Totally Clueless

Manzanillo

2011-03-26T22:24:00.000-05:00

We've had a great Winter and topped if off with an annual family trip to Mexico. This year we checked out Manzanillo - an awesome place that I would visit again!

Between Basketball, Hockey, B's event's and my work projects we flew through the cold months and can barely believe it's almost April.

Quotes from the Winter:

Gage: That's what she said!
Emerson: (7:30 AM Hockey) - I don't like Hockey! and (Noon or later Hockey) - I love Hockey!
Brandy: I'm so glad I bought this jacket! (Canada Goose down filled) and (7:30 AM Hockey) - I don't like Hockey!
Dave: Looking forward to the lake ....

Here are a few pix of the week in Manzanillo:

Fast

2011-01-24T21:53:00.000-06:00

Tanya ... moving quick

Yarrrgh

2011-01-24T21:48:00.000-06:00

Hangin Loose.

Chihuahua

2011-01-24T21:30:00.000-06:00

Mango. Keepin it real.

Black Sturgeon Lake

2010-11-21T22:41:00.000-06:00

Noble

2010-11-21T22:32:00.001-06:00

Look at that fine young beast.

Movember

2010-11-21T22:29:00.000-06:00

Show me the car. Do it.

Second Annual Bacon Log

2010-08-11T00:03:00.000-05:00

Another year has gone by and with it the annual Bacon Log was a great success. Drawing on our knowledge of year one we topped ourselves with yet another delicious and tantalizing creation.

Noted changes:
-increase total ground pork content to 2 lbs
-tie roast with one piece string wrap technique
-cooked in dedicated smoker for 3 hours
-finish cooked in BBQ for 40 mins
-final 20 mins on BBQ Sauce glaze
-20 mins wrapped foil rest

The Log was tender, smooth and very tasty. Step by step guide:

1. prepare the bacon weave and season the pork

2. take a moment to appreciate your ingredients

3. complete the weave.

PRO TIP I

you will eventually need to roll the beautiful weave up into a log shape; the roll tecnique requires something underneath the weave like either a sheet of aluminum foil, a flexible cutting board, or in our case a piece of plastic wrap.

PRO TIP II

when you forget about PRO TIP I mid way through the weave - after the weave has been completed use another cookie sheet or serving tray to carefully flip the weave onto the rolling assistant media of choice

4. once the weave is ready it's time to spread the seasoned ground pork

Don't be shy with the pork now ....

5. while this is happening have some bacon frying up in the pan to add to the center of the log; this makes a nice little treat for your guests

6. the smoked needs some wood chips; have these soaking for as long as possible (24 hours is best) so they produce a nice even smoke and don't burn

7. by now the bacon should be fried to a crisp and ready to hit the pork deck; it's nice to season and sauce here just before the roll. Beer is ok during all steps, as a precaution against dehydration.

8. have a few hands ready; now it's time to roll this up like a big pork smokie

9. the weave needs something to keep it together when the bacon is uncooked; use string and tie like you know what you are doing

10. your rolled and tied log should look like a work of meaty art:

11. it's time to lift that log onto the smoker - don't be hasty!

the log is dog friendly - any dogs no matter how big or small will be ravenous at the smell of your hands after the lift

12. resist all temptation to open the smoker lid more that absolutely necessary - here is our first peek 1.5 hours in:

13. after moving the log to the BBQ for the final cook and saucing, let the meat rest for about 20 mins covered in foil

14. open the foil pack and wipe the drool off your chin. It's time to cut and serve!

Notice the center cooked bacon and the smooth cooked ground pork

Post dinner expect a relaxing evening and a few diners to fall into a meat coma.....

Zip Lining

2010-08-10T22:51:00.000-05:00

Gage and B - Zip-lining at Manitou

Tube Rides

2010-08-10T22:50:00.000-05:00

Always a good time riding the tube

Go Canada Go!

2010-03-10T09:46:00.001-06:00

Some funny stats from the City of Edmonton during the Gold Medal game where Team Canada beat Team USA for the championship:

Canadians Love Hockey

Fernie Trip

2010-02-05T22:56:00.001-06:00

Legendary Fernie - a great weekend and snow was in hiking range. We scoured the best runs from both sides and by the end of the trip we were all exhausted!

The snow was huge at the top of the Bear Chair - we went past Cedar bowl and hiked the snake ridge into Fish Bowl where we found tons of fresh and made our own lines

Beside the avalanche blasting hut

The Sun poked out a few times ... mostly cloudy all weekend

Timber Chair led us to White Pass that led us to Siberia - the snow was awesome and with a little hike we had a lot of fun going through the trees and into the 'pillows'

Best Run: Timber Balls - White Ass - Lost Boys Club - Pillows - Falling Star

This officially became the Lost Boys Club - the perfect rest spot before cruising the trees

The Pillows - crazy covered rocks.

Dragon? Dog?

2010-01-03T20:58:00.000-06:00

Mango yawning in the sun

NYE at Lac du Bonnet

2010-01-01T23:52:00.003-06:00

Happy New Years!

We had another great night at Lac du Bonnet with the family. Pond hockey and fireworks on the lake in -33 weather were great since the night was wind free, the moon was full and shining bright.

After the firework smoke settled we sang Gage his 12th birthday song! Can't believe he's 12 ... a young man and a built in babysitter.

Best for 2010 from all of us!

Merry Christmas Pix

2009-12-28T19:41:00.001-06:00

Emerson doing her chores - shoveling the rink

Playin some shimmy

Andrew, Gage and Dan checkin out the f#ck postcards

Loaded up Christmas Eve

Gage and Kolton negotiating on the iTouch

Emerson and Ava just being cute

Papa O and Todd

Grandma and Garth

Papa O and his cool lighter shirt

Angie smiling for the lens

Brandy looking great as usual

Gage loading up with perogies

Cool looking fire in the crazy Christmas Day wind

Me loving the cold in my new fur hat

Yes mother loves her dog

Emerson playing in a GIANT pile of snow

2009-12-19T17:39:00.000-06:00

Gage the Football Player
Winnipeg South Lions 2009

2009-12-19T17:37:00.000-06:00

Emerson the Hockey Player
2009 Winnipeg South Penguins - St Norbert Community Club

Snowing in October - is this early?

2009-10-09T21:02:00.002-05:00

It started off with a few flurries and the kids darted to the trampoline; but within a few minutes it became a quick reminder that we live in Winnipeg.........

Emerson and Jenna finding some fun in the white stuff.
-D

Testing Contribute

2009-07-15T18:32:00.001-05:00

Tools and how to use them are separate in theory - here is the first blog written using Contribute. Lets see where we can go from here!

Mango and the Lizardo's chillin in the sun.

After the Storm

2009-07-13T21:24:00.002-05:00

It's amazing when colors surround us. The double bow after a short and intense thunderboomer on Thursday.

-Dave

Sunshine at the Riviera

2009-07-10T17:32:00.001-05:00

Emerson and Mango

Gageman - enjoying the sun.

The Dogs

2009-04-25T17:49:00.000-05:00

Mango and Moxie

I thought Mango was small. We walk her and people driving by slow down to look and wonder 'is that a real dog? it's small!'.

When we take them both out, Moxie looks like a hampster on a leash. People see Mango, do their thing, then they see Moxie and wonder who are these people????

They are funny, small and cute together.

-Dave

Getting there

2009-01-26T19:54:00.005-06:00

Wow - January has nearly passed. I am dreaming of blue skies and calm water; and the low rumble of inboard boats.

The Sun has been getting higher in the sky everyday and that can only mean we are close ... closer to the warm breeze of spring; and with that means the green grass, trips to the lake and back to swinging the wrenches.

Can't wait ...

Here's some pix over Christmas and New Years of the Clan and Friends:

Emerson and Jenna looking like Sisters:

The kids on their handhelds at Grandma O's:
Emerson and Cassie with the Lizards:
Gageman and the Football obsession:

Emmy just chillin in the hamper:

Mom and Dad ... still lovers
Taking calls?

Mango the Dragon with Chochy

Me and the puppies

Peace

-Dave

Garage Woes

2008-12-21T11:37:00.000-06:00

It's Cold Out There

Glad that plastic breaks before metal; my Garage door has decided to eat the gears up so we are manually opening until I finish switching out a few pieces.

Thanks to the fantastic Sears Parts Department I was able to get the replacement kit the next day...too bad it's -39 out and bare fingers seem to get a little chilly in this weather! I will wear some sweet gloves from Princess Auto this afternoon and get er done.

The gear - chewed, stripped, ravaged...

The new piece looks nice and fresh

The Kit - all I really needed was the bigger gear but you must buy the $36 kit to get it...oh well

Peace
Dave

Meteor - rock from space

2008-12-03T09:56:00.003-06:00

I missed the actual sighting; I have seen a few meteors in the past but this one seems to have spurred alot of talk.

Here is about the best of the video sightings taken from a Police Cruiser dash cam in Edmonton; it shows the tail and movement of the meteor as it enters our atmosphere.

What a sweet light show! I am amazed at the brightness of the burn and can't even imagine what something big would be like if it had a chance to hit Earth.

-Dave

Mango

2008-09-16T21:11:00.004-05:00

Welcoming the newest O'Matthes - Mango

She is funny, small, cute and fast.

Next time you see us you should see her too.

Toy Chihuahua/ Miniature Pinsher Doberman

Born: June 16 2008

Current Weight: 1 lb

August and the Moon

2008-08-19T17:20:00.007-05:00

What incredible light the moon has cast on us the past two weekends; during this waxing phase I thought there were street lamps shining down on us!!

A nice little fire with the Moon in the back ground

Here are a few pix from our adventures marking halfway through August; Gage has embraced his football and he is part of an awesome team. He is the defence master and is picking up the plays really fast. If you ever want to watch a game email me or Brandy for when and where.

Eric busted out uncle Jerry's old helmet for the stands (incase any rowdys got out of line!)

Emerson and Baby Ava were cute as can be...
Back at the lake the old Pig Roaster was home to about 50,000 wasps; I got out the foam and took care of business. I managed to get away with just three stings during the whole ordeal!Another beautiful sunset...

See you at the lake
-Dave

Pog Bloggin

2008-08-08T16:40:00.005-05:00

Holy Crap - August. Time flies when you are having fun!
Summer is going great and I am augering in to the new J O B with some good feelings, I think all of the Spring Changes will turn out to be a blessing and I hope B finds the same.
A few pics from the last weeks of July:

The kids were TIRED after playing hard all weekend together; it was hot and the J man was sick. I think they all had piles of fun.
Gage and Emmy enjoying some smore's
Emerson looking relaxed on the couch with some AJ
Sweet B on the surfer ...
Trev's Van around the camp fire

Peace out
-Dave

It's a beautiful day

2008-07-07T20:11:00.002-05:00

Yee Haw!! Happy Canada Day!

Matty Brown - you made B's day. Cleaning is on the horizon!

Its been a great week; with B and the kids off I am the commuter man. I love coming home to the cabin ... we ate supper and hit the water every night this week. Tube/ ski/ wakeskate/ wakeboard/ swim/ whatever it has been awesome!

Special thanks to B for the smores ... the best portable treats (she puts a top on them like a sandwich)

The doors turned out awesome - thanks again to Trev for the mortice templates and tools! PINE ... I smell PINE!!

Another one bites the dust...Jeremy is gettin hitched and we had the classic pizza/ paintball gathering. Nothing like shooting your friends with paint.

My dancing queen ...

Aaaaaagh!!!!!

Gage was all over the bike this weekend ... he is loving two wheels and I will try to have a bike everywhere we go now! Way to go G :)

Swingers. Watch out for the monster....

-Dave

Good Wood::Grass and the mud pile

2008-06-23T21:47:00.004-05:00

Ahhhh ... the summer heat has begun. I love when the lawns and trees have filled out and all you see is green grass and tall trees. The birds chirping have been part of the mornings and since there really aren't any bugs yet I am lovin it.

Alot to say ... pictures tell it better. Take a look and when you have time come on over to find out all that has happened in between.

Peace out
-Dave

A bit of elbow grease and the deck is now a repellant force - beads and more beads of juicy water just sit on top.

I stained the deck.

Emmy on her 4th birthday - bubble time. Happy birthday love!

The yard has come up nice...thanks to the MUDPILE

It really looks yellow here ... wow, I have impressed myself. LOL

The new play structure at the lake; the kids love it and it was well worth the cake.

Thats all for now .... enjoy the sunset

Lake Weekender

2008-05-26T23:00:00.002-05:00

Another great weekend at the Lee Riviera .. .. ..

If the Red Wings keep up their pace it will be a disappointing streak for the Penguins; I watched game one at the Brown's and game two just now at home and I am not impressed (only because I am cheering for Pittsburgh (only because B is cheering for Detroit)).

I pretended to be a master angler during the 2nd intermission on Saturday I caught 3 fish off the dock - a new record for myself, and it made up for a bit of fishless years in the past.

We ate like kings and enjoyed the weather, all is well and into another week.

Emerson looking tall on a morning walk

Gage and Miles (or is it Justin?) on an Orc hunt

Matty B and Karis' new purchase (Congrats again!)

Supervisor Brown - doing what he does best.

Gageman taking a little break with Fire Emblem

Mama and Emmy enjoying a little sleep in the morning sun

G playing with some cards ..

Emmy enjoing the freedom of swings

-Dave

Berry Picking

2008-05-21T11:13:00.000-05:00

Blackberries - the way of life. Can you imagine a world that didn't have radio waves and electronic devices to amuse our central data processing clusters (a.k.a the HUMAN BRAIN)?????

I look at this picture and imagine a daily routine that might not depend so heavily on faceless communication, on words typed through traffic and meetings, on messages driven by emotion and pressure and the immediate need for answers.

I am not sure how I feel about it and how it will change the '9-5' stress, but I am open and ready for the path in front of me and all that it brings.

There are the days that I have a severe case of phantom vibrate in my right hip ... and I have been caught checking for messages that don't exist simply through forced routine. I am ready to make a change and grow; ready for new information - challenges - relationships - sucesses - fears - memories.

-Happy trails

Dave

Crazy like a Horse

2008-03-19T15:40:00.003-05:00

A few days riding out west and we found some pretty cool place; I highly suggest checking out KickingHorse after a snow fall.

Dave/ Trev/ Daren/ Lauren

At the bottom of a crazy steep line, Daren and I did cannonballs into the pow and had to unstrap to get out....

The boot pack goes forever, the cool part of Kickinhorse is that you virtually can find snow anytime.
I love this pic; if you look in the background the mountain is menacing!

Great Days in the Snow

2008-02-23T00:06:00.000-06:00

What a week - many awesome days and all SUNNY and WARM! We did our best to find the snow with fewest tracks, the reward was great riding and fellowship.

-Dave

Probly a Hotdog

2008-02-20T20:30:00.003-06:00

Norquay, Banff, Alberta:

A fun little day of riding and skiing at the Nar, Emerson and I took a break on the patio.

Eggs

2008-02-12T14:44:00.000-06:00

The Captains have discovered perpetuallization - not something I wanted to pursue and if the time was there I bet I could develop the next big thing (a bearded dragon belt). Flamey, your offspring didn't make it but here's what your second litter looked like:

Bread Making

2008-02-02T11:43:00.000-06:00

Bread and the common man

Its not that bread is only tasty and wholesome, its also an activity for family fun. I ordered a bread maker using my airmiles - all those times at safeway, shell and the liquor mart actually paid off in the form of this cuisinart SS dream machine.

We make about 4 loaves a week; I am only a beginner in this form of chemisty and can forsee becoming a master in time. My bro has agreed to share some of his elven tricks to bread baking - but he continues to hoard his secrets!

Some of the finer loaves we have produced:

Emmy with a fresh haircut trying to fluff it up:

Cuties ...

Mirosoft: Yahoo - will you go out with me?

2008-02-01T22:09:00.001-06:00

In the wake of the world news about further domination stories from Microsoft - Yahoo sharholders are about to decide how to split a mere $44.6 Billion.

In the OMatthes world we are aspiring change in more modest arenas : Bread Making and Floors.

The Floor
We decided to rip out the soggy carpet and put down the floor we originally bought for the cabin, it was a fun little home reno project and we had some great help.

The pending floor...
Some soggy carpet about to be ripped from reality...
Mid floor removal...
The crew
Brandy taking on the baseboards...

Almost done
Hey Guy!
Ocho was ready for a nap...
Da girls...
Finished and good to go.

Next: Bread Making

little niece

2007-12-03T21:59:00.000-06:00

Baby Ava
Bava
Babava

she is

small and cute.

-Dave

Really ....

2007-11-21T10:02:00.000-06:00

Classic. This is a preview into the teen years...

Umm Dad? Like totally. I like seriously don't have to wipe my nose, ok? Ok. Sigh.

And who did you think she gets it from????????

Tubes

2007-11-20T21:25:00.000-06:00

Bring it on Down.

2007-11-19T16:41:00.000-06:00

Ta Daaaa!!!!!!!!

Halloween Fun

2007-11-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

Good times...

Halloween Apples

2007-11-02T11:32:00.000-05:00

Scary Stuff ... Jason and the Kitty!

B and Emmy preparing the blood bath

Skully

More news - Microsoft

2007-10-26T12:09:00.000-05:00

It's not what you think; but it is. They grow by just a little (12%) and the company earns $35 Billion.

It just means that they HAVE ALOT.

Way to go Vista; maybe now everyone won't trash it so much! At least until SP1 is relased.

-Dave

Microsoft Surges After Sales, Profit Beat Estimates (Update5)

By Dina Bass

Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. shares soared to their highest level in six years after first-quarter sales beat projections by more than $1 billion, proving the new version of Windows has reinvigorated growth.

Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, rose the most in seven years on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The shares advanced $3.87, or 12 percent, to $35.86 at 12:01 p.m., the highest since July 2001. The company added about $35 billion in market value and posted the biggest gain in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

Sales of Windows Vista for personal computers climbed 25 percent, helping Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer reassure investors who'd been disappointed by the operating system's lackluster early adoption. The stock had lagged rivals this year, and the report allayed concern that Microsoft's growth depends on cracking Google Inc.'s dominance in Internet advertising.

``This is a big deal,'' said Jane Snorek, a Minneapolis- based analyst at First American Funds, which manages $55 billion in assets, including Microsoft shares. ``It will change the sentiment on Microsoft absolutely.''

Net income increased 23 percent to $4.29 billion, or 45 cents a share, beating the 39-cent average of 15 projections in a survey by Bloomberg. Sales advanced 27 percent to $13.8 billion, driven by orders for the pricier versions of Vista and the debut of the ``Halo 3'' video game.

A good Move

2007-10-25T09:26:00.000-05:00

It's always good to see innovation get rewarded. This little cash injection will help Facebook get to the next level.

Oct. 25, 2007, 7:38AM
Ahead of the Bell: Microsoft

© 2007 The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Analysts said Thursday that Microsoft's $240 million investment in Facebook should help the software company gain a stronger foothold in the online advertising and search market.

The investment, for a 1.6 percent stake, values the social networking Web site at $15 billion, a substantial sum considering the online hangout's beginnings in a dorm room less than five years ago.

"We believe that the Facebook partnership represents another step in the right direction for Microsoft in its effort to build a larger online platform," said Lehman Brothers analyst Israel Hernandez. He maintained his "Equal weight" or "Hold" rating and $34 price target.

As part of the deal, Microsoft will sell Internet ads as the site grows internationally, expanding a marketing relationship that began last year.

The investment should help Microsoft claim a piece of the $40 billion advertising market, especially considering Facebook's 50 million active users, Hernandez said.

Cowen and Co. analyst Walter Pritchard maintained his "Outperform" or "Buy" rating on Microsoft, and said the advertising component of the deal is a positive.

"The additional Facebook partnership announced yesterday keeps Microsoft relevant as the strategic provider of display advertising for one of the hottest online properties," said Pritchard.

The partnership, he said, underscores the need for Microsoft's online growth, especially in the face of extreme competition from Google Inc. and News Corp.'s MySpace.com.

Over time, Hernandez expects Facebook to integrate Microsoft's online services _ including its Live Search, a Google rival _ providing the company "a more captive forum for hosting and monetizing" the Internet.

Shares of Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft rose 30 cents to $31.55 in premarket trading Thursday.

Some good comics

2007-10-15T14:39:00.001-05:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Avatar of Might

2007-10-09T12:41:00.000-05:00

Testing this funny Simpsons tool:

Birthday Shootings

2007-09-24T10:24:00.000-05:00

A great gathering - Daren/ Nigel celebrate getting older by shooting each other with hard little paint balls.

Thoughts

2007-09-07T23:19:00.000-05:00

It's friday night and although I am usually at the cabin relaxing over a large fire this evening is different. I am at home and playing on the computer so I have time to talk about some things on my mind lately.

First off - Facebook. This site is CRAZY and I realise the impact it is going to make to humans. Take a closer look: you have Google the creative, innovative monster that has pushed the envelope and basically ruled search since inception. Their development team has immense strength and knowledge. They are young, driven and on top of everything on the up and up. But they haven't really done anything like Facebook. I admit I am midly blown away by the ease of use, presentation and walk through I am able to see everytime I login. I consider myself a power user of the web but I know first hand that Facebook is so easy to use ANYONE can get on and connect with friends/ family/ foes/ the past in a very short time - it really only takes one invite and you will start the chain reaction that so many people have nicknamed crackbook. So why hasn't Google made one? They bought one; Orkut - but in my opinion it is CRRRAP.

Second - Myspace. Such a massive network, sold for a record amount of money and was probably a decent networking site .. until Facebook came along. I have tried and tried to get into Myspace but I just find it too clunky and difficult to manouver. It is hard to find friends, hard to add things, and they deleted my profile 4 times for no apparant reason! I have given up on Myspace for the time being. Now imagine someone without alot of web experience trying to figure it out...not saying it hasn't been done; it is in the top 10 traffic spots online still today. But it isn't easy.

Third - Google. Wow. These guys buy a company just about everyday? And look at how crazy the YouTube deal was. Oh wait, don't forget how much crazier the doubleclick deal was. To really push themselves it has been said anonymously that Google is the only one on the horizon who could remotley have a chance to make a run at Microsoft.

Last - Microsoft. Double Wow. After delivering such products as Vista and Office 2007, these guys make the industry push hardware standards to the next level just so their stuff could run. I mean quadcore laptops and 8Gb Ram? I still hear stories from my Dad about the hard drives of his day that were in the Kb.

Just some stuff to think about.
Catch you at the fire
-Dave

A day and a night at the fire

2007-09-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

This time we had fun in the sun and it went all the way through the night till the fire. Another great weekend.

Me and Emmy goofing off at the Lac du Bonnet park.

Emmy and her 'dog' going for a slide.

Yoga anyone?

So cute! Found you...

A fine dinner and general overeating, Mom and Dad Matthes finally made the journey.

Yes we are taking our own picture ....

Dan playing in the shadows

Yes we are still lovers ...

Mom and Emmy playin

Jumping pigtails!

B's fire skills are awesome.

Gage and Emerson debating the theory of general relativity.

Dan just found out his dal was burning. WHAT?!

Great Holidays

2007-08-29T13:54:00.000-05:00

I took a few days off with the famiy, we had some great weather and a great time at the cabin once again. I think this is definitly considered my summer home!

Dan spent some time with us and we introduced him to water sports, he took on a role as a professional tuber ... and showed a fine display of tubery.

Gage, Dan's master trainer, shows him how it's done:

Emerson is famous for boat naps; she always makes sure she has her soother and blankie 'for a little nap on the boat'. Brandy has skills; her wakeboarding is getting awesome except for two scorpion falls that might have ended the season a little early (we won't say that the water is too cold for her!).
G man, gettin the boat ready for another TUBE session.Another favorite passtime of Emerson is playing in the car, she is doing a fine job supervising me pack up.
Stanozolol enjoying the sun and crisp air of Lee River.Little Emmy havin some fun with the sprinkler at home.

The Lake

2007-07-23T01:58:00.000-05:00

Well it seems all the posts are about the lake; but that has been the santuary since coming back from India...just a few pics of playing in the water.

Dave

The dogs - Ocho and Ollie

2007-07-21T02:15:00.000-05:00

We had another great weekend at the lake, Matty was dog sitting Ollie so he had both pups over at our place one night- I think Ocho is a rocker spaniel? Anyway he is really cute and both Gage and Emmy really took to him. Ollie is getting old (105 yrs) so she was a different kind of fun.

G -Man rocking out the riding mower "Mc Pig" (Gage calls it his quad since I won't buy him one! Accepting donations to the quad fund...)

Emerson pretending to be a puppy:

Emmy and Ocho on a walk:

Emmy and Ollie on the couch ...

Just Chillin...

Run!!

-Dave

Crafty

2007-07-09T23:42:00.000-05:00

Emerson was quick to learn where we kept the cookies; she is in full form here and this is her favorite outfit.

Thanks to everyone who made it out on the weekend to Lee River it was FUN!

Back to the city for the week....

DM

Weekend at the Lake

2007-06-25T22:33:00.000-05:00

Aaahh what a glorious breath of fresh air, the lake was great this weekend! Brandy went on a girls shopping weekend to Fargo and GF (that's Grand Forks) and I took the kids out to Lee River.

We had fun; we roasted marshies, we swam in the lake, we picked woodticks off our skin and we fixed the hot tub. It was awesome. I poisoned the driveway and managed to over fill the sink enough to wet almost the whole kitchen, which left me feeling somewhat silly ... oh well at least I still haven' had time to put the floor in or else there might be a little damage to fix.

The long weekender coming up should be good too; I will get McPig back to work and chop the long grass down and there will be huge fire in the back pit.

See you soon
Dave

Brandy and the shoppers about to depart ...

G Man having some fun with the marshmallow pokers....

Home

2007-06-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

We are home. We are almost back on time, and all of us are feeling like the year went by in a flash.

All of our bags and things made it unharmed, and we are all enjoying the sunshine, clean air, delicious food and simplicity of the stores here!

However, I insulted my taste buds with an over priced under ripe mango from Safeway this morning. It was utterly dissapointing and made me long for a 10 rupee king mango off TTK Road..........

Here are a few shots of the journey back; starting with the tedious process of packing and closing the Chennai home and finishing with our Winnipeg home:

Lunch with the boys from the office:

Ladha and her family:

Brandy juggling weight and stuff between all 9 suitcases:

Me and the girls from Greyshot:

I already miss you Olivia!!!

Dan's new digs:

Gage and I took Dan here for his first night away from 'home'; ask him one day about losing 5 pounds to sweat and stubborness:

Thats all for now, a lot more to come when I have some (free?) time.

Dave

Winding down

2007-06-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

The place is reminisicent of our arrival; the rooms are empty except for our suitcases and a few items left out. The days have seemed to fly by looking back as they always do and we knew they would; but our minds were not prepared.

We will be home soon; we will be back to Canada. We have grown and we will continue.

Love India.

DM

Paradise = Maldives

2007-05-31T02:56:00.000-05:00

It was short and very sweet. I have been to the Maldives. The water is crystal clear and warm, the air is clean and crisp and smells of coconuts and suntan oil.

The adventure started in Chennai, with a plane that was 3 hours delayed. A stop in Bangalore was short as the flight was waiting for us; I loved the rush and hustle of running to catch it because it made time FLY!

Next stop in Male (not like male the man but pronounced Mal - a), where we moved to a small sea plane. Apparantly an unusual storm was passing through and with mega winds and rain I was counting on the two air sickness bags to get me though it...I left them both under my seat as an arrival present to the pilots. A total of 18 people could fit the plane but only 6 got off at the Hilton Rangali, 4 others were carrying on to another island after we were clear. The wind was so strong the pilot took three tries to get the dock! I couldn't wait to get off that plane as my motion sickness was bad.

A deep breath, some cold H2O and I was ready. Here is the sea plane dock:

Here is the walk to the island hotel reception:

More to come ... ...

DM

A Great Weekend

2007-05-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

We spent some time in GRT Temple Bay again...such a glorious place, I feel relaxed, tanned, fat and happy.
The view from our terrace...

Dan taking some photos...

Me, Emmy and Svenia in the hotel bar...

The German and Canadian kids having some fun...

A wicked heap of rope...

Gageman on the beach...

Emmy in 'fast mode'...

Brothers

2007-05-08T00:18:00.000-05:00

Dan has arrived - safe and in great spirits. The kids were PUMPED to have uncle Dan here and both talked his ears off (actually they haven't stopped!).

Here is an early pic of the shoeless hobbit feet:

Another Angle:

Freshly stepped off the plane:

And a short video of the main drag by our house from last night; there was a 'meeting' going on. It was LOUD!!

Indian Zoo

2007-04-28T13:14:00.000-05:00

OMatthes Clan at the Indian Zoo

We had a blast, it was hot and long. Famous quotes:
Brandy - I have never sweat this much. Ever.
Gage - Models of Dinosaurs? That nice, but I'm ready to get back to the car.
Emerson - Dad? I want to see the fat hippo.
Dave - Get a picture of that sign! (of an animal called the Wild Ass. We didn't get the picure)

Good times

-Dave

It's here somewhere ...

2007-04-28T12:50:00.000-05:00

Down at City Center (the local mall) it is easy to miss your bike in the lot. .. .. .. This is only about 1/3 of the two wheeler parking space, B and I just went for lunch on a Wednesday in the mall food court.

Crazy
-Dave

Beach Airshow

2007-04-25T06:06:00.000-05:00

These pictures are from Sunday April 22, 2006. Chennai put on an airshow at Marina Beach, and over 550,000 people came to watch. That is almost as many as ALL THE HUMANS IN WINNIPEG!!!

It will seem quiet back home ....

-Dave

RAD

2007-04-25T04:50:00.000-05:00

Brandy -- You are RAD!

Love D

Thirty and a day

2007-04-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

It's great to be alive
It's great to feel healthy
It's great to think about the next 10
It's great to be 30.

I am lucky:
I don't wear diapers
I don't eat through a tube
My nose hair is long but I have a little thing to clean up in there.

The kids are getting bigger
The belly is growing huge
My wife is still older and I like that too (ssshhh don't tell anyone!)

When I get back home
When I get to the peg
Lets burn some big trees out at the lake
Lets drink some fine rums and look at the stars

Peace
From Dave
The old guy
The 30 something
The dad with a gut
The happy kid

Some Crazy Dancing

2007-04-20T10:05:00.000-05:00

Gage was feeling a little goofy ....

B - taking a time out

2007-04-16T14:29:00.000-05:00

Aaahh the tranquil Saturday morning. Most of the kids are sleeping in, eating sweet cereal or watching violent cartoons. Anywhere but in the pool, and this small window in time is the perfect moment to float on a blowup toy.

Love Dave

Ode to Swimming

2007-04-16T14:23:00.000-05:00

Smile if you love to swim ... put your hands up in the air if you just can't wait to cannonball....

HP IS BACK ONLINE

2007-04-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

Its huge. It feels like home. It is back online.

Damn you HP for your crappy Indian support.

Thank you for the power adapter from Canada.

Aaaahhh......

Good bye for now little Mac:)
you are easy to use,
but a little too small.
And outlook exchange doesn't like you.
So our love affair must end.

DM

Great Hair - Now

2007-04-13T00:38:00.000-05:00

Gage put on my hat last night and he looked so darn cute I had to take a snap - he looks all grown up!

-Dave

Check out Gage's blog recently added: http://gageman.blogspot.com

A View from the Office

2007-04-13T00:36:00.000-05:00

Everyone calls a room inside the office a 'cabin', so this is actually a view out of the window in my cabin ....

Old McDonald

2007-04-09T06:37:00.000-05:00

Little Emerson hard at work again ...

Siobhan do you think you could start entering her in some movies? Or a sitcom? Somewhere to showcase the talent....

Goodbye Grandma

2007-04-09T06:05:00.000-05:00

It was great to have you here, hope your trip was all worth it and you have many stories to tell - pass some of the Indian heat to everyone back home!

I hope you find your luggage.

Sweet dreams of dark dal and naan...

Love
B
D
G
E

Happy Easter

2007-04-09T05:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter everyone!

And Happy Birthday little Sister!

Love Dave and Family

Back from Holidays

2007-04-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

After an awesome week of relaxation we are back online; all tanned and feeling recharged.

We spent our time on the beach of GRT Temple Bay in Mahamallipuram and in Pondicherry.

Mahamallipuram was really great - it is an old site along the beach that has some HUGE rock formations that were carved up long ago by the Indians. Check out the fam just walking with the crazy backdrop of an Elephany and Snake carving:

The beaches were nice, with brown sand and nice waves - Gage spent the most time in the water and we all had lots of fun getting tossed around in the water. This shot is of the beach, ocean and fishing boats. It reminds me of being there and makes me relax.

And when we got tired of the waves the pool welcomed us, this is really one of the nicest pools I can remember.

Pondicherry - the French Quarter - this place was ruled by the French (as opposed to the British) before India took back their own rule. It was really different than Chennai and I totally had fun. There are a lot of shops to browse and great food to enjoy.

This shot is of Gage on the pier, we just went for a walk and he called it 'attack the beggars' because we were asked for money by about 20 people in about 20 minutes. There are alot of street vendors with stuff to buy like food, baloons, peacock feather fans, drums, and other stuff - these guys are really persistent and Gage has become a pro at warding them off.

Here Grandma is getting asked for money by a haggard mom and her super cute kid, she was entranced by the cute bum and was dying to give some rupees to her.

The streets were lined with little bunnies holding the dustbins; the cute kids were glad to pose for the camera.

Thats all for today; more to come ....

Peace
DM

New Toy

2007-03-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

A recent addition to the OMatthes Clan. It sounds AWESOME.

Grandma O - Cooking India style

2007-03-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

A funny thing happens when Mother and Daughter get together; and this proves that no matter where in the world you are the tradition is true.

A Perogy Making Festival led by the English Irish

Don't mess with the rolling pin bearing Germish Canadian

Olivia joined the Ukranian tradition, making it a Germish, Irish, English, Canadian Korean event.

Have a great weekend
-Dave

In the tires again

2007-03-25T09:40:00.000-05:00

It's been a fun weekend in Chennai.

Mamma 'O is seeing alot of things and I am sure once her head stops spinning she will have some good stories to tell.

We took Gage to play with his friend Topi from Finland; he is the second of his crew to leave India. Bye Topi and Gage really misses you!

They just hung out at Topi's house for a few hours before going to a movie, but the movie was done early (too scary) and when we got there I took Gage on the go carts. It was awesome. Gage's first time driving was really great and although he was quite nervous he was a pretty good driver (helmet on and cushion at his back so he could reach the pedals).

The track was tight, with an 'up' section and a 'down' section, the down section was really fast and shot you into a sharp left turn. Most of the time when I came around the corner I saw G getting pulled out of the tires, huge grin on his face and thumbs in the up postion. He loved it!

Ask G when you see him about the 'slow sign' and the wall, I will let him tell you the story as it is pretty funny.

While G was at Topi's house we drove down ECR to Ideal Beach and played by the Ocean and in the pool. I have some funny left eye going on and the combination of wind, sand, salt, heat and chlorine did not help out. Check out the funny picture. Today, one day later, I am clearing up already. I thought it might be Madras Eye, and if by Monday I am not almost clear I will get a doctor to give his professional opinion. More to come on the eye.

Peace from India
DM

Karen

2007-03-19T00:44:00.000-05:00

Safe Arrival
Tired
Currently Sun Tanning

I will add some pictures.....

-OMatthes Clan

Gold Bar

2007-03-19T00:40:00.000-05:00

In case I forget, ask me one day about the story of the gold bar.

-Dave

Green, Short and Stubborn

2007-03-17T10:51:00.000-05:00

Happy St Patricks Day!

To all my little Irish friends; and everyone else who pokes fun at them.

Have an awesome day and punt the leprachon if you see him!

Peace
Dave

PS Happy Birthday Hailey!

Gettin on in March

2007-03-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

Wow. A spinning spike ball. I like it, its like our ever expanding universe - always moving.

Happy March 14th to everyone - a couple days late but better late than never. I am in a little shock at the date, I have to look twice everyday now as time is ticking fast!

B's Mom will be here soon, one more sleep until she gets the wet slap of Indias' humidity.

After about 5 days of a green pool our maintenance staff at the condo got their stuff together and the kids were eager to get in .... here is a great snap of G on his way to another Battle with the Koreans.

Jack, one of the Koreans, took a battle wound and with it 12 stiches to the forehead. He is totally ok but not allowed into the pool for another 5 days, so he and Emerson took some time out with the Play-Doh and made some cool shapes.

One Hundred Rupees

2007-03-11T22:54:00.000-05:00

It was a casual Sunday afternoon drive, all of our bellies full from the 'onslaught' of the Mariott buffet. The tradition we have installed into the grind of the work week is gluttonous and delightful, and with all of the things that happen in work, school and life all week I think the Sunday Brunch is well deserved to both kids and parents alike.

I gave a name to Sunday's feast - the Mariott Brunch Social Club in Chennai. Each week we find another family who discovered this gem of a buffett, and while the parents chat the kids can run free - a winner for all. It's great.

Back to the drive, the basis of this post. I always like to take a little different way everywhere I drive in Chennai, it lets me either get lost and see something I haven't yet or it lets me confirm in my head that I know my way around.

I took a new street, came to a questionable intersection, turned left. Left was not right. Left was the wrong way on a one way street. Brandy knew it right away, but I just went with it as I had already committed to the turn.

Got to a light, and tried to go right (not happening) and then tried to go left to get out of there.

As I fumbled with the turn signal I saw a traffic cop waving (see older post for explaination on 'waving') and I made a few deliberate hand gestures back. I knew Brandy was right since no cars were piling up behind me.

Pulled over, window down, traffic cop arrives and says 'no entry. 100 rupees fine. No entry.'

I looked behind us and made sense of it, it was a one way street. 'Ok, ok, ok. No entry. What about 2 wheelers? I only followed a 2 wheeler.'

'Where are you going sir?'

'That way' (pointing right, towards home).

'No, no entry. 100 rupees fine.'

I reach into my pocket and pull out a 100 rupee note, and try to hand it to him. He refuses to take it, and waves me up the street a little.

He walks over to the left (passenger) side of the car and repeats '100 rupee fine. No entry'.

Again, I give the 100 bucks to B in the passenger seat and she tries to hand it to him which he refuses. 'Where are you going?' he repeats.

I point and explain, and he happily tells me the exact route to get there. No money, no fine, no license, no problem.

As we drive away I felt somewhat confused. Why wouldn't he take the money? Even if he just thought I was a dumb tourist, he told me the fine and then refused payment!

Still love it here.

DM

The Holi Album

2007-03-06T11:19:00.000-06:00

It was fun! I am still pink.

Thanks to all who joined.

DM

Holi March 4 2007

Festival of Colour

2007-03-04T11:30:00.000-06:00

I even spelt it like a Canadian.

Holi.

What a crazy thing these Indians do; another festival based on the death of someone evil. The killing was done by a god, much different than other religions where god does not kill. Good guy kills bad and everyone rejoices.

Holi. This is the festival of colour.

We were pleasantly surprised by some friends stopping by with paint, and the celebration began. It was about an hour of throwing, smearing, rubbing, lauging, dumping, and colouring. What a blast!

After it all calmed down we took a look around at the carnage and started the clean up. I proceeded into the shower and scrubbed and soaped and cleaned and worked and thought I did a great job getting all of the paint off. I got out of the shower and BAM I was still pink! Jane popped by later in the night and totally got stumped by me at the door; she just stared with a confused look on her face...she then said what happend? Were you in the sun for too long today?

I think it is an excellent way to look on Monday morning I am only guessing how many laughes I will get at the office tomorrow.

Gage is still green like the hulk, and Meghan said she is still red as ever. Just check the pics for the before shower shots.

Just another reason to love this place!!

Gadget Alley

2007-03-02T11:09:00.000-06:00

It's been about 5 days since my power supply went. I have some feeling of loss; a sense that something is missing. It is actually funny but I had become slave to the grind. A helpless soul only made one through my HP Pavillion Notebook.

And since 5 days have gone by I have started a new love affair; nothing to put my marriage in jeopordy - just a little thing on the side. It is white, 12" wide and is called a Mac. Yep the backup I brought out here to the heat of India is in use, and until my 17" friend returns to the call of duty I am getting closer everyday to the little iBook that could.

I never thought I would like it, and when I first started it up I cringed with distaste at the pretty white keys and the smooth curves on the body of this G4. The keys felt funny, the OS is not windows. This is OS Ten. And after 5 days, I know where to find the files I save. I know where to find the notepad and the network settings. I feel like that sense of security I have with windows is not there yet. But I could get it.

I tried to use HP to find a new power supply. I called and called and called and called. I went from support center to support center; from USA to Canada to UK to South Africa to Dubai to India. I got nowhere. USA only ships to themselves or to Canada; Canada only ships to Canada. So its 10 days plus the time to ship to India from some lucky friend in Canada. All other sites don't have any in stock; and were't about to bring one over the ocean for me. India doesn't sell the 17" models, which means I can't get replacement parts for one, I think it's because they are all too big to be carried by these 120lb locals.

I have a friend at work who knew a place called Gadget Alley. I decided to give it a shot.

So my trip to Gadget Alley was awesome. It is an area of Chennai where you can get just about any electronic device, and it was soo busy I was in awe of the place. I didn't have my camera, but I will go back and camera will be there to preserve and share the memory.

I went with Rajesh; an IT guy on the team from Santec. He told me he has a guy there, and we went to see his guy. Once we made our way to his 'shop' I was welcomed, we sat together behind the counter and had a tea. This was big. To get a tea and sit behind the counter was big.

I told him my story, of loss and pain. Of my 180W power adapter that blew and how HP hasn't been able to find one anywhere this side of the continent. Of course I could ship it from Canada or from USA to Canada to India; but I wanted to try and get it here first. Gadget Alley was the contingency plan, since it seemed to have about everything and everywhere else was failing.

So 'guy' put down the empty tea cup and got one of his guys to take the power supply and seek. He was back in about 15 minutes; a little Tamil conversation; and he went out again. I was told that so far nothing but he is going to check some more stores.

Seeker guy comes back in another 15. Tamil talking. Head bobbling. Shop guy says no one has one, but he will fix it. I am 99% sure I can do it he says; and if not we will order one and within 10 days you will have it.

Done. Do it. Make it so. Take er up Scotty.

I tell him OK, see what you can do. I will see you Friday afternoon then? And Rajesh tells him over 'Friday. See you Friday.'

Today is Friday, and I am Mac'n it up from home. Tomorrow - he said give him until tomorrow. So I am giving him until tomorrow to deliver a fixed power supply - or else I will have 10 more days to fall in love with a Mac.

Peace
DM

Pool Fun

2007-02-20T21:33:00.000-06:00

Its long past due - a tribute to the pool.

It has kept us happy and always been there when we need something to do, and man have the kids loved it! They both have learned to swim like fish (Gage a very strong fish; and Emmy just a little one) and have lots to do since there are so many other kids who just love to play with them.

Gage - we nicknamed this picture 'the Battle with the Koreans'. They all tried to dunk him over and over, but his skills are to great - Gage: 10 Koreans: 0

Emerson - this clip could only be called the cannonball. Love it, she is fearless in the water.

Just one more cute picture of her - a new set of googles and her 'apple swimsuit'.

And for the record Gage's hair is still HUGE. Hasn't cut even a piece since August. A couple of Indian squirrels just brought up a 42" plasma when he was sleeping, he hardly noticed.

Love Ya
Dave

Hot Dogs

2007-02-13T12:26:00.000-06:00

Johnny and Chewie have been up to it again ...

All the nights I 'shoo'd' them away from the pool,
All the nights I drove by and honked my horn,
All the nights I never left a crumb or scrap,
All the nights we just kept on going.

They were in love!
It's a true romance.

Johnny wasn't chewing Chewie.

We thought she was a boy, with a tasty hide.
We thought she was a toy, with nothing to hide.

The litter was 6, but now only 4... they are small and soo so cute.
I think I like the little black one!

Danni - if only you were here, Little India would have a friend.
A place in our hearts might warm.
You could take out the ticks at night, and we would kick him around the hall.

Congrats to our resident stray dogs Johnny and Chewie!!

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-13T04:17:00.000-06:00

To Sweet B

Its another day of the year

Its one more day we have together

Its special because we are lovers

Its special because we are friends

Take my heart, its yours to hold

Take my mind its open for you

My love

My girl

Happy Valentines Day

Love D

Kolton Happy 6th Birthday!

2007-02-01T11:18:00.000-06:00

Hey Kolton

I wanted to wish you a happy birthday from all of us here, 6 years old! I remember when you were just a little guy in the bassinet and your Dad had to throw the cat across the room because it kept trying to cuddle you.

Aunty Brandy told me you asked your Mom if Gage could come home for your birthday, I wish I could say 'sure!' but we are a long way away and we just wouldn't make it on time.

Instead of a birthday present you can unwrap, we just made you this short video. You will just have to wait while it downloads - pretend the whole time you are tearing the paper off of a great big box filled with sardines. Or hotdogs, whatever your mom makes you eat at night.

Love From
Emerson
Gage
Aunty Brandy
Uncle Dave

My First Dollar

2007-01-30T12:11:00.000-06:00

For Joanne

To my very first

I shall always remember

To my very first

I shall always believe

To my very first

You made my day brighter

To my very first

I just spent your dollar on iTunes.

Sorry B your boob fund is back to $0.

Love ya Josail!

For Siobhan

2007-01-28T21:50:00.000-06:00

Hey Vancouver

I've heard of tall trees
Buzzing bumble beez
Many piles of delicious imported cheeze

Is Vancouver the place to stay?
Some friends live there and plant trees all day
A few are there just to be gay

I think the town is nice and clean
I think the city must be rather pretty
I don't have a clue where the apple trees are
I guess I'm just not from Vancouver

How did this poem come to fruition?
What waste in University was my tuition?

I think we know it isn't true
I haven't been smoking that funky tobacco
I just felt like putting out some M F 'in words
To you, all the way out there
In Vancouver

I Love India

2007-01-28T10:19:00.000-06:00

This short video of Emerson really describes how she feels living in India, she yelled this at the top of her lungs for about 30 mins just until the flash drained the battery of B's camera.

We are doing good and have one more week before Ashleigh arrives, looking forward to the new nanny!!

Lova ya
Dave

But I'm not tired!

2007-01-26T13:25:00.000-06:00

Yep ... they were tired. Both look almost the same, except the size and amount of stripes on the PJ's.

See you in bed, I am tired today.

DM

Wants, not needs. Everyone should make a list.

2007-01-23T11:51:00.000-06:00

Candy.
More Licorice.
iPhone.
Midnight Escalade.
World Peace.
Large Fire.
More Shoes.
Dual Core. No, Quad Core.
12 MP SLR.
Wii.
PS3.
360.
X Star.

Thats all.

Brrrrrring!!!!!!
Damn, time to wake up.

Ahhhh I love +30 in January!

Miss everyone

A run in with the cops

2007-01-19T02:34:00.000-06:00

Hello - I just want to tell you a short story about last night.

It all started about 7:00PM when we decided to go for a drive, we ended up at local Jasmine tailors for a piece that B conceived. The kids were hyper as ususal in the store and terrorized the shop keeps to their limits!

Upon leaving the store I made a few random turns, through a familiar area with no set destination in mind. Cruizing. Rolling. The Maruti.

We were all hungry and decided after much debate to go to the food court at City Center (a new mall with a great set of food choices: Pizza for Gage, Pizza for B, some spicy Indian dishes for me, and sweet pickings for Emmy. I was past the 'usual' turn for the road we needed to reach so I just kept on going towards what I thought was the right way to go.

Enter the red light.

Waiting.

Light turns green, with only a straight arrow. I don't want to go straight, I would love to just hang a right. I decide that it is ok to turn right on a straight arrow. (Remember we drive on the opposite side of the road in India.)

I look left. I look right. I look straight. No cars; clear, ok lets go.

I take er up to 20 and clear the intersection, and on the last 10% of the turn a street cop is waiving at me. I wave back and keep going.

Brandy: Dave, you were not supposed to turn there! Whack.
Me: Ouch! It was clear. This is India!

As I catch up to the traffic ahead of me I slow to a stop and wait. Waiting.

Suddenly a motorcycle with the still waiving street cop sitting on the back pulls up on my left, and he hops off. The driver pulls over and watches our white family in the Maruti with large white eyes staring down the police.

I roll down the window; Winnipeg style. (Think 'The Retun of the Jedi; Han Solo to Chewie: Just Fly Casual!')

Cop: Sir; you can't turn right there.
Me (thoughts): Mmmm I kind of knew that officer but it was clear to go and this is India.
Cop: Can I see your license sir?
Me (thoughts): Yep that isn't possible since my Manitoba license is in my dresser drawer beside my underwear, and my Indian license is 'conceivably' there but actually doesn't exist in reality.
Me (action): reach for the wallet, and fumble around a little like it's stuck in my shorts.
Me (words): You can't turn right there? I mean I saw a couple of other cars just turn right on the previous light, and it seemed like since they turned I should be able to.
Random driver from the motorcycle that dropped the cop off: Foreigner sir.
Cop (louder): Sir you can't turn right there.
Me (words): It was clear, and I really thought it was ok.

Pause.

Cop: Ok sir. (Head Bobble)(Waiving, this time to go forward not pull over)
Brandy (sound): First breath since we stopped.
Gage: Did he ask you for your license? Do you really have a license?
Me: Yes, I have a license.
Gage: Why didn't you have to give it to him?
Me: It just turned out he didn't need it.

After some laughter (quiet) by B and I we reflected on this moment.

Some thoughts:

Now try this situation in Canada, and the driver is a foreigner who barely speaks the local language. He is pulled over for turning left on a light that is straight only. The driver is not actually carrying a valid license (although in theory the license exists, as this person was trained to drive by the provincial driver training program).

Did he get a ticket or was he let free to continue driving?

We never made it to the food court; instead we decided to go to the Mariott (All of our new favorite restaurant).

Another very short story:
We missed the turn into the Mariott, but instead of going way around the block, taking a U-Turn, straight then taking anther U-Turn, and finally getting into the place - I just hit reverse.

I love it here.
Dave

Roll the Dice

2007-01-13T22:59:00.000-06:00

Hello all!

I have the family back on the time here in Chennai; we are into the swing of school and work again and we are fortunatly blessed with +28 in January. I really feel for everyone back home as it has shown up on the weather network site at -48 a few days in a row now, this is damn cold and my heart goes out to everyone.

To all of you resort hopping - tequila popping - tanning oil slopping - hedonist beach walking - escaping minus 48 - you are the smart ones! Welcome home and I hope your skin didn't fall off in the Mexican sun. I am going to roll the dice and propose next year we all plan a trip to Mexico together it would be a blast!

Well back to the poolside it is sunny and hot out - just have to rub it in a little more (i still can't believe it is -48 in the peg!!!)

Dave

A Short Winter

2007-01-06T03:26:00.000-06:00

SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello all!

It's been a very short winter, three weeks in Canada has come and gone faster than we even thought. We had a great time, and spent many nights away from 'home' with friends and family.

One of the best things that could have happened did ... a huge dump of snow right before New Years. It was not too cold and I think the coldest day was about -22 (without wind of course) so now that we are sweating again in +30 that just seems silly.

My Mom and Dad (thanks guys we couldn't have done it without you!), B's Mom and Dad (we had lots of fun in Delta and would have liked to stay longer), Angie and Garth's (thanks to the games room at 4AM playing dodge ball), the Brown Family Cabin in Lac Du Bonnet (Doug better fish those grease logs out of the sump pit for next year! D'Arrgh), and of course our house way out in the south that our renters graciously let us back into for a few nights.

It has been a good trip back to India with the kids except for the time adjustment, there have been a few nights in a row now waking up at midnight and 3 AM to start the day, and I hope tonight starts to get a little better with sleep and we get on track for next week (work and school begins again!).

A few pics from our travels:

Emerson got her ears pierced; they are very cute and she loves to tell everyone including her dolls that she got them done. She also decided to squeeze into baby Ava's shirt and talk on the phone.

Gage and Emerson had lots of fun in the snow, I took them out the night it really dumped on Winnipeg and we had a blast! It snowed all night and left a beautiful memory of Winter looking back. We had lots of fun with everyone, I made a collage of Christmas and New Years; sorry if I missed you on this! We had a great time and alot of plain old fun.

See ya soon

Dave Brandy Gage Emerson

Send off From Chennai

2006-12-15T07:35:00.000-06:00

What a crew! We didn't even realize what -1 c was going to feel like, still +30 in these pictures.

See you all soon! Good luck in Germany (Elliot-McFayden) and good luck at the salon (Meghan-Jane)!

The Bus - Large and at the same time not large. We had 9 people and about 18 bags to stuff into this white Mercedes. Thanks Gregg for booking it! All sitting comfy like a can of sardines.....

I love the airport - we had two porters to manage 4 luggage carts. With the tip they made about 20 bucks, and it was worth every penny as inside we only had to stand in line and check in.

Dave