Smelly Cat

I am sitting here at my computer and like usual my cat walks in, meows a few times for attention and then walks over to her litter box to do her 'business'. The litter box is behind me so I cannot see her as she does what she does but I can hear it all happening and then.... the smell!

I rush over to the shelf to get the airfreshener, give a quick spritz to make it all smell better while I am holding my nose. Of course I have to also bury her deposit as she doesn't seem to know how to do it well enough. I don't think she was with her momma long enough to have learned this particular nicety. After the spritz I end up with a nice flowery smell with an underlying scent of 'smelly cat'.

I love my cat and she is adorable but unfortunately regardless of what I feed her she is quiet nasty when she uses the litter box. I guess there is always the down side to such things.

This reminds me of that song Phoebe Buffay sang on friends. She only sang a couple verses of the song on the show but I was able to find the whole song. Supposedly you can buy the soundtrack to the Friends series called "Friends Again" and the song "Smelly Cat" is on there.

Here are a couple links featuring Smelly Cat. Enjoy.

Friends clip featuring Smelly Cat song
Smelly Cat music Video

Song Lyrics

Three, four...

Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
What are they feeding you?
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat
It's not your fault

They won't take you to the vet
You're obviously not their favorite pet
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
It's not your fault

You may not be a bed of roses
You're not friend to those with noses
I'll miss you before we're done
Or the world will smell as one

Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
What are they feeding you?
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat
It's not your fault

(Phoebe) Oh are we done?

One, two, what's that smell?

Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
What are they feeding you?
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat
You're getting fat

I think that I'm gonna be sick
It's your ears, and nose and pick
Part of it, tempt me

One, two, what's that smell?

All the dogs in the neighborhood
Are saying this for your own good
What, you're fat, so you can't run
No fun, I bet, No fun

Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
Porno makes you eat like that
I saw you in the shopping mall

Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
It's not your fault,
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
It's not your fault
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
It's not your fault

We know what was in your food
They say it might affect your mood

You smell like something dead (3x)

One, two, what's that smell?

(Phoebe)Yeah, that's not the song

My Grandmother's China

Since I was a child I recall seeing my grandmother's china cabinet and all the pretty pieces inside.

Of course I was never allowed to touch anything as I could break it.

Children often do not realize their own strength or understand how to be delicate with precious things. That is why we say to them all the time "Don't touch". That is often why parents with young kids do not take their children to go shopping in a china shop.

The china is a Royal Albert pattern called "Blossom Time". It is a beautiful pattern with gorgeous trees full of pink flowers in Spring. It reminds me of ornamental apple blossom trees like the ones we have here in Victoria. I think because I really like the colors and the fact that it was my grandmother's china makes it something I love a great deal.

the shakers

dessert bowls

I remember her displaying it in her cabinet (which was much bigger than mine) and back then it seemed like she had so much of it. Now that I have it in my smaller cabinet and have done an inventory of all the pieces I now realize when she displayed it, she had it all spread out. I have to stack the plates and such to fit them all into my smaller display cabinet.


As you can see in the picture of the salt and pepper shakers what the colors and pattern looks like. The little bowls shows you that it is almost like an orchard of trees you can walk through if you follow the road/path. All of the pieces have this wonderful pattern on it.

After doing the inventory I discovered that I have 100 pieces and that is only part of the whole set that was created. With all the plates I have I could do appetizer, dinner & dessert for 12 people. I have a teapot and enough teacups to do tea for 9. There are several odd pieces that you could be use for various other functions as well. Now that I have the china I think I will start looking around for pieces to fill in the blanks.

One of the things I do not have enough of is soup bowls; I have one. The bowl are usually harder to find as they were typically used most often and would break from usage. It is unfortunately a discontinued pattern so I may not be successful in finding the pieces I want but that is something I can live with. Sometimes the hunt is all part of the fun of looking.

Just so you all know, my grandmother is still alive and doing well. She decided earlier this year that her house was too much for her. Many years ago when my grandfather died the huge house they once owned was too big as my grandmother was having difficulty going up/down the steep flight of stairs. She felt it was the better option to buy a smaller home that would better fit her needs. She ended up purchasing a prefabricated 2 bdrm/2bath home that was all on one level. It was perfect. Not to big to keep clean, no stairs, close to town and she had a guest room/bath for when company stayed over. She enjoyed that house.

My cabinet

Over the years as time went on she started having more and more difficulty in maintaining this smaller 2bdrm home. She suffers from osteoporosis and as her bones deteriorate she cannot get around too well. Earlier this year she decided it was time to downsize her home and belongings. She moved to a one bedroom suite in a seniors housing building. She is still getting her stuff organized. In the process she decided that it was time to pass on the china. My aunt said she didn't want it. I did.

As you can see in the picture, all the china fits my little cabinet quite nicely. The cabinet is glass on three sides and even has a light at the top that just needs to be connected.

In time the cabinet might be less packed if my cousin decides she wants some. Grandma wants me to share if with my cousin and her daughter. So we will see if she wants some.

All I need in addition to this is a really nice set of Silverware.

Life is getting craftier...

My work station

Recently (as in earlier this year) I started doing my bead crafts again. I enjoy crafting. I have tried many different types of crafts and often try even more as I go along. It is fun making things just for the hell of it. If I can make something for others to appreciate then I am happy.

Some of my supplies

For that past couple years bead craft has been what I have enjoyed. Now I don't do the type of bead craft that the native groups are famous for, that is beyond my current skills. I have been learning newer skills that relate to my crafting and that has been fun. More on the way too. Never stop learning is good philosophy.

I like to make jewelry, mainly for women. I make bracelets. I have also expanded to include earrings, pendents & necklaces and crystals to hang in windows. It has been quite a pleasure for me to let my creative juices flow and create small pieces of art.

Some of my creations

I have even decided to make a small hobby business out of it. I make one of a kind type pieces, I post the pictures on my Facebook Page - Creations by Robert, and then I sell them to those that are interested.

I am not a professional. I am just someone that enjoys being crafty and making things for others. I allows me to feel good. To make something for someone else and have it appreciated gives me a sense of accomplishment and even pride in my achievement.

I know that I will not get rich doing this but that isn't the reason behind what I am doing. I need an outlet for my creativeness and to receive some praise as well. A little bit of an ego boost for sure!

Selling my creations helps pay for the supplies so I can keep going. I have started what I call a "productive circle". I buy supplies, make pretty stuff, sell it so I can buy more supplies to make more pretty stuff. A win/win scenario I feel!

 By doing this I give myself more opportunity to feel good about what I do and why I do it. I also make others happy and that works too!

Canoe Camping trip (August 20-25, 2012)

In Port Alberni buying our camping food.

Went camping for the first time in over a decade this August 2012. It was a trip that although intriguing I was not too keen on doing. I like the idea of camping but am not really into going out in the bush and not being able to bath for days on end. I would also miss my books, television, my bed, etc. I am a city boy, give me my amenities and I am happy.

My partner on the other hand was all excited about the adventure and he could not wait for it to happen. He loves living off the land, traipsing through the bush, cooking on a campfire, hunting,etc. He is a small town boy that wishes we still lived in the pioneer days.

The night before we were going through our things and getting it all ready. I was taking my time and he was rushing around to get it all done. We had a argument about how to pack stuff. I told him to leave me along as I would do things my way just as I have always done. He wanted me to do things differently as he felt his experience would be more beneficial as he had gone on a trip like this before. I was tired and cranking due to having worked all weekend and didn't want anyone telling me what to do. I told him to that I didn't want to go on the trip and was only going because it was something for US to do together, so if he didn't leave me alone to do it my way I would not be going. Typical Dan, he left me alone for all of 10 minutes. I had to tell him in stronger language to back off. He left me alone for the rest of the evening that time. I was nervous and uncomfortable with the upcoming trip as it would entail doing a lot of what I am not really in to doing and his whole demeanor towards me was not helping.

Canoe with spray skirt

Our friends in the sea kayak.

In the end we were packed and ready to go bythe next morning. We left around 8am Monday, picked up our camping buddies and took off to Tofino. The plan was to go camping for the week in our canoe as we paddled our way around the islands north of Tofino. The goal was to see if we could make it to Hotsprings Cove which is about a distance of 2-3 days paddling by canoe. We didn't get into the water until about 3pm that day. We had a 5hr drive to Tofino with the various stops along the way for gas, food, and beverages (a staple for any camping excursion). Dan and I had our canoe and our two friends rented a 2 person sea kayak. One of our concerns was the possibility of the canoe rolling over due to waves from other boats or high winds. Our canoe had ballasts built into its structure so it would not sink but we would need the kayak to help us turn the canoe upright in what is called a "T maneuver" in the event of us being swamped by a wave. The first day paddling we did take on water and thanks to a hand pump we were able to clear the canoe of water plus we improvised a spray skirt using a tarp and good ole duct tape. The spray skirt helped keep me dryer and warmer as I was up front. As you can see in the picture we even cut out a hole for me to slide into. The "spray skirt" even helped to keep our stuff dryer as well.

Breakfast the first morning

The first campsite was on Vargas Island which is only a couple hours paddling from Tofino. Since we left later in the day we didn't want to paddle too far as we didn't know where we could beach ourselves in the limited paddling time we had that first day.  We set up camp, collected firewood, got the fire going and prepped for dinner. Our menu for the week was as follows:

• Night #1 : Marinated pork ribs with rice/veggies
• Night #2 : Maui ribs with rice/veggies
• Night #3 : Smokies with mac & cheese
• Night #4 : Ham steaks with rice/veggies
• Breakfast every morning was bacon, eggs & toast.

We brought a cooler that held all our food with two ice blocks that lasted five days. We brought camping dishes and a grill from our BBQ to cook on. I did all the cooking, Dan made the fires, Friend #1 chopped the wood, Friend #2 did the dishes. With assigned duties it worked well. 

Posing with the canoe during our explorations

The second day was fun as we leisurely paddled around and made a stop on an island that looked interesting and spent some time exploring. After a few hours paddling the arms are tired and the legs are cramped so any kind of break is nice. We ended up finding a really nice beach on the southern part of Flores Island that second day to make our campsite on. That day was so hot and sunny that after everything was set up and dinner was being made Dan and I took turns bathing in the ocean. The water was a little chilly but it felt so good washing off all the sweat and grime from the day. The beach at site #2 was the nicest of all the sites visually. The sun, sand, sea shells and kilometres of open ocean with islands all around was gorgeous. I picked several sand dollars and a couple handfuls of ocean polished shells from the beach. They would be my souvenirs and also part of a future craft project. Dan found a neat shell that had some amazing purple color to it and was pitted so much it looked like coral, that was his souvenir. 

Late afternoon at site #2

The next morning I woke up to find animal tracks around our tent and the whole campsite. They were small tracks probably from a smaller critter like a fox or small canine. Nothing to concern ourselves with as they did not attack or take anything. Probably just checking us out.  Just as the the previous morning we woke, had breakfast, made plans for the days worth of travel/paddling, broke camp and loaded up the canoe/kayak. Along the way we did see some wildlife. We witnessed an elk swimming from island to island, eagles, hawks, seals, dolphins, jumping fish and jellyfish. It was quite the experience to see so much wildlife as we paddled the ocean and around the islands.

Beautiful beach on Flores Island

Dan built a windbreak at campsite #3

By the end of day 3 we had made it to a more northern part of Flores Island where there would be some hot springs, not the ones we wanted to see but small lesser known one. We realized along the way that at the pace we were going in our canoe we would not make it to Hotsprings Cove in the time we had. We would need to set aside another day or two to make it that far. At the 3rd site where the smaller hot springs was located at we discovered some trails that criss-crossed the island. As a group we wandered the paths trying to find the hot springs but were unsuccessful as there were no signs or markings to show us where they were, our map wasn't too helpful. We met others that were wondering around too and they didn't find them either. We also found a native reserve with a store so if we needed to we could restock our supplies. After setting up camp Dan and I explored a bit more and we found a smaller off-shoot of the springs. The water was warm and made for a nice bath. We felt so good after that. The only real down side to our campsite #3 was the wind. As you can see in the picture to the right we had to build a wind break to prevent the fire from going out. It worked well. 

Paddling through a kelp bed on way back

The following morning we were checking the weather reports (we actually had cellular service out there) and were told that there was a storm brewing with 10-20 knot winds coming our way. When you are in a kayak or a canoe that is dangerous as the waves and wind can capsize you quickly. The weather report was contrary to the weather we woke up to. Clear skies, sunshine and the water was almost as calm/smooth as a mirror. Dan and I decided to keep going. We had reached the halfway point of our trip and we wanted to make our way back in the same manner as we did to get where we were. One of our friends was overly cautious and refused to go back in the kayak so he and his companion (who wanted to continue as Dan & I were but there was no room in the canoe and someone needed to help paddle the kayak) paddled quickly to the native reserve and took a water taxi back to Tofino. Dan and I continued on and had fun. 

Slightly rough waters

Sand flats near final campsite

The weather report didn't pan out, we had amazing weather. We did have some slightly rough waters but it wasn't difficult for us to paddle through it. We had such nice weather on that day that Dan and I were able to paddle all the way back to our first campsite in one day. We left site #3 at 8am and by 12noon we were near our final camp spot for the trip and the weather through the whole morning was nothing but sun, some wind and full of beauty. The picture to the left shows you the worse that we truly had to deal with during the whole trip. So while our friends took the water taxi back to Tofino and lounged in a hotel, the two of us enjoy more of our trip. We even found some nice sand flats to beach ourselves at to explore some more. At our final campsite (same as the first one) we set up and then relaxed for the afternoon. We had paddled non-stop for 4 plus hours and deserved a break. We laid down on the sand and tanned for awhile. The day that was supposed to be stormy with up to 20 knot winds and 3-4ft waves never materialized. Our overly cautious friend missed out on more adventure. Of course Dan and I were taking our chances. We wanted more adventure and we went for it. We had a plan in place, we would contact our friends via cell phone (there was service) every 6hrs to let him know where we were and if he did not hear from us in 12hrs he would send the Coast Guard out to find us. We felt we would be fine.

Final campsite

 Our final campsite was only a couple hours paddle back to Tofino so we knew that all would be fine with us. The last morning was as beautiful as all the previous ones. Our leisure paddle back to Tofino was nice. We saw many others in kayaks on their way out on day trips and more wildlife. It was so nice. Once back in Tofino we packed up the truck, did some souvenir shopping for friends/family, had a coffee & lunch with ice cream (I love civilization!) made our way home arriving in good time that evening.

We really enjoyed our trip that week. The storm we were threatened with did not happen as the sunshine stayed with us the whole time, we had no issues with wild animals, and the scenery was amazing. A trip that I didn't want to go on in the first place was one that I am glad I did. I told my sweetheart that I was thankful he planned it and pushed me to go.  The plan now is to do an excursion like that every year. Next year we will take a full week and plan a little better. We did have some minor problems along the way but they are ones you learn from to make the next time better.

Back in Tofino before we went home

This city boy still loves the city but he also loves to explore the great outdoors too. 

My Health Tips Series! ALL ABOUT NUTRITION: Water

Benefits of hydration

I find that I get dehydrated easily throughout my day, especially at work. For me the most common sign that I am dehydrated is a headache or dry lips. Most people (and I am guilty of it too) usually just take a pain killer for the headache or use lip balm when the lips feel dry. I find that if I drink some water or juice then the headache will go away on its own. With the dry lips I tend to drink water and use the lip balm as well due to the fact I lick my lips a lot and that dries them out a little faster as saliva isn't the greatest lip moisturizer.

To the right I have a picture that shows some of the benefits of drinking the proper amount of water and being hydrated. When your body has the correct amount of water/fluid it functions much more efficiently. As I mentioned above it helps to moisten your body's tissues such as your lips, eyes and mouth. We have all experienced at one time or another dry eyes, mouth or lips.  Being hydrated has so many more benefits besides what I have just mentioned. It helps in general with your overall well being and feeling good.

Drinking enough water has a big benefit with how it helps your body to flush toxins and waste products out. A common tip given to someone who is having difficulty managing the sodium (salt) or glucose (sugar) levels in their body (such as someone with diabeties) is to drink more water as it will flush out the excess. The body will take the nutrients it needs from your food and will then try to remove the rest it doesn't need. With a fluid intake of 2-3 Litres a day you will be assisting your body's systems to do their job in keeping you healthy and functioning.

Urine color chart

A good way to know if you are getting the fluids you need throughout your day is to look at the color of your urine when you pee. It is one of the simplest ways to know if you are hydrated enough. Not everyone is able to tell by how they are feeling whether their fluid intake for the day has been adequate. The picture (to the left) shows a color chart. Next time you go for a whiz take note of the color of your pee and then compare it to this chart.

The basic principle of this chart is a simple one to remember: the lighter the color the better hydrated you are. If it is dark then you need to drink more fluids, preferably water or other sugar free, caffeine free, non alcoholic beverages. Water is always the best option but clear fluids like herbal tea, apple juice, cranberry juice and white grape juice are great too. Any other juice and milk are healthy options as well.

Now that Summer is supposed to be here, maintaining good health in the sun and heat is essential. Eating right and drinking 2-3 Litres of fluid will go a long way to helping you enjoy your Summer every day.

BIG TIP!


My big tip for you is to stay hydrated all the time, not just when it is sunny or hot outside. Drink lots of water! At least 2L a day, 3L would be best. Avoid caffeine and sugars in your fluids as these can negatively affect your health and well being. Caffeine is also a diuretic which means it flushes the water and nutrients from your body; that is the opposite of what you want. So avoid coffee or regular tea as they both contain caffeine. As one of the sites in the link list below will tell you, when you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated; it is usually the first sign.

So Keep Hydrated!

For more information check out these links:
6 simple signs of dehydration
Dehydration
Symptoms of Dehydration

VICTORIA PRIDE 2012

Sunday July 08, 2012 is the culmination of Victoria Gay Pride 2010. At 12noon we will have our parade that will cruise along Government Street, past the Empress Hotel and the Parliament buildings, through James Bay to end at MacDonald Park where the Pride Festival will commence.

Pride Parade route

At the Festival we will have a wide variety of food vendors, merchandise kiosks, a beer garden and entertainment. The great thing I love about pride is that it is inclusive and all are welcome, even the four legged furry members of our families.

Every year you will see the Rainbow Flag being flown every where but most every one. It is our modern day symbol of Pride in our community and around the world. Not many know the history of the rainbow flag. Even fewer know that the flag originally had 8 colors instead of the well know 6 of today.

In the links below you will be able to read up on the meanings of the colors, why the 8 were reduced to 6 and the overall history of the Rainbow Flag itself.

Rainbow Flag
History


In general the flag stands for Diversity. Not just the diversity of the LBGT community but the communities of people around the globe. The flag also stands for inclusion, the coming together of all people as one.

If you are able to make it out to see the Parade and take part in the Festival then enjoy yourself and have lots of fun. If you have never been then I encourage you to come on out and join us. We are a great bunch of people.

HAPPY PRIDE!!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

July 01, 2012

If you want to know a little more about our history then check out the link below.
Canada Day Info