Itchy The Bear

The term anthropomorphize refers to the act of attributing human characteristics to non-human subjects, be they animals, plants, politicians or other inanimate objects. But if ever there was a creature that was a prime candidate for anthropomorphism, it is the bear. If you are one of those people who are ardent people watchers, you would enjoy watching bears – from a safe distance, of course. Bears seem so human in so many ways.  Anyone who’s ever spent any amount of time observing bears will notice that they usually appear to be just kind of bumbling their way through life, just like so many of the humans that we all know and love. I can see myself and my friends in many of the actions and behaviors of bears.

It Is The Silence That I Remember Most

Last summer my wife and I celebrated our 30^th wedding anniversary. After we got married, we went on a brief, one-week honeymoon at Hecla, here in Manitoba. But we had already decided that we wanted to go somewhere exotic for our real honeymoon and we were already planning a big trip. We were both into our 30’s and we knew that we wanted to start a family soon, so we decided to get at least one big trip in before we had kids and then, if we got to do more travel later, that would be great, and if not, that would be fine, too.

Memories of My Mom

I recently lost my mom. She was 97. In her final year she had some struggles. But the other 96? Healthy, happy and active. Not too bad at all. I will grieve but I will do so privately and it will not take long. It’s hard to mourn for someone who lived the long and bountiful life that she lived. My mother was the epitome of the phrase “a life well lived.” We should all do so well.

Thirty Years and Counting

The Most Bizarre Phone Call Ever

It started while I was dating a woman I met at church. Her name was Jan. We went out for about 3 months. The first 2 months were great but, as we got into the 3^rd month, things went sour. It was almost as if someone had flipped a switch. We starting picking at each other, getting on each other’s nerves, always being kind of annoyed. Just not great. 

I’d Like To Help You But…..

I’d like to help you but, frankly, I really couldn’t care less about you and your piddly little problems…..

I Miss You, Dad

I don’t know who said this old quote first. I’ve looked it up several times and there have always been multiple variations attributed to different people. So I’m just going to give you my spin on it:

“When I was 18 years old, my father was the stupidest man on Earth. When I reached the age of 25, I was astonished at how much wisdom he had acquired in just 7 years.”

I think most sons can relate to that. Most of us had that kind of relationship with our fathers at some point in our lives. I certainly did.

Thirty Years Ago Today: Happy Anniversary, Rob & Leanne

It started on Friday night. I had planned on working late to reorganize some databases. I had just taken the databases offline and started the REORG utilities when a co-worker, Josie, called to tell me that I should head for home right away. Her words, "Go home now or you won't be going home at all." There was a blizzard descending on Winnipeg and it was going to be a good one. So I grabbed a portable terminal and headed for home.