Tuesday, June 30, 2015

My Tiny WalMart Photo Centre Protest

I have used WalMart's Photo Centre for photo processing for as long as I can remember until one day when I went to process an order and there was a new policy.  You have to pay for the photos in advance with a credit card.  Now let me just say I do understand having to pay for really large orders in advance . . . but . . . that wasn't the case here.  So I had a little protest . . . 

I generally pay for online purchases with prepaid credit cards (gift cards or whatever you want to call them) and I had a few lying around with small amounts of money left on them so I placed multiple orders of anywhere from 5 to 25 photos and gradually used up all the money on the gift cards.  

Here's what I picked up the next day . . . 



I order my photos from Superstore's Photolab now.  They only request a credit card on orders over $75.00 and they are just across the parking lot from WalMart.

Downtown

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Tanka Tuesday: Downtown

It's time for the next installment of Tanka Tuesday!

Tanka is a form of poetry similar to haiku. It's short, and the lines don't need to rhyme. The just must have a set number of syllables: 5/7/5/7/7.

For more about tanka, see the original post here.

Today's tanka prompt is: downtown.


like Cinderella 
and not a moment too soon 
big change is coming 
a historic part of our 
town will rise from the rubble

Monday, June 29, 2015

Forrest Gump (1994) ~ m

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time. I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.

So here is #7 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:

Forrest Gump (1994)

Who doesn't love Tom Hanks?




In fact, some days I'd like to be Forrest Gump. 
Forrest Gump, is considered slow-witted, but thanks to his Mother he was never left out of anything.  In fact, he had many adventures including being a college football star, a soldier in Vietnam, the captain of a fishing boat, and a ping pong champion, These adventures have allowed him to be part of many historic moments.  It is an awesome story.



Academy Awards, USA 1995 
Won

Best Picture
Wendy Finerman
Steve Starkey
Steve Tisch

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Tom Hanks

Best Director
Robert Zemeckis

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Eric Roth

Best Film Editing
Arthur Schmidt

Best Effects, Visual Effects
Ken Ralston
George Murphy
Stephen Rosenbaum
Allen Hall

Nominated
Oscar Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Gary Sinise

Best Cinematography
Don Burgess

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Rick Carter
Nancy Haigh

Best Sound
Randy Thom
Tom Johnson
Dennis S. Sands
William B. Kaplan

Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing
Gloria S. Borders
Randy Thom

Best Makeup
Daniel C. Striepeke
Hallie D'Amore
Judith A. Cory

Best Music, Original Score
Alan Silvestri

Friday, June 26, 2015

To clear or not to clear?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/06/23/no-you-may-not-clear-my-plate-the-most-annoying-restaurant-trend-happening-today/?tid=sm_fb


So anyway . . . this article shows up in my Facebook news feed the other day and it got me thinking. My usual pet peeve in restaurants is that they don't clear the dishes away quickly enough but this article got me looking at the whole thing from a different angle.
Without my permission, restaurants have abandoned, or simply overlooked, a classic tenet of service etiquette (I'm talking about entrees, not the ubiquitous small plates, which demand a different etiquette). Rather than clear plates once everyone at the table has finished the meal, which has long been the custom, servers instead hover over diners, fingers twitching, until the very instant someone puts down a fork. Like vultures, they then promptly snatch up the silverware -- along with everything else in front of the customer. If you're lucky, they might ask permission before stealing your plate.
When a server clears a plate before everyone is finished, he or she leaves the table with a mess of subtle but important signals. Those who are still eating are made to feel as though they are holding others up; those who are not are made to feel as though they have rushed the meal. What was originally a group dining experience becomes a group exercise in guilt.

Here's an article on table clearing etiquette:


Silent Serving code
This just shows the waiters whether or not you are done with your meal.
If between the meal you need to leave the table for any reason, criss cross the fork and knife to show you are not done with your food to avoid the waiter clearing away your plate.

When you are done with your meal, your knife and fork should be placed diagonally from upper left to lower right. (imagine the plate as the face of a clock 11 to 5 position) The knife stay untop while the fork stays down. This will tell the waiter to clear up your plate.

http://bodylinebyella.blogspot.ca/2015/03/dinning-etiquette.html

So now I'm wondering which is worse . . . not clearing or clearing too soon. I'd like to hear your opinions.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) ~m

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time. I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.

So here is #5 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

I loved loved loved this movie. Of course I don't think I've ever seen a Morgan Freeman movie I didn't love.



Tim Robbins plays a man who is found guilty of murdering his wife and her lover. He is innocent but I guess that doesn't matter. The movie is about his life in prison and his friendship with Red, played by Morgan Freeman.



I really love the ending but I'm not going to give it away in case you've never seen the movie yet.

I can't believe they didn't win any Oscars. The movie was nominated for:

Best Picture
Niki Marvin

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Morgan Freeman

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Frank Darabont

Best Cinematography
Roger Deakins

Best Sound
Robert J. Litt
Elliot Tyson
Michael Herbick
Willie D. Burton

Best Film Editing
Richard Francis-Bruce

Best Music, Original Score
Thomas Newman

Monday, June 22, 2015

Environmentalism

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Environmentalism

Do you take any steps to protect your environment, such as recycling, helping wildlife, or planting local plants?


Sadly, I am not as active in protecting our environment as I wish.  I do try and think twice about my actions that might leave a "footprint" on the environment.  Recycling is not available in our apartment building but I do use the recycling bins when I am someplace where they are available.  

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Fancy

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Fancy

When was the last time you dressed up / got into formal wear?


The last time I got all fancied up was when Hal and I participated in a Valentine's Day Vow Renewal sponsored by our local radio station.  It was so much fun getting my hair done and make up and the fancy new dress.  Even Hal went out and got a new suit.  

Here's what we looked like at the vow renewal before the reception . . . 


Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) ~m

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time. I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.


So here is #2 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:


Star Wars:  Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)



I can't say I am a huge fan of the Star Wars franchise . . . but I do like it quite a bit.  I think it is very clever.  And I can't believe I never questioned why the first movie was called Episode IV.

It has a great and swashbuckling story line and great special effects, especially for the times.  "Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."  I stole this from IMDB because I couldn't have said it better myself.

I think a steamy summer day should be devoted to watching all the Star Wars movies while hugging your air conditioner and eating ice cream.



I like that . . . the story of a boy, a girl and a universe . . . 

Monday, June 15, 2015

Recipe - Roasted Asparagus

Recipe - Roasted Asparagus

4 servings
Preparation 10 min 
Cooking 10 min


100 calories per serving 

Ingredients

40asparagus, average size800 g
3 tbspolive oil45 mL
1 pinchsalt [optional]0.1 g

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 230ºC/450ºF.
  2. Clean the asparagus, then lay them on an oiled baking tray. Coat thoroughly with oil, then season with salt.
  3. Cook in the middle of the oven until the asparagus change colour, about 8-10 min, depending on their size. Shake the tray a couple times during cooking, so that the asparagus will grill evenly. Alternatively, asparagus may be wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked on an outdoor grill at 'medium-high'. For small quantities, asparagus may also be sautéed in a pan on the stovetop.
  4. Serve.

Recipe - Brined Salmon with Maple Syrup

Recipe - Brined Salmon with Maple Syrup

4 servings
Brining 4 h 
Preparation 10 min
 
Cooking 10 min
210 calories per serving 

Ingredients

3 cupswater750 mL
3 tbspcoarse salt55 g
1 pinchpeppercorns1 g
3/4 tsplemon zest, finely grated1/4 lemon
1/3 cupmaple syrup85 mL
600 gsalmon fillet
1 1/2 tbspolive oil23 mL

Before you start

Be sure to precisely measure the salt amount and not to exceed the brining time, otherwise the final result may be too salty.

Keep the serving plates in the oven at the lowest setting so they are warm when you serve.

Method

  1. Pour the water and salt in a bowl or shallow mould, then mix well until the salt is dissolved. Lightly crush the peppercorns then add them to the brine. Add the grated zest and maple syrup.
  2. Remove and discard the skin of the salmon, then put the salmon in the brine. Cover the salmon completely with the brine (Depending on the size of the bowl, it may be necessary to add some additional brine to cover the salmon: you will need 1 tablespoon of salt for every cup of water). Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 h (maximum overnight).
  3. Take the salmon out of the brine, pat it dry using paper towels, then cut it into serving size pieces. Discard the brine.
  4. Heat the oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Sear the salmon, 2 min per side, until a light gold crust is formed. Lower the heat to 'low' and cook an additional 4-5 min. Check with a fork to see if the fish is cooked through. Serve on the warmed plate

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Movie Review: The Godfather ~m

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time.  I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.

So here is #1 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:


The Godfather (1972)



I love this movie.  Maybe it is just that I love so many of the actors in this movie -- Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Abe Vigoda and so many more.  I've always had a soft spot for Abe Vigoda from his days on the TV show, Barney Miller.

But really it has everything -- family, love, drama, life, death.  What more could you ask for?

The Godfather was nominated for 11 Oscars and won in three categories -- Best Leading Actor, Best Writing, and Best Picture.

If you are looking for something to binge watch some rainy summer day why not The Godfather I, II and III.  And if you are really into the Godfather, I hear there is even a video game.

Six Word Saturday!

SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014

Six Word Saturday!

Describe your life or current situation using exactly six words.


cloudy day farmers market pjs crafts

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Face Painting

So we were at Ribfest last July and my dear hubby saw the face painting tent.  If you know my hubby at all, you know he is a big kid.  He tried to talk one of the grandsons into getting their faces painted but they were all to cool for that.  Hal isn't too cool for that . . . sigh . . . 







Friday, June 5, 2015

Six Word Saturday

SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2014

Six Word Saturday

Describe your life or current situation using exactly six words.



cooked a big meal washed dishes

Thursday, June 4, 2015

What's to become of the Dalewood Bridge?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dforbes/118822735/ taken 2006

Let's start with a little history, taken from a Letter to the Editor by Brian Gorrill, published in the St. Thomas Times-Journal on March 5, 2009:


From research in the newspaper from Tuesday, July 26, 1983, the then 88-year-old Dalewood bridge was slated for replacement because of rotted structural steel members.
"The concrete abutments have also deteriorated," noted the article.
To replace the structure at that time (1983), costs were pegged at $317,000, exclusive of any road construction.
Installed in 1983, the Bailey bridge (on loan from the Ministry of Transportation) is a military-type structure.
It is a temporary bridge, not a disposable bridge, has one lane and no load restrictions (cost $35,000).

. . . and more information taken from Ian's City Scope blog dated Nov. 14, 2014 :
A 30-YEAR TEMPORARY FIX
The agenda for the final meeting of this council isn’t exactly a fluff piece.
STTJ DALEWOOD BRIDGE 3  RC
Members will receive a report dealing with the future of the Dalewood Bridge — the 31-year-old Bailey bridge positioned over the Kettle Creek reservoir as a temporary route for Dalewood Dr.
Council will be asked to authorize an expenditure of $92,000 to complete a Class EA study to determine the future needs at the road crossing. The modular bridge was supplied by the provincial transportation ministry in 1983 as a temporary fix under a 20-year lease arrangement, with the city assuming ownership in 2003.
A report to council from city engineer John Dewancker lists possible options: maintain the status quo; a pedestrian-only crossing; a new, two-lane bridge; upgrade/rehabilitate the existing one-lane structure and alternative traffic routes.
Whatever the option chosen by the new council, it could prove a bridge over troubled waters for the new council.
And that brings us up to date.
Tonight at Monsignor Morrison Catholic School Gym here in St. Thomas there was a Public Information Centre regarding the Dalewood Drive Bridge Municipal Class Environmental Assessment.  According to the information sheet I was able to print from the internet (which of course I can't find the link now):
Public consultation is a vital part of the Environmental Assessment process . . . The first PIC will be hosted in order to provide an overview of the study process, identify potential solutions to address the problem, and solicit input from members of the public, community interest groups, and agencies.
Now for my notes which I will try and shorten to those necessary to understand what they were trying to tell us at this initial PIC (in my world anyway).
The purpose of the PIC is to describe the Municipal Class C Environmental Assessment, to identify problems and opportunities, to share alternative solutions being considered, and the evaluation of these solutions.
The Environmental Assessment is a process to promote environmentally responsible decision-making and involves public consultation as a vital part of that process.
The objectives of this EA are:
1.  To implement a cooperative and solution directed approach to reaching a consensus.
2.  To identify relevant natural, social, and economic issues and constraints.
3.  To discover alternative solutions and concepts, taking into account legislative planning strategies and policies, natural and social environmental constraints, utility and related infrastructure needs, property impacts, scheduling, and costs.
4.  Preliminary design for the preferred alternate.
5.  Summarize the environmental assessment process and preliminary design in an Environmental Study Report.
The short version of all this is that the objective of the Environmental Assessment is to involve all the stakeholders in the decision of what to do about the Dalewood Bridge . . . which I think everyone agrees something needs to happen there . . . and to identify all the pros and cons of each alternative plan until they are able to determine the preferred way to proceed.
A Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment has five phases:
  • Phase 1 – Problem or Opportunity - Identify and describe the problem or opportunity.
  • Phase 2 - Alternative Solutions - Prepare environmental inventory, identifying and evaluating alternative solutions to address the problem and establishing the preferred solution.
  • Phase 3 – Alternative Design Concepts - Examining alternative design concepts for the preferred solution and establishing a preferred design concept, as well as identifying measures to minimize any adverse effects
  • Phase 4 – Environmental Study Report - Prepare and file  Environmental Study Report which summarizes the rationale, planning, design and consultation process for the Project  Document phases 1-3 for public review.
  • Phase 5 – Implementation of the Project.

Right now we are in Phase 2 which involves presenting the alternative solutions to the problem for public and agency input.  And that is why there was a PIC tonight.  The next PIC is expected to be held in the Fall of 2015 - Phase 3 - when they will present preliminary recommended design solutions for public and agency input.

Overview of the Project 

Stantec Consulting Ltd has been retained by the City of St. Thomas to undertake a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the Dalewood Drive Bridge.  Their task is to determine the feasibility of replacing, removing or rehabilitating the bridge.

The deficiencies of the bridge include safety, structural condition, performance, and applicable design standards.

The alternative solution should limit impact to Dalewood Resevoir, Kettle Creek, and the surrounding ecosystem.

As mentioned near the beginning of this post, the original Dalewood bridge was replaced by a temporary modular bridge supplied by the Ministry of Transportation in 1983.  It is a single lane structure.  Vehicles must yield in both directions and alternate crossing of the bridge. 

There is no accommodation for bicycles or pedestrians.  Overall safety is a concern for pedestrian and cyclist usage under current single lane conditions.

Structural Reports in 2014 and 2015 show that elements of the bridge are in urgent need of replacement, particularly the abutments and embankments.  The dams only function is to maintain an environmental area.  It does not act as flood control.

Does anyone else remember a few years back when Waterworks flooded so high that the water level reached the roof of the pavilions?

Existing Condition - Natural Environment

Dalewood Conservation Area is a candidate warm water fish habitat on both sides of the dam and a candidate significant wildlife habitat.  

(The Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (SWHTG) was developed to support the Provincial Policy Statement and the Natural Heritage Reference Manual and is a more detailed technical manual that provides information on the identification, description and prioritization of significant wildlife habitat.  It is a guide that is advisory in nature and intended to be used by ecologists, biologists, environmental planners and others involved in the development of strategies to identify and protect significant wildlife habitat in the municipal planning and renewable energy planning processes.)  

Kettle Creek is a candidate significant woodland and the Kettle Creek valley lands are candidate significant wildlife habitat.

Existing Condition - Traffic

Dalewood Drive is a major collector road with a speed limit of 50 km/h with reduced speed of 30 km/h at the bridge.  The annual average Daily traffic count is 2000.  The current structure is theoretically sufficient except during peak times where delays may occur.  Speed bumps are located at each approach to decrease speeds.

I asked the consultants about delays for emergency services if the bridge were not available.  Ambulance and fire generally use Burwell Road and Ron McNeil to access the Dalewood area.  There could be delays for police.

Bridge Closure Travel Delays


7.6 km = 9 minute delay


6.8 km = 7 minute delay

So here are the five alternatives suggested:

1.  Do nothing.  This does not address the issue of deterioration of the bridge.  No cost.

2.  Remove the bridge and don't replace it.  This would impact vehicle and pedestrian traffic as well as affecting accessibility to KCCA.  Low cost.

3a.  Rehabilitate the existing bridge for pedestrian use only.  Costs to rehabilitate the bridge is high and would require a significant amount to be spent on maintenance.

3b.  Rehabilitate the existing bridge for vehicle use only and modify the dam for pedestrian use.  Rehabilitation costs would be high as well as high maintenance costs.

4a.  Build a 2 lane bridge for vehicles and pedestrians in the current location.  This solution does not effectively address the problems.  High capital cost.  Low maintenance cost.

4b.  Build a combined bridge and dam crossing in the current location.  Next question becomes how long will the current dam last.  A long term solution would still need to be considered at the end of the dam's life.  It does provide the opportunity to reassess a storm water management function for the dam which currently does not serve this function.  High capital cost.  Low maintenance cost.

4c.  Build a new bridge in a new location.  The topography is not conducive to this alternative.  Roads would have to be realigned and there would be a negative impact on the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority areas.

5.  Reconstruct the dam for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.  The dam was not constructed for vehicle traffic.  The whole dam would need to be redesigned and reconstructed.  Dalewood Drive would need to be realigned through KCCA land.

So I've given you a very brief overview of the problem of Dalewood Bridge and some possible solutions presented this afternoon.

The entire presentation is supposed to be online in the next few days.  

If you wish to obtain additional information about the study, be included on the study mailing list, or provide input at any point during the study process, you can contact the Project Team members:

Corri Marr, H.B.Sc
Senior Planner
Stantec
Phone 519-645-2007
corrie.marr@stantec.com

Leslie Whiteman, P. Eng.
Special Projects Enginee
City of St. Thomas
Phone 519-631-1680, ext. 4260
lwhiteman@stthomas.ca

Don't you just love the sound the bridge makes as you drive over it?  Or does it seem just a little scary to you?

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Meeting Someone New

FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Meeting Someone New

Describe the person you've most recently met for the first time.


I've only known Norma for a short amount of time.  I don't know a whole lot about her and what I know I plan to keep to myself.  She may not appreciate her life posted on my blog.

She is a lovely lady and I met her through Facebook.  She has, for whatever her reasons, decided to clear out all her craft supplies and she has a LOT.  The photo is of the first batch of crafting supplies I purchased on my first (of many) trips to her home.

I think I should actually be saying that she HAD a lot.  Every day she posted more of her stash online and we quickly bid on the items we really needed or wanted.  This has been going on for about a month now and I have to say that on my last visit her basement was pretty much cleared out.

Of course, I still managed to find a couple more things I NEED, so I'm heading back again tomorrow.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Church Windows (chocolate-peanut butter-marshmallow bars)


Church Windows (Chocolate-Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 bag (9 ounces) fruit-flavored marshmallows

  1. In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Turn on heat to low. This is important. You need to treat this sauce gently or it might scorch. Stir with a wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula until ingredients are melted and smooth. Sauce should be shiny. 

  2. Remove pan from heat. Allow to cool for about fifteen minutes. 

  3. Line a 9x9x2-inch pan with parchment paper. 

  4. Stir marshmallows into cooled chocolate mixture. Spread mixture into prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to get all of the chocolate sauce that might cling to the side of the pan. Spread it over the marshmallows. 

  5. Chill for three hours or overnight. Using parchment paper, lift bars out of pan. Cut into small squares (these are sweet and rich. small bars are perfect.)

  6. Serve or store in a sealed container. 
Makes 36 squares.

The Original Rice Krispie Treats



THE ORIGINAL TREATS™
This classic, delicious snack has been making memories for kids and parents alike for generations.

INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
OR
4 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal
DIRECTIONS
1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

Note
-For best results, use fresh marshmallows.
-1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows.
-Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
-Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container.
-To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.