Morning Pages: regentisland.com

Sunday, May 31, 2009: Confirmation Sunday

My alarm went off at 5:00 am as I had forgot to switch it off. That would mark the time I'd normally have to get up and get ready to make the trip to Knox. As I was already at Wyndham I went back to sleep until about 7:00 am.

We headed over to the Sunnyside Grill for breakfast at around 9:00 am. Sweet William was dressed in his finest as today was his confirmation. We were joined by Auntie Pam at the Sunnyside. I skipped breakfast beyond some toast Wee Fred felt I needed to eat. I wasn't hungry though without the big trip in.

Knox was good. We had one piece that had proven problematic but through some divine intervention we pulled it off. The cofirmation part was interesting as I've never seen the process before, having come from the dunked in the creek baptism school myself. William did part of the reading before hand and did an excellent job. Afterwards there some cake with usual tea and coffee festivities.

For lunch we went with Will and Wee Fred's Grandparents and Auntie K to a restaurant called Seasons. The food was outstanding as were the desserts. I went back to Wyndham for the afternoon and while Jayne took a nap we watched "Return of the King". We had barbequed sausages for dinner after which I took the train back into the City. They had all these track laying machines at the GO Train station which were cool to see up close.

The Cheat on a cake?

Confirmation cake number 1

Confirmation cake number 2

The track laying machine

A panaroma view

The GO Train arrives

Saturday, May 30, 2009: Stormy Saturday

I got up at around 8:00 am and eventually went up to the GFM for breakfast. I had a nice breakfast of blue berry pancakes. Bobo showed up and we had a coffee then took a stroll back over to his. I hung out there for a bit then had to head back to SsW to sort my stuff out for the weekend.

It was a glorious morning but by noon it started to look like storms were coming. I headed out to Wyndham at around 2:00 pm or so. I took the TTC down to Union then got the train out. This saves me the trip at 6:30 am tomorrow morning. It stormed at bit while I was on the train but by the time I got to Wyndham it was sunny. Jayne met me and we headed back to Wyndham Manor and I stowed my stuff in the Suite.

I went for a run at around 6:00 pm. It was a nice run but the storm clouds started rolling in as I was on the last half of it. I actually thought I might get soaked but I got home in plenty of time before the rain and wind came. The winds and rain did come too. There was all manner of stuff being blown about and a mad scramble to sort the debris, umbrellas and knocked over potted trees in the pool area afterwards.

We had spagetti for dinner then the kids wanted to watch "The Two Towers". That went on until 11:30, my precious.

Clouds rolling in

More stormy clouds

Construction at Wyndham Station

Friday, May 29, 2009: Forgetting Headphones

Lots of marching about today followed by Pho with Chris and Robin at 4:30 pm or so. Richard couldn't make it today. Afterwards it was back to SsW. I had to pack up all my stuff for Harold and in the process forgot my good headphones. I ended up having to use some ancient earlugs of Jeffs which served the purpose but were less than comfortable.

Matt picked me up and we drove over and got Phil. Then headed on to Chez Harold. Tonight went well other than my headphone discomfort. We finished up at around 10:30 pm and left at around 11:00 pm.

Clock tower at the Fire Station near Bathurst & College

Thursday, May 28, 2009: Ping

I have continued to feel under the weather all week. Monday was pretty much a write off. The rest of the week has been difficult. The weather has also been cold and wet, although I haven't gone out much for it to matter.

Phil has asked me to open for and play with him at the Ambient Ping event at the Central on Markham street on the 23rd of June. I agreed although I have no idea exactly what I will do or play. It is a good venue though and if all other ideas fail I could just soundscape. I will need to get a proper gig bag for the Little Phatty from Moog Audio as well as some sort of additional stand to mount which ever groove box I use on.

Tonight I went out to Wyndham for dinner then early to choir as we sang at an old age home first, then had practice at Knox. I caught the 9:30 pm train back to the City.

GO arrives

Sunday, May 24, 2009: Singing & Sickly

I was up at 5:00 am and off to Union by 6:30 am. I took the street car down spadina as usual and got my ticket, then a hot chocolate before waiting for the train. I walked down to the Croissant place from the GO but there a dozen bicylists out front and breakfast was not being served until 9:30 am so relocation was necessary. I tried to call Jayne but accidently called James and woke him with confusion about the crossiant place not serving breakfast. He thought that he'd been so drunk last night that he'd made some crazy plan to have breakfast with me at 8:30 am. I appologized for waking him and managed to get a hold of Jayne. We went to the Sunnyside Grill instead and I had a very tasty breakfast.

At 10:00 am we ran through the pieces at Knox with the guest conductor and the Burlington choir. There was much confusion about our entry and worries all around about whether or not the main piece we were doing would even get off the ground. Amazingly all went very well. I was not feeling 100 percent during the service as I haven't felt quite right for a day or too. I actually felt like I was going to faint at one point.

After the service there was the usual tea and coffee and milling about. I was glad when we headed back to Wyndham. I didnt last long before getting the chills and having to sit. Wee Fred threw a blanket over me and I dozed for a bit until lunch was served outside by the pool. I had a bite, then tried to sit in the sun but felt so rubbish that I retired to the suite and crashed until nearly 7:00 pm. I got up, feeling slightly better and joined the whole crew for dinner.

Later a fire was made and marshmellows were cooked. I continued to feel rough and Jayne had me stay in the suite rather than do the trip back.

Heading down to Union

A street car heading north

Union

Knox and sky

Marshmellow pit

Dusk by the pool

Saturday, May 23, 2009: Bob Moog's Birthday

Today was Bob Moog's Birthday.

There was no Harold rehearsal last night. I did go out for Pho with Robin and Chis though and afterwards did a little shopping. I found a solution for my control processor mounting problem. I saw this "adjustable office telephone mount" while in a used office furniture store on Spadina so yesterday I took the CP-251 down there with me and tried it out. It fit perfectly. The mount sits on this raised arm that hooks onto the desk and can tilt and adjust. It looks like the robotic arm from the space shuttle or something. It works perfectly for the control processor. When I got home I set it up on the mixer shelf next to the Little Phatty and messed about. This means I will be able to use the CP-251 live.

I went to the GFM for breakfast at around 10:00 am. The Moon was busy. I had an outstanding breakfast and was joined by Gabriela, another GFM '99 alumni. We ended up talking for a while. I walked over to the LCBO on Dupont at around 2:00 pm and picked up two bottles of rum; one for Bobo and Kelly, and one for the party at Maury and James later. Then I walked over to Bobo's and assisted him in retrieving Kelly and the 400 $ worth of garden goodies from the garden shop over across from Feista Farms. Kelly bought a little Chinese Buddha that looks remarkably like our Vancouver friend James. I ran into GRH's old pal Ambrose from the Carlaw Ave days and said hello.

We transported all the stuff back to Chez Bobo in the Bobomobile then lugged it all into the back. Kelly and Treasure Kat did the gardening and planting with some minor assistance from Bobo and absolutely no assistance from me beyond snappy remarks. I hung out there until 5:30 then headed over to Jame's. He and his wife live with Maury over near Feista Farms. It is the same house that M and I stayed at back when I was visiting in 2000 after being in Manila. That was rather strange in a way. James gave me the tour as he's done extensive work on the place. Various friends and relations showed up including Maury and his girlfriend and a wonderful barbeque was had. I didn't drink as I've been feeling slightly off, and I left at 9:00 pm so that I could be in bed at a good time. Tomorrow is Knox.

The robotic arm

Another angle

Don't mind the touque

Buddha

Venus Cat

Thursday, May 21, 2009: The Orbit Room

I got up at 6:00 am and went for a run. The weather has improved enough that the run is quite pleasant, or as pleasant as a run can be. I like the route which keeps me off the main drags for the most part and allows me to pass lots of trees and gardens. I have to say that as barren a wasteland this place may be during winter it is a lush green garden at this time of year.

I got back at around 7:30 am and had a nice hot bath, then crashed for about an hour. I got up and sorted a few items out then met MGF and had some lunch. We walked around Queen St W and checked out some stores then headed back towards University. Afterwards I sorted some banking and caught the 3:00 pm GO Train to Wyndham.

Tonight was the big double rehearsal for the upcoming service on Sunday. We are joining forces with the Knox Burlington Choir for a special choral event. The piece we are doing though is rather tricky and we ended up running well over the normal 9:00 pm finish. There was cups and cakes afterwards as the Burlington crew had done for us a few weeks ago. Jayne generously drove me back into the core as I had missed the 9:30 pm GO Train.

Tonight was of course the Druck Farben show at The Orbit Room. I got there about halfway through the first set and the place was just jammed full of the usual suspects and prog-heads. I managed to land a seat and enjoyed the rest of the first set. Chris was playing elsewhere tonight so he missed the show and Richard F was also out of action so I had to go it alone. More prog for me I guess.

I have to say that during the second set when Druck were playing Genesis' "Firth of Fifth" that they jelled in a way I've never heard. It was beyond their usual exact perfection of reproducing the songs flawlessly. Some other magic descended and though I'm not sure if they could sense it on the stage the crowd certainly did. It was magnificent to see and hear. The rest of the second set as well as the third and final set were outstanding. I was knackered and normally would have bailed after the second but it was so great I stuck it out to the end. An amazing show.

Afterwards I walked back to SsW. I got in around 2:30 am.

The first set vantage point

The slighty blurry members of Druck Farben

The third set vantage point

Keyboard wizard William Hare

Outstanding playing

Rocking out

Always great vocals

An outstanding evening

Wednesday, May 20, 2009: Synth Wah

I went over to Long & McQuade today and paid my Godin bill. I saw the Digitech X-Series Synth Wah pedal and decided "why not". I have the X-Series Digidelay and love it and this is the first time I've actually seen the Synth Wah pedal.

Afterwards I walked over to the GFM and had breakfast. I hung out there for much of the afternoon and was later joined by Bobo. I had to meet L for dinner at Ralf's at 6:00 pm so at 5:30 pm I headed over there. It was a good dinner and afterwards I got a ride down to College St. I picked up some much needed items from Magnolia Grocers then walked back to SsW.

I tried the Synth Wah out on the Novation Bass Station and got some terrifying and bizarre results. Using it in conjuction with the Andriod Modulator was also highy amusing. I haven't tried it on guitar yet but I'll do that at some point.

GFM Patio view

A new toy

Sunday, May 17, 2009: Wee Fred's Party

I was up in the early early and off by 6:30 am to Union Station. It was a lovely morning which makes the early trip in a lot more pleasant than during the dark cold winter months. I had breakfast with the Wyndham crew then it was to Knox for Choiring. That went well enough as usual.

This afternoon Wee Fred had a delayed until nice weather Birthday pool party. Magical M, Me Julie, and what seemed to be the cast of both Teen Girl Squad and Camp Rock were in attendence for this noisy sugar fueled event. Sweet William wore goggles for protection. I went for a run. I had brought a change of clothes plus my running kit just in case. I do miss the Wyndham route although I am growing used to the new one.

I stayed until 7:00 pm then got the GO back into the city. I had planned to just go home but Bobo called and I ended up meeting him, Kelly and Treasure Kat at GFM for a bit of food and drinks. Ratboy joined us later then we relocated back to Chez Bobo. I hung around until 11:30 pm then lugged my kit back to SsW.

Waiting at Union

The GO Train is coming

The GO Train is closer

The GO Train arrives

The Pool awaits the party

One of the guests

Saturday, May 16, 2009: Control Processing

I woke up around 8:00 am today and at 9:30 am or so walked up to the GFM for breakfast. On my way up I listened to the first half of "In a Silent Way" by Miles Davis. I think it's the first time I've listened to it since I left Bangkok. That felt rather odd. I had a big plate of blue berry pancakes and hung out for a bit. It was rather busy this morning. I split around 11:30 am.

Breakfast at GFM

I have to sort out some kind of thing to mount the Moog control processor on. Because of how the Little Phatty is designed setting the CP-251 on top in not an option unless there is a wall to learn it up against. Even that method is problematic. I worked with the two together more today and ended up just setting the CP-251 on the little white book shelf thing I use for my mixers. I needed a stable surface for it and it is the right height. I will have to figure something else out though if I want to use the control processor live.

Using the Moog Control Processor with the Little Phatty

Friday, May 15, 2009: Harolding

I caught a ride to Harold practice in the Mattmobile at around 6:30 pm. We stopped on route and picked up Phil then headed on. Tonight went well. There is a well established order of service now. This consists of arriving, setting up, eating what ever was left over from Jeff and Sharon's dinner and making coffee. Then it's time for a smoke break. As I don't smoke I will either monkey about on my gear or enjoy the super cumfy chair in the smoking room while they smoke. At some point we will play for a bit, then take a break, then play a bit more, then take another break and so on until the evening ends. Then the packing up takes place while Jeff downloads the recordings of the night's songs on to our respective thumb drives. Then off we go, dropping off Phil first then me second.

Jeff drums

Matt & me

Phil

Matt & me

Phil: "We have to shoot the 3D video for the Halloween gig soon..."

Me (not shown): "We're not playing until Halloween?"

Jeff: "Phil, you should wear your cape!"

Matt: "I knew a guy who had a really big cape"

Thursday, May 14, 2009: GO to Choir

Took the GO out to Wydham this afternoon. Jayne met me at Starbucks for a bit then we headed back. The pool seems to be operational again. I had dinner with the Wyndham crew then Jayne and I went over to Knox for Choir rehearsal.

Afterwards I got a lift back to the GO and caught the train back in.

A CN train passes through

A CN train passes through the GO train aproaches

My GO train arrives

Not rush hour

Today's paper

Wednesday, May 13, 2009: Control Voltages

I was woke up at 5:30 am this morning by Stephen's alarm which sounded like the self-destruct sequence had been engaged- NERP NERP NERP NERP NERP NERP... I was getting up at 6:30 am anyways though.

I went for a run and then came back and showered. I eventually went up and got some breakfast at GFM. This afternoon I tried out the CP-251 with the Little Phatty after several days of reading through the manuals. So far I'm keeping the patches rather simple as I am still getting my head around the various functions.

Moog Little Phatty Stage II with the CP-251

Tonight I was out with Ghosty Girl. We spend many hours hanging out at The Dip on the patio. Rain forced us to move under cover at one point. A good evening all around.

Waiting for Ghosty

Friday, May 8, 2009: Moogerfooger CP-251 Arrives

I got an email from Moog Audio last night that the Easter Bunny had finally dropped off the Moog Moogerfooger CP-251 control processor I've been waiting for since Christmas. I had expected it at around Valentines but when Cupid didn't deliver (when does cupid ever deliver?) I'd pretty much given up hope.

I was in the Core today so I met up with Richard F and we walked over and I picked up my prize.

Huzzah!

Richard and I went for Pho then I headed home and got my kit together for HAROLD. I had a little time to have a tea and examine my new toy.

Back home

The amazing Moogerfooger CP-251

Four way multiple CVs

Duo attenuators

CV mixer and Lag Processor

Sample and hold circuit

Control voltages for everyone!

I met up with Matt and headed over to Chez HAROLD for an evening of music making.

Sunshine

Wednesday, May 6, 2009: Tom's

This afternoon I went over to Wyndham for dinner. Afterwards we went out to Burlington and had desserts at Knox Choir Director Tom's. There was a good crowd of people there and it was a good visit. We stayed until 9:30 pm or so then headed back. I got dropped off at the GO and made my way back to SsW.

View from Tom's

Another view

Night view

The party

Rainy view

Sunday, May 3, 2009: Knoxless Sunday

No Knox for me again today. I slept okay although I had crazy dreams. My leg hurts beyond words. I think its all the back and forth with the temperatures.

I went up to GFM for breakfast this morning. It was beautiful out this morning. The trees are all turning green now.

Morning trees i

Morning trees ii

Wendi had some folk over this afternoon. I went with Chris and Richard to the Pro Jam which tonight was held in Scarborough at some pub called the Fossil and Haggis. It was a good night and the new venue was much better than the old. The food was better too. Chris brought his Chapman Stick and impressed many with his skills.

Chris on Stick

More Chris on Stick with flash

Blurry Stick

Chris no flash

Saturday, May 2, 2009: Breakfast with Deb

I woke up at about 9:00 am but no one was home except the cats. Deb had left a note saying she would be back around 10:00 at which time we'd have some food. I made a tea and hung out with the cats until she got back.

View of the yard

Cat

Glass thingy in window

Cats in the back

Cat in the window

Deb got back at around 10:00 am and made pancakes. We ate then I assisted her in putting up hammocks in the back yard.

At 11:30 am I met Bobo at the GFM for a coffee. I had a BLT as well since this mornings breakfast lacked bacon. I went back to Chez Bobo afterwards for a bit then went down to Bloor and bought this padded laptop insolator thing to use as a case for the Kaoss Pad 3. I am concerned about the pad surface being damaged during transport.

I went back to SsW.

Tonight Wendi had a few folk over for a wee get together. I joined them until about 11:00 pm.

Friday, May 1, 2009: Juice Party

Aches and pains! It is the weather I think. This morning was lovely though. I went to the GFM for all day breakfast and hung about there. The patio was open and it was busy enough.

Spring !

This afternoon I sorted out my kit and got ready for Harold. I got picked up by the Mattmobile and headed over the Chez Harold around 6:30 pm. It was a good practice. I requested an early end time though as I was slatted to go over to Deb's for a juicer party.

Tap

Jeff and Phil search for snacks

Harold smoke break

After rehearsal Matt dropped Phil off at his then dropped me off at Deb's. Things were sort of winding down when I arrived at 11:00 pm. There were about seven people there when I arrived but they all split by 12:30 pm. Deb ended up doing a fry-up so I helped eat that. They we talked until about 2:00 am. I ended up crashing on her couch, not wanting to walk home with all my gear at 2:00 am.