Monday, August 31, 2009: Mike Moves In

Mike, our new housemate at SsW arrived today and I gave him his set of keys. He's moving into Nathan's old room and will be here as he begins U of T this autumn.

I met up with Bonhomme and Family at our favorite patio on Bloor for some food and hung out there until I had to head back down to SsW to meet Mike. After Mike got his keys and dropped off some things he headed back out to the Dip and hung out there with his Family. I walked over to the store and got some milk for tea then went back and watched the Seven of Nine show.

Coming back from the store

The sun sets earlier. Summer is done.

Going...

No flash of green

Saturday, August 29, 2009: FanExpo 2009

I got up at around 8:00 am and had a shower before the others were up. Nathan and Emily invited me to go along with them to FanExpo 2009 down at the Metro Convention Centre. Andy and his crew (including Stephen) were off to Ottawa this morning so I said 'bye' to them and at around 10:00 am headed down to Union Station where I met up with Nathan and Emily. From there we walked over to the MTCC and went in. We got in line and waited to get our tickets. And waited. And stood in line. And waited.

The line up began at the front doors and snaked through the building all the way to the South Building which is on the other side of the train tracks beside the CN Tower. Even after buying our tickets there was additional line standing required and all told we were in line, or a line of some sort for a total of three hours. By the time we actually got into where the exhibitors were we were tired and out of energy. We tired to walk around for a bit but the whole thing was frustrating so we got our hands stamped and bailed on it. We went up and out of the entrance near the Sky Dome or whatever its called now and walked over to a sandwich shop nearby. There we got some much needed food and sat down for while. Once we'd eaten and rested we went back in and gave the Expo another shot.

The Expo seemed to be divided up between Science Fiction things like Star Trek or Star Wars, Comic book errr sorry Graffic Novels (comic books), Horror stuff including B-Movie type things, toys and collectibles, and other stuff that was just plain odd such as a booth featuring "The Honky Tonk Man" and "The Iron Sheik" who were wrestlers of some sort once upon a time. A great many people were dressed in various costumes. Many of the costumes were for Anime or video games and I had no idea who or what they were meant to be. There were some Star Trek types, including some old school uniforms however the bulk of the Sci-Fi types seemed to be of the Star Wars variety. There were some Steam Punks but fewer than I'd expected and most of them were female. I was actually surprised at how many females there were at this, and many of them were in costume. Some of them weren't in much costume. This could be good, but often it was not.

One section was devoted to autograph signing. The big star of it was Leonard Nimoy (Spock) but I wasn't willing to stand in any more lines nor was I willing to pay $60 bucks for his autograph. There were other "stars" there including Walter Koenig (Chekov), Linda Hamilton (Sarah Conner), Avery Brooks (Captain Sisko), Robert Duncan McNeill (Mr. Paris) and ... the guy who played "the Soup Nazi" on Seinfeld. Go figure. The crowd around that area was huge so I only managed to get a glimpse of Avery Brooks.

There was some sort of Jedi Knight sword fight demo that took place in one of the main walkway areas. This was all well and good except about ten minutes into it the MTCC Facilities Manager showed up, freaked out that the area was blocked and made them move it over. With far too many 'extras' in Storm Trooper uniforms (who took themselves a little too seriously I might add) standing in our way we bailed on it and went back outside for a bit and tired to find a functioning ATM. We went back in afterwards and poked around until nearly 7:00 pm when the exhibit hall started to shut down.

I called Richard F and Chris C to arrange a meet up for Pho. Chris was working so he couldn't do it but I walked over as far as University Avenue with Nathan and Emily then parted ways and met up with Richard F. We walked up to Pho on Spadina and got some food. I headed back to SsW afterwards.

Weird morning mist downtown

Another misty view

And another view

Storm Trooping runs in the family

Nathan seemed to know what this was about but I dont!

Outside for a lunch break

Tiger verses Teddy

Tron!

The Star Wars Jedi demo

Training with the Light Sabre

Obi Wan battles some Sith

Obi Wan

Portly Anakin Skywalker steps in

The MTCC Staff shut things down

One of many Silent Bobs

Anime Chick

More Anime types

Outside looking for an ATM

Ghost Busters!

Milling about

Jawa!

Hooodeeeeniiii

How embarassing to have not checked what the others were wearing

Chewbacca!

CN Tower

The Sky Dome or whatever its called now

Outside

Heading up

Pho

Spadina

College

Friday, August 28, 2009: Big Dinner

I was up early and hung about until others were up. Andy and his crew were to go shopping down town. I went up to the Wonder Cats Zone and spent the day there. I took several machines with me and did a bit of recording as I have fallen behind with that task.

When I got back down to SsW Nathan was about but had finished practicing drums. He had his Warhammer stuff out and was going through them. There were several pieces I hadn't seen before and supposedly there are more somewhere downstairs.

Tonight was a big dinner at the Italian Restaurant down the street. I went down with Stephen, Andy and the girls at 8:00 pm while Nathan went to collect his girlfriend Emily and they joined us later. It was quite a good meal although we may have been having much more fun than the Toronto Hipsters were comfortable with.

Recording the Korg ER-1

Running the MFB Kraftwerg off of the ER-1

One of Nathan's Warhammer fellows

Another Warhammer guy

This fellow has a red hat

A lone Rhino

Thursday, August 27, 2009: Visitors

Not even the slobbery of the single maleness of Stephen and I combined could remotely compete with what was left behind in the upstairs washroom this morning by three teenage girls. How much toothpaste actually got on to the brushes is a question that may never be answered.

I was up early early after a diabolical sleep that consisted of two hours of bad dreams followed by an hour of trying to go back to sleep followed by several more hours of the same and so on and so forth until the birds began chirping and the sun came up.

I had several teas then at around 8:30 pm our guests arose and the girls decended on the toilet. Once they were ready to go Stephen and his Andy herded them outside and off they went to Canada's Wonderland Amusement Park.

I had things to take care of so I did then got some very tasty Pho at a place up on Dupont that I've been meaning to try. Generous portions and good taste. They unfortunately didn't have any Jackfruit shakes.

I got back to SsW at around 7:30 pm and practiced guitar for a bit. I watched the Seven of Nine show then did some mixing. The Wonderland Expedition returned at around 9:30 pm or so. I sat and yacked with Stephen and Andy for a bit before retiring.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009: Up to Lawrence

I had some running about to do as well as Wonder Cat visitation this morning. At around 11:30 am I headed up Bathurst to the Lawrence area and had an excellent lunch with my old friend Toby. We hung out for a good while and chatted. It was a great visit.

At around 2:00 pm I met up with Bonhomme and had a coffee with him before returning the Wonder Cats zone. I also got meet the legendary Jane From Across the Street who came by to check the Wonder Cats' food levels.

I stuck around the Wonder Cats until 6:00 pm then headed back down to SsW. Visitors from the Rock have arrived although they were out and about when I got in. I did some laundry and relaxed with some guitar and TV.

The visitors, being Stephen's younger brother Andy, his Daughter Samantha and two of her friends Emily and Rebecca got back to SsW at around 10:30 pm. They will be here until Saturday when they go up to Ottawa to see the Jonas Brothers.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009: Storm Damage

Today I had more running about to do. I also spend more time with the Wonder Cats. I walked down to "Sit in Bangkok" via Christie Pits. On my way down I came across some major storm damage from last week that has yet to be cleared. At "Sit in Bangkok" I had an excellent meal of basil beef and rice. I hung out there for a bit then walked back to SsW.

I spent a while sorting out my gear and set up things back how they should be. I put the Moog back into an operation position hooked up the necessary items to use it in recording. After everything was in order I watched Voyager and practiced guitar before calling it a night.

The grounds keepers have sadly cut away all the ivy that was growing over my windows. I must draw the curtains again at night.

Damage from the storm on Thursday

No Parking! And a good thing too

Snapped like a twig

Fallen tree

Another view

Monday, August 24, 2009: Out and About

Nathan came over today to practice his drums which are set up downstairs. I had some minor running about to do today so I did. I also spent some time with The Wonder Cats and made sure they hadn't completely destroyed Chez Bobo. They are rather vocal and demanding creatures.

I headed back to SsW and Nathan was still there. We ended up spending a short time on a Warhammer 40k battle. He is very into this and I am curious. I got a call from out west and spoke to Bruce for a bit. Afterwards I met up with Bonhomme and sat on a patio until late. We grabbed some ice cream afterwards then I headed back down to SsW.

So much for dealing with my gear today.

Patio lights

Sunday, August 23, 2009: Quiet Sunday

I slept in rather late today. I went out in the afternoon and had a meal at "Sit in Bangkok" then headed back to SsW.

I organized a little bit of my gear although I've yet to deal with the bulk of it. This evening I ended up watching Bedazzled with Stephen.

Afternoon tea

The ivy vines take over my window

Saturday, August 22, 2009: Harold House Party

I woke up at around 7:00 am. At around 9:00 am I headed up to the GFM for breakfast. I called Chris C and arranged to meet him there. He showed up at around 11:00 am and then we drove back to SsW and loaded the gear into the car. I have a soft gig back for the Moog now which made moving it much easier than putting it in that stupid box. Once we were all loaded in we headed to the Peace Theatre.

When we arrived Jeff and Sharon were busy setting up and getting stuff ready for tonight. Chris and I brought in all my stuff and then Chris had to roll out to a gig in Barrie. I set up which took me about an hour and a half including testing it all. There are a lot of cables in my rig. All you can do is plug them in one or two at a time. I like those double quarter inch or quarter inch to rca cables for that reason. Instead of two seperate cables you end up with half as many potential cables to be tangled. As my gear is largely running in stereo this makes things a little easier.

Jeff and Sharon had to go pick up the replacement speakers for the main system so I stayed and tested out my rig while they were gone. Once they were back I head out and caught the TTC back to SsW with a stop at the bank and a store on the way. I stocked up on cranberry juice for tonight then came back to SsW and had a shower and changed. I packed a few extra things then caught a ride with Matt and Sarah in the Mattmobile at 4:30 pm back to the Peace Theatre.

We arrived just as Sharon arrived with Phil and Catherine. Chris snuck in after his gig and phoned me pretending not to be there and surprising me. Matt seemed to find this highly amusing. Once we were all there we had a sound check although I have read that the sound during sound check will have no relation to the sound during performance. I believe this to be true.

After check we had some food which Sharon, Sarah and Catherine generously provided. It was tasty chicken and salad and certainly hit the spot after moving gear and so forth. People began to show up around 7:30 pm or so. I had a tea and sort of tried to chill a bit.

At 8:45 pm I changed and then at 9:00 pm we went on. Catherine ran the light show again which was good. I never really get to see what she's done until after the show is over when I see the video. When you are having it projected on you its just a big blinding light.

My rig was as follows - Stand Number 2 : top - Novation Xio Synth running into the Electro-Harmonix Memory Man with Harazi - bottom- The Emu Vintage Keys Plus (MIDI controlled by the Xio) running into the Korg Kaoss Pad 3, the Korg Kaossilator running into the Mini Kaoss Pad which in turn ran to the Electro-Harmonix LPB2ube Preamp and on to mixer number 2. Stand Number 1: the Moog Little Phatty Stage 2 running into a Digitech Digidelay and on to my Boss DD-20 Giga Delay. Beside it on a laptop stand was mounted the MFB Kraftwerg Mini-modular (Midi controlled by the Moog) which ran into a Digitech Digidelay. Both analog units went on in stereo into the small 5 channel mixer which sat on my small white bookshelve to the left of the Moog. Mounted on the book shelf of course was the "robotic arm" that holds the Moog Moogerfooger CP-251 control processor that ran control voltages in to the Little Phatty's filter CV in. (There is a great bit in the Moog movie where Dr. Moog is turning a cut off frequency knob while Money Mark plays. That is what the CP-251 is like; having the spirit of Bob Moog turn knobs for you while you're busy playing).

I also sat the Thingamagoop on the white shelf and had the Alesis mixer there. I summed the other two mixers to it then sent stereo to Jeff's board where it went on to the sound system and to be recorded in Reaper.

So many cables!!

There were very few if any gear problems. I had one bad cable which unfortunately was connected to the Thingamagoop and it cacked out a couple of times resulting in a very loud cack. The MFB did need one reboot as it seems to go nuts for unknown reasons. I believe this might be a heat issue or perhaps there are CV problems internally. It also seemed to drift around in tuning at first although it seemed more stable during the second set. The Little Phatty played like a dream and sounded great. The CP-251 worked well with it. Having the Kaossilator run through the EH tube preamp also helped it not to get burried under the weight of Matt's bass and the wash of Phil's echo.

We did two rather long sets with a good break between. We finished up at around quarter to Midnight. I was absolutely exhausted by the end. Chris and I chilled for a bit and had some snacks. It is Jeff's Birthday so there was cake as well. We hung out for a bit. Robin was there but she left on her motorbike just after we finished. At around 1:00 pm Chris and I tore down. That took alot less time than setting up although it was still and involved process. We packed the car up and then drove back to SsW. Instead of just storing the gear in the basement until a future date we brought it all back to my room as I must continue recording next week for the Ping Things release.

Set up!

The set up: two digital synths, 3 Kaoss pads, 2 analog synths...

The Moog controls the mini-modular, the CP-251 helps

Trees and sky

Four crows

One crow for each Badger

More trees and sky

The mighty Moog Little Phatty Stage 2

The analog zone during the sound and lighting check

The digital realm

Sunset

Chilling

Robin goofs around during the break between sets

Matt

The Paisely Birthday Badger

Phil plays

Phil and the MFB

Say goodnight, Chris

Driving back

Needing a shower, a tea and to take out my eyes

Sound check video

Friday, August 21, 2009: Harold Set Up

Today involved some running about. The cleaning lady came this morning as we are expecting company in the form of Stephen's relatives next week. At around 10:00 I headed out. I had breakfast at the GFM before heading over to do some UPS sending. Later I met up with Bobo. I am house / cat sitting Chez Bobo while they are off and away. Keys needed to be copied and instructions given.

I got back to SsW and Flor the Cleaner was still at it. I got myself together for tonights Harold rehearsal at the Peace Theater. As Matt had to transport both gear and Phil I had to take the TTC. I headed out at around 6:00 pm and got there around 7:30 pm. I was delayed slightly on route by assisting a blind fellow cross Dawes Road.

Much of our gear was already set up for tomorrow. There were some speaker issues which will be sorted out tomorrow. Even with the suposedly "bad" speakers we managed to sound pretty good balance-wise. I only brought out the Xio and mini Kaoss pads for tonight. Chris will assist me with the big operation tomorrow morning.

We played a bit but finished early. I actually got home by around 10:30 pm.

Stop

Walking up to the Peace Theater

Setting up

Rehearsing

Phil

Matt

Phil & I

How do you rehearse improvising?

Testing the lights

Playing in the dark

Until tomorrow

Thursday, August 20, 2009: Big Rain

Bad sleep. Bad dreams. Was up and out at 9:00 am. Major leg ache today at times close to unbearable however a storm in the late afternoon seemed to relieve it in part.

I had breakfast at the GFM then had to do some running about with signing stamping and shuffling of papers.

My iPod earphones have been cacking out (that is a technical term my Brother Bruce taught me) so I went by HMV and picked up some new ones. I also picked up the Fever Ray CD.

I got back to my area at around 4:30 pm at had dinner at "Sit in Bangkok". Afterwards I hobbled back to SsW and arrived just before a big thunder and lightening storm hit. It was a massive storm and I understand that it caused some twisters and sorrow in the outlying areas.

The storm from my window

Another view

Wednesday, August 19, 2009: Patio & Bees

Up and out early for running about and so forth. Bobo and I had a tasty Chinese at the place near Yonge and Richmond before returning to the Annex.

Later this afternoon I went by Bonhomme's for a brief visit then joined He and his Mrs and Baby eM for a dinner on a patio with the bees. It was a lovely evening though. Afterwards ice cream was saught and found. Baby eM got to have a taste and the resulting look of joy and surprise was truly brilliant.

I caught a ride back to SsW from them then settled in for the evening. I pulled out the Ibanez 2010 which Cousin Rob had set up for me. He did an outstanding job. As much as I do love my Godin the old 2010 is a joy to play.

Weird morning sky

Tuesday, August 18, 2009: Lifting

Weird dreams that highlight unfinished business from 2001. Like my leg, some wounds never really heal up you just get used to the discomfort.

Up early and about then off to do what must be done. Today's task involving the moving of heavy items from point A to point Z. I went up to Bobo's cousins to assist in this task and afterwards had a visit and meal. This was followed by a trip to Bobo's folks for coffee and a visit.

The tasks of the day which followed were completed at around 4:00 pm at which time I wandered down to Sit in Bangkok for some proper food. I ate, then headed back to SsW and chilled for a bit then practiced guitar while watching Seven of Nine strut her prefection. Resistance is futile.

Scott Pilgram is done so Stephan was back earlier than has been normal. As much as I do enjoy this hotter weather I am glad for the aircon Stephen has employed throughout the place.

After Voyager was over I spent several hours recording what I hope will be another track for the Ping Things release. I have recorded a total of eight tracks so far although none of them are mixed in any final form and some may require additional recording. I've attempted to use different gear on each as well to force some sonic variety. Tonight I actually dug out the MicroKorg and my not so secret weapon for making it sound amazing; the Electro Harmonix LP2ube tube preamp.

Monday, August 17, 2009: Blackout

Today I spent much of the day dealing with my room. As I have been out in Wyndham so much over the month I have only been here in short visits so things have become rather out of order. The laundry build up also reached critical mass as the Wyndham washing machinery was kaput recently.

I organized my kit and my things, did laundry and continued to organize until early afternoon. Nathan showed up and did his laundry later on. I organized my gear for tonight's Harold reheasal then at around 4:30 pm went down to "Sit in Bangkok" with Nathan and had a meal. I hung out until 5:30 pm there then headed over to Chez Harold on the College car.

Nathan had left already but by chance got on the same car as he was heading back to his. He hopped off at Yonge and I continued onward. The street car driver announced a short turn at Coxwell and Queen so I bailed and waited for the next car. Unfortunately the next driver was a bit of a jerk. I got on the car and he started giving me a hard time about my transfer, insisting it was no good. When I told him the car I had been on was going to short turn he asked where it was going to do it. I told him "Coxwell" and he says "why did you change now?" My reponse was rather Thai sounding.

"Why can't I? What difference does it make?"

With that and the others waiting to get on he gave up and let me go. The fact of the matter is that I didn't really fancy the idea of standing around at Coxwell with a bag of gear.

I got to Jeff's just before Phil and Matt arrived. It was a good rehearsal. We went until 10:00 pm then packed it in as it was a school night. I caught a ride with Matt with Phil. When we got back to my area all the lights were off along College West of Bathurst. There had been some kind of power out so I got home to darkness and Stephen sitting alone in the kitchen. The power came back on about half an hour later.

The HAROLD-Conditioner

Matt and a concerned parent

Matt & I

Jeff enjoys the HAROLD-Conditioner

Mysterious Phil

A view of the blackout from my window

Sunday, August 16, 2009: Back to the City

I was up rather early and packed all my crap up. I had lugged so much stuff over here since the beginning of August that with my gear I was unable to bring it all back last visit. This time I stuffed my black MEC bag with the abandoned laundry and what remaining gear was in the suite.

I had a tea while the others had a breakfast then at 9:00 am we loaded up the car and I caught a ride to the GO Train. Goodbyes were said and I got the 9:30 am train back to the City. I took my stuff back to SsW then headed down to College in hope of getting some chicken cashew nut. Sit in Bangkok was not yet open though so I sat across the street at the Sicilian Cafe. I had a very tasty breakfast there as well as some good coffee. Then I headed back to SsW.

At 1:00 pm I lay down with the intention of sleeping for about an hour but when I woke up it was 5:45 pm. I felt sort of groggy when I got up. I was starved so I walked down to "Sit in Bangkok". Chris C was walking by just as I ordered so he joined me for dinner. He was coming back from a rehearsal.

Saturday, August 15, 2009: Reception

I slept pretty well in the studio. I was up at around 6:00 am and made sure Anne was up at around 7:30 am as she had a flight to catch. Everyone else eventually rose at around 8:00 or so. Goodbyes were said and Anne headed off then breakfast was made out on the barbeque and consummed by the pool. There were very fluffy pancakes and tasty bacon.

At Noon we assembled ourselves and headed off to Kitchener making a brief gas stop on the way. I drifted off listening to my iPod for the bulk of the trip. When I woke up we were in Kitchener trying to find the Salvation Army Hall where the reception was being held. There was some slight confusion regarding direction but it was brief and we were soon at the Hall.

Once parked we went in. Andrew's sisters Kerrie and Shelley were in the lobby and greeted us. There was a multitude of relatives including Auntie Mona and cousin Debbie (Andrew's Mom). We went in, greeted the many many relatives then took a spot in the reception hall area. It was set up nicely with a table of foods. Eventually Andrew and Jen showed up and the festivities began. There were a few speaches and a video message from Jen's family (including their Dog) that was played. Then grace was said and the eating began. There was eating and visiting and much picture taking. Things wound down at around 5:00 pm and we headed back to Wyndham after saying our goodbyes.

After dinner tonight we watched "Lawrence of Arabia". I was surprised at Wee Fred's degree of enthusiam for the movie. It was my favorite movie when I was 11 though. Tomorrow Jayne and the kids are off to Camp and I am back to the City.

The Sally Ann Hall

The Reception area

View of the suburbs

Another view

Friday, August 14, 2009: To Wyndham

There was no Harold tonight so I headed out to Wyndham in the afternoon as I am accompanying the Wyndham Crew up to Kitchener for Andrew and Jen's Ontario Wedding Reception tomorrow afternoon.

I lugged what I needed to lug down to Union station and just managed to catch the 3:15 pm GO Train. I had the RJ guitar with me for Wee Fred who is going to Camp on Sunday and wants to take it with.

Jayne picked me up with her friend Anne who's visiting until tomorrow morning. We made a stop at the grocery then headed back to Wyndham. I parked my stuff in the studio (aka Jayne's old bedroom) as Anne was in the Ghost Suite.

The was a tasty meal of barbequed steaks and so forth for dinner and the drinkers drank a great deal while the none drinkers didn't. We retreated indoors at around 9:00 pm when the bugs became overwhelming.

Hot!

Supposedly Will?

Thursday, August 13, 2009: RJ Guitar

I was up early today and took care of some things. I believe I will be able to run again soon as my foot and ankle seem to have mended finally. I headed up to the Bank then went to the GFM for breakfast. Sunni was on as was Mad Max. Abbey was also there. I had the all day breakfast and it was truly good.

After breakfast I walked over to Long & McQuade to pay my Godin bill. I also bought some strings for my old RJ semi acoustic guitar that I got in 2000 when I was in Manila. Wee Fred as expressed much desire for this full sized guitar although I believe the intonation on the small scale Yamaha is much better. The RJ is full size though and that seems to be an issue. As I no longer use it Wee Fred may as well.

After L&M I walked back to SsW and actually saw my house mate, whom I haven't seen for what seems like a month. Stephen has been working later shifts on the Scott Pilgram movie which is due to be wrapped up soon. We chatted over a tea then I did my laundry while he went off to work. Later I stripped off the old strings from the RJ and cleaned the guitar the best I could. It certainly has seen some travel. I took the RJ from the Philippines to Thailand to Vancouver and back. Then to Prague then back to Koh Samui and on to the Other Theater and finally back to Thailand and the redoubt. During that time it had suffered some damage and had been repaired twice, once majorly.

I had dinner at Sit in Bangkok and it was outstanding. For some reason the beef salad today was better than usual and that is saying something. Afterwards I strolled back along College and hit the bookstore to pick up this month's Future Music and Keyboard magazine. Then I headed back to SsW.

I strung the RJ and tuned it as well as I could. The intonation remains problematic in a few spots but considering what the guitar has been through it is no wonder. I played it and watched Voyager then had a tea.

Walking to L & M

Fan Stroller

Wednesday, August 12, 2009: Bonhomme Visit

This afternoon I went over to Chez Bonhomme CA as the Bonhommes (Mr, Mrs and Baby eM) are around. The last time I visited their homestead in the Annex it was about -20 C. Today was much more pleasant. In fact the weather was perfect.

I got to meet Baby eM who has record breaking cuteness and hung out there for a bit. Bonhomme and I took a stroll down to one of the patio's on Bloor, had some dinner and watched the world go by.

After many hours of observation we walked over to Brunswick and Bloor and got some ice cream then headed our respective ways.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009: Much Running About

I slept poorly last night. I was up early and headed up to Bobo's for 9:00 am. There was much running about today. Fortunately the Bobomobile was used for the bulk of it.

We met up with Richard F for lunch at around 11:30 am. We went to the Chinese place near Richmond and Yonge that Richard and I used to frequent back in 1995 and later in 1997 to 1999. I had actually forgotten about it until we walked in. The food was outstanding and the specials were well priced. The portions of food were more than generous. Some how we managed to eat it all.

The afternoon consisted of more running about and a very very big storm. I was supposed to go to Catherine and Phils this evening but things ran later than expected and I had to opt out.

By 5:00 pm I had a splitting headache. Bobo drove me back to my area and he and Ratboy ended up joining me at Sit in Bangkok for some authentic Thai food. It was super yummy. I got home around 6:30 pm and sorted a few things out before retiring early.

Downtown view

Another view

Monday, August 10, 2009: Back to the City

I woke up at around 8:30 am today. I had breakfast with Jayne and then sat by the pool and had tea with her. I had to be back in the City for the afternoon so at 12:00 noon she drove me over to the GO Station and I caught the train back. It was quite lovely out at that point.

There were many delays on the GO due to track repairs so I got in slightly later than I'd expected. I took the Street Car up Bathurst and then over on College to SsW. Once I'd sort of dumped off all my stuff I changed and headed up to Chez Bobo. The weather was turning cloudy by then. Bobo was busy so I walked over to the Grapefruit Moon and had some lunch then waited for Bobo to join me. There was some rain and storminess but nothing too severe.

At 7:30 pm I went over to Sit in Bangkok and met up with Chris C. We had some food then walked back to the Big Chill for an ice cream. The weather was nice again by that point. Chris came back to SsW and we watched the tail end of Star Wars before watching some Venture Bros on DVD.

Clouds

Walking back from Big Chill

Sunset

Sunday, August 9, 2009: Sun & Storm

I was up early enough and had some breakfast. The weather was not so good in the morning which prevented swimming. The Wyndham Crew were due back at around noon however I got a message from Jayne that informed me their plans had changed and they would be back "later". I assumed this meant after 9:00 pm.

I recorded for a few hours during the day then at around 2:00 pm the stormy clouds all seemed to blow away and the sun came out. I was given a wonderful afternoon of sun and pool which I had not expected. I stayed out by the pool right up until 6:00 pm when the storm clouds began to return.

I made myself dinner then a massive thunder and lightening storm hit dumping Biblical amounts of rain. It was quite the lightening show as well.

The Wyndham Crew got back safely at around 10:00 pm.

Underwater

In the pool

Sunlight in the pool

Cranberry juice by the pool

A lady bug

The storm begins

Lightening and thunder

Time to go inside

Saturday, August 8, 2009: Wyndham

The weather was not so cooperative today. I had hoped for a repeat of last weekends sun and pool happiness however it was not to be. I swam during the morning as much as I could, and I relaxed with some music however by 3:00 pm the weather turned stormy and I was forced to make a retreat indoors.

I had some dinner then spent some time recording on the kitchen table with the Kraftwerg. I am finding more and more patch routings that result in absolutely twisted sounds. I have to say I love this little synthesizer.

"Snatch" was on TV so I watched that. It always reminds me of Superdry.

The rain comes

Running the Kraftwerg through a lot of delay and echo

Controlling the Kraftwerg with the Xio

Friday, August 7, 2009: In for Harold

I got up early and sorted my gear out for Harold. I had a Dr. Zak appointment at 10:30 am so I went over for that then caught the bus to the GO Station and back into the City.

I had much running about to do but fortunately ended up with a bit more time than I'd expected so I was able to get some food at GFM before heading back down to SsW where I was able to relax for a bit before meeting up with the Mattmobile.

We had a pretty good night of playing but I caught the 10:30 pm GO rather than the later one to avoid the problems I had encountered on the way back last week. I got back to Wyndham at around Midnight and after I'd stowed my gear and changed I went for a Midnight swim. The water was cooler than I'd expected so it was a shorter swim than I'd planned to have.

Into the City

Waiting for Matt

Thursday, August 6, 2009: Back to Wyndham

The Wyndham Massive are off again, this time up to Connie and Marks mega-cottage in the North. I came out on Wednesday afternoon just after one day in the City. Last night we had a dinner and watched a movie.

I slept very poorly last night and woke up at about 3:00 am this morning. I was up for several hours before I managed to get back to sleep. Thursday Morning we had breakfast at a local dinner then headed back to Wyndham for a bit. The morning was sort of grim but the sky cleared up in the afternoon. I fell asleep by the pool for a bit. They headed off to Connie and Mark's at around 3:00 pm.

I spent the rest of the day by the pool then made some supper for myself. This evening I watched some TV and did a bit of recording.

Pool!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009: Back to the City

I spent the morning by the pool and after lunch I got a ride to the GO Station from Jayne. I caught the 1:30 pm train back to the City and then headed back up to my area. I managed to get in just before the big rains hit.

I went to "Sit in Bangkok" for lunch at around 3:00 pm and had some excellent food while I watched the storm hit. There was much rain.

Monday, August 3, 2009: Still at Wyndham

I have stayed another day here. I spent much of the day as I have spent the last few, by the pool.

This afternoon Simon (TMYC alumni with Jayne and I) and his wife Jessica showed up for dinner. They are out visiting from BC. There was a nice meal followed by desserts and visiting. A good evening all around.

Drinks by the pool

Sunday, August 2, 2009: Swimming

I slept like a baby last night, probably due to all the swimming and sun. The weather was lovely again today so I spent today much as I had yesterday. I had breakfast out by the pool and then just hung about outside. Swimming or sitting in the shade relaxing, until the shade moved and I baked like a potato in the sun.

The Wyndham Massive were due back at 6:00 pm however there was some sort of delay flying out of NYC so they didn't actually arrive back until 9:00 pm. I made some pasta for dinner and we had that once they were settled in.

Water

Pool view

More watery views

Sunlight in water

Sunset

Saturday, August 1, 2009: Poolside

I got up early and had tea by the pool. Later I brought out the Kaosillator and the MRS8 and did some recording by it. The weather has certainly made up for all the bad weather we had throughout July.

I spent most of the day by or in the pool. I did fall asleep outside at one point and have a red lobsterized back to prove it.

The storm clouds did come in later in the day and I went back inside to make some dinner. I set up what gear I have brought over the last week and spent some time recording with it.

This house is certainly spooky when no one's around.

Morning sky

Poolside breakfast

Recording

A flower?

Closer