Whiskey

I have a new addition to the pets. Tuesday night (around 1 am) Connor texted me that he had a present for me. I went to the door (normally I am asleep by then, but I had Wednesday off so I was up. Connor was up because after work he went long boarding with his friends. He was not at the door, so I went back to my room. He came in a minute later with a rat, and was like "I painted one of your rats" I was like that's not one of my rats. They were longboarding, and saw what they thought was garbage. It was a hooded rat. So he brought it home to me, since I have 3 anyways. We named her Whiskey as she is a little wobbly. She seems to have a problem with her left hind area. It does not seem to bother her. She is also named Whiskey because it is in the phonetic alphabet and fits with the other three, She has lice so she is in quarantine in an aquarium for now. Does anyone have any hints on getting rid of lice in rodents?

White Otter Lake Trip

So this was supposed to be the big trip that was planned for almost a year. We were supposed to drive up to Ignace (leaving Wasaga on Thursday June 28 and arriving Saturday June 30) The trip up went rather well. We stayed in campsites where I could put up my hammock, the boys could put up their tent, and dad could put up his. We got to Ignace and stayed at Agimac Lake Resort run by a man named Claude. (If anyone is headed up there, look up Claude, he is amazing. He made the trip worthwhile, he was really friendly, really knowledgeable and went above and beyond as a host) I set up my hammock, but a huge thunderstorm rolled in and dad did not want me sleeping in a treed area with the lightning so I ended up with the boys around midnight. We set off around 9 am Sunday July 1. Bryan and Don met us Saturday afternoon and then they took the vehicles to the take out area. The original plan was to leave the Santa fe with the trailer at the take out and drive Don's truck back. This plan was changed as Bryan's wife did not think she could drive that far up to get him, so both vehicles went to the take out and Claude drove them back (for a fee). Don and Bryan then spent the night in a hotel in town (Bryan is in his 60's and Don turned 70 on the trip). We headed out and the water was not that rough, but we did canoe through a seaplane zone, so we had to be on the lookout for them. We had a lot of gear so the canoes were heavy, but we were still making ok time. The boys were being a little silly (paddling with two paddles, pretending the were tourists...) We did the first portage (with a little grumbling as it took a few trips) We decided we would try the longer portage instead of two shorter ones, but we could not find it, and concluded that it had been flooded. So we went to do the two shorter ones (One was 240m and one was 750m) we made the first one no problem and after some debate decided to do the next one before camping so we did not have as much to portage the next day (there was supposed to be 15 portages between our put in and the castle). The first 15 feet or so were ok, but then the trail turned into bog. We were struggling through knee deep mud. We were all carrying at least 60-80 lbs (Don was carrying a canoe and the rest of us had a front pack and a back pack). After at least 700m we came to a fork so we stopped to see what trail we needed to take. The boys headed straight, and went at least a km and came to an underground river and swamp. Dad went up a hill. That was apparently the way, but it was mostly uphill with a hug tree blocking the path. We all talked, and it would take at least 3 hours to portage everything over, and by then it would be dark, and we would be exhausted from multiple trips through knee high mud, up hills and around trees... and we did not know how the portages after that were. If they were as bad and we had to turn around and come back through all the mud again...We decided to turn around. We went to the beginning of the third portage were there was a camp site and set up camp. We were all exhausted. My back was bothering me a bit from the portaging so I ended up going in with the boys around 2 am. We headed back to Claude's. The waves were a little bigger and canoeing back was not as easy as the way there. When we got back we discussed (along with a few locals) on what to do next. We decided that trying to canoe in another way probably would not work. It would be a two hour or so drive there, then 6 portages with no guarantee that they were not bog as well. We talked about motor boating in, and in the end we decided to Zodiac in. Claude once again took Dad, Bryan and Don to the "Take out" to get the vehicles. On Tuesday Claude came over and said it would be about the same price to fly in, and the airline could take us in that afternoon. The plane had 8 seats and if we found 2 more people to go with us, it would be cheaper. Bryan found 2 more people. So we flew in. It was Dalton's first plane ride so we got a real kick out of watching him. It was pretty cool to see all the lakes below us, and it only took 10-15 minutes (which was way better than portaging all the gear) We had about half an hour to look around the "Castle" which was really neat. The "Castle" was bigger than our house. The boys had fun running from room to room and jumping over the window sills. We saw why Jimmy had picked that spot. The beach was gorgeous and the view was amazing. The only bad part about seeing the "Castle" was all the graffiti. It was all over the whole structure which was really sad to see. We flew back, and then headed to Sandbar provincial park for the night. The next morning we headed out. Don was headed to Alberta and Dad, Bryan, Connor, Dalton and I were headed to Sault St Marie. We were dropping Bryan off there to meet his wife. We stayed the next night in Rainbow falls and did a little hike to see the falls. We stayed the next night in Pancake bay provincial park (which was really nice) Connor, Dalton, Bryan and I went swimming in Lake Superior, and the water was not that cold. We headed to Sault, dropped off Bryan and went to the bush plane museum, then headed home. We arrived home just after 9 pm and we are not unpacking and cleaning. All in all the trip was pretty good. I will post pictures later (or you can see them on my facebook)

Long Time...

I seem to be having longer gaps of time between blogging...A lot has been happening. I got a new rat (so I have 3 now.) She is grey, and her name is Lima. They all get along, and are starting to get mischievous. They have a lot of energy, so I try to let them out to play as much as possible.

Connor got me a part time job in the kitchen at Boston Pizza with him, but it is closer to home, and I was really not enjoying working at Blue, so I quit there and am full time at BP now. I am having more time to myself, more time with my animals, more time to relax.

I was learning to snowboard, but since the hill is about a 45 min drive away, I don't go much. It was more fun than I thought it would be though.

I got a new tattoo the other day (my second) It is on my calf and represents my favorite bible verse.


But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

There is not much else that is new other than that. I am working about 5 days a week, 9-10 hours a day. They like me there. Connor was made shift supervisor. I am hoping to go to fan expo this year. I am going with dad to White Otter Lake Castle... That's about all I guess

25

So I turned 25 today, and with that came the realization that I am nowhere near where I wanted to be. When I always thought of the future, I thought I would be married (or at least dating), with a solid job (preferably a ranch). Instead I am working 3 jobs to make ends meet, single, and broke (in debt due to college and my car.)

In a way I guess I am content, and even more blessed than others. I have a roof over my head, food to eat and a car to get me places. I am not sure if I am mature enough to be in a relationship (I also see the trouble some relationships have) so I guess I am ok with being single for now. I really only get mopey about my situation when I compare myself with some others my age, those married, on a salary, no debt...

I have been thinking for a while about going back to school, but now I really want to. I am thinking of either vet tech/assistant or youth/social worker. I wonder if I sell a kidney if I will be able to go back then...

I decided to name the rats Echo and Helo.

In Loving Memory

As most of you know, my grandfather went to his forever home last Thursday. The funeral was yesterday (Monday) and it went well, if you can say that of a funeral. There were a lot of stories, memories, jokes... The common ones were his ice cream spoon, werthers candy, and his love of Newfie music.

Amber, mom (Laura), Leanne and Linda and I each had a little speech, and Jenna sang a song. There were a lot of people there, and they all had good memories, showing that he was well loved and lived a good life.

Mom will be doing a bigger blog, but I felt that I had to say something to remember him. I finish this blog with a bible verse that reminds me of him. He always loved wildlife, and I believe that he is not suffering anymore but walking and running.


'Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:28-31

Names

I have some new friends that need names. We are hoping they are both girls. Here are the names that I like. I will have a vote on them till Friday at which point I will pick a name. Please respond with the name you like or if you have a suggestion.

Tango and Cash
Helo and Echo
Tweak and Twitch
Chevy and Nova
Flotsam and Jetsam (mom likes these but I think they are not girl names)

Misc

Today has been a very productive day. By 10:00 i had already taken the dogs jogging, gotten snow tires (bought and installed) and went to the dollar store for more "Operation Shoebox" stuff. Then I had a nap and when I woke up I went to the barn, had a lesson and then did the pm barn chores.

I am now going to eat dinner (after showering, as my parents are weird and do not like the smell of barn) then I will probably do the cat litter, and head to bed.

I am working as a housekeeper at Blue Mountain (or should I say hill compared to some of the places I have been). I had contacted them before moving back (as a safety net in case nowhere else was hiring). Most of the places I tried were not, but Blue is not a bad place to work so I can last there for a while again. I got home on Thursday October 27, and was offered a job on Friday, but wanted to look into some barns that had called me. I went to one, and they were looking for part time help or working student. So I accepted part time and will be helping her with some young horses as well. I am mostly working in exchange for lessons, but may take half lessons and half pay. Back to Blue... I called Monday and accepted the job, and started Tuesday.

The dogs are glad to have me back. I am living in the basement at my parent's house for the time being (not sure how long this will last as it is insane sometimes. But between the trip here and getting snow tires, I am almost broke.

That's prob it for now as I am eating.