's did not serve milk products. Like, you can't get a cheese burger at an authentic Jewish deli. Maybe I am wrong about that last part. Feel free to correct me.
I am not happy about the service at the place. Our server was busy and wasn't goofing off or anything, but when I told him that I needed a detailed receipt, he just said that the slip of paper that had the amounts of the items recorded on it was all they offered. He did write the name of the place on the cheque, along with the date, so that is something. I ended up leaving a much bigger tip than I should have. I will carry that regret to my grave.
There are plenty of people who can expense their meals, on a regular basis. Occasionally, I can too, due to my freelance work. When that does happen, I need a detailed receipt spelling everything out that was purchased. I don't think it is too much to ask. Especially in this day and age.
The Haligonian Cafe and Bistro across the street is much, much better. We should have gone there.
Anyway, Patricia and I made our way to the Wal*Mart in Bayer's Lake. She needed to pick up some things. I got some more of the shaving soap that I use. Less than two dollars a bar, and lasts me 6-8 weeks, or even longer if I go for the scruffy look.
We returned home mid-afternoon. I kicked back and relaxed and slept for a few hours. We spent the evening here at home watching the tube.
Tomorrow is a bit up in the air. Nocturne is at night. Gotta see that, weather depending. There is a farmer's market at the Halifax Forum. Never been to that one. And the Forum is also playing host to a semi-annual massive book sale. Never been to that, and they have been holding this book sale twice a year for quite a few years now.
I should also put in an appearance at the archives. I need to start work on another true crime case for Frank.
I think I will turn in. Looks like a busy day tomorrow.
See you then.
Bevboy
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Post 3574 - Another Day Later
About the same time tonight as when I wrote last night's blog post.
We slept in, like, really slept in. A whole bunch. And I made breakfast and washed the dishes. After that, we parked in front of the tv for the rest of the day.
A vacation day where we did nearly nothing. I love it.
Thursday, we will take a little trip to a thrift store and drop off the stuff we're getting rid of. We wish like crazy that we could get rid of the old magazines and papers and stuff that are in a clear bag, but that is not for another 12 days. Ditto for the cardboard I lashed together a couple of days ago. The living room will look much better than.
I think I will turn in. Need some sleep.
See you tomorrow, my lovelies.
Bevboy
We slept in, like, really slept in. A whole bunch. And I made breakfast and washed the dishes. After that, we parked in front of the tv for the rest of the day.
A vacation day where we did nearly nothing. I love it.
Thursday, we will take a little trip to a thrift store and drop off the stuff we're getting rid of. We wish like crazy that we could get rid of the old magazines and papers and stuff that are in a clear bag, but that is not for another 12 days. Ditto for the cardboard I lashed together a couple of days ago. The living room will look much better than.
I think I will turn in. Need some sleep.
See you tomorrow, my lovelies.
Bevboy
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Post 3573 - A Day Later...
Crazy late. Or, crazy early. Pick one.
We spent hours on Tuesday cleaning up the house. Filled several bags of things to throw out or shred or donate to some place that sells used stuff at over-inflated prices.
We have spent the last several hours watching stuff on Netflix and then on Plex. "One more episode", one of us would say, and the other agreed. Finally, at 1:45 or so, we said "one more!", but both of us didn't mean it.
Time for bed.
We hope to be up before noon.
No promises.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
We spent hours on Tuesday cleaning up the house. Filled several bags of things to throw out or shred or donate to some place that sells used stuff at over-inflated prices.
We have spent the last several hours watching stuff on Netflix and then on Plex. "One more episode", one of us would say, and the other agreed. Finally, at 1:45 or so, we said "one more!", but both of us didn't mean it.
Time for bed.
We hope to be up before noon.
No promises.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Monday, October 9, 2017
Post 3572 - A Potential Change of Plans
Very early on Tuesday morning. Thanksgiving weekend is over. We have four more vacation days before we return to work on Monday morning.
No cottage, yet.
We just haven't brought ourselves to go there this vacation period. The thought of enduring trespassers fills us both with such vituperation and frustration that nobody will do anything about it, that we have found other things to do here. We have enjoyed the last week, for the most part, and do not yearn to leave town.
Tuesday, when we get up, we will do some house cleaning. Overdue, anyway. It will means some trips to the landfill, and maybe a thrift store will get some donations this week We will be ruthless in getting rid of stuff. By the end of the week, assuming haven't gone to the cottage, then the house should look quite a bit better.
That's the theory. So far, I am sticking to it.
I think I will turn in. Need my beauty sleep. Tuesday promises to be busy.
See you soon.
Bevboy
No cottage, yet.
We just haven't brought ourselves to go there this vacation period. The thought of enduring trespassers fills us both with such vituperation and frustration that nobody will do anything about it, that we have found other things to do here. We have enjoyed the last week, for the most part, and do not yearn to leave town.
Tuesday, when we get up, we will do some house cleaning. Overdue, anyway. It will means some trips to the landfill, and maybe a thrift store will get some donations this week We will be ruthless in getting rid of stuff. By the end of the week, assuming haven't gone to the cottage, then the house should look quite a bit better.
That's the theory. So far, I am sticking to it.
I think I will turn in. Need my beauty sleep. Tuesday promises to be busy.
See you soon.
Bevboy
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Post 3571 - A Week Down
Well, here it is, late Sunday night/early Monday morning, and we have yet to go to the cottage. What is wrong with us?
Not sure.
We enjoyed the last week. Movies. Ikea. Getting a Macpass for the car, for the 10 times a year we will use it. Sitting around. Eating. Sleeping.
We will make it to the cottage.
Maybe on Monday.
Or Tuesday.
Not sure just yet.
But we will get there.
We had our Thanksgiving dinner today. Patricia thought it was nothing special, but I quite liked it. One of those turkey breasts cooked maybe a little too long in the slow cooker, along with veggies and her home-made cranberry sauce. I had seconds.
I think I will turn in. I promised Patricia I would not be up until 2am three nights in a row.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Not sure.
We enjoyed the last week. Movies. Ikea. Getting a Macpass for the car, for the 10 times a year we will use it. Sitting around. Eating. Sleeping.
We will make it to the cottage.
Maybe on Monday.
Or Tuesday.
Not sure just yet.
But we will get there.
We had our Thanksgiving dinner today. Patricia thought it was nothing special, but I quite liked it. One of those turkey breasts cooked maybe a little too long in the slow cooker, along with veggies and her home-made cranberry sauce. I had seconds.
I think I will turn in. I promised Patricia I would not be up until 2am three nights in a row.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Post 3570 - Saturday Night Rant
I need to get something off my chest.
Several times in recent months, and again this evening, I have seen comments from people that justify poor behavior. There are people, lots of them, who think that if a person who does a favour for another person expects gratitude, or a thank you or a pat on the head from the person who was granted the boon, then the grantor is "feeding his ego", as one friend put it.
I was brought up to say please and thank you. Period. If someone does something for me, I thank that person. If I open a door for someone, or drive them somewhere, or go out of my damn way to do something for them, then the very least I should be able to expect is the common courtesy of a simple thank you, a smile, an acknowledgement of some kind. Otherwise, I might as well be an uber driver.
Quite often, I let someone into traffic, or cut across my lane to effect a left hand turn. If that person doesn't smile, or wave or acknowledge what I did, I feel less inclined to do it the next time.
If you are the kind of person who doesn't have the common decency to thank someone who does something for you, then what is your problem? Are you so bitter, unhappy, miserable, that you can't be grateful for anything? Do you expect people to serve you, that the world revolves around you, that you are owed this service somehow?
It is called respect. It is about having the common decency associated with being a civilized human being to thank a person who does something for you. If you can't get that, if you don't behave that way, I have to wonder what kind of person you are, how you were brought up, and how many friends you have.
The nerve of some people. Grr.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Several times in recent months, and again this evening, I have seen comments from people that justify poor behavior. There are people, lots of them, who think that if a person who does a favour for another person expects gratitude, or a thank you or a pat on the head from the person who was granted the boon, then the grantor is "feeding his ego", as one friend put it.
I was brought up to say please and thank you. Period. If someone does something for me, I thank that person. If I open a door for someone, or drive them somewhere, or go out of my damn way to do something for them, then the very least I should be able to expect is the common courtesy of a simple thank you, a smile, an acknowledgement of some kind. Otherwise, I might as well be an uber driver.
Quite often, I let someone into traffic, or cut across my lane to effect a left hand turn. If that person doesn't smile, or wave or acknowledge what I did, I feel less inclined to do it the next time.
If you are the kind of person who doesn't have the common decency to thank someone who does something for you, then what is your problem? Are you so bitter, unhappy, miserable, that you can't be grateful for anything? Do you expect people to serve you, that the world revolves around you, that you are owed this service somehow?
It is called respect. It is about having the common decency associated with being a civilized human being to thank a person who does something for you. If you can't get that, if you don't behave that way, I have to wonder what kind of person you are, how you were brought up, and how many friends you have.
The nerve of some people. Grr.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Friday, October 6, 2017
Post 3569 - Ugh.
Pushing two am on Saturday morning.
I have spent the last couple of hours rewriting and revising and polishing the latest true crime article for Frank. Just sent a draft to my editor. I am so close to the material that I cannot state with certainty if it is any good or not. Could be great. Could stink like 10 day old fish left out of the fridge. Hard to say.
We returned to Dartmouth on Friday. Gateway Meat Market was selling haddock at a price that convinced us they were bonkers over there, so we had to go. Plus, a two pound bag of carrots was 17 cents. Same price for a two pound bag of onions. We ended up getting eight packages of haddock and spent an hour or so this evening with one of those food saver devices that suck the moisture and air out of whatever food you're trying to save.
On the way to Dartmouth, we lined up on the bridge to pay the dollar toll. I was so sick of lining up while people with those Macpass transponders just sailed past us. We decided to investigate getting one. Time was you had to pay a 30 dollar deposit, but they have been waiving that requirement for some time now. You just have to hook a credit card off it, with the suggested balance of 15 dollars. Each trip over the bridge costs 80 cents, 20 cents less than with cash. When the balance on the account falls below five dollars, it is replenished by adding an additional 15 dollars. We should have done this a long time ago.
Tonight, we watched some stuff on Netflix. Patricia got tired and toddled off to bed, so I came down here to write.
Now it is 1:47 on Saturday morning. I should turn in.
Cottage, will we see you today, or tomorrow? Hard to say. We will let you know.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
I have spent the last couple of hours rewriting and revising and polishing the latest true crime article for Frank. Just sent a draft to my editor. I am so close to the material that I cannot state with certainty if it is any good or not. Could be great. Could stink like 10 day old fish left out of the fridge. Hard to say.
We returned to Dartmouth on Friday. Gateway Meat Market was selling haddock at a price that convinced us they were bonkers over there, so we had to go. Plus, a two pound bag of carrots was 17 cents. Same price for a two pound bag of onions. We ended up getting eight packages of haddock and spent an hour or so this evening with one of those food saver devices that suck the moisture and air out of whatever food you're trying to save.
On the way to Dartmouth, we lined up on the bridge to pay the dollar toll. I was so sick of lining up while people with those Macpass transponders just sailed past us. We decided to investigate getting one. Time was you had to pay a 30 dollar deposit, but they have been waiving that requirement for some time now. You just have to hook a credit card off it, with the suggested balance of 15 dollars. Each trip over the bridge costs 80 cents, 20 cents less than with cash. When the balance on the account falls below five dollars, it is replenished by adding an additional 15 dollars. We should have done this a long time ago.
Tonight, we watched some stuff on Netflix. Patricia got tired and toddled off to bed, so I came down here to write.
Now it is 1:47 on Saturday morning. I should turn in.
Cottage, will we see you today, or tomorrow? Hard to say. We will let you know.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Post 3568 - Still, Still Here
Well, we are still in the city. Silly us.
Wednesday afternoon, we went to the store in Bayer's Lake that is affiliated with Habitat for Humanity. Patricia found a fully-assembled Adirondack chair for $50, so she got it. It didn't fit in the Soul, so we had to remove the arms until we got it home and re-assembled it. Looks great there on the front deck.
On Thursday morning, we drove to the new Ikea in Dartmouth Crossing. They say it is as large as four football fields, a measurement lost on me since I don't follow sports. Suffice it to say that it is a very big store. We had the Swedish meat balls. We looked at most everything. I got some batteries, a couple of LED light bulbs for two dollars each, and a package of screw nails and plastic anchors you place in drywall. A nice store, but we won't be going back any time soon. We don't understand the appeal of the place. We don't understand why it will be such a huge draw to people, not just in the province, but in the remaining Atlantic provinces.
We made our way back to Halifax, and hung around Chapters in Bayer's Lake for a spell before returning home. I took a nap. After I got up, and showered, I started working on a draft of my next true crime piece for Frank. And now, just past 1:30am on Friday morning, that draft is done. I will revise it in the morning and send it to my editor later on Friday.
The cottage is still a place we plan to get to. But we're still having fun in the city, so why ruin a good thing?
I guess I will turn in.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Wednesday afternoon, we went to the store in Bayer's Lake that is affiliated with Habitat for Humanity. Patricia found a fully-assembled Adirondack chair for $50, so she got it. It didn't fit in the Soul, so we had to remove the arms until we got it home and re-assembled it. Looks great there on the front deck.
On Thursday morning, we drove to the new Ikea in Dartmouth Crossing. They say it is as large as four football fields, a measurement lost on me since I don't follow sports. Suffice it to say that it is a very big store. We had the Swedish meat balls. We looked at most everything. I got some batteries, a couple of LED light bulbs for two dollars each, and a package of screw nails and plastic anchors you place in drywall. A nice store, but we won't be going back any time soon. We don't understand the appeal of the place. We don't understand why it will be such a huge draw to people, not just in the province, but in the remaining Atlantic provinces.
We made our way back to Halifax, and hung around Chapters in Bayer's Lake for a spell before returning home. I took a nap. After I got up, and showered, I started working on a draft of my next true crime piece for Frank. And now, just past 1:30am on Friday morning, that draft is done. I will revise it in the morning and send it to my editor later on Friday.
The cottage is still a place we plan to get to. But we're still having fun in the city, so why ruin a good thing?
I guess I will turn in.
See you tomorrow.
Bevboy
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Post 3567 - Still Here
Very early Wednesday morning...
No. We still haven't gone to the cottage. We have been in the city doing stuff. Monday morning we had lunch at the Haligonian Cafe and Bistro. It was really good food. I had the clubhouse. Patricia had the fishcakes. we shared a large Caesar salad. We will go back.
We spent the balance of the day watching stuff on Netflix.
Today we decided to go see a movie, so at 12:30 we saw The Kingsmen: The Golden Circle on Imax at the Bayer's Lake theatres. What a mess of a film. A Bevboy rule of movies is that any film that starts out with a balls-to-the-wall action sequence is overcompensating, because it will cover up for many slow, pointless scenes in the middle. This one was no exception. Channing Tatum was wasted. I agree with the comments from, I believe Leonard Maltin, when he stated that Taron Egerton, who plays Eggsy, is already too old to be playing this character, at age 27. There was a loud, frenetic action sequence in the first film, that took place in a church. The sequel has two such sequences. See it on cheap day.
It was nice to see a film on IMAX on Tuesday at noontime, because Patricia and I were the only ones there. It was like having our own IMAX screen for a few hours. A fella could get used to that.
After the film, we ambled around Bayer's Lake a bit. There was a guy selling fish out of the back of a truck. We bought three pounds of haddock, and I cooked it for dinner tonight. There is still a bit of it left in the fridge, maybe for lunch on Wednesday.
Will we get to the cottage on Wednesday? I am not sure yet. I will let you know.
I think I will turn in. Adventures await!
See you soon.
Bevboy
No. We still haven't gone to the cottage. We have been in the city doing stuff. Monday morning we had lunch at the Haligonian Cafe and Bistro. It was really good food. I had the clubhouse. Patricia had the fishcakes. we shared a large Caesar salad. We will go back.
We spent the balance of the day watching stuff on Netflix.
Today we decided to go see a movie, so at 12:30 we saw The Kingsmen: The Golden Circle on Imax at the Bayer's Lake theatres. What a mess of a film. A Bevboy rule of movies is that any film that starts out with a balls-to-the-wall action sequence is overcompensating, because it will cover up for many slow, pointless scenes in the middle. This one was no exception. Channing Tatum was wasted. I agree with the comments from, I believe Leonard Maltin, when he stated that Taron Egerton, who plays Eggsy, is already too old to be playing this character, at age 27. There was a loud, frenetic action sequence in the first film, that took place in a church. The sequel has two such sequences. See it on cheap day.
It was nice to see a film on IMAX on Tuesday at noontime, because Patricia and I were the only ones there. It was like having our own IMAX screen for a few hours. A fella could get used to that.
After the film, we ambled around Bayer's Lake a bit. There was a guy selling fish out of the back of a truck. We bought three pounds of haddock, and I cooked it for dinner tonight. There is still a bit of it left in the fridge, maybe for lunch on Wednesday.
Will we get to the cottage on Wednesday? I am not sure yet. I will let you know.
I think I will turn in. Adventures await!
See you soon.
Bevboy
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Post 3566 - Sunday Night
Well, today I:
Did the dishes
Washed a bunch of clothes
Made dinner while Patricia was at a wood working class
Finished staining the front deck, being careful to lay on the stain extra thick on the places where we actually walk.
Took a very long shower.
Thought about you.
What did you do?
Tomorrow, running an errand downtown. Patricia and I will likely pretend to be tourists. The cottage will still be there on Tuesday. The trespassers will have an extra day to break into the place and pee on the azaleas.
See you then.
Bevboy
Did the dishes
Washed a bunch of clothes
Made dinner while Patricia was at a wood working class
Finished staining the front deck, being careful to lay on the stain extra thick on the places where we actually walk.
Took a very long shower.
Thought about you.
What did you do?
Tomorrow, running an errand downtown. Patricia and I will likely pretend to be tourists. The cottage will still be there on Tuesday. The trespassers will have an extra day to break into the place and pee on the azaleas.
See you then.
Bevboy
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