Merry Christmas To all
It is Christmas Eve and I decided to cook a turkey. I purchased a 10 KG bird at Costco which means I will be living on Turkey for at least a week. I popped the bird in the oven at 3 and plan to eating by 9 am. I went for a walk and purchased a baster to keep the bird moist. I also bought some mini potatoes and butternut squash. I will add the squash and potatoes with about an hour to go.
I am not good at stuffing so I filled the buzzard up with onions and apples to add a little flavor. I pull the bird every hour to baste it with its own juices. In between I devour a glass of red wine. I did remember to have a shot of Bailey's upon putting the bird into the oven.
Unfortunately I have no tree this year. Just never got around to it. I also don't have any ornaments despite spending thousands of dollars on ornaments over the past 30 years.
I will go to bed about midnight and sleep in Christmas day. After my usual coffee I will call back home to Ottawa and wish my Mom and sisters a merry Christmas as they gather for Christmas dinner at my sister Ann's condo in downtown Ottawa. Apparently Ottawa has about 60 cm's of snow, so they have a white Christmas, while I have a green Christmas in Vancouver.
I went for a walk about 3 ish in downtown Vancouver and was amazed at the stress and last minute shoppers making the round of stores. I am happy to be out of the consumer trap and did not miss wrapping many, many presents. Christmas is not about giving and getting, it is about remembering and enjoying the moment.
My daughter Jaime is in Malayisa and Jordan is home for Christmas but is spening Christmas with his girlfriend Sasha and her parents in a chalet in the Laurentians.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas, wherever you happen to be and whomever you happen to be wish :-)
TTYL,
Jim
Monday, December 24, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
YOW to YVR
If you travel a lot you tend to think of cities and destinations by their airport designations. Ottawa is YOW and Vancouver is YVR. I see those airport codes alot. Bangkok is BKK and Hong Kong is HKG.
Why do I mention that? Probably because I am sitting in the Air Canada lounge at YOW consuming vast quantities of red wine and Bailey's Irish cream with some salad when I feel I am abusing my body, tempered with some popcorn, and oatmeal raisin cookies. In other words, I am a little blasted and tend to digress at times :-)
However, I am enjoying myself as I prepare to head off to YVR. I had a great time visiting with my Mom and friends and work did not into the way. I also accomplished a fair amount of work with my business partner Brent.
I hope to see Paul Cotton while I am in YVR before I head off to BKK via HKG. Oh, this is becoming fun. To think I waste all my time programming when I can be quoting airport codes. If you are lost, there is always http://www.world-airport-codes.com/ to refer to.
I really tried to like the iPhone 4S that I purchased, but to be honest, it sucks compared to what you can get in the android world. Apple cripples it so you can't even trade files via bluetooth. Where it does shine, is when all your friends have bought into the Apple ecosystem. Then you become part of the same nothink universe that Apple wants you to dwell within. Resistance is futile, depending what your friends own. "What do you mean you don't have iChat?".
I doubt if Windows 8 is the answer but Google android phones are pretty sweet. The object of my desire at this moment in time and space is the Samsung note 2. Highly recommended and if your hands are a little smaller, then the Samsung Galaxy S3. However, do not expect to trade tunes with your iPhone friends as they are slaves to the iStore and will continue to pay for tunes, but that is part of teh snob appeal that Apple so successfully markets to.
Well time for another Bailey's so TTYS (Talk to you soon :-)
I am back :-) The migration from red wine to bailey's Irish Cream goes remarkable well, at least at this moment in time and space. When I am in Bangkok, out on the town, I tend to favour Vodka and Red Bull. The vodka keeps you happy and the Red Bull keeps you awake so you can enjoy being happy. My friends warn me that Red Bull is not good for you (especially the Thai version which apparently is more potent) and can result in heart palpitations and perhaps even even heart attacks. But, then, again, who wants to live to be 80, certainly not me.
I was impressed (but then again, it may be the Bailey's talking) that wicked Wensley drove 5 hours to see me on Tuesday. I am a little worried that Bob is not keeping her sufficiently entertained. As for Sloan, you are now officially on my naughty list this Christmas. Liz was Liz, what can I say ... we all need a constant in our life. Ray is a luck guy! It was great seeing Cindy, but then again, she never changes. She is always wonderful and Jackson seems to be following in her footsteps.
The guys in my life are always the same. They are too cautious, or perhaps, afraid to visit me in Bangkok! Come on guys, take a walk on the wild side. Who knows, you may even enjoy it. I can only guarantee you won't forget it! BKK rules :-)
We are coming up to 5 pm and I board soon. Actually my glass is empty and I need a refill :-)
However, I digress. It is that time again to say goodbye, but I feel good that I managed to fill a webpage or two with my meanderings, divergent thoughts, and airport code trivia. No doubt you are all sufficiently enlightened (at least mildly entertained) by my intellectual discourse (not as entertaining as intercourse), but nevertheless (love that word) here is hoping you will tune in for my next posting.
TTYL, from the lounge in YOW enroute to YVR :-)
Love you MOM :-)
Jim
Why do I mention that? Probably because I am sitting in the Air Canada lounge at YOW consuming vast quantities of red wine and Bailey's Irish cream with some salad when I feel I am abusing my body, tempered with some popcorn, and oatmeal raisin cookies. In other words, I am a little blasted and tend to digress at times :-)
However, I am enjoying myself as I prepare to head off to YVR. I had a great time visiting with my Mom and friends and work did not into the way. I also accomplished a fair amount of work with my business partner Brent.
I hope to see Paul Cotton while I am in YVR before I head off to BKK via HKG. Oh, this is becoming fun. To think I waste all my time programming when I can be quoting airport codes. If you are lost, there is always http://www.world-airport-codes.com/ to refer to.
I really tried to like the iPhone 4S that I purchased, but to be honest, it sucks compared to what you can get in the android world. Apple cripples it so you can't even trade files via bluetooth. Where it does shine, is when all your friends have bought into the Apple ecosystem. Then you become part of the same nothink universe that Apple wants you to dwell within. Resistance is futile, depending what your friends own. "What do you mean you don't have iChat?".
I doubt if Windows 8 is the answer but Google android phones are pretty sweet. The object of my desire at this moment in time and space is the Samsung note 2. Highly recommended and if your hands are a little smaller, then the Samsung Galaxy S3. However, do not expect to trade tunes with your iPhone friends as they are slaves to the iStore and will continue to pay for tunes, but that is part of teh snob appeal that Apple so successfully markets to.
Well time for another Bailey's so TTYS (Talk to you soon :-)
I am back :-) The migration from red wine to bailey's Irish Cream goes remarkable well, at least at this moment in time and space. When I am in Bangkok, out on the town, I tend to favour Vodka and Red Bull. The vodka keeps you happy and the Red Bull keeps you awake so you can enjoy being happy. My friends warn me that Red Bull is not good for you (especially the Thai version which apparently is more potent) and can result in heart palpitations and perhaps even even heart attacks. But, then, again, who wants to live to be 80, certainly not me.
I was impressed (but then again, it may be the Bailey's talking) that wicked Wensley drove 5 hours to see me on Tuesday. I am a little worried that Bob is not keeping her sufficiently entertained. As for Sloan, you are now officially on my naughty list this Christmas. Liz was Liz, what can I say ... we all need a constant in our life. Ray is a luck guy! It was great seeing Cindy, but then again, she never changes. She is always wonderful and Jackson seems to be following in her footsteps.
The guys in my life are always the same. They are too cautious, or perhaps, afraid to visit me in Bangkok! Come on guys, take a walk on the wild side. Who knows, you may even enjoy it. I can only guarantee you won't forget it! BKK rules :-)
We are coming up to 5 pm and I board soon. Actually my glass is empty and I need a refill :-)
However, I digress. It is that time again to say goodbye, but I feel good that I managed to fill a webpage or two with my meanderings, divergent thoughts, and airport code trivia. No doubt you are all sufficiently enlightened (at least mildly entertained) by my intellectual discourse (not as entertaining as intercourse), but nevertheless (love that word) here is hoping you will tune in for my next posting.
TTYL, from the lounge in YOW enroute to YVR :-)
Love you MOM :-)
Jim
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Last Night in Ottawa
Tuesday night at the Prescott was hit with Larry, Liz, Cindy, Debbi (drove 5 hours), Gabe, Francis, Little Dude (Donny), and Brent in attendance. Bilbo was coaching a hockey game and could not make it. He should have anyways because he lost the game.
Cindy brought along her wonderful baby boy Jackson, who was a real delight. It is true that you get "Apple from Apple Trees" because young Jackson is just as wonderful as Cindy despite having to dressing like a candy cane.
We were there for about 4 hours and 9 meatball sandwich platters. Lost count of the beers but I assure you we were well under the limit.
My Mom took a break from cooking dinner for me because Larry invited Bilbo and I to the Hunt Club Golf Course for a wonderful buffet dinner. We chowed back on roast turkey, roast beef, sausage and peppers, among many others.
I did end up working everyday but also found time to visit with friends, and especially my Mom who is now 91.
I head back to Vancouver at 5:50 Friday afternoon and arrive about 5 hours later at 8:30 pm, courtesy of PST (Pacific Standard Time).
One of my followers asked me what TTYL means and it is "Talk To You Later".
Jim
Cindy brought along her wonderful baby boy Jackson, who was a real delight. It is true that you get "Apple from Apple Trees" because young Jackson is just as wonderful as Cindy despite having to dressing like a candy cane.
We were there for about 4 hours and 9 meatball sandwich platters. Lost count of the beers but I assure you we were well under the limit.
My Mom took a break from cooking dinner for me because Larry invited Bilbo and I to the Hunt Club Golf Course for a wonderful buffet dinner. We chowed back on roast turkey, roast beef, sausage and peppers, among many others.
I did end up working everyday but also found time to visit with friends, and especially my Mom who is now 91.
I head back to Vancouver at 5:50 Friday afternoon and arrive about 5 hours later at 8:30 pm, courtesy of PST (Pacific Standard Time).
One of my followers asked me what TTYL means and it is "Talk To You Later".
Jim
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Ottawa Bound
I was up early this Sunday morning at 5 am and was out of the apartment by 6 am and on the SkyTrain to Vancouver Airport to catch my flight to Ottawa at 9:30 am. I like to catch that flight as it is one of the direct flights to Ottawa that does not go through Toronto. I like to be early to the airport and head to the maple Leaf lounge for some coffee and breakfast.
I get into Ottawa about suppertime, courtesy of the 3 hour time differential. I am staying at my Mother's and look forward to chatting with her and getting caught up on the latest family news. Mom always asks me lots of questions that I can only answer with I don't know :-) I tend not to plan too much and therefore have no answers about the what the future holds.
I leave behind the usual drizzle and 4 degrees in Vancouver and probably arrive to some sun and temperatures just below zero in Ottawa. I managed to get a good deal on a car rental and will have some wheels for the 5 days. That is good as I have lots of travel everyday. Hopefully, the snow will hold off until I head back to Vancouver.
I am booked for the Prescott on Tuesday night, so that should be fun, getting caught up on what my guy friends are up to. Billy should be back from down south and hopefully will be there.
TTYL,
Jim
I get into Ottawa about suppertime, courtesy of the 3 hour time differential. I am staying at my Mother's and look forward to chatting with her and getting caught up on the latest family news. Mom always asks me lots of questions that I can only answer with I don't know :-) I tend not to plan too much and therefore have no answers about the what the future holds.
I leave behind the usual drizzle and 4 degrees in Vancouver and probably arrive to some sun and temperatures just below zero in Ottawa. I managed to get a good deal on a car rental and will have some wheels for the 5 days. That is good as I have lots of travel everyday. Hopefully, the snow will hold off until I head back to Vancouver.
I am booked for the Prescott on Tuesday night, so that should be fun, getting caught up on what my guy friends are up to. Billy should be back from down south and hopefully will be there.
TTYL,
Jim
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Vancouver
It's taking me a while to acclimatize to Vancouver temperatures after a month in Bangkok and 35 degree temperatures. It has been cloudy with the usual December drizzle and temperatures about 6-8 degrees, a far cry from the 18 degrees Ottawa enjoyed a day or two ago.
Other than the chill, I am enjoying the clean air and I am trying to get into the gym to shed the extra 5 pounds I gained in Bangkok. I am in Ottawa Dec. 9th to Dec. 14th to work with the local school boards . It looks like I will Christmas (used as a verb) in Vancouver this year.
Plans for the New Year? Not quite sure at this point.
TTYL,
Jim
Other than the chill, I am enjoying the clean air and I am trying to get into the gym to shed the extra 5 pounds I gained in Bangkok. I am in Ottawa Dec. 9th to Dec. 14th to work with the local school boards . It looks like I will Christmas (used as a verb) in Vancouver this year.
Plans for the New Year? Not quite sure at this point.
TTYL,
Jim
Monday, December 3, 2012
Hong Kong Airport Lounge
I am sitting in the Traveler's Lounge in Hong Kong's Airport for 4 hours awaiting my Air Canada flight to Vancouver The lounge is not bad, free beer, but no free liquor or wine. The food varies from day to day, but my previous flight (Thai Airlines) fed me well and I am not too hungry. Air Canada will feed me 3 times in 12 hours en-route to Vancouver as well.
I am trying to be better at updating my Blog and my life usually slows down somewhat when I am in Vancouver so I hope to be more frequent. I am in a light short sleeve shirt, shorts, and sandals and it is a little cold in the lounge. I will also freeze my butt off travelling from Vancouver airport to downtown Van via the SkyTrain.
You would think I would be tanned after 53 days in Thailand, but you really do not spend much time in the sun as it is usually too hot. More time is spent in pubs and bars, both during the day, and at night.
My flight was the usual 245 Asians and 5 Farongs, but that is fine with me as I get along great with Asians, despite the language barrier. They have the great ability to laugh at themselves :-)
I don't hear much from my kids these days ... I guess their iPhones are not working (joke). I guess I neglected them when they were growing up (another joke) ... Maybe they are too busy to fire off a sms once a month ... Reminds me of a certain Cat Steven's song.
Speaking of music, Simon and Ben at ASB have the greatest collection of off beat music that I have ever heard. Next time I am in Bangkok, I must get copies of some of their stuff ... great fun to listen to on a 12 hour flight.
Here is a link to some vids of one of my favourite bars in Bangkok:
https://plus.google.com/
Oops they just put some more Doritos out ... just can't resist them ... they were a major cause of my marital breakdown ... my spouse just could not stand the smell of them :-)
TTYL,
Jim
I am trying to be better at updating my Blog and my life usually slows down somewhat when I am in Vancouver so I hope to be more frequent. I am in a light short sleeve shirt, shorts, and sandals and it is a little cold in the lounge. I will also freeze my butt off travelling from Vancouver airport to downtown Van via the SkyTrain.
You would think I would be tanned after 53 days in Thailand, but you really do not spend much time in the sun as it is usually too hot. More time is spent in pubs and bars, both during the day, and at night.
My flight was the usual 245 Asians and 5 Farongs, but that is fine with me as I get along great with Asians, despite the language barrier. They have the great ability to laugh at themselves :-)
I don't hear much from my kids these days ... I guess their iPhones are not working (joke). I guess I neglected them when they were growing up (another joke) ... Maybe they are too busy to fire off a sms once a month ... Reminds me of a certain Cat Steven's song.
Speaking of music, Simon and Ben at ASB have the greatest collection of off beat music that I have ever heard. Next time I am in Bangkok, I must get copies of some of their stuff ... great fun to listen to on a 12 hour flight.
Here is a link to some vids of one of my favourite bars in Bangkok:
https://plus.google.com/
Oops they just put some more Doritos out ... just can't resist them ... they were a major cause of my marital breakdown ... my spouse just could not stand the smell of them :-)
TTYL,
Jim
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Home Again to Vancouver
It is a quiet night in Bangkok as I pack for the butt crushing flight back to Vancouver via Hong Kong this time around. I prefer the Bangkok-Hong Kong-Vancouver route over the Bangkok-Tokyo-Vancouver route. It is better to have one long flight rather than 2 nine hour flights.
I spent 53 days in Bangkok this time around and I feel quite comfortable now in this city. I have lots of friends at the American School of Bangkok and of course meeting girls at the bars has never been an issue :-)
I leave a sunny 35 degrees and will probably be greeted with a cloudy 6 degrees with some drizzle. However, the quality of the air more than makes up for the cooler climate.
I won't be back in Ottawa for Christmas but I will be there from December 9th to the 14th if anyone wants to join me for a beer. I will visit my Mom and sisters but will spend Christmas in Vancouver.
I think I will be back in Bangkok in late January or early February,but who knows where the wind is likely to blow me?
I will miss Jip, John, Tang, Linda, Simon, Ben, Gil, BooPah, Ross, Sylvia, and Martin as they truly are wonderful people to have a beer with and definitely are not the boring or disapproving type. Until we meet again ไม่ดี (Mai Dee, phonetically).
TTYL,
Jim
I spent 53 days in Bangkok this time around and I feel quite comfortable now in this city. I have lots of friends at the American School of Bangkok and of course meeting girls at the bars has never been an issue :-)
I leave a sunny 35 degrees and will probably be greeted with a cloudy 6 degrees with some drizzle. However, the quality of the air more than makes up for the cooler climate.
I won't be back in Ottawa for Christmas but I will be there from December 9th to the 14th if anyone wants to join me for a beer. I will visit my Mom and sisters but will spend Christmas in Vancouver.
I think I will be back in Bangkok in late January or early February,but who knows where the wind is likely to blow me?
I will miss Jip, John, Tang, Linda, Simon, Ben, Gil, BooPah, Ross, Sylvia, and Martin as they truly are wonderful people to have a beer with and definitely are not the boring or disapproving type. Until we meet again ไม่ดี (Mai Dee, phonetically).
TTYL,
Jim
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