October 8

Another grey day today sprinkled with drizzle.  We have had grey skies for a month now, but when I went outside, the autumn leaves that blew to the ground brightened my yard.  I know I still have to rake them up but for now they paint such a cheery picture, I think I will leave them there for a while.

Gravity

How could I NOT see the most talked about, highest grossing film of the century that took over 4 years in the making.  Alfonso Cuarón, the director invented a new way to light, shoot and direct this script co-written with his son.  The story is simple, the special effects are spectacular.  They apparently put all their money into the special effects, necessitating saving money on the actors, as there are only two (and a few dead ones that could be dummies for all I know) and of the 2, one was in it only half the time.  George Clooney is a very likeable character and Sandra Bullock (who was at least fifth in line to star in this role, behind Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson) slipped out of her comedic character to become a doctor struggling for survival.  It was pure entertainment.  I didn't walk out of the theatre mulling over any deep thoughts or philosophies (except to reiterate the fact that I do not want to go into space - sorry Richard Branson, you won't get my $200,000).  I was just entertained, especially visually.  What I liked most was the fact that she had trouble adjusting to gravity, just like Chris Hadfield was saying when he re-entered earth.  Apparently they did have astronauts advising on this film although from many many reports it is not totally accurate, but for me and you is it more than real.  One suggestion, see it on the biggest screen you can (Imax in your area??).  I could see myself enjoying it more if I didn't see it in our little theatre with the small screen, broken seats and my feet stuck to the sticky floor.
I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

Many Happy Returns

It's that time of year again.  The air is crisp, the leaves on the trees have turned gold and crimson, it is almost time to once again give thanks (believe that is next week) and SR is one year older.  Had his birthday dinner a week early as he may be out of town and Brooke definitely will be out of town.  And as I am wheat free and did want to eat some of his cake, it was Pavlova this year.
P.S.  He is older than 6 years old  (or like my family says,  5 years old + one for good luck)

October

Dog sitting again, this time overnight.  Didn't know what to expect with the little one, but for a baby he was as good as gold.  No accidents in the house, sleeps through the night and comes when called.  What more could I expect.  Of course, Lily was just perfect as usual.

Drove to the liquor warehouse to pick up my order and what do I see heading in my direction?  Look by the black car - a gorgeous looking fox.  I don't know how he has such a nice coat so early in the season ... perhaps it is a warning of a cold winter - but I hope not.

Splashmob Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa

Let's Make our Day Harder

No Golf Today

Thursday - golf night.  Meadow Lakes has a climate of it's own.  Even when it is cool and drizzling in town, a drive out to the golf course is often like driving to another country.  Alas, not today.  It was cool and drizzling at the course too, so instead we spent our time at the 19th Hole (or 10th hole at this course), sipped our Yukon Gold and had a good chat with our buddy Johnny.  He had already began to set out the containers for "Closest to the Pin" and "Longest Ball" but as we had decided not to golf that evening, he was sure this was the indicator that no one else would either, so he scooped then up and put them away - till next week.  We are all still optimistic that there are still a few more golfing days left this season, just not tonight.

So, off we went to Nancy's house where she served our foursome a hearty beef stew for dinner.  That was just what we needed on this cool evening.  Thanks Nancy!

The Quiet

A week ago today I drove up to the cabin, the first time I had been back since the wedding in June. I was meeting a film crew who wanted to scout out this location.  The air was crisp, the sky piercingly blue, and the smell of fall was in the air.  The crew came and went and as I stood alone I had quite forgotten how quiet, quiet can be.  Living in town now there is ALWAYS a noise, either outside or inside - cars, planes, neighbours, electricity; noises that even when you hear them you think it is quiet.  This trip reminded me that it is not.  Quiet is hearing nothing.  Nothing.  Silence.  Something we do not hear very often, yet for 10 years I heard every day and took it for granted.  It always reminds me of the episode of Lucy when she and Ricky moved into the country from their downtown apartment.  They were trying to sleep and finally Lucy said, "the quiet is too loud".  

Sept 18, 2013

Little Jenn just brought to my attention the fact that the photos seem to have disappeared on my Blog.  I have looked and Yes, they have disappeared.  I don't know why and am hoping that if I ignore this fact, in a day or so they will magically re-appear (as it wasn't anything I did to make them disappear).  So, sorry to my readers and fingers crossed.  I will check back in a day or so ...

Mr. B.

So, golfing tonight we saw a beaver pulling a huge tree across the 6th fairway into the adjacent pond to add to his (her) dam.  By the time I got my camera out, of course, Mr. B was swimming away - with the tree.  But then on the 9th hole we turned the corner and saw this 'mess' caused by Mr. B.  

Then, oh, here comes Mr. B.

And he continued to stride up to the larger of the fallen trees.

But as I approached him (her????) he acted just like a vole.  He knew I was there and totally froze, as if I couldn't see him unless he moved!  Well, let the fella do his work.  I moved and continued to golf and he, once again, became busy.

Lee Daniels' The Butler

Saw this movie on Saturday night.  Don't know if you can see from the above picture, but the cast is amazing - which is the reason I went to see this film.  It is called Lee Daniels' The Butler because a movie by the title The Butler already exists - in silent movies!  It is certainly worth seeing Robin Williams playing Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jane Fonda playing Nancy Reagan, along with a cast of greats, Vanessa Redgrave, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack ...  well you can read all the names yourself.  This was a bit too long and I knew it was going to be an Oprah type movie (if you know what I mean) but all in all, it was very good.  If you're into thrills and lots of action, do not go to this movie.  If you are interested in black history this movie goes from the cotton fields of the south to Obama.  I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

September 8

Lily is not a large dog, but beside Timber, she sure looks big.  And like any little brother, Timber sticks to her like glue.  Luckily Lily has now accepted this new little one into the fold and plays gently with Timber.  Call Lily, Lily comes running and Timber is not far behind.

Tiny Tim (the Christmas name), Timbit, the nick name, Timber, the official name.  He was just picked up a mere three weeks ago and his coat is now shiny, he is gaining weight (apparently in the ears which have grown since his arrival) and he now knows "come" and "sit" and understands that petting is a good thing.  He is little but is learning fast.

And no, I didn't take my work clothes this time for my visit.  I did still get served an excellent meal with
 excellent company.

The Missing Toe

The Famous Sour Toe Cocktail (just ask Tex and Kristin). .. The BIG news story this week from the north:

A pickled human toe, the centrepiece of a bizarre Yukon drinking ritual, was swallowed last Saturday night in an apparent act of bravado by a departing American worker.

Here's the whole story:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/08/27/mysterious-american-worker-pays-500-to-swallow-toe-at-yukon-bar/

I Can Get You A Toe

Apparently getting a toe to replace the missing one is not too difficult.  Just ask Walter.

Tyler's Triumph

Thanks to my son, I now (sort of ) have an extended family in my circle.  They consist of many talented people, one of whom I want to talk about today - Tyler Massey.  Tyler is Erica's husband (remember pregnant bridesmaid Erica??  She had a bouncing baby boy, by the way, named Bruce Vincent) and Erica is Brooke's sister, and Brooke is my son's wife.  Whew!!!  Back to Tyler.  He is pictured above in the purple plaid shirt.  This past Saturday he participated in the Ironman Canada Triathlon at Whistler B.C.  

An Ironman Triathlon

An extreme challenge for the supremely fit, the Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile (3.9-kilometer) swim, a 112-mile (180-kilometer) bike ride and a 26.2-mile (42.1-kilometer) run. It's been said that just finishing is a victory! 

And finish he did.  I think he is the fittest person I know!  Congrats to you Tyler!  What an accomplishment!

Want to read more on this Triathlon and a breakdown of Tyler's results, click here .

Rank: 47

Overall Rank: 1109

BIB:	1044
Division:	M25-29
State:	Whistler BC
Country:	CAN
Profession:	Financial Analyst

Swim:	1:11:01
Bike:	6:03:31
Run:	5:40:45
Overall:	13:03:38

Sale, Sale, Sale

Actually it is Sale, Sale, Sale, Sale, Sale, Sale.  Six of us joined to put on our Multi-Family Garage Sale.  It was a rain or shine sale and a good thing too as it rained through the evening till about 6:30 AM, then was certainly overcast; consequently we set up IN the garage.  

We had a grand variety of goods.  From dishes, vacuums, and suitcases to baby toys, clothes and everything in between.  We were a bit worried that the weather would limit our clientele, but ...

then they started to come and come they did.  We had a great turnout, the sun even shone a bit at which point we pulled most of the items outside, then the clouds came again along with showers, at which point we put everything inside once again.  Oh well, a few extra dollars in our pocket and a bit less "junk" on our house.  I call that successful!

Golf Night

Left home last night and it was hot in the sun.  Arrived at the course and it was definitely getting cool, especially with the wind that perked up.  Forgot my jacket but what can you do?  Golfed the first few holes and the wind died down, some sun came out and then wished I have worn a t-shirt rather than my sweatshirt.  Whew, lots of different weather in two hours.  

Dog Sitting

Queen Lily gets along well with her new brother.  She is gentle even when rough-housing.  

And Timber will learn quickly with Lily as teacher.

Timber

Dog-sat the new little one yesterday.  Timber is such a puppy, inquisitive, chewing and eating everything in sight!  So cute.

August

Took my cue from the golf course today and came home and fall fertilized my lawn.  Yup, it is getting to be that time.  And thinking of fall, I took these few photos to remind myself of the beautiful blooms I have surrounding me.  No vegies in the vegetable garden this year, only colourful flowers.  I am truly enjoying the colours and scents.

My friend Helen grew most of these flowers which now bloom.  She truly has a green thumb.

Even Caleb had to pop down from the barrel as the flowers overtook his resting spot.  But he's not complaining and sends his warm regards to his friend Josh in Ontario.

I have had a few comments on my tardiness at updating my blog.  I do have reasons.  First and foremost, we have had SUMMER here - for the last THREE MONTHS.

Remember  when you were young and in public school and it was June and you couldn't wait for school to be through so you could enjoy the hot weather.  Then finally school is out and you are free to spend your days with your friends just playing in your sleeveless shirt and shorts - riding your bike, swimming at the local watering hole, playing baseball if you could round up enough people.  You were outside from dawn to dusk and summer seemed so very long.   Well, that is just the type of summer we have experienced and we cannot stop talking about it.  I, therefore, have spent my days out-doors and loving every minute of it.

But alas autumn follows summer and as of this week fall is in the air.  The temperatures have dropped slightly and it is threatening rain although I haven't seen too much of that so far.  Today we went out to the golf course and though it once again threatened rain, we were spared.  The above photo shows our drives, both excellently placed on the fairway.  I took the photo as I was so pleased that our drives were long, straight, and not in the bush.  (Oh, it doesn't take much to make me happy!).

Then it was off for a coffee at the Bike Shop that houses Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters.  A lovely way to spend a morning.

An addition to the Family

A new brother for Lily.  

SR was driving to Mayo and just north of Pelly Crossing saw what he thought was a bear cub walking the center line of the highway.  He slowed down and found this little one all by himself in the middle of the road.  After calling and calling and finding no reply from an owner, he put the little one in the truck and the rest is history.  Now Lily has a little brother whose name is yet to be decided.  A visit to the vet today confirmed he was about 2 months old and healthy.  Welcome little one!

You learn something new every day!

A beautiful summer morning to visit Bean North for a coffee.  It's not just around the corner, so it takes a while for us to think of driving for 15 minutes to enjoy their coffee (the best in the Yukon!!!!) and their gardens.  And they now are offering gluten free goods which is a definite plus for me.

Reminder:  If you want to enjoy coffee here, it does not open till 11 AM.  

Across the road from Bean North is a road.  Follow the road which drops down and hugs the Takhini River you will find the Yukon farmland.  Farms upon farms upon farms.  Who knew?  I have never been on this road but here it is.  AND, it is part of the TransCanada Trail.  Who knew that too??

Follow the trail and eventually you will get to Dawson City.   Do read the "Notice" sign as it states things like:

 

And there is the story of the Overland Trail which was opened in 1902 as a means of getting from Whitehorse to Dawson City in the spring, fall and winter.  And interesting story if you can read the sign below.  I have passed some of these coach houses on the highway going north but this trail includes them all.  Very interesting.

Ken Update

With Barbie gone, Ken sure is playing the field.  First a brunette, now a blonde.  Ken, Ken, Ken ...

August 12

Yup, went to see The Wolverine tonight.  Now even if I didn't like the script, which I did, just look at Hugh Jackman.  He was worth the price of admission alone.  And in 3-D.  The story was as I expected, action packed, good guys, bad guys and the good guys win.  Well worth seeing if you like that kind of action.

On the way to the theatre, as I turned onto Hamilton Blvd, lo and behold, there was a black bear walking along the side of the road.  He/she must have come out of the woods around the school and was walking beside the fence of the tank farm,  I believe waiting for an opening so he could re-enter the bush area.  Yes Lily, there ARE bears in our walking area so I will be vigilant when walking with you ... tail up and wagging, were safe; tail down in between your legs, time to find another route.

And in case your wondering, Summer is STILL here  ...  that is JUNE, JULY and now AUGUST!!! Apparently, according to Tanya who grew up here, this is what Yukon summers were like in the 1960's and 1970's.   I have lived here 35 years now and this is the FIRST REAL summer I have experienced.  Oh yes, we would have gotten a few weeks here and there but we also would get lots of wind, coat weather and rain.  Not this year!!  We are all so happy we cannot stop talking about it.  29 degrees while I was driving to the theatre at 7:00 PM.  It was so hot during the day that our one hour golf lesson reverted to a half hour lesson as it was too HOT to stay out in the sun.  Gotta love it!

Summer Still

Isn't it nice to wake up and find it is still summer!  Our summer began in June and hasn't stopped.  Yes we have had the occasional rainy day but to awaken to find the sun shining and the greens so green and the colours popping and NOT having to wear a coat ... well, that is summer to me and I love it.

And at around 5:00 the thunder rolled around the quickly darkening skies and the rain began to fall with a fury.  Within a half hour it has almost passed.  It has cooled the very hot day down to a bearable temperature.  And I'm glad I was not on the golf course in that small space of time.

Ken

I'd like to introduce you to Ken.  He has been camping out in my rock garden this summer.  One never knows where one will find Ken.  He climbs over and hides under the rocks.  Sometimes he is planking.  He is always on the move (as you can see from the photos, he is a real mover).  I believe he has been looking for Barbie but as yet he cannot find her.  But ...  he did spot a sweet young thing last week.  She just appeared out of no where.  Well, as stated, Ken's quite the mover and it took him no time at all for her to become besotted with him.  As I passed him the other day, I saw they were already holding hands.  I think a relationship has begun.

Just Past Midnight

Thanks to sister Teri for this photo of the SS Klondike, taken June 21st, 2013, just past midnight.  Oh yeah, that was a super moon in the sky that night too.

Forest Fires

Our lovely hot summer weather does come with some drawbacks - forest fires.  The one affecting Whitehorse now is the Carmacks area fire (near Little Salmon River).  Our air has been smoke filled from this fire 180 kilometers away and ash has descended upon us.  It does seem the rain in the wee hours of this morning has cleared the air slightly and hopefully the rain expected this weekend will help dowse the flames and help control this fire.  But then, I want more summer again ...  please

July 16, 2013

It's 8:00 PM and it is still 24 degrees C !!!  This is the best summer I can remember.

The Lone Ranger

Guess what movie I saw last night.  This is a must see for Johnny Depp fans.  The only drawback for me was the length - 2.5 hours and for my movie mates the drawback was also the very graphic violence and genocide (and I must admit I wasn't all that big on that either) - Disney, I am surprised at you.  This is a story of how the Lone Ranger came to be, as told through the eyes of Tonto.  I grew up watching The Lone Ranger on TV and think the movie would have grossed more had it deleted some of the gruesome violence and made it more appropriate for the younger audience as well as the adult viewers.  I felt the acting was superb and there were many "laugh out loud" lines to keep you going until the end.  The last 15 minutes were the most thrilling of the entire movie - filled with huge action scenes, comedy, drama, and the William Tell Overture.  It left me on a high.  Of course, I love Johnny Depp and I love good guys bad guys westerns so other than the length (really, sitting in the uncomfortable Qwanlin Cinema seats with a missing arm rest and your feet glued to the sticky floor for 2.5 hours is not very enticing) and the violence, I totally recommend this movie.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

Another good one

Couldn't resist showing you this photo of the bride, groom and my grand-dog.  She is so faithful (or afraid of being left behind). Thanks Brenda for the excellent photo!

More Wedding Photos

Not often do you see the bride playing guitar with a horse head on.  Well, you did at this wedding.  Not much was out-of-bounds which is why everyone enjoyed themselves so much.

(Thanks Kristi for the photo!  I love it!)