I spent the majority of the weekend floating on a lilac raft. Well, it wasn't made of lilacs, rather it was lilac in colour.
I used the pool like a carrot though, not allowing myself to go in yesterday until we had cleaned the fish tanks and tidied the kitchen. Today, I had to wait until the laundry was done and the hoovering was completed. Fortunately, this was all covered by 10 a.m. For the second half of my pool time, I wasn't allowed to go in until the ironing was done.
I'm happy to say that my house is tidy and everything is in order for the working week. Also, I have mucho freckles and a bit of a sunburn. It feels good though, having spent the bulk of the weekend outside. Unfortunately, we didn't do any weeding so the yard still looks kind of nasty but, at least we got to float, a lot.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
weekend fun
websites as graphs
How is your weekend going so far?
Mine has been okay. I had the best night's sleep last night that I've had in almost a week. I still got up early but I don't think that I was up and down in the night a lot so that's good.
I'm really hoping that the rain holds off today. It rained all morning yesterday and that was good, it was a nice steady rain. If it has to happen, it may as well happen when you're working or sleeping, right? I was a little disappointed that it didn't clear the air out though. I'm blaming the weather on my lack of sleep this week.
Mostly due to the humidity, this week was rather uneventful. We both worked a lot and by the time we got home, collapsing seemed like the best option. By best option, I actually mean involuntary action.
Oh well, if it does rain today, I have lots of things that I should get done around the house. Cleaning, laundry, that kind of stuff. Fun things, you know? Well, at least things that need to be dealt with and that I'll be glad are finished afterwards. I guess you can't ask for more than though, the last weekend of the month, before payday.
How is your weekend going so far?
Mine has been okay. I had the best night's sleep last night that I've had in almost a week. I still got up early but I don't think that I was up and down in the night a lot so that's good.
I'm really hoping that the rain holds off today. It rained all morning yesterday and that was good, it was a nice steady rain. If it has to happen, it may as well happen when you're working or sleeping, right? I was a little disappointed that it didn't clear the air out though. I'm blaming the weather on my lack of sleep this week.
Mostly due to the humidity, this week was rather uneventful. We both worked a lot and by the time we got home, collapsing seemed like the best option. By best option, I actually mean involuntary action.
Oh well, if it does rain today, I have lots of things that I should get done around the house. Cleaning, laundry, that kind of stuff. Fun things, you know? Well, at least things that need to be dealt with and that I'll be glad are finished afterwards. I guess you can't ask for more than though, the last weekend of the month, before payday.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
almost too hot to post
What you pay, if you could pay, for a lung full of fresh air right? I would pay upto and including $10 Canadian. It's disgustingly humid outside right now. It was like that yesterday and I'm hearing, it'll be like that tomorrow. The humidex should not be 31 degrees at 6 a.m.
Tonight, immediately after work, be braved the baking temperatures and went for some groceries. We're home now, the store wasn't bad but the parking lot was brutal. I'm so glad that I have a/c at home. Remember the other week when I feeling all guilty shit? Yeah, not today, relieved and happy.
And relieved and happy to be heading off to my little splashy pool for a dip right...about...now!
Tonight, immediately after work, be braved the baking temperatures and went for some groceries. We're home now, the store wasn't bad but the parking lot was brutal. I'm so glad that I have a/c at home. Remember the other week when I feeling all guilty shit? Yeah, not today, relieved and happy.
And relieved and happy to be heading off to my little splashy pool for a dip right...about...now!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
patrick and spongebob
Another day, another Spongebob photo. This time starring (yes, pun intended!!) Patrick!
This beautiful piece of Bikini Bottom art is about 3 feet high and lives on the back of a filing cabinet, next to my desk. My little corner of the office is very SpongeBobby indeed.
How was your Tuesday? It was absolutely stinking hot here. Like, hey it's so humid that you almost can't get a breath of air hot. The humidity was horrible. The room I work in has some air conditioning in it so it's quite pleasant to work in. Whenever I go out in the hallway though, it takes my breath away. The building I work in is almost 200 years old so there is no central air, just portable units in offices. Because of this, everyone works with their doors closed in the summer. It feels a little anti-social but it's the only way to do it, unfortunately, when the weather is all yucky.
Tonight, we weren't home for 20 minutes before we were in the pool. Honestly, I never thought that a little $100 pool could be responsible for so much enjoyment. Again, our dinner was a little late but I like it at this time of night. By the time we eat, it's too late to actually have a craving for a night-time snack so I don't even think about it (except right now, when I did think about it).
My dad is working on a project for us (helping us to build in our dishwasher) so my folks popped by for a few minutes (for more measurements) after dinner. After they left, we took a quick run over the store to pick up some veggies and fruit for lunches tomorrow. Goodness, cooling off in the pool and then dining in the a/c really messes you up. The air is still so heavy, at almost 8 p.m. Hopefully we'll get a big rain storm tonight to clear out the air.
Weather aside, today was the first day in almost a week that my back felt like it was totally back to normal. Don't take the ability to move freely and without pain for granted kids!! I have to say too, that my first couple of days back to work have been pretty good. I mean, it's busy (because we're heading into our peak time in a few weeks) but it's managable. I also feel like I'm accomplishing something everyday, which is nice. To feel appreciated and accomplished are good things people, work is good right now. And moving is good, hey, for a Tuesday, it's pretty good to me right now!!
This beautiful piece of Bikini Bottom art is about 3 feet high and lives on the back of a filing cabinet, next to my desk. My little corner of the office is very SpongeBobby indeed.
How was your Tuesday? It was absolutely stinking hot here. Like, hey it's so humid that you almost can't get a breath of air hot. The humidity was horrible. The room I work in has some air conditioning in it so it's quite pleasant to work in. Whenever I go out in the hallway though, it takes my breath away. The building I work in is almost 200 years old so there is no central air, just portable units in offices. Because of this, everyone works with their doors closed in the summer. It feels a little anti-social but it's the only way to do it, unfortunately, when the weather is all yucky.
Tonight, we weren't home for 20 minutes before we were in the pool. Honestly, I never thought that a little $100 pool could be responsible for so much enjoyment. Again, our dinner was a little late but I like it at this time of night. By the time we eat, it's too late to actually have a craving for a night-time snack so I don't even think about it (except right now, when I did think about it).
My dad is working on a project for us (helping us to build in our dishwasher) so my folks popped by for a few minutes (for more measurements) after dinner. After they left, we took a quick run over the store to pick up some veggies and fruit for lunches tomorrow. Goodness, cooling off in the pool and then dining in the a/c really messes you up. The air is still so heavy, at almost 8 p.m. Hopefully we'll get a big rain storm tonight to clear out the air.
Weather aside, today was the first day in almost a week that my back felt like it was totally back to normal. Don't take the ability to move freely and without pain for granted kids!! I have to say too, that my first couple of days back to work have been pretty good. I mean, it's busy (because we're heading into our peak time in a few weeks) but it's managable. I also feel like I'm accomplishing something everyday, which is nice. To feel appreciated and accomplished are good things people, work is good right now. And moving is good, hey, for a Tuesday, it's pretty good to me right now!!
Monday, July 24, 2006
spongebob & squidward
how can you not have a good day when you find colourful pictures of spongebob and squidward on your desk when you go back to work? it was a great surprise!!
Things were not totally chaotic when I got back into the office today. It's a nice change from some previous jobs I had where, if I was away, nothing I looked after got done. This time, I had prepared quite well, was caught up when I left and had secured lots of help for key projects. Things seem to have gone swimmingly while I was away! I did, however, have about 300 (after junk mail deleting) emails to sift through but most of them were just fyi stuff. nice!
Speaking of swimmingly, we are still enjoying the pool. On Saturday, it was cold and rainy here so we didn't get in but tonight, after work, we did and it's so relaxing. It kind of leaves us having dinner late but that's okay, it's a small price to pay. The funny/nice thing is that once I get out of the pool, I'm not even hungry for dinner. Hopefully this will mean that I'll actually eat less. Wouldn't that be good?
Oh, yeah, Friday, we did get to see Clerks II. We really really enjoyed it. I guess when you don't have any expectations (because I really didn't - the trailers online looked funny) you can't be disappointed. It was really funny. We laughed, a lot. A big huge lot, seriously. It's funny. If you liked Clerks, you'll really like this. It's good, laugh out loud a lot good. /review Go see it, seriously. Kevin Smith rawks (again)!!
Things were not totally chaotic when I got back into the office today. It's a nice change from some previous jobs I had where, if I was away, nothing I looked after got done. This time, I had prepared quite well, was caught up when I left and had secured lots of help for key projects. Things seem to have gone swimmingly while I was away! I did, however, have about 300 (after junk mail deleting) emails to sift through but most of them were just fyi stuff. nice!
Speaking of swimmingly, we are still enjoying the pool. On Saturday, it was cold and rainy here so we didn't get in but tonight, after work, we did and it's so relaxing. It kind of leaves us having dinner late but that's okay, it's a small price to pay. The funny/nice thing is that once I get out of the pool, I'm not even hungry for dinner. Hopefully this will mean that I'll actually eat less. Wouldn't that be good?
Oh, yeah, Friday, we did get to see Clerks II. We really really enjoyed it. I guess when you don't have any expectations (because I really didn't - the trailers online looked funny) you can't be disappointed. It was really funny. We laughed, a lot. A big huge lot, seriously. It's funny. If you liked Clerks, you'll really like this. It's good, laugh out loud a lot good. /review Go see it, seriously. Kevin Smith rawks (again)!!
Friday, July 21, 2006
for a while
I've been up for a while now. It's really quiet in the house, the only sounds I can hear are the rumble of the recycling truck on the street and the gurgle from the fish tanks.
Mark is still sleeping. We were up sort of late, well, late for us, last night. We tried to watch 40-year-old Virgin but couldn't get into it. I was surprised too because we both like Steve Carrell a lot. It could have been one of those state of mind things too, we may take another stab at it later on, but we might not.
This morning, my back is still a little stiff. This happens to me from time to time and it's annoying. Annoying because it slows me down, and annoying because otherwise, I feel really good. Hopefully, a hot shower will sort me out for the day.
It's a little hard to believe that my vacation is winding down. Overall, it's been very relaxing, which is what I'd hoped for. I could have done without me having a sore back this week, or Mark having some heat-induced migraines last week but overall, it's been a nice break. I could very easily get used to being a lady of leisure. Unfortunately, unless we win the lotto, that's not going to happen anytime soon. I'll just have to settle for little breaks here and there...and will have to make a note to actually pick up a lotto ticket once in a while!
Mark is still sleeping. We were up sort of late, well, late for us, last night. We tried to watch 40-year-old Virgin but couldn't get into it. I was surprised too because we both like Steve Carrell a lot. It could have been one of those state of mind things too, we may take another stab at it later on, but we might not.
This morning, my back is still a little stiff. This happens to me from time to time and it's annoying. Annoying because it slows me down, and annoying because otherwise, I feel really good. Hopefully, a hot shower will sort me out for the day.
It's a little hard to believe that my vacation is winding down. Overall, it's been very relaxing, which is what I'd hoped for. I could have done without me having a sore back this week, or Mark having some heat-induced migraines last week but overall, it's been a nice break. I could very easily get used to being a lady of leisure. Unfortunately, unless we win the lotto, that's not going to happen anytime soon. I'll just have to settle for little breaks here and there...and will have to make a note to actually pick up a lotto ticket once in a while!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
aah...water
all week, I've been moving a little slower than normal. ever since the lawn chair incident, my back has been sore. It's not so bad that I can't get around but I'm definitely not quick when I need to get from point a to point b.
the one place it gives me no problems is in the pool. Mark bought a little floating mattress thing the other day and when I get on that, and float on the water, in the sun, my back feels great.
I'm sure that by tomorrow it'll be much better, probably all fine. I hope so anyway. We really want to go see Clerks II tomorrow and I don't know how comfortable 98 minutes in a theatre will feel if I'm not all fine.
the one place it gives me no problems is in the pool. Mark bought a little floating mattress thing the other day and when I get on that, and float on the water, in the sun, my back feels great.
I'm sure that by tomorrow it'll be much better, probably all fine. I hope so anyway. We really want to go see Clerks II tomorrow and I don't know how comfortable 98 minutes in a theatre will feel if I'm not all fine.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
under the trees
we have probably spent more time in our backyard over the past few days than we have all month. it's nice though, because it's just us out there.
have you noticed how stupid people become when the temperatures go up?
yesterday, pretty late in the day, we had to go out and do a few errands. everywhere we went, folks just seemed to be in a daze. by about the third place we had to go, I was ready to scream. I was never so glad to get home as I was last night.
today, fortunately, we don't have to go anywhere or do anything. Mark worked on Monday and Tuesday but he'll be off with me for the rest of the week and we don't have anything planned. except for one to two small things that don't really matter, I got pretty much everything done around the house that I wanted to accomplish. the things that aren't done, can wait until the weather cools off a bit. I can honestly say that it would be okay with me if we never left our property for the next five days.
have you noticed how stupid people become when the temperatures go up?
yesterday, pretty late in the day, we had to go out and do a few errands. everywhere we went, folks just seemed to be in a daze. by about the third place we had to go, I was ready to scream. I was never so glad to get home as I was last night.
today, fortunately, we don't have to go anywhere or do anything. Mark worked on Monday and Tuesday but he'll be off with me for the rest of the week and we don't have anything planned. except for one to two small things that don't really matter, I got pretty much everything done around the house that I wanted to accomplish. the things that aren't done, can wait until the weather cools off a bit. I can honestly say that it would be okay with me if we never left our property for the next five days.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
early
I don't often sleep in, even when I'm on vacation.
I'm on vacation today and got up early to see Mark off to work.
Right now, it's technically still very early for a holiday type of day and I have the entire day in front of me.
One of the nice things about not sleeping in is how much extra holiday time you can enjoy.
sweet!
I'm on vacation today and got up early to see Mark off to work.
Right now, it's technically still very early for a holiday type of day and I have the entire day in front of me.
One of the nice things about not sleeping in is how much extra holiday time you can enjoy.
sweet!
Monday, July 17, 2006
learning curve
Even though our pool is small, it comes with a filter system and we have to use chemicals to keep the water all nice.
I have never had a pool before so this is all new to me. First the ph was too high, so we put ph-down in it, now the ph seems too low. I'm sure that I'll figure it all out eventually but it's proving to be a bit of a challenge.
The pool is fun though, really nice. I never thought that a small body of water could be so refreshing. It really is though.
Today, I'm a little stiff and sore. I had an accident of sorts with a lawn chair yesterday and I can feel it in my legs and lower back. the back legs of the lawn chair slipped between the cracks in the deck and I feel back a little bit. Fortunately, I was close to the house so I was able to quickly right myself and get up. This morning though, I could really feel it. I'm not moving too quickly but I really don't have to get anywhere quickly today so that's okay.
I have never had a pool before so this is all new to me. First the ph was too high, so we put ph-down in it, now the ph seems too low. I'm sure that I'll figure it all out eventually but it's proving to be a bit of a challenge.
The pool is fun though, really nice. I never thought that a small body of water could be so refreshing. It really is though.
Today, I'm a little stiff and sore. I had an accident of sorts with a lawn chair yesterday and I can feel it in my legs and lower back. the back legs of the lawn chair slipped between the cracks in the deck and I feel back a little bit. Fortunately, I was close to the house so I was able to quickly right myself and get up. This morning though, I could really feel it. I'm not moving too quickly but I really don't have to get anywhere quickly today so that's okay.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
new pool
Ever since we had the rubble removed from our back yard in the spring, Mark and I have been having the inflatable pool discussion.
They have dropped so much in price and seem so easy to deal with, we thought it would be a neat thing to get. We kept going back and forth on it though, neither of us could make up our minds on it. The other day though, I guess because I've been on holidays and we're not going away, we decided to pick one up.
Today, we set the thing up and it's now full of water. We actually had a "swim" in it earlier and it was lovely. To say that you can swim in it is a stretch. We have one that is 12" in diameter and the water is 30" deep. It's deep enough that you can submerge your whole body in it and really cool off but you can't actually do laps or anything like that.
Next week though, when we're off and at home and it's stinking hot (as they are predicting it will be), I think we'll really enjoy it.
They have dropped so much in price and seem so easy to deal with, we thought it would be a neat thing to get. We kept going back and forth on it though, neither of us could make up our minds on it. The other day though, I guess because I've been on holidays and we're not going away, we decided to pick one up.
Today, we set the thing up and it's now full of water. We actually had a "swim" in it earlier and it was lovely. To say that you can swim in it is a stretch. We have one that is 12" in diameter and the water is 30" deep. It's deep enough that you can submerge your whole body in it and really cool off but you can't actually do laps or anything like that.
Next week though, when we're off and at home and it's stinking hot (as they are predicting it will be), I think we'll really enjoy it.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
all day!
The CD's are unpacked, all organized, sorted out and on the shelves. If you can believe it though, it took the better part of the day to do it.
As I did the unpacking, I was brutal. There are now two boxes of cd's sitting on the floor behind me that we are no longer keeping. I think that there are around 100 discs in all. There might be more, it's quite a pile.
We're not sure exactly what we'll do with them. A couple of years ago, I would have gotten all ambitious and tried to sell them on ebay. The last time I did that though, the return was not worth the effort/investment. Most likely, we'll take them to a used record store, probably next time we're in Toronto, and see what we can get for them.
As I did the unpacking, I was brutal. There are now two boxes of cd's sitting on the floor behind me that we are no longer keeping. I think that there are around 100 discs in all. There might be more, it's quite a pile.
We're not sure exactly what we'll do with them. A couple of years ago, I would have gotten all ambitious and tried to sell them on ebay. The last time I did that though, the return was not worth the effort/investment. Most likely, we'll take them to a used record store, probably next time we're in Toronto, and see what we can get for them.
Friday, July 14, 2006
unpacked
a few weeks ago, Mark started bringing boxes upstairs from the basement.
when we first moved in to this house, we figured that we would put our CD collection down there. of course, after 14 months of staring at the boxes of discs in the basement, we realized that we wanted them upstairs.
finally, today, I'm going to unpack the boxes. I think that there are 10 or 12 boxes of them, maybe more. packing them takes no time at all, unpacking, well that's another story. I'll have to sort them all out and re-alphabetize them. if I'm lucky, it won't take me longer than a couple of hours.
when it's done though, it'll be nice. it'll be good to have that many boxes unpacked and gone and it'll also be nice to have access to our cd collection again!
when we first moved in to this house, we figured that we would put our CD collection down there. of course, after 14 months of staring at the boxes of discs in the basement, we realized that we wanted them upstairs.
finally, today, I'm going to unpack the boxes. I think that there are 10 or 12 boxes of them, maybe more. packing them takes no time at all, unpacking, well that's another story. I'll have to sort them all out and re-alphabetize them. if I'm lucky, it won't take me longer than a couple of hours.
when it's done though, it'll be nice. it'll be good to have that many boxes unpacked and gone and it'll also be nice to have access to our cd collection again!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
the cost of cool
I sometimes feel conflicted about our air conditioning. It may seem silly but I think about the global impact of my personal comfort and it bothers me, for a second, here and there. Like right now, as I type this and I think about it. Even though we have an energy efficient unit and have made improvements to our home that help keep the cool inside and the heat outside (and the reverse in the winter) I still sometimes feel guilty about it. Of course, when I step outside, into oppressive heat and thick air, I quickly change my mind.
The money is another issue as well. Electricity isn't inexpensive. We sometimes fantasize about living somewhere that is "off the grid" but that isn't practical for us right now. I can not worry about the financial cost though. Can you put a price on being able to sleep comfortably? I can remember those nights, when I lived in apartments, warm places, hot actually. Nights when I would have as cold a shower as I could handle and then sleep in the path of a fan and hope that I'd fall asleep before I got warm again.
Fortunately, this summer, we haven't had to run our air conditioning as much as last summer. Also, we haven't been hearing those warnings about overloaded power grids and rolling brown-outs. I know that guilt sucks and that I should just get over myself but sometimes, yanno... I just feel bad about stuff like this.
The money is another issue as well. Electricity isn't inexpensive. We sometimes fantasize about living somewhere that is "off the grid" but that isn't practical for us right now. I can not worry about the financial cost though. Can you put a price on being able to sleep comfortably? I can remember those nights, when I lived in apartments, warm places, hot actually. Nights when I would have as cold a shower as I could handle and then sleep in the path of a fan and hope that I'd fall asleep before I got warm again.
Fortunately, this summer, we haven't had to run our air conditioning as much as last summer. Also, we haven't been hearing those warnings about overloaded power grids and rolling brown-outs. I know that guilt sucks and that I should just get over myself but sometimes, yanno... I just feel bad about stuff like this.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
no appointment necessary
the sun did not shine on my parade today. it actually rained for most of today, pretty darned hard at times too.
the rain kept me in the house for most of the day. I had a couple of things to do that required I go out but I quickly scooted back home. soggy sandals and all.
sadly, or not, I didn't accomplish anything today. I have a small list of things that I'd to get done while I'm on holidays and I don't think that I have actually completed any of them.
on the upside, I've watched a bunch of movies (including Gorgo, Godzilla Vs Mothra, Boffo! Tinseltown's Bombs and Blockbusters and House of D)caught up on some of my sleep and have generally relaxed. tomorrow will be a work-on-the-list day. or not... I'll have to see what tomorrow brings
the rain kept me in the house for most of the day. I had a couple of things to do that required I go out but I quickly scooted back home. soggy sandals and all.
sadly, or not, I didn't accomplish anything today. I have a small list of things that I'd to get done while I'm on holidays and I don't think that I have actually completed any of them.
on the upside, I've watched a bunch of movies (including Gorgo, Godzilla Vs Mothra, Boffo! Tinseltown's Bombs and Blockbusters and House of D)caught up on some of my sleep and have generally relaxed. tomorrow will be a work-on-the-list day. or not... I'll have to see what tomorrow brings
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
shine on you crazy diamond
Mark's not feeling well today. last night, a wicked storm blew through town and left him with a crippling migraine. A couple of hours ago I picked him up from work and he's feeling really fragile.
right now, we both feel really sad because, upon returning home, I read that Syd Barrett died on Friday. Last spring, when mark told me about the pink floyd reunion at Live 8 I remember smiling at him and asking, "cool, Syd's back?" sadly, as I knew in my heart, it wasn't Syd who was back but rather Roger and Dave who patched up their differences for a few hours.
the night I met Mark, he told me that he loved Pink Floyd and I remember saying, "cool, Syd Barrett." He said yeah, but really one of his heroes was Roger Waters (David Gilmour never entered into our conversation).
I wonder what music would sound like today, if Syd had never met Roger. Rest in peace Syd.
Guardian Obituary: Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett, the maverick frontman and creative force behind early Pink Floyd, who has died from cancer aged 60, was the ultimate of pop recluses. His departure from the band in 1968 - then on the threshold of global eminence - and his retirement as a professional musician to lead an outwardly unproductive life was on a par with, say, Mick Jagger leaving the Rolling Stones in 1964 to live quietly with his parents.
The fourth of five siblings, he was born Roger Barrett in Cambridge. If blighted by the death of his father, a hospital pathologist, his upbringing was more liberal and steeped in culture than most. Before he graduated to Cambridge High School, he showed promise as a classical pianist and, more so, as a visual artist. However, intrigued by an elder brother's skiffle combo, he taught himself guitar, mostly by playing along to records. He and a kindred spirit, David Gilmour, practised together, but did not progress much further than talking about starting a group.
It was around this time that Roger acquired the nickname "Syd". At 16, he was playing with local beat groups, sometimes sharing a stage with bass guitarist Roger Waters. On obtaining respective scholarships at Camberwell Art College and Regent Street Polytechnic, Barrett and Waters moved to London where their band, the Pink Floyd, smouldered into form, with Barrett, Waters, drummer Nick Mason and Rick Wright on keyboards.
The gradual introduction of adventurous self-written material and lengthy monochordal improvisations made them popular fixtures in the capital's underground clubs where light shows simulated psychedelic experience. Snapped up by EMI, their debut single, Arnold Layne, was, as expected, self-consciously "weird" - and a Top 30 entry, despite airplay restrictions. The follow-up, a tartly-arranged See Emily Play - also composed by Syd - climbed to Number Six. Perhaps more satisfying for the group was recognition by the Beatles, who looked in during a Floyd session for 1967's groundbreaking The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. The maiden album was penned almost entirely by the charismatic Barrett, who, as a guitarist was as capable of severe dissonance as serene, if echo-laden, melody, and whose vocal style was as English as Elvis Presley's was American.
With the other personnel keeping pace, he'd gone far into the cosmos and back musically with Astronomy Domine, and disconnected with Earth altogether on Interstellar Overdrive. Moreover, Gnome, Matilda Mother, Flaming and medieval-flavoured Scarecrow cornered pop's gingerbread castle hour more effectively and instinctively than, for example, the Beatles' Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.
Fortunately for the Fab Four, a now drug-addled Barrett was already proving ill equipped to cope with pop stardom, particularly after a troubled US tour and the disappointment of a flop third single, Apples and Oranges. In 1968, David Gilmour was enlisted as the increasingly unreliable Barrett's understudy and then his successor during the making of a transitional second album, A Saucerful Of Secrets. Although happier as concert performers, Pink Floyd - as they were now called - were initially at a loss without Barrett's input.
Attempting to master his more absolute inner chaos, Barrett released two curate's egg solo albums in 1970, The Madcap Laughs and the more focused Barrett, with help from members of Soft Machine, Humble Pie - and Pink Floyd, and was persuaded to undertake disinclined promotional stage appearances. Eventually, he returned to Cambridge where he fronted a trio called Stars, who struggled through a solitary official booking at the city's Corn Exchange in 1972.
The years left to Barrett were almost perversely unremarkable. Though he was known to be a painter, he neither exhibited nor sold any work. Nevertheless, a legend took shape, bringing out strange stories, the most verifiable of which was of Barrett presenting himself, portly and shaven-headed, in the studio when Pink Floyd were recording the 1975 album Wish You Were Here - which included the Barrett tribute Shine On You Crazy Diamond.
Since then, intrusive press photographs of Barrett have portrayed him looking as middle-aged as his now multi-millionaire colleagues. In the teeth of dull truth, Barrett continued to fascinate countless fans as well as record company moguls, scraping the barrel for anything on which he so much as breathed - such as the big-selling 1993 CD box set, Crazy Diamond, incorporating hitherto-unreleased tracks.
Barrett's income of invalidity benefit and fluctuating royalties was buoyed by tributes paid by other artists, most conspicuously David Bowie who revived See Emily Play on his 1973 Pin-Ups album, and more recently Arnold Layne which he performed with David Gilmour in London. Yet few of the faithful expected or even wanted Barrett to make a comeback, no matter how rejuvenated or contemporary. They preferred him as an ever-silent, "no return" saga rather than one in which he was likely to try and fail to debunk the myth of an artistic death.
· Syd Barrett (Roger Keith Barrett, musician, composer, born January 6 1946; died July 7 2006)
right now, we both feel really sad because, upon returning home, I read that Syd Barrett died on Friday. Last spring, when mark told me about the pink floyd reunion at Live 8 I remember smiling at him and asking, "cool, Syd's back?" sadly, as I knew in my heart, it wasn't Syd who was back but rather Roger and Dave who patched up their differences for a few hours.
the night I met Mark, he told me that he loved Pink Floyd and I remember saying, "cool, Syd Barrett." He said yeah, but really one of his heroes was Roger Waters (David Gilmour never entered into our conversation).
I wonder what music would sound like today, if Syd had never met Roger. Rest in peace Syd.
Guardian Obituary: Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett, the maverick frontman and creative force behind early Pink Floyd, who has died from cancer aged 60, was the ultimate of pop recluses. His departure from the band in 1968 - then on the threshold of global eminence - and his retirement as a professional musician to lead an outwardly unproductive life was on a par with, say, Mick Jagger leaving the Rolling Stones in 1964 to live quietly with his parents.
The fourth of five siblings, he was born Roger Barrett in Cambridge. If blighted by the death of his father, a hospital pathologist, his upbringing was more liberal and steeped in culture than most. Before he graduated to Cambridge High School, he showed promise as a classical pianist and, more so, as a visual artist. However, intrigued by an elder brother's skiffle combo, he taught himself guitar, mostly by playing along to records. He and a kindred spirit, David Gilmour, practised together, but did not progress much further than talking about starting a group.
It was around this time that Roger acquired the nickname "Syd". At 16, he was playing with local beat groups, sometimes sharing a stage with bass guitarist Roger Waters. On obtaining respective scholarships at Camberwell Art College and Regent Street Polytechnic, Barrett and Waters moved to London where their band, the Pink Floyd, smouldered into form, with Barrett, Waters, drummer Nick Mason and Rick Wright on keyboards.
The gradual introduction of adventurous self-written material and lengthy monochordal improvisations made them popular fixtures in the capital's underground clubs where light shows simulated psychedelic experience. Snapped up by EMI, their debut single, Arnold Layne, was, as expected, self-consciously "weird" - and a Top 30 entry, despite airplay restrictions. The follow-up, a tartly-arranged See Emily Play - also composed by Syd - climbed to Number Six. Perhaps more satisfying for the group was recognition by the Beatles, who looked in during a Floyd session for 1967's groundbreaking The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. The maiden album was penned almost entirely by the charismatic Barrett, who, as a guitarist was as capable of severe dissonance as serene, if echo-laden, melody, and whose vocal style was as English as Elvis Presley's was American.
With the other personnel keeping pace, he'd gone far into the cosmos and back musically with Astronomy Domine, and disconnected with Earth altogether on Interstellar Overdrive. Moreover, Gnome, Matilda Mother, Flaming and medieval-flavoured Scarecrow cornered pop's gingerbread castle hour more effectively and instinctively than, for example, the Beatles' Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.
Fortunately for the Fab Four, a now drug-addled Barrett was already proving ill equipped to cope with pop stardom, particularly after a troubled US tour and the disappointment of a flop third single, Apples and Oranges. In 1968, David Gilmour was enlisted as the increasingly unreliable Barrett's understudy and then his successor during the making of a transitional second album, A Saucerful Of Secrets. Although happier as concert performers, Pink Floyd - as they were now called - were initially at a loss without Barrett's input.
Attempting to master his more absolute inner chaos, Barrett released two curate's egg solo albums in 1970, The Madcap Laughs and the more focused Barrett, with help from members of Soft Machine, Humble Pie - and Pink Floyd, and was persuaded to undertake disinclined promotional stage appearances. Eventually, he returned to Cambridge where he fronted a trio called Stars, who struggled through a solitary official booking at the city's Corn Exchange in 1972.
The years left to Barrett were almost perversely unremarkable. Though he was known to be a painter, he neither exhibited nor sold any work. Nevertheless, a legend took shape, bringing out strange stories, the most verifiable of which was of Barrett presenting himself, portly and shaven-headed, in the studio when Pink Floyd were recording the 1975 album Wish You Were Here - which included the Barrett tribute Shine On You Crazy Diamond.
Since then, intrusive press photographs of Barrett have portrayed him looking as middle-aged as his now multi-millionaire colleagues. In the teeth of dull truth, Barrett continued to fascinate countless fans as well as record company moguls, scraping the barrel for anything on which he so much as breathed - such as the big-selling 1993 CD box set, Crazy Diamond, incorporating hitherto-unreleased tracks.
Barrett's income of invalidity benefit and fluctuating royalties was buoyed by tributes paid by other artists, most conspicuously David Bowie who revived See Emily Play on his 1973 Pin-Ups album, and more recently Arnold Layne which he performed with David Gilmour in London. Yet few of the faithful expected or even wanted Barrett to make a comeback, no matter how rejuvenated or contemporary. They preferred him as an ever-silent, "no return" saga rather than one in which he was likely to try and fail to debunk the myth of an artistic death.
· Syd Barrett (Roger Keith Barrett, musician, composer, born January 6 1946; died July 7 2006)
Monday, July 10, 2006
the brilliance of vilanch
yesterday was a long day.
up early. errands all afternoon. we were tired last night, probably overtired I guess.
this afternoon, after Mark got home, we took a nap. it felt really good. it did, however contain a rather weird dream, for me anyway.
all through my dream, folks were gathering stuff up. gathering people do. pre-production work was in heavy progress. the next great teen movie, probably better than the breakfast club was about to be made. huge buzz was happening about it and it was going to be directed by bruce vilanch (of all people). however, all through my dream, vilanch was not to be seen. he had become a recluse but he was brilliant. he was so brilliant in fact that he could direct the film without being anywhere near where it was happening to do it. people would just know what to do because of bruce brain waves.
it was a very strange dream indeed.
to say "that shit's fucked up" is a huge understatement.
up early. errands all afternoon. we were tired last night, probably overtired I guess.
this afternoon, after Mark got home, we took a nap. it felt really good. it did, however contain a rather weird dream, for me anyway.
all through my dream, folks were gathering stuff up. gathering people do. pre-production work was in heavy progress. the next great teen movie, probably better than the breakfast club was about to be made. huge buzz was happening about it and it was going to be directed by bruce vilanch (of all people). however, all through my dream, vilanch was not to be seen. he had become a recluse but he was brilliant. he was so brilliant in fact that he could direct the film without being anywhere near where it was happening to do it. people would just know what to do because of bruce brain waves.
it was a very strange dream indeed.
to say "that shit's fucked up" is a huge understatement.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
sun comes up and you're in the cemetary
we were up early this morning.
seriously early.
I know, you're thinking, 'hey peg, you guys are up early every morning.'
yeah, well even we don't think that getting up at 3:30 a.m. on a Sunday is a good idea. unfortunately, we got a phone call at that time, it was Joe, and it woke us up. Joe was a little confused and he left a message stating that he wasn't feeling well and for Mark to call him "when he had a minute."
Mark called back and Joe told him that he wasn't feeling well. When Mark suggested that he tell the nurse about it, Joe said that he had and that the nurse had given him "an aspirin." Eventually, Mark found out that Joe wanted a ride home because he thought that he was at the shul. He told Mark that he didn't know what to do with his car. Mark told him to not worry about the car, and that we'd be there in 20 minutes to pick him up.
Mark hung up the phone, Joe hung up, we haven't heard from him again. I'm sure that Joe went back to sleep. I wish that we'd been able to. Instead, we got up, watched an episode of Law & Order that we'd taped. Eventually, around 6:30, already showered and dressed, we went out for breakfast. It's not even 1 p.m. right now but it feels like we've been up for days. Not a nice way to start your day.
Soon, we're going to head over to Joe's and see how he's doing. Fun times huh??
seriously early.
I know, you're thinking, 'hey peg, you guys are up early every morning.'
yeah, well even we don't think that getting up at 3:30 a.m. on a Sunday is a good idea. unfortunately, we got a phone call at that time, it was Joe, and it woke us up. Joe was a little confused and he left a message stating that he wasn't feeling well and for Mark to call him "when he had a minute."
Mark called back and Joe told him that he wasn't feeling well. When Mark suggested that he tell the nurse about it, Joe said that he had and that the nurse had given him "an aspirin." Eventually, Mark found out that Joe wanted a ride home because he thought that he was at the shul. He told Mark that he didn't know what to do with his car. Mark told him to not worry about the car, and that we'd be there in 20 minutes to pick him up.
Mark hung up the phone, Joe hung up, we haven't heard from him again. I'm sure that Joe went back to sleep. I wish that we'd been able to. Instead, we got up, watched an episode of Law & Order that we'd taped. Eventually, around 6:30, already showered and dressed, we went out for breakfast. It's not even 1 p.m. right now but it feels like we've been up for days. Not a nice way to start your day.
Soon, we're going to head over to Joe's and see how he's doing. Fun times huh??
Saturday, July 08, 2006
easy living
today has been lovely so far. while I didn't sleep in, I did enjoy a rather leisurely morning. as has become our weekend ritual, coffee was consumed on the deck this morning. the weather is so gorgeous today that the windows in our house are wide open and the air conditioning is turned off. I love it when we have actual breezes cooling our house instead of the air conditioner.
The other day, we discovered the the house we sold a year ago is once again for sale. In all honesty, I'm not 100% surprised, for a couple of reasons.
1. the young couple we sold it to seemed like flippers. we could tell that they were doing a lot of cosmetic stuff to it last summer (landscaping, decorating in the kitchen). We actually thought that they'd try to sell it in the fall.
2. a wall of insanity has been installed. one of our next door neighbours at the old house is insane. she's 90 years old now (maybe 91) and has, as my mum would say "more money than brains." We're pretty sure that at some point or another, over the past 8 years, she's had every contractor and/or landscaper in town come through her house. It's in a constant state of renovations. A few years ago, she built a big pergola and fence blocking out her neighbours on the other side. A few weeks ago, a really huge fence went up (we're talking all the way down the driveway, almost to the street) between her house and our old place. I'm not sure what those new folks did but it must have pissed her off, big time.
What was surprising about the whole thing (and I'm not naive, I know how much the costs of homes in this neighbourhood have gone up in the past 14 months) is that they have listed the house at $33K more than they paid for it. The house itself is quite small and it lacks a basement but it's on a huge, park-like lot so they might actually get their asking price, eventually. Right now though, in my opinion, if they are looking for a quick sale, it's not going to happen, not at that price anyway.
The other day, we discovered the the house we sold a year ago is once again for sale. In all honesty, I'm not 100% surprised, for a couple of reasons.
1. the young couple we sold it to seemed like flippers. we could tell that they were doing a lot of cosmetic stuff to it last summer (landscaping, decorating in the kitchen). We actually thought that they'd try to sell it in the fall.
2. a wall of insanity has been installed. one of our next door neighbours at the old house is insane. she's 90 years old now (maybe 91) and has, as my mum would say "more money than brains." We're pretty sure that at some point or another, over the past 8 years, she's had every contractor and/or landscaper in town come through her house. It's in a constant state of renovations. A few years ago, she built a big pergola and fence blocking out her neighbours on the other side. A few weeks ago, a really huge fence went up (we're talking all the way down the driveway, almost to the street) between her house and our old place. I'm not sure what those new folks did but it must have pissed her off, big time.
What was surprising about the whole thing (and I'm not naive, I know how much the costs of homes in this neighbourhood have gone up in the past 14 months) is that they have listed the house at $33K more than they paid for it. The house itself is quite small and it lacks a basement but it's on a huge, park-like lot so they might actually get their asking price, eventually. Right now though, in my opinion, if they are looking for a quick sale, it's not going to happen, not at that price anyway.
Friday, July 07, 2006
link it up
Blogger had a link on their front page, as they always do, to an "interesting" blog today. I don't normally click on them but today I did, it's called The Luckiest One and I think it's a worthwhile read.
Right now, between spoonfuls of raspberry yogurt, I'm getting ready to go on vacation. Fortunately, this week has not been particularly meeting heavy so I've been able to get things sorted out without feeling overly stressed. It's nice actually. I'm finally transitioned away from my old job, almost 100% actually. The new person is really nice and extremely competent, which makes training/transitioning so much easier.
So yeah, at 4 p.m. I start vacation. Two weeks worth for me this year please? I still have a bunch of time to book up but this will be a nice break. Mark will be off during the second week and we have NO plans. That's just the way I like it. We'll take it as it comes and see what happens.
Right now, between spoonfuls of raspberry yogurt, I'm getting ready to go on vacation. Fortunately, this week has not been particularly meeting heavy so I've been able to get things sorted out without feeling overly stressed. It's nice actually. I'm finally transitioned away from my old job, almost 100% actually. The new person is really nice and extremely competent, which makes training/transitioning so much easier.
So yeah, at 4 p.m. I start vacation. Two weeks worth for me this year please? I still have a bunch of time to book up but this will be a nice break. Mark will be off during the second week and we have NO plans. That's just the way I like it. We'll take it as it comes and see what happens.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
one more sleep and doctor asshole
upon waking this morning, "one more sleep" was in my brain.
I haven't been counting the week down this week but when I woke up this morning, I realized that I only have 2 more days in the office until my vacation starts. I mean, I know I'm off next week, duh, I've been pretty busy getting things sorted out so I can be away. With this being a short week, that's been a challenge. Anyway, one more sleep indeed!
Oh, good news, Mark finally has a new doctor. His old doctor is an asshole. When Joe went into the nursing home, he switched doctors (Mark and Joe had the same doctor). Dr Asshole fired Mark as a patient. I guess it's because old folks with lots of symptoms are good for business and he resented loosing Joe as a patient. Whatever the reasoning behind this stupid (and, I've advised unethical) move, he did it and Mark's been doctorless for about a year now.
Last week, I saw an article in the paper about a new doctor who was setting up shop in a clinic not far from our house. Mark called them as soon as they opened that morning and got an appointment for a consultation with the new doctor. He met her today and she is, by all accounts, lovely. She's young and smart and nice and he's really happy to not have to deal with anymore asshole doctors!
I haven't been counting the week down this week but when I woke up this morning, I realized that I only have 2 more days in the office until my vacation starts. I mean, I know I'm off next week, duh, I've been pretty busy getting things sorted out so I can be away. With this being a short week, that's been a challenge. Anyway, one more sleep indeed!
Oh, good news, Mark finally has a new doctor. His old doctor is an asshole. When Joe went into the nursing home, he switched doctors (Mark and Joe had the same doctor). Dr Asshole fired Mark as a patient. I guess it's because old folks with lots of symptoms are good for business and he resented loosing Joe as a patient. Whatever the reasoning behind this stupid (and, I've advised unethical) move, he did it and Mark's been doctorless for about a year now.
Last week, I saw an article in the paper about a new doctor who was setting up shop in a clinic not far from our house. Mark called them as soon as they opened that morning and got an appointment for a consultation with the new doctor. He met her today and she is, by all accounts, lovely. She's young and smart and nice and he's really happy to not have to deal with anymore asshole doctors!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
dead?
I don't think I'm paranoid but I do believe in certain "conspiracy theories." I'm definitely cynical, I know that for sure. Having said that, I can't be the only person who, upon hearing that Ken Lay was dead thought that perhaps, just perhaps, the rat bastard had faked his own death. I don't believe that it's entirely outside the realm of possibility.
Just some food for thought.
Just some food for thought.
Monday, July 03, 2006
strawberry season
I found my huller, I have a bowl for berries and one for the bits that you don't want to eat.
I am ready for my fingers to be pink.
hulling berries might not be the most fun thing that you can do but boy, the berries sure smell good and the result is well worth the effort!!
I am ready for my fingers to be pink.
hulling berries might not be the most fun thing that you can do but boy, the berries sure smell good and the result is well worth the effort!!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
summertime
one of the things I love most about summertime is being able to sit out on the deck, at 7 a.m., in my nightie, and drink a cup of coffee in the sunshine. it's lovely and peaceful and usually breezy. even on the really very hot days, at that time, it's nice.
we've spent a lot of time on our deck this weekend, it's been really nice. last night, we spent some time on my folks' patio. we popped out to their place last after dinner and had some Canada Day cheesecake with strawberries. it was the first time we'd seen them since they got home from their big trip to Alberta.
today, between deck visits, we've been puttering. Mark got a lot done on the second guest bedroom. it's looking really great, totally cleaned up. the furniture has been arranged in a really cool way and he got the shelving unit installed. All it really needs now is a coat of paint (it's already primed), a new ceiling fan and a bedspread. now that all of the boxes are out of it, we can appreciate what a nice space it is.
I managed to get all of our june paperwork filed away, bills paid, joe's bills dealt with, his filing done, laundry is almost done, even did the dreaded hand washing of delicate (but pretty) summer blouses that I've been avoiding. we also popped over to the store to stock up on a few odds and ends as I think that most of the stores are closed on monday. tomorrow, I'll do a smidgen of ironing and spend a little time on my work laptop but other than that, I plan to be a vegetable.
it's been a productive and fun weekend so far. having tomorrow off from work feels a wonderful treat.
we've spent a lot of time on our deck this weekend, it's been really nice. last night, we spent some time on my folks' patio. we popped out to their place last after dinner and had some Canada Day cheesecake with strawberries. it was the first time we'd seen them since they got home from their big trip to Alberta.
today, between deck visits, we've been puttering. Mark got a lot done on the second guest bedroom. it's looking really great, totally cleaned up. the furniture has been arranged in a really cool way and he got the shelving unit installed. All it really needs now is a coat of paint (it's already primed), a new ceiling fan and a bedspread. now that all of the boxes are out of it, we can appreciate what a nice space it is.
I managed to get all of our june paperwork filed away, bills paid, joe's bills dealt with, his filing done, laundry is almost done, even did the dreaded hand washing of delicate (but pretty) summer blouses that I've been avoiding. we also popped over to the store to stock up on a few odds and ends as I think that most of the stores are closed on monday. tomorrow, I'll do a smidgen of ironing and spend a little time on my work laptop but other than that, I plan to be a vegetable.
it's been a productive and fun weekend so far. having tomorrow off from work feels a wonderful treat.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
happy Canada day!
I don't think that as a nation, we're as visibily patriotic as, let's say, our neighbours to the south but I do think that we're a very proud lot.
Today is Canada Day. It's that one day of the year where you'll see folks wearing their red and white, there will be more flags flying from houses (and cars!) than you'd normally see and you may even see little kids wearing red maple leaf face paint. It's a good opportunity for us to boast a little and display our national pride.
So far, it is looking like a great day outside. The rain that has been threatening all week seems to be holding off. That should make for a great day for parades, barbecues, picnics and fireworks.
Whatever way you celebrate "Dominion Day" folks, have a good one!
Today is Canada Day. It's that one day of the year where you'll see folks wearing their red and white, there will be more flags flying from houses (and cars!) than you'd normally see and you may even see little kids wearing red maple leaf face paint. It's a good opportunity for us to boast a little and display our national pride.
So far, it is looking like a great day outside. The rain that has been threatening all week seems to be holding off. That should make for a great day for parades, barbecues, picnics and fireworks.
Whatever way you celebrate "Dominion Day" folks, have a good one!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)