The Ouseys in Victoria Page

A great party enjoyed by all. Ken Merkley said the band was great and that they played many of the songs that he has on his collection of blues CD's. He enjoyed it as much as we all did.


The girls at the door, ticket and booze sales. Karen on the left and Lyn on the right. A well organized party.

The Wharf Street Blues Band, that is Alan on the left. Of course they are in costume as it was a Halloween dance. They did a great job with great music.

Saturday and we are about to get ready to go to a dance. The band is Alan's group and we are looking forward to it. We are going with Sue & John and Ken & Bernadette. More on that in the next blog.

Last few days have been quiet. Golfed Thursday, some shopping, bought a new lamp for the living room, the floor lamp mate is on order. Dinner friday night with Kathie and Andy at the James Bay Inn. Had to use our last entertainment coupon before it expired. Good meal just the same.

Spending most of our time doing preps for the trip. We will be visiting our tenants, who have decided to rent the place for 4 months instead of the original 3. Jan through to April now. We will be driving Tuesday to Tigh Na Mara, up Island where they are staying until then.

Oh yes get ready for the dance, gotta go.

First, a big Happy (belated) Birthday to Helen, I see from her blog that she had a good day. Carolyn phoned her today but just talked to the answering machine. We and they were looking at a month at Peurto Penasco, but many of our friends have said, why a month. There is nothing there and after a week we would be bored. However, sitting in the sun with margaritas and munching mucho shrimpos doesn't sound to boring to me. Anyhow, we might reconsider, shortening our stay there and trying other places.

Well I'm over the Jet Lag, and more or less back to normal. Monday the movie bunch were joined by the ladies and they went to see "Shall we dance" while the "guys" (macho, macho, man, I want to be a macho man....) couldn't do that so we went to see "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow". Both movies were well received by the respective parties.

Carolyn is hot on getting ready to leave, despite the fact we don't leave for two months, she likes to be ready that girl. So we have been making lists, and more lists. We did our My Chosen cafe Tuesday night meal with Kathie and Andy at Mechosin, good as usual. Today I hit the Gym. Well once a week is better than nothing. I did golf nine holes Monday morning and we are going out to Royal Oak Golf Course Thursday. And just maybe the Gym again on Friday, who knows, miracles do happen.

Better go look at that "Honey-do" list. ta ta Blog damit blog.

I'm back home. Great trip. Dennis and Catherine were great hosts as usual. Dennis and I spent Friday morning, helping out at the Air museum as they got ready for their annual fund raiser, scheduled for Saturday night. Friday night we had yet another Thanksgiving dinner. They had a turkey that didn't get cooked for thanksgiving, since Mother was here with us for that occasion. So it had to be done, and it was very good, can't get too much turkey, stuffing, mashed taters, and gravy. mmm-mmm-good.

Flight back, uneventful as WestJet usually is. The highlight being that I managed to get the escape hatch seats so had some leg room. Catherine was very kind to make me a lunch so I didn't get hungry and it went well with my two cookies and pretzels that the airline served.

Now to get over my jet lag. Zzzzzzzzzzz.

Weather continues wet and windy, but then we are inside mostly. Went with Dennis to the Air Museum, and hung around there looking over their recent additons. They had an excellent magazine cover and article collection from the early years. Late 1800's to mid 1900's. It was very nostalgic looking over old excerpts, ads and covers from many Canadian mags. There was one there advertizing the Empress hotel in Victoria, only 185 per month double occupancy in 1912. And the old volkswagen ads are still classic.

After that we got physical, puff puff, at the Fitness Centre to work out (yes sir, sweat and everything) and Tim Hortons for supper, the donuts were included. Today was medical appointment day, for Dennis, followed by one for Mom. She had to go to the Pace Maker Clinic to get it checked out. Does that every 6 months and everything is fine.

Tonight I go to dinner at Carolyn's Cousin Betty's place, while Dennis and Catherine go to Member appreciation night at the Fitness Centre. Must go get ready.

Weather continues wet and windy, but then we are inside mostly. Went with Dennis to the Air Museum, and hung around there looking over their recent additons. They had an excellent magazine cover and article collection from the early years. Late 1800's to mid 1900's. It was very nostalgic looking over old excerpts, ads and covers from many Canadian mags. There was one there advertizing the Empress hotel in Victoria, only 185 per month double occupancy in 1912. And the old volkswagen ads are still classic.

After that we got physical and went to the Gym to work out and Tim Hortons for supper. Today was medical appointment day, for Dennis, followed by Mom. She had to go to the Pace Maker Clinic to get it checked out. Does that every 6 months. Everything is fine.

Tonight I go to dinner at Carolyn's Cousin Betty's place, while Dennis and Catherine go to Volunteer appreciation night at the Air Museum. Must go get ready.

It looks like I brought the rain with us to Winnipeg. Not too bad yesterday tho. Dennis, Catherine and I went to Gimli to winterize their "cabin" that is trailer. They leave it onsite. Nice setup for summer fun.

Trip to the 'peg was uneventful. Once landed we went out for dinner. We had Italian, and it was goooood. Mom got her flu shot yesterday at Lions Manor, and Catherine got hers last night too. Dennis had gotten his last week. Must do that myself when I get back home.

I have made arrangements to visit Carolyn's Aunt Merle and cousin Betty Thursday evening. So all is working out well. Today, Dennis and I are catching up on things technological, go figure. LOL

It was raining the Day Mom arrived and it is raining today when she is leaving. I am glad the weather was nice in between. She is a grand lady and we really enjoyed having her here. For 86 she is still quite with it. It was a great visit but she is looking forward to be getting back to her friends, card games and such. All together now: "Here we go into the wild blue yonder flying high......... "

Saturday and we are keeping it a quiet day. Letting Mom rest up before the trip tomorrow to Winnipeg. Noni, Chelsea, Mom, Carolyn and myself went out for dinner last night. Went to Raymonds, Chinese buffet; good meal. We came back here where they said their bye-byes to Grandma. Lyn and Alan dropped by this aftenoon to do the same. David et al, is doing the same tonight. Other than that, just reminiscing, between packing.

Mother had me printing pictures. She saw many she liked and wanted copies.

I agree Dennis, Helen writes a good blog, quite enjoyable. Glad to see Margot is back on her blog. Good to see her photos too.

My next blog will likely be from Winnipeg.

Lets see what have we been doing? Jumbles. We found the jumble book that we forgot to send to Mom and she is about half way through it. Tuesday we went for a drive, she wanted to see our new Motorhome, and then we went to Noni's but they weren't home, but we dropped of some pictures I had reproduce for Chelsea. We then went to My CHosen Cafe for supper with Kathie and Andy. Fish and Chip night, Mom enjoyed it. So did I, I haven't had fish and chips for some time and they are very good there. Today we were out at "The Ridge" golf course. That is where Noni works. The course has a lot of water with a very big pond in front of the cafe. There are many Rainbow trout and we got to feed them. Talk about a feeding frenzy. I managed to golf today as well, acually got home before Mom got up.

Dennis' foot has been stubborn in healing, but seems to be progressing. I'll soon see for myself as Mom and I leave this weekend for Winnipeg, where it is currently cool with snow flurries. Brrrr.

Margot, my neice, has recommenced blogging, with photos, that is good lesson to all you bloggers out there.

Chelsea's School Picture. Pretty Isn't she.

Megan, Grandma, Benjamin

Chelsea, Grandma, Rachel

Tena, Grandma, David (aka: Sleepy)

Alan, Grandma, Lyn

Noni and Grandma

Adam, Grandma, Rachel

Had a great day at Lyn's for Thanksgiving. Everyone was there except Mike, Charlene and the kids. Sure wish they could come down for some of these things.

Lyn, Alan made great hosts, Alan's Mom and Dad were there, as well as his children Colin and Ellie. Also present were Rachel, Adam, Noni, Chelsea, David, Tena, Ben, Megan, not to mention Mom, Carolyn and myself. Only Tena's Chris was missing from the mix. Mom thought it was great to see them all together, although she was having trouble hearing them all. I got some good pictures which I will post shortly, once I download and enhance them.

Today we will go for a drive, since it is a relatively nice day.


Gary and Carolyn wish you a happy Thanksgiving

Here is the itinerary for Gary's trip to Winnipeg and Mom's return to Winnipeg. I put in my blog so Dennis can't lose it.

Gary/Mom to Wpg 17 Oct WJ 510 out of Calgary arr Wpg 7:35 pm

Gary Leave Wpg to Vic 23 Oct WJ 598 out of Wpg dpt Wpg 2:10 pm

Lyn and Alan were here picking up some stuff for the Turkey Dinner later. Caught Mom in her Curlers. So Alan met her in an embaressing moment, at least for Mom. It was a funny moment for the rest of us.

Good show, Dennis, save the turkey for next week, love that turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Here is the itinerary for Gary's trip to Winnipeg and Mom's return to Winnipeg. I put in my blog so Dennis can't lose it.

Gary/Mom to Wpg 17 Oct WJ 510 out of Calgary arr Wpg 7:35 pm

Gary Leave Wpg to Vic 23 Oct WJ 598 out of Wpg dpt Wpg 2:10 pm

Lyn and Alan were here picking up some stuff for the Turkey Dinner later. Caught Mom in her Curlers. So Alan met her in an embaressing moment, at least for Mom. It was a funny moment for the rest of us.

Good show, Dennis, save the turkey for next week, love that turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Mom's is having a good time. We went out for dinner last night to the Brass Duck, her suggestion; she remembers the place and liked it from before. Then went shopping at Zellers, she had a $14.00 certificate to use up. Bought herself a blouse. Otherwise we have just been visiting, talking, and talking.

Went for a bike ride this morning and managed to fall over. Quite minor, scraped knee, mostly, though shoulder is a little tender. Jumped a small curb incorrectly and ended up laying on my back in the grass laughing. Got up dusted myself off and started all over again. Bike was fine so completed my ride.

I see the Kirkwoods are back again, with more wine; will have to get down there and help out with the supply and demand. We will add to both sides of the equation. They are also booked into the Cocopah resort (Yuma) in January. We are in site 1121, (which as far as I can see doesn't exist - see map at Cocopah link). Must be 121, which means golf ball insurance??? Most of the spots that are within range of golf balls have nets for protection.

Tomorrow, we will be having our Thanksgiving gathering of the clan at Lyns. Could be as many as 18 eating there. WOW. Looking forward to it. Will take mucho pictures and post some. Got to go, I am getting errand instructions from two women. Geesh.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone and have a great holiday.

Well Mom and Carolyn made it to Victoria on time and with their luggage too. I had my Lions meeting which I had to go to because we were inducting a new member and I was taking pictures for the Newsletter. Once back both of the Jet setters were ready for bed.

I saw "Ladder 49" on Monday, it was quite good although a bit of tear jerker disguised an action movie. Carolyn seen it in Winnipeg with Betty's movie group. She liked it is well.

That was quite an expose of Dick Cheney, by CBC, last night. I didn't see it but the guys at the golf course said it was quite revealing. Must see if I can get a copy to watch.

Hmm time for a nap methinks.

Carolyn is coming home today, hooray I get to eat again. Well I have been eating, but probably all the wrong stuff, hey pizza is one of the basic food groups isn't it?

Looks like she had a good visit, with Betty and Aunt Merle, as well as with Dennis, Catherine, Mom and Suzie. Mom is coming with her today to spend 10 days over Thanksgiving, (that is Columbus day for the Americans bloggers). We'll get the fam damily over to Lyn's for that.

Dennis' foot is still a bother, hope he finds some relief, well it took his mind of the kidney stones anyway.

We had our Strata Annual General meeting last night. Yours truly had a speaking part, mostly to do with PEST (Parklane Emergency Support Team). When I get a captive audience I like to remind them to prepare for the "Big One". They all dutifully listen, but I know not many actually do anything about it. Oh Well. For my efforts they "elected" me to the Strata Council. Well I can go, at least, while we're here, they won't see much of me Jan to April 2005.

Been watching, via internet & TV, Mount St Helens making an ash of herself. Especially interesting watching the actually seismic data recorders. Here is a link: Mt. St. Helens data .

Well the place looks like a bachelor lives here, so better make it presentable before I pick up the two who know just how neat and tidy I am. LOL.

The blog meter is running low for some of you out there. You know who you are.

For any Dave Barry fans out there.
Herald.com 10/03/2004 Sex, guys and fruit flies

I've added Dave's Blogspotis to my list on the right.

Flutter your wings!

WestJet lost Carolyn's bag, but she got it delivered at 11:00pm the same night. She is having a good visit. Apparently she is going over to Dennis' for steaks Sunday. so Dennis has to put up with Lobster on Saturday, poor boy. And what am I eating? Lets see Thursday, left over pepper steak, Friday night two Chimichanga's, cooked myself, well reheated myself. Tonight Hmmm. Guess its MacDonalds.

Got the complexes pressure washer today and pressure washed the sidewalk. The exposed aggregate is a comfy little home to moss and it was time I put it in its place. Now we have clean sidewalks and curbs. What a neat machine, however, my back is sore. Well I can mark off another item off the "honey doo" list. I moved the motorhome to its new home at Fort Victoria RV park, RV storage area. We have used them before with our Southwind. Fairly reasonable and close.

Keep me one of those steaks Dennis, for October.
Flog the blogs.