Morning Pages: regentisland.com

Saturday, October 31, 2009: Halloween

I woke up at around 9:00 am and managed to go up to the GFM for breakfast. I felt like hell even though I hadn't drank anything harder than soda water last night. Lack of sleep and a long day I guess.

Sunniva was dressed as a Magic Eight-Ball and had little cut out bits of paper with "answers" on them to hand out. Sandy M had a similar theme, she was a fortune cookie. Allan was wearing this disturbing "Furbee" thing. I had an excellent breakfast of blueberry pancakes and bacon. Afterwards I headed back down to SsW and sorted my stuff out for tonight. Wendi is in town for the weekend so I saw her.

I headed out to Wyndham by way of the GO and got there at around 3:30 pm. The construction of pumpkins was in process when I arrived. The place was decorated up and Will and Fred sorted out their costumes. We had dinner then afterwards Will and I escorted Fred and a bunch of Fred's friends through the area. It was sort of bizarre as Will is no longer of age to Trick or Treat really and Fred will soon be "too old" as well.

I went out dressed in Will's 1812 uniform again while he was some sort of Sith Lord, Darth Ridiculous or something. The best costume of the night was Fred's friend who went as Sponge Bob. Unfortunately the box that served as his body/head wasn't good for his vision and he tripped and fell more than once which is what you get for running in the dark with a cardboard box over your head.

After the trick or treating was done Jayne and I drove Will and Fred to their Grandparents. Fred missed some sort of spin the bottle horror movie Halloween party due to this and looked rather glum by the time we did head out.

Annex alley

Heading back to SsW

GO Station sky

More GO Station sky

A Pumpkin

Fred & Friends Trick or Treating

Pumpkins

Spooky eyes

Front Yard Grave Yard display

Hanging out on Halloween

Friday, October 30, 2009: Shelley's Birthday

I got up early early this morning and did the Wyndham run. Afterwards I had a shower and got myself ready to go back to the City. I caught a GO back in and made my way back to SsW.

This afternoon I had some food with Chris C at "Sit in Bangkok". As usual the food was amazing.

This evening I headed up to the St. Clair Oakwood area to Shelley & DJKev's for Shelley's Birthday Bash. I haven't been up in that area in quite some time and it was once an area I frequented often. It was frightening to see how bad the area has gone. It was like walking along near Main and Hastings in Vancouver rather than some part of Toronto. But then Toronto is not what it was even ten years ago.

I got to Shelley & DJKev's and the party was in swing. It was a good evening and I ended up staying until nearly 4:00 am. Afterwards I caught the night bus south then walked back to SsW from Ossington and Harbord.

The day begins as the run ends

DJKev in his element

Shelley's magic dancing boots

Night view

The other view

Looking towards St. Clair

The day ends as I head out

Thursday, October 29, 2009: Out to Wyndham

I headed back out to Wyndham this morning and spent the day there. This evening Jayne, Will and I went to Choir rehearsal. There was a little get together afterwards with some cake. Afterwards I came back to Wyndham. I'll go back to the City tomorrow morning.

Morning sky

Wednesday, October 28, 2009: More Cold, More Autumn

Some running about this morning and lunch at GFM. It continues to be unseasonably cold.

Yellow

More yellow

Tuesday, October 27, 2009: Cold Autumn

Today I ran about downtown. It is truly cold out.

Autmn colors

Autumn ivy at SsW

Sunday, October 25, 2009: Hamilton Movie

I woke up early this morning. We headed out at around 9:00 am and went to the Crossiant place for breakfast. Afterwards we went on to Knox. Choir was good. We did a more difficult piece but managed to make it through okay. After Knox we came back to Wyndham and had lunch. I had slept very poorly last night so I crashed for a few hours in the Ghost Suite.

This evening we went out to Hamilton with the McWilliams and saw the latest Harry Potter movie at a small rep theater there. It was pretty good. I suppose it will be out on DVD by Christmas.

Morning sky

More morning sky

Knox

More Knox

Just Cermation, no dessert

Hamilton

Saturday, October 24, 2009: Out to Wyndham

I had breakfast a GFM this morning at around 10:00 am. When I left I discovered someone (Sandy Moon) had put nacho chips in my gloves. I did some running about then headed back down to SsW. I packed my stuff and headed out to Wyndham at around 1:00 pm. I went down to Union and then caught the GO out to Wyndham for the night.

Wet cold Autumn

Friday, October 23, 2009: Yucky Weather

The weather has really turned bad. It is wet and cold out. Not to my liking nor does it help my aching old bones.

I saw Bobo before he heads off to China. Afterwards I went over to GFM for some food. I took care of a few things then headed back to SsW and stayed there for the rest of the day. It was just too awful to go out anywhere.

It is strange not to have Harold practice anymore.

Wet autumn

Wet leafs

Thursday, October 22, 2009: To Knox Choir

I came back to the City yesterday morning.

Last night I had a very bad sleep. Didn't finally doze off until nearly dawn. I woke up at around 10:30 am and felt like rubbish. Today I went down to Chinatown with Bobo. He had to pick up his passport from a travel agent as he is going to China this weekend and needed the appropriate visa.

I headed out to Wyndham this afternoon. I had intended to do the run on the old route once I arrived there but it started raining so I didn't. I went to Wyndham for dinner and some cookie making then afterwards we went to Knox for Choir.

After choir I caught the GO Train back to the city.

Fresh cookies

Cookies that demand you eat more than one

Coming back to the City

Tuesday, October 20, 2009: Finishing Mixes

I am still at Wyndham. Today I finished the last three mixes for the Ping Things release. This afternoon I went for a run. It is very autumny out.

Autumn route

Autumn trees

Sky and trees

Monday, October 19, 2009: In Wyndham

I stayed in Wyndham today. I had planned to go back to the City in the evening but decided not to. I did manage to do some final mixes for the Ping Things Album. It is almost finished. Just a few more mixes to do.

We had a good meal tonight. Everyone pitched in and it was fun to prepare. Afterwards we watched a movie.

Sky

Sunday, October 18, 2009: Funeral for Ken

This morning I had breakfast with Rob and Val. They cooked up a nice meal of scrambled eggs and bacon with toast. Rob and I managed to play "Ghost Recon" while Val got ready for work. I packed up my stuff then we drove her to work at 12:15 and from there Rob and I headed to Simcoe Ontario for the Funeral. We got turned around once but managed to correct it and got to the Salvation Army Temple in Simcoe at around 2:30 pm. Once there Rob headed back up and I went in after I transfered my bags to Jayne's car.

No amount of fore-knowledge or experience really prepares you for how completely exhausting a funeral is. I went in and Kerrie was there with her sister Logan and her boyfriend Chris. Shelley her sister eventually appeared as well. Mona Jr was there and all around was much upset and grief. The hardest thing to see was Auntie Mona though, there to bury her son. Cousin Deb was with her and it was all very difficult. It brought me back to the loss of my sister Marilyn in many ways, the grief of the sudden and unexpected loss. One expects to one day say goodbye to one's parents but siblings some how never considered.

The funeral itself was nice and I suspect much as how Ken would have wished it to be. I was very difficult to see those I love in such a state of sorrow. I know from my own losses that there isn't really much you can say. After the funeral was over Ken's coffin (which was to be cremated and interned later) was piped out the hearse and off it went. It was a very sad scene on a very
beautiful autumn day.

There was a fellowship held afterwards in the hall with food and drinks. Everyone gathered and talked. Although I am not technically an Uncle to many my advanced age puts me in that category and the loss of one Uncle seemed to trigger the realization in the young that other Uncles could (and most definitely will) also pass away. With that I found myself receiving a great deal of affection (as I am sure others found as well).

I did manage to talk to Aunt Mona for a while. Seeing her was like trying to book time to chat with the Queen however she is the only one of my Father's siblings still with us and I always find it comforting to talk to her.

The day broke up at around 5:30 or so. People began to head out and eventually I went with Jayne and her family back to Wyndham. We stopped at this strange little roadside dinner for a meal although I can't imagine why I would have been hungry after the spread the Salvation Army had provided. We pulled up just at dusk and the location really took me back to my late teen years in Rosedale BC. The only thing missing was the mountains, but otherwise it looked so much like the Fraser Valley. The sun setting on corn fields and the silhouetted houses with lights on inside. It was an odd feeling.

We went in and had some food. I had a really good cheese burger and a bit of apple pie for dessert. Afterwards we headed on back to Wyndham, everyone full but throughly exhausted.

Autumn colors on the way to Simcoe

The Salvation Army in Simcoe

Sunset

Rural sunset

At the dinner

Apple pie and coffee

Saturday, October 17, 2009: Up to Kitchener

I was up early today. At around 9:30 am I walked up to the GFM for breakfast. I had my breakfast then walked back down to SsW and sorted my stuff out.

Cousin Rob picked me up at around 12:30 and we headed out of the City and up to Kitchener. We made a stop at A&W on the way up then headed on. we got to Kitchener and we took my stuff into their new apartment. Then Rob went off to pick up Val from her work and I hung out until they were back.

Once back we got ready and drove over to Val's parents, my Aunt Audrey and Uncle Ken's for dinner. We had a tasty meal there and some dessert. Marla came by with her kids but didn't stay too long. Afterwards we headed back to Kitchener. I received the instructions as to where Cousin Ken's funeral was to be held so I will head there tomorrow afternoon. Once back at Rob and Val's we watched some TV then called it a night.

Morning colors

Breakfast

More colors

Where once stood a house, then a hole

Heading to Kitchener

Kitchener

Sky

Clouds

Thursday, October 15, 2009: Bad News

This morning I got a call from Kerrie that our cousin Ken had passed away unexpectedly last night. Jayne called me shortly afterwards. The Funeral will be this weekend in Simcoe I believe.

I had some minor and major running about today. I did it all and then headed to the GFM for some all day breakfast. It is turning cold. Much colder than is usual for this time of year I believe. After breakfast I headed back down to SsW and had various things to sort out before heading out to Wyndham for Knox Choir.

I caught the GO Train out and met up with Jayne then went back to the house. We had dinner and afterwards went to Choir. Will joined us. Afterwards I caught the 9:30 pm train back to the City. Normally I take the streetcar up however they are doing all sorts of construction so the streetcar went on this weird detour. I will just go to Union from now on until that work is done.

Autmn

SsW ivy

Night view

Tuesday, October 13, 2009: Back to the City

I got up rather early and caught the GO Train back into the City. I took the street car up and over to SsW. I dropped off my stuff then took a walk up to GFM to get some breakfast. I headed back to SsW afterwards.

This afternoon there was some running about and so forth which I was later rescued from by The Bean. I then accompanied her and DJKev to Queen Mothers for some food. We met two friends of theirs for dinner and hung out. Afterwards I caught a ride back up to SsW.

Morning sky

Back to the City

Colors

Clouds

Downtown at night

Monday, October 12, 2009: Leaving Pittsburgh

I was up early and got my stuff together to go. I had a tea and eventually everyone arose from slumber to say goodbye. There were some very sleepy heads this time around. Once the car was packed up we said the last goodbyes and then headed north.

We drove up towards the border making a stop at the usual Pilot to gas up the car and grab a subway before heading on. I slept most of the way and sort of woke up when we got to the duty free zone. We went across the border and back towards Wyndham. As it is Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend the Wyndham crew were all home so Sandra and Bob stopped by for a tea when they dropped me off. I distributed some of the chocolates and treats I'd picked up in the USA. I also gave Will a "Ding Dong" which was a treat we enjoyed in my youth but he only knows from the Weird Al "Fat" video. "Yo Ding Dong" (Ding Dong also has other meaning in Thailand.)

After saying goodbye to Sandra and Bob we had a nice dinner of open face hot turkey sandwiches with gravy. It was good.

Heading out

On the road

Yo, Ding Dong... Ding Dong

Sunday, October 11, 2009: Sunday Soccer

I slept like a baby as the saying goes. I actually slept through until my alarm went off at 6:30 am then slept on until 9:30 am. I got up had a tea and then went to buy groceries with Cheryl. When we got back everyone was sort of up and about. I had breakfast with Eric and AFT. Cheryl cooked me up an outstanding omlette. I had a power nap from 11:30 am until noon then got up.

This afternoon I went to see AFT's soccer game with everyone. Cheryl, Chris T, AFT and friend went in one car while I road with Bob and Sandra. The game was held in a park area outside of the city. It was actually quite a ways out in the countryside. The area around Pittsburgh is just beautiful. The rolling hills and autumn colors made it even more lovely especially on such a beautiful atumn afternoon. When we arrived there were several other games going on at different pitchs as well as some bmx bike racing which we watched for a bit. Eventually the rest of the team and parents arrived and we set up some folding chairs to watch the game. It was quite a good match and AFT's team won 6 to 2. Afterwards we drove back to Pittsburgh along a slightly different route to avoid some construction. The scenery was just unbelievable.

I did some more recording when we got back and then had dinner with everyone at 7:00 pm. Afterwards I went with Cheryl to drop off Max for bowling and to take AFT's friend home. Once back at the house I watched a movie with Sandra, Cheryl and AFT. Tomorrow we head back. I am always very sad to leave here.

Morning view

Cat close up 1

Cat close up 2

Morning cat

Brew up

Grilled cheese please

Driving to the game

Scenery

BMX races

The game

The sky

The game continues

Evening in the kitchen

Recording

Saturday, October 10, 2009: Relaxing in Pittsburgh

I was up early today and went for a run with Cheryl on her usual route. I felt rather like Johnny Slowpoke trying to keep up with her. We went down through the nearby park zone which is full of paths that lead up and down and all around. I was a difficult run for me as I am no used to so many inclines. It was a beautiful area to run through and it was great to run with someone.

Afterwards we went back to Chez Cheryl and a bit later AFT and I walked down to Pamela's diner for breakfast. We had to stand outside in line for about fifteen minutes but it was well worth the wait. I had a large breakfast and we split some onion rings. After breakfast we poke around the shops in the area then headed back to the house.

I napped out a bit this afternoon which is surprising since I slept so well last night. I recorded for a couple hours this afternoon. It is nice to do something other than the Ping Things release. Although I don't know if it will ever evolve into anything. When I came down stairs I discovered Sandra and Cheryl had gone off to the botanical gardens. I was sort of sad I missed it but they said later that it wasn't that great since there wasn't much in the way of flowers in bloom.

Once they were back AFT put up some Halloween decorations in the living room.
Max was practicing guitar so I got a chance to check out his amazing Les Paul deluxe model. Very nice. Chris T showed up and I ended up playing bass while he and Max jammed. That was fun although I haven't played bass in some time and may have some blister action on my finger as I didn't use a pick.

We had a big tasty dinner then we watched the Hockey Game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Chris T had his Leafs jersey on but I cheered for Pittsburgh with the kids. It was a great game. I have to admit I haven't watched, or been remotely interested in Hockey in many many years. But it was great fun watching it with people and there was some good hockey played. Watching the young guy Crosby from Nova Scotia who plays for Pittsburgh was wonderful. He reminded me of how it was to watch Bobby Orr skate. Pittsburgh won 5 to 2.

Morning cat

Down the trail

Along the trail

Up the trail

Much needed tea is brewed up

Pamelas for breakfast

Disco breakfast ball

Making our breakfast

Or making someone's breakfast

AFT's breakfast

My eggs and bacon

My pancakes (or hotcakes as the yanks call them)

Sky walking back

More tea

Recording

Max on his Les Paul

Halloween decorations

Hockey night in Pittsburgh

Friday, October 9, 2009: To Pittsburgh

I was up at 6:30 am but it was raining so I didn't go for a run although I had brought my kit along. I had breakfast with Jayne, Will and Wee Fred. Sandra and Bob showed up at around 9:15 am and I packed my stuff in their car. After a brief "hello" we headed off in the miserable weather.

It rained for the first bit but cleared as we got towards the border. We went through with no difficulty and then headed on at a good pace toward Pittsburgh. Once out of New York State we stopped at the Pilot Gas Station and filled up. We also grabbed a coffee then headed on to briefly stop in Grove City. After some brief shopping we headed on getting to Squirrel Hill in just six hours.

Only Eric and the cats were home when we arrived. They both welcomed us and we put our stuff in the rooms we are staying in. I am in AFT's room once again however it has been painted and set up differently. AFT got home and was all excited to see us there.

AFT had swim practice at 5:30 pm (or so we thought) so at 5:00 pm we walked down to it. We ran into Cheryl on the way who was riding back to the house on her bike. We got to swim practice but discovered it had been cancelled so we headed up the road a bit and poked around in some shops. There was some searching for a Halloween outfit however it was mingled with searching for just anything to buy. There was also much shoe trying on, many of the shoes being nothing short of ridiculous. Cheryl and Sandra found us in one shop as the shoe trying went on.

From there they headed to meet Chris and Bob at a local pub and I went with AFT to a local pizza slice place where I was instructed in the proper folding and eating of pizza from Pittsburgh. It was very basic pizza but it tasted amazing. From there it was back to the shops briefly then on to meet everyone at the pub and get a drive back to the house.

Max was about when we got back. The last time I was here he was playing "guitar hero". Since then he actually learned to play guitar and now has a Les Paul Deluxe. I heard someone playing "Sweet Home Alabama" and thought it was Chris T then when I walked into the room it was Max. Dinner was amazing as usual. Afterwards I watched "Dodge Ball" on TV with Eric and AFT.

Heading to Pittsburgh PA

Autumn colors

The Welcome Cat

My new old friend

The Cat tries to answer the phone

Following me about

Staking a claim

The view

Pizza with AFT

The correct way to fold your pizza

AFT's sticker

Thursday, October 8, 2009: Out to Wyndham

There was some running about today but later on I headed out to Wyndham for Choir and to stay over night as tomorrow I head down to Pittsburgh PA. I caught the 4:00 pm train and met Jayne at the GO then headed back to Wyndham.

Jayne and I took Will to an appointment at 6:30 pm then went over to Starbucks for a tea and coffee until it was time for Knox Choir. Will met us there. After rehearsal we we headed back to Wyndham and assisted in the removal of the non-functional washing machine to make way for the incoming new one. The dryer also was moved down to the basement which was an effort.

MEC bag in SsW Kitchen

Wednesday, October 7, 2009: Khorat Rain

One thing good thing about feeling sick the last two days is that I've slept like a log. I've also managed to complete some mixes and to finish off the Khorat Rain Ambient Ping video. That took forever to render.

Recorded Live - Ambient Ping June 23, 2009 Toronto Ontario Canada. Video / Audio recording by Jeff Howard. Additional editing and video images by LDT.

Insturments Used: Godin LGXT Guitar controlling a Roland GR-30 Guitar Synth through a Zoom G1 pedal, Sherman Filterbank, Boss DD-20 Gigadelay and Electro-Harmonix Stereo Memory Man with Harazi. Korg Kaossilator through a Korg Mini-Kaoss Pad. Korg Kaoss Pad 3 sampler function

Nathan and Emily came by tonight and we played Zombies until late late. They also introduced me to "Old Gregg".

Shadow of Teddy Bear Ghost

Zombies!

More Zombies

Tuesday, October 6, 2009: Pho With Chris

I was up early although I wasn't feeling very well. I woke with a very sore throat and general not goodness through out. I eventually went up to Bobo's for a bit then afterwards heeded by TTC down town for a brief time. Once my task was complete I took the time to walk up to Pho via Queen. It was nice out although cool. I stopped by Steve's Music and looked at the keyboards. They seem to be having a big sale of some sort although I am not currenty able to take advantage of it.

Afterwards I continued on and walked to Pho Hung where I met Chris for a meal. Afterwards we walked back over towards mine. I attempted further mixing although I am not satisfied with what I did and will have to attempt it again tomorrow. I also began editing two additional videos for YouTube. One will be in conjuction with the Net Release and the other is a snippet of something from the June Ambient Ping show.

Morning sky

Monday, October 5, 2009: Back To City

I had another awful sleep last night. The Ghostbusters were not to blame. I caught the train back to the City this morning. I took the TTC back up to Christie and then walked down to SsW.

I did some running about afterwards then in the evening did laundry, practiced guitar and watched some TV. Afterwards I attempted to do further mixing. I feel that I am slightly closer to completing the net release.

Sky at GO

Sunday, October 4, 2009: Communion Knox

Despite having a good run yesterday I had an absolutely brutal sleep or lack there of. In any event I was up by 6:30 am. Eventually others were up and about as well. At 9:00 am we went to the Crossaint place and had breakfast. Gary from Knox showed up as well and joined us. Afterwards we drove over to Knox. The car was acting oddly but it seemed to be some sort of moisture in the fuel line issue as it was fine after service.

Today was Communion Sunday so several of the Choir's ranks were serving which thinned the Tenor section down to me and another. In the end it went well enough although one of the pieces we did was rather tricky. After service I had tea and hung about until it was time to go.

We had a light lunch after which I crashed from 2:00 pm until 5:30 pm, waking rather confused as to when, where and who I was. I helped Jayne with dinner while everyone else was one clean up duty outside around the pool area. We made a big roast beef with potatos and so forth. It was a good meal.

After dinner after much whining the kids convinced their folks to allow a viewing of Ghost Busters II. I believe I've only seen this once, back when ever it originally came out. I also seem to remember that it was met with much disappointment and didn't do very well in the theatres. I have to say I completely enjoyed it this time around and a bad movie from back then seems to be ten times better than 90% of the computer animated vomit Hollywood barfs up now.

Morning sky

Saturday, October 3, 2009: Out to Wyndham

I got up early and went up to GFM for breakfast. I ate then headed down to do some bank stuff. I went by Bobo's briefly then headed out to Union Station and on to Wyndham. I got a ride back from the Station and then everyone went off on various tasks leaving me there alone.

I went for a run on my old route which was nice. I managed to get back just before a major rain and wind storm hit. The power went off briefly but the whole thing didn't last very long.

Eventually everyone got back and food was prepared. We had a yummy supper tonight followed by watching the Iron Man DVD.

Clouds roll in

Friday, October 2, 2009: Cold

I had breakfast at the GFM this morning. It was good. Afterwards there was some running about and a walk home in the rain. The weather was actually rather awful and it seems colder than it should be for this time of year. Today had a real "november" feel to it.

This evening I didn't venture out as there doesn't seem to be any more Harold and it was rather grim out. I had a lamb pie for dinner that had been frozen so it took about two hours to cook. It was good though.

Morning sky

Thursday, October 1, 2009: Out to Choir

I was up at 6:00 am this morning. I went for a run just as Stephen was heading out to work at around 7:00 am. It was actually a nice morning although cold. It clouded over after I got back.

I went up to GFM for some breakfast then walked back down to SsW. I took care of a few items before preparing to go to Wyndham for Knox Choir. I transfered yet another few 4-track portastudio tapes to the digital world over the last 24 hours and these have including many surprises.

One surprise was a recording I was requested to do as some kind of "culture jamming" project between English and French Canadians. I produced something that should have been used as audio psyc warfare against FLQ Terrorists. One track contains a slowed down "French Lesson" including the introduction of Michel and so forth. The other tracks contain much ring modulated foolishness and a Casio SK1 sample loop of the most depressing drum sound of all time. It slowly bangs on while Michel and friends yap away in French and Chris C and I make almighty noise with various insturments while running them through the home made "Murder Box" ring modulator. Chris and I must have found this highly amusing. As I recall the Culture Jam guys didn't.

I headed out to Wyndham at around 3:30 pm and had dinner there. Afterwards we went to choir for rehearsal. Some of the regulars were back from holidays while others have gone off somewhere. It appears we will only have two people in the tenor section on Sunday and I will be one of them. After choir I headed back into the City.