Thursday, December 30, 2004

Bags have Arrived

Well, Christmas has arrived... at least the material portion of it. Not to mention our clothes. All was safe and sound.

Tammy and I have spent the evening getting new tires for the car (we had a flat when we returned from Christmas, and needed new tires anyway), having dinner, and exchanging some gifts.

I picked up a JumpDrive Trio, on Richard's recomendation... along with a 512 MB SD card from Best Buy (they were having a sale).

It looks like a New Year's BBQ at John and Carols, so we picked up some ribs and steak for that, along with a salad. I expect Carol would have difficulty leaving to pick up things, as John has broken his foot. I'm sure new years will be happy nonetheless.

My new drill charger is hanging on the wall, batteries are all charged and waiting for tomorrows activity of installing Tammy's new kitchen radio/CD player.

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Tsunami Wobble and Rotation

Carol mentioned to me that apparently the recent tsunami disaster in Asia has caused a change in the Earth's rotation speed and introduced a "wobble".

Such a terrible tragedy. A reminder of the terrible power of nature. Anyone wishing to donate might consider contacting the Canadian Red Cross. The ICRC has also a site to help in searching for people in the affected areas. The aim of the ICRC's familylinks website is to help those separated by conflict or disaster to find information about their loved ones in order to restore contact.

And if you're thinking that this sort of disaster doesn't affect you. Read this.

Return less bumpy, in some ways

Well, we're back in Ottawa, finally. Our bags, of course, did not follow us, and are instead taking their own journey via Montreal. However, all is well. The trip, while stiffness inducing, was uneventfull aside from some delays. Nova is well and happy to be home with Mom and Dad.

John (one of Nova's caretakers during our absence) has just yesterday broken his fifth metatarsal. Luckily, we arrived just in time to remove Nova. Though cute he would undoubtedly a burden to a man with a 2 year old and a broken foot.

The pizza is eaten, Nova retrieved from foster care, the mail's been opened. I'm going to bed.

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Arrived safely, if not smoothly

Well, we've arrived in the land of good food and drink. The weather is actually rain. Not too suprising, but a pleasant change from the -26 C that we left in Ottawa.

The vomit comet landed in Deer lake (I kid you not... there was a lot of puke). I must honestly say that I enjoyed the ride. However, I think Tam was a bit worried... and there was a lady in the back that kept shouting out loud during the particularly dramatic shifts of altitude.

All are now safe and happily filled with succulent moose. The cat is happily entertained with the laser pointer. And we're winding down the evening with a little snack (of course) and TV.

Sunday, December 19, 2004

BBC - Rough Science Series 4

Have you seen Rough Science? It's a BBC/Open University program shown sometimes on TVO here in Ontario.

These fellows pit their science knowledge against nature, and work out all sorts of interesting tools, cures, and machines from what they find around them.

I've actually only seen series I. They're up to 4 now. I hope the others get shown here in Canada sometime soon. You never know when you'll need to make a battery from seawater and a pencil.

All engines running

Nova is prepped, the supper dishes are cleaned, the bags are packed, and we're ready to go.

Oddly enough, it will be the first time Tammy and I have ever flown together. We've been places together, but we've always either driven, taken a train, or flown seperately. Well, I guess there are still many firsts to come.

Well, it will be a crisp morn, and it will undoubtly come early. Merry Christmas everyone, and to all a good flight.

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Nearly There

Well, preparation has begun for the annual Christmas Cleanup. Getting the house tidy for any burglars that might want to drop in. Actually, the main purpose is to have a clean and tidy house when we get home from Newfoundland.

Nova is going to stay with John and Carol for Christmas. We'll miss him immensely. But I'm sure he'll have good care. It would have been nice to have him home though, and he could meet his cousin Penelope.

We've had Ottawa christmas this evening (opening the big but inexpensive gifts that are too large to carry home). Steve got some down pillows, and Tammy has a kitchen radio and some Bakers Secret baking pans. (Shhhh, don't tell anyone before Christmas). Worry not, the majority of Christmas is coming with us.

Sunday, December 12, 2004

Shopping, Books, and Snow

Managed finally to get my Christmas shopping done. Make no more requests, all purchases are final! :) Actually, the stores were pretty good today. A minimum of rudeness, and the checkouts pretty fast. Perhaps the stormy weather has kept people in.

I got an early gift for myself as well. I've not been diligent in my reading, particularly of the basics of science fiction. Sure, I ramble on with quotes from Douglas Adams, Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings... but I've always felt that I'd been missing out on some of the basics like Mr. Asimov, and more recently (though still classic) Larry Niven.

So, today I bought the fourth book in the "Robots" series by Asimov, The Robots of the Dawn and Ringworld by Niven. Christmas reading taken care of.

Well, Nova's happy now that there's snow. I no longer have to "make" snow out of the frozen ice so that he can, for lack of a better word, go. Yes, apparently snow or grass, or any semi-soft surface is fine, but hard solid surfaces are not appropriate for any bodily functions as far as he's concerned. Humph. Well, the precipitation we have now is apparently more acceptable for his purpose.

Sunday, December 05, 2004

Babies

Well, I've changed my first diaper this weekend. Tammy and I were babysitting last night for little Miss Bronwyn Serroul. Nothing terrible to report. The child survived, and I think is generally not too badly off.

For a fellow whos last experience with a diaper was being in one... I think the whole process went rather smoothly. Of course, I was not alone, and had experienced backup in the person of Tammy to step in should the situation have turned.

I don't know if I want to do it for years. But the evening was certainly OK. Bronwyn was being nice to the newbies I think.

Thursday, December 02, 2004

Snow and Website update

Woke up this morning to alot of snow. Nasty nasty snow. Hopefully it will not stay for long. Nova likes it though.

I've revamped the photos, added thumbnails and albums for easy (hopefully) navigation. Check out the new and improved photos on the website. Click on the "Photos" link.

No photos of the snow as yet.

For those waiting for wedding news. The cake has been ordered.