http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:corona4242&section=today deviantART RSS for by:corona4242 en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:18:06 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/28147690/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/28147690/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:20:14 PST
My Program Directer and Morning man Jeff Michaels at CJCY 102.1 The Lounge, played a song by Bobby McFerrin. "Don't Worry, Be Happy". It actually made me tingle, gave me goosebumps and made me smile as I snapped my fingers and sang along to the song. Talk about a feel good ripple just from a song.

When I got into work, I was telling Jeff how much that song made a difference and today was the day I planned on passing it along. I had gotten some foot and body scrub for the security guard that marks our tires in the parking lot in front of our building on Dunmore Road, who yes, has given me parking tickets in the past, but she's just doing her job. Then she walked by the studio window so I grabbed the gift bag of Avon along with the Feel Good Ripple Card inside and ran out the front door to hand her the gift.

She was totally surprised and then I gave her a big hug and left her standing on the sidewalk with a huge smile on her face! I wonder who she will pass the feel good ripple card on to, and I hope to find out next time I catch her walking her way through work. A thought, a song and an action has made today wonderful for more than just one person. Paying it forward with pride, at 102.1 The Lounge.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/27696663/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/27696663/ Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:18:22 PDT
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]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/27581308/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/27581308/ Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:13:23 PDT
This was the second time to the Craven Country Jamboree for Ray and I, and the first time with friends rather than with a radio station. Having to line up with the masses and camp in the back was not as discouraging as other moments, but I'll touch on that after a quick review of the first night in the beer gardens!

We arrived just as the Kentucky Headhunters broke into song and we sang along with every song we knew, especially their cover of Norman Greenbaum's 1969 hit Spirit in the Sky, but it was Jo Hikk that stole the show with their rocking country tunes and more classics from Doucette, The Doobie Brothers and Neil Diamond.

It was a later night than expected and my guy didn't even get to bed for an hour and a half before having to get up at 4 am for the gohper run. We joined them at 8am to finish off their 6 hour wait to get a seat near the front. Even as taxing as that was for 3 days in a row, our crew is ready to make up t-shirts that say "2009 Craven Gopher Run Champs!" Friday's performances were seen from the 4th row.

After a nap, it was the old hippies, The Bellamy Brothers singing their country, crossovers and some classic rock.

Charlie Daniels traditional country was classic and of course everyone was stomping along to Devil went down to Georgia.

Kellie Pickler's dressed down, down home charm won us over as much as her big voice from her little frame.

I was cool to see Moose Jaw's Country 100's morning man and my young friend Dustin Dion host the main stage for the day.

Taylor Swift's big time, big show dramatics was impressive but impersonal.

No beer gardens this night. It was straight to bed and up at 4 am for the gopher run for the girls who had the first row seats for the wait, and got 2nd row seats for the shows, a little too close as my neck was sore from constantly looking up but it was fantastic none the less.

Joe Diffie was awesome and I even got one of his picks and of course the minute he commented that it's not going to rain, it did, but only for a little while.

Joe Nichols was handsome and humble, singing songs he wrote about his wife in his low and sexy voice, looking just as sexy in a Fabio kinda way.

Williams & Ree were hilarious and the"attention Walmart Shoppers" comment was directed at our group in the funky hats.

Rodney Atkins was a simple country boy singing simply awesome songs about tractors, the south, his wife, and of course his little buckaroo.

Clint Black was freezing. He got the night with the cold north wind and was sharing hot shots with the band to keep their hands warm. Even in the cold, he performed perfectly on the guitar and even entertained us on the drums.

For Sunday's gopher run we were not as aggressive, wanting to be back a little from the stage so we could see the big screens better. 11th row was perfect with polite people in front for a change.

Jake Owen was all about whiskey, women and song

Doc Walker, the pride of Portage La Prairie, were singing through smiles as big as the prairie.

Billy Ray Cyrus was a tad over dressed. I wondered if Clint texted him to tell him to bundle up for the cold Canadian nights. Within minutes his leather jacket, scarf and over shirt were off, but by the end of his show, they were back on as it cooled down fast when the sun lowered in the sky, but thankfully not as cold as the night before. His voice varied from song to song, from raspy and deep for his harder edged newer songs to the young clarity of his older hits, of course Achy Breaky Heart a must for the crowd.

George Strait was and is all about the music. With more than 50 number 1 hits, he couldn't fit them all into one show, but we still got an ear full of his finest!

That's Craven 09 under our belts and next up, all the music and events at Sturgis 09! Just hope there aren't as many disrespectful drunken idiots like there were in Craven. (yeah right)

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/25751887/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/25751887/ Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:18:18 PDT
Thursday night was a quite night of cards in the trailer, and Friday night we all headed down to the Bow Island Tavern to watch the Stanley Cup final game. With several ex Medicine Hat Tigers on the team, it was Go Detroit! Oh well, maybe next year.

Saturday morning it was up early and off to Harley Davidson out side of Medicine Hat for pancakes and sausage and our first card. 2 of Spades was not a great start but maybe for a flush or a run! Then we went fill up in Dunmore before heading down the 120 to Hwy #3. I wanted to hang back from the group so as not to feel too intimidated, but we ended up catching up to the group on the 887. What a wonderful view of all the bikes in tight formation along the hilly, winding road. First stop was the Etzikom Windmill Museum for a card. Q of hearts just ruined my prize for low hand.

Onward to Foremost to fill up with gas, and then rather take the Skiff road because of construction, it was up the Foremost Highway past the Spitz Plant (world famous Spitz Plant i might add) and onto the #3 to Taber. Lunch was on at the Oilmans Club and next card, 6 of diamonds. My hand was going down hill fast.

Next stop was Hays via Vauxhall, but we ended up driving down the Hays road or Hays Maze instead. Twisting and winding was all good but not at full speed. I was not about to risk life and limb taking the corners too fast and kept it around 55 Mph. The card pick up was the Hays' campground, so we stopped for a visit and some water and then headed back to Bow Island for the final card at the Blues Club. I forget what the last two were but they weren't worth a nickle so it was back to the trailer to change and then back to the club for supper. Mike's Meats makes the most awesome ribs! We were stuffed and in need of a nap before the live band, but I never made it back at all. My one hour nap turned into 4. After being woken by rowdy friends on their way to the lake (you know who you are) I ended up reading a novel and waiting for Ray to return to the trailer around 1 am.

Sunday it was up early as I had to work at the Parade of Homes in the Hat, and came home to all the kids at the trailer for supper and steak from the Bow Island IGA so tender you could cut it with a plastic knife! Then it was another bike ride to 40 mile to visit Monika and Ed who were just packing up from the weekend and ready to go home, but still stopped long enough to smell the roses, and the wine corks with us! Monday it was back at work and back to the farm after five days of fun on the H.O.G Poker Run. Next year we might have to pull the trailer out a week in advance just to get a spot!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/25056241/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/25056241/ Sun, 31 May 2009 17:37:29 PDT
24 fans might think that as funny, but anyhoo...


It was a slow start to the weekend. Friday after broadcasting my show live from Merle Norman in Medicine Hat Mall for Bras For a Cause, we went to Bourban Street for dinner. I wasn't feeling well so Ray stayed in town to watch hockey with the boys and came home and cleaned and puttered around the house before being in bed before midnight.

Saturday Ray had to work, and since the house was already clean, I headed into town for shopping, with my dog in tow. Ray takes his dog Maggie most days to work, so I thought Jake and I would spend the day together. Wrong! I FORGOT you should never take a farm dog off the farm. We didn't even make it to the #3 Highway before he was stressing out in the back seat. Last time I took him in the car, past the Shnee's farm where he used to live, but would keep coming to our farm, (They were going to get rid of him but I said I would take him since he is always over here) but he would keep going back there, and I would keep dragging him back) I left him at my daughter's house in town for more than a month. (can't wander off the farm from there eh?) Was he having flashbacks? He wouldn't settle down and I wasn't about to leave him in my son's new car with leather interior while I shopped for him to possibly paw and claw and tear apart! Thankfully it was Lisa and Kobe to the rescue, who where finished their shopping when I arrived, and took him off my hands so I was able to shop without worry. On the way home he just curled up in the back seat and slept. Must have known he was headed back home to the farm!

I was 3/4 the way home when I found out Ray was already in town...at the Harley Shop! You know what that means... expensive! He was told by his nephew that he could punch a hole in his muffler to get louder pipes, but Shane FORGOT to tell him to punch it only half way. So after punching it ALL the way through and piercing a hole out the end, $880 and a new set of pipes later, Ray's bike is back on the road. His mother always said, "Live and Learn" but I wish she was a dyslexic like me and said "Learn and Live". Either that or "Research first and learn!" A costly lesson, but he loves his new and louder pipes!

Since he was already in the Hat, I ventured on my bike alone to meet him in Seven Persons (first time riding since my dumping) but still didn't make it off the farm without tipping it over and his son Derek having to pick it up for me (farm terrain is so not conducive to street bikes). Soon I was cruising down the highway, feeling free as a bird. No one behind me to stress out, therefore I wasn't stressed out at all. Went to the Boar's Nest first then Monika and I went to Premium Sausage and we all headed out to Irvine for a BBQ. There were a lot of bikes on the road headed to the Hat so when we arrived there was no one else there (was it something we said?) But we had a great time and even better, was the fact that I found my Harley Headwear I had FORGOT there the year before. First time going to Tuesday night Bike Night and I lose my brand new attire! doh! We even went back that night to try to find it in the dark. We went back the next day and looked in the cook house. Nothing. This year, I searched for it on the first bike night and still couldn't find it. Then sitting around the campfire I look over to the tree with the Tasmanian Devil Doll perched in it...someone had slid my headgear on a the branch below the stuffed animal and even though weathered and worn from the elements, not from use, it was there!! I was stunned! But so glad to get it back. Honour among bikers is immense!

After Irvine we stopped in to see Lisa again and then before heading home, we washed my bike. It was noted earlier it was pretty filthy and how could I ride it in such as state! Apparently the dirt must have been holding it together! After the wash, it wouldn't run properly. No,... just got it wet where it shouldn't have and it crapped out on the College overpass. Ray got on and took it down the hill to the Paradise Valley Par 3, and ended up having to push it half way up the hill back. Then he had to push it to the Bohan's who lived down the block. A very frustrating day for both of us, but in the end, a great day with friends who can laugh both with and AT us!

Sunday, Ray had to work, so we missed out on the H.O.G Poker Run. It was overcast and drizzle so I spent the morning prepping, taping and painting the hallway. Then we went into town with the truck and trailer to bring back my bike. If it had dried out, Ray was going to ride it back, but I FORGOT the key in my leather jacket pocket, and had brought my work jacket instead! It was back to the Boar's Nest for dinner with our Poker Run Pals, and then home. There's a message on the phone when we arrive.. I FORGOT my Lounge jacket at the pu... ]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24873175/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24873175/ Thu, 21 May 2009 12:44:19 PDT
As per usual, Ray's long weekend started long before mine. Wednesday night we were going to camp at Cottonwood Golf Club, but with the extra trailer of bikes behind the 5th wheel, it was far easier just to go to Walmart. Nothing like free camping in the parking lot. $220 and two hours later, we were settled. (Takes a long time to shop when visiting with so many friends is involved, from my boss Jeff and family to my friend Rosalyn [link] who i would just love for you to vote) It's a good thing Walmart is open 24/7 so we could buy batteries for my electric tooth brush that was dead or I wouldn't have been able to brush my teeth! ha ha! After getting my butt whooped in crib, it was off to bed and then enjoy the 5 minute drive to work in the morning rather than 50. I didn't even over sleep like last time, probably much to my boss' surprise!

Thursday after work, it was off to Centenial Park in Bow Island where Ray had moved the RV. Loading up on hot dogs and potato salad before heading to Ray's nephew's graduation ceremony at Senator Gershaw School, it was a touching and entertaining evening of slide shows, pet peeves and goals. Then I got my butt beat in crib again (don't tell Ray I let him win because I wanted to go to bed early) and it was back to the 50 minute commute in the morning.

Friday after my remote broadcast at Medicine Hat Motosports, and collecting donations for "Bras For A Cause", it was burgers in the trailer before the Grand March and celebration at the Voeller's. I bailed early since I had another remote broadcast at Windmill Garden Center at 9 the next morn.


Saturday, after buying begonias at the greenhouse (boss says that's why they request me for remotes... I am always shopping) it was back to the farm to feed the dogs and off to 40 Mile Park to party with my friend Monika, who's birthday was the next day. There was enough food for an army (with Ed's family and all us friends, it WAS a small army) and homemade wine by the jug. The campers in tent city across the lake made enough noise to wake the dead and for most of the night it sounded like a cattle pen, but after police and ambulance were called, they shut it down before our fire was even out. It was quite the obstacle around folding chairs back to our beds, but thankfully no one fell into the fire or backwards off the bench, so entertainment was just the conversation itself. Boy did we laugh all night (Lori is just too cute when she's had one, or two... or five!)

Sunday we got up at the crack of 10 (oh how I miss those days) to bacon, eggs, sausage, waffles, you name it for breakfast. Now if only the head would cooperate with the awesomeness of the day ahead! It was a wonderful do nothing day of lazing in chairs enjoying the sun. Oh but the wind! Did Lethbridge leave the back door open? Even with all the man power we couldn't help Ed put the dock or boat in but we did help put a dent in their wine cellar! Another awesome dinner, we took shelter in our RV but it was early to bed for most except the die hard cribbers, at least it wasn't me this time getting my butt kicked!

Monday morning we woke to the neighbour cutting wood, but it was almost 10 AM so no biggie. Egg Sandwiches in the drizzle and cold and we were packed up before noon. I took the back roads home (20 minutes) and Ray took the highway (1 hour) and the bikes are back in the shed, the trailer parked and unloaded, and the smell of campfire laundered away. Now 9 more days til we can do it all over again. Next time in Taber, or Cremona, or where ever the wind takes us, because one thing is for sure, as long as the wind shall blow and the rivers shall flow, Razor and Corona will be there!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24873158/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24873158/ Thu, 21 May 2009 12:43:23 PDT
After a quick visit with Mum and Dad Voeller, Chels rode to her Mother's and Ray and I went in pursuit of a suitable Mother's Day Dinner. Even though I am not Ray's mother (his usual excuse) I am still a MOM so it was my choice! (crap, Phoa Dao is closed on Sundays) So off to Superstore for chicken, riblets and coconut shrimp. Add on pototo, pasta and tossed salad and we are set. Feast fit for a feline! The men barbequed and the women visited. The guys even did dishes! However, I still don't know how I ended up on the receiving end of the towel fight! Boys will be boys!

After dinner, it was back on the bikes. Oh how I love the fact that I get to lead since I am the rookie. It was off to Medicine Hat College where the parking lot is marked for motorcycle classes so Ray followed me around and around and around as I tested all the marking... they mean absolutely nothing to me without the pylons... but it was still fun.

Then it was off to visit Lisa in Riverside, who sat in her red flannel PJ's on her front porch while her boys slept in the 5th wheel (ha ha - you're so busted) When it was time to leave, we didn't made it very far. The neighbours across the way were familiar from bike rallies and poker runs so we had to stop, check out their bikes and compare stories even though I was itching to get on the road again.

It was so wonderful to actually enjoy riding in Medicine Hat. Each day I become more and more confident, and with the idle reset, I don't fear stalling at stop signs. So now I don't fear the city!! It was over to Ray's son's Brad, then over the Darrin and Tracey's and THEN we filled up and headed home. Okay, I still am not comfy riding in the dark, but I do it... and the heated vest certainly helps. I am going to have to learn to cut the ride shorter and to head out sooner if I want a COMPLETELY comfortable experience but it truly was the BEST RIDE SO FAR! I think I am getting the hang of it!

PS
after note - we parked the bike behind the house rather than in the shed when we got back. Tonight after work, (Tuesday) I asked Ray if we could move the bikes to shelter before the storm hits. Choke on. Idling high. Ray takes off and I try to ease the bike around. Clutch in, Clutch out. Clutch in. Clutch out. Rev is too high. Spin out on damp grass.. KATHUMP! I dump the bike and I am tangled and break the windshield! F&^%$##&!!!K!!! With a bruised and battered left leg I am typing this. At least it wasn't 60 miles an hour.. I still need more time to get the hang of it! lol!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24574304/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24574304/ Sun, 03 May 2009 20:48:58 PDT

Every time I don't want to do something, I always remember the book "Feel the Fear and Do it's Anyways." So I got on my bike and rode to Chestermere anyways. It was my friend Lana's birthday and for the past week I had been in cahoots with her hubby via text. Saturday morning at 10:38 I text him to to say we have packed the bikes and are headed to Bow Island to fuel up.

After a quick visit with Rob and Tellisa, who didn't even recognize us, I texted Evert to say we were leaving (11:35) and headed west. Cool! Bow Island now has a traffic light! Then it was north onto Hwy 879 and over the river (ew, being afraid of heights and crossing the bridge sent my stomach into my throat) and travelled past all the kids on highway cleanup of the ditches (slowing every time we encountered a group, who waved in appreciation) and we met a couple of other bikers at to Hwy 524 and stopped for a quick visit before heading west again until Hwy 36 and turned north. We always stop at the Oasis outside Ranier for a bite to eat and today was no different, other than the fact that we needed to. My bike will only go about 100 miles before running out of gas. After lunch and catching the tail end of the Boston/Carolina game, I text Evert (1:30ish) and it was back on the road to the #1, then westward ho! 110 Km speed limit. I kick her up to 120.

Now I'm never one to be intentionally rude, but I refrained from waving to oncoming bikers. I mean, they are across a divided hiway, 2 lanes away. Don't expect me to release the tight grip on my handle bar while going 75 mph! I've asked Ray the rules of the road when it comes to that. Do Harleys just wave at other Harleys? Is it okay for me to wave when I am on a Yamaha? Ray's explanation was; Bikers wave at Bikers. Truckers wave at Truckers. Farmers wave at Everybody! I only wave when I am comfortable to do so, which is becoming more and more often than not!

After a quick stop on a roadside turnout to adjust my helmet (darm pony tail holder felt like a knife in my head under my helmet) we fueled up in Strathmore (3:15ish) and pulled into the birthday girls driveway just before 4 and beeped Happy Birthday in unison with our horns, then sang along for a second verse! No one in the house had an idea what the racket was (what are you tone deaf Beierbach's?) but apparently the neighbours were impressed. It was a first for them! and Ray and I are definitely all about firsts. (That and killing two birds with one stone)

So after more family arriving, dinner, hockey (Chicago/Vancouver) and crib, we were all tuckered out, but more so our hosts who partied into the wee hours of the morning the night before! After a good nights rest, it was brekky, then Seven Persons Sausage for lunch, more crib (at least I let the birthday girl win. lol) and it was back on the road again.

Just as we were heading out their gate, Ray informed me we were taking a different route home, and going through Lethbridge. I didn't think anything of it. That is until we got to Vulcan to refuel. I was already looking for an escape route. The windiest city in Alberta and you are taking me there? It's like searching for the eye of a hurricane! Driving towards a Twister! And to find out right then that his daughter had to work and going through Lethbridge wasn't even necessary? I grin and bore it. I was cursing him under my breath all the way south as I leaned to the right as it became windier and windier and it kept trying to push me into the oncoming lane. (Now I have practice in wind gusts from either side! Last trip it kept trying to push me into the ditch!) But I made it through Lethbridge (with my crib face on) and with the wind at my back on the #3 we stopped in Taber to refuel, then to Bow Island to visit Ray's brother and sister-in-law, top up the tanks and I was almost home.

NOW I can start to relax, and I start to be daring. I slide my glove off my left hand (can't release the throttle with my right), tucked it under my crotch (tmi?), grab my cell phone from my pocket and capture a picture I thought I could only get from the back of Ray's bike. But I did and now I never have to do it again. But I DID it again down the Etzikom highway, with the sun at my side and my man at my back, and my second trip under my belt. 866.1 Miles since it was registered just 20 days ago and at least 406 just this weekend.

The farthest I've been and the most confident I've felt, other than the 50 miles in wind that makes biking so not fun, and me so not happy. How would 50 DAYS of no fun and no happy sound to you mr razor?!? KIDDING, KIDDING! Just check the weather forecast befo... ]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24469649/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24469649/ Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:56:03 PDT
After a quick visit with old friends and new, we headed out (big gate closed but I made it through and uphill to boot!) and even though i stalled twice at the highway (damn idle) we were on the road again, with me leading the pack to Rusty's Roadhouse in Dunmore for a bite to eat. Well, i was in the lead for a while. I forgot the speed limit was 110 kmph and having a U.S. bike, 65 mph is as fast as i like to go - in the dark - when you can't find the high beam/low beam switch... Guess I Should have checked BEFORE we left Irvine at dusk! But after all was said and done, and a little swerve here and there where I shouldn't have, no major wind to contend with, no major stall or falls and no bee's in the bonnet.

oh yeah, forgot to mention last blog, last time we left Dunmore, Ray could see my brushing the hair around my ears, thinking to himself... oh, we're going to town, (just to walmart for dog food) and she has to fix her hair... NOOOOOO - riding along I heard a THUNK above my ear, so I looked in the mirror and saw a little black fuzz in my helmet - I try to dig it out and it's a BEE and it's stunned and it's stuck in my hair. So i start trying to flick it out and it won't get unstuck!!! When it finally did, I didn't know where it went, so I had to stop and take the helmet off, the jacket, the neckguard, you name it, I didn't want ANYTHING under my leathers that shouldn't be there!!! Plug the heated vest in a wee wee wee, all the way home! First time riding in the dark. I must say, I'm getting pretty good at the mile of gravel to the farm too. I'm already looking forward to a bigger bike, maybe that will help my confidence. Maybe I won't feel like the prairie wind is going to blow me to the next province. Maybe I better learn to keep her between the ditches first.

There was no riding for the rest of the week and weekend as the weather was crap and it's turning crappier as I type. More snow on the way, but not as much as expected. And I don't feel like wrapping up in leather right now. I'm a bit tender from the two new tattoos I got today. Revolution Tattoo on Dunmore Road had the exact tattoos I've wanted since the Dead Hog Boogie but didn't want to have to ride to Red Deer to get them. So today, I got a mouse in honour of my home town, Souris Manitoba (souris is French for mouse) and a little butterfly on my hip just because. An early mother's day present to me but I made Ray come into town to be there when I got them. Almost chickened out after he finished the first one, but grinned..or ground my teeth through the second.

I think that's it for a while. Tattoo wise that is. I mean, have I been going through mid-life crisis or what? The only thing left on the list of things to do before I'm 50 is sky-diving, but I think I will leave that for the rest of the Voeller Clan to persue. Maybe I should go back to knitting or bowling. Maybe I should join a club. Maybe I should just shut up now and enjoy what I've got...and go put ointment on my wounds. lol

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24390966/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/24390966/ Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:09:20 PDT
Since I am not licensed, Ray has to ride behind me at all times, so I get to lead the way. The whole ride down the #3, not a bike on the road for me to salute with the low 5 wave. East onto the 120, North on 13th, stop light at Strachan... stall. I need to get the idle set higher. Stop light at Dunmore... stall (grrrr) Pull in to Dayz Off Pub... not a friend on the patio to see me pull in. I'm so disappointed.

Couldn't stay long since my headlight was burned out, but as we were going to lock it up for the night, it suddenly came on. Just a sticky starter button, so after a couple of O'Douhls and dinner, I get to lead the way to the hotel of my choice. Howard Johnson. Jacuzzi Suite. I'm so spoiled.

The next day we head down the #1 to Dunmore to fill up with gas before going to Burstall. Stop light at Dunmore Rd... stall... but it wouldn't start. I ran out of gas. I'm so embarrassed.

Ray switches it to reserve tank but the gas station is to the left and we're in the right lane so while turning right I spin out on the gravel and end up in the other lane in the path of a truck. omg ... stop light... stall... turn to left... stop. Ray rides my bike to the gas station and i sit and wait. I'm so rattled.

After filling up in Dumore we head north on the 41 and the wind is gusting....REALLY gusting. I stop and ask if this is a good idea for my first solo ride of the year. Ray says I can't be a fair weather rider, even though his sunglasses where blown off his face. I have to lean to the left to keep the bike on the road and I have no feeling in my hands from gripping the handle bars so tight. I pull over at the first rest stop and as much as I try not to, I just start crying. I'm so terrified.

After a short break so I can stop shaking, we continue down the road and then head east to Burstall. Thankfully the wind is at my back the rest of the way there. Ray fills the bikes up and after an O'Douhls served by Blanche at the Burstall Hilton, and we are on our way again. The street sweeper isn't due through until Monday, and there is far too much gravel on the roads for me to practice, so we head to Leader where the streets have been cleaned and the 2 hour rain that morning has dried. I still am stalling at most intersections but after touring the town, we stop at the Leader Inn. Bar hopping is out of the question since it's the only bar in town, so we spend the night. I'm so exhausted.

The next morning, the sun is shining, the wind is calmer and we retrace our route back to the Hat. 65 mph all the way home. I'm so happy. And so is Ray. I made it home safe and didn't give him a heart attack. And I'm not sure that riding is my thing. I miss talking to Ray, taking pictures, enjoying the scenery, heck even resting my head, closing my eyes and taking a nap! I'm so glad I am not taking my bike to Sturgis this summer. I am SO NOT READY!!!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/23576335/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/23576335/ Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:39:16 PST I've been lax on blogging since i've been busy on life... okay make that on facebook. lol - i try to post at least once a month about me personally - but facebook sucks you right in but it's so great to keep up with all my friend's activities and posts - which i have trimmed down to less than 200, and that's with high school and college friends that i want to KIT with for future reunions. I can't Believe it's been 30 years since graduating from high school in Souris Manitoba and 10 years since i graduated from Camoson College in Victoria BC.

I got the biggest compliment ever the other day from a listener (which we call lounge lizards by the way). He asked if i ever worked in calgary because I sure sounded like Charlie Morgan. My first program director that hired me after college to do midnights, gave me her tape to listen to and said i should model myself after her. It may have taken me 10 years but to be put in the same category as one of the best female radio personalities in canada has just made my day.. heck week, month, and year! Oh i may not be quite as smooth as she is. I may not be as flawless, but I sure am trying my darndest. We all try to be perfect, even knowing there is no such thing, but to not even try would be a waste.

So every day i try my hardest balance work and life. Weekdays are spent doing a job i absolutely love and am blessed to have. Weeknights are spent with my razor and his two boys when they are home from hockey, snowboarding or hanging with friends. Weekends are spent on the occasional remote broadcast (which i usally spend more money at the client's than i make, but look at the lovely chairs i have flanking the fire place now - thank you Parkers Countrywide.) or at hockey rinks watching derek play on the iron horse hockey hounds midget AA team. Just being with ray doing whatever crosses our path...okay, make that trying to keep up with ray which is a challenge and a half.

Soon, weekends will be spent camping, fishing and riding bikes. This year i will get to ride my 1985 yamaha maxim x 700 that i just got out of the shop. I was a little choked that ray got to ride it before i even did (he took it off the trailer - lol) but yes - i rode in february - and i think it's the only month that ray didn't ride HIS harley since he bought it march of 08, but he did ride A bike! i don't think i will be ready to ride on my own to sturgis this summer, but hopefully i will get more comfortable and confident and stay out of the ditch. What ever this summer brings, i know it will be spent with my hunny, who loves to spoil me with flowers every big occasion (valentine flowers most recent) and to spoil me with every little thoughtful thing he does for me every single day. I am truly blessed.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/23359878/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/23359878/ Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:57:22 PST

1. Google "[your name] needs":
Corvey CW3 Journal (Corinne needs to be refashioned in a more demure British "garb.)

2. Google "[your name] looks like":
and..corinne looks like a doll pictures from summer scenics photos ...(second link)

3. Google "[your name] says":
reality blurred + The lost Survivor Gabon interviews: Corinne says “the final five are boring"

4.Google "[your name] wants":
MySpace.com - Corinne - 26 - Female - Leeds, UK - [link] ...

5. Google "[your name] does":
corinne does croydon on Vimeo

6. Google "[your name] hates":
Re: yesterday, Winifred never likes until Corinne hates the outer code rigidly

7. Google "[your name] can":
YouTube - Corinne can touch her nose!

8. Google "[your name] goes":
YouTube - corinne goes crazy

9. Google "[your name] is":
Corinne; - Google Books Result

10. Google "[your name] loves":
CORiNNE lOvES PAULiE C MySpace.com

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/22842721/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/22842721/ Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:30:15 PST
[1] Were born in Canada.
[1] Currently live in Canada.
[1] Have lived in at least 2 provinces.
[1] Listened to the Barenaked Ladies in the Gordon years.
[1] Have been ice fishing.
[1] Have been cross-border shopping.
[1] Have seen the Snow Birds.
[0] Like Ketchup chips.
[1] Have eaten poutine.
[1] Know what a double-double is.
[1] Have a toque (+1 point if it has a maple leaf on it)
[1] Have skated on a frozen lake.
[1] Have shopped at Roots.
[1] Have curled.
[1] Have slept outdoors in the winter.
[0] Have played hockey.
[0] Have collected maple syrup.
[1] Have watched the Littlest Hobo.
[1] Have had at least $5 in Canadian Tire money somewhere.
[0] Have been to an NHL hockey game.
[0] Have been to one of the territories.
[1] Have seen a moose in real life.
[1] Have discussed and/or seen geese migrating.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/22576110/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/22576110/ Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:02:52 PST
1. The Media has always been a large part of my life. Music, Museums and the Arts were strongly emphasized during childhood. Television and Radio were a constant factor, yet taken for granted. Now, as my children are growing up, I enjoy introducing them to a variety of music and encourage reading and watching educational television. I am able to influence their choices and communicate my own tastes. What excites me most about a career in the media is that I will be able to express this appreciation on a larger scale. I will be able to relay my opinions and preferences to the general public. I will continue to educate and enlighten myself and those around me.

2. The Applied Communication Program is a general studies program which enables students to obtain a wide range of knowledge and skills in all aspects of media; photography, print, audio and video.

3. As a mature student, I feel the past 15 years have been leading me to my career choice today. I have held many leadership roles in various organizations across the country. I sat on the board of directors of the Lake font Ladies Activity Centre in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. I was also an aerobics instructor and headed a committee that designed playgrounds and canvassed for new equipment. As a member of the Catholic Women's League of Canada, I helped host the Annual National Convention for the Military Ordinariate in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba where I assisted in designing the handbook and was Director of Music for the 3 day convention. In Bangor Maine, I was the Publicity Chairman of the Over The Horizon Backscatter Wives Club, Secretary of the Rookie Bowling League at Heritage Lanes, and Coordinator of the Mothers Support Group at Saint Mary's Parish. There I was also a member of the Music Ministry and a Parish Cantor. Music is my main passion. I sing and play guitar, flute and piano. I was in the musical My Fair Lady, produced by the Acadia Repertory Company as a fund raiser for the Bangor YWCA. A year of study at the University of Winnipeg included drama and theatre. All past activities, incorporated, have readied me to embark on a new journey in the media field and I am looking forward to returning to school.

4. My philosophy for getting along with others; acceptance, tolerance and forgiveness. When ideas conflict, it is usually personality differences that create friction. Every person has their flaws and you cannot change them. You must accept them as they are, tolerate their idiosyncrasies and forgive them should they do you wrong. I feel I am open minded and willing to listen to ideas and how others feel. I do not hold grudges or brew anger. It is unproductive and a waste of energy.

5. The past 15 years have been focused on raising a family. Although I have worked outside the home in various jobs, it was never necessary. I have numerous outside interests and keep busy in the local community. As my husband is soon able to retire, I would like to focus on a specific career and reach a concrete goal for further financial security. Extra-curricular activities will have to be decreased and as the children become more independent, so do I, enabling me to fulfill the commitments of being a full-time student.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/22012324/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/22012324/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:32:22 PST
Déjà vu! Another form letter with another recap of another busy year for the Bolt/Voeller family with another 12 paragraphs about the 12 months of 2008

JANUARY
This year we rang in the New Year at the Conquerville Dance just down the road from the farm. I helped to design the centrepieces and decorate the night before, but wasn’t too much help the morning after, mind you. Still, good fun was had by all. The boys are still on two different hockey teams and Ray’s working away in the cold at Iteration’s Gas Plant, and I am working Tuesday through Saturday at CHAT and embark on being their spokesperson for Herbal Magic. The Union was just voted in. The big fat raise turns out not to be so big or so fat, but I buy a new truck anyways, a black Ford Ranger Edge 4x4.

FEBRUARY
February is heart month of course, and I volunteered at Boston Pizza to serve heart shaped pizzas. Boys are in hockey full swing and February thaw is not really thawing. Reading break is filled with hockey rather than skiing or boarding and saving for our trip to Florida at Easter.

MARCH
Derek's team made it to provincials in Warner and after his final game, Ray and I headed to Grand Forks to Big Sky Harley to pick up his 2007 Road King Classic. He had the bike off the trailer and on the road almost as soon as we got across the border, then a few mini road trips, first to Etzikom and back and then to the Hat with his buddies for supper and to pick up milk - any excuse to ride. Easter was spent in Florida with Ray’s youngest boys, 4 sun and fun filled days in Orlando and 3 in Daytona Beach. My blog [link]

APRIL
I was kept busy this month running back and forth to Bow Island as Poll Captain for the Canadian Cancer Society’s door-to-door campaign and Ray joined the S.E.A.R. Bike Club out of Seven Persons. Have I mentioned I lost almost 25 lbs on Herbal Magic? Did I mention Ray lost 20 along side me NOT on Herbal Magic? Short lived success unfortunately.

MAY
Weekends this month were meant for riding, no matter how cold it was - well, it does matter but we rode any ways. It was off to Moose Jaw to visit friends and we were treated to being allowed on the set for country music singer Jason Blaine's video shoot in a junkyard for My First Car. On the way back we stopped in Swift Current to catch Aaron Pritchett in concert and then returned home, only to jump in the caddy and go see Aaron again in Lethbridge! The next weekend we are packing the 5th wheel for a weekend with friends in Cremona. After Ray realized the keys to the Harley we are towing behind us were in his pocket back at the farm, he met his daughter ½ way back and we were able to enjoy a bike ride in the foot hills of the Rockies. The last Friday of the month was the launch party for the newest radio station in Medicine Hat, The New CJCY 102.1 the Lounge! I have the honour of hosting the midday show, Monday to Friday 9 am to 2 pm. You can listen online at [link]

JUNE
It's been so busy since i started the new job and getting used to getting up at 6 am (okay 6:30 after hitting the snooze button 3 times) after getting up at the crack of 10 for the past 5 years is a big adjustment. But having weekends off is awesome. The Harley Owner’s Group poker run was spent socializing with the fellow campers in Centennial Park in Bow Island, then supper at the Bow Theatre and more socializing at the park. Most of the month was spent building planters for the deck Ray and the boys extended around the pool at the farm. Ray and his oldest son Brad installed garden doors from the master bedroom and I built ALL 4 planters and 2 benches ALL by myself! We enjoyed the band Skavenja at the Blue Turtle with my new coworkers, we took the fifth wheel to the Seven Person's “Here comes the sun” dance and the next day it was back on the bike to the Foremost Rodeo. At the end of the month it was off to Penticton to visit Ray’s eldest daughter Lisa and granddaughter Sierra.

JULY
Every weekend in July was busy with something different – after a week of wine tasting, tubing and biking in the Okanogan, and a few close calls of dehydration in 40 degree weather, the next weekend was spent in Seven Person’s for the Dead Hog Boogie. From outhouse races to mattress pulls, rock bands and tattoos, my first bike rally will not be my last. The next weekend was spent with friends taking refuge from the storm of the century and cleaning up torn siding, shingle and toppled grain bins. Then it was stampede week with parade, concerts and another bike trip to Cremona and beating the hailstorm home.

AUGUST
I got my first motorcycle lesson on Ray’s daughter’s 750 Custom Honda one day and the next day we were headed to Burdette. After stalling out, tipping over and nearly giving ray... ]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652752/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652752/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:07:48 PDT
thursday night
flew into LA and rented a white convertible sebring and went to my son chris' place just off sunset blvd - went to dinner with his boss angelo and girlfriend janina (angelo's not chris' and coworker andrew at a restaurant called asia de cuba with ultra modern decor - they just kept bringing us plate after plate after plate of food... stuffed!

friday morning
got a tour of where chris works, deviantArt in the hollywood plaza. went out the front doors and walked right onto hollywood blvd. We walked up and down to see the walk of stars, take pictures and even though we didn't make it to hollywood and vine (running out of time) we drove downtown and toured the data centre chris and his roomy matt are in charge of.. impressive!

friday afternoon
headed out of LA to Las Vegas - the freeway was packed (everyone else leaving LA on a friday afternoon) and drove through up the hills (elevation 4,000 ft+) and through the mohave desert with the heat reaching it's highest at 102 degrees fahrenhiet (same temp as our hot tub).... the trip took almost 5 hours... good thing we had sunglasses and sunscreen for the convertible....windy!

friday night
after imputing the wrong address into the GPS (ray wants one for xmas if not sooner) and driving past the strip to freemon street rather than fremont - we left the ghetto and found our way back to the strip, checked in at the saraha and gambled the night away... winless!

saturday morning
went to harley davidson shop and checked out all the merch - then to strip to the harley davidson cafe for lunch - toured the cafe and then went back to wake chris...tired!

saturday afternoon
gambled a bit, got tickets to the mono rail, ray went for nap and chris and i booked tickets for the Steve Wyrick magic show - took monorail to planet hollywood for the show at 9... wow!

saturday night
walked the strip to video the bellagio fountain, stopped in at the flamingo to grab a drink and continue to harrahs to check out the dueling piano bar and toby keiths i love this bar and grill.... ray saw a fight (big bald guy beaned with a bottle) and chris and i watched 3 girls get hauled off stage by security... funny!
sunday morning
back to the sahara to gamble - bed at 4:30 and got up at 10, brekky and more gambling - check out of hotel. drive back to LA... slowwww!

sunday night
went to dinner with chris and roomie matt, then watched them play rockstar. to bed before midnight... beat!

monday morning
up at 6 am to fly out of LA to calgary, 4 hour layover between flight to lethbridge - which was cancelled. make that a 5 hour layover... frustrating!

monday night - drove to foremost to ray's boss to pick up new charts for work next day, visited and then got home at midnight.... wiped!

did i mention that i shopped at pretty much every place we stopped!...broke!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652738/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652738/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:06:30 PDT
we found out last week that you don't need a learners licence to drive a motorcycle with another licenced rider, your class 5 licence was good enough, so friday after work, ray gave me my first lessons on his daughter chelsey's honda 750 custom. after a few tours up and down the etzikom highway, yesterday was my first solo trip. i rode her bike the mile of gravel to the paved road, and went to the number 3 highway, pulling over just before the turn off. we stopped to get more pointers, especially about me being scared to give it a little more gas from the get go. after all was said and done, i stalled out and lost balance and the bike went over and my legs were still not strong enough to reset it upright, so over it went, not completely, just on it's extra stand and engine guard, but i still was not able to set it straight, big ol ray on his 1200 lb bike had to lift the 800 lb honda back up. no damage (that's what i worry most about is damaging chelsey's bike). so off we started again, and came to the number 3. my first 90 degree left turn, after waiting for all traffic to pass, i started off, and oops, didn't lean into the corner, and instead of grabbing the break or clutch, i gave it more gas, and went straight into the ditch. ray's going turn turn TURN in his head, and all of a sudden i disappeared, down into the ditch. but you know what? i didn't panic. i just kept going. thank goodness for dirt bike riding over the past 2 summers, i just avoided obstacles (like road signs and rocks) and guided the bike back along the edge of the ditch at an angle that would take my back up to the road. i made it safely and just kept going. we filled up in bow island, rode to the burdett bar and laughed and laughed and laughed. ray had tears running down his cheeks from laughing so hard. then we stopped in at the bow island tavern on the way home, and told the story to the patrons, and they laughed and laughed. they asked what ray was thinking and ray said his heart can't take stuff like that any more. i wondered what the semi driver that had just come over the hill. probably saw it thought - stupid bitch! ray has a hat from daytona beach that just has the initials DB on the front, and we have always joke it was dumb bastard when he wore it, and dumb bitch when i did. now there is a new saying. DITCH BITCH! i don't think i will live this down for a while, but i am proud of myself for not DITCHING the bike, and held my cool the entire experience. can't wait for the next ride. will practice on cornering first!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652727/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652727/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:05:59 PDT
all year long i have been waiting to be able to do something. I have been waiting patiently for the opportunity and it finally arrived. i was able to write a huge love note to ray on a big marshmallow bale of hay. finally it was the season, and for a short while, anyone driving down the etzikom highway would be able to see my profession. forget john deer green, forget two names on an overpass. corona loves razor in black marker on a bale. not sure if there's a country song in there some where, but i am sure if i tried hard enough, one will come to me. ray took a picture with his phone and it's now his wallpaper. i never did get an answer back on another bale of hay, but ray said - why, was it a question? lol

so much has happened since cleaning up after the storm. our friends from calgary brought their trailer to our place and after bbq and bonfire, spent the night and were gone. then it was stampede week. i decorated the station (martha stewart on speed another of my nicknames) and it was dress western week. the stampede princesses competing for the queen's crown visited the studio, so i bought dollar store tiaras and crowned christy the queen of news, karen the queen of sales, and i, the queen of google. christy had to work during the stampede parade but karen drove the station vehicle with her daughter shotgun while i walked the entire parade route, taking pictures of people i knew watching the parade. that night we went to the sawyer brown concert at the stampede grandstand and after work on friday, it was back on the bike to visit our friends 80 acres of forest near cremona.

for a change we packed lightly and added tent and 2 sleeping bags, arrived near midnight and set up the tent. on the way we passed an acreage that had a beautiful metal art sign. i missed seeing it the first time we passed, so ray turned the harley around so i could take a picture.

the weekend was spent quadding, swimming and biking, and though back home called for sun sun sun, rain was forecast for the foothills of the rockies, so the next night we pitched the tent in the old cabin. fun fun fun. we weren't planning on leaving til later, but we could hear thunder in the distance and packed quickly and we on the road, racing ahead of the storm. 20 minutes after we left, lana texted to say they had nickel sized hail. it was back to work monday but the fun was about to start again on thursday for mj's surprise 50th birthday party and camping at 40 mile lake. more on that next time. i have to get back to yard work. with my bad back, it's 1/2 hour of work and a 1 hour break. Life is good.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652713/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652713/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:05:24 PDT
no sooner had we recuperated from the dead hog boogie, our friends from calgary arrived in town and were camping in the gas city campground for the week. last week we came home to find what looked like snow on the front deck, but it was what was left of a hail storm we while in the city. tuesday, we got together at their trailer and i couldn't believe ray rode his harley since there was rain and thunderstorm in the forecast. after dinner the wind came up and we headed out to our other friends for a drink before heading home, always in the plans, but now it was for shelter. we were headed into dark clouds and lightning and no sooner had ray pulled his bike into their garage, the rain started, and the wind, and the severe thunderstorm watch turned into a warning with possible tornadoes.

We called our neighbours to find out how they were faring, and they told us of their shed blowing into our field and tall trees bent so far over their tops were touching the ground. they called us later to tell of the damage to our farm as we had to wait longer for the storm to pass through our area. we didn't get home until after midnight, and the next day say all the damage done. 1 of 5 grain bin toppled, and another tossed and crumpled in the field behind, siding ripped off the old house and shingles torn. strange how some things were left untouched while others were obliterated. no tornado. they were proclaimed 'flat line winds'. seeing the damage to the irrigation pivots, downed trees and 2,000 lb hay bales rolled like bowling balls through fences and moved from field to field on my drive to work. it was astounding. the county declared a natural disaster and thankfully uninsured will see payment for the damage. thankfully no one was hurt since friends were on the road when it hit and had to pull over in their van, one even on a bike. ray was thankful he took the bike into town after all, since the garage it WOULD have been in, was twisted, bent and broken. we were thankful we had safe haven to wait out the storm. if you have to get stranded somewhere, what better place than a basement with a fully stocked wine cellar! and as usual, there is a wonderful rainbow to enjoy after the storm.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652706/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652706/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:04:53 PDT
Since Ray works 9 days on and 5 days off during the summer, his weekends start on wednesdays so i am usually extremely tired at work on thursdays and fridays. so it was because wednesday night we went to ralph's texas bar and steakhouse for karaoke and stayed in town, in the trailer, in the walmart parking lot. yup. there's a first. did you know that all walmarts across north america let you stay in their lots for free. Glad to know this infomation since i made a deal with ray that when we retire and travel i will pay for the campsites and he pays for the rest. sweeeeet! more money for me to shop - at walmart where else? it was a nice change having a 5 minute drive to work rather than 50.

after work thursday we moved the trailer to morgan and dee's farm where the a bike rally would be happening the next day. Ray has joined the south eastern alberta riders (SEAR) bike club in seven persons and it was their 2nd annual dead hog boogie. so we had an awesome dinner at their bar "the boar's nest" in seven persons and then spent the night in the trailer listening to the rain pour - or it could have been the pivot irrigation spraying us in the middle of the night, but either way we woke to sunny sky and drying dirt so the farm wouldn't be a pig sty for the dead hog boogie, as fitting as it might be.

friday night was night one and ray and i had to work or 2 hours selling t-shirts and raffle tickets. i looked through the tattoo artist's books and was this close to getting 3 tattoos that night, but thought it better to wait til the next day and let the man get partying. unfortunately for me, he was thrown in the drunk tank and thrown off the property so i was out of luck, that is until the new crew came in from sleeping dragon tattoo in medicine hat and ow, ow, ow, ow ow. felt like someone sawing me with a steak knife - but only for 3 minutes, thankfully it was a small tattoo and it was only 1. i will save the other two for another day. i want a little butterfly on my hip and a mouse on my ankle to cover a scar and to represent my home town in manitoba. in french, "souris" means mouse and my home town was named after the mouse river which flows through it, and the water is the colour of a field mouse, hence it's name. i would love to get corinthians 13 tattooed somewhere because it's my favourite bible verse - because my name corinne stems from corinthian, and i was born on the 13th.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

but i think i will just wear my bracelet that has it on instead... that would be super OW

Saturday there we bike games and ray didn't want anything to happen to his new bike, so i ended up pair up with a fellow from saskatchewan for 2 events, the mattress pull and the outhouse race. too much fun even though we didn't win, i will have to remember next year not to put sun tan oil on BEFORE being dragged across a dirt field with chunks of dirt flying on me from the bike wheels spinning to get the mattress going from a dead stop. and the outhouse race - we girls had to down a drink, jump into the out house - whip our pants down (don't worry, had my bathing suit underneath) and then hang on for dear life. then it was another night of dancing and no dunk tank, or drunk tank for that matter.


sunday morning we pulled out of seven persons and went to 40 mile lake to camp with ed and monika and visit with her friend wendy - and enjoy eddy's new toy. what a boat! the fun never ends with my forever fiance. ray keeps me forever young... or aging me quickly... it's hard to keep up with ray but i will try til the day i die... might just kill me trying.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652691/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/20652691/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:04:08 PDT
the final day in the okanogan was spent biking from one end to another. we rode to kelowna to visit my sister ,debbie and al, who live in the dolphins, a beautiful condo overlooking the canals by the lake. i was not just hot and flushed but thirsty since i only brought one bottle of water for the hour and a half drive - and after a beer (wrong choice) i felt a little better, then we turned around and went back to penticton. by the time we got there i was just exhausted. Grabbing 2 bottles of water this time (and a monkey's lunch - wrong again. ) and after another hour or so drive to osoyoos, i was shaking. heat exhaustion and dehydration. i never realized riding on a motorcyle in jeans and a t-shirt in 40 degree weather is a big no no. but i know know now - after a quick swim in the lake and lots of water, i was back to my old self and was enjoying dave and rosies great company and beautiful view from their deck. the drive home was cool, both temperature wise and view, with the lightning from a distant storm lighting the way. thank goodness we were following it rather driving into it and made it home without a drop - the only water to hit was in my belly on the drive home.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/19410714/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/19410714/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:43:13 PDT
it's been too long since we went to penticton to visit ray's daughter lisa and grand daughter sierra - so this year - we towed the bike and dragged the boys along for 5 fun filled days in the sun. we spent the first night in sparwood and unloaded the bike the next morning and took turns driving the truck. jesse started on the back of the bike in the coolness of the morning and i drove - then derek drove while i rode, and then it was derek's turn (in shorts and a tank in the pelting rain) while jesse drove until we reached osoyoos - what a treat to ride in the mountains compared to the prairies. from there on in it was sunshine and just a goat or two in the middle of the road to keep us on our toes.

then it was my turn to ride in to penticton, through oliver and okanogan falls and talk about hot - i learned my lesson to never ride uncovered - jeans and a tank top is not protection from the dehydrating effects of the combination of sun and wind. more on that later. the first night was spent relaxing and bbq'ing and getting all caught up and organized.

day 2 ray and i went on a wine tasting tour. i googled (yes, how else does one find information) okanogan wine tours and discovered the red rooster, so off we went and saw free wine tasting along the way, so had to stop - besides, we live on township rd 84, so when i saw township 7, it was a must. after a couple of whites, a rose and a few reds, i picked up a bottle, tucked it in the saddle bags and continued to the red rooster, or so we thought til we met the manager in the parking lot and she informed us of the soaring eagle further down the road which had an amazing view. so we passed the original destination and continued on and enjoyed more wine tasting at the soaring eagle, bought two glasses to enjoy on the patio, and another bottle of red to tuck in the saddle bag.






on the way back we were supposed to have lunch at the red rooster - but being the ADD DJ that i am, 'hillside cellars' caught my eye with a beautiful patio with umbrellas and a lunch menu posted. so we stopped in and had a wonderful salad with strawberries and nuts and vinagrette dressing. ran up and down the stairs to every level to check out the HUGE stainless steel kegs of wine (no ray, you can't do a keg stand) and then found even BIGGER ones after cutting through the kitchen. after another glass of wine and another bottle of red to put in the bike (might be running out of room soon)
and THEN it was off to the red rooster - by that time, we are wine tasted out, believe it or not - and grabbed another bottle of wine, took a quick tour and pictures and were back in penticton getting ready for dinner and a performance by a couple of jazz artists with Lisa and Walter. after wine and port and good food, we were ready to find a couch and it would be sooner than later if we didn't hush during the show... lol. so we left early and went back and played poker til the wee hours of the morning.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/19004041/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/19004041/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:01:41 PDT
Last weekend we camped in Bow Island and i drove back and forth to work which is no farther driving from the farm. Contruction work slows me down a bit, but once the passing lanes are done, it will be a sweet drive down highway #3. Friday nite was spent socializing with the fellow campers in centennial park, most from Taber and saturday was the poker run, supper at the bow theatre, aka blues club. We never made it back to the dance with the big pink performing, we were too comfy by the campfire, ours and the neigbours until 2 in the morning. then sunday it was into the hat to pick up ray's parents for father's day dinner at ABC restaurant in redcliff. It's really hard to sit at a buffet and not eat EVERYTHING possible, but it is possible to eat and not gain weight. i have been choosing properly and still hover around my goal weight thanks to herbal magic.

pretty much every evening last week was spent building planters for the deck at the farm. the deck extension has been finished for a while, and ray and his son brad just installed garden doors from the master bedroom. I built ALL 4 ALL by myself and they didn't turn out too bad, now just to find the time to sit back and enjoy the deck.


tuesday night rather than ride to irvine, our friends met us at the boars nest in seven persons for dinner (take note that steak night is cancelled for the next two weeks) but we had a small task before settling down for dinner. Our cat josie is on her third batch of kittens, the first going to wanda's farm, the second just went to deb's farm, minus one... just couldn't catch the skittish 'sprite'. so after 3 weeks, finally got her into the cage and dropped her off, that was monday morning... monday night - ray had to go under the house, and found 4 kittens, and they weren't josies... apparently sprite is no longer a kitten, she's a mommy now, so we loaded the little ones into the suitcase that fits on the back of the harley - and they had their first (and last) bike ride... and are now reunited with mother. and josie's latest batch is still waiting to go to monika's farm. thank goodness most of my friends are in need of mousers



by the end of the week, all i wanted to do was relax on the deck - but no dice... friday we went to the blue turtle with the gang from the lounge (seriously, greg dances like elaine from seinfeld) and saw an awesome band out of regina called skavenjah - check out their site at [link] and saturday after work, we took the fifth wheel to the seven person's 'here comes the sun' dance (i not only handed out the door prizes but won one as well) and after getting to bed around 4 am, ray towed the trailer back to the farm 3 hours later (with me still sleeping in it - it was kinda like trying to sleep on a train) after he was done work it was on the bike and out to the foremost rodeo and tough trucks. the bull riding may be the most dangerous but the pig race and 12 year old wild pony ride was just as precarious for the youngins. after tough trucks and mud bogging (neither chevies or ford even made it through) it was off to dinner at the golf club (they make the best nachos in south eastern alberta) and home to fall asleep on the couch trying to watch 'at the end of my leash' with christine and duckie and the gang from chat 6 & 3.

so much for studying for my bike learners permit, so much for getting housework done, so much for reading or the suduko city hall reporter harve gave me, time for relaxing later but it's more like ray will sleep when he's dead. i got more sleep this weekend than he got in the past week i'm sure.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/18609222/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/18609222/ Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:48:38 PDT
It's the music you know and love with superstars from the 60's, 70's and 80's (and greg shannon who thinks he's one... dang - i just can't stop myself) Christy Mitchell has your CJCY news from 6 to 11 am and stops in to harass greg on the odd occasion - but it's more like the other way around... and joe mcFarland is our news director and on the air with your local news, sports and weather from noon to 6 pm. You can listen online at [link] and sign up to be a lounge lizard to win great prizes - like our 'love in las vegas beatles getaway'.

week one is in the bag and has had it's ups and downs includng dead air during a power outage just before breaking news was set to go on - it was during a lock down at a local high school. We even has a visit from zack warner of canadian idol fame with medicine hat band haymaker who are playing at ralph's texas bar and steak house this weekend. so it's friday afternoon just before my time to sign off the air so i better sign off here too - i have lots of errands to run before going to see the band and taking in spectrum at some point and time in the next 2 days - have a great weekend and tune in sometime to the all new CJCY 102.1 the Lounge!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/18609194/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/18609194/ Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:46:49 PDT
I've always said things are bigger in alberta, and the bierbachs have double of everything. they built a bigger cook shack, with two beds, two gas stoves, two fridges, two picnic tables... everything is either twice as big or two of them. It's also twice as fun camping with them too. This was the first time we ever took our dog Maggie camping and she was awesome. she has to work for a living - she wasn't our waiter - but there was a bit of a wait if she didn't go straight to the out house out back when sent.

the next day we ventured to sundrie on the bike under billowy clouds and blue skies. i took pictures the entire drive there and tried to capture the mountains in the horizon - we headed north up the highway and then hung a left - and the signs directed us in the right direction - either that or called us names - oh well, i thought it was funny.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/18246172/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/18246172/ Fri, 09 May 2008 17:50:56 PDT
no need to set alarms for the next morning since my internal body clock is set for the crack of 10, enough time to be checked out by 11 and on our way to the jaw. dustin gave us a quick tour of his newly renovated 1912 home and then we followed him out to a farm with tons of old cars for jason blaine's video shoot! how cool was that. we met jason as they were breaking for lunch, his wife amy was there and his little brother matt (drummer) kept us entertained til the shoot began. we were going to get a picture taken with jason sitting on one of the old rusty cars but he warned us against going into the long grass, it was tick season and they had spent the last two days picking them off themselves... brad paisley's song tick was definitely going thru our heads til jasons new song (which we just added to CHAT today) began playing. can't wait to see the final product when 'My First Car' debuts on CMT and we were even asked about our first cars on camera.. and asked if we would mind if it ended up on CMT in a promo for the song - HECK NO!!!

but then we had to head back home and let them get back to work so we drove past my old place (414 Fairford Ave W) and took a picture for old time sake. ray couldn't believe how small it was, but that was back in 82 when my son was just born. we moved to dartmouth nova scotia 6 months later, but that was our first real house we lived in, but i digress, back to the bike trip, we were planning to head all the way home, but once again, it got cold, and started to rain, and me with no chaps, we decided to stay in swift current again, and aaron pritchett was playing at the pavillion, so we went to the concert, (thank you carmen) bought his last cd (new one is coming out in november) and a shirt and back to the hotel until, yes, 10 am the next day, and headed home. this tim we were able to have lunch at the trailside (missed jeff and carol though, next time we hope to be able to visit) and admired all the ranch brands on the wall (especially dimented acres golf and country club) and then headed home, only to jump in the shower, repack, and jump in the caddy to go to the aaron pritchett concert in lethbridge! lol. we picked up Roz at the end (or would it be beginning) of the etzikom highway and were chauffeured by a hot cowboy to another hotel room and met up with roz's cousin from calgary and my friend andrea from edmonton (ex power92er and now adtel extrordinaire) and then to suede for the concert. Lethbridge's own brianne urban opened the show and WOW! that young girls voice just blew me away. i hope she has another single coming out soon, she made it to #80 with her first one. we had a blast at the concert but ray and i were so tired after so many late nights, we hit the hay early and missed out on hanging with aaron at Boston Pizza (yes, AP goes to BP when he is on tour) and then even to denny's at 4 am.

but it was up and at'em at 10 am, some burger king to get us fed and then drive back to the etzikon to pick up the vehicled, drive to the hat and head to work. so it's been a whirlwind weekend and lots of good memories with ray, roz, dustin, jason and aaron and i haven't been in my own bed for 4 nights and can't wait to crash when i am done my show at midnight. as long as i don't crash ray's caddy on the drive home!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/17985093/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/17985093/ Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:11:56 PDT
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]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/17671694/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/17671694/ Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:39:15 PDT
- it was back to the condo - more waiting to find out - still not ready for us... ack - so we went to dinner and finally were able to check in... after waiting in line.... just warming up for the line ups to get on rides at the theme parks i guess .... so the boys headed to the pool and hottub and ray and i went for a drive down the 192 and ended up at callighan’s custom bike bar to check out the bikes... and then back to the hotel and make plans for our stay on the balcony overlooking the pool, listening to the cicadas song - just like the crickets would sound like back home from our deck, but with palm trees and a tropical breeze - which was shortlived.... day 3 tomorrow

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/17648054/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/17648054/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:43:47 PDT
]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/17028048/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/17028048/ Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:42:54 PST
a big thanks to valerie of the heart and stroke foundation of alberta, nwt and nunavut for taking the photos and helping us serve (haven't waited tables in over 20 years, but i didn't drop anything, a few close calls, but it was all good. looking forward to it next year. i say they should make clover shaped pizza for saint patricks day for 'march for dimes' how bout it?

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/16755728/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/16755728/ Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:30:48 PST
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you may live in Canada.
If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don’t work there, you may live in Canada.
If you’ve worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Canada
If you’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Canada
If ‘Vacation’ means going anywhere south of Muncie for the weekend, you may live in Canada.
If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Canada
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Canada
If you have switched from ‘heat’ to ‘A/C’ in the same day and back again, you may live in Canada
If you can drive 90 kms/hr through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Canada
If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in Canada
If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Canada
If you design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Canada
If the speed limit on the highway is 80km — you’re going 90 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Canada
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Canada
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you may live in Canada
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Canada.
If you find 2 degrees ‘a little chilly’, you may live in Canada
If you actually understand these jokes, you definitely live in Canada

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/16345751/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/16345751/ Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:28:39 PST
We had a wonderful christmas but pretty quiet compared to usual. after i had accidentally discovered part of my christmas present when i was rearranging furniture a week before xmas, (a music stand hidden behind a chair in the piano room) and then ray was rather dissappointed that i guessed the next part of my present since my list of 'what i want for christmas other than my two front teeth' that i gave to my daughter, the first thing on my list was what i found so it was easy to guess the second. But that didn't stop ray from surprising me on christmas eve. My daughter Liz and her boyfriend came for dinner and we all opened our presents but there was no long box that a tripod would be in under the tree. there was a small wrapped gift and when i opened it - there were a pair of funny glasses and a note that said.

'ha ha your present is not here!! go look under the cushion in the old house living room'
there was a present with some lottery tickets and a note that said

'awwww honey it's not here hummm i wonder where it might be look in the broom closet'
in the closet was a note that said

'oo my dear you might have to look in your corona cooler'
in the cooler was a present with so fake ears that said

'ok honey are you having fun yet?? ok now put on these ears and go listen if the old deep freeze is running i love you. xoxo'
and in the freezer was my new tripod - lol

even liz and joel had fun too!

so as far as ray being a redneck, far from it, and the proof is in the pudding, because there are more are nots than are too's on this list


299 Reasons you might be a Redneck...
Thank you Jeff Foxworthy!
You think "loading the dishwasher" means getting your wife drunk.
You ever cut your grass and found a car.
You own a home that is mobile and 5 cars that aren't.
You think the stock market has a fence around it.
Your stereo speakers used to belong to the Drive-in Theater.
Your boat has not left the drive-way in 15 years.
You own a homemade fur coat.
You burn your yard rather than mow it.
Your wife has ever said, "Come move this transmission so I can take a bath."
You read the Auto Trader with a highlight pen.
The Salvation Army declines your mattress.
You've ever raked leaves in your kitchen.
Birds are attracted to your beard.
Your wife's job requires her to wear an orange vest.
You were shooting pool when any of your kids were born.
You have the local taxidermist's number on speed dial.
You've ever hit a deer with your car...deliberately.
Your school fight song was "Dueling Banjos".
You think a chain saw is a musical instrument.
You've ever given rat traps as gifts.
You clean your fingernails with a stick.
Your coffee table used to be a cable spool.
You keep a can of RAID on the kitchen table.
Your wife can climb a tree faster than your cat.
Your mother has "ammo" on her Christmas list.
Every socket in your house breaks a fire code.
You've totaled every car you've ever owned.
There are more than five McDonald's bags in your car.
The Home Shopping operator recognizes your voice.
There has ever been crime-scene tape on your bathroom door.
You've ever been kicked out of the zoo for heckling the monkeys.
The taillight covers of your car are made of red tape.
You think a subdivision is part of a math problem.
You've ever bathed with flea and tick soap.
You think "taking out the trash" means taking your in-laws to a movie.
You have every episode of Hee-Haw on tape.
You've ever been involved in a custody fight over a hunting dog.
Your considered an expert on wormbeds.
Your kids take a siphon hose to "Show and Tell."
The dog catcher calls for a backup unit when visiting your house.
You've ever bought a used cap.
Your CB antenna is a danger to low-flying planes.
You pick your teeth from a catalog.
You've ever financed a tattoo.
You've ever stolen toilet paper.
You think a hot tub is a stolen bathroo... ]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/15521454/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/15521454/ Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:17:46 PST 9 Scraps
231 Deviation Comments
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wow - got the big 4 thou - woot!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/15208444/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/15208444/ Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:04:09 PDT
sunday, my do nothing day, was more like a do everything day. i must have had ants in my pants or something. after cleaning the kitchen i mowed the lawn (gotta love a riding lawn mower), unloaded a trailer full of lumber for the deck addition (that's in stall mode at the moment) and then got the skill saw out and measured and cut old fence boards to crew under the deck to protect the dog from drifting snow and wind this winter, then it was into town to pick up screws (deck screws too long for that job) and pick up the new dog house. WOW - maggie's got a doggie condo - it's HUGE! why i need to build them a shelter beneath the deck is truly unessessary because there is room enough for a queen size air mattress - of which we have plenty, and even a heat lamp - one would be quite comfy -but not that i should mention cuz if i ever end up in the dog house - only thing i might have to complain about is the flees! maggie (yellow lab) and oreo (black lab) are in doggie heaven especially with 6 cats to chase as well. pepsi, cola, sprite, pepper, and crush are being chased off their favourite deck but mama josie is letting the dogs know who's boss!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/14992104/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/14992104/ Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:12:32 PDT
it was a double full house this year - sunday was spent with ray's family, 14 for turkey roast in the bbq and there we even compliments on my stuffing! after last years fiasco, i went a different route... but not intentionally - i had no poultry season so used greek seasoning instead. i swear i can cook anything with that and it tastes wonderful. on monday, my 2 kids and friends and the poor orphaned coworkers came out to the farm afer work - 14 once again for carribean ham (once again on the bbq, even the scalloped pototoes too) cuz they are a bunch of hams.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/14819204/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/14819204/ Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:51:56 PDT
sunday, friends came for dinner and few rousing games of crib (and then we golfed in bow island monday. after golf we drove straight to medicine hat to pick up my new engagement ring. ray had goldpro jewelers redesign mine to match the one i had designed for him so now we are perfectly matched peas in a pod - we celebrated with dinner at sari, a new restaurant downtown so i could check out their tempura fried veggies - yumm - and we toasted our anniversary with tropical drinks - i hung our rings on the straws to take a picture - and oops - they fell in the drinks - so much for our nice clean shiney rings - lol

it was back to work for me on tuesday night after spending the day in the yard - transplanting perennials and getting the decks ready for winter - the fun continuted right through until wednesday - after work we went to kareoke at ralph's. struggling through the bad singers was well worth the wait for the good singers because they were great. louis stappler had visiters from england who sang awesome tunes and i promised to jim, tom and arthur cowley and bill - to post their picture IF they called the station the next day - which they did and now have a souvenir on tape of their visit to medicine hat as well.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/14719470/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/14719470/ Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:30:55 PDT
it was able to catch the last half of their show at the esplanade on the 12th and i thought amanda would fly across the stage because she reminded me of peter pan, dancing around like a sprite.

friday night, ray and i attended the end of summer party at the elkwater lake lodge and had a blast with meagan and jared weaver of burdette and all their friends. the food and staff were superb, the games a blast and the company awesome. chat listeners are the best.

sunday we golfed with the station at ross creek where i golfed my best round ever (45) the meal was great - taber corn even better and we even won some cool prizes including a sleeve of golf balls, which i promptly lost the next day when we golfed at desert bloom - we only golfed the back 9 and boy is that ever tough. but since it was cold and windy and the course wasn't busy, we stopped on the 11th water hole and found 15 balls!!! now i won't have to worry about losing good golf balls anymore!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/14522964/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/14522964/ Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:34:49 PDT
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]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13687324/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13687324/ Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:56:43 PDT
I’ve TOUCHED pee wee smith’s grey cup ring

I’ve TOUCHED troy loney’s stanley cup ring

and i’ve had a DRINK from the stanley cup

next on my list - findin' me a super bowl ring.

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13591351/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13591351/ Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:35:56 PDT
ray and i watched the top alcohol funny car’s time trials. 3 years running we have been there on the canada day long weekend since ray’s cousin is a pit crew member for tim nemeth’s team, there was an article about the redcliff native in saturday’s medicine hat news. an emotional time for the entire family, but a fun time as well.

i didn’t get to stick around and see the finals or the jet car because i was next off to ralph’s for a bridal shower and home and in bed before midnight. you would never have known it canada day because it seemed i couldn’t put two words together on solid gold sunday. maybe i do work better sleep deprived. after work i tested out my new golf clubs ray got me as an early birthday present. so my RAZOR clubs are officially broken in and i shot a 72!!! pretty good eh? NOT - it was only on 9

no fireworks for me this year since it was to bed early since i am filling in for jim duce this morning, but this afternoon it’s a nap and getting ready for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary in manitoba. 2 more sleeps til i leave and then the following weekend it’s off to craven country jamboree - lots of fun and music to be found - hope you can find your way there too!

ps - corona is my nickname, not the beer OR the typewriter ]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13486344/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13486344/ Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:16:06 PDT
]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13396028/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13396028/ Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:42:58 PDT
back tracking a bit - just getting to 40 mile that afternoon was a challenge. we were headed west on township road 84 (the road, not the band) and were just at the solberg’s farm when hail hit and hit big - the size of large marbles - so i suggested pulling in and getting behind a large tree…. is that really safe when lightning was on the horizon? anyhoo, ray decided it wasn’t enough protection and headed back east to try to get out of it - but we seemed to be going INTO it - which way was it coming from? so we hung a left and headed north and then it got even worse. no matter which direction we went - nothing could get us out of it so he gave up and headed back to where we started - and by the time we where back there - it was over and done! no damage done to the truck thankfully but i kinda felt like it was getting in line at the check out at the store and you think you pick the shortest line, but end up getting behind someone with something that won’t ring through or has no price tag and they have to call a manager and it ends up taking the longest. ain’t that the way!

hopefully there will be no hail to be found on the golf course this afternoon. i am a fairweather golfer but will brave the elements just to see ray having fun with his kids because i don’t think anything would put a damper on an afternoon a father with his children no matter what they are doing - rain or shine! happy fathers day dads!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13321339/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13321339/ Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:44:53 PDT
saturday afternoon while working - a listener called to say they had 17 yards of sod to give away, would i announce it on the radio? hmmmm - this girl could use some sod herself, so they actually DELIVERED it to my home!!! thanks so much travis - that night we went out at 40 mile to visit friends and then after solid gold sunday (before heading back to 40 mile) we laid the sod. that’s after hand digging up part of the yard with a weed popper and a spade. ow my aching back - but does it ever look great! now just to remind my daughter not to pull up past the driveway to make room for a car behind her - oops - too late - she knew about the sod, just not the whereabouts - i was back today re-doing a couple of strips. ack!

i’m a little disappointed about the chucks being cancelled because it would have been my first time seeing them, so hopefully i will be able to go when they are rescheduled. humps and horns bullriding classic is tomorrow night but i am working, so next on the agenda - REDCLIFF DAYS!!!

]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13229864/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13229864/ Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:52:52 PDT
]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13125668/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/13125668/ Mon, 28 May 2007 13:08:57 PDT a favour and return her recycling. after gathering the empties, and climbing over the baby gate that keeps izzy upstairs where she can do the least amount of damage (grrr - puppies) i fumble with a several other loads and lock the door, load up the car, get in …. and…. and….. no keys. now i don’t keep a key hidden on the property because i think that’s unsafe - so i have just locked not only the house keys inside the house, but the car keys too and the SPARE! - now I’ve had enter my house from the balcony before - in broad daylight - in full view of neighbours and onlookers - twice in the last 6 months but guess what? - after nagging liz to secure the balcony doors before she leaves the house - she finally does it! which is a good thing! but me without money (a normal thing) - i’m unable to call a cab and get the keys from her at work. so i call a friend to get them and run them up to me - but that will take time - and it’s getting close to game time and i can’t even listen to our tigers play in the final game of the memorial cup on the car radio!! so i may as well be productive - i may as well mow the lawn - even though i’m not really dressed for mowing the lawn. Remember that scene from desperate houswives when Eva Longoria mows the lawn in an evening gown and heels to cover the fact that she is having a fling with the gardener? well, that was how i felt - minus the fling and the evening gown mind you - just the high heels. the only thing worse that could happen was it would have started to rain - and then i hear thunder - could it get any worse? but i finish the lawn before the storm and head out to the farm to watch the tigers (as hard as it is for me without bob ridley making the call) so then - it does go from bad to worse - i have to watch them them lose - but you know what? it could have been worse, they could have got trounced on 8 - 1 (highly unlikely but possible) they could have never made it there at all. they could have been eliminated long ago but the two best canadian teams in the WHL fought a valiant fight til the bitter end - bitter sweet for our very own WHL champs - you took it to the end without giving up and making your hometown proud. way to go tigers. i can’t wait til the season next year!

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The Broken Mower

When our lawn mower broke and wouldn’t run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed. But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the truck, the car, playing golf - always something more important to me.

Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point. When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush.

I said, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.”

The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.

Moral to this story : Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is the husband.

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my first cat was a tom cat by the name of munchkin - he was tiny and fluffy and playfull - and a handfull - i got him a playmate - a short haired tabby i named tigger - these two would dig their claws into the screen of the window of my basement appartment and slide it open to prowl at night. in the morning they would return - sometimes with gifts, like on my wedding day. one with a bird and one with a mouse. one deposited on the floor and the other on my bed. were they gifts of joy or an omen? we moved to a little house on fairford street in moosejaw where they came and went as they pleased. a year later we were transfered to halifax and told that pets were not allowed in PMQ’s so the were shipped off to the SPCA. i visited them each day and left in tears the day we moved. I found out later our next door neighbour (who lived on our left) sent his sister (who lived on our right) to fetch them. apparently they used to visit him daily and he would feed them tuna. they would follow him on his daily walks. he walked with a walker - he was old and suffered from cancer and the cats comforted him. one halloween munchkin came home covered in oil - apparently kids had doused him in it and were going to set him on fire but he escaped. he was taken to the vet and cleaned up and nursed back to health. we went back a year later to visit and called both their names. tigger came running as soon as we called - but munchkin was not to be found - appparently the first day of spring he was finally allowed outside and unfortunately hit by a car and was buried in the garden. tigger was still fed tuna - still went for his daily walks - still wailed for his missing friend. tigger still had a few lives left.

halifax proved NOT to be a pet free zone. every dog in it’s day had a dog in it’s day. our friends had one so when they found a cat trying to crawl in the kitchen window of their basement appartment - they couldn’t keep him. on our son’s first birthday, we introduced him to the household. he was an orange and white shorthaired and the most patient cat i have ever seen. he didn’t mind being sat on, pulled on, stepped on and squeezed - or put in a doll stroller, dressed up - tortured. one year olds need to be taught how to be nice to a kitty. when we moved to manitoba, that kitty tried to sit on the dashboard of the car until we showed him the safest place in the car was on the armrest between us. when we moved to bango maine a few years later - with 2 kids and the cat in a camaro - the carrying cage was his haven. felix was the most well travelled cat i know, probably better travelled than most people. we travelled 22 stated in 12 days, from maine via route 66 to the grand canyon, las vegas, oregon and washington to victoria bc. felix was fixed and declawed and had two strange habits. he would sit on the back of the couch behind you and put a paw on either side or your head and groom you - either that or he was addicted to the hair products. he also had a penchant for deodorant - or lack there of - and would nuzzle the armpits of odorous men - names withheld to protect the guilty - felix escaped once. it was the longest 3 days of our lives. felix lived for 15 healthy years before he got non- metastacizing cancer. twice we operated. once would have been enough. he was the first pet i ever had to euthanize.

growing up with cats is different from growing up with dogs - cat people are not the same as dog people. i was a cat person as were my children. but they had always wanted a dog. we said one pet was enough and not until the cat was gone would we get a dog. it wasn’t long before the children started bugging us about getting one. we delayed it - we avoided it - we went t... ]]> *corona4242 http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/12544189/ http://corona4242.deviantart.com/journal/12544189/ Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:47:58 PDT
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my weekends start on wednesday nights because my days off are thursday and friday - after work wednesday we went out for my daughter's birthday - Liz is 20 now, not quite legal in all states but getting there. we went to ralphs for karaoke - she has been in musical theatre since highschool and i just love to watch and listen to her sing. my ray actually got up and sang - his very first time at ralph's!!! he sang 3 songs too! i even got it on video - then thursday night we were at sidestreet for karaoke with my friend monika - and ray sang again! he's really got josh turner's your man down pat. he wants to learn alan jackson's "a woman's love" next so the cd is in his truck and he will be listening to it over and over and over til he nails it. then it was back to ralphs because this weekend, my friend colleen rae and her band cornerstone is performing - what a great show - if you want to go out and kick up your heels tonight - check it out! well worth it! then friday was spent house cleaning - 15 people are coming out at the farm for easter dinner today so it will be a busy evening for me. i will try not to stay up too late celebrating because i have to be up bright eyed and bushy tailed for solid gold sunday the next morning! the one day of the week i LOVE getting up before the crack of 10!

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unbeknown to him, i put a bug in the boss's ear to call him when a meeting was cancelled and he wouldn't have to come into work 3 hours early to work only to find out then and then turn around and whine and moan about it since he doesn't check his email except when at work - which is fine. work is work and it should remain there, but that evening when i tried to suggest him recording his assigned shows at a higher level because the boss saw how low the music levels were and the talk so high, well the reaction was... that's why there's a volume button on their radios for all I f'n care. Now am i over analyzing to think that he is being that way just to me because i am trying to tell him how to do his job? or is he just a miserable, ungrateful, igonorant, inconsiderate SOB? the jury is still out on that one - cuz judge not lest ye be judged eh? meh!

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