Gate's Motel

My dad came up with clever description of our home. Since Saskatoon is known as the "City of Bridges" he called our place the "House of Gates". I could not help but think of an old Alfred Hitchcock classic.

Pretty Kitty

I don't know how many recall me bringing a kitten home from a gas station and we called her "Pretty Kitty". It's been over a week now, and Pretty has been missing. We suspect that the coyotes who surround our property and poop on our lawn took Pretty. She was such a great cat. I miss her so much. She was so friendly. She would always help me garden and she would lay in wait in the bushes when I would walk by and would jump out. She was only with us for a brief time - 4 months, but we really loved her. I hope she had a good life with us.

Half Century Celebration

I turned 50 last Wed. My entire family was there to help me celebrate and it was a surprise. Too much to blog about - just some pictures. It was a great party - I highly recommend that everyone turn 50 - at least once!

Clever Coyote - You Win This Battle

I know it's been a long time since I last posted. We've been doing some major cleaning on the premises - inside and out. The dogs are doing fine.

Tonight, a coyote serenaded us for at least 1/2 hour - yips, howls and chortles....they sound like manical howling lunatics. This coyote has been leaving lots of "presents" on our property. I've found a "present" outside my window (we live in a passive solar home, so our bedroom window is at ground level) - so this coyote has been peering at us while we sleep (leaves a calling card). I've found the "present" in my garden and at various locations close to our house. So, this coyote has been up close and personal.

Anyway - this coyote is now just a few metres outside our yard - yipping and howling. I went out and tried to scare it away, but it didn't move. So, I went back into the house and armed myself with a paddle and my camera - and then put on sturdy shoes...because I planned on chasing this coyote through the field. Here I am donned in all my "armour" and go outside ready to "fight" and it's gone. This thing has been sitting there yipping for almost 1/2 hour (not to mention poops at my window when I sleep) and then just disappears when I come out to challenge it. To add to insult, I stepped in a big dog turd.

Clever coyote.

Dale E

It is with great sadness I announce the sudden passing of Kimberlite's NC3 Dale E. Beloved companion of Rita and Neil and best buddy to Rex (golden).

Asleep at the Wheel

Yesterday, I was coming home from the city (after having done a couple of hours of work) and I arrived home around 5:30 pm. Peter doesn't usually get home from his work until at least 5:45 pm. The approach to our driveway is up a small hill and the trees on the left-hand side of the road block the view of the garage door. Just before I turn into our driveway, I always push the button to open the garage door, as I am rounding the corner I notice that Peter's truck is in the garage and the door is open. I push the button again to stop the door from coming down.

As I head into the garage to park the van I hear the antenna go "TWONG" and then I hear a scrape along the roof of the van. WTF? I then realize - well, I did push the button to stop the door from coming down, I neglected to push it again to make it go back up.

I get out - look at the top of the van and really don't see any damage. I push the button and the door does the "death rattle" back down. I go into the house and I don't say a word to Peter.

Peter heads off early to work this morning. I get up at my usual time, turn on the computer and I get this email from Peter.

The garage door is broken (out of track bottom left). It is fully up so you can get out if necessary. I unplugged it as well.

Oh-oh...busted!

I phone him and confess my crime.

Routine has a way of making one be oblivious to our surroundings.

Goodbye Mr. Purple

Mr. Purple - "Bear" is now in the loving arms of his new family. I sure am gong to miss the little guy. It's going to be a lot quieter around here.