Last Days of Summer 2010

Posted on August 31, 2010 by GusF

As the last day of August comes to an end, and the rain continues to fall in Vancouver, I begin to reflect on the last days of summer.

The leaves are slowly beginning to change with the days becoming shorter and shorter. There really isn’t that much time left to enjoy the sunshine. Normally we would be hoping for warmer weather during the last month of summer, but I think it will be very short this time around.

When I lived out in Toronto, August would always be the warmest of the summer months with the heat and humidity playing a big role. This summer here on the west coast has been fairly pleasant and I’ve enjoyed the weather we’ve had.

We have a road trip planned to visit our good friend Tanya and Barry this coming weekend in Calgary and this might be our only big trip of the summer. We are excited about this trip as it’s always great to get away on this trips while we still can.

As I was walking Junior this afternoon along the seawall, I noticed how quiet the city became during this brief rain storm. It was a nice feeling, but at the same time it was sad as I knew that summer was coming to an end soon.

What do you have planned for the last few days of summer? Are you hoping for warmer weather or glad that it has become cooler out here in the west?

Keeping Your Dog Cool

Posted on July 29, 2009 by GusF

With Vancouver breaking their record for the hottest day today and no end in sight for this “heat wave”, we all try to keep ourselves cool in many ways, but let’s not forget about our 4 legged friends.

Now smaller dogs have a easier time at cooling themselves off than bigger dogs do, as well as lighter haired dogs have it easier than darker dogs.

Junior himself has been suffering these past few days and here are a few tricks you can use to keep your best friend cool and refreshed (hell these are some great tips even for us).

1. Kiddie pools, swimming pools, or if you’re lucky, a lake: It doesn’t take much convincing to motivate a Newfoundland or Labrador to cool off with a refreshing swim. Other dogs may require more coaxing. Some dogs don’t know how to doggie paddle, so don’t force a dog to dive into deep water. Remember, for a toy dog, one-foot of water is getting deep. Also, be sure the pooch understands how to leave a pool; even Newfoundlands and Labradors can’t swim forever. There are instances of dogs drowning because they can’t figure out how to exit.

2. Sprinkler or Hose: Some dogs bark with joy as the kids chase them with a hose. Other dogs bark as a desperate plea to stay dry. Even for dogs who protest, there’s no denying a hose down is an instant cool off.

3. Cold water bag (filled with ice water) or ice pack. Gently rub on Fido’s tummy. This can be used indoors out outdoors.

4. If your dog must be out in the yard for any period of time, be sure there’s shade and plenty of water (remember some water will evaporate, leave several bowls).

5. Popsicles: Purchase the sugarless kind. If you’re serving indoors, make sure Fido doesn’t walk off to enjoy a blueberry treat on your white plush carpet. (Do not offer your dog chocolate Popsicles; chocolate is bad for dogs.)

6. Cluck-sicles: Make chicken boullion, and freeze in an ice cube tray. When the pooch is warm, offer a cluck-sicle.

7. If there’s no air conditioning, use a floor fan. Make sure curious puppy paws can’t squeeze through the grating.

8. Exercise your dog in the early mornings or when the sun goes down.

9. Fill a plant mister with ice water and give your dog a shower to keep them cooled down.

10. There are now crate pads that actually keep cool on their own, available through catalogs and at pet stores.

I am glad that George Wainborn park has a fountain where a lot of Junior’s friends head to on this hot day to cool off.

You Don't Want to Drown Today

Posted on July 22, 2009 by GusF

With the sunnier and warmer summer weather in full swing, more and more of us are heading to the beaches across British Columbia or heading towards the pool, but are you fully prepared not to drown? The Community Against Preventable Injuries (The Community) will be launching a campaign this week to raise awareness on the dangers of drowning.

The Community will be placing posters, signs and towels with thought provoking messages to bring awareness to this issue.

According to Vital Statistics, there are at least 75 to 80 deaths each year in BC due to drowning and water-transport related incidents and submersions. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 years old. Most of the drowning deaths for all other ages occur in natural water and involve water-related activities, e.g., swimming, recreational boating, canoeing, fishing, water-skiing, etc.

So what can cause drownings?

Half of the children who drown are alone and unsupervised
Alcohol was associated with 40% of drowning among Canadians aged 15 years and older
About 90% of people who drown while boating do not wear a life-jacket

This is easily preventable and The Community hopes to prevent more drownings throughout our province and city. For more information, please visit them at preventable.ca

Happy Canada Day-eh!

Posted on July 1, 2009 by GusF

Today is the day where we all celebrate being Canadian. We celebrate our wonderful country. We celebrate the diversity which makes up this country from coast to coast.

I myself am not a born Canadian. I immigrated here with my family when I was 5 years old and I have grown up experiencing all of the wonderful things this country offers. I’ll be fist to admit that I have not fully explored this country, especially the eastern coast, but what I have experienced has only enhanced the pride I have for being a Canadian.

I hope everyone will get out there and show their red and white colours proudly. Enjoy it with family and friends.

So to all Happy Canada Day-eh!

Summer Songs

Posted on June 23, 2008 by GusF

As the summer is under way (though you wouldn’t know it with the weather here in Vancouver or Toronto for that matter) my thoughts go onto summer songs. These are songs that are catchy, fun, and just reflect summer as a hole.

When I was in Toronto last week I was listening to my old radio station, Z103.5, and they were playing Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl”. This song is so catchy I just love it! I think this will probably the song I’ll remember for the whole summer (sorry Madonna).

Below is her video!

What can I say but Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

I’m not sure if it’s playing here on the radio stations in Vancouver, but if it’s not, it should be!

May 2008 Long Weekend in Review

Posted on May 19, 2008 by GusF

This past long weekend, Russ and I had every intention of camping. We packed up Tabitha with our camping gear on Friday for our trek up to Cal-Chek on Saturday morning. On arrival, we drove into the 3 main campsite areas trying to secure a camping ground. We had both hoped that one spot might still be available, but alas all available spots were currently taken. We pondered if we should head up to Whistler but decided against that idea and headed back on our trek into Vancouver.

Though we had spent 4 hours on the road, we manage to just enjoy the wonderful weather and just enjoyed our drive through some country roads and along the Marine Drive on our way back into Vancouver. We passed by Light House Park (which Rebecca and Raul wrote about) and decided to take a look. I was amazed at the amount of people that were there and since there was absolutely no parking spots, we didn’t stay and headed back home.

On arrival, not wanting to waste a wonderful sunny day, we headed to a patio and enjoyed a few bellinis and a keylime pie. YUM-O-LISOUS

Sunday was another wonderful sunny day in the city which we started by having some breakfast at Deux Crepes and then went to George Wainborn park where we watched Junior enjoy the afternoon running around and playing with other dogs.

We then went around the city and shopped abit. I finally got to check out Homesense and was a little disappointed that for a store that is located downtown, most of their sheet selection is for King size beds. I’m not sure Homesense is aware, but the condos downtown really can’t accommodate king size beds. Oh well. I did end up going to Winners and bought myself a nice pair of shorts which I’m very happy about.

We finished Sunday night by heading to the movies and watched Iron Man. A little perdictable, but a wonderful opener to the blockbuster movie season to say the least.

Monday is proving to be a relaxing day and I’m not doing much. The weather isn’t co-operating today, but I still managed to head to the movies with Laura to watch Narnia – Prince Caspian. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and thought it was better than the first one.

This evening I’ll probably catch up on some programs I have taped and stay in.