Dog Training

 

Puppy Stop Barking!

How to Keep Your Dog from Barking All the Time

It's no secret that your dog's barking is driving you crazy. Whether it's because of a neighbor, someone walking by your house, or just because that's what dogs do, it can get pretty annoying. And if you're like me, you don't really want to be the person who goes over to their house and tells them to stop it—because who knows what will happen next?

But I have some good news! By following my simple tips below, you can get your dog to stop barking in no time.

First, find out why they're barking. Dogs bark for many different reasons: they may be bored or hungry, they might be trying to get your attention so they can play with you or go outside. If one of these things is true for your dog, try giving them a snack or playing with them for a bit before going into another room where they won't hear anyone talking (or anything else).

Second, if you notice that your dog starts barking when someone walks by the front door but stops as soon as they leave again without actually opening the door then there's probably something going on outside that triggers this behavior—like maybe there are people near your yard and the dog thinks they shouldn't be there. Some breeds are super protective of their home, people and the territory around it.

Here are a few tips to help your dog stop barking at everything (and everyone).

1) Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise—the more tired he is, the less likely he'll be to bark in between walks and play sessions. If he's not getting enough exercise, take him on longer walks or play games with him more frequently.

2) Keep him on a set schedule: try to walk and play at the same times every day, so that he knows what to expect when it comes time for his walk or game. This will help him learn when he can and can't bark at people or other dogs.

3) Don't let him off leash when there are other dogs around—this will help prevent unnecessary barking because it will keep him from being able to interact with other dogs as much as he would if they were both allowed off-leash at the same time.

4) Make sure that your dog doesn't have access to any people or animals who make him nervous (like children), as this could make him want to bark.

How to change the action?

First of all, you should never hit or yell at your dog when they're barking. This will only make them more scared and confused, which will make the problem worse! Instead, try using positive reinforcement to get them to stop barking. For example, give them a treat when they stop barking for a certain amount of time. Another thing that many people say works is feeding them right before bedtime so that their stomachs are full and they can't bark much because of how full up they feel.

If none of these techniques work for you then talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions for training your dog not to bark so much.

 Time to Travel!

The best time to travel is when it's warm and sunny, right? But if you're a baby boomer, that can mean a ton of extra costs: hotels, airfare, and car rentals all add up quickly.

But have no fear—we've got some great tips for low-cost travel, so you can hit the road without breaking the bank.

First things first: if you're in a motorhome or camper van, check out free camping opportunities in your area. Many cities offer free camping at designated areas within the city limits, which means you can spend less on gas and more on fun!

Without further ado, let's dive into the best free campgrounds on the American highway system!

1. Craggy Wash – Lake Havasu, Arizona. ...
2. The Main Drag 525 – Sedona, Arizona. ...
3. U.S. Naval Observatory – Flagstaff, Arizona. ...
4. American Girl Mine Road – Winterhaven, California. 
5. Sacred White Shell Mountain – Great Sand Dunes, Colorado.

Finally, be sure to take advantage of senior discounts wherever possible! Airlines offer discounts for seniors over 65 years old; many hotel chains also offer discounts for these travelers as well as some discounts on certain days of the week (such as Sunday).

Boost Your Vocabulary and Become a Better Learner

Have you ever wished that you had a big, impressive vocabulary?  Increasing your vocabulary can be fun and easy, and you just might become smarter too.  It doesn't take a lot of time to build an impressive vocabulary ñ just a few minutes a day!

If you want to be a great communicator, do you need to have a great vocabulary?

You might be surprised to learn that a really big vocabulary is not necessary in order to express yourself clearly and to move others with your words. 

Some of the most dramatic messages that have ever been uttered in the English language actually used very simple words to stir the blood, or touch the heart. 

Look at any well-known passage in the Bible. Chances are that the passage does not rely on sophisticated words to create its power. 

Think of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Although President Lincoln spoke in a style that is very different from the way we usually speak today, his words still have the power to move us deeply with their clarity and deep emotion. During the darkest days of World War II, Winston Churchill's rousing speeches to the British people used very simple, common, powerful words to successfully ignite the courage and determination of his people.

So if it's possible to communicate effectively without using a lot of very big words, why should we bother to try to expand our vocabulary? The reason is that learning new words expands our understanding and improves our mental muscles. Every new word we learn entices our mind to stretch into new areas. 

When we have a larger bank of words to draw on, we improve our ability to think and express ourselves. Our thinking will become more fluid and supple, and we will understand more of the world around us and within us, when we have a larger vocabulary. In the modern world the ability to use words effectively is often highly rewarded. 

The English language has an enormous number of words, perhaps more than half a million of them. Most people however, use a vocabulary of just a few thousand common words on a daily basis. It is possible to get by in the English language with a limited number of words, but you expand your options as you expand your vocabulary. When you understand very few words, you are limited in your ability to learn new information. 

If you want to increase your vocabulary, there are many approaches you can use. One good way is to read books or articles that are slightly more difficult than what you are accustomed to. When you come across a word you don't know, see if you can figure out its meaning from the context. Look at the way the word is made up, with its letters and syllables. Does it remind you of any words you already know? What parts of it are familiar? 

Many words in the English language are made up of common roots they share with other words. You may be able to deduce the meaning of the new word from the way the syllables are put together and the way it is used. You should consult a dictionary to be sure. 

If you come across a word you don't understand during the course of a lecture or a conversation, you can ask someone to explain the meaning of the word. Many people are reluctant to do this because they are afraid of exposing their ignorance by asking. 

It is occasionally true that other people may choose to look down on you if you confess that you don't understand a certain word. On the other hand, they may be happy to teach you something new. If you decide you don't want to ask anyone else for the meaning of words you don't know, be sure to make a note of those new words and look them up later.

Should you try to learn new words directly from a dictionary? It depends on your learning style and your preference. Some people will become bored very quickly while reading a dictionary, while others will find it fascinating.

All dictionaries are not alike, and you may find a certain version far more useful than the rest. Good dictionaries will do more than just give a definition of a word. Some will show you an example of the word used in a sentence. Often they will show you alternate spellings, and give the plural forms of nouns and the past tense of verbs. Most dictionaries will show you correct pronunciation. Some will tell you the historical derivation of the word. Many English words have their roots in ancient Anglo-Saxon, French, or German. 

Language is always evolving and new words are being created every day. New words can come from technology, from scientific discoveries, from other languages, from pop culture, and from the streets.

When learning new vocabulary, you can better integrate it into your brain if you actively involve yourself in the learning process.

When you encounter a new word, write out a definition of it in your own words, and write one or more sentences using the new word in context. Visualize the word in its printed form. Say the word out loud, and spell it out loud. Say a sentence out loud that uses the new word. Make up an image in your mind that will help you remember the word. If you make the image funny or bizarre, you will probably remember it better.

To improve your use of language and your ability to think, practice summarizing the theme of an entire article or book using just one or two paragraphs. After you have read an article or book, try writing out two different versions summarizing your ideas. Do one version using very simple, everyday words. Make it as clear and simple as you possibly can while still maintaining accuracy. Do another version that uses very complex sentences and advanced vocabulary, like you imagine a university professor might write. 

This will give your brain a good work-out and increase your verbal and mental flexibility.

If you are committed to expanding your vocabulary, how many new words should you try to learn in a day? It's up to you. Just two new words a day will add up to more than 7000 words in ten years. Ten words a day would add 36,000 words in ten years. 

Once you have learned a lot of new words, should you work them into your conversation every chance you get? The kind of vocabulary you use should always be appropriate to the context in which you are writing or speaking. For example, if you are speaking to a group of high school dropouts you may want to use different words than if you are speaking to a group of scientists. 

Don't use an impressive vocabulary merely as a means of showing off, always using big words when small ones would do. People can often intuitively feel when you are using fancy words merely for effect, and not because you need them to communicate. 

But if your new vocabulary really has become a part of you and has a useful place in your writing and conversation, by all means, go ahead and use it!

Get Ready for SUCCESS! 

Have you determined that no matter how hard you try, you are not accomplishing your goals? Are you ready to enjoy a loving relationship, a successful career, a healthy and trim body, and successfulness? Then close your eyes and imagine that you are in a beautiful hot air balloon ready to take off, to have what you desire in your life.

Now look toward the ground and check to see if there are any ropes holding you down, stopping you from being free to fly. In order to go on in your life, it is necessary to cut those ropes--to overcome not your fear of failure but your fear of success. 

You may be as stormed as I was when I first noticed the fear of success. It seems illogical to push aside the very things we want. We are unique, but our problems are not. See if you tell apart any of your fears, your blocks to success, so that you can defeat them and feel the exhilaration of flying free in your air balloon.

The "Seven fears you should overcome if you want to succeed" :

1. Fear of the unidentified. "I don't know what it would be like to be in a loving relationship or successful career."

2. Fear that success doesn't fit your self image. "What's an average girl from Italy doing in an scoop social club in California?"

3. Fear that people will not like you if you are successful. "If I'm successful in my career, no man will desire me."

4. Fear that you don't merit success. "I feel guilty because I once stole money from my parents."

5. Fear that success has a scary consequence. "If I get the advancement, I won't have enough time to spend with my family."

6. Fear that your parents won't love you if you're more successful than they are. "I don't want my father to feel bad."

7. Fear that to be successful is to fulfill your parents' wishes. "I'm angry at them for not showing me enough attention when I was a kid. I'll show them--I won't have a successful career."

If you are ready to be all that you are and have what you desire, then close your eyes and imagine that you are in your beautiful air balloon. Feel the weights of the fears of success dropping off easily so that you can take off. Look below and notice the beautiful green meadow, the majestic mountains in the distance, and the peaceful blue sky filled with puffy white clouds. 

Now you are free to fly!

Checkout our CWIKlurn Academy library. 

Email us for your FREE copy of one of these books. Limit of one per person. Additional copies available at $19.95 each USd. or purchase the remaining five books for one price of $59.95 USd. That's an amazing 40 % discount off the retail price. 

ORDER YOUR FREE BOOK and Others HERE

Each book averages 30 plus pages in an easy to read format specific to the topic. 

Here are a few excerpts:

Happiness:  Over the years, I’ve met a lot of successful individuals. A few were happy, a few not so much. Too many individuals swallowed the idea that “unhappiness” was called for “dues” along the path to success. Someday, once successful, they’ll as if by magic get “happy.” 

Thus, the spectacle of salespeople working day-and-night, missing family events, deserting hobbies, and staring at smart phones from a deck chair. The horror of watching individuals literally working themselves to death. 

However what if we might work ourselves to life? Get all the info you need here. 

Abundance: Happiness 

The greatest collection of words that will lift your spirits 

It's Golf Season! 3 Tips to get you Swinging Better!

 With the golf season up and running, you're likely anxious to get out there and try for that perfect game. There are many factors that contribute to that perfect game and one of the biggest is swing!

 Having a good swing requires constant practice. Also, your body needs to be well tuned up for it to perform well. Here are some basic tips to help you improve your golf swing and may help you shoot in the 90s or even 80s or perhaps at least break 100!

Do you have a favourite golf player? Is it Tiger Woods or Ernie Els? Have you ever thought that your swing looks like theirs? Woods and Els are two great golf players. When you watch them play, you will definitely notice their graceful and powerful swings. Honestly, it is difficult to imitate that just by watching.

You have to know, see and do differently if you're going to improve. Here are three quick tips to get started. 

1. Warm up. Just like any other game or sport, golf players need a little warming up before starting a round. This is what most players, especially amateurs, often take for granted.

It is best to come early to the golf course and take a few minutes to stretch those muscles and warm up. This will make your muscles "know" that they are in for something and that they should be prepared. Taking a few swings in the driving range will also help you get tuned up and perform better.

2. Exercise. This is really important, not only for golf. Constantly exercising your body and muscles will keep them toned and ready for any activity. This will also prevent common body aches and pains that you usually feel when playing golf.

Getting into the habit of exercising, especially tuning up your muscles will have a great impact on your swing. It will help you have a good stance and increase total balance and control on your swings.

3. Do not swing too hard yet. It is really tempting to give your swing that extra effort. However, it is not recommended unless you already have control of your swing. The key to a powerful and graceful swing is the balance and control that you have, add to it the proper form and stance.

So how do you get to learn to control your swing? Again, it's tip number 2. Regular exercise will, in time, allow you to have a faster, more controlled swing.

Aside from these simple steps to do, it is also best to ask for help from the pros, personally or thru online methods. They can give good advice as they already have learned a lot from their experiences. Keeping updated with the latest about golf will also help.

Also, most players tend to be so conscious in their desire to improve their swing that their minds are focused on every aspect of the swing itself; doing that will only make your swing look awkward. Instead, it is best to keep your mind off your swing. Practice your swing often and a natural rhythm will develop as your muscles start to memorize the action.  Try to focus on something positive (like a successful shot) and the good swing will follow.

Try to do these things when you play golf again. And do these regularly, then notice the change it will make on your next golf swing.

It's nearly the middle of October, 2021 and it's been a beautiful fall with fairly mild temperatures. I hope you all had a joyous and safe Thanksgiving day (in Canada) with at least a few of your family members present. Yes Covid 19 is still causing limitations and it's now 2021. 

I'm going to keep this post and those following in a positive vein because we have enough angst in our lives as it is. We're going to feature some stories about achievement, happiness, humour and whatever else feels good while maintaining a sense of decency. So, lets jump in. 

Here's your "insight for the day" provided by Bob Proctor from the Proctor Gallagher Institute:

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. Amelia Earhart - 1897-1939 - Aviation Pioneer-Author

And now for some tasty bits you can whip up for all the upcoming hockey and football games.  

How about some tasty Home made Chicken Nuggets:

 

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pkg

  boneless skinless chicken tenders
• ·

  all-purpose flour
• 2 to 3 dash

  garlic powder
• 2 to 3 dash

  onion powder
• 2 to 3 dash

  salt and pepper
• 2 to 3 dash

  Mrs. Dash Original Table Blend
• 2 to 3 dash

  Emeril's Orginal
• 2 to 3 dash

  Mrs. Dash Chicken Seasoning
• 1 can

  Italian bread crumbs
• 2

  eggs
• 1 to 1/2 c

  milk
• ·

  olive oil
• Roll the chicken bits in the flour first then the egg mixture then in the bread crumbs or crushed corn flakes that are spiced to taste with salt and pepper and a bit of garlic or onion powder. Or try a sprinkle of steak spice to really add some life to your chicken treats. 
• Set these out on a tray ready for deep frying this rest helps the coating to dry and adhere to the chicken pieces when deep frying. 
• Then, deep fry in the olive oil until nicely browned, drain and serve with your favourite sauces. 
• Bon Apetit. 

That's it for today. 

Hope you'll join us for more POSITIVE news and information. 

Cheers.

We have been Ignored!

Do you Love Canada?

• Has your business or personal life improved or gotten worse over the past four years?
• Will the TMX approval move to completion or be delayed once again?
• Are climate alarmists creating problems or merely creating another way to grab your cash?
• Are you concerned about Canada’s Sovereignty and the Liberal government’s globalist agenda?
• Are you concerned that Bills C-69 and C-48 are designed to eliminate access to world markets even though a pipeline has been approved?
• Are you concerned about government policies that limit your freedom of speech or access to social media?
• Should government be more or less? How many members, how many departments?
• Should every part of Canada have equal representation?
• Should elected official terms be limited?
• Should we have the right to recall politician’s who are doing little or poorly?
• Do you believe that the current wealth distribution in this country is unbalanced.
• Do you believe that Canada has major problems?
• Do you believe that Canada Can Be Fixed?

The 43rd Canadian election is scheduled for October 21, 2019. Voting is a fixed-date procedure but the Act does not preclude the sitting Prime Minister from asking the Governor General from issuing the writ of election at an earlier or later date!

If any of these statements are affecting your life and you’d like to do something to bring about change it’s time to step up and support our efforts to make these changes happen!

How can you make an impact? One person can’t do much but, as a taxpayer, you can join thousands of others in helping to inform and educate about many of the myths, bad policies and mistakes that have been created by the current government. 

We are not here to suggest whom to vote for, but more importantly who shouldn't receive your vote. And, Unlike other organizations we are offering solutions to many of these problems. It is up to our elected representatives to adopt or at least discuss and implement some of them to help fix Canada!

Right for Canada's mission is to make sure that the federal liberal government does not get elected again. We won't recover from another term in office by these people. We really can do this, we can make a difference. We plan to have billboards across Canada telling people to visit our web site. That's where we do our best work, on the web site. Help us please to get the message out!

Join us and help make it Right for Canada! Visit https://rightforcanada.ca/ for more information about us and our Mission and solutions to help Canadians get the next election correct and get our country moving forward. 

Our goal is not to just complain but actually do something about our current situation. The federal election is a mere 4 months away so we need to move quickly!

Will you step up and contribute today? Your future and the future of your family depends on it. 

Go to https://rightforcanada.ca/ now, click on the contribute tab and help make your voice heard and seen!  

Piano Dreams

When I was a youngster, I remember spending Sunday's at Grandma's place on special occasions with grand meals and great family conversation. While the meals were spectacular, the highlight was gathering around the piano after supper to listen to and sing along with my uncle Dave who was a very accomplished musician.

He was involved in musical theatre in his spare time and so we sang lots of the show tunes along with many standards that were popular at that time. Little did I know that those songs would survive the ages and are still as memorable now as they were back then.

There was magic in those 88 keys and if we were able to carry a tune we could join in and create those lifetime memories that never fade. I'd watch my uncle Dave's fingers move gracefully up and down that keyboard and I wanted to learn to play that thing. Mom and Dad had an old upright at home so I started to plunk away. It was a player piano as well with those paper roles full of little holes that made the music by passing air through them. And, just pumping pedals on that old gal I was able to make at least some kind of music. But it wasn't me making the music it was the hoses, and bellows and gears and chains of that old player piano that was making the music.

Oh I knew where middle C was and I could play a mean Chopsticks but that was about it. My sister was taking voice lessons at the time so I decided to take piano. I started with great enthusiasm that quickly waned when I found out I'd have to practice for hours while my buddies where outside, playing football or other sports and building tree houses. This wouldn't do, I wanted to play anything at anytime just like Gershwin, Brubeck, Peterson or any of the great piano masters from the 20s through the 60s.

Not only did I have to practice but the teacher was boring and the music was even more boring. I mean how many times could a guy play the skater's waltz?? I wanted to play Beatles tunes or at least some of the rock music that was all the rage or maybe even a little jazz. What now?

I tried but there were too many other things that I enjoyed and unfortunately the piano faded from memory. It would be many years before a musical instrument drew me in and captured my attention. It had strings alright but it was much more portable. I discovered the guitar!

It might also have been because I began following and hanging around with a great little band called the Sons of Adam. They had a great lead guitar player - Henry, a bassist - Doug, a helluva keyboard player Al, an outstanding singer from Wales -John and the wildest drummer you've ever met - Leonard. I mean he could play a 20 plus minute version of In a Godda Da Vida by Iron Butterfly- Watch Here! Ya, that drum solo! Oh and he's still gigging today out on the west coast and just had his 72nd birthday. Keep on Rockin' Lenny!

So, did I get to be a rock god. Uhm Nope!. Life got in the way and again music was relegated to my car stereo. I did however pick up an acoustic 12 string and have been putzing with that for 40 years and have since increased my guitar or stringed instrument count to about 7 now. I sort of play with most of them but still carry a torch for the piano. In fact I have a keyboard in the music room so maybe its time to see if I can re-learn what I forgot or gave up on.

I didn't want to have to go to classes every week and I didn't want to spend a fortune. I wanted to be able to study on my own time at a reasonable cost so I did a little searching and found this product that fit my criteria.

I'm going to have a look at this program, review it and see if I can at least play a tune or two whenever I want. Keep watching, I'll let you know. Cheers. Dave

Oh and if you want to check out what I'm doing, Click Here!

Are Leggings taking over the fashion world?

Leggings are popping up everywhere and are no longer confined to the gym and home and leisure wear. Youngsters are wearing them to school with appropriate tops, and teens and adults have made them a main part of their wardrobe, teaming them with stylish tops and accessories that make them fit for any occasion.

Solid colours, stripes, checks, stars, moons, leather look and even camouflage are featured in many wardrobes.


Tops can range from fancy to plain and of course stylish black that goes with any occasion. When it comes to accessories you can let your imagination run wild. From belts to scarves, to baubles and beads you can add a ton of zing.  Play it up or play it down it's up to you.



From Calypso comfy to the black striped classic to this subtle grey striped version you can add black or coloured leggings or capris.

Want to add some pizzazzzzz! How about these celestial beauties or perhaps a walk on the wild side.

Or maybe a great looking, walk about pair for shopping, trips to the rink or gym or biking or hiking -- whatever suits your fancy. 

Lets go shopping!

Spring is on the way with Wine and Berries.

Its nearly spring and I'm excited for the next phase of our weather.

I'm thinking of warm meadows, flowers, burgeoning plant life and the birds that will come as well.  This little hillside gem would be a great place to experience the arrival of spring but alas it is just a picture for now. I have to find this vale.

My grape vines need a little trimming and I was going to do that last fall but an Italian friend of mine said to wait until about now to trim off the extra branches in case it got really cold over winter and it did. Now though the sun is providing lots of warmth and I'm afraid if I trim them now they'll start to leak if the sap is running. I'm going to risk it though because I've found a vintner that makes incredible wine from all kinds of fruit. My Valiants will make a delicious dark red so I'm excited about that.

I got 250 bunches last year (double the previous year) and we boiled it down to make about 6 litres of concentrate and that should make at least a dozen bottles.
Here's some of the goodies he gave me last year.

Yes, there is a pear mist and a cucumber melon mist that are both delicious and cooling to the palate. I had a bottle of the LE16 Cabernet over the weekend (well, Saturday night.) and it was spectacular. I can hardly wait to taste the Valiant product.

The garden will be next and the Missus has been planning and plotting for weeks now so it should be a dandy.

We planted a few Hascaps of Honeyberry bushes a couple of years ago and they are coming along well. We've had fruit for the last two years and they are an extremely hardy bush. They're the first to bloom in the spring and the last to go in the fall. They are originally from Siberia and thus their toughness and ability to survive. Oh yes, the Bohemian Waxwings love them too. Little

Growing on the vine.

bandits!!

Here's some of my grapes about mid-July. They start to turn colour about the first part of August and we harvest them in September even after a couple of light frosts. The frost seems to add a little more sugar.

The harvest - Valiant Grapes 2017

I'm just back at my blog after a long absence but will be posting more regularly now as the season goes on.
I hope you enjoy some of my content and invite you to comment or ask questions. I'm always open to sharing information.

All the best with your spring and summer adventures.
Here's more information about the Hascaps from Prairie Plant Systems. https://www.ppsfruittrees.com/pages/haskaps
and the University of Saskatchewan. http://www.fruit.usask.ca/haskap.html

Enjoy! 

Are You Ready For the Rocky Mountains?

Spirit Island on Maligne Lake

Take one visit to the splendour of Canada's magnificent Rocky Mountains and you will be hooked for life. Soaring rock faces, cool lush valleys, tumbling waterfalls, jewel like lakes, amazing accommodations with unequalled views and pure fresh air scented lightly with pine. The Rocky Mountains will continue to draw you in forever. Why not plan a trip there now.

Locally known as the Rockies these monuments to the sky stretch from Alaska through British Columbia and Alberta and down into the USA and feature some of the oldest national parks in north America. Whether you camp in tents, travel with trailer or motorhome or if you prefer, rustic cabin facilities or world renowned Five Star accommodations you'll find it throughout this amazing playground.

Sunwapta Falls

I first experienced the Rockies as a child of 10 traveling with my folks to visit Grandparents in BC's lower mainland. We were prairie folks who made a living farming the fertile soil around Edmonton. We weren't well off but we made do and our first tour vehicle was Dad's pickup truck. It was a '52 or '53 Ford with wooden side racks on the box and a tarp stretched over that to provide cover and a place to sleep and eat. In fact we were having a tail-gate party way before they became popular. There was a mattress on the floor and another support above that toward the front end of the truck with another smaller mattress for us kids to sleep on. Food was packed in a cooler box with dry ice inside to keep it as fresh as possible. Campground fireboxes heated whatever we need so it was a great adventure.

There was only one real route to get to the coast so it was a long trip and that old Ford chugged up some huge hills and down into some pretty impressive valleys which I'm sure heated the brakes to maximum temperature many times.

Now-a-days, there are many routes from the Crows Nest pass in the south the Roger's Pass in the Middle and the Yellowhead in north central. Many of these roads are four lane where possible so the trip from Edmonton or Calgary can be made in 11 to 12 hours if you need to do that. I prefer to take my time and drink it all in.

As I mentioned, there is a wide range of accommodations and you might want to use this service Booking.com to find the best deals. I've used them recently and they make the trip much easier and the more you use them you begin to qualify for private discounts that save you even more money. Oh and the best yet, the service is FREE. Oh, you have to pay for your rooms but signing up is hassle free and you can search accommodations world wide and get some very accurate reviews from people who have stayed at these properties. Enjoy your visit and return here for more adventures of the Old Ford. Next time our Bear for lunch experience.

Buying A Fishing Boat

With the long winter we've had its no wonder that folks are busy hauling out their boats from winter storage and preparing to head to the lake or the ocean to get in some quality spring fishing. Oh what's that? You don't have a boat. Maybe you've always wanted one but weren't sure what to look for. Here's a few first steps for the Nautical Neophyte. 

Selecting the right fishing boat can be a real
challenge and also a lot of fun for someone who is
new to boating.  If you haven't experienced buying
a boat before, it can also be a daunting task to
say the least.

Before you start looking, it's important to consider
the purpose of your fishing boat.  A fishing boat
serves but one purpose - fishing.  You have to
decide if you plan to fish in the ocean, or in other
bodies of water, such as lakes.  This is very
important, as there are different types of fishing
boats available.

If you plan to use your fishing boat for ocean
cruising and overnight stays, it would be ideal to
buy one that has a hull.  This design is meant for
rough waters, riding the waves, and providing more
comfort for anglers while they fish.

When you buy a fishing boat, you should know if it
includes a warranty.  If it does, you should really
study the warranty as not all are the same.  Buying
your boat from a dealer is always a smarter decision,
as dealers will provide repair services if the
boat is found to be defective.

It's also important when buying a fishing boat to
note if the boat is certified by the

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada 

 This agency will guarantee that the certification they

give to every boat passes the agency's standards
of excellence.

When it comes down to it, you should do more than
just look around when it comes to a fishing boat.
You should learn how to look for the best details
to ensure that your boat is worth the money.  If
you take the time to look around, you'll find a boat
that you can truly be proud of.

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Potato Planting Bags

As the temperature slowly rises on the thermometer and the sun rises earlier each day we start to get the gardening itch around our house. The itch is hard to scratch and is intensified with the myriad seed catalogues and gardening supply magazines we receive in the mail. We pour through them, plotting and planning how we're going to lay out the garden and dreaming about how good everything is going to taste and often come upon new ways of growing and harvesting and that's what today's story is about - Growing Great Potatoes!

We've done the traditional in the ground, a single seed potato to a hole for years to mixed results - mostly depending on the soil. In the prairies the dirt can range from excellent black loam to hard pan gumbo clay so it takes a little science to grow those tubers.  A couple of years ago we heard about someone growing spuds in a straw bed. So we thought we'd experiment with that because our spuds in the ground were coming out with little scales or a scab or two on them and the missus is pretty fussy about her potatoes.

We had some great dirt  on the farm but it was pretty strong because it had been a place where they put the horse manure out the end of an old stable that had been long gone. It grew sunflowers up to 14 feet high and tomato plants with a bushel of tomatoes on each vine but the potatoes didn't like it. Maybe straw would do the trick I thought so off to the neighbors to get some small square bales of wheat straw (our bales were big round ones weighing in the 1200 pound range and all hay so not suitable and too big to lift by hand).

With a new load of straw we laid down a bed between 4 to 6 inches thick and then placed the potatoes on top like laying eggs in a nest. Then we covered them over with another layer of straw about the same depth. The hose came out next and we gave them a good watering. Not a soaking but enough the ground beneath would be damp. To make a long story short, we ended up with some beautiful potatoes without any scab and they were certainly easy to harvest. Just reach in the straw and rustle around the base of the plant and pick what you needed for a meal. Oh and one of our heifers got out and toured the yard and saw the straw thinking it was her feed pile and began nuzzling around in the straw and discovered a couple of seed potatoes which she must have eaten because those two spots were bare.

We eventually moved off the farm and into town and bought a place with a great looking garden space unfortunately, the dirt was dead. It had been cropped and summerfallowed (left black) in rotation from one half to the other but nothing had been put back in (green stuff) and the neighbor said there wasn't any fertilizer used either. So it was up to us to breath new life into that soil with good amendments such as leaves and grass clippings and vegetable peals and more straw. It was amazing how much material we put into that soil and it all disappeared each year. This is our sixth season coming up so we're hoping we've added enough now and we're looking for a bumper crop. It was still a little bit hard last year in spots but the earthworms have returned and we're hopeful.

Our Head Garden Inspector on her daily tour.

In the meantime, we still wanted potatoes so we thought we'd use the straw bed idea again. This time we got some damp and heavier barley straw and built our bed then laid the potatoes in as before. We're not sure if it was the weather, the straw or the different dirt but the results were not very good. Small potatoes, scabs on the skin and just plain frustrating. We even tried the straw beds again in different locations in the garden to no avail. Last year we planted them in the ground. Again mediocre results. What to do now.

Potato Bags In Bloom!

The solution showed up in one of our spring catalogs from the local hardware store. Potato Bags! Not the kind you store them in but the kind you grow them in. They are about 2 feet square on the bottom and made of a recycled plastic material that can breath and that allows water to run through it. You put about 4 inches of good dirt and compost on the bottom, place about 5 seed potatoes - eyes up, evenly spaced on the bottom in a square with one in the middle. Add a 1/3 to 1/2 cup of slow release fertilizer around the potatoes then cover them with another 4 to 6 inches of good dirt and just enough water to keep the dirt moist. As the potatoes begin growing (about 12 inches up), add more dirt beneath the foliage and let them grow some more rolling the sides of the bag upward to accommodate the growing spud pile.  Once its nearly unfurled, that's it. No hilling, no weeding, no hoeing just keep them moist, not soaked. the dirt should just feel damp to your hands and crumble away easily.  Once the tops start to die off, you can just open the handy trapdoor on the side of the bag and dig the dirt out with your potatoes and your harvesting.   You could actually sneak a few younger potatoes in case you can't wait. Just wait until the blossoms are on the potatoes and the spuds are about the size of eggs. Then reach in that trap door and dig around with your hand to see if there's any spuds of eating size. Pick a pot full just like picking eggs in the hen house. Close the door putting the dirt back in and get cooking.  We're ordering ours from Home Hardware ($10. each) and they have been recognized and approved by Marc Cullen their corporate gardening expert. Hope you enjoyed the videos and pictures. We'll let you know how we make out as the summer progresses. Happy Gardening!

Here's a video on growing potatoes in a bag. Enjoy. Potatoes in a Bag!

Here's those planting instructions again courtesy of the folks at West Coast Seeds!

Reusable Potato Grow Bags

Grow potatoes right on your home balcony! Three durable polypropylene grow bags come with reinforced top rims and drainage holes. Add a few inches of soil to the bottom of each bag, and place up to five seed potatoes on that soil. Add a further 3-4 inches of soil. When the plants are 12" tall, add 6 inches of soil to the bags, so the plants are half buried. Once they are 12" above the soil, repeat this process until the bags are nearly full. Keep them well watered, especially in dry weather. Each bag holds 54L (48 quarts) of soil. (3 bags). Great for Kids.

Fun in the Big Apple

Spending an Unforgettable New York Vacation

New York City has something for nearly everybody. If you are planning to go on a New York vacation, you can be sure that you will find plenty of things to do that will surely interest you and let you have a lot of fun. Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, you'll see that New York has much for you to enjoy.

Just what are these things that you will be able to do in New York City which will let you  have a memorable vacation? Think about food, shopping, theatre, sports, night life, river cruises, the lights of Broadway, the beehive of activity that is Times Square.

First of all, you'll need to consider that different people have different interests. While some people may find a certain activity to be exciting, there are also some people who may find it boring or tiresome. New York can cater to everyone's needs.

If you love to party, New York City will never disappoint you. You have to consider the fact that New York City is known as the city that never sleeps. There are numerous night clubs and bars with different themes which can let you party it up until the wee hours of the morning. If you are traveling with your friends, then you will find New York City to be a very exciting place to be in. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, you might want to gravitate to the gentler side of New York such as a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park or a leisurely stroll down Park Avenue. Perhaps a dinner cruise on the Hudson.

If architecture is your thing, then you will see that New York City has a wide variety of buildings from different eras to capture your attention. For example, you will be able to visit the Empire State Building where it is known to be one of the best architectural achievements in the modern era. You will also be able to see Gracie Mansion or perhaps the Vanderbilt Mansion. St. Patrick's Cathedral is another architectural wonder that you must visit. With the new and ultra modern skyscrapers surrounding the church, you will see that it is a fantastic contrast between the old and the new.

If food is your passion, then you will see that New York City can deliver. Here, you will be able to sample a lot of fine cuisines from different parts of the world. Whether you love Indian, French, Italian, or even Mediterranean cuisine, you will be able to find plenty of fine dining restaurants all over the city. And, you can even sample the all-American hotdogs, which you will be able to find almost everywhere around the city. And, don't forget to sample some of New York's Pizza.

The Big Apple is also the home of Broadway shows. If you love musicals, then you will have a chance to experience Broadway, which produces some of the best musical productions in the world. Check the latest listings by clicking the link here http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/

Shopping is also an amazing adventure in New York City. You can always go to Macy's or Bloomingdales. But, if you really want to spend a lot of money in your shopping and you really want to splurge, then you will see that New York City has high end boutiques as well, such as Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Vera Wang, and others.

The Big Apple is also perfect for tennis fans. If you love tennis, then you may want to go between August and September where the US Open will be held in the Flushing Meadows. Here, you will be able to have a chance to watch some of the best tennis players battling it out for one of the most coveted crowns in tennis.

 These are just some of the many more things that New York City has to offer. This city is famous for a lot of things. Whatever you like, you can be sure that you will be able to find it in New York City.

How Does Your Garden Grow

Yay, It's SPRING!  That's when a young man's and young woman's fancy might turn to gardening. It may be their first garden though and unless you spent time with your parents or grandparents tending their beautiful patch of soil you might need some tips about how to make your garden grow.

Choosing the Best Plants for your Garden

Many times we buy plants on impulse then find there is nowhere in the garden that really suits them. Before buying plants carefully examine your garden to see how much sun and shade it gets, whether the soil is well drained or waterlogged and whether your yard is sheltered or windswept. You'll then be equipped to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade-loving plants for the sheltered areas, sun-lovers for the warm spots, drought-resistant plants for the parched areas which may be either sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for the poorly-drained parts.

But wait! Test your soil first, to determine the pH level of your soil and what kind of nutrients you need to add, if any. Is the soil acidic or alkaline? Most plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic, but there are some that must have alkaline soil to grow.  You can alter the soil's pH level, but it's much easier to simply plant for the soil you have.

Now you are ready to plant. Well - almost. Will you plant in groups or singly? If you buy 'one of everything' your garden may seem rather spotty. Group plantings are organized, harmonious and you can vary the colour for interest.

Before planting out, place your chosen plants around the garden bed in their pots to see how they will look. Re-arrange them until you are satisfied. Grouping plants in sets of threes or fives usually looks better than planting in groups of even numbers. Be sure that you have an interesting combination of colors and textures of plants. Tall plants should go to the back, or the center if your garden will be viewed equally from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from trees. The roots of trees are fiercely competitive and will steal all the nutrients and moisture meant for your flowers.

The right color scheme is one way to maintain the harmony in your garden. Imagine the color of the flowers when they are in bloom. Some colors may clash with others, but can still be planted side-by-side if they have a different blooming season. Foliage color is also important. Many flower plants have silver, grey or purplish foliage that is just as attractive as the flower. This means that they are still attractive well past the blooming season and so have added value.

In Search of the Best Gardening Tools

Different kinds of gardens require different kinds of garden tools. Hardware stores mostly carry a wide range of tools, but there are shops that specialize in the more expensive kind of garden tool that shouts quality.  (I'm thinking Lee Valley Tools - even though my missus says I'm not allowed in there.) Wherever you decide to shop, here are a few pointers to advise you.

Do you have small garden or a large one? A small garden will not require the same large equipment that would be of use in an extensive one. A ride-on mower is unnecessary if you only have a small strip of lawn. Another point to consider is who does most of the gardening? Some tools are too heavy for use by your favourite gal.

When you buy secateurs or pruning shears, make sure the blade always stays sharp to avoid damaging the plant. Look for models that have blades that can be sharpened or replaced, models with tension control and with sizes that best fit your hands. Secateurs usually cost around $50 - $130.

Hedge trimmers or shears are handy - but only if you have a hedge, or plan on growing one.  Some hedge trimmers have curved blades to stop branches from sliding out when cut.

Forks are used for turning and aerating compost and breaking up lumps of soil. The cheaper ones are often not strong enough for heavy soil, so go for sturdiness instead of price. Forks usually range from  $30 - $100. Make sure that the handle feels comfortable in your hands and has good balance. If the handle is too thick it puts extra strain on your hands just trying to hang on. And don't forget to pickup a good fitting pair of leather gloves to keep the blisters at bay.

A shovel has a scoop blade and is best used to move around dirt and garden soil. A spade has a flat blade great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. The edge of a spade should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting will cause the least amount of damage to plants. These are a basic garden necessity and usually cost from $30 - $50.

A pruning saw is used for pruning trees and larger shrubs, while secateurs are for plants like roses. Pruning saws have a narrow curved blade that fits between stems or branches and easily and cuts them as you pull the saw backwards. They are approximately $27- $55.

A chipping hoe is a handy tool for getting rid of small weeds. The Dutch or push-hoe is slightly more user-friendly as the action required to use it does not jar the neck and shoulder quite so much.

A rake is also a basic requirement for the garden. The strong rake with the flat head and sharp metal prongs is used for smoothing a garden bed and getting out the last of the bumps and weeds. The plastic rake is used to gather leaves and grass clippings only.

Gardening tools don't have to be expensive. Flea markets and garage sales can be excellent places to pick up great tool bargain. Just make sure you wash the tools down before using them in your yard just in case they are carrying any plant diseases in the dirt.


Come back again soon as we'll be talking about Butterfly Gardening and more garden tips. Enjoy