Help Us Celebrate our Police Force!

Let's Honour our RCMP!

I was always brought up to respect "the authorities".  Its never been a question to me but to have a basic trust in the government, officials, firemen, paramedics and Police.  When I was a child, of course, if I were ever in trouble all I'd do is find one of the above and they would look after me - right? 

Now I'm an adult and I STILL feel the same despite what I see in the media.  I don't watch a lot of tv, gosh we still have an old analog television and a pair of rabbit ears which is interesting sometimes. We still recieve a signal and get two whole channels.  Mostly we watch the news.  Now, if we were to base our trust of "the authorities" on the news, why everything would be corrupt. This is because when things are ticking along nicely, well, it does not make for "good news"  so we are continuously exposed not to what they do right but only when they mess up.  And without pointing out that all our "authorities" are composed of real live people, and people make mistakes and yes, some people make poor choices and yes, some people do bad things - sometimes.  But perhaps we are only showcased only one apple out of the entire harvest.  

I don't know about you but I feel confident in our Police.  I feel my back is covered.  I sure would not want to do the job they do.  When was the last time you thought about the fact they put their lives on the line for us every day?  Do you think they like giving out traffic tickets?  I think they care more about your safety than being popular.  Have you ever begun to think what it would be like without our Police?  When I watch tv I see a lot of people pointing out the shortfalls of the force, not what they do thats positive.  It must be discouraging for them sometimes to see how they are portrayed on the media, how some people see them as an imposition when they do the job they hired on to do.  They must find it difficult to always have the public eye on them - a very critical and judgemental eye. 

Once in a while when my husband and I see our RCMP out and about - having coffee etc, we will tell them we appreciate the job they do - you'd be surprised how much that small gesture can mean. 

And I've often thought it would be so nice to honour them someway - a bigger way, as a community so....

A month ago I became aware of the "Pepsi Refresh Project".  This is how it works: "We're looking for individuals, businesses*, and non-profit organizations with ideas that will have a positive impact on communities."  I was invited to submit my idea and my idea is to host and appreciation event for our RCMP and families to honour them.  So I submitted - and my idea has been accepted!  I now must campaign to have you all VOTE and if enough of you vote - my idea may be granted $25,000 to make my idea happen. 

Now I BELIEVE it can happen - I'm hoping that YOU - your friends and family etc... VOTE - spread the word via your facebook, twitter etc and lets see if we can get our RCMP in the media in a postiive way!  To vote for my idea just click on the following link.  (and send your friends to as well, please!) 

http://www.refresheverything.ca/honorourrcmp

 Voting goes until October 31 and I will keep posting here.  Lets spread some enthusiasm and make this GOOD THING happen.  And thank you!

This and That

Silly Me!  I forgot a very important visit we also had which I should have posted last time - it was a birthday visit with Melanie - sweet and beautiful daughter!  We were only able to share a short time with her as she was working.  We all chose to do a "picnic" of sorts - in the parking lot of her workplace.  So we brought part of the lunch but she brought her own dish, a recipe she created herself and it was so delicious.  She's given permission for me to share it here:

Melanie's Pesto Prawns

Raw Prawns

Several Tbsp Pesto

Pinch of Curry Powder

Saute in a fry pan on medium heat for several minutes until Prawns are done.  Thats it! 

This dish is wonderful chilled as well. 

Not only has the girl grown into an attractive and confident woman, she's a good cook too.  Thanks for sharing your recipe Mel.   It runs second only to your chicken stuffed with goat cheese.  And we don't even like goat cheese but you made it taste good.  Amazing.

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And I also forgot to thank my friend JanMary for the subscription to Life Beautiful Magazine which arrived in my mailbox the other day.  Its bright, crisp, inspiring and inspirational!  I really appreciate it.  A few articles have "hit home" already.

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Bird with a Street Address

Our friend Roger is a fabulous photographer, and he also has a good eye for an interesting subject - and a great sense of humour.  He's also a philosopher of sorts and he sent me his thoughts on technology recently and has allowed me to share them with you.  He gets you thinking...

Computers Later On

This is what I think will happen with computers in the future.

Hardware would be almost gone. No keyboard, screen, mouse, etc.

The ‘screen’ would be the optical centre of the brain. The visual portion of the message would enter this area and would be seen just as if you were looking at it directly.

The same would be done with audio, scent, touch, taste, etc. Cooking shows might be more interesting. Pig farming, not so much.

A person could see, hear and feel as if they were actually there in person.

The two versions of the input would be external or implanted. The implanted version would have an induction charger which could be used while the person was asleep. In this case dreams could be downloaded. Or a person could study during their sleep. Programs would be loaded this way as well.

Kids would show there incisions to prove they were in the upper escalon of communications. However, most of them would have virtual friends that they would never meet. Make-believe avatars in a pretend world.

To write an e-mail the sender would think it and when it was ready think Send.

Checking e-mail would be the reverse, by just thinking receive and selecting what to look for.

The communication could be written or spoken. A person’s feelings could be added as well, making a real emoticon. Having a lot of depressed, paranoid friends and relatives would make this feature rather unattractive.

Surfing the web would be similar. Think about what you want and it searches for it.

Write a story by just thinking it.

More than a computer, this would be a unified system: phone, TV, reader, banking, medical analyzer, GPS, music instrument, camcorder, calculator, PDA, etc. etc.

You could download a movie, read a book, have your health checked, attend a business meeting, do your shopping, visit places around the world, write a story, paint, design, start your car, order a pizza, pay some bills, control household appliances, or just hang out with your family and friends.

Instead of a camera, you could just record what you see and hear in 3D and stereo.

Since brainwaves are unique they would be your password.

You could record your holiday this way and torment your friends and family with it.

The downside would be people doing all these things while driving or walking.

When talking to people you would never know if they were listening to you or were in some other activity. You know for sure your kids aren’t listening.

Spam would be crowding your brain and people would be trying to steal your thoughts of things, like your bank account and where you keep your valuables.

Homeland security would want access to your mind to see if you were a terrorist, or avoiding taxes.

We haven’t even mentioned cyber drugs.

This is just a bit of what could be done.
 

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And I agree with Roger - anything is possible.  Its mind boggling.  Its sometimes overwhelming.  In fact I often get overwhelmed and thats sometimes why I disappear - I just want, actually need, time away from all the tech toys.  And the other day I heard this article on NPR which got me thinking even more about the influence it has on us.  Just click on the title to be taken to NPR where you can either listen to it or read it. 

 

Digital Overload: Your Brain On Gadgets

 

I See What You Mean...

Ah yes, I see what you mean.  My header no longer works with the template I've chosen.  Yes its either change the header or template.  Well I could be persuaded to do a new header - its about time. 

Since I've left posting so long I now have so much content that it would overwhelm if I were to do it all in one go.  I don't want to frighten you off so I will try to break it down into categories.  Here goes for the first one - visits. 

Each year my one and only sister comes for a week's stay.  I'm sure its what pulls her through the other 51 weeks of work.  We chatter and make plans months and months in advance.  In past years we have done things such as canning but this year we decided it was all about spending time together and relaxing.  The weather cooperated very nicely and she held me hostage on this floaty until we were both baked to a brown crispness.  I think she has some alligator blood for she could lay and lay and lay while I had to get wet every so often, disturbing her repose and serenity.  I swear she would still be out there floating around if I had not said I had to come in.  If I get all wrinkly in the next six months its due to her.  Truly it was an amazing time and I love you to smithereens Nina!  Only 11 months till the next visit - I've spruced up your room. 

Ethan:

"Are you the paparazzi?"

Next special visit was to see our brother Barry, Sister in Law Judy, Melissa, Samantha, Corey and their handsome baby Ethan.  Blushing to say this was my first time to ever see Ethan in person and to meet Corey.  Judy and Barry are still in the throes of renovating their mobile home and it was exciting to see the changes they've made.  We were treated to a gourmet meal of bbq fish - two sorts, that were melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  We had only one night as we were headed to the coast the next day to visit my in-laws.  It was so smokey in the morning, the air thick and syrupy with smoke which had drifted from the fires to the north of Kamloops. 

Judy and Barry you made us feel so welcome.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  It was a precious time together.  Looking forward to our next time together - and to seeing your home when all your transformations are complete. 

The next stop was Abbotsford where we stayed with our folks (my in-laws) for 10 days.  Other than going to yard sales on the weekend (me, not my Mr) we stayed close to home as it was a "work-holiday" for my Mr who had prep to do for his school year - which started today.  While I stuck close with Mom and Dad, my man sequestered himself in the basement with his computer.  It was the only way we could manage it this close to the school opening.  The reason we visited was to celebrate both Mom and Dad's birthdays - this being Dad's 80th!  No photos here - they are shy and secretive and I respect and love them for it. 

We have others we would have loved to visit on the mainland but it would have been impossible this time.  I look forward to the next time we are able to drive into the city and spend time with our relatives.

Cicero and Mither

Ah, but I did squeeeeze in one more small outting - locally to Abbotsford.  Just so happened my friend Cicero (see blog links for Cicero - her version of our visit, Nina and Judy on my sidebar) was down to the coast to take care of some business and to spend time with her dear mother at the same time as we were there.

Cicero and her fiesty puppy Mingus, was sweet to meet me and ferry me about in her vehicle for have neither spent much time driving in the city, nor do I know my way around and surely would have gotten lost.  We drove to the home where her Mom stays and we had a wonderful chin-wag about "the good old days".  Gracious, I can only hope to be so spry at her 96 years of age! 

Mingus was a true gentleman and knew exactly how to fulfill his social obligations at the home - spending just enough time with each senior to get in a quick petting and pampering.  He was so suave and yet endearing. 

We then proceeded to the old Clayburn store where we had a light lunch.  A delightful old store turned gift shop/tea shop.  Stocked with candy of all sorts, novelties and curios I was simply dying to spend time exploring every corner with the lens of my camera - but I held back for I wanted to soak up time wiht my friend and thought to come back another day, perhaps with my Mother in Law, for tea and a photo shoot. 

Cicero - it was truly golden moments we shared - you are so easy to be around.  I look forward to our next time.

Afterwards, of course, we let Mingus out on the field as little dogs need to do when they are between visits with humans.  He protected us from this person and dog far off in the distance.  Good Dog! 

So this concludes the first part of my blog posts in the coming week.  I hope I've not talked your ear off.

I meant THIS sort of day

The sort with a little rain after a month of heat and drought. The sort with tea in a new place with a good friend. That's what I meant.




-- Post From My iPhone

Mystery Photo

It's THIS sort of day...




-- Post From My iPhone

Interesting Hey?

This August has
5 Sundays,
5 Mondays,
5 Tuesdays,

All in one month. It happens once in 823 years.


-- Post From My iPhone

More Vacation – and Tatting (of course!)

 

We continued along in Idaho with our next stop being a spot we have passed a few times and never taken in – Shoshone Falls.  Very impressive. 

 

 

We are informed that Shoshone Falls are actually TALLER than Niagara Falls! 

After visiting there we pushed on and began to put our thinking caps on in the way that when the right place to rest our heads for the night should turn up we would be ready.  We then came across this refreshing place – Miracle Hot Springs.  The sign on the highway did not in any way indicate such a unique facility was waiting for our comfort!

 

 

The water was beautifully clean and warm and… soft and velvety, really.  Its the first time we’ve noticed a silky feel to the water at a hot springs. 

 

 

Next to the main pool is this covered in area which has hotter water piped in. 

 

 

There are 15 smaller private soaking pools, each with adjustable temperatures and changing rooms, available on a first come, first serve basis.

 

 

Four VIP pools are designed for larger groups and can be reserved in advance. After every use, each private pools is drained, cleaned and refilled with fresh water.

And if this were not enough…

 

 

There are “domes” which can be rented out – accomodation.  The two on the bottom are like hotel suites – they come with beds and all the luxuries.  There is another one which has matts provided, you bring your own bedding.  The one pictured at the top is a “group” dome.  Entire groups of people can stay in this one.  Looks like fun! 

 

 

I admit I thought this was to be a joke – to add some spice, but it appears it really is so!

 

 

There are actually three large alligators (in what I thought was a small :( area for these wonderful creatures.  They do look well cared for I admit and I understand they were either brought in or rescued from the New Orleans area.  At any rate, one is invited to view them being fed.  I think my honey thinks I’m like one of these grouchy beasts when I get up in the morning some days.  Well, till I’ve had my coffee and square of chocolate every day.  I know, I’m bad. 

 

 

There are pretty touches everywhere and the prices are very reasonable.  Wish we had a facility like this just down the road from us, specially in the middle of snowy old winter.  Perhaps when we retire we will travel around to all the hot springs in the middle of the blizzards and write a book about it.  If you would like to know more about Miracle Hot Springs just click on the the pretty flower photo. 

 

And while we were away I whiled away some hours and miles down the highways tatting up my first ever doily.  Its far from perfect but I was so glad I did it. 

 

 

And since I’ve been home I took the opportunity to tat a button pattern. I got the pattern created by Lisa C. Trumble from  the This and Tat blog – you can find it by clicking on the button tatting photo.  This website is chock full of good lessons and ideas.   I am not sure what I will use this for but its very cool I think.  Its giving me ideas.  Thats dangerous. 

Vacation Part 2 – Bear Lake

This is one of our very favorite places to vacation, Bear Lake.  Bear lake is located on the borders of both Utah and Idaho.  Its 20 miles long and is aqua blue in colour due to minerals which are suspended in the water.  It is known as “the Carribean of the Rockies”   The water is delicious and sparkling cool and clean. Bear Lake also boasts several fish unique to it alone – if you are like my fishing siblings you will want to click on the photo of the pelicans below to be taken to a website with more info on that. 

With the lake being so big one can find a quiet and private beach at almost any time.  And the town still has a small community feel with lots of take out places which harken me back to my childhood. 

We like to camp at the State Park on the Idaho side – only $12 something a night and so nice and clean.  We had five nights there and then took one extra night at another campsite, more primitive and well… we will cover that experience next post.  All the photos for today’s post were taken with my new Nikon.

We arrive by the north end of the lake where there is a power plant – on the left side is a wildlife refuge.  We always love to see the pelicans.

The refuge covers a large area and is worth taking a day to drive by and view. 

The other side of the road is a different story – simply breathtaking!

This is the beach at a fee area (something like $5 a day – you can drive your vehicle across the white sand to the water’s edge for the day)



The drive along the east side of the lake toward our campsite.

I always delight in seeing  this whimsical  “Old Woman in the Shoe” house.

Snail shells in the sand.

The shoreline changes from place to place, but always the beautiful turquoise water.

 

 

 

And a little friend at our campsite!

We took a drive to Paris, Idaho which is about a 20 minute drive and though the Paris Tabernacle was closed at the time (apparently they were short a volunteer that day)  - however we did visit the museum.  Here are a few photos of the Tabernacle which is built of attractive salmon coloured stone.

 

And of course in the museum I was tickled to see…

 

Inspiring to see tatting from all those years ago.  And yes, I did tat my way along the highways and byways.

I’ll follow up on the next leg(s) of our journey in a few days!  Thanks for visiting.

Summer Vacation

When I said it was timely that I won my Nikon, I really meant it was perfect because it arrived just a day before we left on our summer vacation.  We had booked reservations at one State Campsite for a five day period but other than that we were leaving our trip up in the air.  I will blog the first part of our holiday today and follow up over the coming days.

The first leg of our journey was to make stops in on our daughters – one in Kelowna and the other in Calgary.   It was a beautiful drive through the Rocky Mountains into Alberta – only the weather was pretty dark and damp. (I’ve labelled the photos as to which are taken on the ipod, which on my Nikon)

iphone photo

After we had a few days in Calgary we headed south and spent a night in Cardston at an RV site.  We got an early start and crossed the USA border.  This is always when we feel truly “away”.  Perhaps its more a mental thing as much as a physical thing. 

iphone photo

camera photo

With all the rain this year everything is still so lush and green.  I could not resist taking a photo of my Mr. taking a photo. 

camera photo

I’m always a sucker for places with quaint names and my Mr. always relents to them for me.  This photo was taken at a small town called Sugar City.  We stopped and had a sandwich and a respite under a shady tree. 

iphone photo

We arrived in Idaho Falls about lunch time.  I had hoped to spend an entire day there but it turned out to be a blistering hot day and we opted to continue on our journey instead.  The following two nights we spent at a Forestry or State Camp area on the Madison River. 

The campsites were adjacent to West Fork Cabin Camp – just click HERE to learn more.  The reason I add this in is because some of our family members are AVID fishermen and after talking to the manager of this place we found out that the Madison River is a fisherman’s haven!  I don’t have a photo to post of this area though. 

Then we pushed on and as we were driving down the highway noticed a sign for Heise Hot Springs.   We are a sucker for hot springs so decided to check it out.  We wound up staying a few days – soaking in the pools at night and going for hikes in the day. 

camera photo

camera photo

The view from the trail was fabulous, so we decided to go even further, climbing to the top of a hill.  Here are several more photos. 

camera photo

camera photo

This trail had been west of our campsite, and the next day we went for a jaunt to the east.  We simply chose a local road and kept walking, and walking and walking. 

iphone photo

Erm… being careful to be polite to cars as… after seeing this sign all shot up, well.  lol!

camera photo

With this final photo – which looked so peaceful and what summer makes me think of. 

I will be back in a day or two with the continuing part of our journey.  Thanks to you, Valinda, for reminding me it has been a MONTH since my last post.