The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves...

Green Christmas

2011-12-28T16:36:00.001-08:00

Winter seems a little late this year, as evidenced by the green grass and yellow dandelions on our lawn, lo this Chrismtas morn.

Didn't bother to put up a tree this year....mainly for fear that the kittens would make short work of it. Instead, some pics of those very kittens, who are so used to sleeping in a pile that they do it even when there is plenty of room! Sibling Love!

When in Rome...

2011-12-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

November 26-27, 2011

They booted us off the ship at dawn, and our pre-arranged shuttle van went a little awry, forcing the group of us to split up into two other shuttles. Jane and her parents went directly to Rome, while Jhon, Julie and I detoured past the airport first to drop off and pick up other passengers.

We stayed at the same place again, near Termini train station, and the fine folks at Hotel Montreal had our rooms ready, when we all arrived and met up before 9am!

We ended up with a corner room offering great city views and urban ambience in two directions. It takes a little getting used to the fact that you have to put your room key in a little slot to turn the hydro on in the room though....

Dropping our luggage, the six of us ventured back out to take in the town, including an open-top double decker bus tour of Rome. We hit all the major sights including the Colosseum and the Vatican, as well as some interesting streets off the beaten path.

Of course there was the obligatory bottle of Italian wine at a sidewalk cafe on the nearby Piazza Santa Maria.

All were to bed fairly early for our pre-dawn shuttle to the airport the next morning. Everything went smoothly at Leonardo da Vinci airport, including duty free wine purchases, before we boarded Alitalia for the 10.5 hour flight home into strong headwinds. One smooth landing in Toronto later, and we found our cars and went our separate ways, one fabulous family holiday in the books.

Final Days at Sea

2011-12-17T08:35:00.001-08:00

November 24-25, 2011

Our last two days at sea were again spent relaxing on the ship and availing ourselves to food and entertainment, as we steamed from the North African coast back to Italy....and figuring out how to get all of our souvenirs into the same full backpacks we arrived with! Our cabin looked like a big game of Tetris as Jane laid everything out and went to work.....and STILL ended up with room to spare!

We also passed the Straits of Messina again on the way back up the Italian coast, and this time the weather favoured us with an albeit distant glimpse of a smoky Mount Etna, the famous volcano of Sicily.

Egypt - Alexandria and Cairo

2011-12-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

November 22-23, 2011

We spent two days in Egypt, though the second day was a relatively quiet one sticking near the port in Alexandria where the Jade was docked. Big port though, second largest on the Mediterranean after Marseilles in France.

The first day was a long one though - up early as the boat glided into port, then onto the buses for the 3 hour drive each way to Cairo and back in an escorted convoy. Demonstrations in Tahrir Square and safety concerns as the people demanded the military regime hand back power as promised had altered a few of the excursions, but not our particular trip to the Pyramids and the Nile....though the security escort cars and one guard per bus were mandatory all the same.

The trip through the desert from Alexandria (8 million) to Cairo (20 million) was a bit of a surprise - this part of the Sahara at least was far more agricultural and less sand duney than we had expected.

Our busy day included the obligatory visit to the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx on the fringe of ancient Cairo; the beautiful Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali; a cruise down the Nile through modern Cairo on a river boat, complete with live music and belly dancer; and a stop at a papyrus museum and of course, a high end gift shop.

In spite of the inherent history and beauty of these places, rampant poverty was also evident. Beyond the obvious dusty feel inherent to cities in the desert, these endless mazes of unfinished buildings, garbage and unchecked humanity were entirely alien to us. Perspective is truly the greatest gift that travel can offer.

We made it back to the Jade after a 14 hour day ashore, in time for a late supper and the soothing sounds of RJ Red in the Aloha lounge, before the day's accumulated emotional and physical experience toll exacted it's dues. One must always pay the ferryman with fair coin for the journey into slumber.

We had seen the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World at Giza, and the ship glided silently past another on the way out of port, the former site of the great Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria as we headed out to sea on final time.....

Lazy Day at Sea

2011-12-16T15:18:00.001-08:00

November 21, 2011

In between Turkey and Egypt, we enjoyed an idyllic day at sea to relax and savor a quiet day cruising on the Mediterranean. Besides the obvious eating, we enjoyed some Bingo, musical and magic shows in the theatre, reading on deck, towel animals, and plenty of live music in the Aloha lounge. And more food.

One dining area even put on Death By Chocolate one night, with an entire buffet of chocolate sculptures and treats.

Turkey - Izmir/Ephesus

2011-12-09T16:28:00.001-08:00

November 20, 2011

We arrived at dawn in the Turkish port of Izmir, a city of 3.5 million on the western coast of the larger portion of Turkey situated in Asia Minor (versus Istanbul and the small portion located in Europe). Unlike our other destinations and their well-known history, we had few pre-conceived notions of what to expect from Turkey.

In the end, Turkey was the highlight of the trip by all accounts. Clean, beautiful, friendly and interesting....not to mention the best tour guide we have had of any tour, EVER!

Izmir was the jumping off point for a relatively short bus ride through the scenic agricultural countryside to the fabled ruins at Ephesus. Having toured Pompeii two years ago, these ruins were equally fascinating. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Our day also included a visit to a carpet-maker, located on an idyllic Turkish farm surrounded by rugged hills. We watched silk and cotton Turkish rugs being made by hand, before they plied us with wine and an impressive carpet demo that resulted in more than a few purchases amongst the group. In order to preserve their industry, the Turkish government actually subsidizes the effort, including covering all shipping, duty and taxes, and insurance for rugs to be shipped direct to your home, using a rebate program.

Yes, we brought home a SMALL Turkish rug, more of a "runner" that we can hang on the wall, n light of the cats and all. It helps the bargaining situation to be one of the last cruise ships of the season. :)

Izmir itself was also quite lovely, especially the waterfront promenade on the Mediterranean. We took the opportunity before boarding the ship to enjoy authentic local cuisine, beer and Turkish coffee at a seaside eatery.

Greece - Athens

2011-12-06T13:16:00.001-08:00

November 19, 2011

The next morning saw us docked in Piraeus, the port of Athens, for a day in the historic capital city. Our particular tour focused mainly on the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Athens is a city of many hills, and the Acropolis hill dominates the centre of this large city (5 million), where roughly half of the entire population of Greece resides. The Parthenon (currently undergoing restorative efforts) is the focal point of the Acropolis, though other ancient structures share the hilltop as well.

Lots of worn stairs and climbing....and obviously lots of history.

The view of the top, and from the top, is simply stunning. Athens was otherwise busy and covered in graffiti, though in fairness we were there during economic and political turmoil, and our opinion is formed by the fairly narrow scope of the tour we chose.

We spent the remainder of the day on the top decks of the ship, enjoying the 360 degree view of the harbour and city and hills beyond, before sailing off into the sunset....

Greece - Katakolon/Olympia

2011-12-02T19:17:00.001-08:00

November 18, 2011

We awoke the next morning already docked in the small Greek fishing village of Katakolon, in the western Peloponnese region. This quaint hamlet was the jumping off point for the relatively short bus ride through mountainous terrain strewn with orange and olive groves, to the ancient site of Olympia where the earliest Olympic games were held over two thousand years ago.

Among the ruins of stadiums and gymnasiums stands the one remaining pillar of the former Temple of Zeus, which housed a statue in his honour that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Also still legible at the entrance to the arena, were the stones where those caught cheating in the Games had to etch their names for eternity, along with what they did to earn their shame.

After touring the ruins and running a length of the ancient arena, we returned via coach to Katakolon and enjoyed some shopping and a nice lunch on the waterfront. After all, what is a trip to Greece without a real Greek salad and a jug of red wine at seaside? I had never seen a brick of feta so large on one salad....the waiter kept apologizing that it had broken under it's own weight before he could get it to the table! Parakolo!

1. Remaining pillar of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia

2. Greek ruins

3. Ancient arena

4. Real Greek salad!

5. Norwegian Jade docked at Katakolon

Day at Sea - Italian Coast

2011-12-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

November 17, 2011

Leaving Civitavecchia behind, we spent a relaxing day cruising southeast along the Italian coastline. With no specific itinerary, we further explored the ship and enjoyed some quiet time on the sea.

For our viewing pleasure, we passed alongside two of Ialty's three active volcanoes along the way, having seen the third (Vesuvius) at Pompeii on our previous trip to Italy. First we passed the volcanic isle of Stromboli on the starboard (west) side, literally a volcano in the sea with a small village at the base.

Shortly thereafter we passed through the Straits of Messina, where Sicily and mainland Italy are separated by a narrow gap, site of the world's most infamous bridge likely to never be built. An Italian pilot had to come aboard via speedboat to guide the Jade through the treacherous passage.

We also passed volcano Mount Etna on the far end of Sicily as we cleared the Straits, though on this day she was obscured by clouds.

1. Stromboli

2. Mainland Italy

3. Sicily - city of Messina

4. Time for lunch

All Aboard!

2011-11-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

November 16, 2011

Upon arrival at Civitavecchia, we boarded the Jade and hooked up with the rest of the Coxes. Early arrival meant we all had to hang out on deck and while away a few hours with beer and buffet while waiting for our staterooms to be ready, before late afternoon departure from port.

We also explored our confines, some 14 long decks holding 2400 passengers and over 1000 crew. Amenities included many pools, spas, a basketball court, bars, lounges, restaurants, casinos, etc.

Eventually we got our room assignments and settled in for the journey, including a memorable welcome aboard production in the ship's Stardust Theatre, as the massive vessel glided slowly out to sea....

Off to the Mediterranean!

2011-11-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

November 14-16, 2011

Started our fabulous Mediterranean odyssey with a flight out of Toronto, direct to Rome, courtesy of the fine folks at Alitalia. Free wine and emergency exit legroom translates roughly to "heaven" in Italian.

Eight hours and six time zones later, we touched down at Fiumicino (aka Leonard Da Vinci) airport, and relatively promptly boarded the express train to downtown Rome. After dumping our rather large and heavy backpacks at Hotel Montreal, near central Termini Station, we set off to explore Rome on foot and mainly force ourselves to stay awake as long as possible to stave off jetlag.

Large and frequent groups of police, Carabinieri (military police) and media helped us stay alert, as Italy ushered out reviled Prime Minister Berlusconi and ushered in a new era amidst economic turmoil in the Eurozone. Having said that, the country has none less than 38 political parties jockeying for leverage, and the average federal government last 8 months.

Having seen the sights, including the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, we finally succumbed to body clocks and crashed. The next morning we caught another train bound for Civitavecchia, the port of Rome over an hour west to the coast. It was here that we would catch the cruise ship Norwegian Jade, and hook up with the rest of Jane's family for a ten day voyage around the cradle of civilization.

Paranormal Investigation of Mackenzie Hall

2011-10-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

We took the opportunity to join a late-night paranormal investigation recently, hosted by Spectral Solutions of Windsor. The subject of the investigation was Mackenzie Hall in the Olde Sandwich Towne area of Windsor, formerly the county seat, courthouse and jail for many a tumultuous decades in the 1800's and early 1900's.

Cool old building, nocturnal setting, adjacent (current) prison, cemetery and church. A number of controversial trials and public executions took place in this very building, leading the intrepid investigation team to wonder just who might still be lurking in the lurch and haunting the halls.

Nothing overtly supernatural to report, but a very interesting and surreal experience all the same! Although....careful observers will note that Jane and I took identical pictures of the building exterior with different cameras, and MINE is all blue skies and warm fuzzies, while HERS casts a decidedly ominous pallor!

Yes, that's why she is holding the EMF meter, not me. I was too busy dumping salt down her back.

Midnight Marauder

2011-10-21T18:33:00.001-07:00

I might have gone with "Backdoor Burglar", but that sounded a tad controversial. Suffice it to say that now that the kittens are living on the back deck (in wonderfully crafted kitten totes of Jane's personal devising), we occasionally suffer other nocturnal visitors as well.

On an unrelated note, has anyone seen my wallet?

Thanksgiving in Tillsonburg

2011-10-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

My stomach still aches, when I hear that word....

Good visit for Cox-Giving on the way back from a few free meals in Orillia and Midland. Always nice to remember what REAL fall colours look like!

The Dirtiest Drunk in the History of Liquor

2011-10-01T15:36:00.001-07:00

No, that is not the title of the latest Trailer Park Boys movie.....but rather a rollicking tune from kick-ass Cape Breton band The Stanfields. We were lucky enough to catch them opening for Wide Mouth Mason a few months back, and jumped at the chance to see them headline at Norma Jeans in London.

The boys did not disappoint, even with the looming spectre of the drive home from London in the wee hours. But that, friends, is the subject of another tune I am currently developing, entitled "The Bestest DD in the History of Drivers".

You just have to appreciate great music in a great venue, road-beaten instruments covered in duct tape, and selective use of the Port Hawksbury dinner jacket.

When in London, drink Labatts!

Busy Times

2011-09-03T17:17:00.001-07:00

After two too many funerals in recent weeks, more visitors than we have ever had in one summer, and a whack of prep for upcoming trial.....not much to offer but a few simple pics.

Oh, and the little things - sitting on the front porch with a cold drink, surveying and inhaling 1.5 acres of freshly cut grass.

Putting the Winds of Wheatley to fine use

High as a Kite

Roasting marshmallows and cherry tomatoes

Nuggles Nuggington, III...of the Wheatley Nuggingtons

She could have been yawning or snarling, the story was never clear

Who's a special kitty? Who is???

Ranney Falls Locks

2011-08-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

On the back side of Ferris Provincial Park lies the Trent River, and locks 11 and 12 of the Trent-Severn marine railway.

Lower lock closing to flood

Doors to the upper lock

Water levels balanced

Free the boats!

Next lock

Drain the water

Off they go

Campbellford Camping

2011-08-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately had to head east for a funeral, figured to make the best of it with a mini-vacation along the way. Spent a few nights camping at Ferris Provincial Park near Campbellford, on the idyllic Trent River.

Also visited nearby Church Key Brewing, set up in old church. Besides some delicious libations, the formerly hallowed ground also contained the most impressive collection of beer bottles I have seen. Put mine to shame, it did.

Evening warmth....

...and morning java

R&R...& Reading!

Juke's first camping trip!

Church Key Brewing Co.

Ranney Falls Gorge suspension bridge

Ranney Falls on the Trent River

Midsummer Miscellany

2011-07-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

A few pics to pass the days. It's too frickin' hot and humid to do much else.

Miss thinks she's a dish

Those lazy days of summer

Just don't call them "dog" days

Chess by candlelight - nerd romance courtesy of a thunderstorm

Our sad little yard sale - at least we melted a few more candles

More Cats...and Garden!

2011-07-09T17:29:00.001-07:00

For lack of anything else to post, unless you wanted shots of us mowing down at Chatham Ribfest....here are more cat pics, plus a shot of the garden.

Beans and tomatoes

Got my Bick in a Box

Poots riding the Pine

Also got my Miss in a Box

Who says a dead ash is only good for firewood???

Pistol and Perca

Pita

Pooka and her brood

All the Small Things

2011-07-05T17:34:00.001-07:00

Some pics of small things that bring us pleasure:

Wheelbarrow full o' kittens

Eight weeks and growing fast

Wild raspberries at the barn

Baby Swallows call for Momma....

....and Momma Swallow answers their call!

Big Music Fest

2011-06-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Attended Big Music Fest last weekend near Bobcaygeon, on the idyllic shores of Pigeon Lake. Pretty hard to argue with seeing The Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts Band, and The Trews (and let's not forget Miss Emily) all in one venue.

All the bands were incredible. The Trews put on their usual high energy rock show, and Sam Roberts and his Band were dialed in to their groove. The Hip finally pulled out "Bobcaygeon" late in their two-hour set, and even threw in "Nautical Disaster" nestled as a break right in the middle of "New Orleans is Sinking".

Great show, crazy lineups and good concert weather - overcast with the odd shower but far preferable to baking in the sun.

The aftermath was insane as 27,000 fans tried to find their way in the dark around a muddy farm, everyone looking for the right shuttle bus. Buses were getting stuck, roads were jammed, people were panicking...but in the end we all managed to find our way back to the motel in Fenelon Falls.

Ah, the memories.

Shuttle bus from Fenelon Falls

Entry to the show

The washrooms are over THERE...

The Trews take the stage

The view from the grassy knoll

Colin MacDonald wows the crowd

Sam Roberts rocks the farm

Oh the Sea of Humanity

Gord Downie and The Hip up to their usual antics

Parking lot chaos

1st Annual Beaverfest

2011-06-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist attending at least one night of Beaverfest, the inaugural weekend long rock show at the new outdoor amphitheatre on the riverfront between Windsor and Detroit. We went mainly to see The Trews, but several other good bands graced the lineup as well.

Perfect weather, good food and drink on-site. Danko Jones was awesome with good hard entertaining rock, Dean Lickyer from Hamilton were surprisingly good, Finger Eleven was decent....but of course The Trews ruled the night.

As singer Colin MacDonald put it best, "every rock show is a beaverfest if you're doin' it right".

Rock your tail off!

That's one big beaver

Danko Jones makes his point...

....then rocks it home!

The Trews

Colin MacDonald lays it down

.....we weren't ready to go....

The Denizens of Detroit can only listen and be jealous

Dirty Races and Furry Faces

2011-06-01T17:25:00.001-07:00

First visit of the season this weekend to the dirt track stock car races at South Buxton Speedway. The wet spring has wreaked havoc upon the 3/8 mile oval clay track, but the crew managed to pull it together....at least for half the night, until it started raining again and they had to call it early.

The track was pretty sloppy, but that just made things all the more entertaining.....plus the first four rows of the grandstand became a muddy splash zone.

Working on the track

Sideways into turn 1

Three wide rounding the final turn

Kittens growing quickly, weaning off Momma with some soft food and milk. They are still learning how to chew, so they either bite your finger too hard, or the plate....or they just try to suck up the food.

Eat This!

Floor-Cam feeding frenzy!

Strapping on the feed bag

Alien Vampire Kitty, Revealed!

Tiny Cute Things

2011-05-23T11:55:00.001-07:00

Another in the "a picture is worth 1000 words" series. Tiny cute things are good that way.....

Kittens gone wild!

"These are not the kittens you are looking for...."

And what are YOU looking at???

The M is for "Man, am I cute!?!?!"

Chipmunk we saved from Uncle Kevin's cat

One could say we gave it a helping hand....

Blink if you're thankful!

More Cats, Part III

2011-05-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand, some more kitten shots....and just so they don't get all jealous and depressed (cats can be soooo emotional!), a few shots of adult cats too....

One of the Twin Tabbies

Torty so ugly she's cute!

Pooka, the Mother of All, er, Three Cats

When we bought the two recliners, THAT one was supposed to be mine.....

Krazy Kardinal

2011-05-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

So we've got this wacky male cardinal, who enjoys attacking his own reflection in car mirrors and windows. Every time we look outside, he's at one of the cars, staring into a side mirror and then flying straight into it with much flapping. The Juke is especially enticing, with over-sized side mirrors.

We have yet to actually capture him on camera "attacking", but here are several that were close....

In Bloom

2011-05-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

Ah, Spring....grass, garden, flowers and dandelions....not necessarily in that order...

Rototill we meet again....

The Curse of the Return of the Yellow Menace

Something borrowed, something...purple?

Tulip Twins

Now THIS is Spring!

2011-05-07T15:23:00.001-07:00

Beautiful few days after much rain early in the week. Finally dry enough to cut the rest of the grass without stalling the mower.....though pretty soon I'll just have to start cutting it ALL again anyway!

Flowers, trees etc. in full bloom. Dandelions too, unfortunately. Hoping to till the garden for planting tomorrow.....a full TWO months behind last year! (the tilling, not the planting)

Stupid long winter.

Tulips.....or three?

They're baa-aack!!!

The first cut is the deepest

Momma cat, aka "Pooka"

Thirsty kittens milking the situation

They're SO cute, Part II

2011-05-03T15:32:00.001-07:00

Pictures are worth 4000 words.

The Circle of Life

2011-05-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Just days after losing our feathered friend, Jean Pigeon, spring re-birth has returned to us life. Daffodils and tulips continue to bloom, AND we gained three new kittens! Our erstwhile barn cat was noticeably thinner when we arrived home today, and soon after we found three tiny tabbies nestled away in the man-garage.

A raft o' daffodils

Mommy feeding her babies

Triumvirate o' Tabbies

Box o' Kittens

R.I.P. Jean Pigeon

2011-04-27T18:21:00.001-07:00

We lost a pet yesterday, our hangabout racing pigeon that showed up almost two years ago and never left. Dubbed Jean Pigeon (think French - Jean PEE-Jean), he greeted us every morning at the back deck looking for food, and swooped us each night when we got home. He even used to hunker down to sleep below our bedroom window.

Having already survived two long winters plus one cat attack and one hawk attack (at least that we know of), both courtesy of Jane's intervention, his days had long been numbered. From his cat-taunting deck struts, to his circular fly-overs of the property, his presence was a daily routine we grew fond of. In the end, he succumbed to instinctual feline aggression.

Based on his legband, we think he was an Ohio purebred Clean-Legged Icicle pigeon that blew off course across Lake Erie. He shall be missed.

Norma Jeans

2011-04-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

Made the trek to London last night to catch some quality live music at Norma Jeans. Wide Mouth Mason was already a wicked band before, especially live, and the addition of rock legend Gordie Johnson on bass could only make them better. Arguably a waste of his immense guitar talent, but certainly a boon for WMM and their fans. Luckily they already have Shawn Verrault, one of the most insanely talented and under-rated guitarists I have ever seen.

As good as they were last night, the opening act may have stolen the show. At the very least, they were one hell of a tough act to follow. The Stanfields are from Halifax and completely owned the place with a relatively unique blend of rock, folk, celtic and bluegrass. Something tells me these boys are going places.

Got in late (3:30am) after Jane drove us home in a thunderstorm. Woke up late to already 17 C, birds singing and everything blooming. Heck of a nice way to start a Saturday.

Sound check in a Labatt town

The Stanfields

Dirtiest Drunk in the History of Liquor!

Widemouth Mason

Who IS that masked bass player?

A different sort of Bud than last night

...and the daffodils look lovely today....

Spring Splendor

2011-04-10T17:36:00.001-07:00

Absolutely beautiful spring day today, some might even say bordering on summer! Temperatures in the 20's, birds singing, flowers blooming.

Spent some of it painting the master bedroom before we move back upstairs. Spent the rest of it reading on the back deck and just enjoying.

Hocus Crocus in Focus, Spring 2011 edition

April showers bring....April flowers?

Warmer outside than inside!

Goodbye powder blue....hello beige and copper!

The Hand That Rocks the Paint Brush

Long overdue makeover

Springing....Springing....

2011-03-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Sprung?

Looks like Spring has finally come. Double digit temperatures earlier in the week, and even close to 20 C yesterday. Noticeable increase in the local bird population and variety. Hoping to move back upstairs, take the plastic off the windows, and stop burning oil for the next nine months!

Spring Splendor

Mercury rising....

The garden beckons....

Opening Day of BBQ Season

Viva Las Vegas, The Finale

2011-03-11T15:29:00.001-08:00

Great week in Sin City, 70-80 F and beautiful the entire time. Walked The Strip, toured some casinos, gambled a bit, went downtown to enjoy the Fremont Street experience, and had a drink at Vince Neil's new bar. All in all a nice and much-needed getaway.

Sketchy return to Detroit on the late night red eye - no sleep, lost three hours in time zones, and then they had to wave off the first landing attempt at dawn VERY last minute, leaving us circling above while they plowed our runway. Not what a bunch of over-tired people want to hear. The eventual landing was rough as the plane slid along an icy runway.

Came home to winter, not spring.......though it got mild right AFTER I shovelled the driveway out enough to get the car in, and went down for a nap.

New York, New York casino

Paris Las Vegas casino

Fountain show at Bellagio

Dancing water set to music....and free!

Newest casinos Aria and Cosmopolitan

Fountains at Aria

Duty Free goodness

Viva Las Vegas, Part II

2011-03-11T15:04:00.001-08:00

The Strip, aka Las Vegas Boulevard

Fremont Street Experience

Light canopy over Fremont Street

The "Old Strip" at Fremont

Viva Las Vegas

2011-03-11T14:47:00.001-08:00

Just back from a week in Vegas, here are a few pics from our getaway!

The view from our first room at the Imperial Palace

Later that same day....

The view from our second room at the Las Vegas Hilton

Mike's burger at the Chop House

A Glimpse of Spring

2011-02-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

Some rather fabulous spring weather this week has eradicated the majority of our snow, leaving only a few white spots in places where significant drifts formerly....drifted. I'm sure we're not out of the winter woods quite yet, but still uplifting to see green at this point.

Our yet unnamed barn cat, currently living in the Man-Garage

PseudoSnowmageddonPacalypse II

2011-02-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

While we didn't get hammered as bad as they were predicting, we did get some snow, and some really nasty east winds that re-distributed all of the snow we already had. As a result, you can see grass in places......and there are chest-high drifts in other places!

Parked at the road to make sure we can leave

Winter Mullet

Short grass in the front, big drift in the rear!

This drift is deceiving, could not get a good angle but it's 20' long by 10' wide by 4' high.

Right where we NORMALLY park the cars

More Juke pics

2011-01-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures of the new Juke, in her new home environment. Too bad we got that snowstorm the day we picked it up, I think it would look much nicer against a green background!

JUKE

2011-01-11T17:22:00.001-08:00

Got the call today that the JUKE was in for pickup. Too bad it had to coincide with a snowstorm sweeping across southwestern Ontario, made for interesting drive home getting used to the new vehicle. Also memorable to have picked it up on 11/1/11. Yes, that IS binary for "cool car".

Nobody at the Nissan dealership had even seen this colour before, "Root Beer", and apparently a few staff members almost stole our car before we got there. Looks black from a distance, but a nice deep bronze up close. Looks nice, drives real nice.

Better pics to follow in daylight tomorrow or later, these were the best we could do for tonight, taken in the garage at the dealership. At least they kept us from having to clean all the snow off it.

Juked when we should have Jived

Juke can look but Juke can't touch

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

Managed to ring in a quiet New Year at home, taking a break from our Twilight marathon to flip over to TV for Great Big Sea and Barenaked Ladies live in Niagara Falls. No, the band....not the usual barenaked ladies found in Niagara Falls. It is a border town, after all.

We did finally break into the bottle of chianti we bought in Italy and brought back on the plane. Also enjoyed a green New Year here, +10 C and no snow in sight, except maybe the deep ditches.

All the best in 2011!

A Chianti New Year

New Year's Day

Shadow Mike in the afternoon sun

A Special Holiday Visitor

2010-12-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

Enjoying our Christmas morn, and what to our wondering eyes did appear? Or maybe, "WHO to our wondering eyes did appear?" would be more accurate.

HOO! HOO!

He/She just sat there on the front lawn and stared at us for a few hours. Extra creepy when you're already in the middle of a Supernatural marathon.

I Always Feel Like, Somebody's Watching Me

'Owlin Mad Murdoch

Tell me this wouldn't creep YOU out!

Looks like a little feathered person, like an Evil Ewok or something.

Thornley and Big Wreck Wrock Norma Jeans!

2010-12-23T05:07:00.000-08:00

We took advantage of the annual trek to London area for Coxmas festivities to line up a show at Norma Jeans. Luck was with us, as not only was Ian Thornley playing on the night in question, but he was also jamming with his old band, Big Wreck.

The place filled up fast for the sold-out show, but we had gotten there early and snagged the best seats in the house. The first set consisted of all Thornley Band tunes, while the second set featured all Big Wreck material.

Perhaps most impressive, I managed to drink the bar completely out of Labatts 50, despite the brewery being just a few blocks away. It's one good way to ensure that the waitress never forgets what you ordered.

Coxmas provided its usual holiday treat the next day.....though I gotta say, a Coxmas without porn is like a Christmas without snow.

A sold out Norma Jeans

Ian Thornley sizes up his fans....

....and then rocks them!

Tidings of Automotive Issues, Comfort and Joy

2010-12-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

The poor old Honda seems to be having a tough time of things lately. Yes, our little girl is almost 12....they grow up so fast! Despite Jane's colourful corrective action regarding window issues, following a chilly recent drive home from Kingston, now the engine is acting up. We're limping around on three cylinders, and had to make the age-old decision - how much money do we spend on a 12-year old car with 240K on it before it just makes sense to get a new one?

They make such interesting duct tape these days!

We opted for the new one. We may fix the Honda in time (read: not until spring at least) as a second beater for local runs, but in the meantime we have ordered a shiny new Nissan Juke. Likely won't get it for a month or two, in order to get the exact colour we wanted ("root beer") and in a manual transmission, so we limp along a little longer.

Since we couldn't fit that actual CAR under the tree.....

The cats have fully adjusted to the annual winter rite of passage, whereby we live in the downstairs for a few months to avoid heating all of a large old farmhouse. Rather than moving the bed to the living room as usual, this year we opted for the dining room!

There's a fourth cat around here somewhere.....

The World is Diminished

2010-11-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

We lost one of our finest this past week, my grandmother Lillian. She survived the Depression, the Second World War, and losing her youngest child at forty just a few years back. Born and raised in the rugged Ottawa Valley near Renfrew, ON, followed by over sixty-five years of rural existence in Prince Edward County, she was easily the wisest person I have ever known.

Rest in Peace, Grandma.

Lillian Cole (Byers)

1925 - 2010

A lifetime to remember

Winterizing?

2010-11-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

Fall weather spells winterizing around here, if only because we know what's coming. Plastic on the windows, moving the bedroom downstairs, and generally battening down anything outside that might blow around when the fabled winds of Wheatley REALLY start whipping.

Finally even got the septic tank closed. In the end, we went and bought the biggest frickin' metal bar we could find and sunk it in the ground. Give me but a lever, and I can move the Earth....or at least the many hundred pound concrete lid of the septic tank.

Having said that....it's getting towards late November and still beautiful. We've barely had any frost (first frost Nov.1st), and double digits and sunny all this weekend. Still need to winterize in anticipation, but awfully nice to have great weather to do it in....

Tucking the Hyundai in the barn for winter

Thank you, Giant Metal Bar!

Filling the septic tank back in

November 20 - still good BBQ weather!

November 20 - they just never stop

Riding the Rails

2010-11-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

A recent trip to Kingston allowed me to step back in time a little and ride the rails eastward from Chatham, with a brief layover at Union Station in Toronto. As much as I enjoyed the trip from a cultural perspective, and even managed to get lots of work done along the way (Via offers wi-fi on board these days), I could not help but reflect as we approach Remembrance Day that many men once headed east on trains, bound well beyond Kingston.

As the train arrived in Chatham from its origins in Windsor, the first leg of my journey included stops in London, Woodstock, Brantford, Aldershot (Hamilton) and Oakville before arriving in Toronto.

The second train, after a transfer at Union Station in Toronto, was literally full, involving reserved seating and relatively few stops at Whitby, Belleville and finally Kingston before the iron horse continued on to Montreal without me. Special thanks to my sister for not only picking me up at the train station in Kingston, but also suggesting a dinner of hoagies at a local landmark near the Queen's University campus.

All in all a very introspective voyage. Perhaps I should have been concentrating on writing fiction on the train instead of work-related matters.

Eastbound from Chatham

The 10:21am train from Windsor, right on time

Southwestern Ontario scrolls past

Dinner at a Kingston landmark

Random Stuff

2010-10-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hadn't posted in a while, not many pics taken lately despite a bunch of travel around the province. Keith and Kevin also made the trek down recently to catch a UFC event at a local beverage room, as we watched Lesnar get Brocked Out. Yes folks, that goes down as a TBO or Technical Brock Out on yer score cards.

Figured some random pictures would suffice in the meantime until our lives become more entertaining....

Autumn weather spells chili goodness!

Jean survives a harrowing hawk attack!

Autumn weather spells grapey goodness....wait...wasn't it chili goodness?

Fill in as necessary. Laugh. Repeat.

More vacation miscellany!

2010-09-24T06:09:00.001-07:00

A few more random pictures from our recent sojourn to Prince Edward County and the Ottawa Valley....

Rural Splendor

Uncle Kevin's homemade BBQ

Abandoned mill - ghost town of Balaclava

The truly disturbing Kinmount Shoe Tree(s)

Bonnechere Caves

2010-09-20T07:15:00.001-07:00

We opted for one day-trip away from the cabin, to the nearby Bonnechere Caves between Douglas and Eganville. The Caves flank the Bonnechere River, and run about 100 feet underground into limestone and water.

The main passages are at least dimly lit and laid out with boardwalks. From there you can (and we did!) venture down side tunnels, some of them becoming quite low and narrow, to become a true spelunker. Adding to the experience were stalactites, stalagmites, and a few sleepy bats.

Well worth a visit if you're ever in the area!

Bonnechere River outside village of Douglas

Bonnechere River grotto action near the Caves

Enter if you dare!

Descending....

A Spelunker says what?

Residents of the Caves

Chillaxing at the Cabin

2010-09-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

We opted for a cheap vacation this time around, essentially amounting to the gas money it takes to drive a wee but laden Honda the length of the province to the Renfrew area of the Ottawa Valley. There stands the old Byers family log cabin, the very building in which my great-grandfather (on my paternal grandmother's side) and ancestors before him were born.

No hydro, no running water....just an outhouse and a whole lotta peace and quiet on 67 acres of majestic looming pines in Canadian Shield country.

The Cabin

New sleeping area at rear - added by relatives that hunt!

Waiting for that first cup of coffee....

Wild turkeys could not drag me away from this place

Shores of Erie Wine Festival

2010-09-10T06:16:00.001-07:00

The weather cooled off just in time for the annual Shores of Erie International Wine Festival, prompting the mental switch from "beer weather" to "wine weather". The event is held in Amherstburg on the idyllic shores of the Detroit River, on the grounds of the Fort Malden national historic site. Yes folks, yet another strategic locale where we repelled American invaders enough times that they eventually stopped trying.

Good enough reason to celebrate with a wine festival?

About a dozen of the local wineries representing the Pelee Island and Lake Erie North Shore VQA designations were on hand for sampling, as were many fine restaurants from Windsor to Leamington providing culinary delights for food pairing.

This year's musical entertainment on the Thursday "rock" night were Steven Page (formerly one of the Barenaked Ladies) followed by the headliner, east coast rockers Sloan. Both were excellent, as were the wine and food! All on a peaceful autumn evening on the banks of the river...

Random Old Man and the Detroit River

One of the historical buildings at Fort Malden

Wine booths - so many wines, so little time....

Steven Page rocks some Barenaked Ladies classics

Sloan

"....I know that I'll be livin' it in Canada!"

Deep Thoughts

2010-09-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

Thought to be used by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural address speech in 1994 to end apartheid in South Africa, but actually quoted from Marianne Williamson's "A Return to Love":

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Tomatofest

2010-08-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Tomatofest weekend in Leamington. While we skipped the obligatory tomato stomp and Miss Tomato pageant, we did go check out some of the events, including the classic car show. A few notable participants:

'66 Chevy Chevelle Malibu SS

'66 Plymouth

'65 Cobra

'67 Pontiac Beaumont

'61 Ford Falcon

'69 Chevy Camaro

Further Tomato Madness!

2010-08-22T10:50:00.001-07:00

This week heralded the annual onslaught of tomato season here in the Leamington area. By the end, in about eight weeks, the streets will literally run red with tomato. After all, Stompin' Tom wouldn't lie.

A few action shots from very early into the season:

Tomatoes coming down the main drag

The weigh scale and marshalling yard at Heinz

Ketchup loves Tomatoes

Roma-licious!

Tomato Season in Leamington

2010-08-22T10:28:00.001-07:00

With the garden suddenly kicking out tomatoes faster than we can eat them, it was high time to start storing a few away for hearty winter pasta dishes. We stew them, skin and all, then bag and freeze for quick and easy winter pasta meals. We manage to fill a few baskets every two days or so at this time of year!

Jane may be starting to catch on that all the tomatoes are a thinly-veiled excuse for me to consume more red wine.

The veritable fruits of our labour

Stewy goodness

Ready for the freezer bag

Dusk til Dawn

2010-08-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

The August long weekend visit to Midland/Orillia gave us the opportunity to re-visit a lost love - the Barrie Triple Drive In Theater. As many wonderful features as southwestern Ontario has to offer....there is a dreadful lack of drive in facilities within striking distance.

We have even talked about inventing our own on the side of the barn. Maybe next year.

For now....the drive in itch has been scratched, at least temporarily.

Waiting for dusk

Previews against the night sky on Screen 1

Darkness descends....bringing popcorn and entertainment

A Year of Beer

2010-07-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

OK, so it took considerably more than a year to assemble this vaunted collection of beer containers.....but The Wall of Beer in the man-garage has now officially reached 366 different bottles, cans and jugs, one for each day of the year, even covering leap years.

Next step - line up volunteers for kidney and liver donations. No reasonable offer refused.

Phase I and II

Phase III

Phase IV

Weekend o' R&R

2010-07-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Finally a weekend to stay home and do nothing....no travel, no commitments.

Friday night we headed into Chatham for Ribfest. Yummy.

Today we went into Tecumseh for a cinematic double bill - first "Eclipse", then a short beer and snack break at Boston Pizza, before returning to the Lakeshore for "The Last Airbender" in 3D. The free air conditioning was a bonus.

Tomorrow we are working around yard and garden, before settling in for the World Cup finale between the Netherlands and Spain. I also have homebrew to transfer from pail to carboy.

Oh Canadian, Eh?

2010-07-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more intensely patriotic than spending your nation's birthday bottling homemade beer in your kitchen?

I didn't think so.

Empty bottles cleaned and sanitized

Transferring the glorious barley nectar

Full bottles awaiting caps

"45 bottles of beer in the tote, 45 bottles of beer...."

Menagerie

2010-07-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing says "Happy Canada Day!" like some shots of nature's critters:

Hungry chipmunk at the Tillsonburg fish fry

Jean Pigeon on the back deck

Baby Swallows on the front porch

Calling for the waitress...

Waiting to Swallow the Worms

The Trews rock the Windsor Armouries!

2010-06-26T09:04:00.001-07:00

A pleasant surprise saw The Trews announce a one-off show at the Windsor Armouries, reverting to their acoustic set that they were apparently not performing on tour any more. Mike rounded up a veritable harem of arm-candy as accompaniment, including Jane, Bridget, Dora, Louise and Julie.

Another pleasant surprise - as part of Windsor Summerfest, the show also featured booths from several local wineries!

The Trews rocked their acoustic set as usual, and even altered a few songs in honour of the current G8/G20 summits in Toronto, most notably "Paranoid Freak" and "Gun Control". The evening's encore included a particularly stirring rendition of "Highway of Heroes" within the confines of the former military Armouries building.

We even walked past singer Colin MacDonald on the street on the way into the show....

Colin sings his heart out

Amen, Brother

East Coast 2010 - Salem

2010-06-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

We decided to come home from the East Coast through the States, being both a shorter route and some different scenery from the well-travelled Quebec-Ontario highways. Crossing at St. Stephen, NB into Calais, Maine, we wandered over to the I-95 interstate before hammering down through New Hampshire and Massachusetts to our first destination, Salem.

We arrived in time to visit the Witch Museum, and enjoy a meal and some local beer before joining a haunted historical hike of old Salem. The evening was rounded out by stocking up on other local beers (which abound in this area!) and retiring to our allegedly haunted B&B.

The next day saw us carry on through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York (including a GPS-induced detour through the Bronx to avoid traffic congestion!), New Jersey, and into Delaware. We stopped for the night in Wilmington, Delaware, and found an awesome brewpub for dinner. The Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant did not disappoint, as we sampled eight of their home-made beers, and even took a growler of Ironbound Ale to go!

Passing from the "right side of the tracks", or river in the case of Wilmington, we returned to the "wrong side" of town, where unfortunately we had booked a cheap motel. I guess we got our money's worth, because we only stayed half the night before packing up at 1:30am in mortal fear and hitting the road. Sometimes you have to trust your instincts.

Driving on through the night, we crossed into Maryland and drove through the Appalachians before pulling over near dawn at the Pennsylvania border for a one-hour nap. From there, straight on home through Ohio and Michigan.

In the end, some 5787 km in total and another fabulous road trip!

Jane's first apartment

Cool museum!

The Friendship in Salem harbour

On a haunted hike...

East Coast 2010 - Grand Manan Island

2010-06-05T17:56:00.000-07:00

After a run through the New Brunswick mainland and a quick trip to the Halifax area, we re-traced our steps back around the Bay of Fundy. An early morning ferry ride from Blacks Harbour escorted us to Grand Manan Island, where we would spend several days cliff camping at Hole in the Wall campground, aka Heaven on Earth.

We were favoured with mostly great weather, as we whiled away four days camping on a cliff over the ocean, watching whales, porpoises, seals and eagles and enjoying reading, home cooking and pure relaxation. Several times daily the coastal ferry passed under our watchful gaze from the cliff before rounding Swallow Tail Light to dock at the harbour.

I'll let the pictures do the talking.....

Blacks Harbour, NB at low tide

North Head harbour, Grand Manan Island

Pulling lobster traps near the herring weir

Checking the traps

Grand Manan shoreline

Site 21 at Hole in the Wall Campground, Grand Manan

Our cliff site to the right with Swallow Tail Light in the background

East Coast 2010 - Gaspe Peninsula

2010-06-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

After a brief delay due to a blown radiator in Kingston, we sped East and the holidays began in earnest. Rather than the usual turn east for New Brunswick, we carried on along the east bank of the St. Lawrence River, bound for the Gaspe Peninsula.

The scenery was stunning, and the camping was fabulous. Moreover, we learned that in a pinch, I can survive quite nicely en francais....at least as it pertains to procuring camp sites and ordering food and beer.

Forillon National Park was spectacular at the eastern tip of the Gaspe Peninsula, and much cheaper (actually, FREE!) in the offseason. The village of Perce and it's famous Roche (rock) weren't too shabby either.

Following the Bay of Gaspe, we wrapped around the peninsula after a few days and wandered into New Brunswick via the bridge at Campbellton.

Do you know the way to Gaspe?

Overlook at Grande Vallee

Campsite at Forillon National Park

The Perce Rock

Beach at Perce

Campground near Miramichi, NB

RAWK the COOP 3!!!

2010-05-24T08:05:00.001-07:00

As is the custom, Rawk the Coop III officially got underway with the delivery of the porta-pottie. Light showers kept the first evening damp, but from there on out we were graced with glorious May weather - sunny and warm, with a light breeze to keep things pleasant.

A weekend of food and fun unfolded, with a BBQ feast one night and a fish and chip fry the next. In between, heated games of cards, Risk and ultimate frisbee kept us entertained before evening bonfires and relaxation.

No injuries (long term liver and kidney damage notwithstanding), nothing broken, and nobody cried. People even slept in tents.

Thanks to all who came out for yet another successful RTC!

So it begins...

Sign of the times

Jane scores a goal!

Point Taunya....unless they can catch that cup!

Mmmmmmarshmellows

The Gang around the campfire

Lightning crashes....

2010-05-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

....an old motherboard dies.

The house got hit by lightning (quite a BAM! actually), and we're pretty sure the bolt hit the TV tower and came directly through the ethernet cable and fried both our router and computer. Clearly Mother Nature is savvy enough to avoid the six lightning rods that grace the house and barn....and hit our TV tower and internet dish instead.

With the gracious help of John and Julie, we tore down the old computer piece by piece, and rescued those parts that were not toast. In the end, we had to replace the motherboard, tower case and operating system, but thankfully the hard drive and it's data remained intact.

Back up and running (obviously!), and actually upgraded a little with Windows 7 a decided improvement over Vista. Also added a $9.99 wireless card to the desktop so that we are no longer physically connected to the ethernet.

Curious John and the Swapping of the Hard Drive

The leftover pieces of the old system

Dandelion Wine

2010-05-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Sure, there are already 14 wineries in this area...but I think I could establish a niche market by opening Ontario's first dandelion winery and marketing it to gullible tourists as the medieval drink of choice. We certainly have the dandelions for it....and the gullible tourists.

Rather than trying for VQA status, I am currently petitioning the Canadian Vintner's Association for the rights to establish the WQA (Weed Quality Alliance) designation for my wines. Currently accepting orders for 2011 delivery.

Also got the garden underway this weekend, with a two rows of green beans and three hills of cucumbers. It may be early yet so I'm going to hold there for now. Before tilling again for the third time (first time by hand and then two by electric tiller) I added some ashes from the fire pit to help break up the clay, and a bit of composted soybean waste from the nearby farmer's field. I even uncovered the strawberries (again!) to find that several are already in blossom!

The 2010 vintage - a fine year

Don't blink or you'll miss it - Jane cutting grass!

Freshly tilled and a few rows planted

Annoyed Jebus - apparently I was tipping off his hiding spot to the birds

In Bloom

2010-04-22T15:44:00.001-07:00

Update on the home front - sure, we had daffodils....but now we also have tulips and a few cherry trees full of beautiful blossoms....and they smell pretty good too!

Tulips and Daffodils, living in Harmony

Cherry blossoms - I feel a Haiku coming on....

Visit to The County

2010-04-22T14:23:00.001-07:00

A spring visit to Prince Edward County is always sure to please. Besides visiting my Grandmother and Uncle, we squeezed time in to walk the entire length of the 100-acre Cole farmstead, right back to the tenth field. Sure, there was some meandering around an overgrown tangle of a laneway and crossing Charlie Creek, but we made it right to the back. The place has been in the family since about 1850, so many a Cole have walked this ground.

Also managed to find time to visit Waupoos Estates Winery for some sampling, and grab some local cheese curd from Black River Cheese Factory, before taking the Glenora Ferry out of The County to visit my sister and family north of Kingston.

Country Roads....

Uncle Kevin's Workshop, aka The Barn!

Glenora Ferry from Lake on the Mountain above

The view from the ferry across the Bay of Quinte

April Showers bring...April flowers?

2010-04-14T16:11:00.001-07:00

We had a few April showers over late Sunday and Monday, which only served to heighten the glorious daffodil bloom. Today was nice, and tomorrow is supposed to be even better - 27 C and sunny!

Working up the garden to prepare it for planting. Uncovered the strawberries - again - after threat of a light frost the other night. Trees are also exploding with leaves, even the downed Manitoba Maple also known as Living Lawn Art!

Gonna have to actually cut the grass soon. Even got the riding mower all fired up and running for the season. So it begins....

And the daffodils look lovely today....

Till we meet again, garden....

The Willow Weeps....for joy!

Holstein (aka Jebus) speaks his mind

Spring keeps Springing

2010-04-05T13:21:00.001-07:00

Yet another beauty Spring day here (22 C and warmer in the sun!), so we decided to finally move back upstairs after spending the winter hunkered downstairs for warmth.

In between moving beds and dusting and so forth, we took a few minutes out to capture a few Spring pics to share. Our pet pigeon, dubbed Jean Pigeon, has been hanging around for 7-8 months now so I guess we have officially adopted him as well.

Another sure sign of Spring in this area, the roadside veggie stands are opening again. Cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes from local greenhouses at ridiculously cheap prices!

Purple Haze

Our outdoor pet - Jean Pigeon (Pee-jaune)

Local bounty

As the Stomach Blooms....

2010-03-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

We finally decided to get the professional opinion of a plumber, given that things were still not flowing properly despite having the septic tank pumped out...and it turns out that tree roots had infiltrated the short clay pipe between our house and the septic tank itself.

Finally things are moving again....on several fronts...and there was much rejoicing!

On an unrelated note, our fine spring weather continues with a crocus bloom and getting the garden ready for planting vegetables. I have even started by pre-planting the watermelon and broccoli in small peat cups in the house!

Yep, that's our toilet....in the tub!

...and where the toilet USED to be....

Hocus Crocus, in Focus

Niagara Falls!!!

2010-03-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

A surprise birthday party for a friend and co-worker from Barrie provided the perfect excuse for a night in Niagara Falls, actually a little surreal so soon upon the heels of Las Vegas. We headed down early on Saturday morning, and were graced with another beautiful spring day.

For all of you who have followed our recent septic woes, to go from no flush to one of the world's largest flushes provided stark contrast indeed.

Arriving before the rest of the revellers, we had a chance to walk around and enjoy the Falls and wander the Clifton Hill area on our own. We even managed an enjoyable lunch at the memorable Rainforest Cafe before heading back to the hotel to wait for the others, whilst sipping local Niagara Gamay Noir.

The birthday festivities began with champagne in the room, before we headed off to dinner at Brasa, a Brasilian steakhouse and winebar in the Hilton, where gauchos bring various meats to your table on huge skewers and carve them onto your plate. Along with an incredible buffet/salad bar and a wine list beyond belief, the tables operate on a simple two-sided coaster system - green means keep it coming, red means a break from the endless barrage of charbroiled meats.

From there the party wandered over to the Casino, where Jane parlayed $5 on the $0.50 slot machine into $110 on a mere four spins! Some more drinks back at the hotel lounge, and the evening wound down, equalling one Happy Birthday for our guest of honour.

The view from our hotel - the walk down Murray Street

American Falls on the U.S. side of the border

The pride of the Canadian side - Horseshoe Falls

Out over the rim....

As the Stomach Churns....

2010-03-19T15:21:00.001-07:00

So the very friendly local septic guy came today and pumped out the tank, now that we had the lid open far enough. That didn't seem to solve the problem entirely, as there seems to be some issue before the tank. There is work yet to be done, not to mention filling in all the holes too....but at least the tank should be good for two years.

Things aren't flushing quite properly yet....but at least they are flushing!

It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it...

Not sure how I got hosed into this line of work....

But this job sucks!!!

What a Waste....oh, the Humanity!

As the Stomach Turns....

2010-03-18T14:54:00.001-07:00

The septic woes continue....today the septic service came to pump out the tank (with Mike in London), but were unable to lift the several hundred pound concrete lid. This may be partly because they only sent one guy, even though Jane made it very clear that the lid was an issue. On top of that, he seemed unconvinced that she would be of any help. So he left.

The good news is that this gave me a chance to prove that four years of university science actually has some real-life application. I found a rusty old homemade jack stand kicking around the barn, which I'm sure I meant to throw in the garbage and only saved when I realized it would be worth more for scrap metal, and a bold plan sprang to life. We already had the lid open just enough to slide a metal plate in sideways....once we had dug down yet more to allow room for the jack stand.

Yeah, we jacked up the lid. I had to stand on the other end of the jack plate to keep it from tipping sideways as the metal bent, and we kept having to add bricks as the weight of the lid sunk the jack further into the mud.....but Jane was right there, jamming pieces of wood in the breach every time the lid raised another few critical centimeters.

Hopefully when Buddy comes back tomorrow, the lid is open enough that he can do his thing, or at least allow the three of us to open it the rest of the way.

Remind me to buy a tractor with all the various attachments - winch, bucket, mower, snowplow, beer cooler....AM/FM stereo with 8-track....

Just when you thought I didn't know jack...

Theoretical Physics and human waste - a deadly combination

Black Gold

Anti-Septic

2010-03-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Once again the septic system has reared it's ugly head....things not really flowing so much from the toilet these days. Some of you may recall our previous septic issues that arose during the very first "Rawk the Coop"....well, the tank should not fill again in less than two years....that is, unless there are other problems with piping and tiling and drainage so forth.

So dig we did, in an effort to unearth the source of our discomfort. In the meantime, thank Somebody for the outhouses 2 km down the road at the Two Creeks park which luckily I must pass by each morning on the way to the office.

We're having the tank pumped out as an interim solution, which should at least get things, er, flowing again. Otherwise, we continue to dig and reveal a rather unconventional septic setup, likely a homemade farmer's remedy from days gone by.

Here we are standing atop our concrete "coffin style" septic tank - yep, that's it there, the one with the several hundred pound cement lid that is nigh on the definition of "immovable object". With all due respect to Archimedes, I'm sure the lever he claimed he could move the world with was slightly more professional grade than a stock tire iron, two shovels, and a random steel pipe.

Like effluent through the sand filter, er, hourglass, tune in tomorrow.....As the Stomach Turns.....

Las Vegas 2010!

2010-03-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

Just back from a week in Las Vegas, a nice surreal escape from the real world. Weather was good, high 60's and sunny. We flew out of Detroit, which negated both a 6 hour round trip drive, and generally makes for an easier Customs experience crossing the border on the ground....plus you can grab two cases of duty free Alexander Keith's for $35 on the way home!!

We stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton at the top of the Strip for most of the week, then moved to the Imperial Palace mid-Strip for the final two nights.

Highlights of the trip included:

1. Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity" show at New York, New York.

2. Two visits to Dick's bar and restaurant at the Excalibur, where they insult patrons in a fun way and generally say and do all the things servers normally only think about saying or doing.

3. The Gun Store - Mike fired off a few rounds from a Beretta 9mm handgun (into Jane's souvenir tank top) and emptied a few clips from an AR15 assault rifle into a paper target.

4. Watching Canada win the Gold Medal in Olympic men's hockey on 40 big screen TV's, surrounded and outnumbered by a host of surly Americans.

5. Drinks at Coyote Ugly.

6. Jane's massive $24 strawberry daiquiri, which she needed HELP just to carry!

Rocky Mountains from the best seats in the house

Our return flight with Sierra Nevada mountains in background

Jane's bullet riddled souvenir t-shirt from The Gun Store

Don't mess with redheads and their famous temper

The Strip - Las Vegas Boulevard looking north

BBQ Season is Officially Open!

2010-02-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

It was a little chilly, especially once the sun went down.....but as long as one stayed out of the wind, things worked out just fine. More importantly, no problems keeping the beer cold.

Kicked off the 2010 barbeque season yersterday afternoon with a couple of striploin steaks that had been marinated for several hours in some haphazard concoction of ingredients. Turned out surprisingly well!

Here's to another full season of fire and charred meat!

The Trews rock Sarnia!!!

2010-01-24T11:44:00.001-08:00

We wanted to catch The Trews on their special acoustic tour, but were not able to align with their London or Sarnia dates before Christmas. Luckily for us, the Sarnia show was such a success that they announced a second show, tacked onto the very end of the tour. Like the first Sarnia show, this one sold out in record time.

Thankfully somone (that being me) was on the ball and grabbed tickets quickly. We ventured to Sarnia early in the day and wandered around the bridge and harbour area for a bit before the show, encouraged by the mild weather of false spring.

The venue itself (The Industry Theatre) was superb for a live show, especially something as intimate as an acoustic-only performance with some solid east coast rockers. The opening act was quite good, The Waxbills from Niagara, but in fairness to these lads they were sorely outmatched by the headliners.

The Trews played for two solid hours with one short break. They were joined on stage occasionally by a burly Celtic accordian player, and Kelly Hoppe (Windsor native and formerly of Big Sugar) even appeared on stage with harmonica in hand for a huge blues jam during the lengthy encore. Simply put, one of the best live shows we have even seen.

For those of you who haven't heard The Trews, do yourself a favour and check them out. They have about five albums out there plus the live acoustic CD, which is also available in an excellent and very affordable DVD format as well.

Apparently this was the very last show of the tour, and the boys are headed home to work on some new material. Due to overwhelming response and two sold-out shows, it was pretty clear that they would include Sarnia and The Industry in future tours. And we shall be there.

Long drive back to Wheatley afterwards, and we stumbled in the door at exactly 2am after listening to the purchased Trews live acoustic CD all the way home....

Bluewater Bridge - yes, that is the USA across the river!

Fishing tug and laker tied up for winter

The Trews rock The Industry!

Prelude to a drinkin' song - Colin MacDonald cracks a Guinness

New Year's in the South

2009-12-31T14:29:00.001-08:00

Just in case some of you were concerned that we would not have any snow for New Year's here in The South....

I took a couple of pictures this afternoon.....

See? We have snow. :)

Auld Lang Syne

2009-12-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ?

I hardly think so. We are fairly partial to our auld acquaintances. That would be YOU, dear reader.

On that note....we would like to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR and a healthy and prosperous 2010!!!

United Nations aside, I am not fond of resolutions. I would now like to break with tradition, and make a few selfish and meaningless New Year's resolutions for others instead:

1. Our inbred stray Mennonite cat will finally figure out how to do his business IN the litter box rather than down the side

2. Team Canada will claim Gold in both Men's and Women's Hockey at the Olympics

3. HBO will make the obvious correct decision and pick up the "Game of Thrones" pilot as a series

4. In a related note, George R.R. Martin will finally finish "A Dance with Dragons"

5. The Trews will rock Sarnia and our world on January 23rd

6. Ice Road Truckers will deliver World Peace to the frozen parts of the globe

7. Everybody will have fun tonight.....everybody will Wang Chung tonight

Olympic Torch Relay visits Leamington!

2009-12-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

So today the Olympic Torch made it's way to Leamington, as part of a long swing into southwestern Ontario before looping back and heading north. For those of you who are not Canadian, or who have simply not been paying attention....the Olympic Torch has been travelling across Canada on a long journey from the Atlantic Ocean on Newfoundland eastern shores, to its final destination at the Pacific Ocean and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Oh sure, there are more extravagant Torch festivities in Windsor tonight, but there was something more satisfying about watching it make its way down Erie Street right here. The Torch also made a stop at nearby Point Pelee National Park, to touch the waters of Lake Erie at the southern-most point in mainland Canada.

They ran the Torch on foot along the top end of Leamington, on its way to a community gathering at the Sherk Centre. A large and raucous crowd greeted the Torch, including local alt-rocker Jody Raffoul delighting all in attendance with a unique cover of Stompin' Tom's "The Ketchup Song".

They saved the best for last, however. After leaving the Sherk, the Mayor of Leamington drove the Torch-bearer down the main drag, as she stood atop a tomato harvester pulled behind a tractor. What better way to pass by all the many windows at the huge Heinz plant???

Hey, they don't call us the Tomato Capital of Canada for nothing!!!!

The flame enters town at the top end of Erie Street

Erie Street South welcomes the Torch

The Torch-bearer atop a tomato harvester

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Homeward Bound

2009-11-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 9, 2009

The 5am wakeup came early, and Davis arrived in the dark and rain at exactly 5:45am to whisk us the airport. The hand-talking was even more pronounced as we sped along the abandoned pre-dawn highways of Rome, now that he was comfortable with us!

We were very early for our 10:20am flight, mainly to allow Davis to get back into Rome before rush hour. Searching for a place to sit for an hour while waiting for the ticket counter to open, we settled upon a row of seats at the end of the Departures area.

Julie first noted the smell. There were several people sleeping on the seats that we initially assumed were weary travellers.....but apparently were actually homeless people with a lot of stuff in large backpacks. The next thing we know the situation descended into chaos.

An American couple had apparently offered food to one of the homeless men when they awoke. He kicked it across the room and started yelling. He was HUGE, with a beard nearly down to his waist and a decidedly sour demeanor. Suddenly this old Italian man appears, half the guy's size and twice his age, and starts yelling back at the man.

Of course, we have no idea what they are saying. The man actually comes to us and attempts to enlist our support.....bu the best I can do is tell him in Italian that we don't speak Italian and don't understand. Next thing we know, they are threatening each other from across a narrow rope line. That's when things got interesting. Julie dubbed it the Roman Bum Fight.

With all of the tourists now huddled in in th corner in fear, the little old man retrieves an umbrella and proceeds to the threaten Man Mountain Transient....who responds in kind by whipping him with a dirty sweater. A pitched melee ensued right in the airport, umbreall vs. sweater, with heate and rapid Italian discourse for punctuation. Eventually (and I mean EVENTUALLY) airport security wandered over, and then the Carabinieri showed up with their submachine guns....but they basically all stood and watched the entire affair!

In the end we carefully walked away, skirting delicately around the fracas, at which point security and the police left too!

By now the ticket counter was opn, so we checked our bags and passed over to the other side, finally getting actual stamps in our passports! We had ample time for some duty-free shopping, securing a cliche bottle of chianti in a wicker basket, along with a gift pack of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

We boarded the plane a little bit late, with some lineup chaos involving several flights from the same general gate area....and then SAT on the plane for nearly two hours. Apparently they pulled someone OFF the plane for security reasons....requiring them to pull off ALL baggage to find this person's ONE bag. Given the delay, they decided to allow 35 unscheduled passengers on board, all missionaries with some international organization. Of cours, these people boarded a nearly full plane and then wanted to all sit together, and began actually negotiating with passengers to move seats!

Once actually IN the air, the 9.5 hour flight was relatively uneventful, though sleep simply did not happen. Luckily they were pouring red wine freely, and feeding us constantly, so we touched down happy in Toronto around 4pm Eastern Standard Time.

One final snag awaited us - after a smooth luggage pickup and shuttle to the park'n'fly, the battery on John and Julie's CRV was dead. We had to flag down other weary travellers to help us out with a boost. Finally, we were on the home stretch.....first to John and Julie's to pick up our car, then home.

Once we arrived in Ilderton, we quickly threw our stuff in our car, and after quick washroom breaks and good-byes, we continued the drive home to Wheatley, walking in the door around 10pm EST to four very annoyed cats. Of course, our bodies thought it was 4am the next morning (Italian time), so we went pretty much straight to bed, our heads filled with two weeks of fond Italian memories.....

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Rome Revisited

2009-11-20T17:35:00.001-08:00

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Before the trip, our intended Sunday return flight had been cancelled by Alitalia, and pushed instead to the Monday. Not a terrible thing, says I, for it gave us an extra "free" day in Rome to play after the bus tour was over and done.

Most of the Cosmos group were heading out today, to various destinations - some home, some moving on to other trips and tours. We enjoyed many fond farewells in the hotel lobby as we saw off several groups of new friends.

Preparing to depart Pineta Palace for downtown Rome, we asked about a taxi at the main desk. As luck would have it, a car for hire was just leaving the hotel after dropping off guests, and we managed to secure Davis and his Audi sedan for the equivalent of a crappy cab ride. Davis took us right downtown by the best routes, chattering the entire way in both Italian and English. I had been given the front seat by the others, and attempted to both engage and understand him as he drove with his elbows, hand-talking the entire way to Hotel Montreal....

Davis enjoyed our company so much that he gave us his card, and offered to pick us up at 5:45am the next morning for our trip to the airport. He was a great guy, had a very nice car, and we also favoured this over having to try to get a taxi at that early hour. It was perfect, and we agreed upon a pickup.

Hotel Montreal was surprisingly nice, a big old grand marble building, right near the Termini train station. We dumped our gear and found food, drink, and neighbourhoods to walk. John accidentally ordered tripe, erroneously thinking by the waiter's gestures that it was flank steak. Once ready to explore again, we hopped on the Metro and rode west to within walking distance of the Vatican City.

Unlike our previous visit, when St. Peter's Basilica was closed for the papal mass, this time we were able to go and in and witness the largest church in the world. The place made even the grand Duomos of Florence and Milan seem small. Pictures cannot hope to do it justice, but suffice it to say, "WOW!".

After exploring the Basilica, we wandered out of the Vatican City and back "into" Italy, checking out the Castel Sant'Angelo before crossing back over the Tiber to begin the meandering journey back to the hotel. We even ran into Aussies Bob and Liz from the Cosmos group, what are the odds in a city the size of Rome?!?!?

The circuitous trip back took us through a sudden downpour and even hail at Piazza Navona, where we took shelter for coffee, and then on to the Pantheon, Piazza Vittorio Emanuelle II, Trajan's Column, the Forum, and an evening visit past the Colissuem. Ourt stroll across the heart of Rome ended at Termini station and our hotel, after a very fine yet reasonable meal at Pastarino.

Back at the hotel, the evening that remained was spent on final packing, with special care to get all 12 of my souvenir beer bottles wrapped and packed safely into our travel backpacks to be checked. Before turning in, we requested a 5am wakeup call....

Vatican City from across a bridge over the Tiber

St. Peter's Square and Basilica

Inside St. Peter's - photos cannot capture the sheer scale!

Colisseum at Dusk

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Sorrento and Rome

2009-11-20T16:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 7, 2009

We enjoyed our one and only sleep in day as the tour of Italy neared its end. Taking the gut-wrenching sea-road out of Sorrento and back out along the coast, we skirted the Bay of Naples and headed north for Rome. Unlike the previous day of rain and fog, today was absolutely beautiful.

After quick stops at a cameo factory where coral was carved into jewellery, plus the usual Autogrill rest break, we hammered the motorway towards Rome and another night at the Pineta Palace. Once back at the hotel and our belongings stowed, we walked the neighbourhood in search of final trinkets and a much needed McDonalds. Several amongst us were just plain pizza and pasta'd out. The visit was complete when I ordered a draft beer to go with my meal combo.

Using John's I-Touch and the Rick Steves travel book, we located and secured accomodations for the next night in downtown Rome, ironically at the Hotel Montreal. We whiled away a quiet night of packing and prep, still with one day to go but already sensing the end of the road. We turned in relatively early for the night....

....but a phone call at 1:30am tore us from fitful slumber. It was Julie and she was plainly upset - John was passing a kidney stone and they were hoping we would accompany them to the hospital for my pitiful translation skills. By the time we were up and about, Jane and the concierge had also woken Sabina, so that she would know where we were going, to the nearby hospital just a few blocks walking distance.

By this time John had passed the stone, and was feeling rather sheepish about waking everyone else up, in spite of his agony. We walked the darkened streets towards the hospital anyway just to be sure.....and were treated to some local entertainment as we encountered a case of coitus interruptus, stumbling upon a young couple sharing an affectionate moment in a parked SmartCar at 2am. Those Italian ladies sure are flexible. Just sayin'.

Back at Pineta Palace, we fell back into bed and were quickly asleep.....

Vesuvius from across the Bay of Naples

Sorrento from the bus

The Road between Sea and Cliffs

Cliffs o'er the Mediterranean

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Capri

2009-11-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 6, 2009

The next morning, we took local buses down to the docks, as our tour bus was too large to fit down the narrow and winding streets of Sorrento. At the wharf, we boarded a jet boat for Capri, a mountainous and beautiful isle just a few miles offshore from the Italian mainland.

A twenty minute ride later, we were across the sea to Capri, where we met our local guide Luigi at the Marina Grande pier. From there, another small bus took us up, up and away, up the snaking, narrow and treacherous mountain roads. On one side of the bus was solid rock towering high above, on the other side of the bus was a sheer drop over a thousand feet down into the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean.

The bus deposited us at Anacapri, meaning "above Capri", a town of 5000 inhabitants perched atop the island. Luigi led us first to Villa San Michele, the former abode of a doctor to the Swedish royal court and now museum and botanical garden. In the dining area, a skeletal mosaic on the floor appeared a tad macabre, but was explained to us in a positive light. The skeleton, with a jug of water in one hand and a jug of wine in the other, implores guests to "seize the day", as we never know which may be our last.

From there we walked back to the chair lift, for one of the highlights of the entire trip. The single-person lift towed us up the mountain, Monte Solaro, or "Sunny Mountain". On this gloomy day, the chair lift took us high above the village and sweeping vantages of the sea and directly up into the clouds that concealed the mountain's peak. There was something oddly relaxing about dangling high above the island and the sea in a tiny wooden chair.

From atop the mountain the view was non-existent, due to the foggy weather. It was, however, an incredible opportunity of a different kind. Standing on top a mountain, surrounded by fog and nothingness, it was like gazing into the abyss when all you can hear is wind and water....needless to say it was quite a moving experience.

After the chair lift ride bakc down the mountain, Luigi led us through medieval back alleys to one of his favourite "secret" places on the island, a spectacular vantage point on the quiet backside of the island, overlooking Marina Piccolo. From there we returned to the main town, Capri, and toured the streets until the jet boat took us back to Sorrento and the mainland.

That evening, we returned to La Taverna Sorrentina for the exquisite food and drink. It turned out it was their last night of the season to be open, as they were closing until March. We even sampled the Limoncella....

Carpe Diem - Seize the Day

Marina Grande from above on Capri

Egyptian sphinx stolen by the Romans watches over Capri

Crazy mountain roads and crazy bus drivers

Monte Solaro shrouded in fog

Going......down?

Capri cliffs and Faragioli islands

Marina Piccolo

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Pompei

2009-11-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Early morning saw us underway from Perugia, still heading south. Most of the morning was spent on the bus, with one obligatory rest stop at an Autogrill. We passed out of Umbria region and neared Rome once again, before diverting further south towards Naples.

Along the way the Apennines were constant company, including the old abbey atop Monte Cassino, where a brutal battle for this dominant hilltop position took place during the latter stages of World War II. We also glimped a section of the old Appian Way, the original Roman road running straight and true from Rome to the Adriatic Coast at Brindisi.

Naples was very different than the other cities we had seen, large yet disorganized and seemingly less touristy and more real. The slumbering volcano Mount Vesuvius watched us carefully as we skirted Naples and headed to Pompei for a must-see tour of the ancient ruins.

Our guided tour of the ruins was spectacular, as once we again we walked roads and entered buildings several milennia old. The entire city was buried by volcanic eruption in 79 AD, and as a result preserves the best intact vision of what a city was like back then, without the evolution oassociated with 2000 more years of habitation.

From the ruins it was on to Sorrento, which involved a hairy but scenic drive along the undulating coastal road, the sole connection around the Bay of Naples to the Sorrento Peninsula. Our hotel, Rivage, was perched atop the city, glimpsing the far-off waters of the Mediterranean.

We lucked out and got a blacnoy room on the sea-side. After John and Julie sorted out their issues with a key broken off in their room lock, we set out for dinner. In the side alleys of Sorrento, we discovered La Taverna Sorrentina, a restaurant older than Canada, and enjoyed fine homemade food (the ravioli was life-altering!) and house red, made "out back" with their own grapes.

The convivial proprietor, "William", even tried to trade John a huge bottle of Jack Daniels in exchange for Julie, and offered me 10 litres of Limoncella for Jane!

Monte Cassino abbey

The Appian Way

Mount Vesuvius (on the right) shrouded in cloud

Pompei ruins

A very old street

Wall inscriptions at the ancient brothel in Pompei

Vesuvius looking down upon the ruined city

The view from our balcony in Sorrento

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Ravenna, Assisi

2009-11-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

We left Venice and Hotel Poppi behind us early on Wednesday morning, as the journey turned southward. The road took us through the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, at first very flat and marshy and fraught with agriculture. Soon the familiar Apennines loomed ahead once again, as we motored towards our first stop of the day at Ravenna.

It turns out that November 4 is Armed Forces Day in Italy, quite similar to our own Remembrance Day. We witnessed a parade and ceremonies in the main square at Ravenna, and also walked to the tomb of Dante Alighieri, the "father" of modern Italian. Besides his famous works, Dante is revered for being the first known authour to pulblish a work in "low" speech (i.e. Italian) or langauge of the common folk, rather than Latin. We also visited some nearby piazzas to observe two basilicae, San Vitale and San Francesco.

Departing Ravenna, we stopped for lunch at the town of Classe, for homemade fettucine and house red at resto St. Apollinare. Our bellies full, we boarded the bus, and enjoyed a meandering journey through winding mountain passes resplendent with vineyards and fall colours. We passed from Emilia-Romagna, briefly back into Tuscany, and then into Umbria, all within the mountains. A construction detour even saw us re-routed off the "high road" and onto some narrow and sketchy mountain roads. Luckily by now, we all had faith in Angelo's abilities behind the wheel.

We arrived at Assisi just before dusk, which sadly limited the amount of time we had to explore the steep and cobblestone streets of the walled medieval town. The guided tour of the Basilica of St. Frances was breath-taking however, and made up for our tardy arrival. The church consisted of three levels, a new church built on an old church, built in turn upon the buried tomb of St. Frances (San Francesco) and his comrades in an effort to hide their bodies from rival Perugia. Stunning but not as "fabulous" as some of the other grand churches, this one still had the most authentic and hallowed feel about it.

The walls included more frescoes on walls, ceilings and arches, depicting biblical scenes. The "Bible of the Poor" they were called, revealing the secrets of the Bible to the illiterate masses back in the day. We were treated to a grand panorama of the sweeping countryside at night from high atop the walls of Assisi, before heading on to Perugia and a group dinner at the splendid Holiday Inn.

Statue of Garibaldi in Ravenna

Armed Forces Day ceremonies

The Hills of Umbria

Gateway to Assisi

The Basilica of St. Frances

Medieval Madness!

Umbrian countryside at night from Assisi

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Venice

2009-11-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

After our late night foray into Venice, we returned the next morning en masse. The Cosmos bus dropped us at Tronchetto Station, where we caught a vaporetto (water taxi) direct to the main lagoon, just east of St. Mark's Square.

In daylight it was clear - Venice was sinking. The city floods about ten days per year, when wind, rain and tides conspire to raise water levels over the canals and into the "streets". We were lucky enough to witness such a day.

St. Mark's Square was actually too flooded to visit early in the morning, so we attended a glass-blowing demonstration at the Laguna Murano Glassblowing Factory, where we purchased some fine red Venetian blown glass tumblers. Following the tour, we wandered the wet streets of Venice, eventually finding delicious gnocchi and the usual house red at a random restaurant.

As the tides subsided, more of the streets and alleys became passable, thanks in part to the omnipresent walking platforms. We strolled to the Rialto Bridge, and shpped various merchants along the narrow lanes. Just across the bridge, we met Franco, a friendly gondolier.

Franco took the four of us out in his gondola, up the Grand Canal for a ways, before taking into some smaller and quieter side canals. He was very funny and extremely knowledgeable, and luckily spoke very good English. After an enchanting tour of the city as it was intended to be seen, from the water, he returned us to the base of the Rialto.

From there we navigated the maze back to St. Mark's Square, where the drying cobblestones allowed us to visit the impressive Basilica and main square. We enjoyed drinks at a canal-side patio before strolling along the lagoon under sunny skies. As all good things must end, we eventually met up again with our tour group and caught a vaporetto back to Tronchetto and the bus.

Back at Hotel Poppi in Mira, we attended a group dinner buffet, followed by an informal and raucous group meeting in the hotel bar with the fun-loving Australians, who comprised roughly half of the Cosmos tour populace on our bus.

Quaint Canal

St. Mark's Square and Basilica under siege

"If Venice is Sinking...."

The Grand Canal

View from the Gondola

O Sole Mio.....

The Rialto Bridge

The Venetian Lagoon

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Verona

2009-11-12T16:54:00.001-08:00

Monday, November 2, 2009

Another early departure found us heading east out of Baveno, back towards Milan and beyond. Our luck with good weather finally gave out, and the morning witnessed the first rainy day of the trip. Once clear of Milan rush hour traffic and an accident on the motorway, we were on our way to the city of Verona. The entire bus was swept up in horse-racing fever as the Aussies organized two sweeps around the Melbourne Cup, a much-heralded annual race taking place later in the day Down Under.

The bus dropped us just inside the old city centre, made famous by Shakespeare as the setting for "Romeo and Juliet". A short walk along the ancient and crumbling city wall led us to the main square, under the watchful eye of Vittorio Emanuelle II, the first true King of Italy. The square also held the city's old arena, third largest in Italy and still in use today.

We set off in the drizzle towards Juliet's Balcony, a popular spot for tourists and lovers alike. Julie and Jane stopped to buy fashionable headgear in a local market, while Mike approached a random woman and asked her in vey poor Italian how to find the famous balcony. Luckily Paola also spoke excellent English as well, and in fact also taught French in Verona and was planning to come to Montreal to study. She took it upon herself to lead us directly to the balcony.

The crowded courtyard contained not only the small balcony rumoured to have inspired Shakespeare and the famous tale, but also messages left by lovers, scrawled on the walls and even applied with sticky notes under a nearby tunnel.

From there we wandered to the other side of the city centre and toured the old fort Castelvecchio and its ancient bridge over the River Adige. Mike even had his full full conversation in Italian, venturing into a tabacchi shop to acquire international stamps for mailing postcards. After a quick lunch under a protective awning, another short walk in the rain had us back on the bus and headed for the Venice area.

Our hotel stop for the night was in Mira, on the Veneto mainland and a little ways removed from Venice itself. Knowing that a full day tour of Venice was planned for the next morning, many travellers were content to ride out the evening rain in the comfort of the hotel.

While most of the group hunkered down at Hotel Poppi for the evening, we bought tickets and caught the local public bus to the train station outside Venice, joined by a few other intrepid adventurers from the group. From there, in the darkness and pouring rain, we ventured into the canals of Venice and gladly lost ourselves in the maze. We were quickly soaked and loving every minute of it.

The experience was nothing short of magical. Unless you have some place to be, getting "lost" in Venice is the best way to find things....including an excellent dinner at Trattoria Alle Colonelle. We eventually stumbled upon St. Mark's Square, amid driving rain and hiwling wind, and watched as the waters of the Venetian lagoon crashed over the breakwall and into the sqaure. Short benches were even erected throughout much of the main public areas to allow people to walk above the intrusion of water.

The darkened maze of alleys and canals eventually deposited us back at the train station, near the Liberty Bridge causeway to the mainland, where the local bus took us back to our hotel to dry out for the night.

Main Square and Arena in Fair Verona

Within the Old Walled City

Juliet's Balcony

Lovers in an Informative Time

Castelvecchio and Bridge

Castelvecchio on the River Adige

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Lugano, Switzerland

2009-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 1, 2009

We awoke to All Saints' Day, a national holiday in Italy. Aside from that, a lot of things are generally not open on Sundays anyway. Luckily, Cosmos had a plan to keep us entertained. An optional tour was offered into nearby Switzerland, an invitation that we readily accepted.

The bus skirted Lake Maggiore and then followed Lake Como north to the Swiss border, where thankfully we were not held up by any sort of inspection. A little ways into Switzerland, we stopped at the city of Lugano, nestled amongst the Alps on Lake Lugano, where we were given the opportunity to wander for a little while.

The city was clean and beautiful, and quiet on a Sunday morning. Besides the lake and mountains, there were many lovely parks, gardens and squares. Hungry after a less-than-satisfying breakfast at Hotel Dino, certainly NOT congruent with the hotel's otherwise grand nature, we ate a second breakfast at the world's nicest McDonald's.

Back aboard the bus, we drove out of town to Monte Tamaro, a nearby mountain recreational area. From there we took a 4-person cable car some 1500m up the side of the mountain, up up and away into the clouds. The view that greeted us at the top was simply stunning, alpine mountain peaks jutting above the clouds on a crisp and sunny morning.

Beyond gaping at the view, we also watched crazy mountain bikers fly down the hills....and even more crazy hang-gliders jump OFF the hill. Encouraged by the daring behaviour, we went 800m even further up the mountain and braved the 2-person bobseld track down the big hill in the open air before enjoying a cafe lunch at the mountain-top lodge. The excursion finished with a quick tour of the cliff-top church, which won its architect an award for building it right into the mountain.

Another jaw-dropping cable-car ride saw us down the mountain and back onto the bus for the ride back to Italy. Nearly one week into the trip, we took the opportunity to do some laundry at a local laundromat, whiling away the time walking the quaint streets and alleys of Baveno. Meeting up again with John and Julie, we enjoyed pasta and Dolcetto at a local establishment before returning to Hotel Dino for another night in the lap of luxury.

Lugano, Switzerland

Above the clouds on Monte Tamaro

The Cable Car up the Mountain

Bobsled Run down the mountain

View FROM the cable car - going down???

On Top of the World

BEST of ITALY 2009 - Milan

2009-11-11T13:15:00.001-08:00

Saturday, October 31, 2009

After another early morning wakeup call, we boarded the bus and departed the Florence area. The A-1 autostrade took us northward four hours through the Apuan Alps, offering winding canyons and mountain tunnels as far as Bologna. From there, the landscape flattened out into the Po River Valley, punctuated by vineyards, orchards and farms.

After the obligatory highway rest stop at an Autogrill, we carried on to Milan, the second largest city and economic capital of Italy. Taking advantage of a relatively short visit, we explored the city centre on foot, noting the modern feel and generally more wealthy and sophisticated atmosphere of the city.

From the main square, Piazza del Duomo, we saw the impressive Galleria shopping mall, and wandered several blocks down to explore the Sforza Castle. Opting for a relatively quick lunch at McDonald's, if only to use their washrooms without paying, we headed back to the Duomo to visit the mighty gothic cathedral that dominates the city centre.

The massive structure was stark in contrast to the grand churches of Rome and Florence, with sharp lines and pointed spires, each topped with different statues, some 2000 in all. The sheer size made even the huge Duomo in Florence seem small. This time, we opted for the elevator partway up, and then walked around the roof and enjoyed views out over the city skyline before hiking back down the stairs to meet the group.

Back aboard the bus, the journey northward continued until we reached Baveno and the Grand Hotel Dino on the idyllic shores of Lago Maggiore (Lake Major), the second largest lake in Italy. The hotel was much nicer than any we had stayed at, and we eagerly unpacked our bags for two nights at this lakeside resort.

We once again relied on Sabina's advice for dinner, and dined at La Trappola just a short walk along the water, enjoying the lights around the lake as we walked in the cool night air. As before, she did not steer us wrong - the pizza, pasta and Barbera was surpassed only by the warm service. We finished the night enjoying some seaside solitude on a lovely stroll back to our fabulous accomodations.

Beautiful fall colours from the A-1 motorway

Inside the courtyard at Sforza Castle

The Galleria for haute couture shopping

The gothic Duomo of Milan

View of the city from atop the Duomo amongst the spires

Our washroom at fabulous Hotel Dino