Kevin's Ramblings…

Sometimes, well, most times, my 3 Doctorates in Procrastination get in the way of me being productive.

This week’s example, preparing for my cruise. I leave in 2 days, in fact I’ll be at the airport exactly 2 days from when I write this entry at 4:39am on August 13.

I was partially productive earlier this week, on Monday, when I got most of the house cleaning completed. Since then, nadda.

I have a large amount of laundry to do and when I say large, probably 4 loads anyway. I need to go to both Costco and a grocery store. I need to get a link taken out of a new watch band. Have I done those things? No.

Well, today is THE day I guess. I do have a load of laundry in the washing machine, so that’s something. I will make it to Costco today, as soon as they open and I will get the watch band adjusted. Honest. I will.

I really don’t have a choice. I need to get my laundry done and put away so that my sister in law doesn’t think I live out of laundry baskets, which I do, but I can’t have her thinking that, can I?

I was good for about 3 weeks doing laundry weekly and putting it all away. That was about 5 weeks ago so I’ve only done 1 or 2 loads of laundry since. Luckily, I have tons of clothes.

It’s a struggle, I suppose. A self imposed struggle. It’s also laziness I guess. I’ll be better after I return from my cruise. Honest. I will.

It’s been a busy week of getting ready to be away for a week on my cruise.

Yesterday, I cleaned the apartment, I just have the floors to wash now, and the bathroom. My sister in law is staying here Friday through Thursday to look after Apollo, then Apollo goes to a buddies house for the weekend.

I still need to do a ton of laundry. My three Doctorates in Procrastination are hindering my laundry being completed. I do work well under pressure though, so I’ll get the laundry done today. Or tomorrow.

I also need to get some groceries, I think I’ll make a Costco run this morning, or tomorrow, or Friday morning. You see, I’m great at procrastinating.

There’s a ton of food in the house, I just need some stuff to fill the gaps. Can I get out of Costco without spending $200? Probably not…

I have to be at the airport by 4ish on Saturday morning, maybe a little earlier. Good thing I’m normally up at Stupid O’clock anyway. It’s Calgary to Denver to Houston to Orlando going to Florida. The ship leaves Sunday at 330pm and I board at 130pm. We get back Sunday August 23 and I fly out just after 2pm arriving back in Calgary just after 1030pm. I have a nearly 3 hour layover in Chicago coming home.

I’m sure my Velcro dog will miss me while I’m gone, I’ll miss him. He’s the most affectionate dog I’ve ever had. I’m sure he’ll be treated like royalty while I’m gone.

I’ll be posting pics and what not while I’m cruising, follow along.

There’s a delay in picking up my new vehicle. Not the dealership, it’s ready to go. It’s my investment company.

For whatever reason, it’s taking longer than I can call normal to transfer funds to my bank account. I mean, it’s an electronic money transfer, everything has been signed…  Sigh.

Since I’m going on vacation on Saturday for a week, I’ve scheduled it for after my return. If the money doesn’t find its way into my account while I’m gone, I’ll be moving my funds elsewhere.

They are charging me whatever fees they are charging (out of this world expensive, in a way) and I’m not getting what I would call great customer service.

I suppose that there are government regulations and what not in place, so it may not even be their fault entirely, but it’s frustrating at any rate.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a huge deal since I’ll be away, but it’s disappointing. I was looking forward to getting my Bronco before my cruise and booting around a bit, and for those who know me, I am NOT a patient person.

I guess I’ll have to be patient, for now…

Apollo and I headed to Crowsnest Pass for the weekend on Friday afternoon.

I had dinner with a friend, it was an Indian buffet which was disappointing. It was cheaper than it was before, but the buffet was tiny. My friend had arranged to have a dessert brought out and they played happy birthday on the speakers.

Saturday morning started early. Apollo and I hiked around where Blondie, Hera, Twix and I used to walk almost daily. I went for brunch and then napped in the afternoon.

Dinner was at my former next door neighbours place, ribs, veggies, corn on the cob and a Dairy Queen ice cream cake that I brought. Whatever that chocolate crumble stuff is in the middle of the cake is amazing.

We left early Sunday morning, around 3am and headed back to Calgary, got home shortly after 530am. Sunday was a very relaxing day.

I’ll be prepping for my cruise this week, getting groceries for my sister in law who’s looking after Apollo while I’m gone. I also get my new car this week, so that’ll be awesome.

Apollo bought me a Buffalo Bills jersey for my birthday, I’m not sure where he gets his money, but it was an awesome gift, thanks Apollo.

I had heard good things about Jersey Mike’s subs from friends who had gone. One is due to open in the next few weeks/months in Calgary, but there is one in Red Deer Alberta and I decided to make a road trip today.

Apollo and I headed North on Highway 2 around 2pm. It’s not a long drive, just over an hour.

I ordered two subs, the large size. I don’t think they call them large, they are gigantic. They are also excellent.

They freshly sliced the meat and cheese being used and the veggies are super fresh.

I was barely able to eat 3/4 of the one sub I ordered, I just finished the last quarter now, 6 hours later. I still have one more sub for tomorrow and I’m sure it’ll be as good as the one I had today.

I’m looking forward to it opening in Calgary and I’ll be a regular customer. Great subs indeed.

This has been a week of nothingness. I like it.

I haven’t been sleeping all that well at night so I’ve been napping during the day a few times every day. I also haven’t been doing much really. I’ve taken Apollo to a few different dog parks and we’ve had some good walks.

We went to Sue Higgins Park and walked the perimeter and as he often does, Apollo took off to make dog and people friends. I don’t worry about him, he always finds me. This time, I got back to the entrance and waited about 20 minutes until he showed up, all exhausted. It looked like had a good time anyway.

We may go back there today, later this morning but before it gets too hot. It’s a great park, lots of dogs and lots of space.

Today and tomorrow will be slow days, no real plans. I think a trip to Costco is in order, I need some stuff.

On Friday afternoon, we’ll head South to Crowsnest Pass and go on a hike where Blondie, Hera, Twix and I used to frequent. We’ll check into the hotel and then I’m having dinner, Indian buffet with my friend and former neighbour.

Saturday I’m having breakfast at the Golf Club with the same neighbour. I may be attending a BBQ in the evening. It’s my birthday but it’ll be low key.

I checked my mail this morning and I got a photo radar ticket. I was 18kph over and the fine was over $400. Absolutely ridiculous if you ask me. I think I’ll plead not guilty, like I did with the red light ticket (I wasn’t driving for that one) and the prosecutor cut the fine in half, hopefully that’ll happen with the speeding ticket, which was me.

There, you’re all up to date.

It’s a holiday Monday today, Heritage Day in Alberta, Civic Holiday in Ontario, unsure what it’s called elsewhere in Canada. It’ll be a relaxing day, I’m sure.

I may go to Costco, if it’s open, but I am thinking it won’t be, one of the few businesses closed, if it is. Google says it’s open, I’m not entirely trusting them though.

It’s cooler, which is quite welcome after a pretty hot July. Today’s high is supposed to be around 19°C which is definitely an improvement over the upper 20s. I think I’ll take Apollo to one of the dog parks for a hike.

Nothing much going on this week until Friday when Apollo and I head to Crowsnest Pass for the weekend. We are staying at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Blairmore, it’s been totally renovated and is a pretty good deal.

On Friday night I am heading to the Indian restaurant with a friend for their buffet. We are then going to the golf club on Saturday for brunch. Apollo and I will get a hike in on Saturday and then possibly a BBQ on Saturday night. We’ll head home Sunday. I’m hoping I’ll have a birthday cake in there somewhere, we’ll see.

Should be a nice and relaxing week, enjoy yours.

I went out for dinner last night at Cactus Club in Crowfoot.

I started the meal with calamari. It was very lightly breaded, cooked perfectly and the dipping sauce was amazing. A 10/10 appetizer for sure.

The main course was a Cajun blackened chicken breast over potatoes and brocolini, amazing. The chicken left a quick burn on the tongue, great flavours. The potatoes were awesome, mashed with something, unsure what but really tasty.

I finished the meal with creme brulee and it was awesome.

All in all, an absolutely amazing meal, I was stuffed to the gills.

I had never been before but I’ll definitely go back.

Welcome August, July sorta flew by.

This’ll be a busy and fun month I’m thinking.

Next weekend is my birthday weekend, I’m turning 55 a week from today, Saturday, August 8. Apollo and I will spend the weekend down in Crowsnest Pass, having dinner with a friend on Friday night and coming home Sunday. Should be a good weekend.

I get my 2026 Ford Bronco Sport somewhere around August 12. I can’t wait to get it. That’ll be a great birthday gift for my 55th.

Two weeks from today, I fly to Florida for my cruise which leaves on Sunday, August 16. It’s my first cruise and really, the first “real” vacation I’ve had in ages. My sister in law is looking after Apollo while I’m gone, she’s staying in my apartment so Apollo’s routine won’t be disrupted. Apollo will be staying with a buddy the last few days I’m gone as my sister in law had to be in Edmonton.

The rest of August will be slower, I’m sure. No plans, although I might rent a small trailer and go on a camping trip with Apollo.

September will be here before we know it. Enjoy August.

I went to the Calgary Humane Society yesterday at 430 to meet with Bolt and the meeting went well. He’s a good dog, very high energy and I’m sure he’d have gotten along with Apollo.

Last night though, in thinking about it, I’ve changed my mind and won’t be proceeding with the adoption.

Although I do like having two dogs, something in my gut tells me not to proceed and it’s a strong feeling. Apollo seems fine as an only dog and is happy getting all of my attention and that’s how it’s going to remain.

I’ve cancelled the dog on dog meet for today and I’m sure that Bolt will get adopted by another family and for now he’s in foster care.

I may consider another dog at another time, but right now isn’t the right time for me.