I'm on month 2 of my 7 month

sebatical. For that reason I'm not joining the crew on this project. Also, I need to watch my incoming cash flow.

I've always been facinated by number squencing on the callendar. Today, its 4 24 24. Dates like these are called palindrome date's. This is a rare date in history.

Still no word about my glasses I ordered last week. I'll be calling them to see what the status of that order is like. If we can pick them up in the mall I'll be able to wear them to Chapter tomorrow. I'll leave this open and call the optical vendor before I post this. I called the vendor and the glasses are ready. They can ship them to Londonderry Mall location for a Monday pick up. Awesome. 

Game 2 tonight. After the huge LA@ Oilers blow out Monday, I have a feeling that the Kings will come back and tie the series tonight @ Rogers Place Arena. Anyway, that's all for now.

I'm looking forward to Thurssday

as I'm out "to lodge" for my 3rd degree in this section. 

I finally have my minilab 3 keyboard through my new usb multi port hub connected to my iPad. Works great with Logic Pro. Love it.

I'm kind of concerened about getting my new glasses. I hope to get them before lodge Thuraday. 

The Oilers play tomorrow here at Rogers place. We've been playing LA in the first round the last 3 years now. Last time the Oilers were in the finale was 2006. It went 7 games and the Oiers missed 10 subsequent not entering the post season..

This week, we're going to sign our anual lease. It's just a way to raise rent. They have us this year, next year we're not sure. Anyway, that's all for now.

Yesterday I had

the 2nd and last half of my eye exam in the Baker clinic. They had a perscription for me and I picked out a nice pair of glasses that look pretty good. I should be picking them up next week. Because I'm on Alberta seniors the Province paid all but $70 of them. I don't mind.

Next Thursday is my Royal Arch degree. I'm looking forward to it and wonder what comes next. Do continue on or join AMD? Not sure what my options are at this point. 

Anne & I went to Rickies downtown and had a great time. However, it was brutally overcast and cold. Anyway, that's all for now.

I have my eye appointment

to do for Tuesday afternoon for 2:30pm. I'm not sure how much my vision will be affected. I can get down there myself and wait for Anne to come down to get me but she wants to go with me. if my vision isn't to bad, then mayne we can go to Rickies not far away.

Earlier I was working with DouWan (Screen mirroring softwar for my iPad. and I set up my mini lab 3 controller. I also have the Elgato green screen on my radar before we get the rental increas. Also a cordless phone with speaker or headset option. I'm also thinking of whats next after my Royal Arch degree next week. Anyway, that's all for now.

It's been a long week

what with the eclipse on Monday, a couple of streams. New carpeting in the hallways. The main highlight was chasing after our Amazon order that never got here yesterday. Well, it did but the driver dropped it off somewhere on the premises without telling us where. We were able to get Amazon to credit our account and we cashed that in last night and ordered the product again. It's expected to be here Monday. Or earlier

The big milestone this week was again Wednesday, getting 10, 241. Steps. My Versa 3 went crazy. 

Tonight I have the Arizona Coyotes/Oilers hockey game to watch. Saturday Vancouver/Oilers. 4 points up for grabs this weekend. Should be a good couple of games as the NHL winds down the season. Anyway, that's all for now

The hyped Solar eclips

event had come and gone. it was good for some areas but didn't amount to much here in Edmonton as we only got to ~ 26% of totality. The folks that got to see it the most were in places like Niagara Falls. Here in Edmonton, our next total solar eclipse will be in 2044.

I called Sage this afternoon and it's going to be 4 business days before they can even return my call. I called "Operation Friendship Centre." They could help us if we didn't have cats. And it's a 1 bedroom and they have a 1 year waiting list. Their building is Pioneer Place close to the old 5 Oaks building by Saint Teresa School.

The good news is, I have my wireless mic audio sorted out with my camera. I'm just working on the green screen in Cap Cut. My project for tonight. Anyway, that's all for now.

Easter weekend has come and gone

It might be Spring on the calendar but you'd never know it with this on/off snow.

Today is Friday, and I'm up early Saturday. Snow or no snow. I'm off to BoB.

As of last weekend, I developed a head cold. It's on the mend, so I should be ok.

With 8 games remaining, and the way the Oilers have been playing, our current playoff position could be in could be in trouble. 

Next Thursday I'm in for the other part of my eye appointment. They just need to put some drops in my eyes. Do another scan.

We received our 25% annual rental increase. This company loves to bait & switch. After the first year lease is over it's 25% increase from there, every year. Anyway, that's all for now. 

My Royal Arch degree

went well Thursday night. I won't lie but it was tough standing on my feet. I think next time, I'm going to use a cane next month.

This morning I called Long & McQuade to see if they have the Arturia mini lab controller in stock. I said the white one. "My name is on file, Jim Shannon." "Oh right Jim, it's Tim here," we had a nice chat. "I'll have one out for you. We had a nice chat. I left out of here at about 12: 45pm under sunny skies, although it was a bit breezy out there. I had a bit of a wait until my Clare/Coliseum bus came. I was there at Long & McQuade at ~ 1:30pm looking over some gear I'd like to get: I'm looking at the Rode X streamer and of course the MPC key 37 etc. I got home at the start of the 2nd period Anaheim/Oilers game. 3-0 Oilers. Anne did her vacuuming during the 2nd period. I caught some of it. Finale score was Anaheim 1 Oilers 6.

After I registered and activated my Arturia controller, I had a nice relaxing night. I suggested to Anne when she got off work, let's go half on a Royal Pizza. $15 each. So far having a great Easter weekend. On Tuesday I'm going out to London Drugs Northgate, to see if they can help troubleshoot the focus woes I'm having with my Sony camera. Happy Easter everybody.

We finally got the desk box picked up

by Rosenau Transport shortly before 4pm. I had to sign for the item. It was great that the driver in a bear hug with the package was able to walk down both flights of stairs and up to his truck. The package was almost 100 pounds. I highly recommend Rosenau Transport.

Other than that not much going on until my 5th York Rite degree. I'm memorizing the qualifying material, so I'm a bit nervous about that.

Friday I hope to get my (MFI) approved Apple USB C power adapter for my iPad and that will be coming Friday. In between all of the above, I have 2 Oilers games, tomorrow and Saturday. Anyway, that's all for now.   

Had a busy

week. 

I had an eye exam on Thursday but I had to cancel due to the weather. I have it rebooked for April 11th.

We've been getting a lot of these. 1-2 cm episodes of snow off and on all week. 

I'm up early for an event this morning, then hopefully, I'm off to Long & McQuade to see about a 25-key midi controller, then off to get my haircut; and over to Staples to get some gel pens, an Apple USB A-C charging cable then home. 

Next week I'm taking Anne out for dinner across the street to Corck and Barly. Thursday is my "most excellent masters" RA.* I'm looking forward to that. Anyway, that's all for now.

Finally got our

 taxes done. Our tax guy sent along our tax return notice and the T183 form to sign. All he just has to do is file and that will be done today.

Just when we thought the "plumbers" we're done with the toilet, we're still having issues with the stopper in the tank. Also this week I'm taking out to Red Lobster. I'm not too keen on lobster but they have cheeseburgers there, apparently, I have an easy week at last. Anyway, that's all for now.

My ABI scan went well yesterday

I passed everything with high marks. I even got my feet cleaned. The PCN Fort Road experience was really good.

I had an appointment-free day today. I got our tax forms ready. Hopefully, we will get everything by the weekend, our notice of assessment in our hands by the end of the month, and other things in progress.

I'm out of here at 10:30am for my Doctor's appointment at 10:30 downtown. I need to have the wax buildup removed from my ears so I can restore my hearing. At least the weather is slowly improving. Anyway, that's all for now.

My last day before my work pause

was Thursday and wax buildup in my ears returned last week. Last year I ended up seeing my Doctor and he used a pressure caulking gun set up. That really helped. Plus I have a visit to our PCN over here on Fort Road on Tuesday for an ABI scan.

This year our family Doctor is "retiring" in August. Most likely it's because of the lousy deal they are getting from the Alberta Government. Add immigration to the mix on a Federal level and a Doctor shortage is imminent.  

Speaking about medical issues, the Feds have reached in principle a National Pharmacare deal for low-income Canadians. Most likely it's going to be an election issue. Another carrot at the end of a voting stick. I like this deal because it would give free insulin and diabetic med supplies to diabetics. Those meds are costing me $400/year. That may not sound like a lot but that's about $35 we could apply to our monthly utility bill and or food.

One thing is certain, when we get our notice of assessment we have everything we need to activate our 2-year waiting list seniors residence, where our rent is 40% of our income. If we get a rental increase, they have to wait 6 months before they can activate it. If they charge us more than 25%, we only need to wait 18 months but then we have to apply to all of the properties our provider has. The good news it's based on need.

Anyway, I have 6 months off as I'm back after labour day. If we have a project. We have some projects under contract and we will be returning to one of them. Anyway, that's all for now. 

The snow storm taperd

tapered off at about 4am yesterday. When it was all over, we received about 20cm of snow, or almost 8 inches. Plus we're supposed to get about 2 more inches this week. Next week conditions should improve to low single-digits and no precip in the forecast.

Next week (Tuesday at 2pm) I have an appointment with the NE PCN for that ABI scan. Thursday, lodge. I also need to have my last doctor's visit as our Doctor is retiring in August. I want to get a Vision test and an audio test as well. The last time I was there he said he knew a few Doctors in my area and he will try to arrange something. Other than that not a lot going on. Anyway, that's all for now.

The snow storm began about

1pm yesterday and it's still coming down right now. Looks like it will end at about 4am. How much accumulation since 1pm, is hard to say

Looks like this is the last week for this project. I've been working steadily since our Christmas break on January 8th. I'll be off next Saturday and finish March 1st. I asked to pause until the end of September. However, I'll be available for monthly laptop maintenance.

Today, I'm on the job from 4-9pm and that's my schedule until Friday. The good news is I don't have anywhere to go. Plus there are 3 Oilers games to watch between now and Saturday. Anyway, that's all for now.

Working through the week

for a 5-hour shift this afternoon and evening, until 9pm. 

Not bad weatherwise though. The Province officially declared this week to be forest fire season.

Hopefully, we'll finish up this project over the next few days. Anyway, that's all for now.  

My line of work isn't steady

which means I don't get paid for stat holidays. Which is ok by me. My wife has a steady part-time job so she gets paid for stat. I get the time off. Now that we're both on pension, we need to watch our income more than usual. However, this is the family day long weekend. Spring is around the corner. Days are getting longer. I get 2 days off. I have a work schedule, which resumes Tuesday to Saturday this week. 

I'll get one last week next week, and that will get me 230 hours from January-July. That's 30 hours over my threshold before it compromises my Alberta pension. My job allows for that flexibility

That first week in March I've got an appointment to the Fort Road PCN to get an ABI scan. It measures blood flow from the ankle to the heart. That info goes to my doctor's file. When he retires this August, he said he knows some Doctors close to my area. I'll be seeing him one last time after that, to set up a replacement. That and tax time, lodge, etc, has enough to keep me busy. Yet, it's family day weekend. Anyway, that's all for now.

Valentines day had come and gone

and approaching Family Day long weekend. The days are getting longer.

Yesterday I ordered a 2-pack set of clamps and 1/4" double-mount adapters to mount my Sony camera. I first want to attach my camera to the key light pole. See how that works. Both items should be here on Sunday during my 2 days off.

My hands are mostly healed from the fall outside of Highlands Hall 2 weeks ago. Same where I skinned my right knee. Anyway, that's all for now.

I think I figured out

how the AG senior benefits pension program works. Or rather the frequency of the payment system works. The Alberta Government goes from January to July for August, and then August-December for January. These dates are for calculating changes to the program. In my case work hours per cycle not for a year.

We're back on another project for tomorrow: It's out of the project 300 completes but I'm hitting the pause button at the end of the month until the end of September. One last project for the end of the year. Seven months off 😃In June, I'll be going to a senior association tohelp keep active.

I can eat sugar in limited quantities but when I do, the side effects are dry eyes. Especially my lazy eye where it feels itchy and watery. Not good. Anyway, that's about all for now.

This week was interesting

I got 1 Amazon order in, my green screen arrived on Wednesday and then my 2nd key light arrived last night. That's 3 Amazon orders in this week. WOW. I need to be mindful of the drain on our electrical grid with all the key lights, cameras, etc on. Could be problematic. 

We finished the project last night not sure if we have a new one today. I had ~ 3 hours of sleep and I'm sure Anne doesn't want to go out tomorrow. Anyway, that's all for now.

My ride home after

lodge last Thursday was in a hurry to leave as lodge was getting late. I was scrambling to pack up and dress. I didn't tie my boot laces thinking Patrick would pick me up in the parking lot. "Jim I'm over here street side," he yells. I forgot about this one step leading to the sidewalk, and that's when I fell and, boom! I lay there for a bit assessing any damage. Nothing broken. Patrick and one of the other guys. Helped me to my feet. My legs have some arthritis in them and I have to hoist them up one at a time. It was a struggle to get into Patrick's pickup truck. Patrick arranged to get me to Wendy's. By this time I felt I was high maintenance. We went through the drive-through and he dropped me off at the rental office entrance to my building and I got home from there. I had to explain everything of course to Anne 

what had happened, and cleaned up and had my Wendy's meal. I was in pain. I took an Aleve to help me sleep. 

In Teams, Friday morning I called in sick and explained to the boss what had happened. I took Friday off and asked if it was ok to start at noon Saturday. "Sure, Jim." 

For much of Friday, I just did YouTube research and video editing. I manage a video upload to my channel. I hit 201 subscribers 😃 Scrolling for YouTube lighting solutions, I came across this one video where this guy was using some outdoor RGB floodlights some homeowners use to light up the outside shadow areas of their homes. I bought a four-pack thinking I'll mount these on a universal mount for the greenscreen. I placed the order they said would be here Sunday. Cool. I also ordered a greenscreen that fits on the back of my chair. Order in for Wednesday. I got a notification saying the floodlights will be here on Tuesday. Ok.

Saturday I had a 3-hour shift. 

Sunday I thought I'd check the door to see if maybe my order for the floodlights but learned there was no way to mount them. I can still make use of them. Sure enough, the package was there at the door. Normally I'd leave a note for the driver to call me at the door but I wasn't expecting the parcel to arrive until Tuesday. I should have bought a regular greenscreen. More on this later.

Not a lot has been going on

since my last blog post.  Last night Anne informed me of my transfer request for my meds held at Walmart are now at Shoppers across the street. I had them there at Walmart since 2005. 

It's been fun watching the Oilers winning streak to 16 games. We share that #16 spot with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Oilers are 1 game from tying the longest-game winning streak record held by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1977. However, the NHL is having its All-Star game break and that will stop momentum. Oilers are playing Vegas next Tuesday.

Today I have an Amazon order I'm expecting: I have a battery pack for my iPad etc I paid $55 for it. Normally I don't need a battery pack for my iPad since I only use it for "studio" work. However, the lodge asked me if I could rig up something to deliver music since our regular organist is no longer available. So I have an app for that on my iPad. See the image above. Since this is live music, it drains my iPad battery by ~ 50%. The battery pack can last for 10,000 hours. Apparently.

So, I'm expecting my Amazon order today. Plus we're back to the 4-9 shift. This ends for me (I hope) end of February since I'm taking a pause for (due to my pension) until the end of September.  I have Lodge on Thursday and BoB on Saturday.  I'm not overly busy, but I've got enough on my plate this week. Anyway, that's all for now.

Not a lot going on this week

I'm just working out the week 2-7pm. I got my Dummy battery for my camera yesterday at 3:15pm Anne has all the AC outlets taken up for Christmas tree lights. 

Other than work, I'm following the 3 Oilers games this week. The team got 13 consecutive wins Saturday night. They have more consecutive wins than any other team in Canadian NHL history. So I made this in Canva for the occasion:

I have one more order from Amazon: 30 multi-color gel pens. Order is $20. They will be here on Friday. The Sharpies on my thin magazine-size calendar paper bleed through to the other side. Not good. Anyway, that's all for now.   

It's been an

interesting work week. I'm starting my shift a bit on the late side today at noon.

We're more or less out of that bitter cold snap from last week. Thursday Anne and I were at Bp's for dinner after work. it's fun watching the Oilers go 10, 11 & 12 straight wins. I think the bubble will burst tonight in Calgary as teams are aiming for the Oilers.. 

Not much going on at the moment. I've ordered a continuous battery for my Sony camera arriving tomorow. Anyway, that's all for now. 

We're in the deep freeze now

folks. By Next Saturday we should be out of this. it will make going to BoB a lot more comfortable. here's a graphic of what we're at right now:

Another victim of this cold snap is the Alberta power grid Regulator has issued a power grid failure warning due to the extreme cold weather. 

Looks like the Oiler's winning streak to 10 to pass a franchise record is on the brink of coming to an end. Less than 3 minutes remaining in the 3rd period. This just in: Oilers win in OT. 10 W's in a row.😃

My work hours threshold of 200 hours will be consumed before mid-February. Anything over 200 hours drastically affects my Alberta pension and our GST rebate. Anyway, that's all for now.

It's been an interesting couple of days

around here. I'm back to work 4-9. Still working on my YouTube channel, going to lodge that kind of thing

Almost on cue January 1st our weather began to turn to a more seasonal average

This is actually "warm" for this time of day. We have a cold snap for a few days:

Last week I ordered a wireless mic from Amazon. It's the Neewer C28. What I like about this mic is that it works with i0s devices and has a magnetic button that can attach to the mic under the shirt and has internal recording.

Today is game day as the Oilers are in Chicago. Ever since Holland hired Paul Coffee as defensive coach and acquired Kris Knoblauch, the team has gotten a lot better. The Oilers have 2 7 game winning streaks including the one they are currently on. They'll make the playoffs but they won't win the Stanley Cup. No Canadian team will. That's not whining, its just reality. The odds are stacked against us. Anyway, that's all for now.