JD and Erin's Wedding...

Thursday

Thank god thursday came, cause I was getting myself into a hole at work. 10,000 things to do and no end in sight. Must be a good reason to get some time off.

Thursday we went and tried on tuxes and then got a haircut. Then we were off home to prepare for the bachelor party.

The best man's flight was delayed for ~30-40 mins so our bachelor party was delayed for a little bit. JD and Darren got here at about 11:00 and we got JD dressed up as a blue-bumble-bee. It was a good laugh, and we had to make him stand out somehow. We got to Sam's at about midnight. We didnt miss anything though, it didnt start having people till near 1-1:30. We made sure we had some interesting challenges for him. Each challenge to be followed by a shot. If you've never tried a frozen alligator, I suggest it.

Mike JD and Darren

Then we made it to the cabaret. The shot girl followed us there. We had a few more drinks and then at about 4:00am we decided to head home. All in all, it was a great night and there were plenty of laughs to go around.

Friday


Mike and I had to get our tuxes and then get to Nathan's to help with the pouring of the garage.


Tip: If you have to shovel and trowel a lot of concrete, don't plan it for the day after a bachelor party.


We ended up being a little short on the concrete and had to lower the forms and move a lot of it. It ended up working out perfect though.


Immediately following this, we rushed to Pictou Lodge and went to get our rooms. As we arrive, we notice that everyone around is wearing nice button-up shirts and fancy clothes. We go to the front desk covered in spattered concrete asking for a room. Oh well, I guess the hillbillies just arrived.


We went through the rehersal and then had supper with the wedding party. The food was EXCELLENT and JD and Erin have very friendly family and friends.


Bedtime came around 3:30am (i think). The homemade wine was delicious (thanks, Brian).


Saturday


Golf started at 10:00am immediately following a run to Timmies (breakfast sandwich and coffees). We played 9 holes at Pictou Golf Course. I now understand Heart-attack hill.


We ran into a lot of people I work with at the golf course. We were playing best ball and ended the day at +3 i believe. Not bad for amateurs. After the golf, we had to get home, get showered and get some pictures taken. It was a great choice on the tuxes. Everyone looked great. Top hats and canes topped it all.


The wedding was next at about 4:00. Lots of people showed up and Mike and myself ushered them all to their seats. Then, we escorted the grandmothers to their chairs and stood up front to watch it all happen. You couldn't have asked for a better day.

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids

The Bride and Groom And Minister

The wedding party.

Following the wedding were a couple drinks and then the speeches and dinner. Darren, Mike and I managed to tell a few good stories (PG of course) to embarass the groom. I think it worked well.

After supper was the dance. Nathan showed up and helped us break it "old-school". And let me tell you, there was dancing. Got to meet everyone and the DJ even called Mike, "Mike the Hillbilly Campbell". At least we were wearing top hats and tuxes, I think it disguised it some.


The dance ended near 1:00am when we went to the afterglow party. The guitar came out and we all enjoyed ourselves. Bedtime came near 4:30am.


Sunday


Sunday brunch at Pictou Lodge is amazing. Lets just leave it at that. I've never eaten that much after having a couple beer in my life. As soon as the food was over, we went and watched the bride and groom open some presents. Then, it was all over. Time to make it home.


Congrats, JD and Erin, It was a great time. Thanks for everything.

Mike and I

Nathan's Garage...

Nathan has been trying for a few months now to start his garage. Everything finally fell into place.

We started by digging ~350 ft of a trench for drainage which then involved digging a ditch. Brandon and Nathan found their homes in the excavator and tractor respectively while Keith, Mike and I were levelling and shovelling dirt. We dug the trench and then dug the hole for the footings for the garage.

Nathan and Brandon Filling in the hole

The next week we made the forms for the footings and poured them. Some "interesting" calculations we will call them made for a bit of extra work. All said and done, we are now in the process of forming up the frost walls. Its going to be a decent garage (shop, sorry) for Nathan and I expect there to always be some beer waiting in the fridge for me :P

Nathan, Billy, Mike and Keith

Nathan Working.

Mike Working

Its been a while...

It took a long time to get the pictures working again. However, we are now back in business. Not a whole lot has gone on in the month of August.

It started out with the riverfront Jubilee in New Glasgow, which was great.

We then started building a device to be used to pull out alder bushes in a field. Of course, most people would just pull the bushes, we had to build a machine.

Mike cutting the "tree puller"

Brandon's sister was home for a while. When her boyfriend, Chris (we call him Steve) arrived, we went surfing in Halifax. Surfing was a blast. Although my shoulders didnt agree as much. The next day we went fishing in the mouth of halifax harbour. We caught mackarel and polluck. Caught about 10-15 fish. Only 3 or 4 of us ate them. I thought they were good.

Helped Brandon a couple of nights start to put together an entertainment centre. It looks good. Terri drew up the design. Oak Veneered plywood. I have no pictures, but I will eventually.

Melissa was home for a week and a bit. Her and I hung around quite a bit. I really like her dog. We went and saw Talladega nights, started building a shelf. When someone says that they want to build a shelf, picture one in your mind. Now picture something GIANT with three compartments on top and 5 hooks on the bottom. This is what Melissa pictures of a shelf. I will admit, it does look really good, and she is good at woodworking. Also, its kinda hot seeing a girl use all the equipment. No, wait... it is hot.

We then had a weekend in Goshen where we sided the camp. We also spent some time in Country Harbour playing guitar and telling lies around the fire. I really feel at home sitting around a campfire and playing guitar. It seems to make a person really relax. There's no pressure and you can pretty much play anything and forget the words to anything as well.

Mike Gettin the fire going

The camp sided

Building a Bar...

We were asked to build a bar in 4 days. Seems reasonable, but the design we came up with was slightly extravagant. Anyways, the first night Mike and I modeled the bar in 3d on the computer and asked just about everybody we knew how high to make the top surface of the bar. We even piled boxes on my kitchen table to try and simulate the leaning at each height. Then there was the dilemna of there being 2 bartenders behind the bar. So, we came out with a 2 level 6' x 6' corner bar. Now, only 3 days left.

Go to the wood pile, choose somewhat reasonable boards to put on bar. Use planed wood to build surface. Trim the edge of the top.

Two days to go

Build the framework under the top of the bar. Assemble the top of the bar.

One day to go

Build the framework under the bottom of the bar. Start cutting boards to make the front of bar. Spray bar.

Congratulations, you just built a bar in 3 days instead of 4.

The Wedding Weekend...

Dave came home on monday, but forgot to tell anyone he was going to be here. I ended up at his house tues, wed, thur and friday playing guitar. It was a blast. We went to fibber's on wednesday night for open mic and then to the tavern in pictou for Thursday night open mic. I enjoy playing in front of people. It is fun. However, sometimes it pays to practice before doing this :P

Friday evening started out with going to the greenhouses in West River to buy some cherry
trees. I bought 2 after picking the gardener guy's brain for about an hour. Got the trees, but the rear passenger door in the escape stopped working. Got to drive home with the door tied shut with a piece of twine. Mike called as soon as I got home. His car burst a fuel line. Good start to the weekend. I had to fix the escape first. Went outside, lubed the latch and it worked I wasnt asking any questions. I haven't used the door since.

We went to Dave's house and played guitar and sat around and chatted for a little while (till about 3 am). We were going to go dive in the river at this point so we grabbed some flashlights and headed down there. There was a tree laying in the river where we were going to swim so we decided not to go. It looked pretty hard to climb through the tree to get into the water. Long story.

Got up Saturday morning and headed to Country Harbour for Nathan and Sara's wedding. Got there around 2, changed and headed in. There was a van delivering people to and from the wedding so no one had to drive. The day was beautiful... sooo hot and sunny. After the ceremony and supper (roast beef), we started getting ready for the reception. I've never danced that much in my life. All I can say is that if weddings are all like this, then I want to someday get married on the beach (I SAID SOMEDAY!!).

Sunday morning we got up, went back to the cottage, and despite some skeptical people, we knew the sun was going to come up. Got the boat in the water and got the tube out. I had no bathing suit, and am a little nervous in deep water so I just enjoyed sitting on the boat tooling around. Took Brandon, Terri, Sara, Sara's cousin (Beth) and Nathan out on the tube. I wish we could have been there all day.

Sunday night made it back to home and kinda slept a little. Mike and I didnt get much sleep either friday night or saturday night.

Not much in the works for this weekend, paintball looks like a possibility and Melissa might be around again. Its been super super hot here lately, so I'm going to go shave my head.

The Taxi Cab Co-Pilot...

Its been about a week now. Monday was a holiday and probably needed it from that weekend. It was a good time.

I can't remember what day we played paintball, but it was a lot of fun. It was Mike, Brandon, Devon and I. We walked up the road behind Brandon's house and played about 5 games until we ran out of paint. Improv paintball. I actually got shot from the flukiest angle. The ball sailed up between my chin and my mask and broke on my lip/tooth. Paintballs don't taste good. I ordered a new mask that covers my chin. Hopefully that will never happen again.

Tuesday night we put Nathan's Zodiac together. This way when we're up at the cottage, we get to water ski (or at least try). It was also the first time I ever towed anything with the escape. However, a giant inflatable boat isnt much of a load.

I keep thinking the garden should be weeded and every day that goes past just makes that little voice in my head keep getting louder and louder. So, we havent done that yet. The voices are constantly louder.

Kinda took wed and thurs easy. Friday was the start of the Lobster Carnival. Went to a party with people from work. Met a lot of the Pictou crowd. Trooper played in the beer tent. I thought I only knew two of their songs. I was right. I've only ever heard two of their songs. Good band tho.

Saturday (my birthday)

The day started off in Pictou sleeping on the floor in Sandi's house. I got up, drove home, had some breakfast at Tim Horton's and headed for the wood shop. I got to the shop to find an excavator, front end loader and Val and Billie digging a hole. I mostly watched while the paint dried on the desk support I was making for Melissa. They put an old insulated tank in the ground. The idea is to store hot water for heating in it.

After that, I went to Brandon's for BBQ and eventually we made our way to Pictou for the Lobster Carnival.

Saturday night was the big night at the lobster carnival. As usual, it is nothing but a high school reunion. Security guard at the Beer garden checked everyone elses ID but when I got there, he said he didnt have too look at my ID, I just looked old enough. I now feel old. I did manage to meet someone and get her phone # tho, so it must have been a good night. I even got to hang out with one of my neighbours that I haven't seen in a long time.

At the end of the night, I got into a cab that was going to Division Rd. (opposite way to where I live) and we dropped those people off. Then the cabbie and I bartered cause we had to go back through Pictou to get to my place. He knocked $10 off my cab fee in exchange for stopping in Pictou and finding someone to go to New Glasgow. So we stopped in Pictou again. The only people at the cab place were going to Scotsburn (again in the wrong direction from my house). Haha... we went there anyways. After we dropped the guys off, the cabbie saw some people he knew sitting on their deck. So we went over and said hi. I had already had a great night and was in no rush. So we stayed and visited for about 15 mins... friendly people. Then we decided not to chance picking up any other fares. So we headed for Hopewell. We got to Westville and decided to stop for a pee-break and a coffee. We had a good chat the whole time. I was in the cab for about an hour and a half I figure. Overall, it was the most interesting cab ride I think I've ever been on. I met all kinds of people, and got to be the "co-pilot". Definately the highlight of the night.

When I got dropped off at Brandon's I figured it was about 4 in the morning and the sun was going to start coming up soon. So, I started walking for home. Took me an hour and a half to get home, but I was sooo looking forward to my own bed. When I walked in the driveway, the birds were singing and the sun was coming up. It was really nice. Good way to end off a great night. Then I turned and saw my door. I have a hose hanging in the yard. Someone took the hose and tied it to my door and wall and lights and tied it in knots. So, I had to "untie" my "hosed" door before I could go to bed. I had a good laugh. Thanks, JD

Overall, great birthday. Great Lobster Carnival.

Sunday

Phone rang at 10:00am. Mike said, "We're cooking breakfast, you coming?" I said, "Yah, I'll be right over!" I hung up the phone changed and walked outside. Oh yah, I walked here last night. My car is still at Brandon's. Pick up the phone.

Mike: Hello

Chris: Uhh, yah can you come get me.

Got breakfast served at Brandon's (bacon and eggs... mmm). And then decided to head for Toney River. Got to see Melissa before she left. We watched most of the world cup, but had to leave just as it was getting good.

Fun with a camera...

Ever get bored with a camera?

Hold the shutter open for about 10 seconds and swirl the camer around.

Hold the shutter open for 10s and move around.

Making funny faces always helps.

PEI

We went to PEI to see the Tragically Hip. Left Friday morning on the 9:30 ferry. By the time we got to the ferry, we had stopped at Tim Horton's twice. We were in Charlottetown by noon and managed to pick up our tickets. We also found where to buy tokens for the beer tent.

Found our hotel room, which was more like an apartment. I somehow think that you could have fit another bed into the bathroom, it was that big.

Matt Mays played first. There weren't too many people there at this time. Then it poured rain but only for about 10 mins. Then came Sam Roberts. At the end, it was The Hip. Great show... everyone was into it... and there were only 2 fights we saw.

After the concert, we went to find some pizza and then go back to the hotel. This blog does not do the concert justice. It was a superb time.

Coming home on the Ferry

Land Ho!

The Bachelor Party

Nathan's bachelor party. We were celebrating his marriage, or more like it... just rubbing it in. It was all it was supposed to be. We went to Country Harbour to where the wedding is going to be. We were helping get the cottage ready for the big day. We got skirting put up on the cottage, put up siding and constructed a deck. Also, we got soaked in the rain. Around 7 we went to the other camp in Goshen. Just before that, we slapped the ball and chain on Nathan's ankle. We also gave Nathan a couple gag gifts.

We arrived there, Brandon and I were driving so everyone else was already having a good time. When we got there, we realized we couldnt sit inside, so we put up a tarp and pulled the picnic table onto the deck. After getting everything setup inside, we started sitting around and having fun. The bugs weren't too bad seeing as how it was pouring out. We also managed to prove a point that even soaking wet wood will burn. Devon Mike and I went for a canoe trip but realized that 3 people in a 2 person canoe can be a little scary and tippy. We ended up staying up till about 2am. Somehow, Brandon's keys got locked into his truck, so we had to break into it at 2 am. It was entertaining to watch. This is the 2nd time we had to do this, so we are getting better and better at it.

In the morning, we had a great breakfast, cleaned up and headed back home. Spent the day doing laundry. As usual, just waiting for 10 pm to come so I can get some sleep.

Bruce, Mike and Brandon building another deck

Nathan with his "ball and chain" attached (padlocked to his ankle)

Nathan, Devon, Keith, Mike, Brandon and Joel in our makeshift shanty

Pouring rain all day and we managed to get a fire going.

Me in my element.

The camp in Goshen. Always a great time.

It's finally done!!

Have you ever worked on something for 5 months and finally finished it? It gives a great sense of accomplishment. I started it in Feb. now I need a new project!

My new dresser.

Another pic.

Another Random Rant...

So today I took the Escape back in to get the front end worked on. The mechanic was convinced that the only problem was the tires being out of balance, but I knew the tie rod was bad. I was trying not to argue with him cause at the end of the discussion, he was the one working on the vehicle. I kept asking myself... "How do I get him to believe that my tie rod is bad, without pissing him off". Finally we agreed that the tires needed balancing but he'd "check" the tie rods. So, when I went to pick up the Escape tonight, it had one brand new tie rod on it. Ha ha he still had the last laugh tho... $300.

So, now its a matter of replacing the axle seals. Parts cost $14 and labour is almost $200. I'm pretty sure I can do it myself, but it seems like a lot of work. I have to get through a bachelor party this weekend tho.

July is definately looking like it will be my favourite month ever this year. Going to charlottetown for June 30 having a big party for July 1, Nathan and Sarah's wedding, and I think Lobster Carnival is going to kick some major ass. I always enjoy July.

Did the usual drive past the grocery store tonight and thought to myself again "I should stop there, I have nothing at home". When I got home I realized that I had tuna fish and taco shells. Made some tuna salad (celery, pickles, gr pepper, etc.) and stuffed the taco shells with a little cheese. Very very creative I thought. It was definatley enjoyable. Some people didnt think the sound of it was too great (Melissa, ahem.).

Going to wood shop to slap on the back of the dresser. Bring it home hopefully in my newly fixed car. Then the usual waste time till bed routine.

I wonder who actually reads this thing?

Me & the Escape (old pic, but does the trick)

Paintball

Nathan, Mike, Terri, Keith(hidden), Tasha and Brandon

We got to the field at about 9:00am after a big breakfast at A&W. Again, bacon and eggs... goooood. Carried the 1000lb CO2 tank to the field through a big ditch and at about 9:05 we were tired enough to go home. Just Kidding.

Unfortunately, as we started, my gun wasnt working. I spent the first 30 mins of the day listenting to people play and cursing at the gun. Then finally, I realized that I was stupid and had overtightened the barrel. I'm such a genius.

We played numerous games until about 5:00pm. By that time, we were all pretty much out of breath and paint. Then Brandon and I put a couple coats of varathane on my dresser, and had a barbecue at Brandon's. Mike and I went to Sam's and then to the Cabaroo later on until about 2:30 then decided to come home, play guitar and go to bed.

Sunday we filled CO2 tanks so we sent the big tank home empty. Its kind of funny how fast vaporizing co2 will freeze your hand to a tank. Haha lesson learned.

The only safe spot to take a picture of our field.

Whitepoint Beach Resort

I have discovered two things while at Whitepoint Beach Resort.

1. The ocean is still way to cold to swim in.
2. Don't take your wallet anywhere near the ocean.

I must have dropped my wallet out of my pants when I was swimming and then the tide came in. I found my room key, but not the wallet. I have a lot of cards to get again. Grr... Thankfully the lady at the bank in Liverpool was very nice to me. She got someone else to take her son to his piano lesson so we could straighten out getting a new client card and such.

When I get home, I notice a lot of oil splatter on the back of the Escape. Turns out I blew an axle seal. That should keep me occupied and help me with all the "free time" I have lately. Was a great day tho. Started getting ready for the paintball game tomorrow. Somebody should tell the blackflies to chill out for a day.

The waves were fairly large. I'm not sure who thought swimming was a good idea.

I'm not sure if I've been motivated to write another post or not. Let's see... this weekend was fairly entertaining. I was down at Brandon's on friday night havin a couple beer and a couple rum. Not a whole lot happened, but around 1am everyone went to bed. I decided to lay down but realized I needed a glass of water before I went to sleep. Then in my great wisdom I decided I'd go for a walk outside. Haha, I was walking for almost 45 minutes before I decided to go back in. Lets see... 2am... must be about time to hook up the X-box and play a couple games. Unfortunately it wasnt hooked up... so... great. Its a good thing everyone was sleeping, cause someone who is slightly intoxicated trying to bend over to plug in an x-box in the back of a TV is fairly entertaining. I was having a good time laughing at myself. Took a few trys but eventually I figured it out... Turned on the TV, played one game then zzZZZzzz...

Woke up Sat morning and went to A&W for breakfast. I would like to state something I've stated a million times before. I LOVE BREAKFAST! Bacon and eggs should be the basis of every meal in existance. Anyways, after this we went to Farmer Clem's and bought some squash corn and brandon bought some other plants. We went back to Brandon's and he planted his crops and then he was getting ready for a wedding. I only had a couple hours to blow before I was going to visit Melissa, so I figured I'd just go hang out at home. Bad idea... if you are even the slightest bit lonely... then being by yourself for a couple hours makes those couple hours seem like an eternity.

Eventually went and planted more stuff in the garden. Presently we have corn, potatoes, basil, onions, cucumbers, watermelon, green peppers, squash, broccoli and soon to come are the carrots, beets and hot peppers. I cant remember the rest of what we have, but eventually it will get planted as well.

Decided to rent a couple of movies to watch with Melissa, the family stone and the producers. I picked up the producers cause it looked like a funny movie and it said comedy. Turns out, it is a musical. Now, I'm not a big fan of musicals... but this one was pretty damn weird. Not reccomended. It was good seeing Melissa, and as always Nanuk (her dog).

Sunday just kind of lounged around... finally finished putting the drawer-fronts on my dresser and finished the top. 2 coats of varathane and that puppy is done.

Not much else in the life of chris... just more garden planting to come.... get to go to whitepoint beach resort thurs and fri... big paintball game on saturday so i should have some colourful pictures... anyways its probably time for bed...

An old picture of Nanuk on my couch.

Building a deck in Goshen...

So we get to the camp to find that there is a FULL truckload of wood in the camp. So, we move the wood and unload the tools. We'll get started in the morning... first thing... have a couple beer.

We had a couple beer outside, but it kept raining, so we moved inside to the sound of a fire and a wind-up powered radio.

Terri, Brandon and Meghan

The next day... time to start building. First went up the cribbing.

Keith Mike and Nathan

Brandon

Mike and Meghan Fishing

Then the framework. Did a little fishing.

Brandon, Keith and Mike

Then the decking. We said we wouldn't drink until the decking started.

Me chopping a tree

Nathan towed Meg out on the raft then left her... haha

Then the rest of the crew showed up and we had a good fire, told some lies and went to bed (3am).

Overall it was a great weekend, we used every last drop of wood, just have to build a handrail and a set of stairs. If you ever need a deck built in a day... please call someone else.

The finished deck.

Trip to Ontario

So, my sister is moving to Ontario from Halifax and presents her BF and I with the need to load up a U-Haul (worst company ever) and drive it ~2000 kms to her new location. So, of course, we accepted and bought a lot of beef jerky and sunflower seeds to make the trip worth while.

Arrived the night before in Halifax, and turns out we have to drive 40 mins to go pick up the U-Haul (uhaul 1, us 0). We did. Got to Halifax, and cracked open a beer. Now we need to get rid of an old couch. So, take a picture, make a sign, put it in the entrance to apt building, go back to room, pick up beer... *knock* *knock*... yah, we want the couch... so then there was nothing left to sit on for the rest of the night. In total it took 4 minutes to get rid of the couch. So, Mike and I had a few beer and packed some stuff.

Next day, packing... started at 9 am and on the road finally at 3:30. Stopped for coffee on Barrington St Tims in Hali. Went to Robie St. Esso and pumped up flat tire on back of uhaul (uhaul 2, us 0). Decided Stewiake was best place to fill up with gas. Drove to Stewiake, pulled into gas station, shut off truck... giant puddle of anti-freeze on ground under truck (uhaul 3, us 0) then double checked tire that was flat... still no air in it... (uh 4, us 0). Its now 4pm on monday, just on road. Drove to aulac, NB to eat.

Finally on the road making some progress, stopped in Moncton, Oromucto and Murray's river for coffee. U-Haul leaked coolant in Murray River (UH 5, us 0). Then Mike took over the car, and I continued driving the truck. We didnt speak french very well so we decided to continue on moving through NB. Drove 8 more hours and stopped outside of Levis, Quebec. Woke up in the morning (after 1 hr snooze) and hit the road again. Stopped for gas, and you guessed it... leaked coolant again (Uhaul 6, us 0).

We found "Old Gummy" hitchin a ride with us...

Made it through Montreal a newly invented way (don't ask cause we probably couldn't do it again). Mike and I actually got into a couple shouting matches, but I guess thats OK since we were driving a big truck through Montreal in rush hour. Good plan by the way, if you want to shorten your life by a couple years due to stress levels.

Don't use a flash inside of car

Mike in Ontario

Got to Ontario and breathed a sigh of relief... but still we were only half way there. Of course, the U-haul spit up its guts again and the score stopped at Uhaul 7 and us 0. Finally I did some sleepin and Mike and Meghan did some more driving and we made it to London. Normally its a 20-24 hr drive and with the good 'ol U-slug, it took us 31 hrs.

We crashed hard when we got there.

So, we made it to London, the U-Haul made it with no major issues... the engine was slowly losing power on the last stint. Overall, the U-haul may have tried to beat us, but we managed to win the battle. We picked up two 2-4s and decided to have a couple beer. In total we drank 5 before we all passed out on the floor. I guess thats what happens with a couple hrs of sleep in 2 days haha.

Dad showed up in the morning and we got the Uhaul unpacked, and then came back to Kingsville with Dad. Got to see my dog. Talked to Melissa online and she showed me this web log thing. Good thing too, cause without it I might have been bored.

My Buddy

Cool Ship at my Parents Place

So, now its a matter of making it through the weekend and going back to work on Tuesday.