I'm still hanging in there

even though since December 17th its been a nerve racking 10 days. Next week I hope the silence will end, so we can get back on track. Back to the way we were. That being said lets get back to todays post.

For Christmas I got 3 lotto 6/49 tickets for this evenings draw. Best I ever get when I play regular is either 2/6 for a free ticket, or 2/6+ bonus # $5, and rarely 3/6 numbers for $10. I've yet to draw 4 numbers for beyond that. Four numbers tonight would net me $66.50 😎. I also got a Players Choice mega pack of 10 tickets a winner in every pack for $20. I know because I gave this to my friend in November and she won $15. I won, you guessed it $10. In closing this out, I checked the draw and out of 3 tickets, I needed the bonus # to win $5! I'm going to buy $21 worth of tickets every payday.

My big entertainment for tomorrow night will be the Canucks/Oilers game. Since I have 3 days to myself, I'm going to make my last video for the year. Anyway, that's all for now.

Its a been a rough couple of days

for me from the time the job ended for the season until last Monday. I've been doing emotional damage control. In the meantime I'm in the waiting period. Do I sink or swim? What a way to end the year. Fortunately for me, I've got my pension and ei to fall back on, if push comes to shove. 

And that's just on the job front. On the other end is in my personal life. I'm not going to give up on a friend, nor am I going to give up on my marriage. For what to lose my self respect? I'm lucky I'm not out on the street this time of year, when many are and at least I still have my wife when all else fails on me. I've been on an emotional roller coaster ride since last Monday. Now I have to await sentencing. At least "they" can't take away my pension and I have enough funds for my accounts and lodge dues. Apologies for speaking in such vague terms today but I'm in a world where there are no shades of grey and I feel like I'm at the Alamo. But its Christmas eve. At least I don't have any dental discomfort.

Anyway, at least the Oilers are holding down 8th in the West (barely) and its not even the All Star break yet. In closing, I'd like to thank everyone that's stopped by to read this blog and visit my YouTube channel over the many years. Even though I lock the blog down for a few hours during the day, its usually back up at some point. Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone. Its all good.  

Not much going on

keeping busy coffee with friends chatting on messenger that sort of thing. Other then paying the odd bill, at least I'm saving money.

It was pointed out to be by an old friend that I have trust issues. Mainly not being honest with my wife about the people I go out with. The other thing is about being too emotionally attached to those closest too me. That's like one other person. Obsession. Excuse me, but I'm not in love with anyone. It was suggested I seek some counseling about the above and I was given a contact name for this. I composed a email and launched it earlier this afternoon. We'll see how that goes. In other words I'm in the doghouse again. Poor Jimmy.

At least I've been watching lots of hockey. Not much music production or reading. I hope to get a tack going this weekend. Anyway, that's about all for now. 

One good thing having time off like this is

I get to watch a lot of hockey. Last night I enjoyed the Oilers/Ave's game. Oilers had a commanding lead 5-1 but the Ave's bounced back to make it 6-4 Oilers. That win brought the Oilers to within 7th place in the West. Next up the Oilers are going to Winnipeg Thursday. We beat these guys before in their rink earlier this year.

After decades of drinking pop, I made a decision about a week ago to go cold turkey and cut out the pop from my diet. I don't have a scale here to see if I'm losing weight. Just drinking water alone wont help me lose weight but its a step in the right direction. Google told me that drinking cold water is the key, not just room temperature water.

Other then watching hockey, reading and texting local friends and groups on Facebook, not much else is happening around here. I'm basically just passing time, saving money. At least the weather is good despite it being slippery out there. Anyway, that's all for now.

It was a good weekend

and even work was good. Saturday out with a friend at the mall, lunch and a few hours sharing a few laughs. Topping it all off watching the Flames/Oilers game last night at Rogers place arena. The game last night was the Oilers 4th 3 game victories back-to-back. The Oilers got some redemption from the last time we faced those clutch and grabber Flames. The end score was 1-0 Oilers. My weekend was pretty good. The Highlight of my evening tonight will be texting with my buddy, and that's about it. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Its been in the works for sometime now

but now that its official the city of Seattle will finally get its own NHL team. The NHL board of Governors voted in favour of this. There's no official name for the team because the ownership group/whatever, has to go through the expansion draft. I'm not sure if the draft is this year or next year but I'm pretty sure, its next year. The team could call themselves any number of things. I like the Seattle Sea Kings < taken already? Or even Seadogs, or Seattle Storm. Lots of good choices. Any new team would be formed out of an expansion format like Vegas. Its been decided that a Seattle team will be in place in I think it was said 2021. This gives a few years to build the new arena and some breathing space between expansion team franchises and team owners to plan for the future.

So I'm leaving out of here shortly before 3pm for work. I don't think the job would have cared if I had the Friday off despite lodge night last night. Plus I was unexpectedly "put to work last night," in lodge unexpectedly filling in. Lots of new faces. I think I got work next week, I'm not sure. I'll know tonight. I think. Anyway, that's all for now.   

Last night after work

I'm at Clareview station and 3 days later after our first real snow, ETS has yet to clear the bus loop area of snow. Normally they are on top of it. So I'm getting off the back exit of the bus and I'm half knee deep in a snow bank. I took one move and ended up twisting my knee and boom, on both knees in the snow 👀. It took a few moments to get back up and collect myself but I got out of that and headed across the street to the apartment. 

Good intentions are all fine and well, but I wish roommates and boarders would know their place and quit interfering in people's lives. Especially when it doesn't concern them. We are not confused teenagers that need guidance or an older brother father figure. We don't need spiritual wisdom. When we want it, we'll go to church. Just because you live with me doesn't mean you own me. Stop being our moral compass. And we don't need insecure roommates etc being jealous over our friends. You are not my keeper. My home is not a sign in and log out computer.

My shift was ok last night, and the Oilers won in a shootout in St. Louis. From the looks of things work could run out on the 15th if not before. I'm ok financially for the next 30 days or so. Work could begin anew in the near year. As for tonight I'm at lodge. Its our installation night. I'm out of here at 5:30pm. Anyway, that's all for today.

Our first real taste of winter

began Saturday late afternoon. Since then we got about 5 inches of snow, which we haven't dug out of yet.  At the moment its Sunny at -9 but feels like -15. Its not arctic cold or anything. It looks like about 5 inches of snow on our balcony rail as seen in this image:

Last night the NDP announced a temporary 8.7% reduction on oil output. Its because we're not getting the full price of oil. Alberta oil is selling for just over $15/barrel. Its mainly because we can't get out oil to market. In my opinion we should stop sending oil to BC. Also the Premier announced that the Province is purchasing oil cars to help with the oil back log. This maneuver of the NDP will result in the loss of temporary jobs.

Overwatch by Blizzard is a virtual gaming league with huge followings. We're talking almost on the same level or aiming to get to that level as the NHL. Virtual spectator gaming draws in huge crowds, at these events. One of the latest virtual teams is the Vancouver Titan's. Overwatch has 20 teams most of them in the US but there are 2 in this country. Personally I don't have the patience to watch video games being played by someone else. 

Hopefully I'm home, tonight. I Wont know anything yet until I get a call, which I'm hoping for tomorrow or Wednesday. I didn't go out anywhere over the weekend, just sticking to home base. Otherwise, this was a pretty boring weekend all things considering. Sure there were a couple of live streams, I participated and watched the Oilers take out Vegas. Oilers playing tonight in Dallas. Anyway that's all for now.  

Admittedly a few minutes before

timesheet call, I slow my calls down. This prevents me from getting a call at the last second, which would prevent me from catching my bus outside. My blood sugars were dropping. The bread and butter project age group had already helped out and from here on in like it was for the last half hour at least, quota fills. 😃 I knew any more pick ups on the other end were going to be not interested or quota fills. All of my calls after break were that way. So I made calls. Sure enough I get a survey and it was in one of the needed age groups, yeesh. I did the survey keeping my cool, the respondent was really good and made the survey go by fast. I did my timesheet and I knew I was going to miss my bus. From our corner part of the upstairs office window I could see my incoming bus on the street below. 🙄 At 8pm, I knew I was going to have a 20 minute wait. At least it wasn't going to be a cold wait. Finally about 8:25pm here was my bus. This was one of the new hybrid busses but this driver stopped at every red light along 124/Jasper and let off every passenger at every stop, there was a walker and wheelchair in there too, which further slowed things down. I just wanted to get back to my computer to chat with my friend for a few moments. The trip from 107/124 should take 10 minutes. Always does, the traffic was light. I was getting pissed. This guy took over 15  minutes. Other busses after Stony Plain road were passing him. Then I had another 10 minute wait for my lrt to Clareview, and that driver was taking his time. Then another 10 minute wait at Clareview. It took me an hour and a half to leave the office to get back to my place. My wife was on the computer. I was kind of rude to her ordering her out of my chair. My friend sent me a text message right away and we had brief chat. I laid the above out on her shoulders. She didn't need that. I hope she took it in stride. This evening before time sheet I'm going to slow my calls down this time. The project officially is over Friday in which case I won't be there but most likely we're going to use some of Saturday to complete the project. I'm on a scheduled 3 days off after that.

I'm following the LA/Oilers this evening, then Saturday its VGK. The Oilers are within striking distance of the last play off spot. Lately the Oilers seem to win one lose 2. Oilers 11-11-2 isn't great but its at least 500 hockey. If the Oilers can pull off what Buffalo is doing 10 straight wins or even what Vegas is doing, its doable and we're close to the last play off spot. End of March isn't that far off.

So if going out with my friend isn't in the cards Saturday, I've got options. I've got to get some meds at the Walmart pharmacy, and using the rec centre stationary bike across the street has been on my to do list for awhile now. I might do that tomorrow afternoon, after Anne leaves. Saturday, I need to go to Londonderry mall and get myself a new backpack. The backpack I'm currently using does the job but it looks like a children's back pack. Anne picked it up for under $5. Also, while at Londonderry after I shop I can get part 2 of a book series get some breakfast, take $20 with me to play the slots. Anne wants to go to Denny's on Sunday so that will be a good full weekend. I might even go to the Walmart pharmacy to pick up my meds tonight. We'll see. I might just stay home Saturday or go across the street play some slots have a beer. Anyway, that's all for now.

For some reason since

I slowly began weeding myself off this diet cola I'm not as thirsty as I led myself to believe I was. I first noticed this Saturday when I was out and about in the mall. Even at home today I had one glass of diet cola with my dinner. I'm just drinking water at work from now on.

For most of yesterday I felt alone and forgotten. Even by my friend and my wife. Anne usually sleeps in until about 3pm on a Sunday. I watched some of the Grey Cup over brunch and lost interest in that. I read for awhile, Facebook stuff etc. What I should have done was paid a visit to the rec centre to work off some of that sense of loneliness I've been feeling. Another opportunity lost that passed me by. This week I'm going to try and reach out to an old friend from the 80's. I have access to her phone #. I've been reluctant to call because its a business phone number. She's not on Facebook. I was so self absorbed last night I even forgot about the Oilers/LA game until I checked the score tied at 1 after the 1st period. The game was interesting until Talbot let that 3rd goal in. It wasn't his fault that the team coughed up the puck in the offensive zone for a LA breakaway goal. Welcome to Oil country Hitch, this is what you have to work with this year. Good luck with that.

I had a hot dog and fries for a lame late dinner last night. One good thing about this so "called exciting" weekend is I go back to work today. If I can't be with ones I love, then I'll go to the gym or to the Albert's 66 bar. At the bar I can bring in a $20 and play the vlt's and nurse a couple of beers for the afternoon and come home, pass out while watching the Oilers lose. At least I got some wrestling to watch tonight. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Londonderry mall was pretty busy

this afternoon. I did my business breaking a contract within a grace period. I feel better about that. I looked around the mall, then realized I needed a new Oilers flex hat. I had a bit of trouble finding Lids but there it was close to the food court. A bit pricey for a hat but it was official NHL gear. After that and having completed my business earlier I decided to treat myself to a burger and a cold beer.

We got a skiff of snow out there and even though it wasn't that cold, my bus home sure took a long time in getting to the bus stop on 144th Ave . One good thing about the #11 or #182, either of those buses drops me off right outside of my place. No streets to cross. 😃 

So the big game is tomorrow. 🏈 There a lots of events the city put together including the Grey cup parade since we are the host city. That's been an annual event anyway since the late 1940's. I had a good time in the mall buying my new Oilers hat having a burger and a beer. Good times. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Its Friday at last

a short 4 days for me but it seemed longer. Lots of stressful elements. Not so much on the job just other stuff in general. For the most part, all I did was up about 10 out the door by 2, into work by 3-8:30pm, home by 9:30 in bed by 2am. Rinse and repeat. The only difference has been yesterday because we booked off at 8. I was home actually by 8:30, which was nice but strange and unexpected.

I made a major health wise decision to cut drinking diet cola except for with my 2 meals/day. Eventually I hope to cut even that out and just drink juice. Its going to save a lot of money and improve my sleep by not making 2-3 trips out of bed every sleep. Anyway, that's about all for now. 

With this current

project I'm on its 3-8:30pm, out of Province. Getting to the job site is no problem. If I hustle and log off when timesheet is called and I sign out, I'm outside. 124th street is 4 lanes and parking on the side to my left of the office. So I have to step out in front of parked vehicles take a look what traffic is coming my way left and off of 107th from 3 directions off of 107th West/South bound and East Southbound and West South bound. My head is on a swivel basically. All of the above outside is processed in a short space of time. Like 30 seconds. Its called jay walking. I also got to watch for Police as well because it is a fine. If I'm lucky I can catch that 8:30 bus and in the apartment by about 9:30 pm. If I miss that bus, I've got a 20 minute wait. Weather has been good here lately but waiting out there for 20 minutes isn't fun when its -25. 

Other then the odd app, I don't really get involved over the "Black Friday" hype. Especially at the local retail level. Besides, I'm usually caught in between paydays anyway despite most black Friday sales are held over. The only big ticket items I bought this year have been the custom built computer and Reason 10 and a rack extension for that software. 

This morning I was chatting with an old acquaintance/friend from Coquitlam days back in the early 1970's. He was saying how he is about to turn a spare room and rent it out as shared accommodations. He's using a popular listing site and he mentioned how a buddy of his had 80 applicants view his suite in 2 days. My friend was also saying how a couple of houses across the street built in the 1950's sold for over a million bucks each 👀 inflation being what it is and all, these homes were built for less the $20k at the time. Its no secret but its Asian foreign investment driving up prices in the Vancouver housing market. With (last time I checked) over 10,000 listings here in the greater Edmonton area, we don't have that kind of a problem. Anyway, that's all for now.

When I make poor choices

in life, its mainly because I'm not thinking clearly. Sometimes I think more with my heart then my head. That's what happened Saturday. I buy into this "keeping up with the Jones's" mentality. Its not that I was under any pressure at the time either. I thought I could manage it, but I can't. So I wont. Too many hoops. Privacy concerns wont allow me to elaborate until at least Saturday.

So I'm out of here at 2pm for my 3pm shift. For the work I do at my age, with my health concerns, its a long shift. Four hours is about right for me. The good news is I'll be home about 9:30pm instead of 10 for all this week. Anyway, that's all for now.

Heading into work was just

in my lined gene jacket and a light sweater and the usual plus my running shoes. It was overcast and there was something brewing, that was evident. My shift went well but when I got out, there was about 2 inches of snow and blowing snow all around me. I kept my balance all the to the apartment. When I got back to my apartment to check on the weather it was only -3/-11 but the wind was blowing like 35 kmh. 

Crystal Andrus Morissette

February 12, 2014 ·

My "long weekend" begins now, with a night off. I'm just relaxing today, maybe there's a live stream or something. However I need to get to Audrey's and pick up one of my special order books waiting for me there. Saturday I've got other plans, hopefully shopping for a cell phone. Also there's a critical televised game between the Oilers/Calgary. Sunday its out to a lodge meeting, outside of our regular lodge night, then skimming through the highlights of WWE Survivor series.  Then back to work. Anyway, that's all for now.

Yesterday the city

of Calgary, in a city wide plebiscite voted "No" for an Olympic bid to host the 2026 winter Olympics. Thank god. The worst of it being if the vote did go through, the Alberta Government would have wasted ~ $700 million. We're $ billions in debt as it is. Just goes to show where the NDP's priorities are, never mind the Federal Governments. The vote was 56% No. Common sense prevailed at last. I can think of better things to do with $700m like paying down the debt? 

The Oilers last night won a game in dramatic fashion last night, after losing their last 4. Montreal/Oilers last night was 6-2 Oilers 😃 I just got updates from Shaun about the game all night. Oilers are just one win away from being right back into the playoff conversation. I don't know who the major goal scorers we're but I assume McDavid and Draisaitl we're in the mix. Oilers had 9 home games and 9 road games so far that's been the difference maker in a schedule that had not been very kind to the Oilers. Next up Saturday with our Provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames. The other thing here is, Oilers haven't played any of their Divisional counterparts yet.

It felt good being at work last night. It looks like I've got enough work to get through until the Christmas break and beyond. With the above seasonal weather my commute going in is going to be pleasant. My friend's roommate is going to be under going an operation today, so I'll have that on my mind. Anyway, that's all for now.

I got the call earlier

to go to work. So, I'm from 4-9, Today, Wednesday, Thursday. I'm off Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I'm hoping to go out cell phone shopping, Saturday. My friend suggested Bell. This is a personal phone, nobody but my friend and contacts need to know about it.

Not sure what the finale casualty rate is over the California wild fires, but I just read it was 42. The fires in Fort MacMurray didn't cause any deaths but a lot of homes were lost. But it was nothing like this. Whole communities were lost. The insurance costs of this tragedy is probably in the billions. Anyway, that's about all for now.   

If it wasn't for

Winnipeg intercepting that play the Riders would have won. As for the Denver/Oilers game, Oilers starter goal tender needs to start making the other teams "A chances" saves.  He's letting in to many easy goals. Time to make a more permanent goal tending move. 

Its a sad time right now in my life. A friend is about to go in for therapy, my best friend having her own health issues. Now today I learn about the passing away of a friend. I never met Stan Lee personally but I always thought him as a friend. What he created and co create was a big part of my life growing up. I'm at a loss for words. 

I've been asking around about a smartphone. My friend and I just text each other on messenger. I need my own phone with a nice data plan. I'm looking at the iPhone XS Max. I can afford an $85/month plan. I'd get the phone just for the camera alone. Plus if I'm delayed on my commute I can call the office. I can call my friend, I can get sports scores to see how the Oilers are doing and the camera alone has more then enough value. Also its good for lodge as well. Anyway, that's all for now.

Ok so this Sunday

I'm following the Riders (CFL) Bombers game. This game determines who faces Calgary for the West in the Grey Cup game. If that's not enough there's the Denver/Oilers game as well, that same day. I might watch the Oilers game but like the price of oil falling these losses are really hard to take. Arguably we have the best player in the game and the Oilers can't win hockey games. That's all I've got for now. Anyway, that's all for today.

Looks like I could be off

work until at least about Wednesday 😃 and that's ok with me. Initially I wanted to work 4 days/week anyway. If all goes well this project could last until we break for Christmas, which usually would be about December 15th. 

I've been told several times I look to young to be 66 years old. Even people on the phone after the interview say something like "You young guys," etc. I say I'm 66. "You sound like your 32." Thankyou. I look like a youthful 55 year old. Anne says if I could lose 30 pounds off my belly, it would take another ten years off my appearance. Most likely my life as well. I don't mind getting old, I just don't want to look old.

Work and lodge are all fine and well. I need to do other things besides sit at home in front of the computer or read. I'm not big on watching television like binging on Net flex or anything like that. I went to the Eb games website to see what games I could get for my computer. I've heard of Guild Wars before. What is Guild Wars 2? So I checked into it and seems interesting but its still sitting in front of the computer. Some people at first couldn't get into the game to start but got into it eventually. I'll be looking more into this later today. Anyway, that's all for now. 

I'm crossing my fingers for a long

weekend. Especially having a few nights off at home by myself. Saturday's are the best because the wife is out of here at about 1pm. I get about 10 hours to myself. 

This morning I went out to Northgate to get my compression stockings. These should last me for about 3 months. I get a subsidy which means instead of a $100 I get them for $25. I get 4 pair every year. Its based upon income. I don't qualify for 100% coverage. I got a gimped up toenail on my right foot that needs to be filed down. Otherwise I need a band-aid, so it doesn't tear the stockings when I put them on. Anyway that's about all for now.

Might be too busy over the next

few days to post. Today will have to do. For todays entertainment I have the Oilers/Washington game on at 5pm Edmonton time. At least its a 3 game road trip. After that instead of channel surfing, I'll watch the latter version of Wrestling 10-1am. 

About 8pm there was a bit scare over here by the Clareview rec centre. Apparently there was a report of a gun man dressed in black inside the rec centre. Police got the area locked down and ushered everyone into some containment areas and checked bags for guns. Nothing was found, people were let go. I hoped Police checked the lockers in case a gun was stashed in there. Anyway, that's all for now.

I like days like this

as it feels like a Spring afternoon day in March. uggh 5 months away. Its a weird kind of Sunday. No CFL football, no Oilers games or WWE pay per views. Its basically a day for hobbies and stuff and catching up on my You Tube channel subscriptions.

On local news last night some people complaining that department stores were putting out Christmas displays even before Remembrance day. They say its disrespectful. I agree. At least put the Christmas displays out mid November. I know when Christmas is and I don't need to be reminded. Sure Remembrance day is only 1 day out of the year but I wear my poppy from November 1st to November 11th. I hope this backfires on local stores that do this.

I did a bit of reading a bit of live streaming this afternoon and about to have a nice brunch. A lazy Sunday afternoon as we're being pelted by heavy snow. 

So tomorrow, I've got wrestling and the Oilers game. I'll be flopping back and fourth channel swapping. Tuesday I need to get to the gym, get on that stationary bike. Wednesday I have 10am fitting appointment for my compression stockings. Hopefully I'll be back to work Thursday and off Friday. Anyway, that's all for now.

I got almost all my things done yesterday as

I met a friend at Northgate got my haircut went to book an appointment for fittings for my compression stockings and then out for some lunch. It was a busy but good three hours. Plus I have an appointment for Wednesday morning for fittings for my compression stockings. The only casualty was not being able to go into Game City on my way out of the mall.

While it wasn't exactly a huge snow storm yesterday, it wasn't unexpected. Accumulation showed this morning to be about 2 inches, if that. It wasn't cold out there either. It was very slushy. Today's weather is expected to get up to plus 4.

And I have my window opened, as well. Its the winds from the south that make the difference.

In closing, Anne is on her way out to work. I get some much needed time here by myself here in the apartment. This week I could be off work for a few days. Plus I have that early morning appointment for fittings. The new project should start this week. I'm hoping for Thursday, so we'll see. Anyway, that's all for now.

I was dialing the

same numbers as everyone else last night, but last night I got mostly voice mail on the other end, or no answers. I didn't even get on the board yet others were doing better then me. I sucked big time. I still left the office feeling good. One of my colleagues that I rode home with last night got one complete. So I didn't feel that bad. I hope I don't get called in for Friday. 

I'm kind of under the weather myself right now so I think I might call in, saying I won't be able to make lodge. I've been going steady showing up at most practices, visitations and attending lodge, filling in here and there every month. I need a break. I've got a some challenges going on in my immediate periphery, that need my attention.

No spoiler alerts but I'm about to wrap up "Words of Radiance" this week. I don't want to read another series, until the New Year. I might read a Robert J Sawyer book from Audrey's. He's always good for an entertaining read. In the meantime, I'm chillin and taking it easy. I've got a couple of nights off maybe a long weekend. I need to get to a stationary bike at the Clareview rec centre, get some circulation back into my legs. Most likely I'll use that Saturday night if I'm not doing anything around here. Anyway, got to go, answer some email and shit. Happy Halloween everyone. 

My back was turned when

I was trying to align myself to the oncoming bus behind me to Clareview, which is why I only heard the collision between a pick up and a car at the intersection just out here yesterday. This was on my commute to work. My #5 was behind schedule but I managed to get to work, barely. I'm so looking forward to having a few days off.

Also I'm just about ready to wrap up book 2 of the Stormlight Archives: "Words of Radiance."  Looking forward to book 3 "Oathbringer" when it comes out in paperback. In the mean time I'm hoping to get to reading the Malazan series. I'm a slow reader so most likely book 1 "Gardens of the Moon" will keep me going until January.

I'm going to miss the Oilers game being at work tonight but the Supervisor usually keeps me up to date on the score.  We're off tomorrow night for Halloween, Lodge Thursday, Friday at 10am is WWE's Crown Jewel pay per view. I've got nothing planned for Saturday. Sunday is daylight savings time. To my way of thinking that's the real end of summer. I'm worried for my friend's buddy. She's going through some serious life changing health issues. It's not compromising our friendship or anything. It's my friend's birthday next weekend and I'd rather save some of that time for her birthday. Anyway, that's about all for now.

Not a bad day out there for late

October. I like quiet days like this. The wife is out shopping, I'm just doing maintenance answering forum emails that sort of thing. Just getting ready for the Oilers/Chicago game on at 4pm. I'll be watching that while we have brunch.

      

The Cannabis supply here in Edmonton is competing with demand. Most pot stores are running out of supply. So what's the Alberta Government going to do, obtain weed from the black market? 👀 It takes time to grow Cannabis. This is of course just "about," but it takes a lot of electricity and water to grow a Cannabis plant. It can take anywhere from 2-4 months to grow a Cannabis plant indoors. One plant could produce about 38 grams of smokable weed. Or 2-3 joints/3 grams of weed. So about 40 joints from one plant. Conditions vary of course. Not that I smoke weed I don't, but its interesting to see how the Alberta Government is going to handle this. In a related story on the news last night farmers in the Delta region of the lower mainland in BC said they might be re allocating some land to grow Cannabis because its a more lucrative crop then vegetables. A move like that could set a dangerous precedent because of less food grown. Importing food from other countries only increases the cost of that food. I can see a Cannabis type skyscraper where plants are gown per floor. A producer could have say a 40 floor Cannabis tower. Each floor might produce maybe 100 plants but the cost in electricity and water alone would be huge. Solar power on the roof and sides of the building might help reduce costs. Its an interesting story. 

I've got a short shift tomorrow and possibly Tuesday. Tuesday would depend where we are in the project Monday. I'm hoping beyond Monday I have this week off and into next week. It's not good for hours on the cheque but we're resigned to a limited week anyway. If we get the green light to go ahead on this next project, I could have 2 good cheques to close out the end of the year as we usually break for middle of December for Christmas. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Most of us get under the weather

sometimes. It happens. But at the same time, nobody likes getting the brush off. In messenger its been my experience that when somebody says something like, "I can talk to you later?" Means "don't call me, I'll call you. But I'm not taking it personally. " So, this looks like I'm spending today by myself. Alone again, forgotten. At least I got one friend, my daily journal.

I got a call from the office, moments ago and I got a bit of a shift for Monday. Might not be a full one but that's ok. So if I have a few days off, that's good. Its not like I don't have anything to do, I've got options. If I'm off at 7pm, I can go get  my book on my way home. The wife is working Halloween night. I got a couple of Oilers games I can watch this weekend. And I might even upload a bit of a beat. Anyway that's all for now.   

I've got work this afternoon but I'm

off for the weekend. Maybe even next week. 🤞 Wednesday we're off for certain because of Halloween. I'm hoping we have the whole of next week off. I'm looking to take get the Go Pro 6 and add that to my existing account. Then pay the account off before the end of the year or at lest early next year. I really want to test the go pro camera's 4k capability filming an iPad screen. So far as I know there isn't any you tube video on this topic.           

The Oilers last night laid out a good ol' can of whop ass on the Stanley Cup champs at Rogers Place arena. Savor the win while we can Jimmy because we got us another road game down in Nashville tomorrow. And its a 1pm game. I'd rather be out with a friend then watch that train wreck. And if that's not enough, we got a back-to-back Sunday in Chicago. There's 4 points lost. Good news is the above mentioned teams are better on the road then at home. I'd be satisfied with a split this weekend. Good luck with that.

The Valley line lrt is just moving along nicely. Most likely it will come online late 2019. Calgary might be using a massive tunnel boring machine for its underground portion of their Green line. The set is like the Herrenknecht Tunnel Boring machine. TBM. This thing can "cut through" the soil in front of it, push the debris behind it on a conveyor built to awaiting pick up behind it and lay interlocking cement blocks as it moves along. No need for shotcrete. Plus the TBM has room for two tracks on top of each other. Wish we could employ something like that for the West LRT. I've included a You Tube link above. That's all for now. 



.   

Not that I want to get into any

details here but its been a rough couple of days. Not just on the job but away from work. Things haven't been going so well for me at home. The job has been challenging due to some drop box issues in the project I'm working on. Hopefully this project will come to an end soon. Also a very good friend of mine's childhood friend and life long companion is facing some serious medical related issues. I won't get into it because I feel so badly for them. Plus I'm having issues with my own wealth. I need some good news for a change. I want a paradigm shift of some sort. I need an opportunity to shake things up around here, even if its at a cost.

Apparently the Oilers game last night was a real barn burner at Rogers place arena. Leon Draisaitl and Alex Chiasson, each with 2 goals? I never heard of this Chiasson before. He played in Dallas 2012-13. Still to take the Penguins to OT is pretty good. Two "generational" hockey players on the same ice! Next up is Thursday, we got Washington here, uggh.

Because our limited sample size is getting smaller and we're at the half way portion of this project, some shifts are going to be cut. I got work tomorrow but beyond that, well, I'd be surprised if I got work. Its day-by-day. I've been to other rodeo's. I'm okay with having a 4 day weekend. We're also not working Halloween night. That's understandable. We got another project in the works for next month sometime. Its a big one. Anyway, that's all for now.  

Saturdays

I love them because I get some time to do what I want to do. Whether that's to run down to Audrey's to get a book, or a bite to eat with a friend or both. Or just to sit here at home in front of the computer all afternoon and watch a live stream and get involved in the community. Or play a game, or even go to lodge as there was one I could have go to this afternoon. Lots to do. Its been a long week just getting back as I'm just you tubing it all afternoon and drinking coffee. Oiler game on tonight. Life is good. 

I don't let a lot of people into my life. Most of the people in my life are related to work and that's where I prefer to leave them. The guys in my lodge, they either work all the time or like me need some down time with their own families. I have one friend that I see several times a month as we go out for lunch and text a lot. Its not that I'm anti social. I'll talk to anyone as long as they don't cuss and are interesting and I have time. Today is down time. Me time. 

So lets see, I've got a diy project here this weekend. I'm trying to get my mic stand set up as seen on the left. It clamps onto the brown shelf just under the calendar. I'd like to cut an opening at the back of the hutch right above the rim of the clock. This way my mic stand can drape over the keyboard and I can talk right into the mic head on. I'm considering attaching my web cam to the pop filter so it sees me head on over the rim of the pop filter. Not sure if I'm going to like that way though. Anyway, that's all for now.

What a beautiful day

out here at +7. I got a few hours by myself before and after work. Then the weekend. I'm having a day off, Saturday, not seeing anyone, or being with anyone. Now that the wife is working all day Saturday, I get that day by myself 😃 and I can watch the Oilers Saturday night. 

Tonight however, I'm in from my 5-9. We're following the Eskimos do or die game this evening. Its Friday night football as the regular CFL season winds down. I'll be grinding out a difficult survey. There are some challenging menu diving parts, that I'm not comfortable with. Anyway, that's all for now.  

How about that

weather? That normally would be an ice breaker to a conversation. In this case our local weather yesterday could have easily shared the same front page as legal weed. We hit a record for October 17th peaking up to +25 👀 The long range forecast is supposed to be in the double digits until the end of the month. Perfect football weather🏈 Usually in early November, up to daylight savings, we're around -2-0. That's the "good part" to Global warming. 

So finally, the Oilers are playing 500 hockey. That's the good news for the good guys. And playing 500 hockey just means if this were the end of the season, the Oilers would have won about 50% of the 82 games. Not enough to make the playoffs but its a good place too start. 95 points gets the Oilers into the playoffs. Apparently from what I heard last night, the Oilers were the best team on Home ice. What bothers me is that Connor McDavid is about the only guy that can score goals on this team. We got too many $4-6 million dollar do nothing players and a week cap space. If PC plays it smart don't re sign players, by this time next year even with McDavid's $12 million/year contract, Oilers could have ~ $20 caps space for the 2019-20 season. But what got the Oilers into cap space trouble was (in my opinion) bad decision making by high echelon upper office people. And I'm not alone here. This article is a pre Nurse contract signing but worth a look. Bad news is that we play Boston tonight for our first game on home ice for the regular season. 

I have nothing against people smoking cannabis. I'm all in favour of medical marijuana as well. I have a friend that has arthritis and cannabis might help her with the pain. I'm going to suggest just to cover her basis that she get a doctors prescription. What has me concerned is 2nd hand pot smoke. I don't want the smell of it on my cloths, or THC in my system.  Mainly because if I ever need to take a company drug test, I don't want even trace amounts of THC in my system, and if I ever need to cross the boarder I don't want to fail a cannabis check. US boarder agents can pull people over just on suspicion Nor do I want to be anywhere around people that smoke it. The science isn't in but what would heavy intake or long term use of THC do to those that might have schizophrenia issues?   

As for me, I'm at work tonight 5-9. I didn't get a complete last night (I think the nice weather had something to do with it, and I was in the Chinatown area) for the first hour and a half best I could get was 7 but for the area I was calling, I was top shelf commodity for the source I was calling by the end of the night. then on top of that the Capital lrt line was under maintenance. The call boards we're down. So tonight, more of the same. I just need to be careful because most of the areas we're doing in the City are quota filled. We had a new guy last night training and he got up and just left. Not sure if he quit or what? Anyway that's all for now. 

I've had a nice couple of days getting back

to work. We had a few hic-ups yesterday and got sent home early. Yesterday was problem free at work and I got a full shift in. I suspect I've got work at least to the end of the month. There are projects coming up as well, that looks like I'll have work until the end of the year. we'll see how that goes. 

So today is the official legalization of Cannabis here in most parts this country. Its still not made legal in BC because their (as of this writing) clock has not reached after midnight. It was also announced that anyone that has been arrested for possession of having 30 grams of pot will have a complete pardon, over time. In other words its legal to smoke pot (some restrictions apply) depending on ones jurisdiction/municipality. I'm still not sure what to make of it. I'm ok with it as far as medical marijuana is concerned. More on this late. 

Some interesting items that occurred yesterday: You Tube was shut down for most of the day. I had some trouble getting to work because the trains were once again running on single tracks. Anyway, that's all for now.

Its great to have a nice

few days off but now that I'm more or less back to work, I'm itching to get back into the stream of things. I'm still nursing my summer savings, which I'm barely holding onto until the end of the month. As long as I don't go crazy, I should have enough summer savings to keep me going. Right now I need hours and I'll have more then enough hours on the clock before cut off. If I'm lucky I could have about 55 hours. 

The Eskimo's aren't as done for as I had first thought. They may be 5th in the West but there is a slim chance they could still make the playoffs, if they can beat the Lions Friday in Vancouver. Or the Esks might be able to get a cross over spot to represent the East against Calgary representing the West at Commonwealth for the Grey Cup. The place would sell out. And the Oilers won one yesterday, which brings their record to 2-1. Next up for the Oilers is in Winnipeg Tuesday and if they can continue that momentum they might be able to play 500 hockey by the time they reach home ice Thursday. All kinds of stuff could happen. Trouble with the Oilers is the top brass put too many eggs in one basket. If the Oilers had say $20 million in salary cap space by the end of the season, they could make a play for some big name A.M. type players. 

This week the Federal Government will make cannabis legal.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. I watched a report on the news last night that for anyone growing pot plants in their house that it not only cost's a lot in water but also electricity. Our building is an older building and we had to get rid of our dishwasher because it was water usage intensive. 

I don't have a problem with medical marijuana. That's going to be a boon to a lot of people. Most people I talked with about using recreational pot are going to be responsible saying its not going to interfere with their work. They wont smoke pot during the week. Legalized cannabis could pump potentially tens of billions of dollars into Federal and Provincial coffers. Demand could out pace supply within the first week of cannabis being legalized here in Alberta. Could one years worth of pot profits reduce the Provinces deficit? 

So this week, I'm working Monday-Thursday, 5 hour shifts. Monday is Wrestling. Speaking of which there is a rumor going around over WWE's upcoming pay per view "Crown Jewel" and something to do with the Khashoggi assassination crisis. Interesting stuff. Then I'm following the Oilers/Jets game Tuesday. Wednesday I'm trying to make contact with a friend, and too set up when I can go for compression stockings for the end of the month. Thursday I'm following the Bruins/Edmonton game. First game on home ice for this season. Friday I'm at home watching the Eskimo's/Lions game on the tube, Saturday I'm hoping I can go out to lodge for the afternoon. Lots of stuff going on this week. Anyway, that's all for now. 

I've had a nice 6

weeks off but I'm glad to be going in for this afternoon. I think its going to be from 5-9 and tbh I like those hours. I can do ok with that Monday through Thursday. I'm a bit of a light weight but at my age, the longer hours have been kind of rough on me. These hours not only give me Friday-Sunday off but also, I get to leave a bit latter. But the drought is over, I think.

This year Edmonton hosts the CFL Grey cup. Granted its a lot of pressure for the host city team to make the post season. From about mid season this year, the Eskimos have been on a losing streak right out of the playoffs. Its pretty embarrassing that the host city's own team for the Grey cup can't even get into the playoffs to at least show up. Its too early to say who is to blame here. the coach, the qb? Its a pretty lousy situation. Anyway, that's all for now.

I'll be heading out of here

to Canada place to do some pension stuff and pick up a book downtown. Other then that, not a lot going on for today. It feels like the dog days of summer. I suspect this week work wise, will be the same as last week. Nothing. This time last year we had work, so much work I was pulling in 7.5 hour shifts.

Its overcast and there's about 2 inches of snow on the ground, nothing like Calgary got a few weeks ago. We're way below seasonal average but later this week we could be reaching those +12's, +14's again 😎 This feels more like mid March weather then anything else. I feel bad for the folks suffering from the affects of Tsunamis and earthquakes. We get a first snow and it makes "front page" local news.  

I'm checking in the office for upcoming work this week. If we're still in that grey area, then I'll ask if H/O can release my roe. No longer do we need to wait 6-8 weeks to get that first cheque.  I'm still employed, its just a shortage of work and I can open a new ei claim until work resumes. When work resumes, I'll just pause my ei reporting. So far I haven't been able to enjoy a $15/hour pay cheque. I suspect shortage of work has something to do with that. Anyway, that's all for now.

I think when I go to my

3-4 days a work week, I'm going to have Friday, Saturday, Sunday off. I need at least 2 days off by myself. maybe I want to go across the street for a beer, play a few slots or maybe just stay home and watch the Oilers loose. I think I'd rather watch paint dry then watching the Oilers lose again like they did this afternoon. Sure its just one game and early in the season. It's just I need to make better use of my time then watching that train wreck or WWE's "Super show Down." To the good people in Melbourne watching that crap: "Do you ever feel that you just got cheated?" I did, watching that 4 hour waste of time. I gave up on the Oilers after the Devils 3rd goal. And the Oilers have 3 more back-to back games on the road that most likely will have a similar outcome. Knowing the Eskom's 🏈 since they lost their last 4/5 games, that's another train wreck that's about to happen Better get OHS to be on the scene when that happens

During the Spring I had a hack of a time trying to find my manual (which has the serial of my Signature edition of Fl. Studio 10 2011) I knew Fl. Studio 20 had been out. I went for Reason 10 instead, which is a $600 package. I don't regret buying it. Its about 60% paid off. I went to "My image line" account and low and behold there was the license/serial number. I copied that down and since I still had the Fl. Studio CD, I installed Fl. into my recent pc. I had forgotten and or heard wrong but apparently to upgrade to Fl. Studio 20 is free, with anyone that has free lifetime updates. These free Fl. Studio upgrades/updates mean the same thing. They were introduced in Fl. Studio 10. After a bit of digging I went and upgraded. 👍 Lots of new enhancements and features. I had bought Reason 10 before this but knowing that I might not have bought Reason 10 but Omnisphere instead. I'm happy I bought Reason 10. I can still get Omnisphere and add it to my account when I get back to work and pay it off before the end of the year 🤞. In the New Year, I'm about to upgrade my Native Instruments Komplete 8-12 to Ultimate 12. Long range I've got my eye on Arturia's Minibrute 2. Its a semi modular 25 key keyboard that can be expanded to include a 2 tier Eurorack case. Yes folks I'm going modular 🎹plus I'm looking at the Behringer Xenyx 12 mixer, and the Tascam sd recorder. 

The good news about not going out earlier this afternoon, is I saved some money. I went and ordered a couple of Robin Hobb trilogies a few weeks ago. I thought I had ordered the Omnibus format ones or at least one book in Omnibus. Maybe they were out of stock. I'll be out at Canada Place Tuesday, and I'll take the lrt to Audrey's and pick up at least one book, home to round out the rest of the night. I hope I get a call to go into work next week as well. I'm not broke nor feeling the pinch either. Anyway, that's all for now.

A friend of mine is in hospital

facing cancer they are being looked after by family. No visitors. Not much I can do. My job? Not sure what's going on there, and today my wife is in job training as in another facet of her work is changing. She's still in the office but that could be changing as well. As for tonight, I've got lodge, and tomorrow, I'm at Service Canada and I've got to pick up a book downtown and my summer savings are catching up with me. I've more then enough to cover my Reason 10 payment and the book and lunch Saturday etc. I've got a busy next couple of days. Anyway, that's all for now.

Lots of stuff going on

not affecting me specifically. The huge LNG project that was signed by a lot of investors in Kitamat BC. I've never been to Kitamat, and Google maps hasn't been in that community yet. This LNG project is a $40B project. Its not going to make a lot of Greens happy. Also, NAFTA is dead welcome to the USMCA! I don't have enough info on this to make any comment.

The Alberta Government is now squeezing out private auto testing. It means that anyone wanting to take a drivers test will be taking it from an Alberta Government employee. According to the Transportation Minister they get about half a dozen complaints a day from people that "failed" a road test. A basic road test to go from a class 7 (learners) to a class 5 GDL is $89.25. When I took my learners license in the mid 1980's I think the fee was about $25. I got pretty good at parallel parking. I wanted a car so I wouldn't need to rely on other people for rides but I was on minimum wage in those days (still am) and I quickly came to the realization that a car would cost money for gas, maintenance, insurance etc. It quickly became apparent that I couldn't afford a car, never mind a truck (which arguably would make me more handsome 👀) I completed the learners license and let that idea languish. A monthly bus pass was way more affordable and where I was living 9710 156th street, I was one bus ride and a block from my downtown job. I was within walking distance from the IGA (now a Dolarama behind the "Orange hub) I could afford my monthly bus pass which at that time was about $25/month. So this might be a good move by the Alberta Government. Its supposed to take place in March.

I wanted to leave out of here at 2pm today to see someone at Service Canada for my GIS but I might just do this on Friday instead. I have all the paperwork. Anne's working tonight, I'd like to just have a nice lunch and enjoy my evening off. We've been driving each other nuts being home since Sunday and me not working. I'll be checking in the office this time next week. Its not that I don't have a shortage of things to do around here. Anyway, that's all for now.