Sunday, July 31, 2005

Cameron and Joe


This is me with my nephew Cameron. He is a cool kid and has quite a smile!

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

The Weather

Maybe there is no use in talking (complaining) about the weather, but like so many before me, I am going to anyway. Since moving to Calgary on the Prairie, I am somewhat dumbfounded by the weather. Never before have I looked at weather reports so intently. Every day is dictated by the weather reports I view in the morning. "Is it going to be -15 or +21?" (That is actually not that unusual.)

First, what kills me is that the weather reports are seldom right. I bet there is no real designation for being a meteorologist other than having a cool-sounding name and being able to step aside when a map screen comes on. I can see them all "graduating" now. "Don," they inquire, "can you say 'precipitation'?"... "Want to be the weather guy?" And they immediately hand him a certificate or whatever. Yes, I just going to come out and say it: they are not good at what they do. So, I decided to hedge my bets.

I took to looking at more than one report. I have been going to The Weather Network and Environment Canada to check both, just to make sure the information I am getting is good. Well, I have been surprised to find they are never the same! They have totally different reports. One says rain and 15, the other sun and 29: just how do you dress for that? Science my ass.

The other thing that drives me bonkers is that these guys have no remorse. They never admit that they are wrong. The day previous they could have said anything. "It's going to be a hot one tomorrow, I tells ya," or "Hah, hah, hah... you better break out that sunscreen, 'cause it's gonna be a scorcher." Well, that doesn't pan out, and the next day: nothing! No "guess I really shat the bed on that one, hey Frank," or "wow, I really blew that report yesterday, hey." Not even a sniff.

Anyone from the Prairies is propable mildly amused that I have any faith in the weather reports, and I am learning slowly to take them with a grain of salt. For example, today, while watching the news, we received a weather warning on the TV promising hale the size of baseballs, thunder, lightning, plagues of toads: I turned my head slightly to find not but blue skies. And I have seen nothing but since. Good old prairie weather? Maybe. Naive coastal boy, absolutely.

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Kevin and Tina get married!


Let's get this party started! Kevin and Joffre.

It was a night full of great times. Even with so many people so far apart we all found a way to come together. It was so great to catch up with people and reconnect. A big congratulations to Kevin and Tina! You did it! and put on a great party at the same time.

Another big THANKS to Ryan who did a great job as best man. He put on a great party for Kevin's stag, performed a great speech and made an excellent slide show. I was so happy to be a part of the wedding and wish the happy couple all the joy in the world.

Down the Aisle


Tina and her Mom


Mr. and Mrs. Lewis.


Nick and Jonny.

Earls


At Earls for a few drinks.


The boys: pre-debauchery.

Cold Comfort


Hmmmm.... yes... I do feel better after the Preparation H.


Ryan (the best man), Joffre and Neil


Nicole and Emily.


Me, Joffre, Jonny and Neil


Don't the girls look nice!

The Dance


Dancing a good one.


"I can't dance.... I can't dance!"

The Crew with the Couple


All the friends with the happy couple. What a party!

The Garter


Who do you think grabbed the garter? You know it was me!


Emily and Sean showing us a good time.


Nick is furious with Kevin for abandoning single life.

A Group Hug


The happy couple getting a group hug.

Head Bands and Grinding


What wedding is complete without ties for headbands.... and Nicole grinding?


Emily and Nicole.

The Crew


The Gang has had a little bit to drink and are no worse for the wear.

Box Head Galore


Box Head Jonny.


Box Head Emily.


Box Head Alicia.


Everyone has a different head tonight

Friday, July 08, 2005

Vernon


We stayed at Nick's brother's place in Vernon on our way to Abbotsford. This is their view of Kalmalka Lake from their balcony. Not bad.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Patio Dinner


I set up this dinner for Carrie on out patio. It felt like a nice patio summer meal, which was a treat in our small apartment.