THE RANDOMNESS OF LIFE: There & Back Again

STEAMPUNK THEME WEDDING

2013-10-13T21:28:00.001-04:00

...this way to the Lakehouse...

...beautiful colours in the Laurentians...

...great location for a celebration...

...waiting for the guests...

...decorations in place...

...a rare opportunity to catch the photographer in action...

...guests presented themselves one by one...

...so many creative costumes...

after the ceremony a duel to the death...

...and a lesson on sabring the champagne...

...success on first attempt...

...a superb fun way to celebrate with friends and family...

New Dream..New Chapter

2013-01-04T15:09:00.000-05:00

It looks as though our lives are heading down a new path. This time our adventures will be taking on more of an amphibious nature.

Please join us in this new episode of the randomness of our lives....

R.E.D. sails in the sunset

http://1happykat.blogspot.com/

RESOLUTIONS

2012-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

It has been far to long since my last post hasn't it? Having tried many times to get used to blogging using android technology, I've finally given up in favour of our iPad. Thus said, one of my New Year's resolutions. Is to blog more frequently....

On this last day of 2012 we wish you health, happiness & good fortune. Make 2013 your best year ever.

Kathy, François & Pig

Posted with Blogsy

FINISHED PRODUCT

2012-06-22T14:46:00.000-04:00

...tile job complete...

...instead of using the typical brick or subway tile pattern we chose to have the tiles laid 'staggered' i.e. subsequent rows were offset by 1/3 the length of the previous row. Love the results...

...also love how the contractor followed the curve of the railing - meant more cutting but much better orientation...

...time to make our outside sparkle...

...even our aging bistro set was given a face-lift...colour choice - 'paprika' - to add a splash...

...cart for our little WoodFlame BBQ...

...my herb garden...

...this year's balcony 'gift' - 3 aged zinc lanterns - we have 3 pillar candles - battery operated - on timers, that give us 5 hours of candle light in the evening...

...another 'gift' for outdoor living was this table-top terrazzo fire bowl - great for evening ambiance...

...our 3 year-round cedars...

...2 more globe cedars to flank our storage unit...

...let the summer dining begin...

...appetizer of crispy grilled scallops...

...grilled steak, green salad with fresh herbs, grilled tomatoes & eggplant with goat cheese & basil chiffonade...

...chicken, shrimp & beef brochette with shaved Brussels sprout salad with bacon, orange & Parmesan dressing...

...and what would a hot sunny day outdoors be without a refreshing drink...

TIME TO MOVE IT OUTDOORS

2012-06-15T13:27:00.000-04:00

Since buying our little condo almost eight years ago (where has the time gone?), we have renovated all but two areas. What remains of the original space - our little salle d'eau (powder room) and the balcony, our outdoor room. These spaces were projected to be finished long ago but so many other efforts, trips etc. have pushed them to the background.

This is a fairly large space - just under 300 square feet - with a great panoramic view - a place we spend a lot of time in from early spring until late fall.

We have over the years collected our balcony furnishings bit by bit but the one remaining issue was to find a suitable flooring having put up with old dusty bare concrete for several years. A few years ago we removed the green outdoor carpet from the balcony floor (no longer allowed because of the damage it causes to the concrete).

The balcony ceiling has now been painted (long overdo) on all 64 units of our building giving a nice fresh finish.

From the beginning there has also been a conflict of opinions (although very minor) about what we would like to see on the floor. Francois saw the more traditional look of tile. I saw sleek polished concrete (resurfacing and sealer required), a more modern industrial esthetic.

...sigh...

Life as a couple is always a series of compromises (I guess you can see where this is going). I am very pleased though to say that although 'we' chose tile it is a choice that I really like.

12" x 24" ivory porcelain

Having made the choice we now had to decide who was to do the job. Francois, my perfectionist, is quite capable of laying tiles himself but at what cost - both time and materials. The best option in the end was to hire a reputable contractor. Quote received, good price, availability good, plus the price included him picking up all the materials from our tile supplier.

We spent a day removing and stashed everything in our spare room.

The guys arrived with all their gear, packages of tile and grout - a beautiful sunny warm day. A proposed two-day job.

I have been collecting some great looking summer recipes that I am eager to try. Can't wait to reassemble all our things, plant some flowers and herbs,set up the barbeque and start our summer outdoors...assuming we can stay home long enough to enjoy it.

Nothing pending so far - a short trip to the east coast and some sailing - but nothing work-related

(I hope)....

...next post - the finished product...

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME

2012-06-08T10:52:00.000-04:00

So what has happened?

Well...

We have disappeared (virtually) since the return from our big African adventure. In our defense, it took us a surprisingly long time to adjust emotionally.

When we did finally settle in there were many things to address...lots of catching up for Francois on the work and condo front. Social events to attend which I could have blogged about (and still may) but even though my body was back home my head was still back in Africa.

Eventually I had to stop dreaming about travel adventures and begin focusing on matters at home.... the first of which was to complete our 'outdoor' room.

Spring is a great time to put winter things and thoughts away and dust off all the good things that make warmer weather enjoyable.

...next post - balcony renovation...

AFRICAN SAFARI: VISITNG THE MAASAI

2012-06-03T15:46:00.000-04:00

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Village

Jameson Travel Ltd

Kenya

AFRICAN SAFARI: MAASAI MARA (part 2)

2012-06-02T15:44:00.000-04:00

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Jameson Travel Ltd
Kenya

AFRICAN SAFARI: MAASAI MARA (part 1)

2012-06-01T15:14:00.000-04:00

Maasai Mara National Reserve
Sarova Mara Game Camp

Jameson Travel Ltd
Kenya

AFRICAN SAFARI (part 2): Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

2012-05-26T16:09:00.000-04:00

"Since we humans have the better brain, isn't it our responsibility to protect our fellow creatures from, oddly enough, ourselves?"

~Joy Adamson, author 'Born Free'

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Naivasha National Park

Crescent Island Animal Sanctuary

(former home of Joy Adamson)

Kenya

AFRICAN SAFARI (part1): LAKE NAKURU

2012-05-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

Nairobi, Kenya

Ole Sereni Hotel

Giraffe Sanctuary

Karen Blixen (Out of Africa) Museum

Kazuri Bead (Small & Beautiful) Factory

Lake Nakuru, Kenya

AFRICAN HINDSIGHT 20/20

2012-05-01T15:34:00.000-04:00

..."If I had to live my life again I'd make all the same mistakes--only sooner"....

~Tallulah Bankhead

A lot of thought and research went into planning our recent trip to Africa, in spite of the fact that we had very little time to prepare. I feel it helped us get the most out of the adventure.
In fact, from past experience, we got almost as much pleasure out of the dreaming and planning phase as we did out of the actual trip (almost)...

...Never have I been away where there wasn't at least something we would like to have changed which led me to some deeper introspection...

....we were well prepared....

....packing....
We have no shortage of suitcases but the one purchase that I don't regret was our little carry-on bags. Bought online through my favourite go-to travel site. The intent was to store our large bags at the airport during the stopover and just pack enough things to get us through the first couple of days should there be any delays or loss. Sweet bag according to Francois. Very light, can stuff a lot of things in it, lots of compartments for people like me who like order and is size-compliant.
Go-Lite
http://www.golite.com/packs-and-luggage

....immunizations....
Public health units or here in Quebec - Sante Voyage, are great sources for providing immunizations and information according to the intended locations to be visited.
What we needed...
Yellow Fever (document necessary for entry to Kenya)
Typhoid
Dukoral (2 dose vaccine providing 3 months protection against travelers' diarrhea)
Rx for Malaria, Antibiotic
we also chose to take a good quality pro-biotic prior to leaving and for the duration of the trip.

....documents....
Entry visas for Ghana acquired 3 days prior to leaving. We were lucky that these were processed as same-day service. There was no time for Kenya visas but as it turned out there was no problem getting these on arrival in Nairobi (just some waiting and confusion)

....flights....
As with the hotels for the main part of our trip, flights for Francois were booked for him. I was tasked with trying to match his itinerary as best I could. As mentioned in a previous post, my daughter suggested a booking agency that she had used several times. They claim to be 'unbeatable' and after my experience with them I confirm they really are. My agent, Caleb, from the Ottawa office not only was able to book me on the same flights as Francois, he was able to match the seating (no mean feat as there were 3 legs of the trip to match). Six legs in total - zero problems!

Flight Centre
www.flightcentre.ca

....hotels....
Stopover in London on first leg we booked a room at the Union Jack Club right across from Waterloo Station. Central and perfect for an evening walk to view some of the sights. Rooms were basic but more than adequate. Food and service was great.
On our return we chose a location just a few kilometers from the Heathrow Airport. The Swan Hotel Staines proved to be such a good choice - right on the Thames, relaxing, superb food and service, beautiful B&B atmosphere with it's own pub on site.
Even though our hotels in Accra and Nairobi were booked according to the course requirements they both deserve special mention. Each were located in a exotic tropical paradise, clean secure accommodations, staff pleasant and food very good. We would stay in either location again without hesitation if we were lucky enough to return.

Union Jack Club
London, England
http://www.ujclub.co.uk/

Labadi Beach Hotel
Accra, Ghana
www.labadibeach.com

Ole Sereni
Nairobi, Kenya
(would suggest asking for a room overlooking game park. well worth the few extra dollars)
www.ole-serenihotel.com

Swan Hotel
Staines, England
http://www.fullershotels.com/rte.asp?id=72

....side trips....
Elmina Castle
Ghana
a long day road trip from Accra but well worth it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmina_Castle

Volta River Cruise
Ghana
another day trip well worth seeing the beautiful scenery
http://dodiprincess.com/?pge=about_dodi

Karen Blixen Museum
Nairobi, Kenya
located within Nairobi in the Karen district, a must see for anyone who has read Out of Africa
http://www.karenblixen.com/

Giraffe Sanctuary
Nairobi, Kenya
really informative and glad we were able to have the tour before embarking on a real safari. And nothing beats the feel of a giraffe's 20" wet tongue :-)
http://giraffecenter.org/

Kazuri Bead Factory
Nairobi, Kenya
after this visit I believe that all women should own a piece of Kazuri jewelery
http://www.kazuri.com/pc/factory.html

....safaris....
The original plan was to stay 4 or 5 extra days and once Francois' course was finished we would be free to come and go as we pleased. I had contacted several companies for pricing and itineraries prior to leaving but hesitated booking in advance just in case there were schedule changes. We were so impressed with the course driver, David, who we met on our arrival in Nairobi so I asked it he also provided safari tours. So very pleased we chose this company as prices were well within what I had expected for mid-range safari and the coordinator, James,was creative with the bookings (2 nights each at 2 different lodges in the Mara). We first tested the waters during our first weekend traveling to Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru. The accommodations and knowledge of our driver so impressed us that there was no question that we had chosen the right company. With mid-range prices we had high-end lodging. James plans on having a website up and running soon but for now here are their coordinates...

Jameson Travel Ltd
Tel: 0722 805111
Nairobi, Kenya
Email: travel@yahoo.com

Sarova Lionhill Game Lodge
Lake Nakuru, Kenya
www.sarovahotels.com

Sarova Mara Game Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya
www.sarovahotels.com

Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Maasai Mara, Kenya
www.serenahotels.com

After taking a trip we usually sit back and discuss what we would do differently if we had to do over. This time when I asked the question we just sat quietly for several minutes thinking. Our mutual response - nothing. We thought again for a while - would like to have stayed longer...

CORRECTIONS

2012-04-30T14:57:00.000-04:00

...I have noticed that recently some of our readers have be viewing posts from last year...

...you will notice that some of these posts are missing images...

...my fault...

...I removed some of our pictures on Google+ to make room for pictures we shared with the TOSC participants in Ghana...

...this in turn (for reasons I don't and may never understand) removed certain blog pictures - even though they remain on my laptop...

...it has been labour intensive but I have been bit by bit replacing them...

...please have patience as I will eventually have it all right again...

...apologies from ...

Kat

SWAN HOTEL, STAINES

2012-04-29T08:53:00.000-04:00

...Mara to Nairobi - 7 hours...

...Nairobi to London - 6+ hour overnight flight...

....London Heathrow arrival 05:30...

...carted luggage to 'left baggage' depot at our departure terminal...

...short cab ride to Staines (just 9 km from airport)

...up for more than 24 hours...

...weary travelers arrive...

...still too early for check-in but the proprietor of this charming inn/pub on the Thames prepared us some juice, toast and coffee...

...Swan Hotel, Staines...

http://www.fullershotels.com/rte.asp?id=72

...waiting for our room to be available we took a stroll around the neighbourhood...

...some urban wildlife...

...beautiful community...

...enjoyed a pint of local beer on the patio...

...everyone else was in shorts and t-shirts and we huddled shivering in fleece sweaters - may take some time to adjust...

...view of our room...

...our room...

peaceful reflective interlude...

...all the amenities...

...including a view of the Thames...

...as the sun set on the last day of our trip we enjoyed a delicious dinner watching the scullers...

...took our cappuccinos on the patio then retreated to grab some much needed sleep...

...many thanks to Laura and Jim...

...our stay at the Swan was the perfect interface before heading for home...

LEAVING THE MARA - ROAD TO NAIROBI

2012-04-24T08:08:00.000-04:00

"Don't cry because it's over,

smile because it happened."

~ Dr. Seuss

...soaking in the view one last time...

...early morning departure...

...leaving the great Mara Conservancy...

...through the Oloololo gate of the Trans Mara Triangle...

...almost six hours on this lovely road...

...our route at times daunting and physically demanding...

...with just one day of rain since our arrival, the Mara River is looking partly replenished...

...still plenty of wildlife to be seen outside the gate...

...Maasai village...

...its children on their way to school...

...a brief stop to document our route one last time...

...Mara to Narok to Nairobi...

...our wonderful Client Relations Manager at the Ole Sereni arranged for a room so we could shower and re-balance our luggage...

...one last view of the Nairobi National Park, one last Tusker beer and a bite to eat and we were off to catch our midnight flight to London...

...a special thanks to David (our driver/guide) and James (safari coordinator) of Jameson Travel Ltd. who came back to the hotel that evening to transport us and all our luggage to the airport...

...it is with great sadness that we leave this beautiful country, this magnificent continent...we both agree that under other circumstances we could easily live here...if ever given the opportunity to return we would without hesitation...

...the dream is over (for now) but what a dream it was...

MARA TREES

2012-04-22T13:26:00.000-04:00

...this may seem like a strange post but I was totally captivated by the trees in the Mara...each one different from the other...like beautiful sculptures...

..."Mara", which is Maa (Maasai language) for "spotted," is an apt description for the circles of trees, scrub, savanna, and cloud shadows that mark the area...and Mara is an extension of the great Serengeti, "Serenget", which is Maa for "endless plains"...

...they are indeed endless...

...the majority of the trees are the umbrella acacia...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia_tortilis

...small whistling acacia...

...named because stinging ants burrow into the trees' pods producing a whistling sound as wind blows through the holes...

JACKALS, HYENAS, MONGOOSE & HYRAX

2012-04-22T09:50:00.000-04:00

...Black-Backed Jackal...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-backed_jackal

...Spotted Hyena...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_hyena

...Banded Mongoose...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banded_mongoose

...Hyrax...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyrax

ROAD INCIDENT in the MARA

2012-04-21T07:45:00.000-04:00

...on this particular late afternoon game drive, it had been especially hot and dry and we hadn't seen many animals - no doubt too hot for them to be on the plains...

...we came upon this road crew who had just deposited some loose gravel...

...roads in the reserves are pretty rough as we learned - safaris are definitely not for the weak-bodied (I can understand why it was recommended I wear high impact sports bras)...

...and it's not even their wet season yet so you can imagine how bad it gets when the rains come...

...the workmen weren't in any hurry to finish so we could pass and suggested to our driver to go around...

...the result...

...our unbelievably patient David showed amazing restraint after a lengthy discussion with the crew (probably a good thing we don't understand Swahili)...

...guys kept on working keeping one cautious eye on our driver...

...it's not our problem man...

...but with a healthy push from the backhoe we were back on the road....

...parting words and a little smile from David:

"it's always an adventure here on the Mara"...

...understatement...

...sawa sawa David...

MAASAI PIG & HIS CLAN

2012-04-20T09:34:00.000-04:00

...for the Major Pig fans...

...Francois & Pig had no hesitation trading in their stripes for a chance to become honorary Maasai warriors for five days...

...Maasai Pig on safari...

...getting back to his roots...

...Maasai Pig...

...happy after his family reunion...

A GAZILLION GAZELLES AND OTHER ANTELOPES: Part Two

2012-04-18T13:46:00.000-04:00

...Dik Dik...
...the smallest of the antelope...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dik_dik

...unlike the other species, these little antelope are monogamous. Our guide told us that if one of the pair dies the other will not survive... (ahh)

...Topi...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topi

...dueling Topi...

...Waterbuck...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterbuck

A GAZILLION GAZELLES & OTHER ANTELOPES: Part One

2012-04-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

...all the animals on the next two posts are members of the

Antelope family...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antelope

...I still, however, have trouble differentiating between gazelles, impala and some of the other antelope species so I apologize in advance if I have labelled some of the images incorrectly...

...Thompson's Gazelle...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomson%27s_gazelle

...Grant's Gazelle...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant%27s_Gazelle

...Impala...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impala

...the bachelor herd...
...there is only one male per herd of antelope...
...these impala are waiting to prove their dominance...

MESSAGE TO AFRICA

2012-04-16T15:41:00.001-04:00

....A big hello to all of you TOSC folks who are following our blog from the great continent of Africa...

...I have recently posted photos on Google+ taken during the opening day, the meet & greet and your graduation ceremonies...

...If any of you have not received email notification or if by chance I have input your email addresses incorrectly or you are not able to view the pictures please let know and I will do my best to remedy the problem...

I have set up the albums so that you may tag or submit comments on the pictures or add ones of your own to share with us and the others...

...it was a real pleasure to have met you all and hope that someday our paths will cross again...

Francois & Kathy

BIRDS: Part Three

2012-04-16T15:36:00.000-04:00

...Ostrich...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrich

...Swainson's Spurfowl...

(a member of the Francolin species)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francolin

...Hammerhead Stork...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammerhead_stork

...Black-Headed Heron...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-headed_Heron

BIRDS: Part Two

2012-04-16T14:45:00.000-04:00

...African birds continued...

...Helmeted Guinea-Fowl...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmeted_Guineafowl

...Black-Winged Stilt...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-winged_Stilt

...Snake Eagle...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_eagle

...Hornbill...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornbill

...Bee-Eater...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee_eater

...Lilac-Breasted Roller...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilac-breasted_roller

...Augur Buzzard...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augur_Buzzard

...Sacred Ibis...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Sacred_Ibis

...Glossy Ibis...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossy_Ibis

...Hadada Ibis...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadada_Ibis

...Yellow-Billed Stork...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow-billed_stork

...White Stork...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_stork

...Marabou Stork...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marabou_Stork

...African Fish Eagle...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Fish_Eagle

...Great Cormorant...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Cormorant

BIRDS: Part One

2012-04-16T14:44:00.000-04:00

...African winged creatures...

...our guide, David was so knowledgeable and was able to identify all the bird sitings and information about each but I honestly can't remember all the names so when I can will post the names associated with the appropriate pictures...

...Secretary Bird...

...named because they appear to be sporting a miniskirt and high heels...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretarybird

...Egyptian Goose...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_goose

...East African Crowned Crane...

...national bird of Uganda...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_African_Crowned-Crane

...Great White Pelican...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_White_Pelican

...Kori Bustard...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kori_bustard

...bustard conservation status:

populations declining and near endangered...

...Little Brown Bustard...

...these are very shy birds so getting a decent pictures was really difficult as most times they would skitter away into the grasses but on our last day was able to get this decent shot...

...Hoopoe...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoopoe

...Vulture...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_World_Vulture

...Yellow Canary...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Canary