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Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
Our 18th Anniversary Weekend
18 years for me and Deb (actually together a little more than 20).....boy did this weekend start with a blast.
Craig and Karen came up from TO for Wednesday night. Now that we've added the deck to the back, it's a great time to sit and talk. Unfortunately, we were not able to find a decent patio set (well..ok - I mean affordable), but it was nice to be able to look out at the lawn and the new flower beds that we've put in over the last couple of weeks. My landscaping abilities pale in comparison to Craig's, however.
Deb and I had gone on a search for some patio furniture with a specific idea of what we wanted. After looking for the low end, quick solution stuff you'd see at Walmart or Loblaws, we had to keep shopping - now at the speciality "Outdoor Living" stores. If you want to get some perspective on how the other half lives - go to Hauser....and take out an extension on your line of credit. There was another store we visited later on that Deb found a comfortable, nice looking and stylish set attracting the attention of a very nice salesman who proceeded to tell us how it was the "Cadillac" of what they sold (curse Deb's good taste - once she gets an idea on what she wants...sigh).
Criag has a lot in Toronto that is over 200ft deep, most of which is backyard. He has been working on it for years and has converted it into a small park, isolated from prying eyes. He has had to take out a pool, trees, replace shrubs, move rocks - really too much to mention. Having him up to give us some pointers on garden layout was great. We are really set to put some finishing touches on our backyard now.
A great time was had Wednesday night - a nice steak dinner and a lot of beer. In fact a suprising amount of beer. Craig brought 12 Stella and I had picked up another 12 for the weekend. The following morning, when we were packing up, we only had 4 bottles left and Deb and Karen didn't have all that much. If the Sens had won - it would have been a perfect evening.
Deb and I packed up and headed up to the lake for the weekend, hoping for nice hot weather and maybe a thunderstorm. Well, there was no disappointment there. What started as a typical thuderstorm grew into, what we worried, could have turned into a tornado (there was a warning for our area). There was a close strike that made us both jump a bit, but it was the wind that kept increasing that got us a little riled (especially after losing our big cedar last year ago with the F2 that went through). Thanks to Deb and her camera, we got the whole storm on video and have watched it twice.
Today looks like we may have a repeat performance. It's as humid as the tropics and the lake is as still as glass right now. Maybe, we can post a video link when we get home.
Craig and Karen came up from TO for Wednesday night. Now that we've added the deck to the back, it's a great time to sit and talk. Unfortunately, we were not able to find a decent patio set (well..ok - I mean affordable), but it was nice to be able to look out at the lawn and the new flower beds that we've put in over the last couple of weeks. My landscaping abilities pale in comparison to Craig's, however.
Deb and I had gone on a search for some patio furniture with a specific idea of what we wanted. After looking for the low end, quick solution stuff you'd see at Walmart or Loblaws, we had to keep shopping - now at the speciality "Outdoor Living" stores. If you want to get some perspective on how the other half lives - go to Hauser....and take out an extension on your line of credit. There was another store we visited later on that Deb found a comfortable, nice looking and stylish set attracting the attention of a very nice salesman who proceeded to tell us how it was the "Cadillac" of what they sold (curse Deb's good taste - once she gets an idea on what she wants...sigh).
Criag has a lot in Toronto that is over 200ft deep, most of which is backyard. He has been working on it for years and has converted it into a small park, isolated from prying eyes. He has had to take out a pool, trees, replace shrubs, move rocks - really too much to mention. Having him up to give us some pointers on garden layout was great. We are really set to put some finishing touches on our backyard now.
A great time was had Wednesday night - a nice steak dinner and a lot of beer. In fact a suprising amount of beer. Craig brought 12 Stella and I had picked up another 12 for the weekend. The following morning, when we were packing up, we only had 4 bottles left and Deb and Karen didn't have all that much. If the Sens had won - it would have been a perfect evening.
Deb and I packed up and headed up to the lake for the weekend, hoping for nice hot weather and maybe a thunderstorm. Well, there was no disappointment there. What started as a typical thuderstorm grew into, what we worried, could have turned into a tornado (there was a warning for our area). There was a close strike that made us both jump a bit, but it was the wind that kept increasing that got us a little riled (especially after losing our big cedar last year ago with the F2 that went through). Thanks to Deb and her camera, we got the whole storm on video and have watched it twice.
Today looks like we may have a repeat performance. It's as humid as the tropics and the lake is as still as glass right now. Maybe, we can post a video link when we get home.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Working Outside
Well - the heat has come and I'm starting to get the itch to do some work around the house. When the weather is co-operating, I love to get my tools out and get into some carpentry or some kind of home improvement project. If the weather can hold this weekend, I can start getting a third coat of paint on the porch or get the backyard garden into shape.
There is something about working outside that I prefer. Maybe it's just the fact that there is a lot of room or it could be the fresh air or myabe it's just the added sense of freedom. My workshop downstairs doesn't get a whole lot of use and I think its because of the lack of natural light. I know there is a lot of stuff I could be doing during the winter (well, at least more than I usually do).
I have a vision of a "perfect workshop" that would be about the size of a large double garage with large doors (ie garage door size) on two walls that would be able to open up to give more free workspace. It would probably be a little on the expensive side to make, but maybe I can put that on potential retirement projects.
Anyways, this year it will be a matter of esthetics on the house - no major construction. The cottage, however, will be another story. Somehow, there is always something that crops up - not that I mind that much once i get started on it.
There is something about working outside that I prefer. Maybe it's just the fact that there is a lot of room or it could be the fresh air or myabe it's just the added sense of freedom. My workshop downstairs doesn't get a whole lot of use and I think its because of the lack of natural light. I know there is a lot of stuff I could be doing during the winter (well, at least more than I usually do).
I have a vision of a "perfect workshop" that would be about the size of a large double garage with large doors (ie garage door size) on two walls that would be able to open up to give more free workspace. It would probably be a little on the expensive side to make, but maybe I can put that on potential retirement projects.
Anyways, this year it will be a matter of esthetics on the house - no major construction. The cottage, however, will be another story. Somehow, there is always something that crops up - not that I mind that much once i get started on it.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Surviving Hockey after 40
For the last few years, I've been going to the gym down the street from work. I have no aspirations to become "huge" merely survive what I'm putting my body through.
I've played hockey for a little over 10 years now - not well...but I do play. It started as a bit of an addiction because I was learning quickly and the excercise was great. So I would play 3 or 4 times a week sometimes. It was a lot of fun with the guys at the time, but eventually it got to be a bit much, especially with how busy I was at work.
Now, my long term goal is to be able to continue playing for another 20yrs - so I've taken to investing some time into working out to keep me in shape to play. When there is serious talk about making sure the guys on the team know how to use a portable shock unit - you start to take heed.
So this is my workout......
March thru May - Strength Training
June thru Aug - Core Training with Cardio
Sept thru Nov - Cardio/Strength (by this time I'm playing twice a week)
Dec thru Mar - Core/Strength (still playing twice a week)
Strength Training (I try to get through this in a week - usually alternate between chest and arms from week to week if I dont get to everything).
Bench Press = 3 sets; 150lbs x 10 reps (ok - this one I'm working on)
Incline Bench= 3 sets; 180lbs x 10 reps
Chest Fly (Universal)= 3 sets; 90lbs x 12 reps
Single Leg Press = 3 sets; 260lbs x 12 reps
Calf Raises= 3 sets; 280lbs x 12 reps
Leg Extensions=3 sets; 100lbs x 12 reps
Leg Curls=3 sets; 100lbs x 12 reps
Leg lifts = 3 sets; 15 reps
Thera Ball sit up = 3 sets; 15 reps with 45lb plate
Ab Crunch (Universal) = 3 sets; 150lbs x 10 reps
Rotary torso (Universal)= 3 sets; 80lbs x 12 reps
V Sit Rotary Torso= 3 sets; 25lbs x 15 reps
Pike Ball Hand Off = 3 sets; 1 annoying ball **
Single Arm Curl = 3 sets; 35lbs x 10 reps
Curl Bar = 3 sets; 80lbs x 10 reps
Straight Bar = 3 sets; 75lbs x 10 reps
Tricep Pull Down = 3 sets; 90 lbs x 12 reps
Skull Crusher = 3 sets; 75lbs x 10 reps
Full Length Pull Overs = 3 sets; 20lbs x 10 reps
Overhead lift = 3 sets; 80 lbs x 10 reps
Lateral Pull Down (Universal) = 3 sets; 120lbs x 10 reps
Seated Low Row (Universal) = 3 sets; 110lbs x 10 reps
Seated Mid Row (Universal) = 3 sets; 150lbs x 10 reps
I use the CORE EXCELLENCE workout book when I get into the Core Training. It's a 13 week program that incorporates some weight training but a lot of "pre-emptive" care for balance and joint strength. If you think you're in shape - try this.....it was a shock to me, but now I use the excercises regularly.
For Cardio I've taken to the Eliptical or Stationary Bike - the treadmill is just too much pounding for me.
So far, as long as I keep the calorie intake up, it's not too bad. Since I started this serious workout, I have been able to avoid injury (knock on wood) and I seem to heal up from the games better.
So, this helps give me a bit of an edge when I'm playing. But it doesn't totally make up for lack of skill - it's nice to be the first one to the puck, I just wish I knew what to do once I got there.
I've played hockey for a little over 10 years now - not well...but I do play. It started as a bit of an addiction because I was learning quickly and the excercise was great. So I would play 3 or 4 times a week sometimes. It was a lot of fun with the guys at the time, but eventually it got to be a bit much, especially with how busy I was at work.
Now, my long term goal is to be able to continue playing for another 20yrs - so I've taken to investing some time into working out to keep me in shape to play. When there is serious talk about making sure the guys on the team know how to use a portable shock unit - you start to take heed.
So this is my workout......
March thru May - Strength Training
June thru Aug - Core Training with Cardio
Sept thru Nov - Cardio/Strength (by this time I'm playing twice a week)
Dec thru Mar - Core/Strength (still playing twice a week)
Strength Training (I try to get through this in a week - usually alternate between chest and arms from week to week if I dont get to everything).
Bench Press = 3 sets; 150lbs x 10 reps (ok - this one I'm working on)
Incline Bench= 3 sets; 180lbs x 10 reps
Chest Fly (Universal)= 3 sets; 90lbs x 12 reps
Single Leg Press = 3 sets; 260lbs x 12 reps
Calf Raises= 3 sets; 280lbs x 12 reps
Leg Extensions=3 sets; 100lbs x 12 reps
Leg Curls=3 sets; 100lbs x 12 reps
Leg lifts = 3 sets; 15 reps
Thera Ball sit up = 3 sets; 15 reps with 45lb plate
Ab Crunch (Universal) = 3 sets; 150lbs x 10 reps
Rotary torso (Universal)= 3 sets; 80lbs x 12 reps
V Sit Rotary Torso= 3 sets; 25lbs x 15 reps
Pike Ball Hand Off = 3 sets; 1 annoying ball **
Single Arm Curl = 3 sets; 35lbs x 10 reps
Curl Bar = 3 sets; 80lbs x 10 reps
Straight Bar = 3 sets; 75lbs x 10 reps
Tricep Pull Down = 3 sets; 90 lbs x 12 reps
Skull Crusher = 3 sets; 75lbs x 10 reps
Full Length Pull Overs = 3 sets; 20lbs x 10 reps
Overhead lift = 3 sets; 80 lbs x 10 reps
Lateral Pull Down (Universal) = 3 sets; 120lbs x 10 reps
Seated Low Row (Universal) = 3 sets; 110lbs x 10 reps
Seated Mid Row (Universal) = 3 sets; 150lbs x 10 reps
I use the CORE EXCELLENCE workout book when I get into the Core Training. It's a 13 week program that incorporates some weight training but a lot of "pre-emptive" care for balance and joint strength. If you think you're in shape - try this.....it was a shock to me, but now I use the excercises regularly.
For Cardio I've taken to the Eliptical or Stationary Bike - the treadmill is just too much pounding for me.
So far, as long as I keep the calorie intake up, it's not too bad. Since I started this serious workout, I have been able to avoid injury (knock on wood) and I seem to heal up from the games better.
So, this helps give me a bit of an edge when I'm playing. But it doesn't totally make up for lack of skill - it's nice to be the first one to the puck, I just wish I knew what to do once I got there.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Enter the Blog-gon
Well, here's the first post.
Funny, but I've started this a number of times and gone back to delete things or reword things because "hmm somebody might take that the wrong way". I'm not terribly concerned about being misunderstood in this medium (being misunderstood seems to be one of my fortes - so bash on!). However, I have found that I have become conditioned to constructing written dialogue in a rather stilted fashion - which I attribute to the vast quantity of email I deal with every day.
It seems email has become the corporate opiate - people would far rather construct a thread of quick question and answer emails that go back and forth over the span of hours (sometimes days) rather than pick up the phone and talk to someone directly. Based on some of the emails I've seen, you'd expect more people to be doing that if the written word wasn't exactly your strong suit ("Sorry for the incontinence"....from one that I was copied on from work - I kept it in my archive). I try to avoid sending email as much as I can, I know my strength is not in prose - but HEY! I can attach a spreadsheet with the best of them!
On occasion, I have posted thoughts or comments on bulletin boards or public forums. Yeah - don't do that anymore. To me, these are a good barometer of society - count the number of flame responses you get and multiply by a thousand and that's how many morons there are out there. People will read what they want into things no matter how you try to detail something in writing - the more detailed you are, the worse it seems to get.
So, a sense of conditioning starts to creep in (at least with me). Stick to facts, offer opinion substantiated by objective evidence, feelings and intuition out the window...add a dash of numbers and top off with at chart. But here, this will be my little venting place.
I named it "The Bug's Bar" because I like to play bartender and some of my fondest memories were hanging around with my friends (way back when) at the Duke of Somerset gabbing on about whatever crossed our minds at the time. My hopes are that this will be a nice place to write things that my friends and family might read from time to time - which means I won't have to elaborately explain myself.
Funny, but I've started this a number of times and gone back to delete things or reword things because "hmm somebody might take that the wrong way". I'm not terribly concerned about being misunderstood in this medium (being misunderstood seems to be one of my fortes - so bash on!). However, I have found that I have become conditioned to constructing written dialogue in a rather stilted fashion - which I attribute to the vast quantity of email I deal with every day.
It seems email has become the corporate opiate - people would far rather construct a thread of quick question and answer emails that go back and forth over the span of hours (sometimes days) rather than pick up the phone and talk to someone directly. Based on some of the emails I've seen, you'd expect more people to be doing that if the written word wasn't exactly your strong suit ("Sorry for the incontinence"....from one that I was copied on from work - I kept it in my archive). I try to avoid sending email as much as I can, I know my strength is not in prose - but HEY! I can attach a spreadsheet with the best of them!
On occasion, I have posted thoughts or comments on bulletin boards or public forums. Yeah - don't do that anymore. To me, these are a good barometer of society - count the number of flame responses you get and multiply by a thousand and that's how many morons there are out there. People will read what they want into things no matter how you try to detail something in writing - the more detailed you are, the worse it seems to get.
So, a sense of conditioning starts to creep in (at least with me). Stick to facts, offer opinion substantiated by objective evidence, feelings and intuition out the window...add a dash of numbers and top off with at chart. But here, this will be my little venting place.
I named it "The Bug's Bar" because I like to play bartender and some of my fondest memories were hanging around with my friends (way back when) at the Duke of Somerset gabbing on about whatever crossed our minds at the time. My hopes are that this will be a nice place to write things that my friends and family might read from time to time - which means I won't have to elaborately explain myself.
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