Adventures in Nature

Yesterday Hubby and I joined Artist and her Hubby out at friends of theirs. They have a beautiful piece of property just outside of town. It reminded me of growing up in Prince George BC. There were areas of the city still undeveloped bush and as kids we would play in these areas. But thirty years ago I was a little more agile and immune to thistle thorns. After ignoring the warning the trail might be a bit overgrown Artist, Hubby and myself wander off into the bush.

I wouldn't call the trail we followed overgrown because, Artist's dog had no problem. Of course he is much shorter and could go under the fallen trees. We on the other hand had to climb over the deadwood. The idea of following the dog home was a good idea, but he could get through places we couldn't. Of course Hubby was in his limelight. I was waiting for the point of when Hubby put his ear to the ground to listen for signs of humanity to get us out of nature. I don't mind communing with Nature, I just don't like the bugs, thorns and the possibility of running into something with a nastier attitude than me. But Nature doesn't really like communing with me. I pulled out three little nettles from my behind and I know there is at least three more.

Artist had her camera with her so she was taking pictures. The coolest place we found was a little beaver hut. Which would explain all the fallen trees blocking the overgrown trail. On the way back we had to climb over two large trees with spiny branches sticking up over the first (thanks to our national animal). They were handy for the step up and balancing along the trunk but the second log had none. Hubby uses a sapling to help balance and Artist did like wise. I follow suit thinking she is handing me the branch. Nope its swaying to and fro in front of me and the frickin' tree is out of reach. I try to grab it but I start to lose my balance. Artist turns around and I think how sweet she is coming back. Nope! She raises her camera up laughing at me 'cause I'm stuck on a log. I reach for a thin little branch and slowly bend the tree towards me for a better grasp. But I'm laughing so hard at the stupidity of the situation I can't see. I'm stuck on a log with thorns in my bottom, trying to reach for a tree without falling and Artist, my bestest friend in the whole world, is taking a picture. Hubby of course was way ahead wondering what the hell was the problem.

The good news is there was a cup of coffee waiting for me inside Artist's trailer when we got back. That was a damn good cup of coffee too after that twenty minutes of hell in the back woods. Hubby was talked into paintballing with the other big boys. I kept waiting for the screams of pain but not was ever forthcoming so I relaxed. When the men emerged a few had blue paint splattered over them, then I saw Hubby. I demanded to know who picked on my Hubby. He held up his face shield that had a splat right on the forehead. The grin on his face said it all.

It was nice to be surrounded by...well...nice people. And as for Nature, I'll stick to the wilds of the fishpond.

Bedtime Blabber

So the Fringe is over and amazingly enough we didn't get too chewed up. All the critics attacked the play itself and its writing. The actors on the other hand were commended for what they had to work with. It was an awesome experience. I also managed a part for our next production so I should be busy for a while.

I just finished reading Whitethorn, by Bryce Courtney. Its the story of an orphaned English boy growing up among the racism of South Africa starting in the thirties. It was a really good read. I have four more lined up. One is just because of the title. "Please don't tell my mom I work on the riggs, she thinks I'm a Piano Player in a Whorehouse." Sounds intriguing.

I managed to fracture my finger killing flies. I had a wet towel that was an awesome weapon. I was really taking them down when a cluster of three was sitting on the laundry hamper. I brought the towel down with a flick of my wrist and smashed my finger against a metal bar. Have you ever tried to type with a splint on the finger? It doesn't work. "kl" or "ijk" is the other keys that come up. So off comes the splint. You can't work with it. I burned the other hand on an iron frying pan. I've decided to take a break from living and sit in a corner with another good book.

I'm hoping soon we will have some cukes and zucchini from our green house. We've snacked on some peas and lettuce. Mom's apples are coming in and I can't wait. They are so juicy, snappy and tasty. They make a mean apple pie. I'll be dog sitting so, I plan on just eating the apples off the tree. I made some really nice cherry syrup from my sister's cherry tree. I missed out on the saskatoons. Tomorrow morning I am going to Mom's to pick currents. I love currant jelly. I can't wait.

Well time for bed. Things are going to be hectic tomorrow and I need my sleep. I'd say beauty sleep but there is only so much sleep can do.

Fun Time

Yesterday was nothing but fun. I made the director steal a boulder from the parking lot of the venue we were at. Right in the middle of the open. It felt good to be the instigator of a small misdeed. The cool thing was, I got to know Director a little more. She is such a cool lady and her brains are like my sister's, massive. I don't think she quite knows how grateful I am for her letting me tag along. Wow, I can't wait for the Fringe now. Cause Hubby and I aren't running away to Loon Lake, I will be able to attend a couple of the performances.

After we got the yard all cleaned up and looking go nice, I really don't want to leave it. It defeats the purpose of having a yard to enjoy if we leave just as we have the time to spend in it together. Hubby has worked so hard, I think he should just play for the rest of the summer...well...until free dump day at least.

I'm babysitting...or rather puppysitting and a soft little tongue is playing with my foot while I'm trying to type. I'm such a sucker for soft brown eyes and a happy tail. I know I'm am going to have work hard at not being the "crazy dog lady" down the street. (Why do I hear Artist's voice in my head telling me its too late.)

I should be off. I having an overdue coffee at my sister's. I tend to get distracted quite easily with the knowledge there is coffee waiting for me somewhere.

Hot Summer Night

I am sitting here by the fishpond at the moment trying to work on a story. Hubby is stalking around the yard in frustration. I am probably not helping by continually sitting here but there isn't a whole lot I can do when it comes to changing a tire. Just one moment...

Okay I'm back. I found the length of pipe he was looking for. That seemed to defuse the frustration to a point. Every time Hubby sets out to do something, there is always some kind of hurdle or obstacle he hits. Right now, its a lug nut that is stuck. Tomorrow it will be something else. Usually he has patients but its payday and I'm not working (outside the house, I will clarify that) so he is feeling the crunch. I am learning to shut my mouth as to things that would be nice to have or do. I'm daydreaming, he's trying to formulate it into the budget. So now I am focusing on the things we have out loud when he is around...Yeah staying positive with a raging bull at your heels, some days can be a little difficult.

Tomorrow promises to be another fishpond day under the canopy but I will be going to the tech rehearsal for the Fringe. The Fringe is an international festival of one acts. Plays from all over will be there. Its going to be really cool just be a little bit a part of it from backstage...actually front stage...or could be the side. It will be so much fun. I can't wait.

Damn ran out of coffee, better go refill, it might be a long night.