Friday, August 31, 2012

Casa del Pollo Fuego

"So Rene won't let you cook at home anymore?" The neighbour saw me bringing over a dish of potatoes to cook at Krista's house last Wednesday afternoon. My stove was unplugged due to kitchen Reno's, and my friend so graciously allowed me to use her stove even after what happened on Monday.
"As long as it's not chicken, I'm still allowed to cook." I said to the neighbour and continued to Krista's house. I understand the jokes at my expense, heck, I've made fun of myself as well these last 5 days.
Last Monday afternoon I made a stupid mistake. A mistake that could have left me and my family homeless. A mistake that has left me sleepless for the last 4 nights. A mistake that has made me feel a large range of emotions from sorry for myself, to feeling angry at myself, to feeling humbled and grateful for my life, my family and my friends and neighbours.
Last Monday afternoon I left a pot of chicken on the stove, and left the house to walk the dog. Everyone was with me, Rene, Alora, Kalina and Bella, only the cats were at home. And we had a wonderful long 2 hour walk.
We came home to find 2 fire trucks in front of our townhouse complex and we wondered what happened to our neighbours, and which one may be in trouble.
"That's weird, " Kalina said, "I don't remember opening my bedroom window." Then I remembered the chicken.
"The chicken Rene!" The rest is a bit of a blur.
There was running, there was crying, there was praying, there was chaos, there was a smashed up front door, there was screaming for the cats, there were neighbours consoling, there was a smoking pot of chicken, and then there was relief.
And now, the clean-up. Smoke damage to the kitchen cabinets and a new front door. We are so lucky!

I am very grateful to my neighbour who heard the smoke alarm and came to investigate then called 911 when they looked into the kitchen window and  saw thick smoke, then climbed onto my roof to try and get in Kalina's bedroom window because they thought Rene might still be asleep (he works night shifts but had Monday off). Thank-you for taking that risk for us.









Thank-you to the Maple Ridge Fire men for getting to my house on time to put out my mistake and making sure the cats were OK.
Sorry you had a little trouble getting into my front door. It was the six inch screws holding the dead bolt together. Wasn't it?











At least we know it's really hard for criminals to get in.












Thank-you to the neighbours who helped with putting in a new front door. The one gave us a deal on a new door and the others who helped install it.
Thank-you for the strawberry cake, and the offer to buy pizza for us Monday night.
Thank-you to Rene, you are amazing and I am truly grateful to you for all the hard work you have done in cleaning up my mess. See the story My husband My hero in the previous mess I made last year (don't worry honey, I don't think I'll be making a mess next year? Keep your fingers crossed).

Rene and I so appreciate everyone's help. We really live in a wonderful community of people who care and look out for one and other.

Rene and I would like to celebrate this blessing, the blessing of great neighbours and friends, this Sat (Sept 1st, 2012) at our house. Please come for a BBQ at 4pm at the Casa del Pollo Fuego (the name of our house now - 'The house of the fire chicken' for those who don't speak Spanish).

Don't worry... I won't be cooking chicken!

Let us know if you can make it, so we know how many burgers to buy @ anoesdelacourt@yahoo.com

Here's a few more shots of the kitchen Reno's. Once everything is done, I'll post more photo's.
Rene and I were talking about getting a new kitchen for 2 years now... I suppose, sometimes you need to light a fire to get things done?
If you need some kitchen Reno's, I am free to make some Pollo del Fuego anytime. Just let me know.












Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Vancouver Island - Surf and Turf


Takala Ranch
LadySmith - Takala Trails Ranch

In our original family vacation scheduling we were supposed to have left a few days sooner, and we were supposed to have gone in an easterly direction (visit Rene's family in Ontario), however, due to unforeseen circumstances (tiny ants in Biblical proportions which wrecked havoc on 1/2 of my kitchen), we actually ended up going west instead, as far west as we could drive.

"So what are we going to do now?" Alora asked that earth shattering day 'when the ants came marching in'. We were all looking forward to driving across the wilds of Canada to meet up with loved ones we haven't seen in a while and the question was a simple question really, one that was on everyone's mind. We were down 2 days of driving time and expenses, "What do we do now?"
"Think surf and turf." Rene replied and said no more and walked away.
A little while later I got the gist of what he had in mind and went to work trying to find a opening spot on Vancouver Island where we could lay our heads for the 12 days we had left on our vacation. A few days playing in the surf and a few days playing on turf.
We had originally planned to take Alora for a family trail ride in the Albertan badlands for her Birthday. I found her birthday request a bit strange, she must be a horse lover if she wants to see her Mom and Dad on a horse and go trail riding. Mind you, this was the second request on the list, the first was a horse and our suburban backyard is way too small to accommodate a species from the equine family.
"How about one of those miniature ponies, the ones that are as big as a dog?" she tried.
"Can you ride it?"
"No."
"Forget it then."
"Can we get a farm?"
"HA ha ha... funny girl!" was my reply, however, she knows her Mom well and how much I would love a few acres one day.
Like Mother

Like Daughter



















I found a ranch called Takala Trails in LadySmith, it sits on 48 acres NW of LadySmith right by the Nanaimo Airport, and it backs on to crown land. There is a cabin (min 2 night stay) for $95 a night (week long stays are discounted) and RV sites for rent at $25 a night. Mary and Doug were our hosts for five days.
Rene and the cabin
There is no running water but potable water is supplied in jugs and you can fill up anytime at the barn. There is a propane fridge available to keep things cool and there are 2 butane burners for cooking food inside the cabin. Cooking pots, utensils, and plates are all available inside the cabin. We never used them because we had our own camp gear with us and set up a kitchen outside at the picnic table.
There is a wood burning stove inside the cabin for heat, on those cold rainy winter days (which we did not experience), and there is a fire pit outside to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Firewood is supplied and brought by tractor to your door.
If you find yourself in need of a lavatory it is located in a separate building a few steps away from the cabin. It has a toilet (RV kind that needs manual help to flush), and a shower room next door (Water is in a black barrel on top of the roof and heats up in the sun - you may need to manually warm up some water on those cold rainy wet dark days).
The Lavatory and Wash House




I know what your thinking, what about my conveniences? To make my life easier? To make my life more comfortable? My computer? My IPhone? My dishwasher? My running water? My flush toilet? It's crazy, I know, but truth be told I felt so much more relaxed away from these so called conveniences than I have ever felt surrounded by them. I know it's been amazing weather and that's helped with this 'living outdoors' thing. I get that, I'm not stupid, I haven't needed to make my morning coffee outdoors in a snow storm, but there is something deeply peaceful about living away from the business of society, the running around and feeling like you've gone no where really fast. The rush of living like everyone else and ending up stressed out with high blood pressure and on the verge of a heart attack. There is something genuinely wrong about living that way, and yet we somehow get sucked into it. It takes stepping out of it to catch a glimpse of what life was meant to be. Living off the land has it's hardships, don't get me wrong, it's different than the constant rumblings of bigger and better eating away at the spirit not to mention the physical well-being of us humans. Now, that I've lead you down a bit of a rabbit hole, shall I get back on track?
Did I mention the horses yet? There are many and one herd grazes in the acreage close to the cabin. There is a gate that closes to prevent them from grazing in the area of the cabin and RV sites, but we left that gate open and a few of them did stop by for a fire roasted carrot (just kidding, they prefer it raw). It was neat and a bit scary at first to see them emerge out of the darkness; massive ghost-like figures yet gentle giants.
The cabin sleeps approx. 5 people (queen bed and single up in the loft and a futon sofa bed below on the main floor). The stairs up into the loft are made from a 1x4 piece of wood and they are a little sore on the feet. For those with tender tootsies and or arthritis bring some hard soled slippers for the climb up and down.
Copper
The cabin also comes with it's own dog, no need to bring one, however, you can if you wish (please advise Mary or Doug before your arrival).  Alora and I found ourselves sitting on the porch trying to guess it's name.
"Manny?" Alora called out in hopes of a tail wag. Nope, no movement.
"Moose." she tried again. His ears twitched and he looked at us and sighed deeply as if to say, "Really? Moose? Is that the best you can do?" After a while he became exasperated with us and our dimwitted names and in a testy huff he got up and walked back to the barn in search of a more intelligent crowd. Later on that day, Doug advised us that his name was Copper. Please be forewarned and use the correct name to avoid the inconvenience of a cold-shoulder.
That first afternoon, Alora and I helped tack up horses for a 7 passenger trail ride ranging in age from teen to 75. Rene and Kalina went on an ocean adventure that day and weren't back yet.

The 7 passenger trail ride 
Alora continued to helped out Doug and Mary that afternoon and lead one of the 7 (a nervous Mom who had never been on a horse), on a 5 mile trail ride. I sauntered back to the cabin and started on dinner; Tomato Alfredo Beef Broccoli.
The most clever thing I have seen at this ranch is how Doug calls the roaming herd of horses into the barn. There they are just grazing out in the far back pasture and when Doug whistles, back at the barn, their ears twitch and their head goes up, cocks to the side as if to say, "is that what I think I heard?" They stand quite still for a moment and when they hear the next whistle off they trot, through the open gate, down the road and into the barn; each going into their own stall, except for Chester who gets a little confused sometimes, or perhaps he just prefers his neighbours stall?
That night Doug brought the herd's hay near the cabin for the evening feed. What a cool first day!
The following day was our family's turn for that 5 mile Trail ride... on a horse. Did I mention, I am afraid of heights? I get a touch of vertigo when I'm up high on something. Funny thing is I don't feel it when I'm in an enclosed area, like the 26 floor of the Harbour center for example (where I used to work right by the window) or an airplane. It seems I only get lightheaded in high places outdoors, like the Eiffel Tower in France (where Rene proposed to me) or on the back of a horse.
Alora rode Bree, Kalina rode Cimeron, Rene was on The Avenger (aka-Blossom, this was her real name - Avenger was only for that day), and I was on the disoriented horse named Chester.
"Now look Chester buddy, ol' pal, old friend... I'm not afraid of horses you see... I just have this thing about heights... I'll be a good girl for you", I whispered softly into his ear and massaged his shoulder to bond with him, "not much trouble at all. So, can you be a good boy for me? Help me out buddy? Do we have a deal?" He snorted at me and I took this as an affirmative.
My heart raced as I prepared to board Chester (sorry, that's my 19 years in the Travel Industry lingo coming out), "if  75 year old Granny managed him for 5 miles yesterday,  I could do it no problem today."   My mounting onto Chester was not as graceful as I would have liked (dis-mount was even worse), but I did manage to get on and was I facing the right way I might add (sorry, no pictures of this as I had the camera in my pocket and I refused to let go of the reins to fish it out of my pocket and lean sideways to pass it to Rene who was on 'The Advenger' and making Chester nervous enough to do a little side step dance... all to capture a 'Kodak' moment - I think not).
"So, is Mom going to move?" Doug our host asked me as the rest of my family galloped on their horses around him.
Alora and Bree

"You mean I have to move too?" I was very happy and content to just to be on this thing. I was still at the mounting block and it took me a moment to ease out of my vertigo. I was very grateful that Chester was not in a hurry to move.
"Are you Okay?" I happen to see Rene mouth the words to me as he sprinted by, he could see that I was way out of my comfort zone, and I found out later at the camp fire, so was he. The Avenger apparently lived up to her fraudulent name and was not a graceful moving blossom fluttering in the wind but a mover and a shaker... a go getter, so to speak.
"Just squeeze your legs together and say, Chester walk on." I was advised as my family was heading out the ring and towards the trail. It took Chester and I a few more moments to find the right pressure in the squeeze for the legs and the right tone in the voice. Not Chester's fault, he probably couldn't read my mixed signals. Inside I was screaming, "GET ME OFF THIS THING!" and on the outside I was whispering, "Chester walk on." It was only after Doug handed me a crop that Chester decided to move forward and follow the pack... and to think... I didn't even have to say a word.  Doug called it 'incentive'. I never really had to use the crop, just it's being there was sufficient 'incentive' for forward motion.
Chester and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the sides of the pathways. At first I thought his motivation to walk so closely to the trees and bushes was in hopes of knocking me off his back, but I saw quickly that he had no ill wishes for me and the need to see me plummet to the ground was not his intention at all. It was so he could catch a quick snack on a leaf or two as we meandered along the trail, it was a fine pace for me, my only irritation being an occasional mouth full of leaves for myself (Chester was very considerate that way).
After a while, I began to enjoy the slow side to side movement and I felt the tension in my muscles relax a bit as we dawdled through the forest. I had only a moment of panic when Doug and possibly Alora, decided it would be more fun to move a little faster along a forest service road and the horses were urged into an open throttle gallop.
"Mom... it was a canter, not a gallop." I hear Alora saying, but to me it was a gallop at full speed and it seemed as if the trees zipped past me in light speed fashion and me not knowing how to post (the movement your body makes to absorb the shock of bouncing). Needless to say, I'm glad I wore my sports bra, besides, Chester wasn't too interested in keeping at that break neck pace for long, so my gallop was not prolonged. Whew!
Me and Chester
"It was an amazing ride, and yes Chester, I would ride you again. Thank-you buddy for being such a good boy."
Nanaimo River













That afternoon, for a cool down we found a beautiful spot along the Nanaimo River and did a little swimming.



Crayfish










We brought along snorkel and masks and saw crayfish and trout.

Made Fabio's Italian Sausages and peppers in a Marinara Sauce for dinner that evening and relaxed. Funny, my rump felt a little bruised as I eased into my camp chair. Must have been the bouncing.

The following day brought us another amazing day... a day at our very own secluded beach on Tent Island. We took our Zodiac out early and launched it into the water at Chemainus.
Our Captain, who happened to be a rugged handsome fellow who drank a thick cowboy coffee each morning to put hairs on his chest, knew the waters well. He had been out there 2 days earlier with his youngest daughter.

These two knew exactly where they wanted to take us land lubbers. Tent Island was our destination.
The SW side of the Island that day was full of boats and people so we continued to the NE side and found a secluded cove. We snorkeled and explored, saw oysters, little fish with colourful stripes, sea anemones, star fish and what may have been an eel or a very long fish.
Next we headed towards the west side of Cooper and Thetis Islands. Half way between them is a rock jetty, and it was fill of seals and their pups.
We fished for a while and hung our heads over the boat to watch the jelly fish float by. It took approx. 15 minutes to cross the inlet from Thetis Island back to the boat launch in Chemainus.

Alora made dinner that evening, a cheesy ground beef and macaroni - Delicious!
At that evenings campfire we had 2 guests drop by, Blossom and Atlas. It was hard to just get up from the campfire and go to bed. Those 2 (Atlas and Blossom) didn't seem to want to leave, and it would have been terribly rude on our behalf to have forced them to leave. Needless to say we all retired very late that evening.

Sky helping Rene pack the car

Atlas, Alora and Kalina




















The last day at the ranch and clean-up day was SundayAugust 12th. We wanted to have everything packed except sleeping bags and PJ's. Breakfast the following day was going to be at Goats On The Roof.
As I packed that day I noticed a distinct smell of cedar, campfire and Eau de Cheval (sounds like a fancy Parisian perfume, doesn't it?). It made me wonder if it was part of the cabin aroma or if it was coming off our clothes. Oh well... Ce la Vie... around chevals that is.
Atlas and Sky came for a visit that night, they helped to pack up the Zodiac and the two grapefruits we had left on the picnic table. Atlas had a bite of grapefruit before Kalina could get to it. He puckered his face when he spit it out.
The two must have slept close to the cabin that last evening, comforting each other at the prospects of missing us deeply the following day, needing to be close to the ones that hand out carrots for midnight snacks... because they were hanging out around the cabin the following morning too. They would miss us deeply... Ahem?... they would miss our carrots for sure and that's close enough.
Thank-you Chester, Atlas, Sky, Bree, Cimeron, Blossom (aka The Avenger) and Thank-you Mary and Doug Carr for your wonderful hospitality. You will most likely see us again in the near future.

Next stop Ukluelet...

The view from our back deck
Ukluelet - Wya Point Resort

Yurt on the beach... Wow! Words alone can not express the beauty of this place and the deep profound peace I felt at being here. I'm afraid I didn't write too much down for this segment of the holiday, because I was mostly in a state of awe. Images and snapshots are all I can share of waves, peace, wind, body surfing, family, sand and rocks. It was amazing.
For more adventures from a past blog on this side of the Island... see my Tofino blog.

Last leg, Parksville...

The kids 
Parksville - Rathtrevor Beach

Not much to say here as well... because it's all been said before... see Rathtrevor in my previous blog.
Rathtrevor did ease us back into the throngs of society again. It's sounding like a little city in there with the hum of generators, stench of lavatories and the cries and howls of small animals (dogs and kids). Truth be told, I was ready to pack it all up and head back to the quiet of the ranch again.
But... I love the beach...  and the way the tide goes out for miles. We did a lot of walking, resting and Sudoku. Lukas stayed with us too for the last two days. He said he missed camping with Speedo Man. See our Mable Lake adventure.

Here's a slide show for more photo's for those interested:
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For those interested in the Cowboy Coffee Recipe:

Items you will need - Coffee, water, a metal coffee pot and a flame (propane or wood fire).
Add water and coffee into a pot and bring to a boil, let them boil together for a few minutes. Pour into cups and enjoy! Add cream and sugar if need be. Very manly coffee! Full bodied flavour. Puts hair on your chest. Do not throw away the coffee grounds, just add a fresh scoop for the next pot, etc... when the pot is 1/2 full with old coffee grounds then throw out and start again.

For a less manly coffee... add a 1/4 cup cold water to the pot after grounds and water have boiled (this pulls the grounds to the bottom of the pot) and pour carefully into the cups. Throw out grounds and start fresh for the new pot.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Mable Lake B.C - The Bugs... They Were Bad.

Paddle boat rental $10

I have only two enemies in life. That’s not too bad, eh?
“Keep you’re friends close and your enemies closer.” I was once told, but I didn’t want those two enemies of mine anywhere near me last week at Mable Lake.
“Love your enemies.” A wise man said once, but I don’t think he meant my two foes.
These two adversaries of mine are disgusting, horrible, and they will drive any rational, strong and stable individual to the brink of insanity. They are… whiners and bugs (mostly the biting one’s… that’s the bugs… not the whiners).
I’ve thought very deeply, this whole week, about why each was created and I had a very tough time trying to find the meaning, purpose, and value in such evil brutes. I suppose the first was created to teach me patience, self-control, and kindness for those who chose to live in a more negative way, and well, the latter?
I have no flip’en clue why God created the mosquito.
There I was a perfectly sane Mama one second, who stepped out of the car upon our arrival at Mable Lake Provincial Park, to help unpack the heavy loaded trailer, and in a few moments… with every blood sucking prick into my flesh… I became Monster Mama, horns and all.  
I retired early that evening. After the tent was set up. There were no bugs in the tent, at least not after I killed them all. You see, I needed a time out, a time to build up my mental strength and find a way to resist turning into Monster Mama despite having those blood thirsty insects around. It was going to be a long week.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The kids sang the following day. I have a feeling Kelly Clarkson was not referring to mosquito's when she wrote it, but never the less; it was a fitting theme song for the week. Even the dog was having problems with those relentless insects, and she hid out in the tent every moment she could. Princess Dog!
After two days, Lukas looked like he had the Chicken Pox. I see more garlic and onions in his future (it supposedly makes your blood unappealing to mosquito's). He may not like the taste of garlic, but perhaps his sister will make him a garlic necklace? I wonder if that would help? At least he won't have a problem with vampires.
Lukas chillin'

That second day, the kids had made a pact with one and other, “If you see a mosquito, slap and destroy.” Kalina slapped Alora, and Alora slapped Kalina with big smiles on their faces, and Lukas… well he was taught never to hit a girl, but he almost slapped his Uncle Rene.
They were sitting around the campfire, nice and smoky, telling each other stories. It was Lukas’ turn and he was sitting beside his Uncle. As he told his story, suddenly in mid-sentence, his hand shot up and he swung it towards his Uncle’s forehead.
You see, Lukas is a thinking boy, he is constantly thinking about what’s happening and the logic and consequences of the action, so as his hand headed towards Rene’s forehead, he possibly thought, “What am I doing slapping Uncle Rene? He has to drive me home!” In mid-slap he eased on the velocity towards Rene, bent all fingers except his pointer, and gently poked and squished the mosquito.

We went out onto the lake with the Zodiac a lot, only because there were no bugs in the middle of the lake. On the third day we found a nice spot with a rope swing and not too many bugs along the east side of the lake. The kids swam towards the rope as Rene and I tied the boat off on a fallen log on the small beach (due to the wet spring and summer as well as the run off from the mountains, the water level was high and the beaches were microscopic). Rene began to take off his MEC pants and underneath he is wearing the dreaded Speedo (his usual choice is a shorts style bathing suit, but for some strange reason he chose his old Speedo for that day).
“DAD! NO! You didn’t!” Alora, our teenage daughter sputtered, disgusted at the sight of her dad in tight swim pants, “I can’t believe it!” and she looked away embarrassed.  Lukas couldn’t stop laughing; perhaps he was wondering what his dad might look like in a Speedo? I thought Rene looked good, but then again, I’m his wife.
“Oh no! Here comes Speedo Man!” Kalina sang out from the black inner tube she was floating in.
All day and into the evening the kids teased Rene and told us stories about, ‘The Adventures of Speedo Man.’ Dant, Dant, Da! (Even came with music). Kalina made up a skit of how mild mannered Dad turns into ‘Speedo Man’.
“Help! Speedo Man.”
“Mild mannered Rene hears the cry for help.” Kalina says in her best narrator voice.
“I’m coming!” she states in a deep voice. Then she pretends the zipper of her pretend pants gets stuck, ”Oops, just one minute,” and she hops around trying to unzip a false zipper. Then rips the fake pants off in one fell swoop.
Ah, a child’s imagination. Wonderful!
Speedo Man in his informal gear

The following evening as Rene tucked the kids into bed he found a white bra in Lukas’ sleeping bag.
“Buddy.” Rene asked, “Do you need to tell me something?”
“What?” Lukas questioned, as Rene held up the bra.
“Did your Mom pack a bra for you instead of a stuffy toy?”
“Lukas you got some ‘splanning’ to do!”
I had changed into my bathing suit earlier that day in the kids tent, because it was taller than the one Rene and I shared and I’m getting a day older and don’t want to bend over or lie down to change my clothes anymore. I had folded all my clothes, tucked my skivvies into my pants, and placed them on top of my girls blue clothes box. I figured, when the girls went into their box to find clean clothes to change into, they didn’t see my clothes lying on top and when they flung the lid open my clothes went flying into Lukas’ bed.

The following morning, Lukas needed to chop a piece of wood to whittle with that day.
“The axe is on top of our clothes box in our tent.” Rene said and Lukas made his way to our tent.
“AHHHHHHHH!” a scream came from with our small green tent startling everyone.
“What’s wrong Lukas?” Rene asked as he headed towards the direction of the scream.
“There’s a bra and a speedo next to the axe!” Lukas yelped and hurried out the tent, axe in hand.
“You’ll probably need to invest in a little therapy when you get home from this trip.” Rene replied.
Our beautiful view

On one of the last beautiful sunny days, we took the boat out into the middle of the lake and we dove off the boat and into the cold water, except me. They all wanted to try to swim to shore and since the dog can’t maneuver the Zodiac I was captain and Angel was first mate. We had a rope attached to the back of the boat and after a while I ended up dragging 3 weary children behind me. After a few more minutes they wanted in the boat. Rene was still in the water, just up ahead. I made Alora captain and I jumped in after my husband.
The icy water shocked my system. My breath came in gasps and quick huffs as I tried to catch up with my husband.
“Any minute now, I’ll get used to this cold.” And I swam faster to heat things up. A few minutes later, I felt tingles up and down my legs and arms. My heartbeat quickened and I knew at that moment that this icy water was not my friend. I needed to get out.
“ALORA!” I waved an arm for her to see. Like a pro she glided the boat beside me and killed the motor (her dad had been giving her lessons all week). I tried to climb up into the boat, but the tingles in my hands and feet didn’t give me the strength I needed to pull myself up onto the rounded sides of the zodiac. The kids didn’t have enough strength either to pull me up and Rene was almost at the shore by this time.
“Go get your dad.” I said and splashed back into the water with a frustrated sigh.
“I’m okay.” I said and began to swim again to keep warm. Alora looked worried and didn’t want to leave my side.
“It’s okay,” I said again, “Go get Speedo Man.” She threw me a life jacket and off she went to fetch my hero. Within minutes they were back, and Speedo Man pulled me onto the boat and into his arms.
“I love you Speedo Man.” I sighed and cuddled closer to his warmth.
South Mable Marina

Other than in the tent, or out on the water for a dinner cruise in the zodiac, I found the South Mable Lake Marina to be free from bugs as well and I could relax and gain strength again to face those pesky critters. The musk oil I bought there helped as well. 
I love this little marina with its comfy Adirondack chairs and jazz music playing softly in the background, a little piece of heaven on earth.
I actually love everything about Mable Lake, it’s one of my favourite places to be, minus the mosquito's. 

P.S: I'm fine now, all warmed up. I only get tingly when I catch a glimpse of Speedo Man. 

Enjoy the video!


The camera went for a swim, it drowned, but the card inside was still okay. Here's a few more pictures:
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Monday, April 16, 2012

Yoda and the Dogside of the Force

Part Three of 'Cat Man...Dog Woman'.

For Part One see: http://wildwestdiaries.blogspot.com/2012/02/finding-perfect-dog.html
For Part Two see: http://wildwestdiaries.blogspot.com/2012/02/angels-do-fall-sometimes.html

Yoda the little wise green man
Has Yoda (the cat) really gone to the dogside? Cat man may not believe it, but I do. Read on, and decide for yourself...

 Yoda's been with us for six years now. He was only 3 weeks old when he and his siblings came from the SPCA and into our lives.
"Can you foster care a mom with 6 kittens?" That afternoon we picked up Jelly, and her cutsie little 6 beans.
 There are times when I still feel such an overwhelming loss and remorse at having to give them all up, but beans grow and we live in a townhouse, not a farm.

Jelly and her beans

So... we could only keep one...
Jellybean was a great mom. She kept all her little beans close to her side, she always knew where they were, and was patient with them when they got into trouble. We thought about keeping her, because quite truthfully, once back at the SPCA, who would want to adopt an old cat when there's cute kittens around. But somehow, when she went back to the SPCA to get 'fixed', we lost track of her. There were complications and her wound became infected. The administrator was a little vague with the details.  I'm still unsure if she was ever adopted or if she passed away due to complications. I could cry just thinking of the latter (Yes, Dog Woman can cry over a cat). My hope is that she lived a long happy life with a family who loved her, maybe still loves her? Let's think happy thoughts shall we? The kittens:
 There was Boots...

Sweat Pea...

Miss-Adventure...

Indie...


and Yoda's brother Trouble...

Remember when he and Miss-Adventure stole a sausage off the dinner plate? I swear I just turned for a second to get the potatoes in the kitchen and when I came back a sausage was missing off a plate... they were dragging it across the floor.





Yoda the kitten
We chose Yoda, not because he was cute and the others weren't... but because he was the most like his Mama, maybe not in looks, but in character.
...and he got along with Queen Pharaoh.

So now, the question I ask you is this... is Yoda more like a cat or a dog? Here are two lists of character traits... let's see which one is longer?

Like a Cat
1.  He brought home a bird once and dropped it at my feet (that was so gross!).
2.  He cat naps.
3.  He sleeps on your face, or crawls under the covers with you (unlike a dog who sleeps at the end of your bed...oh wait a minute...Yoda does that too).
4.  They say, looks may be deceiving...but he does look like a cat.
5.  He plays with strings and feathers.
6.  He loves cat nip.
7.  He torments the dog and the neighbours dog Chopper. He sticks his paw through the neighbours mail slot in the door, as if to say, "Nanna nana boo boo, you can't get me." And he chases Angel around the house (Angel kisses him, he bites her ankles - I keep telling her she's 5 times bigger, but she's such an Angel, she holds no grudges).


Like a Dog
1.  He licks water out of the toilet.
2.  He steals food from the table.
3.  He seeks out human companionship. Unlike Pharaoh who is anti-social.
4.  He likes to go for walks with the dog and I.
5.  He seeks out the companionship of other dogs (only to torment them - just a little technicality).
6.  He likes to lick you (Blah... I know where that tongue has been! Just be careful when you yawn, he like to stick his head right into your mouth).
7.  He sleeps at the end of the bed.


Well, looks like it's a tie. Yoda is either a dog or a cat.
Makes me wonder... if the cat has dog characteristics... can Cat Man have dog characteristics too?
Is Cat Man really a closet dog lover?
Is that Yoda sleeping with the dog?
















My sources tell me, Cat Man was found in bed with Angel... Could it be true?

Stay tuned for Part four of "Cat Man and Dog Woman."