Christmas, New Years & Everything Else

Since the last update, I've worked, been to Ontario for Christmas, and been back in NS for New Years

It was great being home. Its really weird, but you really appreciate having family around when you only get to see them once or twice a year.

I flew into Hamilton on the 21st and went out with my sister and her friends that night. I kinda felt singled out, cause I was the only person who wasnt a doctor. Have you ever been in one of those conversations where you just keep laughing and nodding your head cause you don't know what anyone is talking about. On top of that... its plain english, you just don't know what any of those words mean. I found out that night that I dance like a person from the East coast. Hmm...

Got to chum around with Dad a lot and put up a lot of signs and do some welding. We had some good chats over Tim Horton's coffee (which is wayyy better in NS). I much more enjoyed Mom's home brewed stuff tho. We had a "company" dinner which involved everyone who helped the company in the last year.

I think I may have gained a couple of pounds when I was home, but you just can't beat my mother's cooking. I will challenge anyone to try. She gives pretty good hugs too :)

Got to visit my cousin's and aunts and uncle's too. Ryan was busy washing cars while I was borrowing their shop to try and put a door lock back into Meghan's car door. It was a family event that involved Uncle Larry, Uncle Bo and myself. Good times. We even had Christmas eve "snacks" at Aunt Kim & Uncle Bo's. Can't beat the food :)

Christmas was everything I expected. I got all I wanted and got to see Bret chew on his present all day. Sometimes I wish my life was as simple as his. Ooo a rawhide bone... I'm gonna chew that all day!

Boxing day was christmas at the Cooks. We opened presents and stole them from each other (the Cooks are funny like that). I spent a lot of time exchanging stories with Colin and Ryan.

After the Christmas rush was over... things relaxed quite a bit. Just lounging around the house with Mom and Dad. Watching movies... playing online... getting the vinyl cutter working. Dad and I welded together a stand for sign legs. I'm definately not a good welder with a stick. Dad seems to know what he's doing. Went out for supper one night and had perch and frog legs. MMMMMM....

On the 31st I flew back to NS and when I got home, I showered and went straight to Nathan's for New Years. Dave was there, so we played guitar till our fingers hurt. We managed to stay up till 6am and even danced on the tables for old times sakes. I had a blast.

The next week was slow... I worked and tried to catch up. I may have even succeeded. This weekend was a blessing when it came. Spent friday night at Nathan's playing darts. Saturday I ran around town (bought a new shop vac) and went to Billy & Ellen's that night to play Monopoly. I came in 3rd I guess. Today I left Nathan's at about 8:30, came home and started laundry. I went to town and got coffee, dropped some for Mike & Nathan and then I went to the wood shop. I cleaned for about 5 hrs. It needed it, we'll leave it at that.

IT FINALLY SNOWED THIS WEEK! (its all melted now tho)

So, Christmas is coming soon and I have yet to finish my shopping. Can't wait to get home and see the family and eat some real good food. Its funny, when you know you should go shopping for presents, how you can always find something better to do.

Thursday night we had a get-together with some of the people I work with out in Braeshore. Played a couple games of pool and got to do some "bonding". I definately ate wayyy to many appetizers that night though.

Friday night the power was out so I went up to Nathan's (he has a wood stove). We didnt do much until the power finally came on. When it did, we watched the butterfly effect 2 on the dish. Got to play around in the snow in the escape too.

Saturday, got up at about 8am and had breakfast at Tim Horton's. Then went and helped Nathan put up plywood in the garage on the ceiling. It was about -12C in the morning. We luckily had a kerosene heater in the garage running most of the day. There was a huge difference in the temperature inside once the ceiling was finished... much much warmer. My shoulder hurt quite a bit after all the overhead work. I had a date with my magic bag that night.

The garage in the snow

The source of heat in the garage

The finished ceiling.

Sunday was a little slow to start off. Went to town and helped Val and Brandon put a door on a trailer. Then we went to the wood shop and started moving some parts. Eventually, we are going to tear down a wall and have the shop twice the size it is now. Then... MORE TOOLS!!

Nathan's Garage and the last few weeks...

I've been quite busy lately. Helping out on quite a few projects.

I spent a week or so in Pictou putting shelves in a closet. The closet was not square and it made it slighly difficult, but a good challenge just makes it that much more "interesting", I guess.

I've been helping Nathan with his garage (minus my time in Alabama and Waterville, and the few sunday mornings when it was difficult to get up). Its coming along great, and despite the fact that its snowing now... I think we succeeded in getting it up before winter started.

Went to St. John last weekend and spent some time with JD. Turns out that the bartender's name was Lindsay, not Jessica. Oh well, she didnt seem to mind :P

Last few weeks have been kind of fun. I get to go to Ontario for Christmas... Dec 21-31... I get to see the fam... and the dog!!

Good Weekend...

Went to Brandon's on Friday night. Broke out the guitar. Got to see Mike's new car (2002 Civic SiR). Mike, Terri, Sara and myself went to Glasgow Pub after a couple beer and then to the Cabaroo... had a great time.

With a face like that, I at least hope I'm singing.

Worked on Nathan's garage in the morning. Shoveled gravel, ran plate tamper and even got to drive a tandem.



Sunday was a repeat of Saturday with a lot more people there. We hauled a lot of fill and tamped a lot of ground. I even got to be the first person to park inside the garage.

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.