tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119250282024-03-05T10:38:08.046-06:00In TouchKeeping Friends and Family up-to-dateMuddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-25826480526603505332021-08-03T21:59:00.000-05:002021-08-03T21:59:09.806-05:00<h1 style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #ffa400;">July, 2021</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cU0OrCAlcY74Vf5oM_V7SQvEKpCiDnJPy88mF5jMavHsdbKF2781NuxKCXACcdLFcXo4XVu7JZ78bOdQMdmlH4sInuMomTTJSUNtoS_seKjbZwm52VxO6ZGtXcuYE73itYE/s1000/Nikon-Zfc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cU0OrCAlcY74Vf5oM_V7SQvEKpCiDnJPy88mF5jMavHsdbKF2781NuxKCXACcdLFcXo4XVu7JZ78bOdQMdmlH4sInuMomTTJSUNtoS_seKjbZwm52VxO6ZGtXcuYE73itYE/s320/Nikon-Zfc.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">July was mostly about staying at, or close to, home. Covid restrictions and health were the primary reasons for that.</span></p><p>Even so, there were several notable moments. In no particular order:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Alfred returned his new Z50 camera, and instead pre-ordered the just announced Nikon Zfc - mostly the same features and functionality as the Z50, but with a retro look and feel. Just before the end of the month the camera arrived - ice cream and Leaf pictures were taken with that camera.</li><li>Several walks through the neighbourhood, plus my back- and front yard provided picture opportunities of the fauna and flora around. Note though that the high heat and the drought continued ( July turned out to be the driest month on record with only 8mm of rain recored). The result of that is a completely dormant ( read brown ) lawn, and a 75% leaf loss on my trees. Hope it all survives. Also the numerous forest fires in the province resulted in very smokey conditions throughout the entire month. </li><li>Alfred finished one of his treatments and the grandkids celebrated that by showering him in flowers.</li><li>Almost overnight the wasps build a nest underneath our back stairs. And off course Theresa got stung several times when she walked down them. Not good as she is allergic to insect bites. Son-in-law (Hero Drew) got rid of the nest for us. </li><li>Got a nice sail in with Alicia and the boys, Main purpose was teaching Alicia to sail "Zeelandia" by herself, as she will be the designated owner. She did well. </li><li>We ended the month with an ice cream trip to downtown Transcona, and a visit to the newly created Gardens at the Leaf in the Assiniboine Park. </li></ul><p></p><p>Pictures of all of this can be viewed <a href="https://img.gg/dNSO69J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.... </a></p>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-23116694098840851732021-07-01T20:15:00.002-05:002021-07-01T20:15:51.693-05:00June, 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEeyb4mzX-KiHHzPExW9JpKlW1pJaQ1vPaTO4NsdlesU_mP5ZqX_4kdQgJjv2iAS94SfglkTRhT7zMK9F8BYXYOyqUec-nOPTDKJgxzoTBi4bnxcqSILwcKxjhN0ScwEsmhE/s2048/2021-Jun-Backyard-Df-8434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEeyb4mzX-KiHHzPExW9JpKlW1pJaQ1vPaTO4NsdlesU_mP5ZqX_4kdQgJjv2iAS94SfglkTRhT7zMK9F8BYXYOyqUec-nOPTDKJgxzoTBi4bnxcqSILwcKxjhN0ScwEsmhE/s320/2021-Jun-Backyard-Df-8434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">June finally saw spring taking off with lots of beautiful weather. Combined with lots of watering, the flowers and veggies did take off, allowing for some cool flower pictures. All the more fun since Alfred got a new camera – Nikon Z50 – a mirrorless crop sensor camera. Love it sofar.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Other high points of the month including cleaning and launching the boat, saying goodbye to Alicia's trusted old van “Quatro” which was replaced by Cindy's van ( remember, Cindy got a new wheelchair van), a nice Father's day visit from the kids who used that time to stack some firewood, and Caleb's final schoolday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">To top things off – a picture of a famous building mural in downtown Transcona – that mural is soon to disappear because of building renovations. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Relevant photos can be seen <a href="https://img.gg/bBr9NTJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.... </a></span></p>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-57726662161657077812021-07-01T20:11:00.001-05:002021-07-01T20:11:40.783-05:00May, 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2wHxPB65spPTXIJuNMhg8H3a2C2DBHPZTzTckq7_ucHNSrmtOqmHN01LBMe3qD0nsr5e6wu2XotSAp77JDBZC2Dbcj4o4mbb0cA9nessN5ZJjByHYoqSBL2ak1iFcGhZ6B0/s2048/2021_May_Backyard-D7100_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2wHxPB65spPTXIJuNMhg8H3a2C2DBHPZTzTckq7_ucHNSrmtOqmHN01LBMe3qD0nsr5e6wu2XotSAp77JDBZC2Dbcj4o4mbb0cA9nessN5ZJjByHYoqSBL2ak1iFcGhZ6B0/s320/2021_May_Backyard-D7100_00001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><div>What shall we say about May ??</div><div><br /></div><div>Good stuff:</div></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Buying and planting flowers and veggies</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Picking up Caleb's new wheel-chair van</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Spring flowers and colors make for nice pictures</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ice cream</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Got to take a look at the boat - first time since last October</span></li></ul><br style="color: #302d2d; font-size: small;" /><span style="color: #302d2d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lesser stuff:</span></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Still wild temperature swings - like as in Summer on Monday, then Winter on Tuesday.
Serveral days the new plants and flowers had to be moved back inside, or covered with sheets to prevent frost damage</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Almost no rain to speak off </span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;">Covid infections still running rampant in the province, so restrictions actually increased</span></li></ul><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #302d2d; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #302d2d; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I suppose overall more good than bad. And now it's June - let the summer begin. </span></span><div><span style="color: #302d2d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You can watch some of May's memories <a href="https://img.gg/TIt39DO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br /></span><div><br /></div></div>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-64484715830306654012021-05-02T23:02:00.000-05:002021-05-02T23:02:26.116-05:00April, 2021<p>Continuing from March, our Covid tests came back negative. And not only that but we both received our 1st Covid vacines.</p><p>Also, continuing from March was the weather - several nice warms days, but also many freezing days and even a dump (25cm) of snow. So still no yard work, and no green anywhere. </p><p>2 Notable Birthdays in April - Caleb (tuning 10) and my own ( the big 70). The later was highlighted by my thoughtfull daughters who had my front yard populated with a bunch of Flamingos. <br /><br /></p><p>The rest of the month was taken up by a bunch of medical tests. More on that later.</p><p>And finally, we are in yet another Covid lockdown - so no more visiting. </p><p>The month ended on a sad note - Nala (Alicia's dog) crossed the rainbow bridge. She was almost 15 years old and her body had had enough. We will miss her. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToEGZUHs7pGawdN9twm2qR6KpU7h0PDyCcjNdDeTYzB3k9MlShlr4_CsDWeu207WUjBmxyEazJB2yrsrJQNKrYqHjQ-RY7sBrrPHq2uiZFNQ2zxLYR79x5uy764d4_fGD8KI/s2048/Jul10-2010-Nala-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToEGZUHs7pGawdN9twm2qR6KpU7h0PDyCcjNdDeTYzB3k9MlShlr4_CsDWeu207WUjBmxyEazJB2yrsrJQNKrYqHjQ-RY7sBrrPHq2uiZFNQ2zxLYR79x5uy764d4_fGD8KI/s320/Jul10-2010-Nala-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>You can view some of the month's images <a href="https://img.gg/DS9dDhv" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-89488539861989282102021-03-31T17:36:00.000-05:002021-03-31T17:36:17.377-05:00March, 2021<p> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">March was a mixed bag.
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL_KtiEs_n0hZSPXvfnG01bcqfIiux7_9KK0ivkbLt4Ap-sCJODEiLeBUilIZrrG0BW6LiUQutCCLzVxoAdzUvAffYePCamXfLbj1fB4xkQFeMPUFoY5bCblZgRNyq6oPuWs/s1280/CP_Tshirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL_KtiEs_n0hZSPXvfnG01bcqfIiux7_9KK0ivkbLt4Ap-sCJODEiLeBUilIZrrG0BW6LiUQutCCLzVxoAdzUvAffYePCamXfLbj1fB4xkQFeMPUFoY5bCblZgRNyq6oPuWs/s320/CP_Tshirts.jpg" /></a></div>1st of all March is Cerebral Palsy awareness month. Theresa ordered special T-shirts for the occasion, but these only arrived the very last day of the month.<br /><br /><p></p>
<br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Several days with above ( and some
record breaking ) temperatures which allowed all of us to get
together for family walks in the various parks.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">And then there were days with cold,
miserable weather, where we sat inside and moped.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At least most of the snow melted, with
the occasional morning where all was covered in white again.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Too early for any yard work, but at
least we got most of our outdoor Christmas decorations put away.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">One notable event – a farm just
outside Transcona has been demolished, That farm must have been well
over 100 years old. When my kids were small, we used to drive by and
admire the sheep, goats etc. that were kept there. But all things
must pass, and the old couple that ran that farm did just that. And
now, so did that farmhouse.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">During March we started the process of
getting a wheelchair van for Caleb. This included setting up a
Facebook Fundraising page. You can find that <a href="https://gofund.me/82b693db">here.</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We ended the month with the sniffles,
so off we went for a Covid test.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">You can view the March pictures <a href="https://img.gg/k9WHabS">here.</a></p>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-52091846671161862282021-03-01T15:49:00.000-06:002021-03-01T15:49:33.803-06:00February, 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_GZitPQW1VH5EvOyighTRidV8JOQBLkHGSvBThAO0ieiWzsxq2BZmtAKENa7212bT0LQkhbjf1QRnOcnn-fcZyg3lKfFuNZgnKb7P4K5u_AqVXy9JO_Dkdn_CAAeVeaQWNI/s2048/2021_Feb_Amaryllis-Df_00008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_GZitPQW1VH5EvOyighTRidV8JOQBLkHGSvBThAO0ieiWzsxq2BZmtAKENa7212bT0LQkhbjf1QRnOcnn-fcZyg3lKfFuNZgnKb7P4K5u_AqVXy9JO_Dkdn_CAAeVeaQWNI/s320/2021_Feb_Amaryllis-Df_00008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>As memories go, February was a month I'd sooner not remember.</p><p>Between strict ( and sometimes ludicrous ) Covid rules and regulations, and for almost half the month temperatures below minus 20C during the day I spent most days inside moping.</p><p>Got out once - to the dentist for a root canal, but that procedure did not work, and now have to have that finished by a specialist. </p><p>My cameras have been collecting dust for the entire month - only worthwhile shot was of my Amaryllis which I managed to rebloom for the 5th year in a row. But even IT did not like this February, as it only produced 2 flowers, whereas I have had as many as 5 from that same bulb. </p><p>Here is hoping March will be better. </p>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-21128934801082039242021-02-01T16:50:00.000-06:002021-02-01T16:50:19.128-06:00January, 2021<p>Normally January is a month where we recover from the previous Christmas month, both physically and financially. </p><p>Add to that it's now well into winter with snow, freezing temps and still dark most of the day.</p><p>This year January was a bit different:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>not many festivities to recover from - none actually</li><li>not many bills from overspending on presents</li><li>warmest January on record</li></ul><p></p><p>Still dark though.</p><p>On account of the Covid thing, still no visits for most of the month, and no shopping either. Although for the last week those restrictions relaxed a bit, so we can now visit ( 2 visitors max ) with a designated family - so we had a dinner at Alicia's. Nice to see the boys up close again.</p><p>Shops were opened as well, albeit with limited capacity. Discovered though we did not realy need anything that desperate to go stand in line for it. </p><p>Most of the month was spend outside, walking the parks around here with the kids, as that was still allowed. At least that provided an opportunity for <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/1muviCnULkiK4UEi7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">some pictures</a>.<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_sv_3I_NZlerwdsVWOrv2PRkgzKjuy4jvh7WUyYmDqF3EHZRV2W59LoCX3jbFH1pGkOM69MULv_Jpc0qwksILxM-8yEgDtC2J67KnHetuJIz_D_Hvwb3ch81C5yz7SyuheM/s2048/2021_Jan_Winter-Df_00047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_sv_3I_NZlerwdsVWOrv2PRkgzKjuy4jvh7WUyYmDqF3EHZRV2W59LoCX3jbFH1pGkOM69MULv_Jpc0qwksILxM-8yEgDtC2J67KnHetuJIz_D_Hvwb3ch81C5yz7SyuheM/s320/2021_Jan_Winter-Df_00047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-79784491610948982472021-01-01T15:45:00.000-06:002021-01-01T15:45:57.329-06:00December, 2020<p> Aah - December. A time for x-mas shopping, gathering with family and friends, hugs, dinners, joy...<br /><br />Most of that did not happen this year. <br /><br />On a positive note:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Transcona Optimist Club Santa ride through the neighborhood did take place, elating many kids ( and me )</li><li>All of our online orders arrived on time</li><li>Theresa did some major bread making and turkey cooking - and a lot of that found its way to the Kid's front door</li><li>Presents to the Grandkids were delivered - albeit just to the front door</li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9VWxcx5Ao82g0JZSSU1llmdo2Es8DCuWZk7pnQiIMWiJN-4WYCNGPV83FbEOZC_oooHVRUvitruRf_vgR_yOdgbQ3Cq0o3Eo6eTl18F7PFmShZz5Jds4qgLjHAoaAyfGinQ/s2048/2020_Dec_Xmas2020-Df_00019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9VWxcx5Ao82g0JZSSU1llmdo2Es8DCuWZk7pnQiIMWiJN-4WYCNGPV83FbEOZC_oooHVRUvitruRf_vgR_yOdgbQ3Cq0o3Eo6eTl18F7PFmShZz5Jds4qgLjHAoaAyfGinQ/s320/2020_Dec_Xmas2020-Df_00019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/hHGENshocx5rKXFX7" target="_blank">December 2020 Memories</a><br /></p><p>Still, I hope Christmas 2021 will see us in better times.</p><p>Happy and Healthy New Year.</p>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-67605132126316493022020-11-30T17:41:00.000-06:002020-11-30T17:41:03.984-06:00November, 2020<p> November saw us in the midst of a Covid outbreak. Everything locked down.<br />We did manage to give Keenan a special Birthday driveby celebration. <br /><br />Some nice weather allowed us some backyard fun, and walks around the Hood. <br /><br />Other than that - zilch, de nada, nothing. <br /><br /><br />November pix can be viewed here: <br /><br /><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZYXjCqTm5rnJg5QW7">November, 2020</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlgRv3JFp-Osia_BkiC6ketrGbIElJQ49AIs8p17cVsu96QVwCgSrTw35dMi6tGzvR_FQ1uTHUAOLOZwPUn_Bhypr9ygJQMKjvIS9s2MGCPpnQSSE-wShjI-Zd8yaK9iMFbA/s2048/2020_Nov_Xmas2020-D7100_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlgRv3JFp-Osia_BkiC6ketrGbIElJQ49AIs8p17cVsu96QVwCgSrTw35dMi6tGzvR_FQ1uTHUAOLOZwPUn_Bhypr9ygJQMKjvIS9s2MGCPpnQSSE-wShjI-Zd8yaK9iMFbA/s320/2020_Nov_Xmas2020-D7100_00001.jpg" /></a></div><br />Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-49251786039605467672020-11-01T16:28:00.003-06:002020-11-01T19:37:44.472-06:00October, 2020<p> October was typical, compared to previous years. </p><p>The month started with a "Harvest Moon" and I used my new long zoom for a cool picture of it. <br /><br />After that we put Zeelandia to bed for the next seven or more months. Sailing Season is much too short in Manitoba. But we DID get to use the boat and have fun this year. One of my fondest memories is sailing with the (Grand) kids, and having Keenan help me steer the boat (Photo by <a href="https://www.aliciatphoto.ca/" target="_blank">Alicia</a>):<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFQXEBamy3RhvQUWHfPU-ToWq1MsKiix_Bltoqb_Lhz4RgMWe0viwe2tRUoGVuGktlGNi0JOhb3JMQeXZVuYnnKUuUZJGDYPng-Rp23tul7CafIOJeoaTaz8VXOZ3rhyphenhyphenjrYI/s2048/aliciathwaites.aliciaTphoto-2019-3675.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFQXEBamy3RhvQUWHfPU-ToWq1MsKiix_Bltoqb_Lhz4RgMWe0viwe2tRUoGVuGktlGNi0JOhb3JMQeXZVuYnnKUuUZJGDYPng-Rp23tul7CafIOJeoaTaz8VXOZ3rhyphenhyphenjrYI/s320/aliciathwaites.aliciaTphoto-2019-3675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>After that it was the usual Yard Leaf Ranking excersize, with the grandkids having a blast helping and hindering. <br /><br /></div><div>A family Thanks Giving's dinner, early snowfall, late bloomers, Starlings in the Cottonwood and Cindy's Birthday closed out the month. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all a good time - till the last few days when Covid struck again, closing pools and everything else. <br /><br />Highlights can be viewed here: </div><div><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/rbP4HXcAa7BUtDVP9">October, 2020</a><br /></div>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-19227509851678018222020-09-30T17:50:00.001-05:002020-09-30T18:02:07.102-05:00September, 2020<p> September went better than expected.</p><p>We started out with Theresa's Birthday celebrations, which included a nice dinner with her friend and a surprise lawn decoration, courtesey of the kids. Ended with a quick trip to Brandon.</p><p>Schools started for all the Grand Kids - they all loved it.</p><p>More birthdays followed - Chloe and Quinn, all celebrated in style, including the "Great Pinata Bash". </p><p>Visiting Fort Whyte, walked around The Hood and Bio Reserve, lots of wildlife pix.</p><p>Got a nice last sail in with Keenan, Quinn and Chloe. </p><p>Ended the month with decommissioning the boat and getting it ready for haul-out. </p><p>Pictures for this month can be viewed here: <br /><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/RzQe81rE7fGH6cuJ9" target="_blank">September, 2020</a><br /></p>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-83618293261857015992020-09-07T15:07:00.002-05:002020-09-07T15:11:33.007-05:00August, 2020August was a mixed bag month.<div>First 2 weeks were spent in self isolation after my return from Holland. Not much doing of anything. </div><div><br /></div><div>The 2nd half of the month was better. Visited the kids for an overnighter in Sioux Narrows, Ont. where they had rented a waterfront cabin. Had a great time there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also managed our first ( and likely only ) sail of the year with Alicia, Drew and the boys. Nice winds, near the end going 12-14 knots, so good speed and heeling. Boys loved it - Alicia had to get used again to being on a moving and heeling boat.</div><div>Went back to the boat some days later, however too wavy, so no sailing. Kids had a fab time on the beach though. <br /><br />And that was pretty much it for Summer 2020. Might still get some nice days before the snow flies - fingers crossed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pictures can be found here: <br /><a href="http://img.gg/3NjhaO1">August 2020</a><br /><br /></div>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-87146619747761911612020-08-06T21:36:00.001-05:002020-08-06T21:53:58.634-05:00July, 2020July started out awesome, with the kids enjoying the boat ( now afloat ) and attacking the Ice Cream vendor. <div><br /></div><div>Then came a call from the Old Country - my dad was gravely ill. Booked a rush flight and got there on time to have a few nice chats with him, then say a proper goodbye. </div><div><br /></div><div>Flying in this Covid time ain't any fun. I do not like flying at the best of times, but the added wait times for health checks etc. made it worse. Not to mention having to wear a face mask, door to door. </div><div>Did get to fly on a Dream Liner, but while the plane was awesome, very quiet and stable, and having upgraded comfort seats, I still could not sleep on board.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pa's service was awesome. The crematorium looked out on fields, meadows and streams. Could not have asked for a better place for the end of the line. </div><div>The service was well attended by both friends and family as well as being live streamed for those who could not be there. It was a proper send-off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did get to spend some time with family in Holland, but sight seeing was pretty much a no-no - other than a quick visit to the beach in Schoorl. </div><div><br /></div><div>Trip back was the same - smooth flights, but numerous health forms to fill in, temperature checks, face mask all the way ( for 18 hrs ) etc. just added to the inconvienience of today's travel</div><div><br /></div><div>And now in a mandatory 2 week isolation at home, so no seeing kids / grand kids. </div><div><br /></div><div>So - all in all, July sucked. </div><div><br /></div><div>Relevant pictures can be found here: </div><div><br /></div><div>July Pix: </div><div><a href="https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOhV7qC41WeQWVpqpxEHErW4SjScASY9tkweIw">https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOhV7qC41WeQWVpqpxEHErW4SjScASY9tkweIw<br /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Holland Trip:</div><div><a href="https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipMlyd8ehx7IDIoGttfLk79qg0kFSJiSw5XJvSc">https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipMlyd8ehx7IDIoGttfLk79qg0kFSJiSw5XJvSc</a><br /></div>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-12795660529027162662020-07-01T21:12:00.001-05:002020-07-01T21:36:03.163-05:00June, 2020June saw us relaxing on the Covid measures.<br />
So, in addition to watching the flowers grow in the back yard, we also had trips to the icecream store. Chloe's in camera dance recitals, cleaning and launching the boat ( after 2 years on shore ) and some serious beach fun.<br />
All in all a good month.<br />
<br />
You can watch the visuals here: <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZiXR2yQonFkSmRhTA">June 2020 Highlights</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-16906979407989810612020-06-19T22:14:00.002-05:002020-06-19T22:14:20.105-05:00May, 2020May still had us in the Covid lockdown, however we did manage some socializing.<br />
- had the kids playing in the back yard<br />
- went to watch the Snow Birds flying over Transcona<br />
- went for a walk with the Grandkids in the Transcona Bioreserve<br />
- took pix of the flower plantings in the yard<br />
- watched some cool birds perusing the bird bath<br />
<br />
View the pictures here: <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/F5t7MBbYfbQ6RNeN6">May, 2020</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-53943818069567783922020-04-21T14:57:00.003-05:002020-05-01T17:16:08.099-05:00April, 2020April was primarily spent in isolation - like everyone else, on account of the Covid-19 thing.<br />
<br />
So we did things like lots of baking, watching snow melt, return and then melt again, observing raptors and woodpeckers in the back yard, playing with a macro lens and remote birthday parties. The most notable birthday party was Caleb's, where we decorated cars and had a driveby parade for him. That event was actually broadcast on local TV:<br />
<a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/6806067/coronavirus-winnipeg-birthday-drive-by-parade/">Caleb's Birthday Parade</a><br />
<br />
However, April ended on a positive note - yard has been raked and cleaned, new birdhouses were painted and mounted, Cotton Wood tree got a haircut and a bit of color was addded though a hanging basket of flowers.<br />
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A photo memory of April can be viewed here:<br /><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/QF1CDq5FAhnBHiTbA">April 2020</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-55349956462202271842020-03-25T14:44:00.002-05:002020-03-25T14:44:38.285-05:00March, 2020In March we were looking foreward to a 2 week get-away to Mexico, just to absorb some sun, and relax.<br />
Only planned on one tour to go see Tulum.<br />
<br />
While we did get to go to Tulun, during our first week the Canadian Government advised all traveling Canadians to come back to Canada asap. Which we did, cutting our vacation short by a full week. The right decission in hindsight.<br />
<br />
Now however 2 weeks in mandatory self isolation (but at least in our own house).<br />
<br />
Kids were nice enough to provide us with groceries and a supply of wine.<br />
<br />
Pictures from our first week can be found here:<br />
<br /><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/oFz1WH6zWSUhRRML6">Mexico, 2020</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-91236290939760269282020-02-14T15:46:00.003-06:002020-03-25T14:45:32.332-05:00February, 2020Mid Winter. My least favourable time of the year.<br />
Spending most of my time indoors, as the old bones have a hard time coping with the cold.<br />
There are a few occasions though that the sunroom heats up to a livable temperature - and on those, my sweety and the cats love it there.<br />
<br />
Ongoing pictures of the month can be seen here:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/LC6ZLjS33HbVGH6YA">February, 2020</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-40586123418684209142020-01-12T20:52:00.000-06:002020-01-12T20:52:59.485-06:00January, 2020Christmas is over and done with. Now in a typical Manitoba winter. Many real cold days, some a bit warmer.<br />
<br />
Getting older, so tend to stay indoors a lot. Break the monotany by having grandkids come and visit.<br />
<br />
The first few of those visits are documented in my January, 2020 Album:<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/kDGdL8WRP5MTQ4rz6">January, 2020</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-25599330591475521292020-01-05T18:13:00.000-06:002020-01-05T19:37:53.589-06:002019 Holland TripsIn 2019 Alfred and Theresa made two trips to Holland. The first one was in May. Unexpected - Alfred's mom had a significant operation. Visited her in the hospital, and we were there when she was transferred to a nursing home for further recovery.<br />
Keenan and Chloe insisted we take their favorite dolls for comfort.<br />
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That trip, we also went to tour Alkmaar, and celebrated his brother's upcomming retirement.<br />
<br />
The second trip was planned - in September.<br />
By that time Alfred's mom was fully recovered, and back in her own home.<br />
This trip included a visit to Zeeland, to attend a Jobse Family Reunion, an opportunity to see the statue of Michiel de Ruyter, walk the boulevard, watch Alfred's uncle play in the Jazz Festival.<br />
<br />
Toured the old city of Alkmaar and had the "Offical Retirement Party" for my brother, which included a real live beer tap. A great time was had by all.<br />
<br />
The trip back was interesting - flight was cancelled, so we stayed one extra night in an Amsterdam Airport Hotel, and had several re-routes. But, we did make it home, and KLM covered all the costs and payed the delay fees.<br />
<br />
You can view the picture album here:<br />
<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/pPjSX1hPp17L1hL97">Holland 2019</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-88343051131352636392019-11-17T20:18:00.001-06:002019-12-01T11:04:05.693-06:00Las Vegas 2019Alfred, his sweety and her sister and hubby went for a quick get-away to Las Vegas to try and get some heat.<br />
<br />
Went to see Cirque's KA, Hoover Dam, Freemont Street and up the huge Ferries Wheel, and walked the strip there and back again. Had a blast, and - No, did not take any gambeling money home.<br />
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We did meet up with Theresa's cousins for a leisurely supper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z2AWjE8jyehXZs8DcG8BIGWfAlxE5QW0V5_gQXc-LidMBeraphq7nDT43-_MqzDjHNXw-eDjIEOnpfC5eLfsVGf1D1jlmqZgan6d3aLkRbnE8w3yibIhojgCKLwLtSiCJ2Y/s1600/2019_Nov_Vegas2019-D7100_00422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z2AWjE8jyehXZs8DcG8BIGWfAlxE5QW0V5_gQXc-LidMBeraphq7nDT43-_MqzDjHNXw-eDjIEOnpfC5eLfsVGf1D1jlmqZgan6d3aLkRbnE8w3yibIhojgCKLwLtSiCJ2Y/s320/2019_Nov_Vegas2019-D7100_00422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V2J3tR00OxkrZoLdkhfXmfQ2JCVyuWHXDHtxMFGcf9Z6wU21ynOHtGfNxu6MUHfjynajJgfsVz1KWMZnjpaUkMYixeLP9RhAlf_fCsMocHtRc5YEjXQpNEitCAVg8zPyx2Q/s1600/2019_Nov_Vegas2019-D7100_00424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V2J3tR00OxkrZoLdkhfXmfQ2JCVyuWHXDHtxMFGcf9Z6wU21ynOHtGfNxu6MUHfjynajJgfsVz1KWMZnjpaUkMYixeLP9RhAlf_fCsMocHtRc5YEjXQpNEitCAVg8zPyx2Q/s320/2019_Nov_Vegas2019-D7100_00424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Here is a link to the album:<br /><a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOg3dt3_AVcnYn6cuCFr7FI6RUxXo7zHfMQNT7eoK6W2mY4EjFT4-KxJ4EFYbQ9Uw?key=OU9ZZ1JwT3RqZG5YNmM4azd6WkxRZDVtODBiOXVn">https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOg3dt3_AVcnYn6cuCFr7FI6RUxXo7zHfMQNT7eoK6W2mY4EjFT4-KxJ4EFYbQ9Uw?key=OU9ZZ1JwT3RqZG5YNmM4azd6WkxRZDVtODBiOXVn</a><br /><a href="https://link.blurb.com/click/18727550.854042/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ibHVyYi5jYS9nZXR0aW5nLXN0YXJ0ZWQ_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbF9hZGhvYyZ1dG1fc291cmNlPXNhaWx0aHJ1Iy9wcm9qZWN0L2dpZnQ/5c4bcb75fc942d7f36bdb7e3E9bf9d6d8" style="align-items: center; color: white; text-decoration-line: none;">BIGFIFTY<br /><br /> </a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-32915842823053132482019-11-09T21:13:00.001-06:002019-11-09T21:42:58.411-06:00TransconaAlfred lives in a suburb called Transcona - on the eastern edge of Winnipeg. It is in fact it's own community, with a downtown, shopping venues and a flavor all of it's own.<br />
<br />
We have a multitude of murals on our buildings:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNGdoKFOP1imPucpjZB9g3yLKM18VwKi1DCA9XM4ponwTQLKUjOjHuBxF6cn5tpSA?key=Q3hkX2NUdENzNVBrcjc1b2FCa09wT3UtMzhLZDV3">Transcona Murals</a><br />
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Transcona also has an annual street festival, called: The Hi Neighbour Fest<br />
featuring a parade and a street fair - which the kids absolutely love:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPubL6BlSrhu14kpMdAlI1Urmj6vSU595eErTH6mEZirA7Q4T6Xxt0b4Ex9XRqUnQ?key=RVVXRm5mNmVmMElVVW1idzE3TE5SZGF1WjZ4Xzl3">Transcona Hi Neighbour Festival</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-22628274203111789062019-11-09T20:40:00.000-06:002019-11-09T20:40:21.371-06:00Birthday Maham in 20194 Grand Kids - 4 Birthdays this year.<br />
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Caleb ( April ) opted for Glow Bowling. The nice thing is they have a special gizzmo that allows Caleb to roll the bowling ball to the pins. And his friends were more than happy to help him.<br />
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Quinn ( Sept ) also wanted to go bowling and everyone got a chance to throw the ball.<br />
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Chloe ( Sept ) - wanted to celebrate at Kid City. A great time was had by all.<br />
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Keenan ( Nov ) just wanted a fun evening at home with friends.<br /><br />
Memories can be found here:<br /><br /><a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPH-fwLSarFrbl8Gbm2UDNEBEHuASEayrs-A3YoqCpIpXf6o1HgdJA4-AqMv-FMAA?key=TnhUaVc3VjRGcjd1MFRaSU1VZ3J2dkhPQkJBa2F3">Birthday Mahem</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-83284229503654714362019-02-01T18:46:00.001-06:002019-02-01T19:20:35.550-06:00Incredible French Onion Soup, using the instant potThe instant pot in this dish is not so much a time saver, but more a flavor enhancer.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
- about 4 sliced onions<br />
- 4 cups ( 1 litre) of beaf stock - I made mine from 4 heaping tsps of 'better than beef' concentrate, dissolved in 4 cups of boiling water<br />
- 1 tsp of crushed garlic, dash of Frankies hot pepper sauce, ground pepper, table spoon of brown sugar and a bay leaf<br />
- white wine<br />
<br />
Saute the onions in butter in the Instant pot, till translucent .<br />
Add wine and scrape off the brownie bits.<br />
Add sugar, pepper garlic, beef stock and bay leaf.<br />
<br />
Select soup/broth on the instant pot, close the pressure valve and go. Mine opted for 30 mins, but I cancelled it at 20 mins.<br />
Lightly toast French bread slices, brushed with olive oil in the oven under broil.<br />
Release steam from the instant pot, laddle into oven proof dishes ( I used my original French onion soup bowls), add some French toast and slather with cheese. I used shredded mozza.<br />
Roast for a few mins in the oven.<br />
<br />
Serve with garden salad.Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925028.post-68592566884675371802019-01-08T21:49:00.002-06:002019-02-01T13:43:23.223-06:002019 High LightsAlfred wants to dump Facebook and is still looking for a better way to connect with friends and family.<br />
<br />
Let's start by providing the link to my Google Photo 2019 album here:<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/tC3duuDJXaNFwDHi6">2019 - As Days Go By</a>Muddy Water Sailinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236366405795499852noreply@blogger.com1