At first I thought about

getting a dedicated gaming computer. I like to game but mostly DOS, Retro or online games. Although I'm thinking about getting another handheld that has Onion OS pre installed and or maybe a Steam or Legion Go 2 device. I'm still not sure about any of the above yet.

On this date in 1987, an extensive search for the Loch Ness Monster reached its conclusion. Dubbed Operation Deepscan, the week-long project utilized sonar equipment valued at over one million pounds as well as a fleet of 24 boats. Aside from a few anomalous sonar blips, the expedition ended

with no tangible results to suggest the existence of the creature. It would not be the last massive undertaking to scour the Loch for the infamous beast, as the BBC used a myriad of modern technological devices to look for Nessie in 2003. Much like its predecessor 16 years earlier, this project also failed to yield an answer to the cryptozoological enigma.

Not only did the Elks break the 13 game winning streak against us the Visitors had but the Oilers  won as well. It was a good day for Edmonton sports teams. Also last nights Elks win means our playoff hopes are still in our hands. Anyway, that's all for now. 

When Super announced the shift

was ending at 7pm I was totaly elated. All of us were. An early start to the long weekend. That means 3 days off. We return Tuesday & Wednesday and wrap the project up Wednesday.

Today I have the Elks game at 5pm, an Plus there is WWE Crown Jewel. Plus @ 8pm, there's a Canucks/Oilers game on. Footbal/Hockey/Wrestling/ Should be a fun day  for Jimmy I got to post this and get some shuteye.

Since I began with Blogger I've always had it in standard mode. I asked Google if there is a Dark mode native to Blogger, Sadly there isn't but there is an Edge extention called "Dark Reader." After bed, I'm going to buy this extension. It's only Cad $13. Good deal. Also recently Blogger added an insert a Google search bar right into my post. this could be real handy for me. Anyway, that's all for now.

This work project could

last as late as next Friday or a day or 2 after this upcoming weekend. Without this seasonal work, I dont think I could even afford to live here. It would be tight. I probably couldn't do any subscriptions.

Known for his powerful tales of mystery and the macabre, author Edgar Allan Poe died under somewhat mysterious circumstances on this day in 1849, at the age of 40. On October 7, 1977. My favorite story of Poe's is "The cask of Almontillado." Alan Parsons Project did a song about this story.

While I can't say the name of the project I'm currently warking on, I got 7 complete. Which is pretty good. I could see working 3 days/week though. that I could do. My job is casual enough as it is.. Hopefully, we'll be done Friday. Then that's it for me. Anyway, that's all for now.

I thought there was

an Elks CFL football game on today. When actually it's on the 11 next Saturday. I even have it marked in my calendar. weird.

It's a day late but on October 4th 1582 was the last day of the Julian calendar, and the start of the Gregorian calendar as decreed by Pope Gregory XIII. In Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain, October 4 was followed directly by October 15. 

With the new branded micro 128Gb sd card I'm going to try and reformat the card. It needs to be formated to Fat 32. I'm using Rufus. This is the industry standard for formating sd cards greater then 50Gb. That's my prokect for today. Anyway, that's all for now.

I had my shift that ended

at 9pm last night, sleep and back at it this morning up at 8am for my 10-3pm shift. It's been a busy 24 hours

The weather is certainly changing. At the moment it's +10°C but it feels like +2°

For some reason I thought there was an Elks game on this weekend. but its next weekend. LOL Anyway, that's all for now. 

My lodge brother picked me up

last night, shortly after 6pm. Lodge was fun. Because it was an IPM night, it was good to see returning brothers I haven't seen in awhile. It waas good to see Brother Kelly in the East.

I hated to do this but I had to cancel the eye appointment today. I was so wiped out from Lodge, it would have been a struggle to make it through my shift tonight. I'm waiting for a call back to see if there's a better time, around 11-noon next week. 

Hard to believe next weekend is Thanksgiving weekend.. For the most part , we're into the low double digit weather paterns. As for tonight & Saturday, I'm working but that's ok. Anyway, that's all for now.

I tried numerous time

calling Rogers this morning at Bonny Doon Mall location. Failed each time. My Amazon tie, order was out for delivery. It was a last minute decsion to dress and get some traveling diet cola, and get that 11:40am bus. I was joined by other seniors waiting for the same bus. We were down there within 10 minutes. Apparently I can't set up auto pay at the store level. I was getting off the bus at 1:15pm for home. In and out.

Riding the elevator with some of the other seniors, I asked if we will have a polling station in our building for the upcoming civic election. They confirmed that to be the case. 

When I got home, no Amazon order. It's still out for delivery. With any luck, I'll have a new tie to Lodge. Anyway, that's all for now. 

iIt's a new month

October 1st.

This morning is another laptop maintenance event. After that I need to get to Rogers to top up my cell phone account. I tried doing this yesterday but I couldn't get cofirmation. My bank isn't showing any info. Once i get the laptop set up, I'll leave out of here at about 10:40am for Bonny Doon Mall, and get this sorted out. I'll get some take out as well for lunch to have at home. .

It's going to take some creative accounting but if I can swing the fee, I hope to join Scottish Rite Masonry. Edmonton Valley. More specifically Lodge of Perfection. After that The Rose Croix, and then the Consistatory to get my 32°. This is all doable I'm looking at joining in February next year. 

The Oilers regular first season game for the 2025-26 season is October 8th. I'll be working that night. Most likely the Oilers will lose that one. I'll follow the scores on my cell phone. As for future games, if I'm not doing anything, I'll watch the games, but I'm not going to go out of my way to watch every single one. Anyway, that's all for now.

We're supposed to be getting a visit

by Mayor candidate Andrew Knack. I think I'll go to the coffee club and hang around. I want to know if we're going to have a polling station here. This is going to be after Coffee Club. 10:30am.

I never did make it to coffee club this morning and the meet and greet. Speaking of which in some parts of the world, it's national coffee day.

And even though this is late news, it was announced last night that Starbucks coffee is closing 100 locations. Four stores will close here in Edmonton.

It's a new week. Thursday my lodge is holding a past masters night. The organizer asked me to do the Chaplin role. Now I'm not sure if that's opening and colsing or just to assume a role? I relearned both opening and closing prayers just in case. I don't see the regular sitting officers vacating their chairs for the night. It's a lot of work for me, because I'm also the "music director" as well. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Saturday's shift was

decent. It was a slow day for calling but I got 4 completes. I would have had a 5th complete but the guy bailed on me when I asked him to confirm his postal code. Other then that and my Ring Central volume cut out on me. I had a good shift.

It was on this date in 1989 that two men went over Niagra Falls in a barrel. They weren't the first to attempt the feat, but they were among the first to live. Returning their 888-page findings on.

I missed the first half of the 1st quarter of the Riders/Elks game here at Commonwealth. Score was 1 nill. We got a field goal for 3-1 Then we scored a major. Our D was doing their job. Riders turned the ball over 3 times in Q1! For most of the game it was Elks 11 Riders 4. Then Riders made it 12-11 into the half. After that Elks scored a couple of majors. RIders had 3 QB sacks to our 2. Saskatchewan got the ball to the 1 yard line 25-27. If they got the 2 point conversion, they would have taken the game to OT. They failed to convert. Riders 25-Elks 27. What a game! From what commentary was saying, the Elks had the most QB sacks of any team in the league! Wow. 43 to be exact. So fat it's been a good weekend.

I had my music

qued and ready but in the wrong order. I labeled the channel's in AUM and have them in order for next time. I was not able to make ractice last Sunday, due to the Valley line LRT off line. I could have taken the #53 from Capilino mall as the #501 Davis was still running. I'll be able to get the music for the next degree, and attend practice.

Apparently the Artimis 2 moon mission is slated for a possible February launch. The 4 person crew are not going to land on the moon but to orbit the moon to establish a test run and launch "Gateway." As I understand this the next capsule will connect with Gateway. Gateway will help land the crew onto the moon. That's Artimis 3 which is about 2 years away.  

Anne bought me a Tims breakfast yesterday for my lunch before work. I'll be waking Anne up at about 3pm. I'll be powering  up the laptop, headphones in place. I admit due to my vision I have some anxiety I can do the job. When I get Anne up we're going to try for some more drops in my left eye before I begin the shift, Anway, that's all for now.

My vision was improved significantly

yesterday. I'm still going to finish the bottle 3 times/day. This Friday would be one week. 

So earlier today it was annouced that Our PM's bank assount's personal information was hacked, Was it an international terroirst group, a lone wolf? Actuallyit was an inside job by a bank employee. I wounder what group he was working for?

Usually when people block me on Face book, that's the end of it. I was surprised when I discovered that this person is following me. I need to block him there then. Anyway, that's all for now.

No improvement

with my vision. I don't think these drops were made to clear out the debris on my Cornea. I think the drops were made to do something else. Upon the eye drop follow up the Optometristmight refer me to an Ophthomoligist.

Happy Birthday, Typhoid Mary-- born on Sept. 23, 1869. The Irish immigrant, a "healthy carrier" of typhoid fever, unwittingly spread the deadly disease around New York while working as a cook. If you think our pandemic quarantine was bad, poor Mary Mallon was kept isolated for over 23 years after her infectiousness was discovered..

I'm at Chapter tomorrow. I'm doing the music for a degree. More like playing the music. I begin work. on Friday. Not sure how well I'll do, as my vision or lack there of could compromise me doing the project. Anyway, that's all for now..

I missed Chapter practice at 1pm

today due to Valley line LRT maintenance. I probably could have made it but bus service (if not a main kine) is kind of hit and miss on Sundays anyway. Not a nice thing for Marigold to do for all the Fan Expo SFF people today. I jest of course, lol

I'm out again tomorrow for my 2pm PCN foot nurse appointment on Fort Road:

 Hopefully that bus stop by the overhead light stabd will be open instead of the bus making a turn by the street out of left frame.

After that^I have no place to go to for 3 days, then hopefully these drops will improve my vision enough where I can do the project comfortably. This project alonewill just about streatch my hour quota limit for the year anyway. The clock will start again in January.  Anyway, that's all for now.

Yesterday I was givin a script

for eye drops. The optometrist said I have some debris on my Cornea. I have to take these 3 times/day or until the bottle is empty the go in for a follow up. I hope there is an improvment between now and next Friday when I start the job. 

This weekend we're having Fan Expo. Its at the Edmonton Expo centre. Our Fan Expo is not as popular as the Toronto one. They get better guests there. Author Timothy Zahn was there. I remember the old Non Con conventions we had at the Edmonton Inn durring the 70s-80s. it was small but aniticipated.

Chapter practice is tomorrow. I'm doing the music for a degree. That's if I can get there. The Valley line LRT is off line for annual service annual service maintenanc but there are replacement buses but I need to get to Capilino mall, and on a Sunday, bus service is hit and miss most of the time. Anyway, that's all for now.

I'm heading out

of here at 2:30pm tomorrow for my eye appointment. I'm investigating the possibility of getting Yag laser vitreolysis. Eye floaters. However I need a basic eye exam first of all. Hopefullly I can get good news about this at the exam.

Anne and I went out to Rickies, Mill Creek location because its close bye. We had the 2 by five brunch and instead of toast pancakes. 

That was a big breakfast. It was a nice outing. Anne and I exchanged keys/bus passes, so I can use my door so she could go on to Walmart in Capilino mall. Anyway, that's all for now.

We're back to more seasonal

weather patterns here in Central Alberta. I can take the heat in small doses. +12°-+23°C is perfect for my comfort zone weather wise. I was born in Vancouver British Columbia lower mainland (greater Vancouver area). As much as I love Edmonton, if I could afford to live in the Tri cities area (New Westminster/Coquitlam/Burnaby, I would in a heartbeat. Still supporting Edmonton Elks/Oilers teams.👍

I digress. I mention the above climate because flue shot season is around the corner. I dont know what the exact number is/or was but last year the Alberta Government spent hundreds of millions of dollars on Covid shots that we're not used due to Covid apathy. So now Covid shots need to be ordered, call #881 for more  informatiom. Since we're in a seniors residence and I'm Type 1 diabetic, I get my Covid shot for free. Children are free, seniors in care facilities and low income seniors is free, (I think) everyone else it's Cad $100. This makes sense. Flue shots are free and availible at Shoppers Drug Mart/Rexal free.

I've been waffeling on installing the Onion OS on my Miiyou + handheld for a long time now.. I've watched several You Tube guides. I decided to try and install Onion. I have the Sunshine app on my computer. I double checked to confirm the sd card is Fat32. I use Rufus for this. I tried following one guide, nothing. I tried following several guides, nothing. It could be the non braned sd card, or something I'm missing in Rufas. Anyway, that's all for now.

Before we were shown this

place this last March, we were told that if we rejected it this would not go against our 3 turn downs. This is a 2 bedroom apartment our porovider doesn't have a lot of them. It's a beautiful refurnished suite. Every location has quirks. We get that. A few months in we discovered this place gets hot. And that's with the thermostate turned down. Other tenants have mentioned about this as well. We'll get used to it. 

On this day in 1899, Henry Bliss became the first American to die in an auto accident when he was run over by a taxicab as he exited a streetcar in New York City. Most likely it was one pictured above.

I've had my Nintendo 3Ds Xl since I want to say, 2015. I always wanted to Homebrew it or mod it but the process looked complicated. I cam across a video showing the process which has been streamlined over the years. Maybe I'll do  it one of these days. 

I entered the Oilers 2025-26 schedule

for all the home/away games for this calendar year. Whwn I get the 2026-27 calendar for Christmas, I'll enter the games for the rest of the regular season.

Not much going on this week. I'll want to go to Telus and apply for their bring your own devicep/hone, minimum plan. is $20/month more then what I'm paying now. At least everything is on the same network. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Other then some odds n ends to report, not a lot gping on today

except Lon's "Saturday morning cartoons," and The Elks @ Argo's football game. That's about it for today. 

When Mary broke up our friendship due to external circumstances. That and we we're both lying to each other. I didn't end the friendship, she did. This lying and including her: "I'm not going down without taking someone with me." I really took the whole ordeal hard. but while it was going down, I should have said to myself something like "what was this trying to teach me? I either win or I learn.

I should have taken the above to heart, if I found it at the time. The thing with Mary, we go back to the early 90s. It's not like I met her at the time. Mary and I were only friends. I wasn't her type. Today she's been married for about 4 years. 

Going out for dinner is something Anne and I are thinking about doing next week. She wants to go to iHop. Anyway, that's all for now.

I decided against going out to

lodge this evening. If it was a regular lodge night sure. It's a Past Masters night. Meaning to say, it's going to be a long night. I'll go to the next one in October.

On this day in 1940, near Montignac, France, a collection of prehistoric paintings was discovered by four teenagers who stumbled upon the ancient artwork (estimated to be between 15,000 and 17,000 years old) after following their dog down a narrow entrance into the Lascaux Cave 

Tommorrow the Elks are in Toronto. I don't like the start time but its an afternoon game. If we can win even 3 out of the remaining 6 games, we improve our win loss record more so then last year. Anyway, that's all for now.

The window cleaning crew

has yet to appear at the back of the building/courtyard area. The noticed from Monday to Friday. We'll see.

Yesterday the plan was to get yhe Onion OS installed onto my Miiyou mini plus hand held device. I tried previously but I couldn't get it to load. Then I realized that maybe the micro sd card wasn't formated to Fat32. There''s no way Windows can format the card to Fat32. Is there a way I can format the sd card outside of Windows? Mr. Google directed me to this website were It can.. The free program is called Fat32.gul It woked like a charm. Now I just need to install Onion OS. My project for the weekend..

It was 24 years today that the World trade center buildings were destroyed, comonly known as 9/11. Anne and I were married barely 1 year. I was still in my 40's, I remember on the bus heading towards work on Jasper Ave. Wondering whay there was a crowd gathering watching a TV screen. I was going to pick Anne up after work, where she was working at the Norwood Legion. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Apple had their

 WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) event earlier. iPhones are getting a bit bigger. new improvements on the hardware. i0s 26 coming out next month. Nothing really new

The Hank McCune Show, a sitcom that debuted on this day in 1950, had the distinction of being the first TV program to make use of 'canned laughter' the noxious pre-recorded laughs often dubbed into a soundtrack. 

As a kind of preview of Y2K, it was feared that the date 9/9/99 would cause problems for computers as some data systems used the digits 9999 to mark the end of a file. I remember working security guard work in the West end on New Years eve 1999 doing the graveyard shift, worried if my computer would activate, when I got home. Sure enough it did. LOL 

Not much going on this week. Sometime later this month our seniors residence is organizing a bus trip to the Wetaskiwin museum Might be fun. Anyway, that's all for now.

Earlier yesterday afternoon, Freedom Centre Church had fan fest. They have tents out on the grass area, a Babee going. Free pop burgers/hotdogs, games etc, rides for the kids. I bet if Don knew I was there, he'd pack up Mary Blake & head for home. Talk about posessive. Don had a falling out with me, because I was trying to figure out why Mary ended our friendship and going on and on about it in chat on Facebook. He had enough and blocked me. So now I'm his enemy.🤣I think Don was behind Mary's decison to end our friendship. I also suspect there was some hanky panky going on between Don & Mary. I can't prove anything of course, since Don is controlling the narrative and going to such great lengths to prevent Mary & I from crossing paths. If Mary at some point wants to renew our friendship, fine but no going out. Just chat.. Don? He blocked me on Face book, I dont refriend. But I digress.

I almost forgot. Today is National Star Trek Day. The show first aired on this date 59 years ago, in 1966. I was 14 when it debuted, and I still remember Mom letting me watch the very first episode on our family’s black-and-white TV. 

At the time, we were living on Regan and Haily in Coquitlam—the house is still standing today. Later, I watched many more episodes while recovering from my back surgery. Mom and Dad had gotten me a small portable TV, which sat to my left as I lay bedridden in an upper-body cast. I’d have to roll onto my side just to watch. Even so, Star Trek was a big comfort during that time, though I did end up missing much of the final season while I was in recovery. I have fond memories of watching Star Trek the origional series.

On my bucket list is to be active once again with the Order Templi Orientis. OTO. I'll need 2 years of dues to do this. I can do that easy enough. this year. Shorty after that I want to join the Scottish Rite Masonry and get my 32°. That's 3 masonic bodies before it's all said and done. Anyway, that's all for now.

Its game say today

at Commonwealth. 5pm. I think the oast time I was at a game was 2011. We were sitting in the dissambled section. in the corner beside the scoreboard. These days with my limited mobility, I could barely get to the stadium. It's the stairs, basically.

Today (in the US) its National read a book day. Here in Canada our equivalent to National Book day is April 23rd. If I put in the effort from Sun up to Sundown I might be able to read a 75,000 word novela. Or a comic book. That's a book right? Last comic book I read was in the 80s

The bronze Amelia Earhart statue stolen from Harbour Grace, N.L. in April 2025 has been found, albeit in pieces, by the RCMP in August 2025. The statue was located in a wooded area and all parts have been accounted for, allowing for its eventual restoration and return to the town's Spirit of Harbour Grace Park. Anyway that's all for now.

I had a great time at lodge

last night. We must have had close to 30 breathern show up. Good energy. I got a ride home from Nathan. He's going to the elks game tomorrow night..

On September 4, 1985, the first pictures of the Titanic wreck were released, after a joint American-French expedition discovered the sunken ship. In the waters off Nova Scotia.

Speaking of Elks football. Saturday at 5pm is the rubber match. Looking forward to the game. Our front line needs to do better in protecting our QB. 4 sacks in one game is crazy. Anyway, that's all for now.

Launchpad is one of those

cool apps I find to be a go to source when making music on my iPad. I usually mix it with other apps. Launch pad is by subscription. $14.95/month. Quit any time. I was in between subscriptions. I wasn't paying attentiion when I ordered it again because I use Launchpad in Lodge as well as Chapter. I accidently clicked on the annual plan which is C $74. What a heartache. I was at ~ C $162 so now I'm at about C $85. I still have our outing and my min deposit payment for something else. It was birthday $ anyway, so I don't feel to bad about it.

On September 3, 1976, the Viking 2 spacecraft landed at Utopia Planitia on Mars and sent back the first close-up, color images of the planet's surface.

I'll probably be out of here about 5pm for lodge to be there at 6pm. I like to set up doa bit of a sound check. Should be an easy night for me. I already have a ride home. I'm going to have a cold beer as well with the guys. At least heading out of here will be nice. I just got to remember to charge up my bluetooth speaker. Anyway, that's all for now.

Tech support was an unusually

long session that began at 10am. That's all fine and well. The had to restart about 3 times. That wasn't what bugged me. Anne had ordered a cab for a pick up at Clareview East. The cab company office called to confirm my ride was there, and then the driver was waiting for Anne and then the dentist office was also waiting for Anne and called me. As if that wasn't enough, Buster was all over me for treets and or dinner. I figured that out and complied. No bugging me I really didn't mind so much.

I don't facebook refriend. I will Mary only because she made an effort to end the friendship. I feel she was being coerced. Mary also left the door open. I can see her Facebook posts but not respond to them. I also can't chat with her. I will not refriend Don regardless. I feel he was infuencing Mary big time. Don't won't come to BoB because I'm in his head. Telling me I need counselling over a broken heart.

This time tomorrow, I'll be setting up my iPad for lodge music. Should be a good easy night. Anyway that's all for now.

I was going to go out to

Bonnie Doon Mall this afternoon, but as soon as got near an opened window and smelled the air, that was enough to make my decision for me. Stay home. So I paid the bill online.

I wanted to go to the Telus store to see if and what kind of plan I can get for my own device similar to my Chartr plan from Rogers. The whole idea behind that is so I can have my cell phone 

on the same network so I can turn my cell  phone into a webcam. My iPhone 11 has continuity camera that allows for the iPhone to be used as a webcam with my iPad. I'll need a few more pieces to get it to do that first though. 

I have lodge music loaded up for Thursday night. I have some Launchpad ambient music in AUM for a segment in lodge. My night will be an easy night. Anyway, that's all for now.

It's labour day

here in Canada and US. I used to enjoy this long weekend when I was working with the Army & Navy in the 80s. That was the last full time real job I had. That's another story.

Wednesday, my employer is doing laptop maintenance by remote. They do this once a month just to make sure the laptop is running smoothly. We get a small stipend a few times a year because we half to get up early to power up the computer. This way tech support can call us if there are any issues.

Tomorrow, I'm heading over to Bonny Doon Mall, (Rogers) to pay my cell phone bill. Giid time to go because we're out of the heat wave. I want to visit the Telus store as well, because I want to use this bought phone as a webcam but it needs to be on the same wifi network. Plus I can get a bite to eat as well. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Still in the heat wave

that was here since Monday. Every day was a +30° min to +33°C. Right now its +31°C. Tomorrow should be a "cooler" +28°C🙄This is the 5 day forecast. No rain in sight.

Today marks the obscure holiday observance of "According to Hoyle Day," in honor of Englishman Edmond Hoyle whose name became synonymous with his rules and regulations for various card games. Hoyle died on today's date in 1769.

Tomorrow is WWE's "Clash in Paris." It's on Netflix, so I'll be able to catch it. Anyway, that's all for now.

Tonight its

Friday night Smackdown. Speaking of sports, I'll watch the Oilers games but I'm not going to go out of my way. If the Oilers are going to have a slow start this year this could be the last year for Connor McDavid.

A few monts ago I contacted the Edmonton Valley of the Scottish Rite Masonry. Once I pay my Lodge and Chapter dues, I'm going to try and sneak $250 to the secratary and send my fees and a petition. This is to get my 32°. The only caveat to that is, its distance is all the way out in the West end. I don't need to go to every meeting but I will if I can get ride. Lots of brothers are involved in this. I can go one month to Strathconna 77 (Friday night) and SR the other month. Alternate them. Strathcona, I'm just a visitor.

Not much going on this weekend. I'm going to try and make a beat in Loopy Pro 2.0. I like this app better then the previous version, expecially the way it works with midi. Anyway, that's all for now.

The heat wave continues

here in Edmonton. Next week we should be back to normal +20°-+23°C. As usual I have my window closed to keep the warm air out. A wet face cloth over the face helps out.

Since the mail service here has been compromized over the last few days, I need to get my mail. I'll do this after I get up in the morning. I woke up late The coffee club opens up tomorrow morning. May as well go downstairs get a cup and some pastry, get some fresh air and head over to pick up my mail on the Friday before the long weekend.

I have a feeling Elks winning streek will end Monday? Why? Because its the traditional labour day classic. We usually lose that one and then win in the rubber match next Friday. Anyway, that's all for now.

We're in the middle of

a heat wave here in Edmonton and most of the province.

We're prbably going to max out @ +33°C this evening. All windows are closed to keep the hot air out. Most fans are on including AC. We got the labour day weekend like this. Speaking of weather, we didn't get our first snow until Sunday November 24th. I believe this late season snowfall cotributed to our heavy wildfire season.

The largest mass balloon release --a staggering 1,592,744 balloons-- was staged by Disney Home Video in Wilts, UK on August 27, 1994.

Doesn't look like we're going to have an EA° in lodge next week. I'm in for an easy night. Just doing my music. That's about it. Anyway, that's all for now.

My outing earlier

this afternoon was good. I was looking forward to some ice cream at The "Nut shop" in Northgate but I was dissapointed to learn it went out of business. I got my compression stockings and home by 3pm. It was a hot one out there. I think we got up to +31°C. 

A friend of mine told me in chat the other day that he was playing Zelda breath of the wild. I'd like to play this game, pick up where I left off. That was 2 years ago. I have the Switch origional I bought at Game Stop about 2019, but last time I played with Switch was last year.

I'm happy I don't have to go out for the rest of the week. Next week, I have Lodge practice and then Lodge. Anyway, that's all for now.

This post is a bit of an odds n ends post

as this weekend is has a bit of this and that. I'm not spending any money. Anyday I'm not spending money is a good day. Unless I'm paying bills. Or a birthday treat for myself. Or lodge/chapter dues. Thanks to a certain party, I'll have that covered.

John Lennon reported seeing a UFO from his New York balcony (1974), and Mars moved closest to the Earth since the 10th century, a mere 34.6 million miles away (1924). Perusing the record book for this date, Sylvia Brett, 80 years old, successfully parachuted ('86), Marie Ashton played the piano non-stop for 133 hours ('58), and the world's' largest frog was caught (7.28 lbs, Equatorial Guinea, 1960). Link from Coast to Coast. 

Not a lot going on this week. No birthdays, no outings, I have a project with my iPhone phone 11 as a webcam. The phone has 64Gb memory. I found Camo Studio last year but the cell phone I bought this year. Camo is a free service that aids in setting up a cell phone as a webcam. I want to use it with OBS and DuWan, my iPad screen sharing app. No watermarks on both apps. All using that and my wireless mic also connected to OBS. We'll see how it goes. Anyway, that's all for now.

On August 25th

according to the note on our appartment door yesterday, Canada post will be doing some mod work in the mail room. This will be until just after the labour day weekend. The office will be setting up a table in the lobby for residents to pick up mail from 1:30-2:30pm, weekdays. We mostly get junk mail anyway.

Anne accidently bought a movie last night. We would normally just rent a movie. This was from Telus, not Netflik. So before Anne headed out the door to get our stuff (birthday take out treat for me etc) at Bonnie Doon Mall she had customer service on the line. Anne requested a call back as she got ready to head out the door. I was left behind to take the call. We wanted to request the charges be reversed, which I was able to talk with the rep on the phone about. "Just go by our history, we never order moves." After a pause the rep said that this would be a one time thing and the charges would be reversed ~ 3 days after the next billing dat. I thanked the rep and ended the call. Anyway, that's all for now.

Yesterday was my 73rd

birthday. Wow. 18 family; friends, colleauges, Fraternal brothers & companions. Others as well in TC chat group as well. Thanks to all. Anne bought me this nice chocolate cake with a 73 decoration on it and a scatch and win ticket pack. I didn't win anything on that but I sure won where it counts with many visitors stopping by.

The good times just didn't end with yesterday: Tonight, I'm watching some Smackdown and CFL football. Elks in Ottawa. Look out for that train wreck.. If Elks win in Ottawa, that would be the icing on the cake.

I've been trying different methoods on how to use my Cell phone as a webcam. I thought i would need to have my Rogers iPhone, on the same network as my wifi. Jade Starr did a show on this app called Camo studio. At first it didn't work for me. I followed another video and tried again. Successs! I even have it worked in OBS but I haven't got the audio portion of it worked out yet. My project for the weekend. Anyway, that's all for now.

Just returned from clearing

my mail. Management here doesn't like to have mail left in the mail slot for more then a week. I usually like to clear it out every 2 days. Mail is on the main floor. I thought I'd go outside and get some air. Someone said hello from somewhere. Oh a resident enjoying a smoke. Friendly guy. Jim to Don. We shook hands. We had a nice chat as there were thunder clouds and lightning flashes. My mail slot was empty and I got 1,000 steps so far on the day.

Happy birthday to H.P. Lovecraft, the brilliant writer of horror, fantasy, and science-fiction, which was known back in his day as simply "weird fiction." Born in 1890, he introduced the Cthulhu Mythos, in which characters had encounters with powerful and horrendous prehistoric beings, as well as the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical and forbidden lore.

While watching video shorts on Facebook, I came across a video of "Supertramp." Goodbye Stranger.. That song suddenly evoked a memory. I was working at a retail shoe store as a stock boy. 1979. I was 26 years old. I remember the manager saying to a few of us while things were slow, how he was going to see Supertramp at the Coliseum. August 7 or 8th. The radio was on in the background playing that song. The manager said to me: "You like these guys don't you Jim?" he said playing an air piano. I cant recall my response That was August 1979. I was dating Ellen at the time. I hadn't seen her since 2005 and that was in passing. She's still in the city. I really miss her. I think of her often Anyway, that's all for now.

What's next in my

Masonic Journey? Will I stay the course and 

work with just my craft Lodge and Royal Arch? That's me September 2024. I thouught about joining Cryptic Rite which is right after where I am now, Health wize, I don't think I could take the next 3 degrees. I'm looking at Scottish Rite Edmonton Valley. Specifically The Lodge of Pefection. Less demands on my health. I'd like to start this journey in February. 

On August 19, 1960, the Soviet Union launched the satellite Sputnik 5 into Earth orbit, with 2 dogs 40 mice, 2 rats, and a variety of plants. They became the first living organisms to safely return from space.

Anne is taking Skippy into the vet soon for her monthly arthritis shot. One of my colleagues had her cat since a kitten die on her Monday. My wife I feel so bad for Frances. She's a good friend of the family. Anyway, that's all for now.

I usually go

to bed about 4am. (pardon any spelos) When I did my left leg began to throb. We had the AC and the fan on. I took a melatonin pill, but an hour later I couldn't sleep. My leg was still in agony. I might have pulled a mussel. I took a pain killer after that, still awake. I put my compression stockings back on and Anne turned the AC off. About 6:30am I felt better and passed out. I woke up at ~ noon. I think I got about 5 hours of sleep over all. I felt no pain at all, yesterday when I woke up, onward.

On today's date in 1868, French astronomer Pierre Jules Cesar Janssen spotted an unknown element in the spectrum of the sun, during a solar eclipse. The element is now known as helium

Friday night our CFL Elks are brining their 3-6 record to Regina. The Riders have an 8-1 record. and are on a 4 game winning streek to our 2 game winning streek. Odds favour the Riders t0 Win, but you never know. Anyway, that's all for now. .    

I pulled the trigger

as the kids say and I bought the Loopy pro version 2 update. Withh the use of midi, it makes the app the app right up there with groove Rider 2, and Drambo. I'll be uploading a video for my You tube channel on this topic in a couple of weeks.

From August 16th on Coast to Cost: On this date in 1829, the conjoined twins, Chang & Eng, arrived in America from Siam to embark on their exhibition tour. Their condition was the source of the phrase "Siamese twins." On August 16, 

Since last Monday just after the Edmonton folk fest, I've been having vision issues. Mostly blurred vision brought on by Dry eyes. A few episodes of eye drops latter and my vision is almost 90% restored. Anne suggests  the drops go in just before bed. Sorry for any typos. Anyway, that's all for now.

Last night we went yo

Capilino mall Walmart. Our bus ride took longer the normal due to all the side walk renwal construction.. I've never been in this Walmart location before. Anne left me behind to gaurd our carts to travel on a store scooter to get something. I got the scooter when she returned and followed her as we did our shopping and keeping track of the Argo's/Elks game. My sole reason for going was to get a pair of reading glasses to measure against my iPad screen. We got the highest strength one possible. We bought them did some more shopping. Here's Jimmy wheeling in and out around store isles, having a great time

We arrived home, just in time to watch the closing  minutes of the 4th quarter. Anne was putting our groceries away. Argo's 20 Elks 28.  Argo's were 3rd and 10 with under a miniute to play. Argo's QB through a desparate pass to keep the drive alive but turned the drive over on downs. Elks football. The ran the clock down in Victory formatiom for the 20-28 win.

My sister had sent me a message in chat and sent me an etransfer. Early birthday present. What a blessing. Maybe its because i'm the big brother, I'm poor and old and all crippled up. I'm going to get those headphones from Long & McQuade next week.That's the game plan anyway. That's all for now.  

Yesterday, even with my

compromised vision, even the crosswalk symbold would become distorted. Once outside, it wasm't as bad as I thought. My #524 bus arrived on time. I connected with the Valley line LRT and arrived at Corona station only to find the upper to street escalator was under maintenance, and the elevator was out of order. I had to, cane in hand walk 3 flights of stairs to get topside I ordered my breakfast at ~ 11am and left for the General hospital at noon. 

I did my busiess there and out at 1pm. The AADL (Alberta Aids to daily living) authorized my compression stockings. Marko (the guy doing the evaluation) He said the form went to the vender. Shoud be in their hands this morning. I walked back to Tims to meet up with Anne @ Corona Tim's arriiving @ ~ 2pm. She ordered a srink to go. She had her cart with her. We took the train to the University, as our destination was Royal Pizza restaurant. Most other franchise of that name is just a store front for ordering piiza etc for home delivery. We've been here many times before. We boared the #4 bus to Calgary Trail. It was a substantial walk there 

We ordered. I needded a bathroom, and when I returned Anne had left to go to No frills in the same strip mall. Our order arrived as she returned. It was a nice outing. W took the #4 bus to Rickies on98th street and White ave and transfered to the #501 for home.

The big story yesterday, was i ended up with 12, 402 steps😲or 8.53k. 3k /day is about my average, and that's a good day. Sorry for the typos. Heavy eye floaters causing some blurred vision lately. Anyway, that's all for now. 

I slept in latter then

usual this morning and I woke up to blurred vision. More so then normal.. There's a proceedure called Yag lazer Vitreolysis (YLV). I had to use a Yag laser before about 2004 to clear up a posterior capsular haze (cataracts returning). The caveat is Alberta seniors might not cover it because they would deam it as minor surgery. What? 

On today's date in 1934, the first federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz, the island prison in San Francisco Bay. Though closed in 1963, the prison is said to be haunted to this day by ghostly presences. Anyway, that's all today.

Yesterday our Amazon order

arrived about 5:15pm. Everything was in order. I couldn't use my iPhone, as a webcam because the iPhone is on a different network. I later discovered that I could use it still in say OBS as a separate profile with a separate network.

The Edmonton Fringe Festival is happening August 14th to the 24th. One of my favourite festivals - check out local plays, dramas, comedies, etc. There’s even an improv. event featuring Colin Mochrie! You can visit Old Strathcona to take it in the sights and sounds. Some performances are free, but others will require a ticket purchase. More details on the festival and performances are on this website.  

This week I'm off for my biennial AADL evaluation at the General hospital. They should the results of my ABI scan from last month. After that, Anne want's to go to the iHope. She likes iHope so that's going to be good. Anyway, that's all for now.

A revised

update on our Amazon order is now Sunday. Which is great.

Folk fest weekend is underway underway. Our residence is about 2 blocks away off Connors Road.

It's been a steady staple in Edmonton but was suspended during Covid a few years ago but back in fine form. The Cary West festival is also happening this weekend. We had a nice day of rain, so its a good weekend of outdoor festivals.

Anne did a bottle run earlier and brought me back an A&W burger and fries, and a bucket of KFC. Having a good time today. Anyway, that's all for now.