coming turbulence

Someone I know has gone off to Mexico for a week's vacation. Little does she know that a hurricane is racing its way toward her location, Puerto Vallarta. It'll be a category 4 storm by the time it hits the coast where she's at. Such timing, such bad luck! Currently its calm but it will change, and change it will.

Meantime, here on Canada's west coast in the Vancouver area its raining and will be most of the week. If we're lucky, we may see some sunshine but that won't be until the end of the week. She's not missing much in any case.

So, how's your week starting off? Regardless of how it is or what's coming your way, make the best of it! - V

cameras, faces and other things

The rain we had yesterday, overnight and this morning has given way to occasional sunshine. I'm going to get some laundry out of the way shortly but I thought to get this post done first before doing that.

With my mind on cameras and various related equipment there's such a variety of cameras out there of one sort or another that its very handy to keep in touch with our friends and others, such as a fitness trainer, one our physical development (as you can see in the above image) or anything else that comes to mind. Its so easy to get up to date information from the internet and get feedback from others more or less immediately.

I've got two digital cameras, a camcorder, photo scanner and printers to my name, not to mention the laptop computer which is due to be replaced. The current laptop was bought in the spring of 2004 and has certainly seen better days. The new ones on the market now have larger hard drives and can handle the software available today. Mine originally had a small hard drive by today's standards but as I look, I should be able to find one that meets my needs today and for a few years to come. The plan is to buy a work station later and use the laptop when travelling about. That's the plan anyway!
Moving on to other matters, some faces grab my attention immediately. The eyes are the root to the soul and we must instinctively recognize others of like mind immediately. I know someone that looked similar to the person above when he was younger but when I last saw him, he had hair of the same colour and similar length but no white or grey in it. He's someone from my high school days. We met in high school when I was in grade 12 and he was in grade 11. The first time was like two deer caught in the headlights sort of thing which is the best way I can describe it. We met up a number of times over a period of years. His father was a United Church minister and his mother I'd never seen but briefly talked to on the phone when trying to contact John, my friend. We've long since parted ways and his parents have most likely passed on (but you never know). Wouldn't it be nice to meet up again and get caught up in what has happened in the intervening years? I do have a series of photos I took of John back in the 1970s which I'd certainly would want to share with him but who knows!

Friday evening on my way home from work I saw someone on the SkyTrain that looks a lot like Brad. The hair colour and length was the same, the shape of the ears and the stud in them was the same, and the height and age was similar (tall and handsome). There was one notable difference, he had a short dark beard, which would make sense. Brad said he had been in work camps in the Rockies and on the island (Vancouver). This guy was with an asian fellow of about the same age as him. If he is the one and the same, I would certainly want to meet up. Who knows?!?! Regardless, I hold no ill will and feel we should move forward and make a go of it. Friendship is a good start. The rest is up to Brad. All I can say at the moment is that I still have one of his photos as a wallpaper on the computer and I have the same image in my bedroom. That should say a lot!!!

Now I'm off to get the laundry out of the way. Hope all is well, guys!!! - V

in the rain!

All the snow we had earlier in the week melted as the temperatures warmed up and with the warmer temperatures has come the rain! So, we're back to normal winter weather around here.

Despite the wet stuff, I'm off to Vancouver for a few hours. First stop will be Chapters followed by HMV where Ill try to find a copy of Xavier Dolan's first film in dvd format (I Killed My Mother). Considering that he was only 19 years old when that one hit the screens, I think it'll be interesting to see as far as seeing a progression in his work. I'll let you know more later.

Meantime, have an awesome weekend regardless what you have planned, guys! - V

snow

We've had rain over the last couple of days, especially during the night, but there's also talk of that other four letter word, "snow", here in the valley. The mountain tops currently have a dusting of the white stuff, so it only follows that with colder temperatures here we may well get some too.

There is just another day of work before the weekend when I can devote more time to working at the computer here at home. My eyes are burning from not enough sleep, so I will soon call it a night and head off to bed. Good night all!!! - V

Sunday

The laundry was done earlier in the afternoon and now I'm busy cooking up supper. Seeing as its after 9 pm, its a bit late but still needs doing. Today I braised a duck leg on diced onion and then added diced red cabbage to cook slowly over low heat. Added to the cabbage after its cooked will be some honey and white wine vinegar, so that its sweet and sour in taste. I'll be off to bed shortly after its done. I'll have it tomorrow evening along with boiled potatoes. The potatoes taste better fresh and the cabbage is better the day after. In the latter case, it allows the flavours to mingle. Since I'm lactose intolerant, cabbage is a good source of calcium, as is anything in the cabbage family.

I know, its not a very exciting weekend but since its been raining, especially this morning, and so much needed doing, there was no sense in heading out any where. Have a great week, guys!!! - V

thoughts, musings

I first saw the above photo of Edilson Nascimento on the internet back in late 2007 or early 2008. Its such a hot image that reminds me of someone deep in thought, like the thinker!

The overcast skies and rain has been back since yesterday. Most of the week was sunny and warm but now this wet weather describes what we're up against over this Thanksgiving weekend here on Canada's west coast. Its a good time to meet up with family and friends, or to take time to ponder, to think about life and the promises it holds for us. Its also the time to count our blessings, such as family and good friends, that we're working, however humble the job might be, and so on. What have got that causes you to be thankful? Take time to think about it and be thankful, truly thankful!

I woke up this morning with a tickle in the back of my throat, a tickle that hasn't worsened much as the day progressed but my appetite is lessening. I bought some vitamin D tablets in the hopes of strengthening my body's defenses, and this certainly helped last autumn and winter to ward off colds (Rhinoviruses) and the flu (influenza), but I also bought some over the counter medicine to lessen the drip if that becomes an issue. My supervisor was off hunting with his uncle last week. His uncle was sick with the cold and so its likely spread from there to my supervisor and on to me. Oh well, what colds I did get last year were short lived, so I'm counting my blessings. I did go through a seven year period back in the 1980s with no colds, flu or other illness, so that must be due to eating right, getting lots of exercise and plenty of sleep. Staying away from allergens probably helped too! And the power of the mind over matter and negative thoughts probably played a part as well. Right now I'm drinking plenty of fluid and should get lots of rest over the holiday weekend. That's always a good thing!

Turkey dinner is pretty standard for this holiday but I may look to buying a turkey leg and some potatoes instead. There's just too much for one person with a whole bird, so part of it will have to do. I did get some groceries this evening on the way home from work, and made certain to buy a couple of bags of cranberries which went straight into the freezer when I got home. I make my own cranberry sauce, but also use these fruit for other purposes, such as adding to oatmeal or granola, that and some blueberries. Cranberries are great for making a tea out of them, adding sugar or honey and then the freshly boiled hot water. I crush the berries and eat the pulp afterwards. So, what are you having for dinner this holiday weekend?

There's a bit of a dilemma. A friend of mine, a young male, is bisexual and in love with two people, one male and the other female. I won't tell you where he lives since that's not important here. So my question is, does he have to choose between the two or can he have both and have the best of both worlds? I know he's been confused and needs an answer to his problems that is workable. I have many friends, both gay and straight. This one happens to be bi. So does he choose the one or the other and deny part of his being or does he accept both and be a whole person, true to himself? And should he be truthful to both parties and himself? We read about what happens when a marriage breaks down because the guy reveals that he's gay in the papers often enough. There's the aftermath and the hurt feelings on both sides which is something to be avoided if possible. "To thine own self be true", as the saying goes! What are your thoughts on this matter and how would you resolve it so that all are happy and content in the end? I'm looking forward to your comments! He may even read your answers and know that there are options, workable one! I care about all my friends, every one of them, and all of them deserve to be happy, and live fulfilling lives!!!

So, now its off to bed for a good, well-needed night's rest! The official holiday is Monday, Thanksgiving Day! Have a great weekend guys!!! - V

light rain and drizzle

Yet another weekend is upon us. Today, its a dull day with light rain or drizzle falling. The temperatures are warm enough at 12 degrees Celsius with an expected high of 14 later. As a result, I've opted to remain at home to get things done here such as doing some posts, working on images (photos) taken over the last few weeks and so on. There's no end of things that need to be done. I guess I can get some cleaning done around the apartment, such as washing a few dishes, taking out the garbage and recycle materials, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen and so on.

You've probably heard, read or seen videos about the volcanic eruptions in Iceland the same activitiy that has brought havoc to air travel across northern and central Europe with cancelled flights and such. It shows what effects Earth's natural activities can bring to us mere humans. I've long had an interest in Iceland and other northern areas of the planet.

On a lesser note but still to do with natural activities, I went to Kits Beach (Kitsilano) last Saturday afternoon to see the sailboats washed up on shore by the recent gale force wind storm a couple of days earlier. I fully expected some or all to have been removed but they were still there. The next post will have more details plus lots of photos! - V.

winter olympics

We are halfway through the month of January now that 2010 is well underway. Its also less that a month away from the start of the winter olympics here in Vancouver (and Whistler) and after a week or so of steady rain, the snow in the mountain venues has been melting fast. I believe Cypress Bowl lost about a meter (39 inches) of snow and after I had a look at the long range forecast, there doesn't seem to be an end to the wet stuff, atleast for the moment.

The sky started clearing some this afternoon (Friday) and the sun began to show its face after being largely absent for most of the month. The sun though poses other problems: yet warmer temperatures! Man would appear to have little control over these events. Mother Nature is in control and anything is possible, but what is most certain is more rain and least certain, some colder temperatures and snow! We will see what transpires.

So, Brad, when you do come, and its just before the start of the games, bring along some of that cold, frosty Atlantic air and enough snow to satisfy a winter olympian! We could use some!!!

Meantime, in preparation for the start of the games the road closures and detours have started. I believe the aim last week was to reduce traffic but the results were about 2.5 percent, about half the projected figure. Now its hoped to reduce the traffic in the downtown by 10 percent. I say good luck because it'll be a challenge. So where are the extra trains and buses to pick up those that have left their vehicles at home? The olympic village has been sealed off from the public and the street closures have started. This will be an interesting lesson for everyone! - V.

dull and wet

Its raining and is supposed to continue that way through the weekend into next week. As a result, I will be spending a lot of time at home but then there is plenty of research to be done on the matter of starting up the business that Brad and I will be involved in. That keeps us both motivated and focused.

The weather is rainy here but where Brad is right now in Nova Scotia its anything but rainy. They've had plenty of snow and I wouldn't be surprised if they are still digging out from under all that white stuff. Brad, we'll trade you some rain for some snow. We'll need colder, snowy weather for the winter olympics anyway!

Anyway, its late and time for bed. There's more coming but do have an awesome weekend in the interim! - V.

snow but not here on the coast

Today I learned that the northeast (US.) is digging out of a heavy snowfall. Mostlikely this is also the case in the Maritimes on the Atlantic coast in Canada. The U.S. south is also experiencing record cold weather. Meantime, here on the west coast it has been rain along the shore and snow at higher elevations.

I had expected to chat with Brad online but with the snow I can appreciate why this isn't happening this evening. Once they dig themselves out, things should improve but Brad would be able to explain their weather a whole lot better than I. I hope to hear from him soon. Meantime, have a good night (or good day)!!! - V.

more rain

The new year has started much as the old one ended: with rainy weather! There was a heavy rain warning in effect here from late Thursday to late Friday. When I got up out of bed mid-morning today, it was raining. I really don't think it ever stopped, or at least not long enough to matter. I am certainly looking forward to some sunshine!

Today I'm doing some more cleaning and organizing around the apartment. I'm taking the empties over to the liquor store across the street to tidy up the cupboard and then clean up the bathroom and kitchen when I return. That and some work at the computer about describes the day.

During the night I was thinking (or was I just sleeping on it?), a time when my thought processes seem to work best, and arrived at a conclusion by morning. Given Brad's great business sense I thought it best to have him take the lead in our business venture but we'll each do our part and do what each of us do best. This allows me to focus on what I do best: photography! Brad will be continuing with the business after I'm done and gone, so he may as well make his stamp now since it'll be his alone later.

For now there are thousands of images to choose from for use in producing greeting cards, postcards, calendars, posters and such. This is even before we work on amassing model photos and branch out into video! - V.

weekend

The weekend is finally here but it started with a bang in a manner of speaking. Yesterday evening, when it was time to leave work, it was pouring rain mixed with ice pellets. I kept saying it could snow and the guard that had relieved me kept saying, "don't say that!" All of this was on my mind as I was humming the Andrew Sisters rendition of "Jingle Bells" as the mix of rain and hail came down. Everytime I mentioned the "snow" word I would hear, "Don't say that!"

Well, I was off without unpacking my umbrella. That would wait until I reach the station I was to catch the bus at. I joined someone on the homeward trip on the SkyTrain. We were chatting as the storm continued unabaited outside. There was a flash of lightning as we stopped at another station and then thunder. While chatting we both relayed our stories about lightning, including my comment about the thought back east where the chance of getting struck by lightning was better than winning the lottery. Then on our way again there was another bolt of lightning and loud thunder. That's when I learned that she was afraid of lightning and switched to another seat across from me, so that she wouldn't have to see the lightning!

She mentioned that people get killed by lightining and then I'm thinking to myself, "how does moving away so as not to see the lightning change anything?" Lightning is still going to do what it's going to do! I'm not much for irrational fears but on the otherhand, if it's our time to go and our number is up, then so be it. There's no sense in fearing the end (death) since we're all going to experience it at one point or another. It's as much a fact of life as birth is!

Then another flash and clap of thunder followed with more rain and hail. I got my bus and was home soon enough. The rain continued into the night and was still pouring as I went to bed around 11 pm.

It's now early afternoon Saturday. The sky is dull and overcast with light rain falling which doesn't seem surprising at all since most of November has been like this: dull, grey overcast with rain, and lots of it!

This afternoon I plan to take the SkyTrain over to Metrotown in south Burnaby to get some grocery shopping done before returning home to get some laundry done. Mundane stuff, yes, but it all needs to be done and out of the way. After that, it's more time at the computer. I may even take some time to scan some photos and see how they turn out. A few of the good ones will be posted if all turns out okay. That's the plan anyway. More later! - V.

ditto

While at work today, I took the time to check on the long range weather forecast. If there's something that is common through the rest of the month, that's rain. So like the last post, it's rain, rain and more rain. As depressing as all this sounds, all is not lost. As the temperature drops toward the end of the month, it's likely the rain will stop and we may see some more sunshine but also some snow. The latter is good for the skiers who are starting to get some in the mountains.

This morning we had a bit of a tease. There was a large area of clear, more or less cloudless sky overhead in Vancouver but that didn't last by late morning all that was replaced by a dark cloud cover and ice pellets for a time soon replaced by rain. The clear spot in the sky had moved east toward Metrotown while all around this opening, dark clouds could be seen and white pellets dropping down from them.

As I write, it's raining rather steadily with no sign of letting up. The long range forecast has rain everyday with the possibility of some sun next Tuesday but we all know that can change long before then. But when the sun does appear, people will be out in droves as is normal in these parts, especially after long periods of dark, gloomy weather.

While on the subject of the weather, I was checking out the status of the current climate change we are going through on a global scale. The Greenland icecap is melting at an alarming rate adding the equivalent of 0.75 mm (0.03 inch) to the world sea level each year for the period from 2006-2008, which is up from the period 2000-2008 when it was at a rate of 0.46 mm. This information was in a report authored by Michiel van den Broeke, of Utrecht University. The report was contained in a study published in the journal Science.

Not only is the Greenland icecap melting but there are great changes in other areas of the Arctic, such as the sea ice in the Arctic Ocean. The same goes for the Antarctic in the southern part of the globe. I'll present more on this subject on my companion blog, Haliaeetus, but this will have to wait until atleast the weekend when more time is available.

Meantime, remember, changes are not all bad news but also present new possibilities, new challenges, new scenarios for learning about the globe, how weather works and our effects on the entire weather system. We don't life in isolation, so our industrialisation has had to have changed the weather patterns to a great extent over the last few hundred years. How much this has contributed to a natural cycle we will soon find out as the world temperatures go up and ocean levels rise! - V.

rain, rain and more rain

That pretty well describes the month of November so far, rain and lots of it. Once autumn arrives it's a given here on the west coast that the rain will come as well. When it's nice, it's really nice but the reverse is true about the colder, wetter months of the year. Some days we have been teased by the sun as it tried to poke its way through the cloud cover and other days we've not fared as well. There have been the odd day where the sun has made a more prominent display but for the main it's been overcast and rainy.

With all this rain there upper elevations are getting a dusting of snow and a fair bit in places. I noticed back in October where the mountains, particularly in the interior away from the coast, has a good dusting of the white stuff. This should make the skiers happy for sure!

So, as I get ready to head out to work on yet another day of overcast, dull, rainy weather, have a great day where ever you are and keep that sunny disposition inside even if the weather outside is otherwise! - V.

its back but not for long

Yes, the snow is back. Its been raining off and on for the last couple of days but this afternoon the white stuff started coming down. The Weather Network calls for 5 to 10 cm of snow this evening and overnight and up to 15 cm in the valley but it won't last. The ground is too warm and a night temperature of -2 degrees Celsius won't keep it for long nor will daytime temperatures in the 5 to 9 degree mark. I could hear the grumbling at work this afternoon and more of the same from a person that got off the bus with me this evening. Spring is just around the corner. There are signs everywhere if people look carefully.

Today was the first time I saw Gregor Robertson, the mayor of Vancouver, in person. He rode his bike to the venue where a news conference was being held and looks younger than photos of him in the newspapers would indicate. In 2003 Gregor was voted one of the top 40 under 40 by The Globe and Mail. Previously I had only seen photos of him in the papers, especially during the municipal election a few months back. You can read more about him and his team by going to http://www.votevision.ca/ .

Well, there are two more work days to go before the weekend. Should the weather be reasonable with some sun I'll be out taking some photos. Burnaby Mountain is a distinct possibility if the right conditions prevail. A trip to the conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver is also a strong possibility where, even if its raining, it won't matter because what's to be seen is indoors. This indoor venue has all sorts of interesting tropical and subtropical plants and flowers plus birds flying about. More on all that later.

Now I'm off to take a quick hot shower before getting back to the computer for a bit before bedtime. Have a good night (or good day, depending on where you're at) and chat some more later!

Changing temperatures

This was the scene in New Westminster's Queens Park last Sunday and most of the week until temperatures changed overnight. It was snowing yesterday but that changed during the night. When I looked outside my window this afternoon, I could see water dripping from a Japanese maple outside my bedroom. A robin was perched on one of its branches. I managed to get a shot but the robin had disappeared by the time I showed up at the window again with my camera in hand. I'll keep you posted.

Friday evening I was turning off the Grundig radio I keep in the kitchen and turned off the power switch on the electrical cord when the switch sparked and a flash came out and blackened my finger. I guess I was lucky enough not to get a shock! I immediately unplugged the radio. This morning I checked to see if the radio was working but found nothing. The switch is gone at the very least and perhaps the entire cord will have to be replaced to get the radio working. There's a lot of history in that radio. I used to listen to shortwave radio back in the early 1970s with my brother and often spent hours on my own listening to radio stations around the world, such as from Radio Netherlands from Hilversum, or Voice of America from Washington, DC/USA, Radio Moscow, Radio Japan, Radio Australia from Melbourne, New South Wales, or Radio KUSW from Colorado/USA and so on. The furthest away station was one from a transmitter north of Perth, Western Territory/Australia where I caught a variety show early in the morning after returning home from work. The sound was so clear, as if it was from a station in the city where I lived. I continued to listen to the radio for years after my younger brother passed on. Like I said, lots of memories! Let's see if I can get this thing working again!!!

Meantime, I have been busy today sorting stuff and separating that which is to go to the auctioneer apart from that which I am to keep. Its a chore. More coming, including photos!

Raining!

We're back to the rain again today (Monday). I should have seen it coming since the cloud cover was moving in from the Pacific Ocean yesterday evening. Oh well, its still warm eventhough the sun is missing. The rain is not heavy but just a light sprinkle. Back in southwestern Ontario where I grew up it would have been a down pour and then over with. That would likely have included a lightshow (lightning) and plenty of sound (thunder). They don't get much of either out here on the west coast and people tend to freak out when there is thunder and lightning! You can tell the ones that don't since they are likely from back east and used to this sort of thing. - Volker