-Despite a light dusting of snow late yesterday afternoon/evening, the winter continues to be unseasonably warm. Again today we're expecting temperatures close to five degrees above freezing and I'm not sure if it's even gone down to -20 at any point this month. It's just bizarre.
-A few months ago I noticed that our oven didn't seem to be heating evenly. Of course, because it did eventually heat up it took me a while to identify the problem. That the element in the oven continued to operate as normal made the problem even more baffling.
Finally, after months of procrastination we finally called an appliance service company last week and arranged for a visit by a repairman. After quickly describing the problem, the service technician got down to work and began disassembling our oven.
Before long panels were off and he was deep in the gut of the thing, where he found that the oven's second element - which was hidden in the side of the oven away from site - was shot. Fortunately, he had a replacement element on hand and he was able to have the oven back in proper working order in less than an hour.
While we were more than satisfied with the quality of the service call, it seems like a bit of a design weakness to place a replaceable element in a location that requires the oven to be torn apart to reach. That the first element lasted about fifteen years will hopefully mean that this won't be a service call we will need to make again.
-With our newly functioning oven we've both already completed baking projects. Yesterday I made a loaf of bread and Jeannette made a small batch of coconut cookies.
-In addition to regular Sunday cleaning and errands, we'll likely have to make a trip to the grocery store later today. Hurrah!
Cameron - 10
Neil - 0
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
A Few Quick Notes - 628
-Despite technically warmer temperatures on Saturday, both yesterday and today have felt a fair bit warmer. Sadly, neither of these days has been accompanied by the sunnier skies of Saturday.
-Yesterday was Family Day in Saskatchewan. Though I tried talking Jeannette into a day trip to Montana and North Dakota (Plentywood and Williston in particular), we spent most of the holiday cleaning the house. Despite being a little disappointed that we didn't manage an international adventure, I'm quite happy that we did some long-overdue deep cleaning.
-One task I didn't finish yesterday is folding all of the laundry that I did. Guess I should get down to that shortly (and because I've also changed the sheets since then theres even more to fold).
-In most cases I feel as though if I'm not completely unreceptive to ads, I'm relatively unreceptive to ads. There are many companies whose ads I know I've heard thousands of time (if you listen to podcasts you know which companies I'm talking about) that I have no interest in patronizing.
One product, despite the low production qualities of most of its ads, I've long been tempted by is CLR - a product that promises to de-calcify household objects. Even as a child I found this product tempting, though because St. John's has relatively soft water how or when this liquid would be used was never entirely clear.
Since we've lived in Regina the uses for a product that might de-calcify a household objects have become a little clearer.
Since first buying some CLR for Jeannette (so that I could clean our kettle) I've had the pleasure of using this product and observing that it works as advertised and did exactly what I wanted it to do. It was strangely satisfying to finally buy this product after so many years of ads and then find that it works as advertised.
Oddly, I'm not sure that I have similar feelings about many of the other products I've seen ads for on a regular/daily basis for the past 15 years.
Cameron - 6
Neil - 0
-Yesterday was Family Day in Saskatchewan. Though I tried talking Jeannette into a day trip to Montana and North Dakota (Plentywood and Williston in particular), we spent most of the holiday cleaning the house. Despite being a little disappointed that we didn't manage an international adventure, I'm quite happy that we did some long-overdue deep cleaning.
-One task I didn't finish yesterday is folding all of the laundry that I did. Guess I should get down to that shortly (and because I've also changed the sheets since then theres even more to fold).
-In most cases I feel as though if I'm not completely unreceptive to ads, I'm relatively unreceptive to ads. There are many companies whose ads I know I've heard thousands of time (if you listen to podcasts you know which companies I'm talking about) that I have no interest in patronizing.
One product, despite the low production qualities of most of its ads, I've long been tempted by is CLR - a product that promises to de-calcify household objects. Even as a child I found this product tempting, though because St. John's has relatively soft water how or when this liquid would be used was never entirely clear.
Since we've lived in Regina the uses for a product that might de-calcify a household objects have become a little clearer.
Since first buying some CLR for Jeannette (so that I could clean our kettle) I've had the pleasure of using this product and observing that it works as advertised and did exactly what I wanted it to do. It was strangely satisfying to finally buy this product after so many years of ads and then find that it works as advertised.
Oddly, I'm not sure that I have similar feelings about many of the other products I've seen ads for on a regular/daily basis for the past 15 years.
Cameron - 6
Neil - 0
Saturday, February 13, 2016
A Few Quick Notes - 627
-After several days of warm weather we awoke yesterday to relatively cold and windy surroundings. Of course, it seems that what passes for cold these days is nothing like winters past when cold was cold (and cars needed to be plugged in).
-One major consequence of our unseasonably warm weather is that we haven't had much snow to shovel. While I can't really complain about the lack of shovelling, I was expecting a somewhat typical amount of shovelling this year. I was further expecting that this shovelling would finally be enough to wear out one of our two shovels. Because of these nested expectations some number of months ago I began dreaming about the replacement shovel I could justify buying once the cheap shovel I'm currently using finally wore out. Somehow, and maybe for the better, the cheap two-pack of shovels that we bought about three years ago just so that we would have shovels when we moved into our house have been much more resilient than expected.
-Several months ago, for reasons that are no longer entirely clear to me, I decided to try to up my cabbage consumption. Thinking back on this decision I think that it must have had something to do with price as it wasn't until after I'd made the decision that I learned that there were some nutritional benefits to be derived from the dietary addition.
While I can't say that I'm yet a daily consumer of cabbage, I have gotten pretty good at adding to my soup rotation, using it as the base component for any salads, and adding it to sandwiches.
I'm quite impressed with myself that I've managed to keep this going for a few months with relative ease. Maybe with a few months more of effort the practice will become so ingrained that it will no longer require effort.
-I really think I need a nap.
Cameron - 4
Neil - 0
-One major consequence of our unseasonably warm weather is that we haven't had much snow to shovel. While I can't really complain about the lack of shovelling, I was expecting a somewhat typical amount of shovelling this year. I was further expecting that this shovelling would finally be enough to wear out one of our two shovels. Because of these nested expectations some number of months ago I began dreaming about the replacement shovel I could justify buying once the cheap shovel I'm currently using finally wore out. Somehow, and maybe for the better, the cheap two-pack of shovels that we bought about three years ago just so that we would have shovels when we moved into our house have been much more resilient than expected.
-Several months ago, for reasons that are no longer entirely clear to me, I decided to try to up my cabbage consumption. Thinking back on this decision I think that it must have had something to do with price as it wasn't until after I'd made the decision that I learned that there were some nutritional benefits to be derived from the dietary addition.
While I can't say that I'm yet a daily consumer of cabbage, I have gotten pretty good at adding to my soup rotation, using it as the base component for any salads, and adding it to sandwiches.
I'm quite impressed with myself that I've managed to keep this going for a few months with relative ease. Maybe with a few months more of effort the practice will become so ingrained that it will no longer require effort.
-I really think I need a nap.
Cameron - 4
Neil - 0
Saturday, February 06, 2016
Apparently it's February
So our unseasonably warm winter has continued. Today we're experiencing temperatures quite a few degrees above freezing accompanied with intermittent blue skies.
[Embedded video]
On the whole, the effect is quite palatable.
Unfortunately, we may be due for some rain later this afternoon. Of course, the upside of any rain would be that it would likely go a long way towards eliminating the small amount of snow that we do have remaining on our lawn. The downside would be rain in February - and one of the best things about Regina is that it doesn't typically have rain in February.
Cameron - 3
Neil - 0
[Embedded video]
On the whole, the effect is quite palatable.
Unfortunately, we may be due for some rain later this afternoon. Of course, the upside of any rain would be that it would likely go a long way towards eliminating the small amount of snow that we do have remaining on our lawn. The downside would be rain in February - and one of the best things about Regina is that it doesn't typically have rain in February.
Cameron - 3
Neil - 0
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Winter so far
Somehow, despite the fact it feels as though we just moved here, we are in the midst of our fourth winter in Regina. Under normal circumstances this would mean that at this point in the year we'd be clad head to toe in various thermal garments and be making last-minute trips to the car at 10:30 PM when we realized that we'd not plugged it in.
Instead, because it has been a record breaking winter, we often choosing spring jackets (or on one occasion two nights ago - no jacket) and we haven't even gone so far as to locate our car's block heater cord. On one or two of the colder days I did dig out my ski mask, but that was probably more just to do it than because it was necessary.
Strangely, at least so far, the milder weather has not meant more storms or snow. As of a few days ago, the last time I heard any reporting on the matter, we were well below 10 cm of show for the season. While we don't typically get much snow here, we do typically get a fair bit more than 10 over the course of several months of winter.
And the impact of this minimal total snowfall has been mitigated by several days of temperatures above zero. The past two days have been particularly impactful as they've been accompanied by very clear skies. The effect was such that we now have largish patches of (brown) grass showing.
Despite the mild weather that we've had through the end of January there's still plenty of time for things to take a turn for the worse in February, March and April. Of course, if we're able to maintain the current trajectory I don't think anyone will be complaining.
Instead, because it has been a record breaking winter, we often choosing spring jackets (or on one occasion two nights ago - no jacket) and we haven't even gone so far as to locate our car's block heater cord. On one or two of the colder days I did dig out my ski mask, but that was probably more just to do it than because it was necessary.
Strangely, at least so far, the milder weather has not meant more storms or snow. As of a few days ago, the last time I heard any reporting on the matter, we were well below 10 cm of show for the season. While we don't typically get much snow here, we do typically get a fair bit more than 10 over the course of several months of winter.
And the impact of this minimal total snowfall has been mitigated by several days of temperatures above zero. The past two days have been particularly impactful as they've been accompanied by very clear skies. The effect was such that we now have largish patches of (brown) grass showing.
Despite the mild weather that we've had through the end of January there's still plenty of time for things to take a turn for the worse in February, March and April. Of course, if we're able to maintain the current trajectory I don't think anyone will be complaining.
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
A Few Quick Notes - 626
-It seems we've finally begun to move towards late Fall and then Winter. A few days ago we had our first flurries of the season and we've not had a real snowfall enter the forecast (though I'm not completely convinced it will materialize).
-I guess that means it's finally time to start thinking about putting the snow back on the car? It feels as though we only took them off a few weeks ago. Bummer.
-Much to our surprise we ended up with about 72 Trick or Treaters by the time we made our way across town for a party. Had we stayed we surely could have broken 80 as the streets were still teeming as we pulled out of the driveway. At least from the candy perspective it was good we left when we did - we were basically on empty.
-As we spoke to a neighbour and her son just before we left we were informed that one of our other neighbours (on the de classe side of the street which isn't technically even on our street) was jumping out and chasing kids with a real chain saw. Maybe this had a negative impact on our numbers?
-To attend our Halloween party I dressed as a Saturday morning hockey Dad. Of course, because I have no idea what a Saturday morning hockey dad really looks like I just wore my paint and tar stained jeans (they're my only jeans), a tee shirt, a flannel jacket/overshirt, and a toque. Of course, I also grabbed the largest size coffee available from Canada's favoured coffee retailer. I'm not really sure if I looked like a hockey dad at all, but at least I got to look like a dirt bag for a bunch of uncostumed people at the party.
-I guess that means it's finally time to start thinking about putting the snow back on the car? It feels as though we only took them off a few weeks ago. Bummer.
-Much to our surprise we ended up with about 72 Trick or Treaters by the time we made our way across town for a party. Had we stayed we surely could have broken 80 as the streets were still teeming as we pulled out of the driveway. At least from the candy perspective it was good we left when we did - we were basically on empty.
-As we spoke to a neighbour and her son just before we left we were informed that one of our other neighbours (on the de classe side of the street which isn't technically even on our street) was jumping out and chasing kids with a real chain saw. Maybe this had a negative impact on our numbers?
-To attend our Halloween party I dressed as a Saturday morning hockey Dad. Of course, because I have no idea what a Saturday morning hockey dad really looks like I just wore my paint and tar stained jeans (they're my only jeans), a tee shirt, a flannel jacket/overshirt, and a toque. Of course, I also grabbed the largest size coffee available from Canada's favoured coffee retailer. I'm not really sure if I looked like a hockey dad at all, but at least I got to look like a dirt bag for a bunch of uncostumed people at the party.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 625
-While we had grey skies and a little rain today, I think I still have to classify the day as generally nice. Most importantly, the temperatures, which can really start to dip in October in Regina, have stayed relatively warm.
-After a few weeks of procrastinating I finally got around to calling my home insurance company about our most recent renewal rate, which was a fair bit more than I expected. The explanation for the jump, which made more sense than I expected, paired with being walked through various fee lowering options made for a relatively pleasant experience. Of course, the online quote from their competitor that I was trying to grab at the same time which eventually came in much higher than what we're paying didn't hurt either. Apparently I wasn't being ripped off as much as I feared I was.
-Well, there's nothing like a parliamentary election to make for good TV viewing on a Monday night. And of course it's hard to be an election result that will likely lead to two leadership contests in the near future. The only bummer in all of this is that the two parties (one is certain and the other seems likely) that may be in search of a new leader both use various universal membership voting mechanisms to select their leader. As a view of political events I much prefer delegated conventions with real on-the-floor horse trading.
-Also, I can't recommend viewing a Canadian election in Regina enough. Things kicked off with the polls closing in Newfoundland just as we returned home from work. 30 minutes later the rest of Atlantic Canada entered the mix. Just as the first 33 races were pretty much resolved we had enough time for a quick walk around the neighbourhood before the major onslaught of polls everywhere from Quebec to Alberta closing. By about 8:00 PM the final outcome was really starting to come into focus. We were basically in bed at our normal hour. (Of course, our riding - Regina Lewvan - was one of the last to be resolved and was so close that it may now be subject to a re-count.)
Back in Newfoundland election viewing means a very late night with the excitement not really even starting until after when I'd want to be in bed. It's all very uncivilized.
-After a few weeks of procrastinating I finally got around to calling my home insurance company about our most recent renewal rate, which was a fair bit more than I expected. The explanation for the jump, which made more sense than I expected, paired with being walked through various fee lowering options made for a relatively pleasant experience. Of course, the online quote from their competitor that I was trying to grab at the same time which eventually came in much higher than what we're paying didn't hurt either. Apparently I wasn't being ripped off as much as I feared I was.
-Well, there's nothing like a parliamentary election to make for good TV viewing on a Monday night. And of course it's hard to be an election result that will likely lead to two leadership contests in the near future. The only bummer in all of this is that the two parties (one is certain and the other seems likely) that may be in search of a new leader both use various universal membership voting mechanisms to select their leader. As a view of political events I much prefer delegated conventions with real on-the-floor horse trading.
-Also, I can't recommend viewing a Canadian election in Regina enough. Things kicked off with the polls closing in Newfoundland just as we returned home from work. 30 minutes later the rest of Atlantic Canada entered the mix. Just as the first 33 races were pretty much resolved we had enough time for a quick walk around the neighbourhood before the major onslaught of polls everywhere from Quebec to Alberta closing. By about 8:00 PM the final outcome was really starting to come into focus. We were basically in bed at our normal hour. (Of course, our riding - Regina Lewvan - was one of the last to be resolved and was so close that it may now be subject to a re-count.)
Back in Newfoundland election viewing means a very late night with the excitement not really even starting until after when I'd want to be in bed. It's all very uncivilized.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 624
-We are in the midst of an almost perfect fall in Regina. After a few near-frost days the temperatures have really warmed up and the skies have been free of intrusive clouds.
-Of course, while the weather has been great the leaves have been turning (and falling) at a remarkable rate. In just about a week the tree in our front yard went from green to yellow to empty.
Of course, other trees aren't changing quite as quickly and it is a great time to walk around on many of Regina's well-maintained trails.
Seriously, it's hard to imagine a much more beautiful time of year in Regina.
-And of course, I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to take a related time-lapse video
[Embedded video]
-For some reason I've been quite pie-inclined for the past few weeks. I'm really having to restrain myself from cranking two or three pies (as I did last weekend).
I think I'm going to crack.
-Of course, while the weather has been great the leaves have been turning (and falling) at a remarkable rate. In just about a week the tree in our front yard went from green to yellow to empty.
Of course, other trees aren't changing quite as quickly and it is a great time to walk around on many of Regina's well-maintained trails.
Seriously, it's hard to imagine a much more beautiful time of year in Regina.
-And of course, I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to take a related time-lapse video
[Embedded video]
-For some reason I've been quite pie-inclined for the past few weeks. I'm really having to restrain myself from cranking two or three pies (as I did last weekend).
I think I'm going to crack.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 623
-As noted previously, today has been a fair bit cooler than forecast. To the best of my knowledge, these cooler temperatures can all be attributed to the sun-blocking powers of massive quantities of throat and lung-irritating smoke. It seems reasonable to assume that as long as the smoke sticks around the temperatures will stay down, which is nice because it's not really open window weather at the moment.
-We've finally started harvesting food from our garden. So far we've managed to grab a few early kale leaves, some celery stalks, and quite a number of green onions. I suspect that for the next few weeks, at least until the peas come in, we'll more or less be suck with these three vegetables.
-On the fruit front we've also managed to grab a few raspberries and a few handfuls of haskap. While the haskap are likely just about done for the year, our real raspberry harvest is still probably a few weeks away. Hopefully by next year, when all of our plants are a little more established, we should really have good production from both types of plants. Sadly, our strawberries, now relocated to the front of the house, don't look as though they'll ever do all that much.
-Since some library school friends in town for a conference paid us a visit a few weeks ago Jeannette and I have been a little obsessed with tofu shish kebabs. Prepared with the broiler or the barbecue, these things are really great.
-We've finally started harvesting food from our garden. So far we've managed to grab a few early kale leaves, some celery stalks, and quite a number of green onions. I suspect that for the next few weeks, at least until the peas come in, we'll more or less be suck with these three vegetables.
-On the fruit front we've also managed to grab a few raspberries and a few handfuls of haskap. While the haskap are likely just about done for the year, our real raspberry harvest is still probably a few weeks away. Hopefully by next year, when all of our plants are a little more established, we should really have good production from both types of plants. Sadly, our strawberries, now relocated to the front of the house, don't look as though they'll ever do all that much.
-Since some library school friends in town for a conference paid us a visit a few weeks ago Jeannette and I have been a little obsessed with tofu shish kebabs. Prepared with the broiler or the barbecue, these things are really great.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Nasty hail storm in Regina
After weeks with no precipitation of consequence, we finally experienced a long-brewing summer storm in Regina. After a few minutes of rain the hail began - and then really came down.
[Embedded video]
We weren't quite a golf balls, but these marble size hail stones were still capable of doing damage. By the end of brief hail shower our garden had really been hit hard. Hopefully we'll be able to recover - though I'm sure many of the plants will be set back by at least a few weeks.
Then, almost as quickly as it all began, it stopped, reverted to rain, and then became sunny. The whole interlude was maybe only 15 minutes.
Very weird.
[Embedded video]
We weren't quite a golf balls, but these marble size hail stones were still capable of doing damage. By the end of brief hail shower our garden had really been hit hard. Hopefully we'll be able to recover - though I'm sure many of the plants will be set back by at least a few weeks.
Then, almost as quickly as it all began, it stopped, reverted to rain, and then became sunny. The whole interlude was maybe only 15 minutes.
Very weird.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 622
-While it is unlikely that we will make it up to the low-twenties, as we did yesterday, we have every indication that today will be at least another passable Spring day - if a little overcast.
-To take advantage of yesterday's great weather Jeannette and I spent much of the morning walking around our neighbourhood and the downtown area. First we made our way to the city-funded arts centre (which just happens to be a few blocks away from us) to visit a showing of local artists works. Unfortunately, we weren't able to find anything we wanted to buy.
We then made our way up to one of our local coffee shops for some road coffees for our walk to the farmer's market.
Mainly as a justification to head out for a walk, rather than with intent to actually buy anything, we made our way over to the Regina Farmer's market. Unfortunately, as is normally the case, it was something of a disappointment (and nothing like the Saskatoon Farmer's Market that we visited last Saturday) and we weren't even remotely tempted to buy anything. As usual, there wasn't even any flour. What's up with a farmer's market in Saskatchewan not selling flour?
Because the farmer's market is on the same street as the optician from whom I recently purchased glasses I then went to have my glasses adjusted. For some reason my glasses have been slipping down my nose (a problem I have had with every pair of glasses I have ever owned). While I think the adjustment helped I'm not sure if the problem has been altogether solved and I fear that I may have to start using my weird little rubber ear piece attachments. Bummer (particularly, because it this problem that motivated me to buy new frames).
-After a little bit of early yard work (mostly some raking and sweeping) Jeannette talked me into having our first barbecue of the season. Not surprisingly, it was quite pleasant.
-To take advantage of yesterday's great weather Jeannette and I spent much of the morning walking around our neighbourhood and the downtown area. First we made our way to the city-funded arts centre (which just happens to be a few blocks away from us) to visit a showing of local artists works. Unfortunately, we weren't able to find anything we wanted to buy.
We then made our way up to one of our local coffee shops for some road coffees for our walk to the farmer's market.
Mainly as a justification to head out for a walk, rather than with intent to actually buy anything, we made our way over to the Regina Farmer's market. Unfortunately, as is normally the case, it was something of a disappointment (and nothing like the Saskatoon Farmer's Market that we visited last Saturday) and we weren't even remotely tempted to buy anything. As usual, there wasn't even any flour. What's up with a farmer's market in Saskatchewan not selling flour?
Because the farmer's market is on the same street as the optician from whom I recently purchased glasses I then went to have my glasses adjusted. For some reason my glasses have been slipping down my nose (a problem I have had with every pair of glasses I have ever owned). While I think the adjustment helped I'm not sure if the problem has been altogether solved and I fear that I may have to start using my weird little rubber ear piece attachments. Bummer (particularly, because it this problem that motivated me to buy new frames).
-After a little bit of early yard work (mostly some raking and sweeping) Jeannette talked me into having our first barbecue of the season. Not surprisingly, it was quite pleasant.
Sunday, March 08, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 621
-After very cool temperatures just a few days ago, we've moved into a sunny warm patch. Yesterday, and hopefully again today, we'll see temperatures above zero and plenty of melting. Assuming this trend continues as forecast we should see plenty of melting over the next few days.
-Jeannette and I had an incredibly productive and pleasant day yesterday. We began by walking over to the first Farmer's Market of the season. Unfortunately, we were going to buy some lentils and barley and that vendor was absent. From there we made our way to the pet food store and then the downtown shopping district.
After grabbing lunch and taking care of a little downtown shopping we realized that we were just feet and minutes away from a free Regina Symphony Orchestra chamber ensemble concert at the public library. Amazingly, though we arrived only a few minutes before they were to begin we had a great selection of seats to choose from (within just a few minutes after our arrival almost all of the available seats were taken).
After the concert we spoke with a member of Jeannette's book club and her friend who was visiting from Winnipeg. Not only were we able to pick up a little inside information about hot Winnipeg restaurants, we learned a little more about the free concert series at the library.
Once we returned home we hopped in the car and made our way out for an afternoon drive. In our continuing attempt to at least visit many of the towns surrounding Regina we made our way through Pense and Belle Plaine. Unfortunately, the melting snow and muddy streets likely meant that we weren't seeing these towns at their best.
-Hopefully we will head out for a walk along the creek later this afternoon.
-Because I'm a sucker for this kind of thing I'm watching the Manitoba NDP leadership convention as being streamed by CBC. Yesterday I followed the Newfoundland NDP convention via Twitter. I think I'd probably watch/follow almost any delegated convention occurring in Canada - they really make for exciting viewing (whether or not you like the party involved).
-Not having a dishwasher is a real bummer. It seems that we constantly have a sink full of dirty dishes to do - no matter how many sinks full of dishes I've already done. Definitely a bummer.
-Jeannette and I had an incredibly productive and pleasant day yesterday. We began by walking over to the first Farmer's Market of the season. Unfortunately, we were going to buy some lentils and barley and that vendor was absent. From there we made our way to the pet food store and then the downtown shopping district.
After grabbing lunch and taking care of a little downtown shopping we realized that we were just feet and minutes away from a free Regina Symphony Orchestra chamber ensemble concert at the public library. Amazingly, though we arrived only a few minutes before they were to begin we had a great selection of seats to choose from (within just a few minutes after our arrival almost all of the available seats were taken).
After the concert we spoke with a member of Jeannette's book club and her friend who was visiting from Winnipeg. Not only were we able to pick up a little inside information about hot Winnipeg restaurants, we learned a little more about the free concert series at the library.
Once we returned home we hopped in the car and made our way out for an afternoon drive. In our continuing attempt to at least visit many of the towns surrounding Regina we made our way through Pense and Belle Plaine. Unfortunately, the melting snow and muddy streets likely meant that we weren't seeing these towns at their best.
-Hopefully we will head out for a walk along the creek later this afternoon.
-Because I'm a sucker for this kind of thing I'm watching the Manitoba NDP leadership convention as being streamed by CBC. Yesterday I followed the Newfoundland NDP convention via Twitter. I think I'd probably watch/follow almost any delegated convention occurring in Canada - they really make for exciting viewing (whether or not you like the party involved).
-Not having a dishwasher is a real bummer. It seems that we constantly have a sink full of dirty dishes to do - no matter how many sinks full of dishes I've already done. Definitely a bummer.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 620
-Though a little warmer today, for the past few days we have been waking up to rather frigid temperatures (in the -35 to -40 with wind chill range). Fortunately, these temperatures have decreased rather dramatically as the days have progressed and, typically, by evening we're up to a comfortable -20ish.
-I'm 1/4 in this year's Roll Up the Rim to Win competition. I suspect my only entries will be those I purchased while either traveling to and from Edmonton or while I was in Edmonton. I'll be surprised if I even get a chance to move up to 1/5.
-With ever lengthening days it has been a treat to walk to and from work in full light this past week. Of course, paired with the cold temperatures we've been having, the full sun and bright skies have been a little dissonant.
-Over the past few days Jeannette and I have been somewhat obsessively watching Orphan Black, a show staring Regina native Tatiana Maslany (who also happens to have been in the Newfoundland-filmed movie Grown Up Movie Star alongside one of Kirsten's school friends). Of course, because there aren't all that many episodes currently in existence this will necessarily be a short-lived obsession.
-I'm thinking about trying to drag Jeannette out for a walk along the creek/river today. Aside from the somewhat cool temperatures, it's a perfect day.
Cameron - 14
Neil - 0
-I'm 1/4 in this year's Roll Up the Rim to Win competition. I suspect my only entries will be those I purchased while either traveling to and from Edmonton or while I was in Edmonton. I'll be surprised if I even get a chance to move up to 1/5.
-With ever lengthening days it has been a treat to walk to and from work in full light this past week. Of course, paired with the cold temperatures we've been having, the full sun and bright skies have been a little dissonant.
-Over the past few days Jeannette and I have been somewhat obsessively watching Orphan Black, a show staring Regina native Tatiana Maslany (who also happens to have been in the Newfoundland-filmed movie Grown Up Movie Star alongside one of Kirsten's school friends). Of course, because there aren't all that many episodes currently in existence this will necessarily be a short-lived obsession.
-I'm thinking about trying to drag Jeannette out for a walk along the creek/river today. Aside from the somewhat cool temperatures, it's a perfect day.
Cameron - 14
Neil - 0
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Definitely a storm
I rather prematurely doubted the severity of today's forecast storm.
Soon after my post things really began to pick up.
[Embedded video]
Of course, just as things were picking up we had to head out for my optometry appointment (and a trip to the local Asian grocery store).
Not only was the blowing snow really quite good at reducing visibility, but the cold temperatures (almost -40 with the windchill) and high humidity (about 80%) were causing cars' windows to frost up in a most impressive fashion. I've never experienced anything quite like it.
Normally, when it's this cold the major upside is low humidity (including a low risk of snow). Somehow, we've managed to get everything today.
[Embedded video]
[Embedded video]
Fortunately, the snowing is supposed to stop in a few hours. I guess once it does I will have to head out and take care of some shovelling. Yum!
Cameron - 11
Neil - 0
Soon after my post things really began to pick up.
[Embedded video]
Of course, just as things were picking up we had to head out for my optometry appointment (and a trip to the local Asian grocery store).
Not only was the blowing snow really quite good at reducing visibility, but the cold temperatures (almost -40 with the windchill) and high humidity (about 80%) were causing cars' windows to frost up in a most impressive fashion. I've never experienced anything quite like it.
Normally, when it's this cold the major upside is low humidity (including a low risk of snow). Somehow, we've managed to get everything today.
[Embedded video]
[Embedded video]
Fortunately, the snowing is supposed to stop in a few hours. I guess once it does I will have to head out and take care of some shovelling. Yum!
Cameron - 11
Neil - 0
Big bad snow storm?
So, for the first time this winter in Regina we've been warned that a snow storm may be on our way. Of course, I thought it was supposed to start hours ago and presently it's just begun to snow lightly - so I'm not altogether what this says about the impact of the forecast storm. Is it just a little late?
Of course, one of the things I find funny about this storm is that it is supposed to bring with it 10-15 cm of snow. In other parts of the country this quantity of snow would hardly be worth noticing - particularly during a winter when the eastern portion of the continent has been hit repeatedly with more substantial blasts.
To be a little fairer to this region, even a relatively small amount of snow and wind can make driving, particularly highway driving, quite dangerous. As there is almost nothing to stop snow from blowing once clear streets and highways can instantly, or so it seems, have snow patches that might impact the trajectory of one's vehicle. Even days after a snowfall light and fluffy snow can be blown around in ways that are problematic for drivers.
What makes this storm particularly notable, though, is that it is supposed to be taking place while it is relatively cold (-21ish and with a windchill of -37ish). Normally when it is this cold we don't get all that much snow - and we certainly don't have snowstorms in these conditions.
I guess we will just have to wait and see if the storm does materialize.
Cameron - 9
Neil - 0
Of course, one of the things I find funny about this storm is that it is supposed to bring with it 10-15 cm of snow. In other parts of the country this quantity of snow would hardly be worth noticing - particularly during a winter when the eastern portion of the continent has been hit repeatedly with more substantial blasts.
To be a little fairer to this region, even a relatively small amount of snow and wind can make driving, particularly highway driving, quite dangerous. As there is almost nothing to stop snow from blowing once clear streets and highways can instantly, or so it seems, have snow patches that might impact the trajectory of one's vehicle. Even days after a snowfall light and fluffy snow can be blown around in ways that are problematic for drivers.
What makes this storm particularly notable, though, is that it is supposed to be taking place while it is relatively cold (-21ish and with a windchill of -37ish). Normally when it is this cold we don't get all that much snow - and we certainly don't have snowstorms in these conditions.
I guess we will just have to wait and see if the storm does materialize.
Cameron - 9
Neil - 0
Sunday, February 08, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 619
-We're currently in the midst of a light snow shower. Assuming all goes as planned, I'll probably head out in a few minutes to do a little light shovelling. Of course, depending on the length of this snow shower I may or may not have to head out later tonight to do a little final tidying.
-Fortunately, we've not had all that much snow this winter. And what snow we did have earlier in the winter was reduced dramatically by a warm stretch we had a few weeks ago.
-The Pet Roombaing has continued unabated. And as I've previously reported, each session results in far more hair and dust than seems reasonable given the frequency with which the machine is run. Gross.
-A few days ago Jeannette and I bought about a pound of strawberries. We consumed them in a single sitting last night as the fruit component of a chocolate fondue session. Once we ran out of fruit I switched to crackers (we wouldn't want to waste perfectly good chocolate, would we?).
-At the New Year's Eve party we attended one of the attending families brought a chocolate fountain with them. While the theory is quite similar to chocolate fondue, to get the right consistency for the 'fountain' effect they had to add quite a bit of vegetable oil to the pounds of melted chocolate. It was probably quite good that I saw the prep stage as I think I am quite unlikely to ever take part in any chocolate fountain activities in the future (not that I'd ever taken part in the past - but now I have a good reason).
-At some point I going to have to figure out what we're going to have for dinner. B'ys, it just never ends.
-Hope you're enjoying your blog-off content spurt.
Cameron - 8
Neil - 0
-Fortunately, we've not had all that much snow this winter. And what snow we did have earlier in the winter was reduced dramatically by a warm stretch we had a few weeks ago.
-The Pet Roombaing has continued unabated. And as I've previously reported, each session results in far more hair and dust than seems reasonable given the frequency with which the machine is run. Gross.
-A few days ago Jeannette and I bought about a pound of strawberries. We consumed them in a single sitting last night as the fruit component of a chocolate fondue session. Once we ran out of fruit I switched to crackers (we wouldn't want to waste perfectly good chocolate, would we?).
-At the New Year's Eve party we attended one of the attending families brought a chocolate fountain with them. While the theory is quite similar to chocolate fondue, to get the right consistency for the 'fountain' effect they had to add quite a bit of vegetable oil to the pounds of melted chocolate. It was probably quite good that I saw the prep stage as I think I am quite unlikely to ever take part in any chocolate fountain activities in the future (not that I'd ever taken part in the past - but now I have a good reason).
-At some point I going to have to figure out what we're going to have for dinner. B'ys, it just never ends.
-Hope you're enjoying your blog-off content spurt.
Cameron - 8
Neil - 0
Saturday, January 31, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 618
-After about a week and a half of unseasonably warm temperatures we've again seen the mercury drop to something approximating the seasonal norm (even if we're still a few degrees above where we normally are). The nasty consequence of the warm weather is that much of the snow that we had on the ground melted and then re-froze as ice and because many people hadn't been completely up to date on their sideway clearing much of this ice is now on sidewalks around Regina. Snowfalls, however slight, since the drop in temperatures have conveniently masked much of the ice making walking even more treacherous than it was when it ice was exposed.
-This morning at about 8:30 I went out for a nice shovelling session. I managed to take care of our shovelling and to also shovel the sidewalks of our neighbours on both sides. Much to my surprise, I think I managed to take care of this shovelling before any humans walked along the sidewalk.
-For dinner tonight we should be having a nice batch of mushroom and barley soup. If I decide to be ambitious we may even have some type of freshly baked bread or dessert to accompany the soup (maybe even both).
-I think that after about a month since we first felt the symptons of a cold Jeannette and I are both back to about 98%. There's a bit more phlegm than either of us would like, but it's not too bad.
-This morning at about 8:30 I went out for a nice shovelling session. I managed to take care of our shovelling and to also shovel the sidewalks of our neighbours on both sides. Much to my surprise, I think I managed to take care of this shovelling before any humans walked along the sidewalk.
-For dinner tonight we should be having a nice batch of mushroom and barley soup. If I decide to be ambitious we may even have some type of freshly baked bread or dessert to accompany the soup (maybe even both).
-I think that after about a month since we first felt the symptons of a cold Jeannette and I are both back to about 98%. There's a bit more phlegm than either of us would like, but it's not too bad.
Friday, January 09, 2015
A Few Quick Notes 617
-After several weeks of unRegina like Winter weather, we've finally moved on to the type of Regina winter weather I've come to know and love - it's about -20 and sunny. As far as I'm concerned this is almost perfect Winter weather. It just doesn't get better than this.
-While doing some supplementary shovelling today (I did the driveway, paths, and sidewalk immediately after the snowfall) I had the pleasure of taking in some of this wonderful Winter weather first hand. Of course, to prepare for the low temperatures I put on my coat, mitts, scarf, face mask, and hat. I was amazed to find that when I came in about 30 minutes later I was really sweating (and at no point did I feel cold).
-A few months ago This American Life began a new spin-off show - Serial. Almost immediately Jeannette and I became rabid listeners. During the run of the show we more or less restricted ourselves to the weekly podcast and the various discussions we would have with each other after each new episode was released.
Now that the podcast's first season has ended but various related stories have been independent news outlets we've gotten sucked into the Serial Reddit vortex. We can seem to spend an entire evening just reading Reddit comments about alternate theories of a 1999 Baltimore murder case. When not reading these comments I am compulsively contemplating my own (or Jeannette's particularly good) theory/ies of the case.
How is it possible that I am spending more time thinking about a 12 episode podcast now that it has ended than I did while it aired? How can I be waiting for new articles from The Intercept, articles that I know will just upset me, with a greater sense of anticipation than I had for new episodes? (I've probably checked for the concluding segment of the Kevin Urick interview 20 times today.)
-At some point soon I may have to start thinking about what to make for dinner tonight. On the other hand, because of our ongoing illnesses it seems likely that neither of us may be as inclined to eat in a timely fashion as we normally might be.
-While doing some supplementary shovelling today (I did the driveway, paths, and sidewalk immediately after the snowfall) I had the pleasure of taking in some of this wonderful Winter weather first hand. Of course, to prepare for the low temperatures I put on my coat, mitts, scarf, face mask, and hat. I was amazed to find that when I came in about 30 minutes later I was really sweating (and at no point did I feel cold).
-A few months ago This American Life began a new spin-off show - Serial. Almost immediately Jeannette and I became rabid listeners. During the run of the show we more or less restricted ourselves to the weekly podcast and the various discussions we would have with each other after each new episode was released.
Now that the podcast's first season has ended but various related stories have been independent news outlets we've gotten sucked into the Serial Reddit vortex. We can seem to spend an entire evening just reading Reddit comments about alternate theories of a 1999 Baltimore murder case. When not reading these comments I am compulsively contemplating my own (or Jeannette's particularly good) theory/ies of the case.
How is it possible that I am spending more time thinking about a 12 episode podcast now that it has ended than I did while it aired? How can I be waiting for new articles from The Intercept, articles that I know will just upset me, with a greater sense of anticipation than I had for new episodes? (I've probably checked for the concluding segment of the Kevin Urick interview 20 times today.)
-At some point soon I may have to start thinking about what to make for dinner tonight. On the other hand, because of our ongoing illnesses it seems likely that neither of us may be as inclined to eat in a timely fashion as we normally might be.
Sunday, November 02, 2014
A Few Quick Notes 616
-Today has been see-sawing between sunny periods and grey periods. Despite the less than perfect weather, it is much warmer and generally much nicer than when we arrived in Regina at this time of year two years ago. At the time Wascana Lake had already frozen and it wasn't until Spring that we had temperatures this warm.
-Yes, we've now been in Regina for just over two years (though three Halloweens). Last night we had dinner at the restaurant we first visited on our first night in town. The time has really flown by.
-Yesterday we went to Moose Jaw for the day to participate in an Ultimate tournament. Because we're too old for that kind thing (though we did manage to beat two younger teams) we're really feeling the effects today in a bad way. Hopefully we won't be in too much pain by the time we need to head to work tomorrow morning.
-My Margaret Wente pumpkin was a bit of a bust - not a single kid (or parent) commented on it. Maybe today's kids just aren't up on their national newspaper columnists? Or maybe I did a bad job carving her likeness? Or, more likely, both?
-Yes, we've now been in Regina for just over two years (though three Halloweens). Last night we had dinner at the restaurant we first visited on our first night in town. The time has really flown by.
-Yesterday we went to Moose Jaw for the day to participate in an Ultimate tournament. Because we're too old for that kind thing (though we did manage to beat two younger teams) we're really feeling the effects today in a bad way. Hopefully we won't be in too much pain by the time we need to head to work tomorrow morning.
-My Margaret Wente pumpkin was a bit of a bust - not a single kid (or parent) commented on it. Maybe today's kids just aren't up on their national newspaper columnists? Or maybe I did a bad job carving her likeness? Or, more likely, both?
Sunday, September 14, 2014
A Few Quick Notes 615
-After several cold and grey days today was a pleasant change of pace. Eventually it was even warm enough that we needed to use the AC in our car. Of course, even this high wasn't particularly high and was certainly no where near the low 20s that were in the forecast a few days ago.
-Yesterday afternoon we tuned into the livestream of the PC convention in Newfoundland once we learned that the virtual tie on the second ballot was forcing a do-over/third ballot. Not only was it great to see all kinds of people I know (i.e. friends, former profs, former co-workers, and friends of my parents), but it was also neat to watch an entirely unscripted television event. Neither the viewer nor the producers knew what was going to happen and it was exciting.
-For some reason I recently remembered the idea of mushroom barley soup. This morning I started preparing a batch that we could have for lunch. Wow, that was tasty. I'm not quite sure why we haven't been making more of this stuff.
-I saw diagram outlining the ideal viewing areas for the recent Northern Lights eruption and it seems that Saskatchewan was one of the worst viewing locations. I guess now I don't feel so bad that we didn't try to wait for the clouds to clear. Hopefully we'll get another chance soon.
-Yesterday afternoon we tuned into the livestream of the PC convention in Newfoundland once we learned that the virtual tie on the second ballot was forcing a do-over/third ballot. Not only was it great to see all kinds of people I know (i.e. friends, former profs, former co-workers, and friends of my parents), but it was also neat to watch an entirely unscripted television event. Neither the viewer nor the producers knew what was going to happen and it was exciting.
-For some reason I recently remembered the idea of mushroom barley soup. This morning I started preparing a batch that we could have for lunch. Wow, that was tasty. I'm not quite sure why we haven't been making more of this stuff.
-I saw diagram outlining the ideal viewing areas for the recent Northern Lights eruption and it seems that Saskatchewan was one of the worst viewing locations. I guess now I don't feel so bad that we didn't try to wait for the clouds to clear. Hopefully we'll get another chance soon.
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