grey cats in the night

"What are you looking for in a typewriter?" the salesman asked.

"Something more than words," I replied. "Crystals. I want to send my readers armloads of crystals, some of which are the colors of orchids and peonies, some of which pick up radio signals from a secret city that is half Paris and half Coney Island."
He recommended the Remington SL3.

-Still Life With Woodpecker, Tom Robbins

My hometown of Castlegar is a lovely place and despite just returning from a great trip back east to Ontarairiairio, it's always nice to come home. Tomorrow I head out on my motorcycle trip with my dad up north. We are still in the process of getting packed up but it looks like we will be able to pile our two-wheelers up with enough stuff to keep us happy for the week.

I think I mostly want to talk about my family and friends in this post. Being far away from my extended family, I often forget what a fantastic bunch they are and how lucky I am to have them as pre-selected people in my life. In general, the connections felt with good family and friends even after long periods of not seeing one another is really a great thing. The visit was extra-special because my Uncle was retiring after many years as a minister in the United Church and I had the opportunity to really get an appreciation for what he does and what he means to many people. Anyhow, maybe if I had a Remington SL3 I might be a bit more eloquent, but you get the idea. Thanks to everyone who took care of me, I promise to stop being such a freeloader soon.

My (2nd?) cousin Hugh.
Aunt Marg and Uncle Don with my other (2nd?) cousin Neva.

i know!

Loose Change and Wedgies are the same. I only give them if someone is really asking for it.

-These Are Jokes, Demetri Martin

In Kingston and having a bit of quiet time this afternoon. Staying with my cousins Cheryl and Jeffy and their kids, Neva and Hugh. They are just as cute as before, but a bit bigger and also they know more things. Except for Jeffy, he is smaller.

Anyhow, time goes by and I am enjoying all of it. Christina Lake was cold and quiet. Courtney and I were out there for over a week and mostly read, had fires and chopped wood. The lake is very quiet in June, something I had forgotten, and it was wonderful to let the city seep out of my bones. We slept alot. Especially Courtney.

I got to Ottawa on monday and hung out with my aunt, uncle, cousins and grandpa on my dad's side. I haven't seen anyone in Ontario for at least 2 years, so it was fun to just hang out. I also managed to meet up with some friends for a few beers and remember some funny stories. I arrived here last night and got taken out for indian food at Darbar. Let me be precise.

1 Onion Bhaji
1 Saag Aloo
1 Butter Chicken
1 Vegetable Sambar
1 Chicken Jalfrezi
2 Naan
2 Rice

Needless to say, it was gooooood. Tonight is Wok In.