Daddy-O

The Sea is Calling

Big Sky … captured on August 15, 2008 - 5D

I'm less than an hour away from being officially on holidays but, as you can see, I'm not exactly working very hard. Cato was not pleased with me this morning. He definitely knew I was taking off today and I swear he's been working on that "sad face" of his because he looked pretty convincing. I did let him out for his morning stroll through the garden, so at least that appeased him. For today.

And so the strike is finally over in the Big Stink. Walking to Starbucks this morning (I opted for a smaller take-away coffee instead of brewing some at the office), I noticed the big silver bins were finally accessible—and empty—if not stomach-churningly smelly. I, for one, am looking forward to some fresh see air.

Tasting the Freedom

Madmen Yourself at www.amctv.com

This week has definitely been better than last week. I've even had time to futz around at lunch time. Above is a picture of myself in the 60's—had a been 20 years older and working on Madison Avenue. I like it so much, it's now my profile pic on Facebook. Other than work, I've been pining for my holidays and eating waaaay too much food. Yesterday, I took the lads out for lunch to celebrate a very good presentation. We ate at Terroni, a local Italian shop that makes some of the best pizza ever. Today, I tried a new Indian takeaway joint.

So that's it for the next couple of weeks, I guess. Next time I check up on the amount of visitors, it'll likely be down to 4 people a day. Unless Don's finally installed wi-fi at the cabins; but I won't hold my breath for that eventuality. Take care everyone, we'll see you in the second week of August.

Holidays Begin in Earnest

Loading Up … captured on July 28, 2009 - LX3

…at least for the rest of the family (hey, I'm looking for some sympathy here, folks).

Although tired and a little dazed from being up at 6:00 am, the kids were pretty excited to be off to the airport today. Little Miss Mina was particularly thrilled to be taking a cab. "It's my first ever taxi ride!" she exclaimed.

Still in my PJs, I kissed them goodbye on the porch—Marina squeezing me ferociously—and watched the cab speed away to Pearson. Cato and I are now baching it (think bachelor, not the composer) until Friday. The next few days are already full, what with work at the office and The Revue. I do plan to watch a Nagisa Oshima film tonight, release some pent up frustration at tomorrow's Toronto FC match and play host at The Revue's 8th installment of our Drop Your Shorts short film festival. Then on Friday, after a couple of hours at work, it's off to Westport where my holidays will finally begin.

Insulted!

Makeshift Shelter … captured on July 7, 2009 - 5D

We were sitting at the dinner table when Marina started the conversation. "Mummy. I don't want to be a soccer player."

"That's okay," Jennifer answered. "You don't have to be. And just because you play doesn't mean you'll become a soccer player."

"That's right, Marina." Matthew piped in. "Look at Daddy. He doesn't do anything."

"What are talking about?!" I cried.

"Well, you're just a worker." he offered.

Muddling Through

Prickly … captured on July 4, 2009 - 5D

Almost through the first week. Phew. Plus, a bit of a breakthrough today. I think. I'll know more tomorrow and whether I have to work over the weekend. At the very least, I have one more week to go before I'm off. Someone else around these parts is pretty darned excited, I dare say. Jennifer—a.k.a. RallyGirl—has just one more day of work before she kicks into holiday mode. Two weeks worth, I might add! Some people have all the luck; or, at least, holiday time.

The kids are doing fine. Both were in splendid moods today, at least until bed time. They spent a fair bit of the evening playing outside with both Cato and Boo, the next-door neighbour's black kitten. He's quite a frisky little fella, I must say. It would seem that Cato has gone a long way into making me more of a cat person. But fear not, dog lovers, I will always hold a special place for man's best friend.

Recap

Partner away on holidays for the next two weeks. Three unexpected BIG jobs have been added to an already busy schedule. Full days. Decompressing at home while watching Le Tour. That's it, I'm afraid. Perhaps I'll have something for the weekend. One thing's for sure, I will be primed for my holidays.

The Eagle Has Landed

Neil Armstrong on the Moon © N.A.S.A.

Forty years ago today, the first manned spacecraft and crew of Apollo 11 landed on the surface of our moon. Of course, I was only 4-years old so I can't quite say I remember watching grainy images of Neil Armstrong making his way down the ladder of the lunar module named Eagle. I do remember watching subsequent space missions but I'm sure these weren't as momentous as the first. What an exciting and inspiring time it must have been.

Back to Normalcy

Joey … created on a whim by Marina

Pox-Boy™ is good enough to go back to camp tomorrow so life should return to normal. He went to his first soccer practice in over a week and played very well; he looked keen to show he still had it in him. We took it easy today, letting the kids build forts and play with each other while Jennifer and I watched an exciting and breathtaking stage of Le Tour; the lads are now in the Swiss Alps and the scenery is simply stunning. 

We did make a little pit stop at the Cheese Boutique, right before lunch. Jennifer picked up her usual Campazola while I ordered my Mimolette. We also found a new favourite called La Tomme d'Hercules, a French creation from an artisan in Charlevoix, Québec. It's a nutty cheese, fashioned after gruyère, is delicious and offers quite a bit of bite. Of course Marina—our resident Cheese Monster—enjoyed them all. It's so odd to see kids with such palettes. 

Head in the Clouds

Swirly Skies … captured on July 12, 2009 - 5D

The next couple of weeks promise to be a bit like these swirly clouds. Or, perhaps I've simply psyched myself out. Honestly, I could use another camping trip or even a hike; I'm feeling all twitchy. But that will have to wait. In the meantime, I'll do my best to you all posted on everyone's goings-on before we head off to PEI in TWO WEEKS time.

All Your Wishes Come True (Almost)

New & Improved iPhone … captured on July 16, 2009 - 5D

Unfortunately, I had to go to work today. While I would have preferred staying home with the family, there was a lot to do today. My partner is going on holidays to Italy for the next two weeks and we've just won some new business so the next few months promise to be very busy. Fortunately, I've shifted some of my responsibilities to digital marketing which means a lot of time trying to track trends on twitter and in the mobile market. But more on that some other time. 

Perhaps as a convenient segue, the Wee-One did in fact get me a new iPhone this morning; after cutting it out of my Globe and Mail. It's not quite as functional as my existing iPhone but I have to admit, it's a lot lighter and doesn't require any charging.

Jennifer had a gin and tonic waiting for me when I got home which is a nice, civilized welcome, I must say. When she asked what I wanted for dinner, I was pretty non-committal. She informed me that Matthew had suggested that perhaps I would want pizza—with dipping sauce, of course—so I acquiesced. 

Somebody's Excited

Hiker's Rest … captured on July 12, 2009 - 5D

…about an upcoming birthday tomorrow, you'd think it was hers!

I was hesitant to write about this, for fear of calling attention to myself and sounding egocentric but really, she's just been so cute. The whole birthday thing started a few days ago but really ramped up this morning. She squirreled away into her room to work on something and I was forbidden to enter. When I got home from work, she asked how my "birthday day" was. When Matthew informed her—as only a brother can—that it wasn't my birthday today, she replied with a chuckle, "Oh, yeah. I know that."

But the clincher came at bedtime. I tucked her into bed and she asked if I could funk up tonight's songs. I rapped my way through Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star which she loved immensely. Then she asked if I was excited about tomorrow. Instead of bumming her out with the reality that birthdays kind of change as you get older, I told her yes, I was excited.

"You're going to get a present, you know." she offered surreptitiously.

"I am?" I asked, suddenly interested.

"Uh-huh. But I can't tell you what it is."

"Why not?" I demanded, then started to tickle her. "I won't give you a goodnight kiss."

Through the giggles, she reiterated that she couldn't tell me, even if meant she wouldn't get a kiss. "Oh, alright." I surrendered. "That's very honourable of you. I guess you deserve the kiss."

As I lifted myself up she dropped her chin and with a twinkle in her eye, called after me, "You're getting a brand new iPhone!"

First Day Recap

Having a Laugh … captured on July 12, 2009 - 5D

Actually, there's not much to report. I took the first day home with Matthew while Marina headed off to school. I had quite a bit of work to do so the Lad was pretty much on his own all day, alternating between the computer and TV. I'd renting him some Superman and Batman animated series DVDs so he's been overloading on those. Ah, to be a kid. 

Jennifer has taken over the home watching duties today. Hopefully, she doesn't have a lot of work and can actually spend time with the Boy. I was supposed to do today but the next two days are crucial for work. I'll let you know what developed at home.

Off to Crawford

Crawford Lake – captured on July 12, 2009 - 5D

We had planned to go for a hike on Saturday, but the changed our minds. Not to mention Matthew's chicken pox which threw us for a bit of a loop as well. Our friend Marc had intended to join us but he couldn't remember if he'd ever had chicken pox so we cancelled. Good thing too; it rained pretty heavily.

Hiking in the Sun – captured on July 12, 2009 - 5D

But today was another day. After surveying our Bruce Trail guide, I picked Crawford Lake to visit. It's part of the Halton Conservation and is nestled along the Niagara escarpment (we just can't get enough of the escarpment). The drive was pretty quick and Julia did her usual good job of leading us right to our destination. The lake offers many trails but we opted for the Escarpment side trail. As luck would have it, we missed a turn and ended up walking to the lake itself, a few hundred metres off. Crawford Lake is apparently a rare meromictic lake; what this means is that it's a small but deep body of water with limited circulation or oxygen below 15 metres. At this depth, sediment deposits are preserved in what are called varves and these are much like the rings in a tree, helping to determine the history of the area. Studies of the sediment have led to the discovery of a nearby Iroquois village.

Path to the Village – captured on July 12, 2009 - 5D

We eventually did find the side trail we had missed and hiked the 2.4 kilometre trail. Midway through our walk, we came upon a lookout which overlooks the Nassagaweya Canyon. While quite lovely, it's not nearly as high (or impressive) as the view one gets from Mount Nemo (we'll need to return there to take some pictures). We set off to finish the trail which loops back toward the main Visitors' Centre. This part of the path narrows considerably and was much more rocky and difficult to navigate; everyone loved it!

Nowhere to Paddle – captured on July 12, 2009 - 5D

By the parking lot and Visitors' Centre is the reconstruction of a 15th century Iroquoian Village. Several longhouses, fire pits and other structures were rebuilt based on archaeological data and written records from Jesuit missionaries. In the village you could try out some lacrosse on the Native games field, visit the Sacred plant garden, the Three Sisters garden (tobacco, sunflowers, herbs,…), look at some animal pelts and see how they smoked fish and cured their meat. Most impressive were the longhouses (one of which was closed for repairs). Inside, you could interact with a variety of tools, pelts, kitchen utilities and other items. Marina was completely enthralled with the experience. Matthew, sadly, did not have as much fun because we kept asking him not to touch anything for fear of spreading the chicken pox. Still, everyone enjoyed this glorious day and made the most of our experience.

28 Mosquito Bites

Matthew Pox … captured on July 11, 2009 - 5D

You've got to love that these kids are a constant source of material for the blog. Last night, Matthew started feeling under the weather around dinnertime. He'd developed a low-grade fever (38.9º) and had no appetite so we let him lie down on the couch for a while. Then he asked if he could just go to bed.

I'd surmised that he'd had a bit of sunstroke having spent the day outside at the Brickworks with camp. However, he walked into our room—feeling much better, by the way—at 7:45 this morning with his shirt all twisted. "Hey Mummy! I've got 28 mosquito bites!" Jennifer lifted his shirt and he looked surprised: "Whoa, there's two more! That's 30 mosquito bites!"

"Those aren't mosquito bites." Jennifer ventured.

"They're not?" he asked.

"You have chicken pox." I offered.

Since this photo, more spots have appeared so we've been calling and e-mailing everyone we know who Matthew's been involved with. He's a popular kid, let me tell you. So now, it's a week off work. We're pretty sure Marina will also get it but according to popular web lore, that likely won't happen for another week or two. I'm hoping for the latter as Jennifer will be off work anyhow. In three weeks: PEI. Here's hoping we're all over this by then. Luckily, both kids have had vaccines so this should be a milder form but for now, the Lad is having fun chasing Marina who's acting like he's radioactive.

Exhilarated

Biking to Work … captured on July 10, 2009 - LX3

What a beautiful day to bike to work today. It's the beginning of an upcoming hot and humid day but the temperature is still cool and the breeze on a downhill is invigorating. I managed to pace myself today and coasted up to the office fully charged and energetic.

So far, I've had little trouble with my knees. I felt a twinge on Tuesday, but I did drive harder than I should have. I keep telling myself: if I want to lose weight, I've got to bike at a slower pace. So I'm thinking of upping the commute to three times a week and seeing how that goes. While I love reading on the streetcar, that's been more difficult lately with the construction on Roncesvalles. And biking, well, there will always be the feeling of freedom.