bigugli

The son's terrier cross did the same a few months back. Charged out the door, 20 yard dash, and hit the squirrel before it saw him coming. 3 shakes of the head and done.

I used to watch the Aussie fishing shows years back; Rex Hunt, Steve and Bushy. They drive through anything, and offroad is how you get to a fishing hole.

it's a toss up these days whether I like BBQ or the smoker better. I used to love cooking on a wood fire. Here in Thorold, wood fire cooking is verboten. Propane, gas or charcoal. Neighbour had the fire dept at my door the first time we lit up the pit last spring. Now I make sure I throw up extra smoke when running the smoker.

Wayne, I understand only too well about that sense of alienation. Been dealing with it since 08 with the wife's and daughter's numerous ailments and hospitalizations. Had a lot of people drift away since then. Some are pissed off too. Heck, the son couldn't, and still can't, deal with his mother's cancer.. Unfortunate, yes. My problem, no. I will not let them get under my skin. Sorry if I can't make long term plans or only go fishing as a last minute plan. The care and well being of my family, and my puppy, always comes first. Those who don't get it never will. You've got your head screwed on straight, and your priorities right. That is all that matters. Sadly, there are always far too many fair weather friends. That's why I think of them as acquaintances. The friends I have I know will give the shirt off their backs, just as I would for them. Sounds like you have similar solid friends.

Have to admit I never had a bike til I was 10. Knew how to handle a boat before I learned to cycle.

Had the hitch assembly bust on a trailer loaded with firewood years back. I never noticed til i got home. Had the chains snugged up enough that the trailer bar had only dropped 2 inches.

Nor do pedestrians acknowledge or obey the rules of the road that pertain to them. Remember when bicycle and pedestrian safety were taught in school????

It has not been a hard winter. Even so I've had no time to enjoy any winter fun.

In the past few months there have been a lot of threads with "hurt" in them. Can't help but make me think. Look around those close to you, your friends, buddies here on OFC,... How many faces won't be in the mental picture a few years from now. Wayne knows all too well what I mean. I am humbled by the determination, fortitude and endurance you and your family have shown through everything. You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Just goes to show we have to cherish what time we have together. Forget the boneheaded dickering, pissing matches and arguments. At the end of the day they aren't worth it. We all have disagreements. So what. Leave it at that. Last memory i want of anyone I know, family or friend, is a bad one. Life is far too short to dwell on such crap. I just hope I get the opportunity to get together with a lot of you guys and gals that i have yet to meet before the clock runs down, and more time to fish with the buddies I do have here. Sorry for rambling.

I have long reached that point of not worrying about "if" I fall down. It's all about "when" I fall down. Thankfully with all the falls I've not hit my head or had a concussion. If Judy knew so much as a tenth of the times I've fallen, she'd have me smothered in bubble wrapped and locked in my room.

Had to admit it looked good, but got failing marks. No side of taters or rings! Lol

I love Superbowl. Leaves a lot few people on the ice.

Critter barrier I used was of the same grade steel/coating as the roof to fill those gaps.

Metal roof all the way. I've built many a house and done many a roof. Shingles just don't hold up , and the warranties really aren't worth the paper they are written on. Subdivision roofs are built to be as cost effective as possible for the builder. In other words they meet code. many builders will allow you to upgrade if they have not already put up the roof. Up sell just adds to the profit margin. I've only put up a few metal roofs some 20 years back. They were properly plug screwed, critter baffles in place, powder coat, full sheet. They still look brand new. The one on my buddy's barn still keeps everything bone dry. Even if you pay 25-30% more than shingle pricing. Consider the other costs to reshingle that others have already mentioned. Then consider that you will spend that again in another 15 years or less if you stay put.

Speaking of life's pleasures. Supper consists of slow simmered ribs and pineapple. Sides of garlic mash potato, buttercup squash casserole with a buttery graham crumble. Sorry for the lack of pics. Still on the loaner Mac. Too old to access a lot of programs, including photobucket.

We may be big. It just goes to show we have done our best to enjoy what life has to offer. And the simplest pleasures are still the best.

At which point another 1% new order will take over. That was what happened in Russia, and what happened in China. The "Party" merely replaced the aristocrats and blue bloods. History merely repeating itself, yet again.

Glad you got off the ice OK. Don't worry, I won't lecture you cuz I'm just as hard headed. Lol. Just make sure you're still in one viable piece come spring. I plan on visiting this year.

It's actually a far better ratio than in previous centuries. Up until 1600's Europe 1% of population controlled 60% , and the church 30%. That left 10% for 98% of the population. That mix never really changed until the rise of the middle class in the 1800's and modern industrialization in the 1900's. make no mistake, that 1% has always been calling the shots one way or another.

After seeing that I'm thinking of english muffin pizzas for lunch tomorrow.

If I'm going to donate to stocking or conservation, I'll donate the money to organizations and clubs that actually do what they promise. Lot of clubs out there running successful stocking programs. At least you know the money won't be squandered.

For those needing some gumboot stomping music. Ashley MacIsaac. Close To The Floor

Gotta pay for all them pie in the sky promises that politicians keep making. Wynne liberals trying to find additional funds to pay for all them John Tory infrastructure promises for the GTA.

It's a tightrope that far too many families have to walk. Do we deny a loved one desperate measures and experimental treatment? do we let them endure excessive suffering? Do we let them go peacefully? Which expert do we listen to? Where does our conscience come into play? There is no one answer to any of those questions. Seen enough death and dying over the decades and I since learnt that I have no right to sit in judgement over these heart rending decisions. And even hindsight is not 20/20. There is always room for doubt and second guessing, and any family facing such crises gets to face a great big pile of it.

I'm hoping.