Archive: June 2007

Northlands' construction project "Evolution.09" is now in full swing, literally. The wrecking ball has helped demolish the concrete of the south plaza by the AgriCom.

On the photo you see what's left of the AgriCom south entrance. A ramp was built this week so that equipment can tear down the left stairwell. The right one stays and will be used again once phase 1 is complete.

This week I was allowed into the "pit" that is to become the basement and kitchen of the new building. So, donned in hardhat, steel-toed boots and reflective vest, I went places that few of our staff get to go. Shortly some of my photos will be featured in our corporate newsletters.

Our neighbour Gabriella returned from an excursion to Tibet and China. She gave me some impressions over the phone last night:

• Tibet stinks
• China is becoming a tourist trap

Apparently, the monks in Tibet spend more time praying than cleaning. And getting onto the Great Wall was almost impossible due to tourist congestion.

Can't wait to hear more... 

Been doing a lot of work on the genealogy website lately. One of the nicest visible features is the "Family View" available from each profile page.

I have received a lot of new data from Rob van Duuren in Holland, and needed to write some programs to make data entry easier.

Have a look for yourself.  

A man went into a pizza parlor and ordered a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6.

The man thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces. I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."

Now that all websites have been migrated, it's time to switch from my DSL provider to our local high-speed cable provider.

Interbaun has served me well over the years, allowing me to run a web server from home on a static IP address. Yet the combination of off-site hosting and the higher speed of cable modem will in the long run be cheaper and more enjoyable.

So, goodbye Interbaun, hello Shaw. 

Yesterday and today I have been spoiled by my kids.

Yesterday, Cecile and I had supper at Vincent and Angela's. Although I'm not a big pasta fan, Ang always manages to make it tasty. Afterward we played "Go Fish" and Jayden was grinning from ear to ear when she could take our cards. I felt bad when I got the runs and messed up the bathroom but "sh!t happens..." I blame the BBQ at lunch for that little surprise.

This evening, Duncan and Monica picked me up and we went to the Coast Terrace Inn for a buffet dinner. I had seafood (salmon, shrimp, scallops) pasta without the pasta, some prime rib, chicken, and more salmon. When Monica and Duncan were foraging for desert, I was holding Gabe who was intent on eating my shirt. He's quite the little man, already flirting with the waitresses...

Happy fathers day! 

Forty years ago today, I graduated from highschool in Gouda, The Netherlands.

Back then, there were no grad parties or ceremonies. You just graduated or did not. The final exams were oral exams on a fine Saturday morning. About half an hour after the last exam, there were announcements whether you "made it" or not. Riding my bicycle home was indeed a joyous journey. Not having a phone in the house, the family was waiting for my arrival with anticipation.

A couple of hours later, a bunch of classmates arrived on mopeds to extend congratulations. 

So I am getting the bathtub and shower renovated by Bathfitter. They must be very popular, because they have a 12-16 week wait after the estimate is done (and that took 6 weeks).

Anyway, we started looking at this project because we're starting to have plumbing "issues." So far two taps and a toilet have been replaced. The bath is project #4 because the hot tap is leaking and there is a rust spot in the tub (made worse by the leaking tap). While both can be fixed, the reno is a better longterm solution. The immediate problem is (was) the long waiting period for Bathfitter to come and do the work. The hot water leak seemed to be getting worse daily.

Time to do something about that leak. Last night we had a plumber in to install shutoff valves to both hot and cold taps. Now we just shut off the hot water after taking a shower so it does not run 24/7. Should see a difference on the water and gas bills.

Can't wait for Bathfitter, so I can do some other remodeling in that bathroom.