Back to Bug You

I'm back, my friends. I got the call after six that my computer was fixed. It is fixed but different. My whole Webshots desktop that I've had for thirteen or fourteen years is gone. It was mostly photos of Mexico. I loved it. Photos collected over a long period of time. Last time this happened my StumbleUpon disappeared. I'm not skilled enough to deal with computer problems so must accept these losses, I guess. I have other changes too that I'll have to figure out along the way.

I can add a photo today. I had a couple hundred on the camera to load into the files. I had a ton from autumn walks; lots of coloured leaf shots. The leaves are mostly gone now but I'm happy I took my camera on some awesome walks in the last couple of weeks. The leaf season was over quickly as it was so windy. My new earbuds have really helped walking in the wind. I'm listening to music rather than the sounds of nature on some walks but at the same time don't get earaches from the wind. Fair trade.

I've missed my computer for music in more ways than I mentioned yesterday. My son's spare laptop didn't have a nice screen with correct colours and vision or very good speakers. I didn't comment on any photo blogs as the photos looked unhealthy and unrecognizable. Music to me must first sound good so I chose not to play much of the music on music blogs because of the poor speakers. I listened to lots on my stereo but certainly missed music online.

Since I Laid My Burden Down by Mississippi John Hurt is here today to say something about how I've been feeling since the end of work. In one word - Great! It seems Putfile may be down at the moment. It was ok this morning. I'll use the alternate method. Another song from old blues songs file that would fit today is Walkin' Blues by Muddy Waters.

The next two days are supposed to be sunny and warm. I have a ton of yard work to do and these are the two days I'm planning to get it all finished. Depending on how it's going depends on when I'll be here next. If I'm persuaded to go walking rather than gardening.......

Computer Update

Here's an update on the computer woes. My computer is still a patient. Though this virus problem doesn't apply she is still under warranty and I took her to her place of purchase out of habit. Staff problems and general apathy in regard to that staff doing their job have become apparent. They informed me on Thursday that they'd had no internet for a certain amount of days but that they 'might see about it today'. I'm not sure what they need the internet for in repairing my computer in the first place.

I am missing my online life but am finding more time in my real life. I have completely cleaned and reorganized my two room (not adjoining) studio space and am painting again. I am ready to switch to glass at a moment's notice. I am planning to sketch some windows while I am away and have retained the commission this winter that I had to drop last winter because of injury etc. A busy beaver as usual. I'm not sure if I've said here that I'm going to Florida in a few weeks for three weeks. I'm busy with some organization regarding that. I arrive home only a week befor Christmas and that's makes gift sending a bit difficult so am dealing with it now. An organizational nightmare for someone who wants to be in the country painting , not shopping ot arranging things to come together for Christmas, almost two months away.

It is still windy. It's been a very windy autumn. I think last year or the year before was windy like this. I am walking when I can but have generally been dancing for my fitness. I have fun with myself and am happy for all the cd's I've made.

My son has music on his laptop so perhaps I could give you one of his tunes. I'm sure I could find some Bob Dylan or something suitable. Darn! Sadly, this computer is dressed in Vista and the newest version of the music player so I would have to do too much fiddling to get everything to work....let alone remember my Putfile information. So, when I get the old girl back, I'll get back to music and photos.

I am certainly missing the selection of music I have on my computer. I have a million cd's but when I want to hear a certain song, it's not available. I am also missing my bookmarks a lot. Looking up specific weather tools like the currrent radar or something simple like that that I do regularly is now a multi-page adventure.

If I can figure out the way to get my many windows I need to stay visible, I'll add some music later.

Computer Woes

A short post today as I'm using my son's laptop for only a moment. My computer is in the hospital. She acquired an infection this morning. One of my regular stops when going through the blogroll is a site aggregator and it listed a site that immediately sent a virus when I entered it. The virus program announced it right away but it still infected everything. She's in hospital for at least a day as she's having some other minor surgery. Get well cards are unnecessary but a prayer or two to the computer gods would be appreciated. I can't afford a new one. My car started making a funny noise this morning and that is downright scary to the pocketbook.

Needless to say, I don't have a photo or music for you, but will be back with them when I can.

Love and Happiness

I'm enjoying a bit of a lazy day. I had no outside obligations so decided to extend that to home. I didn't walk, didn't dance, puttered at various small jobs but did nothing major. I must say I've enjoyed that. I've been online most of the day. I still will cook a delicious dinner for the boy and me though he probably won't be home till eight or nine. Good food is a must. I am having a pork, peppers and peanut sauce dish, black rice and salad.

The cd I'm making today is called Love and Happiness, something that's always good for a theme. The music is old soul music based but contains new music and covers of some of the old songs. If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys is a perfect example of a new soul song. I would have loved it if it had been around in the 70's. Thinkin' Bout You, from Bettye LaVette's 2003 album A Woman Like Me, was on my music pages before and has disappeared and is one that should be returned. I love her style with this slow, sexy ballad. An example of a cover is Al Green's Love and Happiness by Marc Broussard. It has disappeared from the pages too, I just discovered, so you get three songs today.

Swirling and Sauteing

One aspect of the internet that I appreciate the most is the ability to instantaneously retrieve a recipe or learn how to do something. I have a large shelf of cookbooks but if I want to know how to prepare something or find a recipe, it's to the net I go, not the bookshelf.

Today it was cream of potato-leek soup that I was looking for. It's a soup I love but have never made. I bought the leeks the other day and now have everything prepared and ready to cook.
I'm sure it will be very good as it is very simple and basic soup. I made beef stew yesterday. It's the season we want these hearty but basic foods. I think our bodies are programmed to eat in season but with the availability of foods from around the world, we can eat everything and anything whenever we want. Even though my body is craving soups and stews it is also delighted with the pineapple I have in the fridge.

I made four cds today, actually two copies each of two new cds. One is called Citified and there is another dance cd which I called Swirling and Twirling. There is one more to do tomorrow. I take forever making them as I want the right songs to fall in the right sequence. With the dance cd's that is really important as I use them for aerobic dancing for an hour and twenty minutes and rthe pacing is important. Here are a couple of songs from Citified - I Own the City by Saint Bernadette and Passing Stranger by Scott Matthews.

October Perfection

I wish I could tell you in words how much I enjoyed my day. I went hiking and did a lot of driving through the countryside. It was only a week or so ago that I was saying the leaves weren't yet at their peak of colour but I'd say the peak is happening now or it may have already passed. With all the wind we've had this autumn the leaves are blown off as soon as they are loose enough. There are more bare branches than is usual for this far into the display. The display is awesome, nonetheless and won't be here much longer. I'm going to enjoy the beauty as often as I can in the next week.

I did an hour hike but it took me an hour and a half because I was photographing as well. I got a good sweat on several times. I went to other sights too but no other long hikes. I think it is exactly what I'm going to do tomorrow as well. Soon it will be cold and dressing is more difficult as you have to dress for winter but get too hot. It's easier to control now.

I had a funny friend for dinner last night and it I have sore muscles it won't be from hiking. The laugh muscles are sore. A few people dropped in last evening. A good time was had by all.

Music for today is hiking music. I was humming either this song, Akua Tuta by Kashtin or I'm Saying Hello by Dan Hicks that I put up earlier in the week. Still Water by Daniel Lanois is perfect for the day. I hiked around two large ponds and there was lots of lovely water views. There are Putfile problems again so today I'm using the other site I sometimes use.

Work for Happiness

Yesterday's skies were lovely all day.... hence the photo.

Got a short walk in today and it was wonderful. Met up with another walker who has just moved to the neighbourhood. She is afraid of dogs too and lives between here and the beach. I gave her my number and said that I'm available most of the time at the drop of the hat. Yeah to the life of the unemployed.

I've been thinking a lot of a friend who passed away recently. He and his partner, both friends of mine, had four kids, all grown now. They stayed together for the kids and shouldn't have. They lived very unhappy lives together, became ill with different cancers and have both died in their early and mid fifties. It makes you see the mind-body connection first hand. Be happy. However it can come to you, find it. Whatever you may need to do to achieve it, just do it.

I've got a couple of short but great Ray Charles songs for today, I Want to Know and Don't You Know . Think of the mind body spirit connection and those titles. I know that I want to know what I don't know. It's constant work just to be - let alone being happy all the time but it's work I will do.

I'm Saying Hello

I love this time of year after the tourists leave and the countryside is quiet again. This day was so, so beautiful. I've been sitting outside and the only sounds I hear are male mallards chatting in the pond, the occasional mioux from Bella and otherwise there is silence. Occasionally a car goes by and not strings of them.

I've been busy. I was an official for Elections Canada yesterday during our Federal Election. I was given paperwork to complete if I had to arrest anyone. Wasn't that awesome power! I didn't have to arrest anyone but there were some incidents. It was a busy job and an almost fifteen hour day.

I now feel like I'm off work, finally. I had the Elections Canada work pending and training for the position so now my slate is clear for a couple of weeks and I can relax a bit. I will stay busy with walking or dancing, photography, annual fall chores, visiting, painting, having dinner parties and readying for the next great adventure. Florida is just over a month away. My hosts e-mailed today about menus, wondering about allergies, my likes and dislikes, etc. It's going to be great.

Ramble...ramble....ramble. Here's some music for the day. Gulf Coast Blues by Eric Von Schmidt will hit the spot as will I'm Saying Hello by Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks. This song has low volume on the mp3 but is a great song nonetheless. It comes from Last Train to Hicksville, the Dan Hicks album I first fell in love with. Do a little search upon the upper left for more Dan Hicks.

Thankful for Turkey Dinner

The turkey is cooked and settling. There are some veggies in the oven and soon I'll put the stove top veggies on. I have to make gravy yet and slice the turkey. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving but we're having dinner today as a lot of folks do. Sunday is a better day for most families, I'd say.

I asked my son to invite back a friend who visited the other night. He'd brought a four or five week old kitten last time and I nearly kept him. The friend actually gave him to me and left him but I had him come back for it. Look how tiny he is and how cute. My son thinks I should take him as he will be relegated to the barn with their herd of barn cats. I don't need three cats when I'm about to go away for a trip. also the girls get their noses out of joint . I've hoisted two other cats with them in the past. Billy Bin Laden, the Holy Terror, was a disaster. Clarke worked out well. Who wouldn't love Clarke?! Even the cats loved him.


The veggies are on the stove and I have to run soon. That leaves music. I am sure I have a song called Thanks For the Giving but I can't find it. Here is Thanksgiving by the wonderful Loudon Wainwright III. More perfect though is Brett Dennen's Blessed. That's how I feel this year.

Indian Summer!

What a wonderful "Indian Summer" day it's been! I did a whole lot of gardening and outdoor chores. Friends dropped by unexpectedly and we had a grand time. We had refreshments on the deck as it was wonderfully warm and sunny. We took a drive to the beach and encountered two hang gliders playing in the breeze. They steered themselves up and down the coast. A couple in leathers, on one motorcycle, were there too. They had seen them as they were driving along and knew they were about to glide along the beach so took the first road that looked like it was going to the shore. Turned out my son was at the next beach up so was under them too.

I got two of the lilies planted finally but am waiting on one as it still has three buds that are going to bloom. I want to keep it on the porch to bring it in on heavy frost nights. I don't have enough knowledge about lilies to know if I am giving it the correct treatment.

If you like scat singing I have a link for you. I found this fabulous YouTube video of Sarah Vaughan and just love it. The control that woman had and the rich voice. I just love Sarah Vaughan. I haven't had any of her up in a while and I think she has some autumn songs....

I haven't featured any Madeleine Peyroux for a while. I heard she has a new album coming out. My aunt and uncle had taped an evening's concert of Madeleine and her band for me to see when I was visiting them in the spring. It was fabulous. She has a kind of peculiar phrasing but it's what sets her apart. Here's This Is Heaven To Me and I'll Look Around. She always has a great band which in itself is worth a listen.

The above paragraph is from a July '07 post and that has the perfect music for today's hang glider post. If the links above don't work go there through this link. Here are a couple more that have already been featured on the blog. Nothing new today. Comin' In on a Wing and a Prayer by Ry Cooder and Try Your Wings by Blossom Dearie. That will have to do tonight. I want to continue this wonderful day.

In These Walls

I chose a random photo today. Closed my eyes, chose a file then chose a photo - eyes closed; A sunny beach at almost sunset time.

I experienced a strange dream sequence last night. I had two dreams in a row about people with strong political ties and ties to each other politically and personally. There were two entirely separate dreams where I was actively participating in both. The coincidence part is that while I was still in dream two, my son woke me to ask information about their colleague, a friend of both people I had been dreaming about. It wasn't anything political but important that my son get this information before he went to work. Too weird! I truly thought for a split second that this was a third dream with a very strong political message.

Last thing I'd ever discuss anywhere is politics and certainly not here. It's all about listening to music in my little spot on the web. I made a couple of cd's for my daughter today. She moved recently and wants house-warming presents that include music. I made some today and will make a couple more before I send off a package. I made cds with moving as the themes. One was moving house and one was moving body. As I said yesterday I need new dance playlists. Made one today for my girl's cd. It can be added to for the mp3 player. Here is one song from each: Emergency Exit from Beck and Cumbia Maya by Lila Downs. The second was once on the music pages under it's different name, Hanal Weech.

I must point out that I usually provide a link to a performer. First time is usually directly to their website. Second is usually the Wikipedia article and the third goes further down the Google search page. Beck's and Lila's today is to their myspace pages. I'm sure most of you are quite capable of searching on your own as well, any of the performers featured here.

I've time for some bonuses today, songs from the above mentioned cds that are already housed in these walls: C'mon a My House - Dan Hicks, Only Then Will Your House Be Blessed - Harry Manx and Eyes on the Prize - Mavis Staples.

La Vie En Pomme

Today feels like my first day off. Monday was filled with cleaning and awaiting visitors. Tuesday was filled with cooking, then potlucking. (Is potlucking a verb?) Today the only thing I truly had to do was wash my hair. I've also cleaned and cooked but nothing or no one was making me do it. I have an apple crisp in the oven and some prep for supper done but could stop right now if I wanted to.

It feels glorious! I had planned to spend a good part of today outdoors but it was cold and windy and I decided to put if off another day. If it's nice tomorrow I will do some fall work on the gardens. I have planting to do and it's October already! We've had strong winds for close to a week now. Wind bothers me more than rain as I get earaches being in the wind, even when it's warm.

I have never seen my trees so full of apples. There are no worms in them at all this year. My guess is that the blossoms were too advanced when the insects, who make the apple wormy, finally emerged due to our cold wet spring. I don't really know why but love the results in any case. Anyone In PEI want some apples?

Music, music, music.......makes my world go round. I'm loving the little mp3 player I've been plugging into my ears after finally taking steps to change the earbuds after a year and a half. No, I never procrastinate. I did a bit of dancing today but not enough to break a sweat, which is needed to meet my daily fitness goal. I have to make specific playlists for that. Too many romantic, slow ballads are mixed in on the playlist I have on the player now. I'll make a new one and include a few songs from this artist, Thalia. Moving to her will definitely work up a sweat. Here's Salsa Mujer Latina, with a merengue beat and something a bit slower, her version of La Vie En Rose.

Seaside Sitting

I am one stuffed woman. We had a potluck staff party this afternoon and let me tell you, the food was fantastic. I feel like I won't have to eat for a week. It's neat how it all works out at potlucks. No one discussed what they were bringing but everyone brought something different and all courses were covered. I brought appetizers. We had ribs, lasagna, a rice dish, cheesy scalloped potatoes, a taco salad and three desserts. We had drinks too so I feel like having a nap.

The party was held at a summer cottage but it was rainy and windy so not a day to walk outside on the beach. I ran down to the edge to snap a photo of the three colourful chairs facing the bay.
The temperature is supposed to improve by the end of the week with 20 predicted for Friday. I had to add a blanket to the bed last night.

Here is today's music. The title, This is the Life by Amy MacDonald is how I feel about having some down time that I sorely need and House by the Sea by Iron and Wine is for the beautiful cottage I visited today.

Halleluja

I am so upset. My friends from Australia and Summerside, PEI were here for a visit this afternoon and I didn't get a photo. Two of the women were taking photos and I was being photographed but forgot to pick up my own camera. I'm thinking of calling the house where they are having dinner and arranging to meet for a late night photo. I can easily drop in and make it happen. There were five of us women all chatting at once and time got away so quickly.

They had a tour of my studio which currently is set up for painting, and had a look at my glass portfolio. One of the women was new to me. She is from Colorado and met the other three here after their vacation in Provence. We had tea and a nice visit. I've been home, a working girl. The other four have been traveling the world.

I had my last shift at work yesterday and I'm a free woman for the time being. That's what I want to celebrate, with music. It can only be done with this song. Two more versions of Halleluja. Here is a 'Live at Glastonbury' song from Rufus and Martha Wainwright. I really mean I want a celebration so here's another version from Allison Crowe. You can Bloggersearch on the top left for other versions on the blog.

Bright Out of Dark

I had the best time yesterday. Besides company with friends and a great dinner, I got an awesome walk in the woods. The autumn colours are just beginning their display and it was a gorgeous crisp, sunny day. We came out of the woods at almost dark. While in the woods it actually did seem dark as the sun was pretty well cut out from the thick, high trees. We were in pretty deep woods. Awesome!!!!!

I got my granddaughter's birthday gift off today. Whew! It was to the wire as to arriving on time for her birthday but I had wanted to include other things. I'm going to price couriers for Christmas parcels as Canada Post's prices have become so outrageous.

One of the songs still needing to be replaced on the music pages is Johnny Cash's version of Long Black Veil. I've mentioned how I love that old song and he does a fine version of it. While I was in the Cash file I noticed he does a version of Sea of Heartbreak which was a popular song of the sixties. I don't remember who did it back then but we had the 45.

Autumn Chores

I'm a little early today but grabbing time when I can. I have an apple crisp in the oven and beets boiling on the stove. I'm making pickled beets this afternoon and preparing for a friend who is coming for dinner. Her husband is away again and when he is, we always have meals of fish or seafood together. Tonight I'm serving mussels and salmon - and apple crisp for dessert. Another friend called to ask me to dinner at his house but because of my plans we are rescheduling for tomorrow night. He is making roast beef. Yum!

I feel energized when I think of a bit of time off. I won't have a lot of off-time as I have some plans in the works, one being my three week trip to Florida. I am really looking forward to that. I'll happily trade early winter here for some Florida sun. I'm already looking at art projects and started some preparation today. I have been working on something for my grandkids too but have to get to a store tomorrow to pick up items to add some finishing touches. I worked on it today too.

If you've been reading here for a while you know my favorite music is the slow ballad in any language. First cd I put on this morning is one of slow Latin ballads but somehow this song, Se Me Van Los Pies by Susana Baca ended up on the disc instead of a on a dance cd. I had to stop what I was doing and dance for the five minutes it played. I felt like grabbing some drums too but resisted and just danced. I'd say that makes this song good for you. The cd ends with the following beauty that I thought was up already. It's Naila by Lila Downs and is so, so gorgeous!

Update: I was uploading the last song and the power went out. Luckily the apple crisp was able to finish cooking with the heat in the oven and the beets are boiling again. So much for an early post.....

Further On Up the Road

I'm on my extended days off and my last shifts at work are coming up at the end of the week. My body will thank me when it's all over. I need a break! Today I had sort of a mental health day and didn't do much of anything. I took care of a couple of time sensitive chores but didn't do any cleaning or much cooking. I have a lovely chicken roasting and will finish up the other preparations for a chicken dinner in a bit.

We had the remnants of Hurricane Kyle overnight but it's sunny now. The wind changed direction in the last hour or so, the sun came out, and the temperature got much cooler. It's 13 degrees now and was 20 this morning, in the rain.

My body needs a break but at the same time, the regular walking and exercise I get from my job will have to be maintained if I want to keep my girlish figure, my excellent level of fitness, and good mental health. I'm glad it's autumn which in itself is an incentive to go walking every day. I was going to go this morning but it started to rain so I didn't. I will make it a daily habit once work is over next week. I have to do 15,000 steps or 24 km a day for maintenance and that will be hard so I'm not sure how to get this level up without joining a gym or dancing every day on top of the walking. Staying fit is time consuming and hard work.

Who likes the blues? One of the best who has influenced the blues players of all time since him is Bobby"Blue" Bland. Here he is from 1957 with the definitive rendition of Further On Up the Road and from 1960 with Two Steps From the Blues. Those titles sound appropriate for today's post don't you think?

How Busy is a Beaver?

I've got a very good excuse for not posting during my days off. It is usually when I do have some time to post but not this week. I was extremely busy during my three days off. It's pickling season and I made three batches of pickles with more planned for next week. I made mustard-curry pickles, mustard- ginger, and Lady Ashburn, another mustard type. Next week I'm pickling beets and if I can find some green tomatoes, will make Chow. I also need to have a pie making day. Someone loaned me an apple picker last night which allowed me to get fabulous apples from higher on the trees. It's hard to find time for it all.

I had a lovely dinner party last night and friends for dinner on Tuesday as well. Truly, my hands are wrinkled from all the dishes I've been doing. Three batches of pickles involves enough dishes as it is but two dinner parties added to that.... Whew!

My hours have been cut back further so that I work only a half day today. I will miss the money but like the extra time off. The weather was definitely cooler but today is supposed to be a lovely 20 degrees. I plan to start walking again as the woods are going to be lovelier each week.

Louis Armstrong has some good songs for today. With Velma Middleton, here's You're the Apple of My Eye and with his band here's Walking My Baby Back Home.

Early Autumn Chores

Late getting here on my first day off but it's been a jam packed day or should I say pickle packed day. I slept very late and had three major communications with three different people before my coffee was finished, let alone taken effect. Someone dropped off a ton of cucumbers for me to make pickles with. That was a fabulous gift then someone else offered me all the beets I want. My son and I will be happy this winter. I made mustard pickles today and am about to cut some up which must be soaked overnight. The ones to be soaked are called Lady Ashburns and to me mean a New Brunswick pickle. Today the ones I made contained curry and it's a PEI pickle.

I had lawn mower issues too as my lawnmower guy repaired the seized motor, then the second solenoid switch went. He is replacing that with a heavier one and says that will do the trick. It's too late to change my mind now after sinking all so much money into the machine. My lawnmower fellow had given me a hundred bucks for mine on Friday because it had all new parts but sold it back to me today for that amount plus another seventy five dollars. My son thinks I am crazy and should buy a new one. I say it will come soon enough that I'll have to do that but with the heating season upon us and the oil prices as they are.... My house is not shrinking.....

It's all about the harvest these days off and next ones too with the donated beets and my huge glut of apples. Anyone want wonderful apples? I do a ritual pie making spree at this time of year too. Patty Griffin does a song for that and The Garden Song by David Mallett which I'd known for a long time but didn't know the author of till Kat posted it a while back. For those who'd like this sort of thing (like me) here's September Song by Django Reinhart.

I have friends coming for dinner Wednesday and another friend or two tomorrow so am busy as an autumn beaver. I love this time of year.

Gorgeous Days

Though I'd reminded him, my son let my ride-on lawnmower run out of oil, seizing the engine. The machine is toast. He has his father's gardener mowing for me right now. The grass is so long! I was enjoying the deck on my last day off but had to come in. I was making pom poms from yarn for a Halloween outfit for my grandkids. It's a clown suit from the past and in wonderful shape except for the pom poms and the elastic for tying the hat. Both are easily attended to. Sitting in the sun making them was wonderful and what I needed. I've had a full day of housework today after being out and about yesterday and cooking and entertaining on Monday. I'm liking this three days off per week schedule.

I've got the most beautiful bouquets. I've got mixtures of sprigs of golden rusty fall mums, Jeruselem artichokes, wild aster, cultivated aster, tons of sweet peas, bachelors buttons, a yellow perennial I bought that I don't know the name of, and the same with a deep hot pink flower. The beautiful Stargazer and Razzle Dazzle lilies I have as ikebanas displays with wire frogs. They are stunning. I love flower displays throughout the season. With my great selection of vases and flowers it's easy to have them.

Today's music is from Amos Lee. Sweet Pea for the lovely flowers and Sympathize, a song with a similar name to yesterday's song (though in a different language) are worth your time. So are the songs he has on his website. Click the link to listen to some of his latest album. I love his sound.

Pink Flowers and Martinis

Again, I've had a great day off and am excited to think there is one more!! I brought a lovely Stargazer lily flower to a woman who inspired me to buy some by bringing me bouquets of lovely lilies over the summer. I bought three different lilies last week and two are beautifully in full bloom. This friend also explained how to do a crafting item I was trying to make and struggling with.

I visited another friend who has a sprained ankle. She had a whole bunch of stories for me. She rents her main house to tourists and moves into a cottage in full view of the house. It's too close as she sees everything that's going on and it's turned out to be too much for her to witness.

I went walking on the beach and also went hunting for chanterelles. Even with all the rain it's getting late in the season for chanterelles so I didn't get many. The big haul I got a few weeks ago was lovely and with what is left of those and the few I got today, there is enough for a taste tonight.

Pink Martini is bringing the music today. Lilly, for the Stargazer lily I was talking about, is from the album Hang On Little Tomato. Sympathique, from the first album, is for my friend with the sprained ankle. Pink Martini has such diverse stylings and writes and sings in several languages. I like this band a lot.

Gosh! A friend dropped by after that last paragraph so I'm getting back late. I started this at my natural late afternoon time. It's now evening. I haven't even started supper. There are lots of left overs from last night . I have to upload two songs. Oops! Maybe one now, start supper and go that way. Two part like last night. Here's one... Ok, two...

An Aaahhhhhsome Day

Today I start my new work schedule with an additional day off - Mondays!!!! Those exclamation points can hopefully express my excitement. I'm so in need of an extra day off and I'm enjoying it fully. I have friends coming for dinner and have all the salads made, the lemon meringue pie in the fridge, the ribs slow cooking in the oven and the floor swept. I've been very busy but I'm not going to work. Yeah!!!! I don't like being indoors for the dishwasher cycle so took that time out for a visit with two friends so I feel happy all around. An extra day off will do that, much like a long weekend usually does.

I have resident crows. The same ones hang around and keep watch knowing I will often feed them. They are checking it out constantly. There are three in this first photo - one is in the shade to the left of the tree. I like having them around. I've always admired their shiny black feathers, their intelligence and fierce tenacity. They are a bit shy even though they should know after all these years that I'm no harm.



I've been blindly clicking different playlists on the mp3 player every time I sit at the computer. That there is so much great music always amazes me. There is more than any of us could listen to in a lifetime if we played music from this moment on. Like books, where couldn't ever read them all - even a speed reader. Here are two good songs I listened to today that are no longer on the music pages. Baby Please Don't Go is done here by Greg Brown and Bill Morrissey. Here are a couple of other versions too. One from the late, great Dutchie Mason and one by our Harry Manx. I won't play Van's version as was requested a while back by the Net Sheriff.

Oh oh, Dutchie's is no longer here. If I knew how to make the horizontal line through it I would. I'll put it back some other time. Mississippi Fred McDowell's is gone too.

The other choice today is the traditional blues song, Trouble in Mind, by Snooks Eaglin and here's a bonus. It's the song that's playing at the moment. Speed of the Sound of Loneliness by Nancy Griffith and John Prine. This song always reminds me of a friend who sings and does a fine job with both these artists.

My friends are here. I will add music later.

Update: When I look back on this post after a few drinks and a great dinner and visit with dear friends, I see a strange mixture of music from me. It's not related other than the songs were all on playlists I'm listening to and they grabbed my attention. So much more than just these songs has enthralled me. I listened to a live cut from The Waifs live album on one of the playlists and have enjoyed it so much in the mix.

Avid Walker and Dental Patient

There are fresh vases of flowers in the house, the cat hair is at bay and I have clean sheets. All is well for my second day off. I am normally off on Tuesday and Wednesday but switched to Wednesday and Thursday for this week. I had a Thursday evening appointment that I needed to keep. You won't believe this but yesterday I showed up at my dental appointment an hour early - just like I did last month. They must think I really like going to the dentist. I just think I'm becoming senile and we'll leave it at that.

I spent the extra hour in Victoria Park wondering around with my camera. They did a beautiful job decorating the light standards in the park by planting large planters around them and including Heavenly Blue morning glories. With the sunshine and fluffy clouds, it was a wonderful morning for a stroll.


I finally got the mp3 player that I bought two years ago up and running. I didn't like the earbuds with it but I needed an adapter in order to fit it with new ones. I bought it for walking in the winter but since I didn't do much walking this past winter, I put it off till now. In one month I'll be laid off from my seasonal job and will be walking in the autumn woods as much as last year so thought I'd prepare early in case I want the mp3 for any of the autumn walks. I only need it for windy days to protect my ears from the wind. The music is an added bonus though I like the sounds of nature on the walks just as much.

I'll be back later to add music. I have a friend coming minutes from now so I'll be back when I can.

Update: The specialist I had the appointment with was two hours late arriving at the hospital so I am adding music quit a bit later than I had hoped. Peru's wonderful Susana Baca is bringing the music today. Here's Bartola from her album,Vestida de Vida and Zamba Malato from her album, Susana Baca. That's the album that made me fall in love with her music. I still play it a lot after many years.

Rain, Rain Go Away

My goodness, I have a hard time keeping up here. I have an hour this morning and that is more than enough time for jot something down.

We are having a moment of dry in the midst of tropical storm Hannah. It rained most of the night and most of the morning so far and is to continue. I just had a look at Environment Canada's radar and more rain is definitely in our future. Talk yesterday was for heavy wind but we're not getting that. It would be awful if we did as we would lose a lot of trees I think. The ground is so saturated with a month of rain that trees would be toppling as the roots are in a kind of soupy soil.

The photo was taken at another time but it could have been taken today as the pond is quite muddy. Since it is not raining at the moment my son just left to go fishing. I showed him the radar but he just looked at the fact that it's not raining now. I don't think he's gotten a km. down the road and we're in the midst of a downpour.

Our farmers are in a very bad situation. With all the rainfall, there has been no harvesting taking place. Potato crops are rotting in the ground. Some fields are like lakes. It's very disheartening!

Here's a song from The Waterboys for young son - Fisherman's Blues. Ben Taylor from The Ben Taylor Band is bringing an appropriate song, Rain. Doesn't he sound like his dad, James Taylor? Dancers in the Rain by Emilie Simon song of a different mood. Music for all tastes.

Sorry this post is a little disjointed. I've been on the phone with my grandchildren - so much fun!

The Bay

I didn't go to the beach for sunset last night but plan to tonight. The sky was cloudless yesterday but we should have skies like the above for tonight. Thats what the clouds look like now, in daylight. More dramatic actually. There is an higher, unmoving layer and the bottom layer is swiftly drifting past. Really fabulous! There are still thunderheads to the north. We had a thunder storm already and possibly they aren't over yet.

I'm so glad I chose the sun yesterday. Cleaning and groceries came soon enough today. I didn't relish the idea of being in Charlottetown on the last day of shopping before school opens in the morning so opted for the small town grocery store. It was beautiful weather and I had a few errand stops on the way so it was nice to be out with the thunderstorm brewing.

Bring Me a Boat by Kate Rusby is a cry for help. The statistics I mentioned yesterday did not include the first three days of September, in which we've had heavy rains for two of the three days. Bring Me a Boat! Katie Melua is right next to Kate Rusby in my music files so here is If You Were a Sailboat. Have to think about that one....

There hasn't been much sunshine outside since I've been in this chair and it's getting quite dark with clouds so showers may be imminent. I hope I get to go down to the bay. Darn, I hear thunder.

A Sun Day

A day off in the sunshine again means that I'm a happy woman but my house certainly needs cleaning. I can't help it. I spent most of the day outdoors rather than vacuuming. We had record breaking rain this weekend and smashed rainfall records for the month of August. The sources say that we normally get 80 ml of rain in August and this year we got 230. It all adds up to very little sun.

I enjoyed taking hundreds of photos today but at least a hundred turned out to be rubbish as I inadvertently put the camera's dial on a slow shutter speed when changing the batteries. I didn't notice the error for quite some time.

I am supposed to be on the beach for a sunset walk and had better move it. Here are a couple of quick songs. The day got away on me. Up All Night from the album of the same name by The Waifs is for my sleep patterns lately. I've been having very altered sleep patterns, weird dreams, and am waking up tired. I hope to return to normal soon. Three Down kind of fits too when thinking things to look forward to, like days off and the end of a busy tourist season. How much do I love The Waifs?

Trouble

I've heard from the Web Sheriff. I am to stop posting Van Morrison songs. I read about this on another blog but didn't think about it when I was matching music for the day's post on An Island Walk. Here is the comment/letter.

WEB SHERIFF
Protecting Your Rights on the Internet
Tel 44-(0)208-323 8013
Fax 44-(0)208-323 8080
websheriff@websheriff.com
www.websheriff.com

WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Hi Cuidado / Christine,

On behalf of Exile Productions and Exile Publishing, we would kindly ask you not to post pirate copies of Van Morrison albums / tracks on your site.

We do appreciate that you are fans of / are promoting Van, but Exile would greatly appreciate your co-operation in removing your links to the pirate files in question.

For your readers’ info, up-to-the-minute info on Van’s latest album - Keep It Simple - and 2008 shows is, of course, available on www.vanmorrison.com and www.myspace.com/vanmorrison and, for a limited period, you can still see Van's exclusive BBC sessions at http://www.bbc.co.uk/musictv/vanmorrison/video/ . We’re also pleased to announce that an increasing archive of exclusive film footage of Van Morrison performances has now been made available for fans on Exile’s official YouTube channel at http://uk.youtube.com/user/OfficialExileFilms.

As you will appreciate, this e-mail is written on a without prejudice basis and, as such, all of our clients' accumulated, worldwide rights and remedies remain strictly reserved : please excuse this required formality.

With Thanks & Regards,

WEB SHERIFF

August 30, 2008 2:06 PM

I don't consider the music pirated when I own the album it comes from. What do you think?

I apologize for the infrequent posts. I am experiencing very strange sleep patterns and am not up at my usual 5:30. I am up at 4:00 am however but go back to bed for much needed sleep. I do the best I can. Even the photo blogs have been difficult. It has been raining all month - not great weather to be out with a camera.

Music today will not be Van Morrison. Actually it seems there won't be music from Putfile today. I'll try the method I used a few weeks ago when Putfile failed. Maybe they got a letter from the Web Sheriff too.

Here's a couple I wanted to post but are already up: Walkin' After Midnight and Working Sunday. Here's something new: Kenny White with How Long and Lizz Wright with Trouble.

Relaxing?

It is a beautiful sunny but very windy day. I am true to my word and have spent most of today in the sun. I had to get groceries and visit with a friend but that visit took place outside, a bonus.

I had a funny incident. I was following an empty gravel truck and suddenly the driver was making erratic signals. I wondered if something was wrong. He started to pull off the road so I was watching intently, being a careful driver. All at once he stops and jumps out of the cab, waving fiercely. I though something was wrong for sure, something serious. It was a friend who recognized my front license plate and thought he'd stop for a chat.

I had a friend come visit me out on the deck this afternoon and we shared a couple of drinks and solved all the problems in the world so the day is as close to perfection as can be. I offer and receive perfection quite often in my little life. A sunny day provided it today as that is what I wished for. The older I get, the less it takes somehow , to really enjoy the day. I appreciate how much more each day teaches.

Oh the music! I feel like Top of the World by Patty Griffin but you want something new. Great, actually! I went there to link it and it was one of the once removed so here it is again. I LOve this song!! I now get the opportunity to feature it again. I want to upload them all, Perfect White Girl, What You Are, Sooner Or Later...and so much more. These are all from the same album, Silver Bell. I've listened to her songs two nights in a row now getting this blog together. She's an incredible writer, Patty Griffin. There is so much to choose from. Really, check her out.

Those mentioned are all choices for new material. I have several of her best songs linked if you care to search the blog at the top left. Oh, to choose! I choose Perfect White Girl because it reminds me of a line I used this week, "I wasn't born a white girl".

I'm brown again!!!

Sunshine

Had a couple of great reunions with a few different sets of friends today and sat in the sun. I have similar plans for tomorrow. The sun is most important for choosing activitites. I keep saying to friends, "I wasn't born a white girl." I've always been tanned. It's in my email address. The lack of sun always affects me. I was depressed in Vancouver one May with it's constant rain. The sun is so vital!

Every week I've been wanting sun and got it in spades today. The temperature was a lot cooler though. After raging thunder storns last night, we got cool temperatures today. I chose being outside over housework so will be kept busy tonight.

Doing the "me time" is taking away from organizing things and I fear getting behind. I have to pay bills tomorrow and do those ritualistic parts of life that you do on your days off. I need groceries but I can't do that in the sun.

I'm only having one song today so that if you normally listen to two will just listen carefully to this amazing song. The lyrics of Refuge of the Road by Joni Mitchell are at first much like this day and time in many ways. Some of the same images are in play. Just listen to these lyrics for those who know my time. Everything but the crying is true. I am a refuge from the road - from the wheel of fortune, as the lyrics say.

To play only one song does seem extreme. Here's a second song to remember my morning. I had strange dreams then woke up at twenty minutes to ten, the latest hour in my life so far other than when I was a growing teen. Serena Ryder has Last Night I had the Strangest Dream. Will all my meetings with friend I hadn't talked to anyone about those.

Time For Music

Blueberry Field In Autumn

My favorite part of August is fresh blueberries. They are my very favorite fruit or berry. I have access to both wild and high-bush blueberries and am eating a box of high-bush per day. Yum, yum!

I hung some clothes on the line about an hour ago and my ankles got eaten badly by mosquitoes. I didn't feel the little pests at the time but they're itching mightily right now.

This has to be a short post. I still have much to do before work. There is time for music though. A friend was telling me how much he is enjoying a cd I made for him a while back. His favorits songs on it are Get Right With God by Lucinda Williams and Cumbia En Do Menor by Lito Barrientos Y Su Orchesta. A couple more from the cd, entitled Dancing Feet, are Fiesta En Mi Corozon and Yes We Can Can by the Pointer Sisters.

Mushroom Hunting

The beach will have to wait. There was a cold north wind all day and my beach which faces north would not have been the nicest place to be. I went instead, to the woods. In search of the mighty fine chanterelle mushroom. The hunt was very successful and I got a half grocery bag full. I walked two and a half km. in, making it a five km. walk. I sauntered and picked on my way in and walked very quickly on the way out, stopping only to take off my outerwear after the first fast km. My pack was heavier than usual as I was carrying raingear as I wasn't sure that it wouldn't rain.

Because of the rain the chanterelles have grown differently than in most years. They are very frilled. The photo, though it isn't the clearest, shows this quite well. The top usually flutes much more evenly and smoothly. They grew very close to the ground and are like are like curly chanterelles. They are going to be delicious tonight no matter the shape. I will keep a quantity fresh and freeze some tonight. I have to go start cleaning them which with their twisty condition is going to be more difficult than usual.

I've had two friends come by to visit so far and one I don't see often is about to drop in so if I get stopped (it's 5:06 now), I'll be back. This friend may share my supper that is to include chanterelles. You never know.

I have to play this. I don't know if I've mentioned this here or only in person. I have a favorite song most of the time. It usually stays in this position for a month or two. Right now it's The Company of Friends by Danny Schmidt. I think it's the most awesome song and I relate to it in a big way. Another of Danny's songs, Sad Song Walking deserves a play today in honour of my walk in the woods. There was nothing about sadness out there but I like this guy and his Company of Friends song may remain my favorite song for another six months. Have you played it yet? A livelier song by Danny Schmidt and that includes a nice harmony singer is Sunny Days. My sunny day will have to wait till tomorrow when I'm back to work but you can get a taste now.

Watery Days

I am having a different kind of dinner party tonight. I am bringing dinner to my colleagues at work. When my mother-in-law was alive, she always invited my sister-in-law and I to dinner when she made Orange Mackerel. No one else in our families liked the strong fish. I make it now and then and invite my sister-in-law but she can't come tonight as it is her son's birthday and she is having her family over for supper. I have five mackerel marinating and that's too many for just me so the perfect solution is to share with someone.

I have someone coming over for some flowers in the garden but we'll be out there in the rain. We've had thunder and some heavy showers this afternoon but the morning was nice. I so badly need some sun and am a little miffed that my days off are rainy and the others are to be fine. If it's not raining hard tomorrow I may walk on the beach anyway as I have a real need to get there sooner rather than later.

Today's music comes from The Avette Brothers. If It's The Beaches and Sea and the Rhythm are perfect songs for what's on my mind.

Excuses, Excuses

I feel a bit guilty about not keeping up with this blog after being so faithful with daily posts for so many years. I would if I could but I just can't. I now read only about a quarter of the blogs on my blogroll because I don't even have the time for that. My photos are in disarray, not being put in proper folders. In other words, this all adds up to I just don't have enough time to devote to the computer, as much as I would like to.

One more shift at work then two days off. We've had rain for two weeks. The sun came out yesterday and is still shining and would you believe it, it's going to rain tomorrow again. I have no commitments in town so really wanted to go to the beach or something nice like that. Oh well, the house could use a cleaning.

It's funny and wonderful that Al Green's sound is still the same as it was in the 70's. He is instantly recognizable. These songs are from his 2008 album, I Can't Stop. Here's the title song I Can't Stop and What More Do You Want From Me. The second song is really quite reminiscent of the 70's Al Green. Just realized I had this up last week but here it is again. I Can't Stop by Bettye LaVette is a favorite of mine and I'd be happy to play it every week. It's a different song than Al's; it just shares the same name.

Feeling Crushed

I'm already waiting for my day off. I have things to do, people to see..... With appointments in town on both days off, I feel I didn't get a day off. I've not really been to the beach yet. The above photo of my son was taken when we all went to the beach between rain showers when my other son and his family were here. We all had long sleeves and jackets - not my idea of a beach day. It's amazing that I live on this beautiful island surrounded by beaches and I rarely get to the beach in the summer. Is it possible I work to much.

Oren Lavie has an interesting sound with a full orchestra as back-up in his song, The Opposite Side of The Sea. I featured another of his songs, Her Morning Elegance here in May. I got a lot of response from that song on another blog, with a friend from Scotland rushing out to buy his album after hearing it. Thes second song today is a well covered Jimmy Cliff song Many Rivers to Cross. Oleta Adams does a great job with it. I had it up at one time by The Waterboys and really like their version too. Maybe I'll get it up again one day. I still haven't fixed the days the music was broken a couple of weeks ago.

Calling For the Sun

Today was root canal day -fun, fun, fun. Actually it wasn't that bad and I always have lots of laughs at my dentist's office. He treats his staff well and they all have a good time. Laughter is good medicine. I had a doctor's appointment too but the rest of the day I spent with a friend. We hung out, took a walk, went shopping for clothing (one of her favorite hobbies) and had a wonderful dinner.

My house didn't get a great cleaning this set of days off but the basics are done. I needed some me time. I'm not at all interested in clothing so I felt like I didn't have to do anything which was what I needed. I'd like to have done nothing in the sun but it appeared only in patches and the day was mostly cloudy. The rest of the week is supposed to be sunny of course. I may go out mornings before work and try to lose the pastiness. I look like an office worker this summer.

Here is some hot, sunny music. Putfile has put my pages back up. Let's see if the links will work. Here's Toro Mata by Peru Negro that I had up before. It works. Here's a new Toro Mata, by Lucila Campos uploaded today. Something else to create some heat is Cuba Que Linda by Willie Chirino.

Trying Something New

Give this a try:
Standing In the Rain - Al Green

I've just tried it and it works. I don't know for how long but I'm pleased as can be. It's free.

Buckets of Rain - Buckets of Bad News

Finally, a day off and a chance to update the blog and I have bad news. Putfile has taken down my music pages. If you click the links to the right, the pages have nothing on them. I am guessing that it is because I have uploaded copyrighted material. My question is, How does everyone else do it? I'd like any suggestions you may have to continue to have music included in my blogs. I'd prefer to have this service for free.

The links (other than those from the last couple of posts) still work but maybe they won't forever. They removed them all a couple of years ago so I guess they could do it again. I'm heartsick about this. I've worked hard to put all this music up. I was a thousand songs at one time and is now eight hundred and some.

I had an early morning appointment in town and the drive in showed the beginning of a beautiful day. I was wrong. It began to rain shortly after I returned home. It is going to rain again tomorrow when I have two appointments in town. What has happened to August? I haven't even been for a swim yet this summer. It rained the whole time my kids were here. My daughter told me that it si raining in Nova Scotia now too. That's where they all are this week. I now have my hopes set for next Tuesday and Wednesday to be hot summer beach days. I think I'm going to have a nap this afternoon. I have a big pot of meaty, black bean, vegetable soup simmering and have to spend no more time in the kitchen.

Lets try some links: Bob Dylan's Buckets of Rain and a version by Jimmy LaFave. I've always loved this song. Heck here's a version by Beth Orton and M Wardand a live country-sounding one from Neko Case.

Hold On

I must apoogize for the lack of posts and for this one being very short. I've had a busy, busy week and am cleaning up after it. I hope to return to normal soon.

I don't know what is happening with Putfile but have had no time to try to upload anything since the disasters of the last couple of posts.

Bear with me, please.

Click to Play:
Sunday Morning Coming Down - Johnny Cash
Working Sunday - Dorado
Dont Forget to Miss Me - Harry Manx

Guest Blogger

Hello everyone! This is Ocean and Dennis, Cuidado's daughter, and daughters boyfriend....We are just here from Calgary visiting mom for summer vacation..Mom feels bad because she is is very busy and tired from a long, yet wonderful week with her son and his family, and of course us. The week was full of good meals, good company, and lots of laughs. My cousin and her husband also came over, they have two little girls the same age as my niece and nephew so we had lots of tickle fights and band practices.

The weather hasn't been great since we have been here but we are hoping it starts to look up, we still have a second week left in Halifax so hopefully things will improve by then, but to tell the truth we are both just happy to be home and to be breathing the maritime air!!!!!!

Here is Dennis' pick for music, Filipino Box Spring Hog by Tom Waits. Hope y'all enjoy it!!

Fun Times

Update: I wrote this a couple of hours ago when Blogger was having problems. Putfile is having problems too. I am having no problems. My niece and her family arrived. We have eaten a delicious meal and the house is filled with people of all ages ans laughter is what I am hearing the most. I think there is some tickling going on.

I wish I could share some photos of the sweetest little grandkids of the world but I only have photos of the backs of heads or flying hair. My camera is very slow and the kids are very fast - not a good combination. They are off visiting a relative recovering from a motorcycle accident and I am waiting for my niece's family and cooking.

One major drawback of the visit so far has been the weather. It has been pouring rain since they arrived. I'm sure we must have broken records for rainfall in a 24 hour period for each of the first 48 hours they were here. It stopped for a while this morning so we went out to kick a soccer ball through wet grass and had races around the house. Young kids have to burn off some energy and we, as adults, must make every opportunity available for that.

A little break... My daughter, her boyfriend and other son arrived but they're off again for a bit. Soon enough, the house will be a beehive of activity with four kids four years and under, a whole bunch of lively young adults, and a sleepy me.

I've been dancing and singing with my two year old granddaughter. Supposedly these are her favorite activities and they are mine too so we've been having a great time. Here's one we liked - I Can't Stop by Bettye LaVette. I've mentioned before how much I love Gotan Project. Their funky world beat tangos are dance music for me so here are a couple more that I'm adding to the music pages: Cite Tango and Notas.

My daughter and her boyfriend are requesting more homemade cd's to take back to Alberta so I will happily comply with that request. It's a favorite mother job of mine. Maybe I'll make my two year old granddaughter a dance cd too.