Summer wandering

...short jaunt to Newfoundland with son #2. Nice trip...

Waiting for the Ferry

My Favorite CampSite

X marks the spot...

Soda Bottle "Pre-Forms"

Even at my age, I often come across stuff that intrigues me. I recently acquired some soda bottle "blanks" or "pre-forms". They are basically a 2 litre pop bottle just before it is expanded and shaped. They are just over 5 inches long, and only hold an ounce or so, but they are very thick, and strong. They contain the same amount of plastic as a 2 litre bottle. With a standard screw-on cap, they make great containers for misc "stuff"...

'Coons !

No less than 3 raccoons have taken up residence in my attached carport/lean-to/storage area. They kept me awake last night with their antics...not a good move on their part. It looks to be a mother and two youngsters. I tried rooting them out with a canoe paddle, but they eluded me by hiding and running back and forth in a 32 foot section of roof eave/soffit. This means WAR...

Jerky !!!

This is going to be fun...a recent trip to Princess Auto resulted in some Jerky seasonings...

Each box contains five different flavors:

• Original Blend
• Mesquite Blend
• Hickory Blend
• Cracked Pepper N Garlic
• Cajun Blend
• Mandarin Teriyaki
• Pepperoni
• Sweet & Spicy
• Inferno
• Pepper 

Now to dig out my dehydrator, jerky gun, and make a trip to the store for some extra lean...stay tuned... 

Family Camp = Relaxation

...attended a church Family Camp over the last 2 weeks or so. This time, we had a little cabin, even though I sneaked to the VW bunk whenever I could. It was good to get away...I don't think I looked at a computer screen for a whole week, maybe longer. Both the morning bible teaching sessions and the evening services were of great benefit to my tiresome mortal coil. Sometimes, I shun the concept of "retreating" or "getting away", but it does have its benefits. All things in moderation...

The "cabin" needs work, to say the least, but our 2 sons enjoyed it anyhow. Of course they went armed with a PS3 for "rainy days" etc. I think they enjoyed the freedom, late nights, lots of friends...

Most cooking was done on a "Powerfist" one burner butane stove, Chicken Stir-fry for example...

 Of course packing up to leave was interesting. Over the 2 weeks, both myself and Debbie made a couple of trips back and forth from home to camp, with work schedules and the like. That meant that the amount of "stuff" was slyly increasing. After Debbie left with a load, The Vanagon managed to swallow the rest; toaster oven, futon, roll-away cot, 2 coolers, and on it goes. I even had room for an offspring, but not two...looking forward to next year :)

Paul Parsons RIP...

I didn't hear or realize this, but Paul Parsons, the Nfld Artist that did the infamous Nfld Map that many of "us" grew up with in school, died last year.

PARSONS, William Frederick Paul - Passed peacefully away at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Predeceased by brother R. Austin Parsons and sister Helen Parsons Shepherd. Leaving to mourn sister Sheila G. Curren of North Vancouver, BC; nieces: Catherine Elaine Glitsch (Hans), Carol Ann Kroeger (Andre); nephews: Richard Wallace Curren (Megan) and R. Scott Shepherd.
Paul was born in St. John's, NL in 1925. His father was poet R.A. Parsons and his sister Helen was a distinguished portrait painter. Paul became well known for his water colors and oil paintings, as well as for his poetry. He was educated at Bishop Field College and the Newfoundland Academy of Art in St. John's, and in London at the Central School of Arts and Crafts. He returned to Newfoundland in the mid 1960's and worked briefly for the Newfoundland Government Planning Board for whom he produced his popular, illustrated map on Newfoundland.
Paul experimented with various media, but in the 1980's he began to focus exclusively on watercolors of nature scenes and studies of people engaged in everyday activities, usually painted on location and often combined with his poetry.
His work has been exhibited in commercial and public galleries, including the exhibition Paul Parsons: A Retrospective, organized by Memorial University Art Gallery in 1983. His work was repeatedly recognized by the annual provincial Arts and Letters Competition. Paul's artwork is part of private and public collections including that of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
For the last several years, he lived quietly at locations in Conception Bay, most recently at Cannings Senior Home, Long Pond-Manuels. He was well known and could be seen frequently riding his bicycle to places where he sketched local scenes and people. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was one of Nature's Gentlemen.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held in the James J. Hickey Memorial Funeral Home, Kelligrews on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 11 a.m. To sign the guest registry or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.hickeysfuneralhome.ca

24th Anniversary

Yup, this week we've been married for 24 years. How sweet it is :) A nice seafood supper at The Seaside Shanty.

My Chum...

Cajun Seared Haddock for me...

Lemon-Dill Seared Haddock for she :)...

Blueberry Grunt ??

or Chocolate Lava ??