Well, the end of February usually signals the beginning of the end of old man winter for another year, and none too soon either. We have had great weather the past few days so it's not hard to anticipate the lengthening days and increased temperatures offered in the spring time months. But don't get too comfortable! Just when the driveway was completely clear of ice and snow, thanks partly to some heavy duty shovelling and some above seasonal sunny days, we get a dump of snow that puts us right back to square one. And not that March is not without it's little evil surprises, especially in this province. Driving the #2 highway is always a bit of a crap shoot this time of year as spring storms cropping up out of nowhere are common, especially around the Red Deer area.
We are still trying to decide what to do with our two weeks off at the end of March. Finances are in such a state as to rule out any out of country hot holiday type destination, although we have renewed our passports just in case we get a hot last minute deal. We had thought of driving to the west coast but with the aforementioned spring storms that is always a bit treacherous. So we are still pondering, hoping that we don't just end up sitting around here as we would probably spend the time doing something quite mundane like housecleaning.
As I predicted, the only real outcome of the corruption scandal in Ottawa is an inquiry into the matter, which, as I also predicted, will cost us poor taxpayers umpteen million dollars. I realize Paul Martin needs to make an example of these guts, but can you tell me there isn't going to be reports of even more government bamboozelling at taxpayers expense down the road?
Tomorrow night is Oscar night, I guess, and I, as usually, am pleading indifference to the whole thing, although I would dearly love to see Peter Jackson get best director for LOTR at least. According to the pundits LOTR should be walking away with a lot of gold which will please me. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think honor should be given to those who were able to pull off such a monumental achievement in bringing a favorite piece of literature so faithfully to the big screen. Mind you, there is always someone out there who tries to spoil a good thing such as this article which lists all the ways Jackson deviated from the original books to make the film. Give me a break! It's an adaptation, OK?!
More after the Oscars tomorrow night.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2004

As promised, here a few shots of Dianne's resort in Cuba courtesy of Dr. Myron Roth:


Dianne looks comfy as they head south to Cuba. See how comfy she after six hours in that sardine can.


The gang as they arrive at the resort. Why are there no Margaritas in anybody's hands?


They took a couple of "scooter" excursions. Dianne's first experience riding a motorbike. Born to be WILD!!


An arial view of the resort from a small mountain behind it. Notice the coral reef just off shore.


The girls practice up on their "salsa" skills, ready for some hot nights when they get back home.


Vintage cars are everywhere on the streets of Havana.


The gang looking sad as they leave this tropical paradise. Hands up those who feel sorry for them.

Even though the weather was a little chilly, the guys had a super time. And looking at the pictures makes my mouth water for a return visit there. A yearly trip to the Caribbean would certainly do a body good.

Posted 7:59 PM by Jeff

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Saturday, February 14, 2004

Microsoft Brand Bandaids

Hopefully everybody has downloaded their latest Windows vulnerability patch from Microsoft. This hole is a very critical one, I am told. If you're running Mac; at ease, smoke em' if ya got em'.
Dianne arrived home on time on Monday night and it was very good to have her home at that. She was not all that much more tanned than when she left as you would expect from someone going to a Caribbean locale for a week, being that much closer to the sun and all. But I guess the weather was not all that great, they had some cold fronts move into the region and along with a few excursions out and about, she did not get to do as much beach lounging as she would have liked. She has some pictures which I have not even seen yet but will endeavor to get one or two up on the site shortly.
Oh woe! Another scandal in Ottawa. Paul Martin is already wiping the egg off his face and having to spin some damage control over this sponsorship debacle. Remember Paul, when you point a finger at someone you are pointing three back at yourself. Of course there will be a big inquiry as to where the 100 million has gone which will probably cost the taxpayer another 100 million.
And, oh yeah, Happy Valentines day.

Posted 6:12 PM by Jeff

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Monday, February 09, 2004

Comin' Home

It was a beautiful weekend in the burg of Edmonton, so much so that I actually got out and started chipping the accumulated ice and packed snow off the driveway and even worked up a sweat. I am quite excited at the moment as my sweetie comes home tonight. Unfortunately I have to head off to work right after I bring her home. Bummer!!

Posted 8:15 PM by Jeff

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Saturday, February 07, 2004

A Longish Week

My last post was back in January so it's time to quit being a sluggard and write something. I haven't had to shovel much snow this week as expected, the weather's been great. The only problem is that the grader came by the other day and piled a dirty great snowbank in front of the house making it tough for Angie to park there. I guess somebody's going to hafta go out and shovel her a little parking spot!
Well, the week of being spouseless is almost up and the house hasn't burnt down, in fact things have gone pretty smoothly although I have been at work every evening so I haven't been around to see any fireworks. Dianne actually sent me an email from the resort in Cuba the other day which I, like a twit, accidentally deleted without reading, thinking it was spam. She sent another one yesterday which allowed me to finally catch on and give myself a sound butt kicking. From the sounds of it she is having a great time and says she wishes I was there. So do I. She says the entertainment at the resort is pretty spicy and the disco was not the same without me. What, not enough hot Cuban Latinos for you? They took a day trip to Havana, climbed a small mountain and have been snorkeling in the reefs. Hopefully she will have a few pix to post when she comes back.

Posted 11:44 AM by Jeff

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