Frogs dawn a new Season

Been on this beautiful, but slowly decaying, planet for 47 years. Not exactly I know, but my last birthday was that number. Let’s forget the first ten, leaving 37 or so years I am able to dip into my memory bank and recall. That’s 36 springs. So how come, when I was running the other lunchtime I was – yet again – surprised and delighted to hear the sounds of frogs, croaking their happy voice in some sort of unison, singing to the tune of spring? Spring is an amazing time of year, with Mother Earth bursting to life. But the frogs bowled me over – I stopped running, when I first heard the cacophony, wondering what it was I was hearing. Locked inside my truck, I would have missed natures call – everyone would have. Running, once again, opens your ears and eyes to your local surrounding. Love it.

I’m running well at the moment, for no apparent reason. I’m not training particularly hard, but each time I go out, I seem to be able to push myself a bit harder. A bit further. Life yet in the old body eh? Natasha and I ran our first running race of 2012 a few weeks back. Granted the field was not a particularly high standard, but it was an open race, sponsored by North Face outdoor gear, and part of a 6 race Grand Prix. I crossed the line in 7^th overall, and Natasha 9^th in the woman’s class. Chuffed to bits we both were. We are wanting to run the whole series, which will be tough, but it’s something to aim for and we will give it our best shot.

‘Timitus’ struck big time two weekends back, when the newly purchased snow mobile packed in on its first outing, some 20km up a logging road. Fantastic skiing, the dogs in snow heaven, but reminded me – and others to their amusement – that I have this special way with all things mechanical that if it will go wrong, then it will when Tim owns it. I duly returned the machine to the dealer, who of course found nothing wrong with it. But the ‘crowing turd in the trifle’ (©Hugh Ellis) was on asking the mechanic to give me a quick idiot’s guide to snowmobile maintenance, he proudly showed me where the oil went, only to discover that was running dry. And they had just serviced it! Oh yeah, right.

My sister turned up trumps the other day. She pulled together a meeting of minds – my mum and her sister. Not seen each other for years, both aging, my Auntie in care home, my mother fiercely independent and proud. Perhaps they met for the last time? Must have been great to witness. Thanks Claire!

I have tried something new this past three months. I was successful in my application to for a reception post at the local veterinary practice. The trouble was that I have had zero training and background and I found it nigh impossible to learn the lingo, the ways and wherefores of veterinariasm (??). Enjoyable experience though, and no regrets for treading this path. But good job I kept my former employer, Colin, on my Christmas card list…..

Things to look forward to? More bees on their way, all four hives having survived our long snowy winter. Matthew, my nephew, comes out to visit in May. Peter and Lynne, long time friends and mentors, visit in July. B&B bookings trickling in.

Life is varied. Life is good. As I said to Peter the other day – don’t reduce. Modify.

A new year?

Are we staring at the onset of spring? The rain has started, the daytime temperatures are above freezing, the snow slowly turning to a granulated ‘slush puppy’. Doubtless the nights might well still be cold, but winter is surely behind us now. For we have had a winter, not as severe as last year, but white and cold nonetheless. People will be heartened, as snow here is the lifeblood of the summer waters. No snowpack equates to no water. Climate change is like a gun to our head, but the Harper Govt continues to deny. Let me not start on a Rick Mercer style rant…..

2012 has been a gold medal to me, hanging large and glitzy round my neck. I have emerged from 2011 fit, healthy and with work. My grievance with Husquavarna and Sears have been resolved (I won), I kept my running fitness, Bonny and Tasky continue to delight, snow has fallen, my bees are alive (all four hives), we have a new truck and I have a job.

For reasons unbeknown to me, I beat the rest at interview for the post of veterinary reception / assistant. I now work 40 hrs a week at Nakusp veterinary clinic for the vets Laurie and Bill, and alongside Caroline, another English lass. A massive learning curve for sure, as I am not in any way medically trained, the language and terminology all alien. As are the systems, layout, clients and patients. So a new dawn beckons with all the trials and tribulations it brings.

Thoughts are turning toward holidays, of which I have precious little. Perhaps Yellowstone Park for summer? We have Peter and Lynne visiting in the summer, which I am so looking forward to. I want to race the local KasloSufferfest in September, but I suspect a half marathon will lure us before then. Projects abound – bathroom renovation, car port, deck railings, new woodstore. Four more bee hives will live alongside my existing four, so hopefully a bountiful nectar flow will occur in August. Bookings are slowly coming in for Smiling Hills B&B, a summer wedding no less! But where do I find the time?

Natasha is trying to find a publisher for her second book ‘An Immigrants Tale’, hoping to continue the success of ‘The Last Field…’.  As of today, her Amazon book ranking is 215 641 - a way to go before a world best-seller. She is stretching her brain and qualifications with her A level equivalent French. Quite beyond me, but its great to see her study again.

So, till the snow melts, we continue with our jobs, dog snow-walks, occasional ski, looking ahead to a great year.

Life is good

The late afternoon lighting over New Denver glacier sky winked at me, saying ‘I’m off now. See you tomorrow’. The brilliant, clear white light reflecting off the virgin snow dazzled me for a few seconds, as I felt that rush of adrenalin and sheer pleasure of being alive. But then I realized I still had 6km to run in 12” snow, with two dogs intent on chasing every deer in the area and no headtorch. Life is fun, and if not, make it fun!

I had been intent on going for a run, without really giving any practical thought as to where I was going and the time of day. I left at 3.15pm, and ran up the ‘old highway’, a dirt track, called Old Sandon Road. I call this run of mine the ‘bucket loop’ and its one of my favourites. 12 – 13km of pure fun, and includes a bucket crossing of Carpenter Creek. There is a fair amount of climbing too, and I was blind to the consequences. As I climbed out of New Denver, I noticed the snow getting thicker, the dogs ever more excited. I lost them twice big time which cost me about 10 minutes of precious daylight, but I kept saying to myself ‘nah, it be reet’. But that view as I topped out at upper Alamo Siding mine site was inspiration in itself, making me realize that we lead such sedate, safe, TV lives.

All through the run, I was pondering over something I had said to a good friend of mine, Colin, who happens to be my boss. (I’ve been fortunate over my time of employment to have had predominantly good bosses, even if their superiors were useless). But I had said to him earlier on that week that I hoped one day to be an inspiration to him. It had bothered me at the time, and it had been bothering me ever since, as to why I had said that to him. Was I seeking recognition? Friendship? An ego massage? His answer was very politically correct which was good, but left me puzzling over this issue even more. It was whilst running down Alamo Siding, up to my ankles in drift snow, the dogs long gone, light fading, with the prospect of a dark run through forest, down towards the coveted bucket crossing, that it suddenly dawned on me why. It had little to do with our  relationship, as a friend or employee; It had everything to do with Tim and the relationship with himself and the outside world. That moment of topping out had said it all.

Since the Victoria marathon, I have only been out running a few times, and only once on the dreaded road. Every time I went out, I have been in my running haze, winning all these races, breaking all those PBs, breaking the 3.30 marathon. I was the best I could be. If you are a runner, you will know exactly what I mean. But since the snow, I have done nothing. No endomorphine flow. But here was I physically maxed out, head buzzing, heart pumping. I need to be fit enough to be able to do these special things. It’s too easy to sit back and watch the world go by. We all need to keep our head strong. Live for the moment and let your footsteps be the first in that snow.

It was a long run back in the dark.

We have snow here now. Winter has not fully arrived, but its certainly knocking at the door. I am continually in and out of work. Its tough, but reality; the cost of living where we do. I’ve tried once again knocking on the Federal MPs door to see if I can help. I’ve become a board member of our local ski club, along will all the frustrations it brings. The new snowblower has bust, our fridge saga continues and the diesel truck is up for sale. I’m not doing well with mechanical things right now, so I’m glad not be a mechanic. Natasha’s book continues to generate interest, book 2 on the proof reading table. I'm dabbling in the cosmetic world, using my beeswax for skin cream. Hardly redneck manly, but its quite fun.

I was given a ‘Life is good’ T shirt by Jane years back. Life is indeed good, but its not necessarily easy. If you lose sight of it, go looking.

Tim

Adieu or Aurevoir?

The weather was the first hurdle. Canadian Airlines decided that the storm was so bad that no flights were happening. So how to get from Kelowna to Victoria in next to no time? On pondering our choices, the announcement came that the plane had sneaked in and all should be ok (just how does a flight sneak in?). The flight left on time. There was no storm. There were no delays.

The second hurdle was the taxi journey from Victoria airport to registration. 30-40 minute journey became a 90minute torture, with our beloved driver talking for England. Drove us potty and we eagerly disembarked, somewhat jaded. Registration was lacklustre, with merchandise being pushed more than the race, its history, the athletes commitment to their arrival at the start line, the course etc. A sad reflection on where we have come.

The third hurdle was finding our sleeping quarters for the weekend. However, we need not have worried for the only obstacle was a grumpy bus driver. The directions we had been given and the residents who helped us en route were superb. The flat we had taken over was perfect - thanks Sarah!

The weather on the Sunday was supposed to be bad for the race, too, but as the stars shone on 6000 runners for the start of the Victoria half marathon, it was obvious that there was no storm. There were to be no delays. Everyone should finish on time, legs 'n lungs permitting. The main announcement was that the police were happy, as they had been observing the 5000 + crowd that morning: no drunks, no violence, no vandalism, no riots. All was set for Natasha's journey of 21.1 km.

My 42.2km journey started 85 minutes later, joined by 2000 others. By this time the sun was poking out from behind the clouds. Ideal conditions. Why is it that (mainly men) runners have to tell their stories at volume 9? Why is it that (mainly men) runners decide that the race is the place to tell the world how good they are?  The miriad of electronics and equipment had to be seen to be believed, enough to start a revolution for sure. Perhaps folks should concentrate on their running as opposed to the flag they were flying? They'd sure go a bit faster.

Fortunately, the two guys who obviously should be in London 2012 faded after 25km, and the faithful few in my group concentrated on getting home. It was hard. 30km onwards, my time slowed and there was nothing I could seemingly do about it. I finished slightly disappointed in 3.33.54, having set out to break the 3.30 barrier. Why that time? No reason other than the belief I can. However, I had run the best race I could. The course record was broken by both male and female athletes. Record numbers, fantastic weather, and the MC Steve King is king indeed. He knows more about the runners than the runners themselves.  Natasha met me at 38km which was fantastic, she herself having run a superb 1.44 for her half marathon. We both lazed on the grass, outside the Legislature buildings (for Victoria is the capital city of BC) soaking up the atmosphere, relieved our personal journeys were over.

Monday morning was spent with good friends, catching up, attempting jokes, eating a hearty breakfast. But time cut us rudely short, and we were driven out to the airport by our personal taxi. This time, perfect.

Its been a tough 16 weeks, pounding the pavements, more often than not alone. For me, I've been training really since January. No more marathons for me, but perhaps I might persuade a bunch of us to run one in 2016 (my 50th year). However, I love running. I love feeling fit. I love eating what I want, when I want. I love the freedom and simplicity it brings. So I wont stop, not till I have to. I look forward to planning a few shorter races next year.

And this might well be my last blog, but as many know - never say never! So, is it adieu or aurevoir?
Tim

Countdown

Countdown

With the summer of 2011 drawing to a close, we await with a degree of wonder to ‘what next?’ Last winter was pretty full-on, great for winter sports and snow shoveling. The dogs were in daily doggy-heaven, but it was hard work with so much snow. We spy the mountain tops daily for a sticking white coat.

My new found employment is working out well. Worked a couple of weeks, then promptly laid off temporarily as it has been so dry. No lawns are growing. This has proved a godsend as I’m busy laying the slate floor. The back has been broken, but its countdown time as I now have exactly one week to finish the floor, paint the walls and trim. Natasha is away for the week on a school trip, so home alone with two dogs, and mess everywhere! When I return to work, the dreaded leaf raking.

The training is progressing for the October 9^th Victoria marathon. We have both been pounding the road, 90% of the time turning left up towards Summit Lake. We play the Generation Game (UK readers will remember that) from time to time, to see who can remember the most roadside junk seen en-route. Natasha invariably wins. I have had a couple of non running related injuries, one resulting in a complete week rest from running. Ross, my nephew, completed the Sydney marathon today. His message to me on how he got on was simple – ‘ouch’. Sums it up nicely - my turn next. I’m thinking that 3hrs 30mins might be just out of reach, bar an exceptional on-the-day performance, but I have to beat my Vancouver time of 3.37.

The bees continue to recover from their ‘new house’ ordeal. Their numbers were down when I had to replace all the equipment, but they have appeared to have bred away and fill new comb with nectar. At least they will go into winter with odds on chance of making it through to spring 2012.

The B&B is also drawing to a close, which income wise is a bit of a shocker. It has been a great summer and we hope for winter guests, wanting to play in the snow. Natasha’s new laptop lasted a week and then hard drive failure. A new replacement Dell is being posted, but in the meantime she has made lots of new friends in India…

So, it is indeed ‘countdown time’ for us with so much change in the air. For me, the countdown is Oct 9^th, for Natasha Sept 28^th – ‘A Place to Play’ is published (Pegasus Publishing, UK). Please do look for it on Amazon.co.uk or .com, and order a copy. Indeed, order two and get one gift wrapped. Christmas is on its way.

Getting serious...

Natasha let slip the other day, as we were heading back down the sublime, very English ‘London Ridge’, high above the Kaslo mountain pass, that it was only seven weeks to go till Marathon Day. Gulp. This is getting serious, I thought. My running is going well, and I am feeling strong. Will I make sub 3.30 in Victoria? We will find out, but whatever the result, that’s it for me and marathons. Natasha is hanging on in with her training, and is suitably determined to do as well as she can.

The bees have pulled out all the stops and produced healthy colonies and a whack load of ‘Seriously Valhalla’ honey. But alas, the curse of my original purchase of second hand bee equipment two years back has come back to haunt me. American Foul Brood has not gone away. Tears welled at the thought of having to go through the pain (again) of burning my bees and a complete start-over. But on reflection, I was advised to keep the bees and ditch the hardware (AFB affects bee brood and housed deep in the bee cells, so the bee itself is clean – but the colony cannot reproduce). This is serious and I need to get shot of it. However, Natasha was a star at a recent New Denver Friday market, making over $600 in honey sales. I, alas, was working so could not join in the fun. Farmgate sales are seriously fun, and at last I can start to compete with Spanish Pete in stories of local people and travelers who swing by. The folk range from ‘Oh, that is simply far too expensive – we are rather price-sensitive here’ (reply - if you want cheap honey, go to the supermarket) to ‘Excellent. I’ll take the lot!’. A new bee deck at the bottom of the garden is in the process of being constructed, which will make way for the new picnic bench and fire pit.

The vegetable garden has progressed from being lame to productive, thanks to Natasha’s attention. Garlic, runner beans, chard and potatoes, with raspberries for next year. Apple and pear trees have been ordered for the spring.

Hiking over the summer has been superb fun. The crown was definitely New Denver Glacier, the big downer being the welcoming and hungry mosquitoes. The two nights planned were changed to one, four of us crammed into a two man tent. We also managed to get away for a few days on a local holiday outing, dubbed ‘the Kootenay ‘Cation’. One certainly does not have to travel far here to be immersed in seriously world class landscape. Best of all, few mosquitoes. The highlight was waking up after a storm, to witness snow covered peaks. In August!! I braved the cool lake waters (I don’t do cold water swimming) on a few occasions, and was even relaxed enough to indulge in a book.

Part of India lines our kit room and entrance hall now in the form of slate. It looks lovely and a joy to get part of the house back in to some form of order. I keep putting off the dining room and kitchen, as I want to put up a covered area over our rear deck. Far more fun, and way less serious… using local wood too which involves a donation to the local Eco Group.

The Bed & Breakfast has been a rip-roaring success. Such a wide variety of people turn up, the last couple being honeymooning newly-weds. So, the combined income from honey and guests has been welcomed for sure. We worked hard for it, but worth every penny. I’m starting full time work in September which will be blessing, doing yard work with a friend in New Denver. I have always left my lawns well alone, cutting only when essential. However, there is a certain pride in producing straight cut lines on a nice lawn. New skills to learn for sure – always a good thing. Trying to run a home based business and hold down a job will be tough, though, and the dogs will not enjoy it one bit. In the long run, I’ll like to work three days on yard duties, but I’m hardly in a position to negotiate right now! Anything to keep me out of the classroom….

So, the summer rolls on. Natasha is trying to defer the start of her term next week, but we have the Victoria marathon weekend to look forward to and we are aiming to have another camping trip during the first week in September, ‘Labour weekend’. But it will be an outing with a difference, as we have decided to retire The Pink Slug (the camper). It causes too much stress as its falling apart! It has served us well. Whatever next? A caravan? Now, that is serious.

Pictures found at http://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=145082598861572

OUCH!

The times, they are a changin’. I smiled to myself as I sat back in my camping chair, supping tea, reminiscing 1979/80 Jam, Who, Stranglers (and so on) concerts. Here I was now, watching The Sheepdogs do their stuff on stage, at our local Nakusp music (rock) festival in 2011. It was a snapshot from 1960’s Woodstock, young energetic lads with long hair and bandana’s, eating the microphone and make love to their guitar. I could not fault their energy and passion. It was not the average 40+ age which amused me, it was designated camping chair area for us to sit back, relax, drink tea and watch youngsters (and not so young) thrash about on their stage. Awesome event and I’ll definitely try to go next year. Kevin Costner and Modern West were spirited – I admired him for getting up on a stage which can so easily go horribly wrong. Missed the high tempo workout by Gary Hoey, but judging by the last 30 secs I caught as I wandered onto the field, his performance was electric. The Grapes of Wrath, childhood mates now well into their 40s reunited for a superb performance, Spirit of the West pumping out known tunes, but the accolade must go to the aging rockers I remember only too well on TotP with hits such as ‘What a fool believes’ and ‘Minute by Minute’. The Doobie Brothers - simply fantastic. Naively I spent time working out who the Doobie brothers were, until I read that a ‘doobie’ is a joint. What world do I live in??!

However, my time sitting in my camping chair was short lived on all three nights – not because of the dogs being home alone, or Natasha being away (in the Rockies with her girlfriend Billi), but injury. Alas I have been forced to stop running, having suffered a literal body blow. A piece of wood kicked back from my bench saw into the left side of my groin – apart from seeing stars for a long while, little ‘down below’ was recognisable due to swelling and I did not think that the viewed hue of black and blue existed.

Meanwhile, my bees are making honey. Lots of it. Busy little critters. Ill be extracting some this summer for sure, and maybe even try selling some of it. They are without doubt quite a remarkable insect. I hope that good fortune shines on me and them this winter, as to enter the spring of 2012 with four intact hives would be very special. Our summer is not treating them well, as we are not really having one just yet. This morning was fun – I hobbled off on my dog walk, but forgot my umbrella (middle aged or what?!). Yet another thunderstorm kicked in, and as I sheltered under one of our massive cedar trees, I watched the ferns and bracken dance to the beat of the raindrops. I would have missed that I had remembered my man made shelter. Look for nature, don’t hide from it.

My pile of India slate is slowly shrinking, mixing floor goop and laying tiles as I listen to my new cd purchases (signed, of course). Its fun – bachelor conditions kicking in as floor work takes over. I aim to finish the kit room by the time Natasha returns. My running remains on the back burner till Thursday. It was my rest week anyway, so full training shall resume, hopefully, next week. Meanwhile, our suite guests left happy this morning - over the weekend they had bumped into a certain Mr Costner coming out of our local food shop without knowing he was in the area.

Good times. Tim