Seawall Walker

Sea-Wall-Walker, originally uploaded by Lovewine.
OK here's one for the road...I really like this photo. I stood in the rain for about 30 minutes to get this shot. Why, you might ask? It was miserable and I was waiting for passers by and seagulls to fly at the right time. Voila!

Snowflakes at Nite

Snowflakes, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Take that NaBloPoMo ! Now if I could just apply that kind of determination in other areas of my life. I wonder how long it will take to decide who wins the prizes.....I like winning stuff. It was a good exercise in writing although there wasn't anything really that interesting....I spend more time on the photos than I do on the writing.

Bowling-Ball

Bowling-Ball, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Here's a shot of the Savoy Lanes in Nelson. That ball is not going create a strike. I bought a piece of art and I pick it up tomorrow. I'll take a photo of it and you can share in the joy of it hanging on the wall here in the casa.

Warm drink on a cold nite? How about a whiskey mac?
Boil some water and preheat a brandy snifter or like vessel.
After this add equal parts (shot+) whiskey(your choice), hot water and stone's green ginger wine SGGW
(ask at the liquor store)
If you really want to be a pro...measure the whiskey and SGGW and place the vessel in hot water to preheat the booze. The drink hails from Scotland and is best consumed hot. The type of whiskey will change the flavour. It's really yummy!

Strike

Strike, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

I am a fan of 10 pin bowling....5 pin bowling is soooooooo Canadian. Nelson has a 5 pin bowling alley.
A group of us gather there on a semi weekly basis throughout the winter in order to catch up with each other and have a few laughs. Some of the group are much better that when we 1st started...I don't lump myself in with that group. One day I'll take a photo of my bowling ball...she's a redhead....named Lorraine.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr! It's -17 outside.

Bird Feeder Icicles

Bird-Feeder-Icicles, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

I took the photo of the feeder below yesterday afernoon and I just took this photo of it....less 24 hours have passed. Winter is taking hold and now I will have an even harder time trying to get out....in fact, I may not be able to get out at all....wish me luck. Glad the wood stove is nice and warm.

Bird Feeder

Bird-House, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

As you can see...winter has arrived. I picked up this tidy little bird feeder at a garage sale over the summer. I took the time to hang it in front of the window so we could watch the little birdies gorging themselves on sunflower seeds. However, this was not to be the case...not one little birdie so much as perched on the feeder. They did ravage the sunflowers in the garden...as did the squirrel and the deer. Now there are icicles hanging from the feeder and the snow is falling. I guess I'll have to advertise better next spring....the hummingbird feeders were a hit.

Looking forward to trying to get out of the driveway tomorrow...there's a shitload of snow.

Nelson BC

One Track Mind

One-Track-Mind, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

What day is it? How long have I been posting on a daily basis? Only 5 days left until I win glorious prizes and the ability to skip a day without feeling guilty.

So the ski hill did not open this weekend but may open next weekend. This means I will have to go hiking to get some turns.....there is a heavy snowfall warning for this area and that is truly fantastic.

Oh...don't worry..the wine I spilled on my computer last nite didn't do any harm....the wine stains around the computer I am trying to ignore.

Speaking of wine.....
Picked up a new bottle today and it is worth a note. I can admit there are few Australian wines that I don't fancy. That is not to say I like them all either...There are some I just won't even try. Anyway the funny folks at Redheads Wines have reached the Queen City of Nelson BC. Their 2004 blend, known as "Yard Dog", is a hefty 15.5% which is rare. Petit Verdot 60% Cab 30% and Merlot 10% It drinks well right out of the bottle with some sediment already present...it's a mouthful to say the least. The label is fresh and these kids have a sense of humor. I'll be putting some of these in the cellar as well as looking for some of their other products. Well worth the $16.85.

Ferry-Building

Ferry-Building, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

I'm having trouble with everything...like uploading and very slow dial-up. I also spilled wine all across the computer desk, computer and all the papers that surround it. They all have a nice reddish tint to them now...that's all for tonite. Thanks..........

Down-Ramp

Down-Ramp, originally uploaded by Lovewine.
Have you ever wondered what happens to your luggage when your travelling? I worked at the Vancouver International Airport way back and the staff cafeteria had a wonderful view of the tarmac....as well as most of the baggage handling crew. You could see the suitcases arcing past the window so gracefully on their way to the carousel or cargo hold. It made me realize what should and should not be packed into my backpack or suitcase. I had often wondered what happened to the baggage once it drifted away on the conveyor belt after you had checked it in.....little did I know that it would airborne sooner than I thought.

Oh, this baggage handler looks as though he's using kid gloves to caress this luggage...but don't be fooled....he knows he's being watched(photographed). Once he's out of site the tossing begins.........when I arrived in Auckland once, my pack came around on the carousel and it was soaking wet and smelled like it had been dunked in fish juice...I had to wash everything in it and the pack itself....gross!

Greek Theater....alopolis

Greek-Theater, originally uploaded by Lovewine.
Here's a crappy photo of the lovely Greek Theater in Berkeley California where Tom Petty played last Month. It was the best show I saw in 2006...if I get to see Radiohead before '06 is gone then this rating could change.
Thanks to the extra padding I keep on my butt, the concrete seating was not unbearable. Thankfully you could buy wine, beer and margs so as not get too thirsty(sober). OMG where is my brain?

Pointy

Pointy, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Warning....boring blog post ahead.
OK, with that said.....this photo reminds me of a hairstyle I had in highschool...seriously.

How could I not be excited about the ski hill opening this weekend? I can't wait to go riding...I just wish my new board was here...well, actually I think I should ride the rock board until the base is a little deeper. No point in getting any core shots this early.

I didn't mind Casino Royale...it had a gritty realism to it...that and Eva Green was not hard on the eyes.

Only 33 shopping days left until Xmas. You better get busy. There is a craft fair in Nelson this weekend and there may be some cool stuff there....that or there will be a bunch of crocheted tea pot warmers...sweet.
If you're still reading at this point then you must not have anything better to do....but I am grateful that you stayed...show me how much you really care and prove you were here....leave a comment.

Light My Way

Light-My-Way, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

This is one of the many pieces in the Capitolio building in Havana. The structure is similar to Capitol building in Washinton DC. It was one of the places that I was allowed to bring my camera into. For a nominal fee of course. Other places like museums and such had rules that any cameras must be checked in order to enter. I was a little bummed because I was not about to leave my gear in some closet. But my sadness was short lived because there was so much to photograph in Cuba. With a Digi SLR and Film SLR slung around my neck I was drawn to whatever caught my eye. Cuba is a photographer's dream. Oh, and uh... the rum and cigars are pretty good as well.

Grey Cup Sunday

Lamp, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

This photo was taken in Cuba last year...missing the sun.....


I had fear of bodily injury yesterday. I went to public skating and it reaffirmed my reasons for going to adult skate. I was very amused at all the kids racing around the rink and falling all over the place. My problem is that since I'm learning how to skate I cannot stop or turn to avoid things very well. I didn't want to take out any little groms have any of them take me out. There were several close calls.

It is Grey Cup Sunday...obviously I'm cheering for BC. I kick myself for not going to Grey Cup last year in Van because it would have been fun even though BC didn't make the cut. People were dumping their tickets. Winnipeg is a little too far to go.

413

413-Bigblock-RB, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

To make a long story short...that is....I'll tell you more later. The motor you see above is a 413 Bigblock that we pulled out of the 1964 Chrysler Crown Imperial that you see below. One day this motor will be rebuilt and all shiny and new looking...at the moment it is sitting outside in pieces. Oh the smoke shows I'll be able to do in the wagon once this thing gets droppd in there.

Dial Up Nightmare

spikey, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

So how bad is dial-up? It's fucking brutal!!!!! Just try and do some browsing....it takes forever. I'm drawing a blank as to what to blog about...cuz I'm tired and all computered out. Friday nite and I'll be in bed before midnite...now that is rare.

I'm trying to get all my hockey gear together...cheaply. I don't want to buy all new stuff...since I'm going to suck for quite awhile. So far I've bought new skates(love them)...I was given a helmet...bought used pants but they're in mint shape. I managed to score two Nelson Leafs jerseys from the second hand store for $4 each...also from the thrift store...knee/shin pads for $5. Now I need a face mask, gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, socks and the ability to skate with a stick in my hand. It should be very entertaining the 1st time I attempt to skate with a stick and puck.

I Feel Sorry For People Who Have Shit For Brains

Hummingbird, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

So what is this Beta Blogger thing? Sign in with your google account?
Eventually I guess I'll have to switch but I'll hold out as long as possible....not because I don't advocate the change...I'm just lazy.

If you want some ideas on books to read go check out Doppelganger at 50 Books.com
She was on CBC last week speaking with Sook Yin Lee (DNTO)

MMMM Legendario Ron

rum, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

This was probably one of the nicest rooms I've ever stayed in. Overlooking the beach, sunset every nite, small fridge to keep the rum cold and ice cubes frozen. Wonderful. It was almost a year ago that we were in Cuba. Viva!

Why do people slow down for bridges? Is there a mass phobia about crossing bridges that I don't know about? What's with the 10-20 km reduction in speed just before the bridge? I remember driving to Vancouver just before Xmas years ago during a massive snow storm; the closer I got to the bridge, the more cars were abandoned along the side of the highway. Where did all those people go? It's like they were going to attempt a crossing but then at the last minute they just couldn't do it. Weird...do any of you suffer from this affliction?

Seeing Eye Duck...Quack

Seeing-Eye-Duck, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

So I mentioned yesterday something about some ducks. Well here they are. My friends adopted 3 ducks from the SPCA and two of them are blind...can you guess which two? I'll tell you....the one in front is the seeing eye duck and the others cannot see. A nice little pen was built for them and they wander freely around the yard. The seeing eye duck(SED) quacks and the other two follow his noise. If he gets too far away they get kinda lost. The run into everything, including other pets like dogs. It is quite comical to watch them waddle around the yard. If food gets put into the pen....sometimes the SED will take off on the other two and hog the food. Funny.



















Coming soon....the tale of the albino rabbit.....perhaps

Winter Sculpture

Winter-Sculpture, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

I wanted to blog about a seeing eye duck but I don't have any photos yet....that should keep you guessing. Have you heard the one about the albino rabbit?

I spent a while trying to figure out how to get music off my ipod and onto my computer. I hadn't attempted this before so I didn't know it was so much work. I just received my new ipod and I was trying to clean out the one I'm selling. What a pain in the ass!

Waiting For Fun

Waiting-For-Fun, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Snow falls....rain falls....repeat. That is the cycle of weather at the moment. I mention from time to time that I live out in the boonies...that means no cable, dial-up internet and a half hour drive to Nelson. I like to watch hockey and I participate in a hockey pool with 9 others. Not having cable or satelite means I rarely get to see any hockey...this blows. I'm fairly happy with my pool picks...here they are:
Dany Heatley Ott
Pavel Datsyuk Det
Brendan Shanahan NYR
Henrik Sedin Van
Peter Schaefer Ott
Jason Arnott Nsh
Ryan Smyth Edm
Fernando Pisani Edm
Mike Knuble Phi
Kyle Wellwood Tor
Darcy Tucker Tor
D Sergei Zubov Dal
D Brian Rafalski NJ
G Martin Brodeur NJ

Currently I'm in 3rd place but there are many games to be played.

Big Blocks are heavy...I almost popped some veins today trying to lift my 413 block up onto a platform...I tore the motor down for storage. My 1st time doing such a job. Sometime in the future I'll have it bored out and then rebuild it for my 330 wagon. There are other things that are a bigger priority on the car. I'd like to have the bodywork and paint done before I build the motor.

Percussion Awaits

Percussion-Awaits, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Luckily the snow had melted enough to allow me to drive the wagon out of the driveway and down the gravel road to pavement...the 330 doesn't do so well in snow. It had a lovely drive today with passengers. The pipe band always gets me going....just the sound of those bagpipes and the tam and bass. It turned out to be a beautiful day to remember.

De-Luxe

De-Luxe, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

In it's day, I'm sure this bike was "a thing of beauty". Now, after being run over by a truck , it has been resurrected as a track bike. That means it gets loaded into the race wagon and taken to the drag strip where we can ride it around and get back to the pits quickly if anything is needed. Last year when we went to Mission Raceway we walked to and from the start line and it takes a while....it made us thirsty. This year we were much wiser and brought the track bikes...our lives were so much easier....riding the bikes still made us thirsty but we also brought a keg of beer made by our friend Wade(shown a few posts ago). When we go racing for the weekend it's always the same debate at the liquor store.....so how beer are we going to need for two nites? The worst thing that could happen is that we might run out....this would be unacceptable. After some careful deliberation we decide on how much beer to buy and proceed quickly to icing said beer so that it may be consumed in short order.
Racing = beer drinking.

Remember

WOSN-Interview, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Here's Polara Pat giving an interview to Shaw Cable while we were at Thunder Mtn Raceway this summer. Since he is the most charismatic member of the WOSN race team it seemed fitting to have him do the talking. We all stood by and snickered but Pat handled the situation like a true professional.

It is really nearing the time for me to take my wagon off the road for the winter. I'm saving it for this Rememberance Day. I'll be driving it out to an event at the BBI pub in Balfour where a group of us go to every year(3rd annual). All the local vets and many other folks gather there and it becomes the local Legion. $10 gets you all you can drink noon til 5pm and then there's a big feast. The pipe band plays right in the bar and man is it ever loud! They hand out song sheets to everyone and we all sing along. They always make us feel welcome and that's what keeps us going back. It reminds me of my grandparents. My grampa was in WW II and I just can't imagine the things that were seen and done during any war. Remember....

Wash-Cycle

Wash-Cycle, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

So I bought some hockey shorts today so I don't have to go through the pain every time I fall. Eventually I will play hockey but it seems like skating well first is the right place to start.
I happen to love coconut....pretty much any kind of coconut.
Jennie's Coconut Macaroons are sooooo good. My favorite is to knock a ripe coconut out of a tree, shuck it, open it to drink the milk and then eat the flesh. Yummy! I'm sure location has something to do with it....since I would need to be somewhere tropical in order to perform such an operation. Liberte makes a coconut yogurt and it cannot be beat. Liberte also makes some other kick-ass yogs.

There is a newish Thai restaurant in Nelson (Busaba) and they do a really good job. The chef is young and moved to Canada from Thailand so he knows what he's doing. When I moved to Nelson from Vancouver 9 years ago...I couldn't really afford to go out for dinner very often. Even though there are many restaurants in Nelson...in my opinion there are not that many good ones. Busaba is great and well priced. Dining out can be difficult in a small town after you've lived in one for awhile. That's why when we go to the city its open season on food....always looking for good food. It was mind boggling to try and decide where to eat in San Fran...nothing like having too much choice. These three places were epic.
The Slanted Door
Cafe Claude
Kuleto's

DJ-Jorma

DJ-Jorma, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Ice is really hard...Frozen solid in fact! I know this is a redundant statement but I happened to fall very hard today while skating and now I have a massive contusion on my hip....owwww! The women who supervises the adult skate is watchful and is always giving tips. She wears a helmet to promote the idea that it is safer to skate while wearing one...I agree and wear a helmet everytime I'm on the ice. Now I need hip pads if I'm ever going to learn my cross-overs. The music being played is always...interesting...today was Neil Diamond. I like Neil but not for a whole skating session. Last time was all 80's one hit wonders...the ipod may be necessary. I have much more respect for figure skaters now that I've been learning how to skate...I can only imagine how many times they've fallen.

Its that time of year when you know the snowboarding season is coming up fast and you know you should be conditioning but somehow the days keep slipping by and still...nothing. I know from many years of experience that the first weeks of riding brings pain...I would like to reduce this pain and not get injured in the process...red wine consumption will help..I'm sure of it.

Centennial Brew

brew1, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Here's a shot of my buddy Wade during his 100th batch of beer. He's been home brewing for years and this was a special occasion. He chose a Double hopped IPA for #100. I have yet to try the beer but it is nearly ready. Yum. Many of the recipes he uses are his own and he makes really good beer..

In other news...my thumb nail is almost off. I smashed it back in July while taking the tranny out of the wagon and then smashed it again even harder the next day while putting the rebuilt tranny back in. Its been ugly and purple since then but now about to be free and the new nail is going to take it's place. Exciting...

Hockey Day In Canada

St.-Petersburg-Canal, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

How exciting is that? Nelson gets to host Hockey Day in Canada. That means they'll be broadcasting from the new Nelson arena. Don Cherry and Ron MacLean will be here. This will be happening on Jan. 13 '07. While reading about the event I learned a few things about Nelson's Hockey History from CBC...They said

"Nelson was founded in 1886 and was originally called "Stanley" after Canada's Governor General, Lord Stanley. Nelson's hockey roots reach much further, however, producing great NHL talent including Danny Gare, Pat Price and Greg Adams. The small city was also the hometown of Lester and Frank Patrick, hockey's royal family, whom many credit with creating modern hockey with several innovations including the addition of blue lines, the forward pass, penalty shots and the playoff system."
For more info go to Wikipedia

The photo above was taken in St. Petersburg some time ago. It still ranks as one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. The buildings and waterways are phenomenal. On my way to the city on the train from Moscow I was befriended by a Russian man who spoke some English. He really helped me out a lot. Telling where a good place to stay was and then he helped me get my permit to be in St. P I was unaware that I needed one. Without his help I would have been parted from much more of my money than needed. He brought his daughter to the train station to say goodbye when I left and it was one of those moments when you're glad to have met such a great person.

Floating

Heath-Killing-it, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

Just like any other season....I get excited about the coming winter and all the snow I'll be riding soon. I bought a pass again this year and I'm looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces at the ski hill. I've been missing the social scene for the last few seasons. Working at a cat ski operation allows me to have a pretty good season without lift access.

If you want you can check out some of my work on a few of my client's sites.

The Pilates center in Nelson
Jess' Real estate site
Lots of shots at Baldface

Let it snow!

Tioga

Tioga, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

This is Tioga...he was a regular fixture at Baldface. I'm not really a pet person but there was a special place for him. There was alot of wolf in him and it took a while to get to know him. He'll be missed around the lodge and people will be sad to hear of his passing. Nice to have known you big fella.

Ice-Falls

Ice-Falls, originally uploaded by Lovewine.

I'm off to a good start. #2
I don't blog about politics or many current events...I'm not sure my content is all that interesting. The ideas and stories I come up with during the day when I'm away from the computer would be great if I could remember them by the time I got to a keyboard r if I was not too lazy to get long winded. Today I had to bite my tongue and walk away from a women who was rude and impolite. She works behind a counter and deals with people all day but I was shocked at how she treated me. I've worked with people for years and I know how difficult it can be. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and walked away. I've been encountering more and more people with short fuses who are rude and on the attack with no good reason. Its starting to really piss me off. All these people are so uptight and wound up that they snap all over the place...I'm going to snap if it keeps happening. I'm always the nice guy but somebody needs to tell these people to shut the fuck up!

It snowed again today and there were cars in the ditch...I wonder if people forget to drive a little more conservatively when it first starts snowing...luckily I put my snow tires on yesterday. Soon I'll hiking up the hill to the house because I can't get up the road...its the worst when you forget your winter boots at the house and its dark and you're wearing sneakers.

I'm not drinking for 2 weeks or so but I can tell you that Roberto Cavalli Vodka is the shit! I think it may be the best I've ever had. I was drinking it in San Fran. Unless you live in one of the 6 states that it is available in then you won't know what I'm talking about.
























One of my favorite sounds:
The sound of snow falling

What the Hell

I'm always after myself to blog more...so why not sign up for NaBloPoMo and see if I can't win myself a prize. I like to win things....all I have to do is blog everyday for the month of November. Well here goes nothin.