Of(f) the deep end

Le weekend

2010-09-05T11:16:00.004-04:00

This is Jenny, writing from Ottawa to share a very nice piece by Lynne Cohen at the Ottawa Citizen:

Wendy Buckner's shocking and untimely death has launched the Canadian Masters swimming world into action. Members around 50 years old, en masse, are arranging to have stress tests done to find out how their hearts are doing. As usual, even in death, she is influencing everyone around her to do the right thing.

Also: the Boarder weekending at Iain and Deb's cottage!

"Home is the hunter"

2010-07-01T17:59:00.002-04:00

The Boarder has a new home!

Memorial celebration

2010-06-26T14:53:00.002-04:00

A memorial celebration of Wendy's life will be held at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Road in Ottawa, Canada on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until Words of Remembrance at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the United Way, Good Companions, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of donor's choice would be appreciated.

TIP: Still More Fishes!

2010-06-19T07:29:00.007-04:00

Here's the peacock flounder featured in the final photo yesterday while it was swimming. It's amazing to watch one settle and quickly take on a new pattern!

And a nice bluehead wrasse (with grunt). The wrasse is about 4 inches tip to stern.

Finally, a fabulous smooth trunkfish (that wholly redeemed the swim marred by leaky goggles).

This, I think, will be the best photo of the trip! Go ahead and click — it's worth it!

Up today, the Flowers Sea Swim and a trip to Cathy Church's!

TIP: Fish Identification!

2010-06-18T08:20:00.010-04:00

A curious and wondrous thing about many tropicals is the rather dramatic colour shifts they can undergo. At the bottom of this photo (taken in "Brent's lagoon") is a beautiful black and yellow striped juvenile French Angelfish. At it's intermediate stage it will look more like this, and then as an adult will look like this. If, however, its tail had a square cut margin and ever so slightly different striping, it would mature into this. And in fact, they can appear almost dusky rose, too ...

The sergeant majors in this snapshot are not in blue phase, as their bright yellow is still quite evident — males become dark blue to purple except for their black bands when courting or defending their nests.

Here's a nice blue tang that is shifting from its juvenile bright yellow coloration to blue. Tangs also adjust the vividness of their blues from powder blue to purple.

If you look up bar jacks in keys you will find them listed under silvery fishes. But apparently when they are an attendant fish with a Southern Stingray they are most often in black phase. I thoroughly enjoyed spending some time with this pair yesterday morning! The Southern Stingrays vary in colour from brown to gray and black.

And then there are those who depend on subterfuge instead of just floundering about!

All images should be clickable for closer looks!

TIP: Squirrelfish!

2010-06-17T10:25:00.007-04:00

Early morning swims are definitely the time to see these guys! Clicking is probably worth your while.

Another exciting find for me was this needlefish! It really is quite a small fish.

I liked the way you see the early morning sun break through the water in this shot.

Also, last evening we had time for a trip to Books & Books!

P.S. Yesterday Danielle in Iowa in Seattle asked how squirrelfish got their common name. There are some odd suggestions on teh interwebs (big eyes like squirrels, red colour like red squirrels) but the answer that seems most likely is that in fact they "bark" rather like squirrels. If you go here and scroll down you can hear what one sounds like.

TIP: Stalking The Squirrel Fish!

2010-06-16T11:23:00.008-04:00

The fishes are getting used to me stopping to drift with them — particularly the group over by Treasure Island Resort. Now when I stop by they come and hang with me. Except for the squirrel fish — he dashes right into his hole in the coral. Nothin' but tail!

But the way the light hit this sargeant major fish was nothing short of amazing! No photoshopping here, folks, that's how it came off Brent's camera.

This one looks almost happy to see me, don't you think?

And lest you think that yellow fishes don't blend in ...

I hope you'll be pleased to hear that early morning swims are more successful when stalking the squirrel fish!

As usual, you should be able to click these images for more detail.

TIP: The Adventure Continues

2010-06-15T07:56:00.008-04:00

Yesterday Brent, Jenny and I rose before oh dark thirty (as did many others) to be volunteers at Try-This-Tri. It was a well-run and successful event but for those not yet acclimated to heat and humidity, it was a bit on the hot and sweaty side. Jenny and I were wishing we'd brought our swim suits! But really there wasn't time for that. Congratulations to all the participants, and thanks to the sponsors & other volunteers for making it happen.

So then it was time to cool off at the condo. In the afternoon I had a longer sea swim than Sunday, and took Brent's camera out to see if I could capture some of the sea life. As usual, a click should get you closer!

Tangy!

I love how this fellow poked his head into my snapshot!

Chubby?

Brief Sea Swim on Arrival ...

2010-06-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

In Transit ...

2010-06-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

By the time you read this all the things I did yesterday will have paid off. At least that's my firm belief. Vacuuming, laundering the sheets, cleaning the bathroom, packing, charging the netbook, printing the boarding passes — you know, that kind of stuff. My Mom wanted me to cut this out of the newspaper to take to my brother, but I figured I had an easier way!

Tomorrow morning at the Crack of Doom Brent, Jenny and I will be out in our volunteering hats so folks can Try-This-Tri. Well, actually I'll be out in one of Brent's hats. On account of I'm going carry-on.

Bittersweet ...

2010-06-12T09:37:00.006-04:00

One of the great things about being part of a team is the people you have the opportunity to meet that in your day to day life you likely would not. Last night teammates Afsaneh, Reihane and I got together to wish Walla every success in her Fellowship at Sick Kids. We all agreed we can feel a shopping trip coming on!

Reihane, myself, Walla, Afsaneh. Too bad you can't see the shoes!

The Exception ...

2010-06-11T10:37:00.005-04:00

So, it's true. Although luckily only a few people actually saw it. I wore a wetsuit in the pond last night. And I have the hickie to prove it. Fiona very thoughtfully suggested I consider wearing her sleeveless, as the 6-8°C evenings have cooled the pond considerably. In fact, it's kind of, well, cold. So I think we can consider this the exception that proves the rule: I am not a wetsuit swimmer. But most people without them only managed one loop, those in seal suits got two or three in ...

Anyone?

2010-06-09T08:32:00.008-04:00

On my way out to teach Monday afternoon, I took a brief moment to inspect the Lilium regale for Evil Lily Leaf Beetles. I didn't find any (hurrah!), but I did see this lovely crane fly — so dashed into the house, took some snapshots, then dashed back in and put the camera away, toddled down the street to just in time catch my bus!

My best guess is male Tipula sp. — either T. furca or T. (Yamatotipula) caloptera. Anyone? Bueller?

As usual, clicking will get you even closer!

Sting!

2010-06-08T08:19:00.004-04:00

When the green bins for organic recycling arrived, I wondered how long this would take. And to think people scoffed at me! This link may or may not get you to video of the sting operation. Should it fail, you could look for Raccoon vs. Green Bin.

In an unusual move I'm off to swim long course at Nepean today. It has to be a better swim than the exercise in frustration that was lane swim last night. In fact, it was so busy the staff had to cap the swim!

Monday Miscellany ...

2010-06-07T08:58:00.003-04:00

♦ The Boarder enjoyed real meat first thing this morning. In addition to chicken dinner for cats. The fact that I was browning meat for spaghetti sauce motivated him to leave my nice comfy bed (he had returned to it after appropriate fueling and wind sprints) to remind me that he is, after all, an obligate carnivore. It is nice and cool in the house yet, with a forecast high of 19°C so there may also be baking later — this will only be of interest if the recipe includes butter.

♦ In the Spot the Family Resemblance category, there's this! Nicely done!

♦ I am considering swimming twice on Thursday. For the first time since ... well ... last summer. We have a pond swim (weather permitting) in the evening — and I could swim long course at Nepean in the morning.

♦ It has cooled down. I might be able to wear that motorcycle jacket today!

♦ There is a nosegay of perennial sweet peas by my computer, and I can see the potted mandevilla blooming outside. Cool or not, it is a nice time of year!

♦ I think I want to try a Cornus alternifolia out back ...

Surprise!

2010-06-06T07:41:00.004-04:00

Well, on the unintentional shopping front, I found a great Teenflo jacket this week marked down from $425 to $169. In fact, I tried it on at $425, but passed, and did not see it at any of the earlier markdowns. Here is is — what do you think? Do click on the thumbnail for a better view. For me one of the bonuses of buying Teenflo products is that they are manufactured here in Canada. But can you believe fall 2010 merchandise is already available online?

In other news, when I was speaking with one of my favourite people (and Technosport record keeper) Pat N yesterday she mentioned that the womens 200-239 relays I was a part of at Nationals broke the existing Ontario records! So I looked them up, and found that we broke two of them in pretty impressive fashion.

♦ 200 free relay record — 2:19.50 (our time 2:18.01)
♦ 400 free relay record — 5:55.88 (our time 5:07.14)
♦ 200 medley relay record — 2:36.04 (2:30.95)

Oh, and my 200 IM was a club record, so I've got that going for me ...

Catching Up ...

2010-06-04T08:53:00.004-04:00

Via a circuitous route that involved MSC Canada, I bring you some tips on open water training. I love that it brings one back to SCAQ!

The three movieteers + one saw Shrek on Wednesday night — we enjoyed the lighthearted entertainment, although the first in the franchise still rates best in my book!

Today after practice I had a garden-centric interlude. A high school chum (and plantsperson) and a friend of hers (gardener and masters swimmer) and I looked at each other's plantings and had tea, scones and good conversation on a back deck while keeping an eye on bird and insect life!

Tomorrow it's off to the pond!

Testing, testing ...

2010-06-02T10:46:00.003-04:00

Check. Check.

I'm giving multi-focal contacts a whirl this week. Now, usually I take off my glasses to work on the laptop, so there certainly will be a period of adjustment at the very least. On the up side so far no problems with stairs and I seem to be able to read food labels. In a short while, I'm going to give escalators a whirl!

Last night we had an unusual swim practice too. Anyone looking at my workout blog will know why! We swam in an outdoor yard pool with one lane rope down the middle (so effectively four lanes) but three lines on the bottom of the pool. So it was bouncy and a little discombobulating. But fun. However, on account of the mile sea swim I plan to do in two and a half weeks, I think I'll forgo the bounce tomorrow night and swim long course tomorrow morning!

Cathedral Grove

2010-06-01T08:28:00.009-04:00

Our big field trip out west was to Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. I hope you enjoy this virtual visit — feel free to click on the photos for a better look.

Monday Miscellany ...

2010-05-31T09:40:00.005-04:00

The Boarder and I thought there may have been a nearby house fire during the night, but apparently not. It is very good those winds did not shift before the long races yesterday morning. Congratulations to all Race Weekend runners, and many thanks to the volunteers who make it all possible!

Other than the smell of smoke, The Boarder is pleased to report that there is an air of normality around 123 these days. I haven't yet mentioned the Flowers Sea Swim to him! In the meantime, here's to normality!

As usual, you may choose to click for a Bigger Boarder.

Bits & Bobs

2010-05-30T09:23:00.005-04:00

The Race Weekend folks have a good morning — almost 9:30 and it is still 16 degrees with cloud cover, but no rain. And here at 123 the house has cooled to a much more normal temperature, and muffins are in the oven while the baking's good!

While I was away the garden kind of exploded in the heat — the mustard greens bolted, the alliums pretty much finished up, the hydrangea leaves burned — so now I'm poking away trying to get things in some sort of order. Although how that is possible when milkweed blooms on the 28th of May I'm just not sure! Luckily a monarch was sighted yesterday, so perhaps they're going to keep up with the plant material!

I do love these Siberian irises — they don't do as well as bearded iris in my garden, but they are lovely surprises when they do manage to put on a bit of a show.

This is my favourite of the ornamental onions — Allium christophii.

Finally the tail end of what was once Allium siculum but is now known as Nectaroscordum siculum — I missed almost the whole show!

And now for some very bad news on the subject of things horticultural: it was announced last week that Algonquin College has slated the horticulture program for a phase out. There is but a short window to offer contesting arguments — dissenting opinions must be offered by June 1st! Anyone wishing to voice an opinion can leave me a comment and I'll forward you the link available for public comments.

Earliest Pond Swim To Date!

2010-05-29T11:14:00.004-04:00

Who would have thought that on the 29th of May a dip at Meech would be so delightful?!

I confess I am spoiled, as Fiona and Bruce are not just kind enough to pick me up, there is coffee waiting for me in the back seat cup holder! We chat along the way, although today my voice is still AWOL so there may have been less chatting than usual. As we approached a familiar dip in the road nearing our pond, we saw that "our" pair of Canada geese had returned to nest there and were crossing the road with four goslings — the youngsters still downy yellow with tiny wings held almost straight out but moving in time with their very large feet!

At our pond, we gathered, some deciding on the merits of wetsuits or not. Some of us had already decided against — and they were most certainly unnecessary. There was none of that sharp feeling as the cold water somehow sucks the breath out of you as your face enters the water. In fact, especially out by the island, the water felt ... warm! It was absolutely perfect for swimming — three weeks before the beaches even open.

Two quite magical loops (with fishes!) to begin open water season! And this afternoon I plan to head out and pick up that bikini for event on Cayman!

Beaufort Picnic Site

2010-05-28T08:45:00.006-04:00

In Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, on the west side of Cameron Lake, Vancouver Island.

Feel free to click for a better view!

P.S. Note the train trestle in the second to last image.

Home Again!

2010-05-27T10:01:00.005-04:00

Coming home was a bit of a shock to the system. Not too long after arriving I had a sudden hankering for the cool damp days of the left coast (that I complained about while there)! It was wickedly hot for late May here when we arrived back — much more like late August really. The temperature reached 34°C and higher in the area yesterday, with the humidex pushing the "feels like" temperature to 110°F. Certainly nothing like when the two Pats, Margaret and I hightailed it off to Qualicum Beach!

Rhodies!

2010-05-26T13:27:00.003-04:00

The rhododendrons were out in Nanaimo! Close-up above, full shrub below, with teammate for size and scale. The images are, as usual, clickable.

Nationals Day 4 ....

2010-05-25T20:08:00.003-04:00

The important bit first — Technosport won the meet for the third straight year! My small part yesterday was:

♦ 800 free — 13:43.18, ninth place

♦ womens 200 free relay, age group 200-239, bronze

♦ mixed medley relay (fly leg) age group 200-239, bronze (Warren, Gen, myself, and Phil)

Oh, and the same team from the womens 200 free relay (Sylvie, Gen, myself and Fiona) also won bronze in the 400 free relay the other day!

Nationals Day 3 ...

2010-05-23T22:33:00.003-04:00

So my 100 fly in the relay last night was 1:45.89 — my 100 fly in the individual event today was 1:46.00 (moving up two places from my seed as two women scratched). So I've got consistency going for me! And my 100 fly in the 400 IM was 1:51.06 — the 400 IM time was 7:38.47 (maintaining my seeded 4th place). I'm pleased enough with that as I seriously have No Legs Left. The proof of my leglessness: in my 200 IM my 50 back was less than 2 seconds slower than my 50 breast, in the 400 my 100 breast was only 8 seconds faster than my 100 back. And I never want to climb another flight of stairs in my life! I also swam two relays — a :38.60 for the 50 fly in the ladies 4 x 50 medley, and a 4 x 100 freestyle womens relay (the results are not up yet).

Nationals Day 2 ...

2010-05-23T10:02:00.002-04:00

Not a brilliant day, but an acceptable one.

♦ 50 fly — :39.3

♦ 100 fly in 4 x 100 medley relay — finished legally

Another long one on the deck, with relays starting about 7:00 p.m.

A Pretty Picture ...

2010-05-22T13:50:00.004-04:00

Taken in Cathedral Grove on Thursday. Click to enlarge.

Nationals Day 1 ...

2010-05-22T11:08:00.002-04:00

Well, that was a LONG day. Warm-up was at 1:00, we left the pool at 11:00.

My 1500 was a little slower than I would have liked (26:24), but it felt good, so I was happy enough with that. However, the officials forgot to ring the bell lap for me — so I got an extra 100 warm-up for the 200 IM because not getting the bell caused my to suddenly question my ability to count!

My 200 IM, however, I was very pleased with at 3:17.4 (?). It was followed by the 4 x 50 mixed free relay, but I can't tell you how we did because the results are online.

Up today is the 50 fly and the 4x 100 mixed medley rleay ...

Wednesday ...

2010-05-20T08:53:00.003-04:00

Naturally, I was still on Eastern Time. About 8:00 Pacific I walked to the grocery store and back, about 4 kilometres total. Are they hills, or are they MOUNTAINS? I also sought out Jenny's opinion, then downloaded Swimming to Antarctica to the netbook. Kindle for the PC!

Other teammates have been filtering in ... many will arrive today. Our apartment is now complete! None of us swam yesterday, but six of us did have a wonderful dinner here in the Old City Quarter of Nanaimo. Most had the table d'hote, but I had the grilled wild Pacific salmon — because I can't come to the west coast and not have salmon!

This morning we plan to swim, though ...

No Matter Where You Go ...

2010-05-19T09:36:00.004-04:00

There you are!

After a long travel day yesterday I'm here in our residence apartment at Vancouver Island University. It comes with a coffee maker, kettle, toaster and free wifi. Right now the latter is the selling point. Especially as I'm still on eastern time!

I had thought I might swim this morning, but have now revised my plan. At the moment fueling is a higher priority. The breakfast bars won't last much longer! The nearest grocery store is about two kilometres away, so I think picking up food may qualify as my workout! Also, there are sunny breaks forecast this morning, so it may be the best time to pop out. And depending on how the other ladies feel when they get in, there may be an easy late afternoon/early evening lane swim in the offing. Or not.

Well ...

2010-05-16T09:20:00.008-04:00

Did you ever have one of those workouts where Nothing Went Right? We all have 'em ... I just would have preferred it hadn't been last night! But I am officially taking the position that the lousy swimming is out of my system, and it's all good from here on in!

Right now I'll go do an easy swim, have a dunk in the hot tub and ideally erase whatever that was yesterday! Well, okay, part of it was the yard work earlier in the day — I had muscle spasms that were really quite unpleasant.

And, as it has been some time since I brought you a shiny thing, here is a little something curious from Luxist.

Friday Recap

2010-05-15T07:30:00.007-04:00

Pizza, followed by Ironman 2 with pals was a fine way to end a Very Busy Week. It was really a good romp, and a nice visit too! In the morning I scooted down to the opticians, as the optometrist wrote a new prescription on Thursday afternoon. I also did some rushed shopping and made a pit stop at the drug store so meds can come off the Things To Do Before Leaving List.

In other news, Coach Duane sent out the room assignments for Nationals — the two Pats, Margaret and I will be bunking together in one of the apartment residences at Vancouver Island University. It should be a boatload of fun! Aside: I ran into the same Nepean Masters swimmer at the Sportsplex on Thursday and yesterday at Plant. Her comment to me? "Do you think we're cramming for this?"

The Boarder Would Prefer ...

2010-05-14T09:45:00.003-04:00

That I Just Stay Home! But in fact, I am going to scoot downtown to find out how wildly expensive new lenses will be. The optician told me last time that my frames would last one more prescription, so lets hope he's right, as both my prescriptions have changed (distance by less, though). However this year the nice young man who examines my eyes told me it was wisdom not age that hardens lenses! Then if all goes well, I will return via the drug store and pick up the remaining prescriptions required to go west. If my luck holds, I will swim this afternoon. And maybe have something more interesting to say tomorrow. ;-)

No Name Chicken Dinner (For Cats)

2010-05-13T17:05:00.001-04:00

Lise spontaneously burst into laughter on the way back to my place in the car. "I'm thinking about ..."

I interrupted, telling her I knew exactly what she was thinking about. She was thinking about my father at Loblaws.

You see, at the grocery store I go to we have been unable to find the larger tins of No Name Chicken Dinner for Cats lately. And you know what fun it is finding wet food The Boarder will eat!

Now the 156 gram tins are 49 cents a piece. We have only been able to find new 85 gram tins at 39 cents. Also, for some reason he eats the little tins faster, and seems to think he should have more than two a day! I have been calling this change of product a Conspiracy to Take My Money. After I told my parents this Sunday, my Mother mentioned that my Father would be going to Loblaws Monday morning. So she wrote down the particulars of The Boarder's Preferred Food.

Monday morning Dad called from Loblaws to check what exactly The Boarder was hoping for. We went over it very carefully. It was his second trip to Loblaws that morning, because at first he had picked up the wrong kind of tin.

Fast forward to yesterday -- Dad had a bag of about 20 tins for me to bring home!! After I noted that The Boarder sure won't starve, he told us that the lady at the checkout commented that he must have a very hungry cat. For the record, he probably went through that cash twice, too.

"Oh, no," he replied, "I don't have a cat." Long pause. Then he said, "That's really good stuff, that chicken dinner!"

I was laughing, of course, when he told us this, because I knew how he would answer my questions. "Oh Dad!! You didn't set her straight, did you? You left her thinking you were one of those cat food eating senior citizens, didn't you?" And that's exactly what he did!

Spokin'!

2010-05-11T16:43:00.003-04:00

So I am gradually organizing and packing. I think. Well, more organizing, really ...

Today Fiona and I got our long suits taken in to be shortened (to be picked up Saturday after 2:00), I ordered something so I can support Cayman Swimming (and not embarass myself), and the folks at Forbies are also going to reinforce a seam on an old Speedo Endurance suit for me (the fabric goes on and on, but the seams have lycra in them!). I picked up some TRISWIM shampoo and conditioner (that NYC Swim turned Gen, Fiona and I onto after we went swimming with Jenny last fall.) I also squeezed in some other errands and a visit to Dr. Susan. But enough about me!

For your viewing pleasure I bring you a little bent spoke and bespoke!

If At First You Don't Succeed ...

2010-05-11T07:25:00.004-04:00

Well, Fiona and I are going to try that swim suit thing again today. On account of when we got there yesterday, we discovered the outfit doesn't open till noon on Mondays. However, it worked out, because we had parked near Lululemon, and there were some things that happened to fit us on sale. I got this dress, in this colour even! Just think, I can wear a non-black dress on Cayman! It also has a drawcord in the bottom, so can be converted to a blouson type top.

The plan had been to swim long course this morning, but an EPC has torpedoed that option! So it may be that today has reverted to a rest day, and tomorrow will also have to be rejigged.

Monday Miscellany ...

2010-05-10T09:01:00.003-04:00

Friday afternoons at Plant might be a thing of beauty, but in Jenny's words, "If two's company and three's a crowd, Sunday lane swim is basically the population explosion nightmare!"

But, moving on to a new week ... it is one full of errands and appointments! Dr. Susan, general pre-Nationals running around, a chance for the optometrist to write me a new prescription, and finishing up with a Saturday evening practice (and trip to the pub afterwards).

Momentarily Fiona and I will head out to see if we can get our full leg suits shortened to a currently legal length! Never fear, we have suits that are currently legal, too. And of course, I teach this afternoon ...

The Jellybean Challenge

2010-05-09T13:37:00.005-04:00

Well, the psych sheets are now up! And Coach Duane has issued us a Jellybean Challenge. We are to note our placings on the psych sheets before going to nationals. Each time we move up a placing in the results, we get a jellybean. Of course this means anyone who sandbagged will be rolling in jellybeans! So, for the record, here's where I sit at the moment:

1500 free — 6
200 IM — 11
50 fly — 13
400 IM — 4
100 fly — 9
800 free — 8
100 breast — 9

And how in the world did I become a distance freestyler instead of a flyer or a breaststroker I ask you?? I really don't foresee a great deal of movement in terms of my placings — I think I entered pretty honestly so we'll just have to see what happens.

A funny thing happened at the end of practice yesterday, though. For warm-down I decided to swim energy conservation fly, and at the end of a hundred I could have kept going. Maybe struggling through long course fly is starting to pay a dividend or two!

On the organizational front I've already packed instant oatmeal and some granola bars in my suitcase — as I explained to my mother today I will be on Eastern time when I get there. I have doubts as to the availability of breakfast at 03:00 next Wednesday morning — especially when school's out!

How To Spend A Rainy Day ...

2010-05-08T08:09:00.004-04:00

The weather here has turned cool and damp (with snow flurries in the forecast for tomorrow!), so many in the region will turn their attention to indoor activities. You can see which one The Boarder favours! Not exactly as busy as a beaver — especially the ones that built this dam.

Yesterday Fiona was treated to my favourite lane swim. Friday afternoons are a thing of beauty at Plant — when I slipped in there was but one other person in the lane, and most of the time we were in there were but three of us.

Today we are to make a pilgrimage to Carleton U at noon — and I'm certainly not complaining about the having a brief lie-in on a Saturday morning, especially as Carleton will still be long course. That will be three long course swims for me this week — next thing you know I'll be feeling like an age grouper! Now it's time to bring on the taper ...

P.S. As usual, you should be able to click for a bigger Boarder!

On Mice and Birds ...

2010-05-07T09:26:00.005-04:00

There was a minor tragedy in this household recently. Mickey launched himself off a high drawer unit onto the floor. Okay, maybe I knocked him, but I really didn't intend to. The back came off and watch parts scuttled across the floor.

Now, in 1992 it was not the fashion for ladies to wear larger watches. I really had to fight with the Disney employee behind the watch counter to buy this watch. Oh, there were more feminine watches with graven images — but it's not a Real Mickey Mouse Watch unless Mickey's hands go around!!! Eventually I came away with a Real Mickey Mouse Watch — and I guess, really, 18 years is pretty good for an inexpensive timepiece ...

On a happier note, The Boarder reports his pretty red birds were both visitors yesterday! The female came and had a drink from the bird bath, hopped over to the near deck rail and cleaned off her beak on it. Then the male joined her, they rubbed beaks and were off! The Boarder, who is very serious about his birdwatching, was very attentive to their behaviour!

Oh-Oh!

2010-05-06T18:56:00.004-04:00

An item of some concern appears to have arisen. And Jenny and I both plan to be on island at that time. Of course Brent actually lives there!

Although I will point out that I don't own one. So maybe I have an excuse. Not to mention that I am not in good enough shape. And may never be ...

More Bits!

2010-05-05T08:21:00.004-04:00

Today I bring you still more bits!

♦ A Globe and Mail article on the benefits of swimming, with a plug for MSC!

♦ Proof HGH is performance enhancing. Oh, surprise!

♦ A link obtained from the USMS site about a study on swimmers' life expectancy.

♦ I am prevailing upon the kindness of friends and neighbours to set up a Feeding, Watering and Loving schedule for the Boarder. I am very lucky so many people are willing to lend a hand! The current Boarder Security Threat Level is Blue, in case you are interested.

Banner Day!

2010-05-04T13:21:00.005-04:00

Here are some close ups of the banners that celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy today.

In other news, it was clearly Unofficial Technosport Day at the Sportsplex, with eight of us at lane swim + lane swim buddy Chris! And no, still no psych sheets.

Just Bits!

2010-05-03T16:45:00.004-04:00

♦ I think this would be fun! Maybe a reverse crossing? Thanks to Brent for forwarding the article.

♦ Here's a wonderful examination of experiences on the blocks!

♦ I invested in one of these. In the pewter colour.

♦ Today was Music Monday!

65th Anniversary — Battle of The Atlantic

2010-05-02T14:53:00.013-04:00

Today across the country there were ceremonies marking the sacrifices and accomplishments of Canada and our allies during the Battle of the Atlantic. The naval, merchant marine, and air force and army personnel who were lost and who served from 1939 to 1945 in the North Atlantic were remembered.

In Ottawa the ceremony took place at the War Memorial. The banners flying in the area are in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy. It was unusually hot and humid here today, with the humidex reaching 30°C — it took a particular toll on those standing throughout the ceremony.

Flagbearers for the Battle of the Atlantic veterans:

The veterans on march past:

Emma was part of the Ottawa Children's Chorus that sang the hymns at the ceremony beautifully. Here she is with one of the flagbearers in the first picture:

Saturday Snippets ...

2010-05-01T11:08:00.003-04:00

Summer's back! Okay, not exactly, but it's heading to 25°C today, so it will at least be a facsimile thereof. Well before noon the back door and front window were in the open positions, much to the delight of The Boarder. And I wasn't complaining either.

It is, however, not as balmy at Ironman St. George — wishing the best to the competitors there, and to those facing the heat in St. Croix, too. Best also to all those running this weekend!

On the off chance some reading this will be in Vegas June 27, this could be a hoot!

Mostly Swim Bits ...

2010-04-30T09:39:00.005-04:00

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 ...

2010-04-29T15:10:00.005-04:00

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 ...

2010-04-28T08:27:00.009-04:00

♦ 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!

2010-04-25T14:47:00.003-04:00

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 ...

2010-04-23T12:55:00.007-04:00

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!

2010-04-21T07:30:00.002-04:00

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 ...

2010-04-20T15:26:00.007-04:00

♦ 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 ...

2010-04-19T18:14:00.003-04:00

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

2010-04-17T08:42:00.005-04:00

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!

2010-04-15T07:51:00.010-04:00

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 ...

2010-04-14T07:52:00.006-04:00

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 ...

2010-04-12T07:04:00.008-04:00

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 ...

2010-04-11T09:04:00.005-04:00

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!

2010-04-09T10:05:00.008-04:00

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

2010-04-08T13:28:00.004-04:00

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!!

2010-04-07T18:40:00.003-04:00

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!

2010-04-06T07:51:00.003-04:00

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 ...

2010-04-05T07:42:00.007-04:00

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!

2010-04-04T07:49:00.006-04:00

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!

2010-04-03T08:08:00.006-04:00

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

2010-04-02T16:58:00.005-04:00

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!

2010-04-01T08:28:00.005-04:00

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!

Vitamin D!

2010-03-31T13:15:00.004-04:00

The early gorgeous weather is back! More florals to follow, but for now, I will dash out and supplement my vitamin intake on the front step ... this time without the camera.

P.S. If you click, you can almost see the pollen falling ...

Sing, Sing, Sing!

2010-03-30T08:10:00.004-04:00

A male cardinal in a neighbour's tree yesterday. N.B. Allergic people — that Manitoba maple is set to pop! Click for a bigger bird.

Monday Miscellany ...

2010-03-29T08:10:00.003-04:00

♦ A bit for Jenny and other dessert afficionados out there.
♦ If you happen to be in Long Beach June 4 - 6, this would be an interesting experience!
♦ The weather is to bounce around temperature wise again this week — they are calling for lows of -7°C or -8°C tonight and Tuesday, and a high of 24°C (!!!) on Saturday! Oh, wardrobe don't fail me now!
♦ Last evening's lane swim was much more civilized (although I will point out that there was an astounding variation of speeds in the fast lane as evidenced by the fact that I was catching a certain freestyler while I was swimming backstroke!).
♦ Hopefully the groove will continue this week, as my plan is to swim today, tomorrow, and long course on Thursday. Friday morning we have our Easter mini-camp (it includes 3 hours of pool time for participants). Although I'm not completely convinced it qualifies as a Good Friday if one needs to be at the pool for 06:30.

MOPH ...

2010-03-28T09:35:00.005-04:00

I gazed at the lane with some incredulity before I got in. I chatted with some lifeguards, delaying the inevitable. Nine, count 'em, nine people in the fast lane. Someone said to me, "Welcome to my own personal hell!" Clearly it wasn't just her personal hell, because there I was. That is what I get for sleeping in! I actually walked to the wall several times there were such traffic jams!

I'm hoping for a better outing to the pool today, although I am fairly congested, so it may be a pokier swim than I had in mind. With the holiday weekend coming up (Good Friday and Easter Sunday are EPC holidays here and the university pool is closed all weekend), best to get as much done this week as possible!

However, The Boarder has pointed out many times today that my problems pale in comparison with his!

Pictured: The Boarder, indoors. The Other Black Cat, outside, acting like he Owns That Deck! Click for larger felines. And yes, I need to clean the windows. Including the nose prints.

Ooops!

2010-03-27T08:13:00.004-04:00

I really had intended to go to practice this morning. But evidently I was dazed and confused when I slid the alarm button from off to music. This because the alarm was set to 5:45, which is really when I need to leave the house when taking the bus. I rolled over. And now I have to make up a workout! Good thing I swam long course on Thursday. So now I will have to swim at noon or 4:00. It truly is a good thing there is a pool right around the corner ...

For those of us who regularly follow The Sartorialist or simply have an abiding affection for felines, with a hat tip to Jenny, I bring you The Catorialist. And now I'll go pack my swim bag!

Swim Bit

2010-03-25T14:20:00.008-04:00

I know I mentioned that there have been some dismal training numbers over the past couple of weeks — well the Two Pats, Young Jason and I set out to remedy some of that today. The point, as far as I am concerned, of venturing out to Nepean to swim long course on Thursdays is to work on my weaknesses. When I saw the practice Coach Duane sent I thought to myself, "Self, way, way too much freestyle!" I don't know if that was wise or not!

The assigned practice was:

♦ 400 free warm-up
♦ 3 x 400 free descend 1-3, 1:00 RI
♦ 400 free easy

So I did the warm-up, but decided to try to swim the 3 x 400 as IM. Having swum a sum total of one 400 IM long course in practice as a grown-up, I also decided just getting through them was a better choice than descending 1-3. In fact I ended up descending 1-2 (7:55, 7:40) and then just got through the last one. And I was pleased enough with that. The first one I went out 2:05, the second 1:55, doing an energy conservation style fly. Instead of 1:00 RI, we were going with about 1:30 rest. The 400 cool down I did as IM drills.

Now that I can feel my shoulders and arms, I think that perhaps this should be a benchmark workout. We are now eight weeks out from Nationals. Doing that practice a few times over two months could give me a bit more confidence going into the 400 IM day (that day also happens to include the 100 fly and a medley relay).

Kudos to Young Jason, he did the last 400 timed, going out 2:40 finishing up in 5:25. And he stayed in the pool, while we older gals hit the showers!

Bits!

2010-03-24T14:00:00.005-04:00

First a couple of exercise related bits:

♦ Masters Swimming Canada linked to this article on antioxidants and working out
♦ Swimming World noted the passing of the inventor of butterfly with dolphin kick

And now a bit of garden:

Click to enlarge if you like.

Tuesday Tidbits ...

2010-03-23T08:03:00.006-04:00

Well, I got a pretty decent swim in yesterday — young lifeguard and budding triathlete Jason was there so we were able to do a couple of sets together. Although instead of seeing a film the Three Movieteers had a very nice dinner at Theo's ... so I'm not convinced I'm getting ahead on the calories in calories out equation! I'll do better as the week progresses. That's my story and I'll be sticking to it!

In other swimming news, I am now over the 725,000 metres swum mark since September 1 '08, well ahead of where I expected to be when I started tracking!

It is a cool, drizzly day here in the National Capital with a possibility of freezing rain — a definite change from the May-like weather we've been enjoying. But in the sun yesterday, the first bulbous irises showed their faces.

Click for larger than life flowers!

There and Back Again!

2010-03-22T12:14:00.007-04:00

I dashed off Friday to take the train to Dorval, in order to take the shuttle to Trudeau, so I could take the bus to Tremblant and catch up with a great bunch of people*! Aside: It is a real testament to this country that you can mill about the train station chatting with a former prime minister without any kind of security in sight.

We ate, drank and made merry — and some people even got out on the hills. And we laughed — sometimes till we cried. From haute cuisine to kitsch, we sampled it all.

Grand as it was, though, it is now time to buckle down after a fairly disasterous training week. I'm thinking climbing hills to and from restaurants does not count as exercise, so all I could log last week was two swims!

The Boarder, since I dashed back yesterday, is taking advantage of the situation to ensure I understand my role in life!

* Among them Brent and Jenny. Special thanks to those who helped out and made it possible for me. You know who you are!

In Lieu of Puppies ...

2010-03-20T10:42:00.001-04:00

Today I bring you an entirely different kind of cuteness!

Celebrate Green Things!

2010-03-17T07:35:00.007-04:00

Not just crocuses and dipterans out this week, but hymenopterans, too! And me. I'll be out and about this morning.

This is turning into a Bad Training Week! Last night Coach Duane wasn't feeling well, so I took practice. At that point I thought I might do pulleys after visiting Tipper, but my plans changed when I had the opportunity to see six three day old puppies and hold them in my hands!! Clearly puppies trump pulleys. And of course it is March break, so lane swims are a bit of a muddle.

The weather is to be practically tropical again today — I saw on the local news this morning they expect the paddy-os to be very busy! Celebrate safely all!

P.S. Today's photo is probably worth a click!

Just Buzzing About!

2010-03-16T11:38:00.002-04:00

And I am too!

PB!

2010-03-15T10:45:00.004-04:00

Click for a bigger crocus if you like.

Meet Report

2010-03-13T10:06:00.004-05:00

I'm feeling pretty good about this meet!

In December I swam a GUBT in the 100 IM (1:29.3). It was the first event off the blocks this morning, and today I went 1:27.5. So that was a great way to start the morning!

The 50 breast I went :43.5 — that happens to be exactly where I was in December. My left groin was really irritated today, so I'm more than okay with that. In fact, I was busy icing after this one.

Finally, the 200 IM. What I really wanted to achieve was a decent 50 fly split. At that point I knew I'd have to back off the kicking. I was out in :38.? — and I'm pleased with that. I didn't really kick after that, and finished up in 3:15.?, just a second away from the GUBT I swam in February. So that tells me I have a significantly better 200 IM in me — maybe for Nationals.

It's a lovely day out there, and partly because warm-up was at 07:00, we have much of the day left to enjoy!

Desperately Seeking Goggles!

2010-03-12T13:12:00.005-05:00

To answer Lily on the Road's question, I've been looking for replacement goggles around town including at Cyclelogik. And finding myself staring at the $200 wetsuit ... So I'll be testing another pair this afternoon and having a nice dunk in the hot tub. Probably mostly the latter!

Here's a swim bit I came across today: Masters Swimming Canada has a link up to this article on peak performance and circadian rhythms.

Semi-random Thoughts ...

2010-03-10T18:59:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, I'm planning to spend the whole day in yoga pants! Except when I'm in a swim suit, of course.

♦ Much to The Boarder's dismay, I have scheduled visits with Tipper ... although the black cat who lives here won't feel nearly so badly if I take the claw clippers over!
♦ It's also off to the Sportsplex in the morning for some long course metres with the two Pats.
♦ I may or may not come back via Cyclelogik & the bank machine — I'll play that one by ear! If not today there's always tomorrow.
♦ Back here for a bit, then off to Ottawa U for practice.

After last night's practice (which, incidently I fervently believe tried to kill me) I thought I'd do a recovery swim and hot tub dunk today. And boy, let me tell you, the first couple of hundred metres today felt bad. But as I continued along, things evened out a bit. And as Angus was swimming with me, I decided we could do some sprinty bits with quality rest. We finished that up with 8 x 25 on :45 — he did free and I did fly. The head guard then told us that people in other lanes were standing around watching us swim! And the hot tub dunk was welcome.

Singing Up A Storm!

2010-03-09T11:11:00.010-05:00

Well, the thermometer may read 3°C at the airport, but here in our little south facing microclimate I was quite comfortable outside in jeans, a tank top and lightweight cashmere sweater. I know that won't be the case when I head off to see Dr. Susan a little later. So I opened the window for The Boarder and what did we hear? A Serenade to Spring!

This little fellow was singing away on my next door neighbours' upper veranda, and another down the street was singing in answer! 'Tis spring, and male house finches thoughts turn to territoriality. And of course attracting a nice female finch! Please pardon the soft focus on the second shot, but I really had to push the limites of the zoom! The first is probably worth a click though.

Sunny Days!

2010-03-08T08:00:00.005-05:00

With the forecast high 8°C again today (46°F), The Boarder has High Hopes of enjoying similar circumstances today! Yes, the window is up! He is supervising my activities while stationed in a favourite cardboard box. Of course you can click for a Bigger Boarder. Also for larger than life crocus shoots posted yesterday.

In a crazy move, the three movieteers will head out this evening for a gander at Mr. Burton's vision of Wonderland. No, it's not Wednesday — we're livin' on the edge! But first there will be an assault on Laundry Mountain followed by a swim this afternoon.

Oh! What A Beautiful Morning!

2010-03-07T13:11:00.003-05:00

Little Swim Bits ...

2010-03-06T15:55:00.005-05:00

♦ There's another club meet bright and early next Saturday morning. 06:45 warm-up! Coach Duane and I decided it will be a fun meet for me, so I'll be swimming the 100 and 200 IM along with the 50 breast. Here Sprint Mojo, here! Come!
♦ We had a fine camp this morning. After 2.5 hours of coaching Pat N and I went for a most enjoyable breakfast!
♦ Shortly thereafter I had a brief swim with Emma working on freestyle endurance and whip kick. We finished off with handstands and multiple somersaults. Apparently now after three consecutive somersaults I get dizzy, but I don't know it till I stand up!
♦ Masters Swimming Canada recently linked to this article on why one should step up one's workout.
♦ Also I am strongly considering doing this come June. I'd be back in time for the 2K at Meech the following weekend, too!

Do You Think ...

2010-03-05T13:05:00.005-05:00

It could be too early? Or are the garden bulbs on the right track? Is the freshness in the air is a sign of what's right around the corner?

Click for bigger signs of spring.

Meet Report ...

2010-03-01T10:58:00.003-05:00

Well, there weren't too many people who had a brilliant meet yesterday. However, it was a chance to get in and swim a long course competition before Nationals.

I entered the 100 fly at 1:40. I swam 1:41.46. So pretty much where I thought I'd be, but not quite the way I thought. N.B. If we remember back to my first 100 fly short course, I could not finish it, so I had serious doubts about my ability to get this one done. I did indeed finish it legally. So yay for me! The first 50 felt wickedly easy, the last 25 lacked a great deal of forward momentum. I had actually envisioned the first 50 slower and the second faster, so now I've done it once (as a grown-up), we'll see what we can do about making it better in three months! But the first 50 felt so great that I don't think it should be slower. I just need to swim 100 long course fly once a week from now till Nationals. Or at least try to.

The 50 breast I entered at :45.0 and swam :44.57, and was reasonably pleased. I would dearly like just once to get a good start and not have to swim catch-up, but I think if it ever happens it will be a fluke!

We swam a mixed 200 free relay, just for fun, although I expect I am pleased there were no splits! ;-) I also need to see if I can find a little sprint mojo over the next couple of months!

The 50 fly I entered at :38.0, swam :38.80 and am okay with that. My GUBT is :38.37, so definitely within range.

And now back to regularly scheduled training!

ECT!

2010-02-26T12:44:00.005-05:00

There has been more cross-training than swimming this week! Enough with the sludge!! Yesterday I willingly did 4 x 100 kick — largely because my arms failed to listen to my brain when I got into the water. And after an hour of pushing last night, and 40 minutes this morning, I am thinking the call of the hot tub is louder than that of the pool today! However, I will at least have a wee swim, as there is no practice in the morning. And with the amount of ECT this week, even if I back off in the pool, it won't be like I've tapered or anything!

Other than that, my Olympic obsession is pretty much swallowing what might otherwise be free time, so posting will probably continue to be light for a few more days!

More Bits!

2010-02-25T11:24:00.003-05:00

I'm all over the map this week! So naturally, this blog is too. So some quick bits today:

♦ from Swimming World a nutritional fixes bit
♦ from a blog Jenny initially sent me to, I bring you some of the most beautiful coyote shots I've seen in a while
♦ if you have a chance to see the wonderful Fiona Reid & Nicola Cavendish in the quiet and thoughtful Mrs. Dexter and Her Daily, please do!
♦ and for the Estee Lauder afficionados, there's a wonderful bonus at Holt's

Tuesday Tidbits ...

2010-02-23T09:53:00.003-05:00

♦ There's something fishy about this shoe! But my, isn't it something?

♦ This could be a more realistic selection for a turquoise bag.

♦ Joel, over at the 17thman, tipped me off to this article which has some interesting things to say about swimming and breaststroke in particular. Thanks Joel!

A Fine Way ...

2010-02-22T08:06:00.003-05:00

To start the day! Much better than having to Fend Off Interlopers!

As usual, you ought to be able to click for a Bigger Boarder.

He Has a Point ...

2010-02-21T10:17:00.003-05:00

The Boarder would just like to point out that if he is Yowling he probably has a Good Reason. After all he doesn't Yowl for the Good of His Health! And if I am questioning whether Someone is Out There on the Territory it is In All Likelihood due to my Inferior Senses. So I stand corrected. There was, in fact, a tom cat Slinking About that I could not see. Also, if I would just come when he First Yowled I would probably know what he was Yowling About at the Get Go! But at least Eventually I Catch On and so it Remains Possible I am Trainable. I have been put on Advance Notice that Super Sunday at the Olympics does NOT TRUMP Territorial Alarm Calls! He'll Focus My Attention Where It Belongs If He Has To Drag Me By My ELBOW!

Not Much, Really ...

2010-02-20T12:22:00.004-05:00

It's probably good this isn't shown in in hues of blue! Although I will point out you can currently get a similar style in black at Bluefly. In other online shopping, I am currently stalking these, hoping that there may be another price drop before they sell out in my size ...

I was going to swim at noon today. I really was. Until my eyes did not want to stay open. So it will be a pulley compromise this evening while dinner's in the oven. On the up side, I met Auntie Jeanne and Aunt Anne at the store today — so naturally we had a long conversation about figure skating. And agreed it would be better to do that with our feet up over a pot of tea!

Other than that, I've got nothin'!

Wednesday Miscellany ...

2010-02-17T08:12:00.004-05:00

♦ There is light cross-training falling this morning, so that will ensure I get out the front door before heading to the pool this afternoon!

♦ Steve Munatones over at The Water is Open has a positive review of TRISLIDE, an anti-chafing spray.

♦ Over at Masters Swimming Canada you can find some corroboration of what your coach has told you — your fingers should be in a relaxed position, not tightly squeezed together.

♦ I told you my hunt for a cobalt blue or turquoise bag was heading to the wrong price point, right?

Monday Miscellany ...

2010-02-15T13:12:00.004-05:00

How exciting and energizing was it to be Canadian last night? It's so hard to quantify! And I really don't think we could find a more deserving person than Alexandre Bilodeau to have brought home a gold medal on home soil.

Right now The Boarder and I have chicken bones simmering — in due time he'll have chicken jello! First of course it will be chicken stock.

In the shiny things file, I bring you this page from Tiffany's — primarily for the rare orchids. They truly are enough to take your breath away. It is possible, that had I unlimited funds, one of these would be my pick!