Tempus Fugit

Latin (tem-pu̇s-ˈfü-git): Time Flies

Category: Grab Bag

Stuff about stuff

  • Grading

    Well, I’ve graduated to the 6th Kyu and have a shiny new yelow belt.

      

    The grading session was pretty interesting. All I really knew going in was which Katas i’d need to be able to performs and a handful of questions that I might get asked. The session started as usual at the GWL dojo at 4:30pm with the typical line drills and a few calestenics. However, I was very aware I was the center of attention. Sensai was watching quite closely and correcting my technique.

    Then things started to get interesting! Kakomi kumite sparing where 5 karateka participate. One in the center and the other four around in a circle. A sequence techniques are called out and the peson in the middle executes the techniques in an “H” pattern, facing each of the four outside “attackers” in turn. Did I mention that all my fellow karateka are black belts of various levels? I’m in the center, repeatedly, for i think 4 or perhaps 5 rounds. Then it’s 3 or 4 rounds of Renzoku kumite, a face to face straight line kata. I’m always involved and other balck belt students get substituted in. It’s a very fast pace with no breakes in between, apparently quite intentional to see how you preform under a bit of pressure and exhaustion.

    Next are my required 4 katas. Each is performed 3 times. The first two times it’s the whole class together with me in the centre of the line, first facing one way then facing the other way for the second. The third, I’m alone and everyone is watching. Things go well for the first 2 katas which I feel are pretty solid. Did I mention I’m getting tired at this point? 

    On the 3rd, the one I lovingly refered to as “rookie yuckie” when I was fisrt learning it falls apart a bit on one of the turns. I’d practiceds the heck out of those turns, but hey, stuff happens. I carry on and the second half of the kata goes fairly well. 

    Somewhere in the whole process we also did Sanchin a couple of times, complete with getting smacked at various times (Shime testing). 

    Suddenly it’s over. After 90 minutes of non-stop work, we’re done. I get my review and feedback which was quite positive along with some areas for improvements. Hey, at this level, there is a lot of room for improvement. But, given a November start apparently, I’ve progressed very well. 

    After the review it’s the presentation of my certificate and yellow belt and time for a few photos.

      
    Right after this there are about 20 minutes left in the class and it’s right into “Here is the next kata you need to learn for orange belt”. 

    Let the journey continue. 

  • Swim platform

    One of the challenges of the fluctuating  water levels on Lake of the Woods is how far below the top of a fixed dock the water level can be. This makes diving off the dock or getting into the boat a little difficult. 

    Many years ago Gord resolved this issue by building what has become known as the “swim platform”. A few feet below the top of the dock this little platform makes a nice spot to dangle your feet in the water, access the boat or dive in. 

    Of course when water levels are high the platform is under water. Over the years this in and out of the water has taken its toll. Last weekend, two people on the platform got a surprise as it collapsed and dumped them into the quite chilly early summer temperature (12°C) lake. 

    This weekend’s maintenance activity is the replacement of the much loved swim platform. This time with pressure treated wood and some beefed up construction. 

     
    Saturday was opening up the deck, removing the remains of the old platform and designing the new replacement. After sizing things up its time for a run to the lumber yard. Late afternoon rain brings a halt to the project. Most likely to get it completed tomorrow. 

  • Tour Completed

    By the numbers:

    All to get this: tos-badge  and perhaps a prize.

  • New Years Eve at the Lake

    For the 1st time, we welcomed in the new year from the cottage. With the forecast for temperatures in the -10 to -20°C over night it seemed quite manageable from a heating and temperature perspective so we headed out around noon on the 31st for a nice sunny drive to the lake. Once at the cottage, the 1st priority was getting the heating systems turned on to the max. The fireplace was set and the kerosene heater was fuelled an in place so they were quick to start.  The electric furnace took a little bit more persuasion to get operational. When it was turned on you could hear the motor trying to spin the fan. Rrrr, Rrrr, Rrrr, “click” as the motor protector shut it down because it was too cold to get the motor spinning fast enough. No big deal, I’d experienced and solved this problem before. By running an interior car warmer inside the furnace for about 10-15 minutes, it warmed up the electric motor enough so it could get up to full speed. It took from about 3pm to 10:30 pm to bring the cottage from -12°C to +20°C.

    During the warm up time we unloaded the car,  chopped/drilled a hole in the 12″ lake ice to bring up some water, enjoyed some snacks, and had a wonderful rack of lamb dinner and a few movies. Across the bay someone even put on a very professional 15 minute fireworks display for our enjoyment as well.

    Winter Water
    From the main foot bridge at Rushing River Provincianl Park, Ontario, Canada

    On New Years Day, after a leisurely bacon and eggs breakfast and tidying up the dishes we headed over to Rushing River for another first, a winter hike along the lower river trail.

    It was a beautiful sunny day, and while there was a light wind, in the shelter of the trail it was fairly warm. I took quite a few photos, and enjoyed the outing, as did Shirley.

    Open Water
    Down the river trail, close to the bridge, the snow and ice flanks the faster moving water.

    Back at the cottage it was time for some late lunch and then cozying up in front of the fireplace with  good book for a lazy afternoon. Dinner and some movies, and another day is done.

    January 2nd is a bit colder outside and after a few cups of coffee, some reading and breakfast, we’re packing up and getting ready to head back to the city. With a stop at Ye Old Chip truck in Kenora, we’re on our way. It was a very nice, peaceful and quiet getaway before returning back to the normal routines after the holiday break.

  • Wash Day

    Washing the bike on my birthday. The temperature is +2°C!
    Washing the bike on my birthday. The temperature is +2°C!

    Who would have thought that you could wash a bike on the driveway on December 14th, in Winnipeg Canada? It’s +2°C and the grit and grim from last weeks commute rides was huge and the chain was rusting! With the forecast for some more fairly warm weather, I think wet lube is in order.

  • Posts I should really get around to doing

    New Gandbabies!
    Grandkids in general
    Lake maintenance adventures
    Winter riding – year 3

    Where the magic happens at the lake, at least when things need fixing or building.
    Where the magic happens at the lake, at least when things need fixing or building.

  • High Water at the Cottage

    The lake level is very high and this wind is not helping.
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  • A Perfect Day

    First off, I’m at the lake, so how sweet is that! Next, it’s not raining and I got in a ride with Arthur Fast instead of the usual solo effort. I did flat on the way out to our 9am rendezvous at Tim’s East in Kenora but still made it on time after donating a pint to the mosquitos on the side of the road. We did an all over the place route that was lots of fun.

    After we split up in downtown Kenora it was the traditional stop at Starbucks Safeway for a beverage. Then it was an attempt to improve on the Starbucks to Storm Bay Road Strava segment. I gave it a good shot, but there was a strong head wind all the way. Once at the cottage a dip in the lake to cool off, a nice chicken sandwich made by Shirley and a beverage all while soaking up some beautiful sunshine. Then a “nap” followed by steak, baked potato, mushrooms, Caesar salad and likely a movie. Awesome longest day of the year.