Mostly Swim Bits ...

I can truly say I left last night's skills and drills session with a feeling of accomplishment. I don't know that there is much that can top watching someone make substantial improvements in the space of a mere half hour! Following it up with a surprise pre-Flying Pig dinner with friends made for a truly wonderful evening.

Entries are now closed for Nationals, folks are now anxiously (and repetitively) checking online to see if the psych sheets are up! Once they are, Coach Duane will have a team member run a sort to see what our potential points count is. He left a little early last night to continue working out our relay line-ups. It might have sounded a bit like I was getting ahead of myself in the locker room after practice because I was telling Fiona the 2011 Ontario Provincials are here, Nationals are in Montreal, so the travel schedule augurs well for the Liberty Island Swim next season!

On an unrelated note, I have renewed the English Theatre subscription for 2010-2011 at the NAC just in time to beat the HST (it will add 8% tax to the price of admission).

Finally, The Boarder reports that to his delight this morning a pair of chickadees stopped by for a drink while he was at his Birdwatching Post. He is hopeful they may have decided to stay for the summer! Usually this is just a migratory stop for them, but as other birds are well into nest building, it's a possibility they may have decided to stay ...

Just Bits ...

Well, I'm glad I'm not in Calgary today! It is sunny and bright here, although certianly breezy, and is expected to be summerlike by the weekend.

In other news, I slogged my way through the assigned set of 20 x 100 on 2:30 at Nepean today. It was 50 choice hard, 50 free strong — Chris, Pat A and I chose IM order for the first length. I mentioned to Chris that it felt rather like after the 50 fly the subsequent 350 was recovery swim!

This will be the third last night of skills and drills before Nationals ... and by June 5th we'll be out at the pond! (That will be brisk! But nice to get a couple of open water swims in before the Flowers Sea Swim.)

The Boarder reports that a lovely male house finch came to his bird bath yesterday for a drink. Much like a red drinking happy bird, although it didn't carry on nearly so long.

Wednesday Miscellany ...

♦ There are now 595 swimmers registered for Nationals, with 63 of us going from Technosport. That means there is room for five more swimmers to opt in — the deadline for entries is Friday. And shortly thereafter the psych sheets will go up ...

♦ Coach Duane, in addition to working out the Nationals relay teams, has been working on finding pool time. We train from Ottawa U, and the pool is closing for a little over two weeks starting Saturday! So just in case any of my teammates have missed the schedule, I'll post it below. Fitting eight lanes into five at Lowertown could be a challenge, and I confess 8:10-9:10 in the evening is a little late for me, so an ad hoc group of us will swim long course at 10:15 in the morning at the Sportsplex on Tuesdays and Thursdays. And I, of course, will swim a good deal at Plant.

♦ In an unusual move, this morning I have a fun fashion note for the fellows!

♦ How's this for an understated shiny thing? If my darned fingers would remain one size, I'd have one of these on my wish list for sure! What would yours say? A hat tip to Outblush for this item and the next.

♦ I wonder if the sensor popcorn setting would work with this? I would get one of these in an instant if it did. Apparently they will ship to Canada, but you have to pick up the phone to ask about shipping rates.

♦ Especially for Meg, I bring you what would have been a better photo of young Jacob had a puppy or I not smudged something on the lens. D'oh!! Ah, well, still cute. Still clickable.



Upcoming Technosport Workout Schedule:

Sunday May 2, 6:30 - 8:00 a.m. Cégep, Gatineau
Monday May 3, 5:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 7:30 a.m., Lowertown, Ottawa
Tuesday May 4, 8:10 - 9:10 p.m., Carleton University, Ottawa
Wednesday May 5, 5:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 7:30 a.m., Lowertown, Ottawa
Thursday May 6, 8:10 - 9:10 p.m., Carleton University, Ottawa
Friday May 7, 5:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 7:30 a.m., Lowertown, Ottawa
Saturday May 8, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., long course, Carleton University, Ottawa
Monday May 10, 5:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 7:30 a.m., Lowertown, Ottawa
Tuesday May 11, 8:10 - 9:10 p.m., Carleton University, Ottawa
Wednesday May 12, 5:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 7:30 a.m., Lowertown, Ottawa
Thursday May 13, 8:10 - 9:10 p.m., Carleton University, Ottawa
Friday May 14, 5:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 7:30 a.m., Lowertown, Ottawa
Saturday May 15, 7:00 - 8:00, long course, Carleton University, Ottawa *

After the May 15th practice we will proceed to a pub — a Nationals send-off event!

Puppies!

My neighbours' Jack Russells have six (not all pictured here) six week old puppies! And I have lots more photos, but sadly I (or one of the puppies) smeared the lens right after this shot, so this is the best I have to offer right now. But I can beg to try again!

In other news, bland food stays down, and I managed a Most Excellent Outing with A & M last evening. But now, after filling four lawn waste bags, I think I will just sit quietly till I head to the pool.

So ...

I started this post yesterday. It went something like this:

Here are some really sparkly things for a Friday afternoon, now that The Boarder is finally napping (just in time for me to head over to the pool).

Then I headed over to the pool, and despite the warm water, had a fine swim. Then a dunk in the hot tub. Then a shower. And then ... sitting in the locker room getting ready to put my pants on, I suddenly felt BAD. Really bad. I got dressed, wandered home, dropped my swim bag and hung my head over the toilet. I don't think The Boarder has ever seen me really sick before, and he really didn't know what to make of it. All this to say there was no practice for me this morning, and I didn't finish the blog post.

On the up side, bland food seems to be staying put now, but I've done effectively nothing all day. So all I've got are more shiny things.

Stymied!

Lane swims at Plant have been oversubscribed of late. Monday night at one point there were eleven people in the fast lane! It has been really difficult to swim distances longer than fifty metres at a go. So I was really looking forward to doing some longer repeats at practice last night. But you know about the best laid plans, right?

The bulkhead at Ottawa U is broken, so the pool is stuck in long course format. Oh, excellent, I thought to myself! Silly me. With waterpolo in the other end, we made due. The net was set up between ends. Lane ropes were strung across the pool, wrapped around stationary objects on the deck, and then we were off. On the up side, the water was Really Bouncy, so it was good open water training. On the down side, it's 18 metres from one end to the other.

Everyone please cross your fingers for tomorrow's outing to swim long course at Nepean!

Tuesday Tidbits ...

♦ For those of you who have been on tenterhooks for months as I dithered about a nice bright turquoise handbag this was the final choice, but you'll have to click on the correct colour to get a true appreciation. The colour is near perfect, and who doesn't like a pre-season markdown?

♦ In other news, this morning I hit send and off went my income tax into Teh Intertubes, so that's another thing off the April list of Things To Do.

♦ And it is past time I waxed poetic about a gift I received not long ago — Mimi's Dada Catifesto! Richly illustrated, hilariously written, this book is a treat for both grown-ups and younger people, particularly those who have an affection for felines. And as both George and The Boarder were adept people finders, Mimi's entreaties to Mr. Dada struck a particular chord with me. My biggest problem is who to lend it to first — my cat loving friends, my art loving friends, or my younger friends! Many thanks Jenny!!

Things Go Better ...

Is there anyone else out there who, when they know they have to get up especially early for something important, then wakes up hourly all night long?? And follows that up with fueling issues all day? Because it seems that if I am to coach morning practices I have a semi-sleepless night followed by a day of daziness! Holy smokes, am I tired! On the other hand, the practices this morning were really good so that fuels the soul, and I don't do it often ...

It'll be a very pokey swim tonight, I can assure you. And without the restorative powers of Coke, it probably wouldn't happen at all. Because today, Things Go Better With Coke. Although there may be a sugar crash right around the corner. Again.

Quick Recap

On Thursday it was just one Pat and myself at Nepean, as the rest of the usual suspects were off to Quebec Provincials. Go team! It so happened that there was a Paderno sale in the basement, so we spent a good while (and only a little money) there afterwards.

I can't find a photo of the pizza pan I bought, so you'll have to think of this as round. It had its inaugural run last night, and sailed through with flying colours! The heavier weight than most metal pans means the bottom of the pizza crisps up more like it would on a pizza stone, but without the pre-heating.

True to my word, I was also on deck one hour Thursday evening and three Friday morning harping about legal turns and touches. Train how you race. Do it right in practice so you won't do it wrong when it counts. I really sound like a broken record — but it's important! If you practice doing it wrong, you will inevitably be disqualified in a meet.

Last evening, just as I was taking the pizza out of the oven, I had a delightful phone call from Emma. She was quite over the moon with happiness and excitement. You see, she has had difficulty with some skills required to pass her level four swimming. She and I have been going to the pool most weekends of late working to improve those skills* — and so it was with justifiable pride last evening she reported she had passed her level four! She worked hard, and her work paid off. And she also read me the list of skills required to pass level five, so you know what we'll be working on at noon today!!

* It should be noted that many, many people have difficulty with whip kick. This is a skill that is unlike anything we do naturally, and a great number of people have difficulty learning it.

Bobs and Bits!

Yes, it's true. As the very small mouse was not intact, Someone will have to deal with an unweildy deworming pill at his annual. Before that if he develops symptoms. I expect he is safe, but if there's a chance he's been eating live food he gets the benefit of modern medicine! As usual you can click for a bigger Boarder.

On a happier note thanks to Joel over at the 17th man for the absolutely hysterical shout out yesterday! (There will likely be a handbag post in the offing shortly.) On a footwear note, I am willing to admit I was mesmerized by the shoes last night on stage at the NAC.

Peter Hinton's modern and Canadianized interpretation of A Comedy of Errors was extraordinarily well played by the company. And the sets were delicious! Particular recognition is due to the actresses playing the Dromios, Danielle Desormeaux and Debra Kirshenbaum — their physical comedy was just wonderful. I also have to note that I was somewhat jealous of Stephen Lawson's ability to rock a leather dress, not to mention the gams on him! Artistic chameleon is right! His performance as the courtesan was quite remarkable. For a more in-depth review from The Ottawa Citizen, click here.

It was a delight this season to have Mr. Hinton introduce us to the plays, to the NAC's current and future plans, and bring a distinctly personal touch to advice about things that beep and soothing lozenges! And we caught the end of the game on TV's set up in the lobby, so there was another round of applause.

Wordy Wednesday ...

Yesterday I shredded up a storm. The Boarder was sceptical about the benefits of such activity so went back to bed. First, though, I sorted the large filing pile — this involves making many small piles all over the floor.* If you are an indoor cat, this is a Good Opportunity to practice your digging skills. The poor fellow was a bit out of sorts yesterday (as evidenced by the barf spot on the carpet). I thought perhaps he might have a hariball issue, as the Spring Shed is Seriously Underway. Surely he hadn't eaten anything that upset his system ...

Well, this morning as I stumbled downstairs in the dark I saw something short and cigar shaped. And of course I thought to myself, "Aha! Hairball!" Except it wasn't. Do you think there is any chance his breakfast didn't sit well yesterday because a very small mouse upset his system? Because this one was not wholly intact ...

In other news, I am starting to feel like a real breaststroker again! I haven't been training it a lot, but certainly more than usual. I've been concentrating on fly and IM, but it struck me (rather hard!) recently that I have a 100 breaststroke to swim at Nationals. And there is always an off chance I could be swimming breast instead of fly in a relay.

I'll be standing on the deck tomorrow evening and Friday morning harping about legal turns as Coach Duane and many of my teammates will be heading off to tear up the Quebec Provincials. I may also be reminding people to breathe bilaterally!

But tonight it'll be a much anticipated dose of The Bard at our last play of the theatre season.

* And the next thing you know, I may jsut get around to doing my taxes! ;-)

Monday Miscellany ...

It's official! The Masters Swimming Canada website has me moved up to the 750,000 metre group in the Million Metre Challenge. In other news, my legs are feeling the recent whip kicking.

It's a brand new week and some of my friends, teammates and readers are really readying themselves for a big weekend in Boston. Brent and Jenny will be part of the cheering throngs — so I feel I'll have a spectating proxy! Continue to taper well folks, and enjoy every minute of your experience.

The Boarder continues his Journey of Adaptation from Feral Feline to House Cat. He now enjoys belly combing (while lying on his side) several times a day. He has always accepted some tummy rubbing in standing position, but for years was Reluctant to have me help keep that area of his coat in top-knotch condition, and was, in fact, Strongly Opposed To Touching of the Abdomen in Any Other Position. Claws and teeth were occasionally shown when I made such an attempt! We certainly seeem to be well past that!

ESRT ...

To be honest with you, I didn't know there even was electronic shark repelling technology!

However I did know it wasn't swim mojo repelling technology in action at yesterday morning's practice — it was congestion and regularly interrupted sleep. And really, if Lyne hadn't been coming to pick me up, I would have Just Stayed In Bed! In fact, I moved down a couple of lanes and voluntarily kicked, which is a sure sign all is not right in my world! But a bunch of us had a nice breakfast out afterwards, and shortly thereafter I went for nice easy lane swim with Emma, so the day certainly improved!

The Boarder reports that the Consequences of Cooler Weather Continue. The windows remain down, the furnace comes on, but the juncos have decided to remain a while longer before proceeding with their migration. So at least there's something fun for him to watch through the new noseprints. Along with the robins, starlings, house finches, chickadees and cardinals.

I go back to teaching calligraphy at Good Companions tomorrow, so it will also be back to Monday evening swim at Plant. Oh — and Friday I had a lovely (but too short) visit with former neighbour D. Wednesday I had a leisurely lunch with Lise, courtesy of Brent. Oh, dear, this is what happens when I don't post daily. Things get a little Stream of Consciousness at OTDE! I'd best go make a grocery list before this gets out of hand!

Suck It Up!

One of the robins was by bright and early this morning collecting bits of dead long grass for nesting materials. I did not try to sneak up on it with the camera. But it (or it's mate) was in the dead tree trunk for an insect treat a little later. You can see by the roundness of the bird that the temperatures remain on the cool side today. Especially if you click for a bigger bird.



In other news, our view out the screen door has improved a good deal, too. As I stood looking up at the screws to remove the screen wondering how I could prevent the inevitable lost screw when taking it out to clean it, I had an epiphany!

Around Christmas time I traded some VISA points for Sears gift cards so I could pick up one of these (to pick up other stuff). Incidentally, you can empty it right into the green bin outside! And it suddenly occurred to me, staring at those screws, that I could vacuum the screen! Needless to say The Boarder was not at all impressed with my brainstorm at the time, but I think he now would concur that the Short Period of Confusion and Terror was worth the improved acuity. I have not, however, mentioned that when it warms up I'll do it again with the crevice tool to get into the corners better.

And, with six weeks to go before Nationals, I confess I've been wondering whose bright idea that 400 IM was anyway??

750 K

Since September 1 in 2008 I have now logged 751,578 in Masters Swimming Canada's Million Metre Challenge. But for those of you who might be thinking 1,000,000 is in reach by September 1, I think it is unlikely! Certainly by the end of the year, though.

Today,however, has been one of those sloggy days. It was soggy and cool outside this morning — 3°C, blustery and rainy. In fact the past two days have not been open window days, doubtless contributing to The Boarder's discontent! And it was a slog in the pool, too. So I came home and made muffins.

I've taken some chili out of the freezer for after Skills & Drills tonight -- the weather is suddenly more seasonal and the heat will be appreciated after the walk from the transit station. On the way back from Nepean this morning I seriously contemplated getting off at Westboro Station and taking the number 2 bus rather than walking from Bayview.

Proof Positive!!

A dedicated copy of Jenny's soon to be published book arrived in yesterday's post — and somehow I exercised great restraint and did not begin reading before going to swim practice. Because you know what would have happened. I'd have been torn between continuing to read and going to the pool! And I don't think I could have read when I got home had I tried.

But there were no such problems today as it was my off day. And so I read Invisible Things cover to cover. With regular interference by a black cat with an impossibly thick and luxurious coat behaving in a slightly thug like way who most definitely felt that while he was awake a five page limit was more than enough! I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Sophie, Mikael and Tris again — it hardly seems possible that it was two years ago I was toting The Explosionist across Australia! In fact, I was tremendously sorry to find myself on the final page.

Congratulations are definitely in order, Jenny. Thanks so much for the advance copy and a day spent in an intriguing alternate history!

Fluttering By!

This female cabbage butterfly has been around the garden now for a couple of days. Certainly the earliest I have ever seen a butterfly here! And The Boarder reports that the cardinals seem to be making his deck rail a regular stop on their morning rounds. One day I may be able to sneak up with the camera, but I would rather not startle them off, so for the moment I'm trying to let them be. I may consider moving the bird bath closer to the forsythia — it could be more appealing to the cardinals there.

I managed to get a swim in yesterday — but it took an hour and twenty minutes to get 2400 metres in! Busy was a bit of an understatement. At one point there were 12 people in the fast lane and 65 people in a 6 lane pool. It did clear out closer to the end of the swim, which was a welcome change. Tonight, though, it'll be a real swim practice over at the University in cooler waters! In more ways than one ...

Roo Came By ...

In fact, Roo just hopped up into The Boarder's front window — and was not at all well received! Roo left shortly thereafter, and all was once again well in The Boarder's world.

Lane swim yesterday was idyllic (it was almost a pity to leave!), and also marked the return of lane swim buddy Chris after his Winter Avoidance Tour of Faraway Places. I also had a lovely Easter Dinner with Misses Emma, Margaret and family capped off with Disney chocolate coins courtesy of Margaret.

P.S. Feel free to click for larger felines!

Easter Greetings!

Some of these daffs are a little floppy — the early warm spell in March that prompted fast growth (and weak stems) was followed by a deep freeze. Nevertheless, they are happy flowers, and those that were lying down on the ground still opened so I cut them and brought them inside!

We've had two record setting days this weekend, as both Friday and Saturday we were over 28°C. For those unfamiliar with Ottawa weather, that's about 20 degrees warmer than usual! Today will be glorious as well, but not quite as hot. The Easter Cat's deliveries were made early (and in flip flops!), and as he has retired upstairs, I've cleaned two windows and vacuumed a bit. Spring cleaning here is not accomplished quickly, but we do try to get to it!

Here's hoping you, too, have the best of days whether you are celebrating or not.

Addendum: The Boarder reports he has now put noseprints on the aforementioned windows!

Hop, hop, hop!

Ottawa or Miami? It's like taking a tropical vacation without leaving home!

Yesterday the yellow daffs and forsythia popped open. The first anemones showed their faces to the sun. Birds were very busy (why, the male cardinal was right up on the deck rail!) and The Boarder was happy — screens, not glass, marked the difference between indoors and out at both ends of the house! Norris stopped by in the afternoon and we had a surprise visit from Rach & Hugh to cap off the day — The Boarder then showed off his mad aerial skillz! (Hoop jumping.)

Early in the evening Onyx pointed out to me that a very good looking robin was out the back forty, so I dutifully got out the camera so you could see too. (They are back early this year!) I may post more from this series on a cold or rainy day, but for now you can click for a better view.

Good Friday

Unbelievably it is 28°C right now! Yes, that's with a plus sign. We had a good swim camp bright and early this morning, but the only useful thing I've done since is some garden clean-up out back. I blame the early tree pollen for the itchy eyes and lack of motivation. These lovely little irises are almost done now, but they have an astoundingly lovely light scent when you are sitting on the front step!



Click for flowers much larger than life!

Sunny Days!

Multi-tasking: Preening and sun-bathing in a chokecherry!



Lookin' fine now! Ready for a pretty little lady finch.



The competition — in the honey locust right across the road!