New Year, New Goals

Welcome to 2014.  It will be an exciting year for me.  My daughter is getting married in less than 3 months.  We are taking a grand-child on a trip to Disneyland in 6 weeks.  There is some other important family news that will have to wait until my next post, because I'm not allowed to talk about it yet!

Winter is not treating us badly this year.  I missed the cold snap last month when we were cruising, and now it is hovering just above the freezing mark, but very little snow here in Nelson, and the forecast for the rest of January is looking spring-like.  Now, I don't want that to become a curse (or a pre-cursor) for what is ahead, but I always think that if we can get through January, then the worst of winter is past.

I want to put in a word of praise for the Selkirk College hospitality program.  Last evening our Rotary Club had an event to raise some money for Polio eradication, and also to celebrate the fact that India has been polio-free for 3 full years.  The event was an elegant evening, dinner with wine pairing for each of the courses.  The courses were 1)  Baked Brie Pomegranite 2)  Crab Cakes 3)  Beef Tenderloin Pomme William and vegetables and 4)  Chocolate fondue dessert.  The students did a fabulous job and the food preparation and presentation was superb.  At this time of year the college runs a part-time restaurant called "Scholars".  If you are looking for a wonderful meal, check their schedule and try to partake.

I also saw an interesting video posted on YouTube recently.  It is a song that was performed, filmed in Nelson and uses some locals you may recognize, including the Corazon choir members.  Check it out.

I mentioned last month that I would have statistics for the year that has just ended.  You will find them posted on my business blog, and I invite you to check it out here.

Bumper Stickers

- If You Can Read This, I Can Slam On My Brakes And Sue You
- Forget World Peace -- Visualize Turning Off Your Turn Signal!
- HANG UP AND DRIVE!
- Where There's A Will...I Want To Be In It!
- Ever Stop To Think, And Forget To Start Again?
- This Would Be Really Funny If It Weren't Happening To Me
- If We Quit Voting Will They All Go Away?
- This Bumper Sticker Exploits Illiterates
- Eat Right, Exercise, Die Anyway
- Honk If Anything Falls Off
- I Haven't Lost My Mind - It's Backed Up On Disk Somewhere

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*

Do You Know A Buyer For This Home?

 Check out this beautiful contemporary home with an open-plan living area, deluxe 2nd floor master suite, geo-thermal in-floor heating system with a double garage, paved driveway and a corner lot with a great view. More details and photos on the web-site.   $519,000

My friend, Bud, is very good at sending me material.  I don't use it all, but I am grateful when something comes along.  It doesn't have to be a joke or riddle.  He sent along the following a while ago and I thought you might enjoy it.

Stuff you didn't know you didn't know !  or   ..........   how did I live this long without having this information  : – )

 

 

Men can read smaller
print than women can; women can hear better.
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The State with the
highest percentage of people who walk to work:
Alaska
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The percentage of
Africa that is wilderness: 28%
(now get this...)
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The percentage of
North America that is wilderness: 38%
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The cost of raising
a medium-size dog to the age of eleven:
$ 16,400
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The average number
of people airborne over the U.S.in any given hour:
61,000
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Intelligent people
have more zinc and copper in their hair..
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The first novel ever
written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer.
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--------- -
The San Francisco
Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
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Each king in a deck
of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
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111,111,111 x
111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987, 654,321
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If a statue in the park of a person on a horse
has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle.
If the horse has one front leg in the air,
the person died because of wounds received in battle.
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes
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Only two people
signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4,John Hancock and Charles Thomson.Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
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Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?

A. Their birthplace
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Q. Most boat owners name their boats.What is the most popular boat name requested?
A.
Obsession
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Q.. If you were to spell out numbers,how far would you have to go until you
would find the letter 'A'?
A. One thousand
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Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes,windshield wipers and laser printers have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
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Q. What is the only
food that doesn't spoil?

A. Honey
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Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?

A. Father's Day
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In Shakespeare's time,mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened,
making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the
phrase...'Goodnight , sleep tight'
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It was the accepted
practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink.Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month,which we know today as the honeymoon.
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In English pubs, ale
is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when
customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.' . . .
It's where we get
the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's'
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Many years ago in
England , pub frequenters had a whistle bakedinto the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups.When they needed a refill , they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phraseinspired by this practice.
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YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2014 when...
1. You accidentally
enter your PIN on the microwave.

2. You haven't
played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they
don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries...

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone,which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12 You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy
to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~ ~~~~~~~

NOW you're LAUGHING at yourself!  "Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused!" (Unknown Author)
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  With that I will leave you, and thank you for reading.  Feedback is always welcome.

Lorne

All Right, I'm Guilty of Losing Track of this Year!

Something happened during the last 1/2 of 2013 that caused me to not make blog posting a priority.  I'm not sure if anyone actually missed these bi-monthly missives, but I'm going to try to make an early New Year's resolution to do better in 2014.

I'll put together a statistical report on the sales activity for our area in 2013 next month.   Suffice to say, it's been a decent year, but not an exceptional one for home sales in this area.

Do You Know A Buyer For This Home?

Located mid-way between Nelson and Castlegar, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home sits on a level 1/2 acre lot in a quiet neighbourhood.  There is an excellent garden, double garage, and room to store your "toys".  This home is walking distance to schools and only a 15 minute drive in to either Nelson or Castlegar.  Full details and photos can be found on the web-site. 

In an earlier newsletter I mentioned that I reached the milestone "60th" birthday earlier this year.  Dorothy and I also celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.  To commemorate that occasion, we have just returned from a 20 day Caribbean cruise.  I am attaching just a few photos to give you a feeling for that trip.

 The Emerald Princess anchored off of one of the Bahamian Islands

 Lorne floating in the Caribbean Sea, at Princess Cays

 The Twin Waterfalls at Dominica

 At berth at Aruba

 Zip lining at St. Lucia

Sunrise at Sea

Can you imagine that I am having a difficult time adjusting to this weather and being back at work?  (Yes, I can hear your sympathy sigh from here!)

Ice cream cone!For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.
One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim , a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch.
When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.
I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed.
We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.
I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim . I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.
I smiled. He asked if he amused me.
I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.

How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible? He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is Possible.

I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.
This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't been this old before."
"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored.
I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

There are too many golf courses I haven't played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.
I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.
I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.
So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.."

With that, I called the waitress over. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!" Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect.

 

Remember that while money talks,

CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!

I just realized that I have no "Nelson News" in this post, other than my featured listing.  Having been away for the past 3 weeks, I have nothing current to share with you, except that you might enjoy a Celebration of Light at the Capitol Theatre this evening, with the Nelson Choral Society, and Cottonwood Singers tonight at 7:30.  It's also on tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.00

 

We have a quiet Christmas planned for our house this year.  My daughter and her fiance (Oh, yes, that's some more recent news!) will be here in a week for a few days. Still have to get some decorating done.

 My wish for you is that you may experience the peace and joy that Christmas brings, and that you have a chance to share this time with family or friends.

Blessings!

Lorne 

Only 175 more days until Christmas! (do you want to shoot me now?)

Early in June I set out on a 2 day bicycle ride, along with about 3 dozen others.  We do this ride annually.  It leaves Nelson, travels along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake and then north to Kaslo.  After lunch, we travel along Highway 31A from Kaslo to New Denver, where we spend the night.  Day 2 brings us back to Nelson along Highway 6 through the Slocan Valley and then through Blewett and back home.

I'm planning on traveling the same route again next month, only for this next ride we begin in New Denver and overnight in Nelson.  August's ride is a fund raiser for the M.S. Society of Canada, and it is called the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge ride.  For this one I am raising funds to support the M.S. Society.  If you would like to make a contribution to this cause, please check out my web-site.  Donations are, of course, tax deductible, and you will be helping many people to live a better life.

Last month I had the privilege of attending the grand opening of the re-dedicated Wheelhouse from the old M.V. Anscomb ferry.  The Anscomb carried vehicles and passengers across Kootenay Lake from 1947 until its retirement in 2000.  Back in 1972 it was renovated, and the original wheelhouse was removed.  Several years ago the original wheelhouse was discovered in a back yard, and was being used as a children's play house and shed.  It was donated, moved and refurbished  and now is displayed at the Balfour ferry terminal.  Unfortunately, the rest of the ferry met a tragic fate.  In about 2003 it sunk near Woodbury Creek.  There was only 1 person on board when that happened, and, fortunately, he was able to escape without injury.

My friend, Gary, never piloted the Ancomb, but he looks good in the wheelhouse, don't you think?

Also in Nelson we are, once again, having the weekly street markets happening every Wednesday on Baker Street.  This is a very popular event with fresh produce, crafts and food offered every week.  They shut down one block of Baker Street from 8:30 - 3:30 for this event.

Signs of the Times

Sign in a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels."

Over a Gynecologist's Office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix." 

On a Septic Tank Truck: Yesterday's Meals on Wheels 

 

At an Optometrist's Office: "If you don't see what you're looking for,
you've come to the right place." 

 

On a Plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed." 

On another Plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber." 

At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee : "Invite us to your next blowout."

At a Towing company: "We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."

On an Electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts." 

In a Non-smoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action." 

 

On a oMaternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push." 

At a Car Dealership: "The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment." 

Outside a Muffler Shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming." 

In a Veterinarian's waiting room: "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!" 

At the Electric Company "We would be delighted if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, you will be." 

In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry;
come on in and get fed up." 

In the front yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive carefully. We'll wait." 

At a Propane Filling Station: "Thank heaven for little grills." 

At a CHICAGO RADIATOR SHOP: "Best place in town to take a leak." 

Sign on the back of another Septic Tank Truck: "Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises"

In my most recent letter I mentioned the re-opening of Nelson's Civic Theatre.  The society that is in charge of that venue has done an incredible job of getting movies back into Nelson, and getting people back into theatre seats.  After the gala opening, with Skyfall (the most recent James Bond movie) they announced a fund-raising goal, and the intent to replace the old projector with a new digital projector, and also to install a surround-sound system into the old theatre.  The goal was $160,000. and at the end of May, they announced that they had exceeded that goal by over $20,000!  The digital projector and surround-sound have now been installed and it is an incredible difference.  I think I have been to more movies this year than in the past  10 years.  I will be going again this weekend to see Man of Steel.  They still have a long way to go to reach their goal, which is to make 3 theatre screens in the Civic Theatre location, and they are still seeking new members to help them out.  If you would like more information, please click here.

 

Do You Know A Buyer For This Home?

This is a very attractive 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Nelson's Uphill neighbourhood. It has a covered verandah and an open deck with an outstanding view looking across to the Granite Pointe Golf Course and down the Kootenay River valley.  It is in immaculate condition, and close to the access points to the rail trail.  Check out more photos and information at nelsonrealestate.com

Last night in downtown Nelson, they closed off a block of Baker Street again, for the opening of Art Walk in the downtown area.  There were opportunities to meet with the artists and view their work, and refreshments and hors d'oeuvres were offered.  If you missed out, you can still visit any of the host businesses to view the incredible array of talent that is offered in this little city.  I find it difficult to believe that this event has been happening here for 25 years.  Check it out if you are in town.

The Importance of Proofing
~ IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are one of hundreds of parachuting enthusiasts who bought our Easy Sky Diving book, please make the following correction: on page 8, line 7, the words "state zip code" should have read "pull rip cord."
~ It was incorrectly reported last Friday that today is T-shirt Appreciation Day. In fact, it is actually Teacher Appreciation Day.
~ There was a mistake in an item sent in two weeks ago which stated that Ed Burnham entertained a party at crap shooting. It should have been trap shooting.
~ There are two important corrections to the information in the update on our Deep Relaxation professional development program. First, the program will include meditation, not medication. Second, it is experiential, not experimental.
~ In the City Beat section of Friday's paper, firefighter Dwight Brady was misidentified. His nickname in the department is "Dewey." Another firefighter is nicknamed "Weirdo." We apologize for our mistake.
~ Our newspaper carried the notice last week that Mr. Oscar Hoffnagle is a defective on the police force. This was a typographical error. Mr. Hoffnagle is, of course, a detective on the police farce.
~ In a recent edition, we referred to the chairman of Chrysler Corporation as Lee Iacoocoo. His real name is Lee Iacacca. The Gazette regrets the error.
~ Apology: I originally wrote, "Woodrow Wilson's wife grazed sheep on front lawn of the White House." I'm sorry that typesetting inadvertently left out the word "sheep."
~ In one edition of today's Food Section, an inaccurate number of jalapeno peppers was given for Jeanette Crowley's Southwestern chicken salad recipe. The recipe should call for two, not 21, jalapeno peppers.
~ The marriage of Miss Freda vanAmburg and Willie Branton, which was announced in this paper a few weeks ago, was a mistake which we wish to correct.
*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*

 Thank you for taking time to read this newsletter.  Your comments and feedback are always welcome, and your jokes, too.  I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer, and if you are in Nelson, please stop by and say "Hi!"

 

Lorne 

In the Midst of a Spring Long Weekend!

I passed a milestone in life last month -- I turned 60!  If you haven't gotten there yet, let me assure you that it didn't hurt one bit.  A group of us got together for a celebration at Harrison Hot Springs and a good time was had by all!






The photo on the left was taken at my wedding, back in the '70s.  The 2 gentlemen on the outside of this earlier photo were not present last month, and the shorter gentleman in the brown jacket had  to cancel at the last moment, but the other 3, plus the photographer of the original photo are in the current photo (above) along with a couple of other friends, spouses and children.  4 of us celebrated our 60th birthdays within 1 week.  I am pleased to have good friends that go back so far (& some even further!)

 Also last month, while we were down at the coast, Dorothy and I had occasion to enjoy a wonderful mean at the Cloud 9 Restaurant, on the 42nd floor of the Landmark Hotel on Robson Street.  Great meal, excellent service and an outstanding view.  This is a revolving restaurant, so once every 90 minutes (the time it took to complete our dinner) we had the 360 degree view of Vancouver.

 Meanwhile, back in Nelson the blossoms burst forth upon our downtown trees . . . .  










And a few days later, after a bit of rain and wind, they lay scattered on the ground below.                                                                                                                                                                 ..                            At the same time, these 2 tulips are growing wild, right outside our back gate at home.                                                                      

                                                                                            

I also took advantage of an opportunity to participate in a 50 mile bicycle ride in the Spokane area at the end of April.  Great day, right temperature, no rain, and the wind difficulty is fading in my mind as the weeks pass!

Do You Know A Buyer For This Home?

Located in lower Fairview, this second floor, corner unit faces the lake.  It is 1 bedroom + den, with a deck, gas fireplace, underground parking and elevator.  Please check the web-site for more details, and call me for an appointment to view. 

It wouldn't be one of my newsletters without a bit of humour, now would it?  Thanks, Bud, for keeping me in good supply of articles.

Isn’t the English language wonderful ??

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY AS WELL AS THE IDIOSYNCRASIES OF ENGLISH:

1. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR.

2. ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.

3. IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?

4. THE MAIN REASON THAT SANTA IS SO JOLLY IS BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHERE ALL THE BAD GIRLS LIVE.

5. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, "WHERE'S THE SELF- HELP SECTION?" SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.

6. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?

7. IF A DEAF CHILD SIGNS SWEAR WORDS, DOES HIS MOTHER WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?

8. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?

9. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?

10. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO "GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?"

11. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?

12. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS WAGES?

13. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?

14. WHY DO THEY LOCK GAS STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL BREAK-IN AND CLEAN THEM?

15. IF A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?

16. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?

17. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MUTE, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?

18. WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK MACHINES?

19. HOW DO THEY GET DEER TO CROSS THE ROAD ONLY AT THOSE YELLOW ROAD SIGNS?

20. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?

21. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.

22. DOES THE LITTLE MERMAID WEAR AN ALGEBRA?

23. DO INFANTS ENJOY INFANCY AS MUCH AS ADULTS ENJOY ADULTERY?

24. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?

25. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?

26. IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?

27. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?

28. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD 'LISP' TO HAVE AN 'S' IN IT?

29. WHY ARE HEMORRHOIDS CALLED "HEMORRHOIDS" INSTEAD OF "ASSTEROIDS?"

30. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT AT THEM?

31. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?

32. IF YOU SPIN AN ORIENTAL MAN IN A CIRCLE THREE TIMES, DOES HE BECOME DISORIENTED?

33. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD

Okay, now that you're wondering about my sanity (or my taste in humour), I'll leave you with good wishes for this Victoria Day weekend.  Let the sun shine!

Lorne

Seasons in the Rain

The title of this post is a take-off on an old song, which was a huge hit for a Vancouver singer named Terry Jacks.  His song, Seasons in the Sun, was originally from a Broadway play called Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.  The chorus goes:

We had joy, we had fun

We had Seasons in the Sun

But the Wine and the Song

Like the Seasons are all Gone.

Here in Nelson I have re-written the chorus lyrics (with sincere apologies)

We had Snow, We had Rain

Folks were skiing in our lane

Now the skies are all gray

Just another Kootenay day.

Crocuses are in Bloom

Daffodils will be here soon

Got my bike on the road

Hope that house will soon be SOLD!

 A couple of weeks ago there was a gala opening right here in Nelson.  Our Civic Theatre (the movie theatre) has been closed for about 3 years.  City council owns the space in the Civic Centre, where the theatre has been situated for over 75 years.  A local group, the Nelson Civic Theatre Society has worked out a deal with City Council to lease the space and they have plans to renovate into 3 theatres, with seating for 250,  100 and 100 in the different areas.  This is a very ambitious plan, and they are into fund-raising at this time.  When we gathered there late last month for the gala, there were 250 seats installed in the lower section and the rest was empty.  I was pleased to be present at this event, to see some folks dressed in costume (it was a James Bond theme night), others in their best-dressed duds, and everyone there to support the restoration effort.  The movie, Skyfall, was fun to watch, too.

The efforts in Nelson are a fine example of what can happen when a community comes together around a project.  Other communities are not as fortunate. 

 This was the Paramount Theatre, which, until recently was a fixture in downtown Chilliwack.  Many other community theatres have met a similar fate.

Do You Know A Buyer For This Home?

 

A well maintained home in the Uphill area of Nelson, with a marvelous view of the Kootenay River Valley.  4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a double garage, and the possibility of a suite in the partly finished basement.   Additional details on the web-site.  $475,000 

There seems to be plenty of activity in the Nelson real estate market at this time.  It's almost like there was a switch turned on about a month ago.  It's too early to say that this is a trend, but we are hopeful.  I'll have the first quarter statistics available next month.  For additional real estate related news, please check out my Business Blog 

Happy Pi Day!  

March 14, or 3/14 as its written numerically, is a day to celebrate Pi. Those who are looking to be more exact celebrate Pi Minute (March 14 at 1:59 pm) or Pi Second (March 14, March 14 at 1:59 pm and 26 seconds).

Number nerds everywhere celebrate Pi Day by eating pie and reciting the mathematical constant that runs to an infinite number of decimal places.

Pi Day Jokes 2013

Mathematicians even tell Pi Jokes on Pi Day. As you can see from the Pi jokes below, lovers of Pi may be better at math than humor:

Q: What do you get when you cut a jack o'lantern by its diameter?

A: Pumpkin Pi!

Q: What do you get when you take green cheese and divide its circumference by its diameter?

A: Moon Pi.

Q:What do you get when you take the sun and divide its circumference by its diameter?

A: Pi in the sky.

 

Well, the stock market seems to be doing reasonably well the past few months, so perhaps now is a good time to share a little investment humour:

Investments 

STOCK: A magical piece of paper that is worth $33.75 until the moment you buy it. It will then be worth $8.50.
BOND: What you had with your spouse until you pawned his/her golf clubs to invest in Amazon.com.
BROKER: The person you trust to help you make major financial decisions.
Please note the first five letters of this word spell "Broke".
BEAR: What your trade account and wallet will be when you take a flyer on that hot stock tip your secretary gave you.
BULL: What your broker uses to explain why your mutual funds tanked during the last quarter.
MARGIN: Where you scribble the latest quotes when you're supposed to be listening to your manager's presentation.
SHORT POSITION: A type of trade where, in theory, a person sells stocks he doesn't actually own. Since this also only ever works in theory, a short position is what a person usually ends up being in (i.e. "The rent, sir?
Hahaha, well, I'm a little short this month.").
COMMISSION: The only reliable way to make money on the stock market, which is why your broker charges you one.
YAK: What you do into a pail when you discover your stocks have plunged and your broker is making a margin call.

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
 

 

Being as it's St. Patrick's Day on Sunday, I thought I would end with an Irish Blessing.

 

Lorne

It's a New Year, and I'm still here!

Happy New Year everyone.  If you read last month's post, you will know that I had asked for feedback and comments on whether or not this blog newsletter is being read, and whether or not it is relevant.  Well, I didn't receive as many comments as I would have hoped for, but what I did receive was all positive and uplifting, so I will continue.

To start this month, I have attached a link to a short video from Dave Liniger, who is the founder and Chairman of the Board of RE/MAX International.  It's Dave's predictions for the coming year.  Keep in mind, this man has been right on the mark for pretty well all of the last 40 years.  (RE/MAX turns 40 this year!).  While his comments apply to the U.S., most of what he says is applicable to Canada as well.  Although we don't have the default mortgage problem that they have south of the border, the other points are worth noting.

One bright, crisp morning we loaded up the grandchildren and went to the golf course for a bit of tobogganing.  This old toboggan has been in the family since I was a boy.

 I had to take  two photos to get everyone in to our Christmas dinner picture.  We had 18 sit down at our place on Christmas Eve.  (The 5 children are not visible, as they were at a different table).

Do You Know A Buyer For This Home?

Compact 2 bedroom home on a large, natural lot in the Rosemont area.  Ultimate privacy with an excellent view.  More details on web-site.  Note:  If you should  go looking for this home, although the address is "Robertson Ave.", you will find it off of West Gore Street, along a laneway west of Vancouver St.  That's how you get the ultimate privacy I mentioned above!

Wise Words
A few END-OF-THE-DAY questions for YOU!
Did I make someone giggle, smile or laugh today?
Did I take the time to really listen to someone today, with rapt attention, as if nothing else mattered in that precious moment but the words they spoke and the look in their eyes?
Did I allow myself to focus on all the blessings in my life today instead of contemplating the things I don't have?
Did I take a moment to imagine what I would like to experience in my life, if for no other reason than in the imagining, is the living, and in the living, comes the joy and delight?
Did I let go today, let go of resentments and unforgivingness that I have been holding onto, all the while realizing that another person may be wounded too and struggling with their own pain?
Did I keep my word today, no matter how simple a promise I may have made, knowing it meant a whole lot to someone else?
Did I make a conscious choice just to be happy today, no matter what is happening in my own life, just for the next moment, and the next moment and the next?
Did I stop caring about what other people think of me, and give myself permission to be who I am regardless of their good opinion of me or not? Did I set myself free today just by doing that?
Was I successful in noticing and appreciating the bounty before me wherever I went or was I just too busy or lost in my own thoughts to notice?
Did I contribute something beautiful to the world today? A new creation of some kind, a poem, a dinner, a dance?
Was I kind today to anyone or anything that crossed my path, no matter how trivial or how monumental? Did I give away my heart?
Is one person richer because of me today, because of my presence on the planet, my essence, my decision to keep on going no matter what?
Did I learn something new today, something about life, something about myself, something about another that I didn't know before?
Did I let go of my attachment to being right today, and open my mind to the possibility of another way, without judgement?
Will someone sleep better tonight because of me? Will they awaken in the morning believing in themselves again, and walk with their head held high?
Was I the answer to someone's prayers today?
If today was to be my last day on the planet, would I feel happy about how I lived it?

Veronica Hay

Sewing Machine Ad 

The following is an ad from a newspaper which appeared four days in a row - the last three hopelessly trying to correct the first day's mistake.
MONDAY:
For sale: R. D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Phone 948-0707 after 7 P.M.. and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him cheap.
TUESDAY:
Notice: We regret having erred In R. D. Jones' ad yesterday. It should have read "One sewing machine for sale cheap. Phone 948-0707 and ask for Mrs. Kelly, who lives with him after 7 P.M."
WEDNESDAY:
Notice: R. D. Jones has informed us that he has received several annoying telephone calls because of the error we made in the classified ad yesterday. The ad stands correct as follows: "For sale -- R. D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 948-0707 after 7 P.M. and ask for Mrs. Kelly who loves with him."
THURSDAY:
Notice: I, R. D. Jones, have no sewing machine for sale. I intentionally broke it. Don't call 948-0707 as I have had the phone disconnected. I have not been carrying on with Mrs. Kelly. Until yesterday she was my housekeeper, but she has now quit.
*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*

Thank you to those who commented to me after last month's post.  These are always welcome.  If, at any time, you would prefer not to receive this newsletter, please just send me an e-mail or comment on the blog, and I will remove your e-mail address from the recipient list.

Lorne