Brennan Duffy

Well after making us wait for 13 days past his due date Brennan finally decided to make his appearance. On Dec 12th at 7:33pm to be exact, 8lbs 12ozs. Everything is going really well and hopefully Brennan and Mom will be home Saturday or Sunday, then the real commotion will begin. He seems to have his days and nights backwards but we're really hoping that he gets that figured out soon. The red hair was a nice suprise, truely Irish,(Grampy Jack would love that if he were still around) and he keeps getting a lot of attention for that. So far he seems really content and when he gets worked up he likes his cheek rubbed. I don't allow that we will have too much trouble finding a babysitter with three sets of Grandparents looking to give as much attention as we want to. It's quite a rush. I have a feeling that this may turn into a baby blog now, but you never know...

Quick but long update.

Well I see that two months have passed and we have just finished recovering from the destructive Wind Gust that destroyed our gazebo, emotionally that is, physically it was just the gazebo that got hurt. Unfortunately Mitch Murphy ruled that we were ineligible for disaster relief, so oh well shit happens.

Just a note that we will be without the interweb for a couple of weeks, we are heading to Montreal for a little vacation, and we have to send the computer out to get a CD burner replaced while the warranty is still in effect.

Some exciting times are coming up I can officially say that I am out of retail, I just got a job at the Airport with Westjet and Sunwing working on the runway. very cool, or hot I guess apparently the pit as it's called gets very warm. Erin is officially done of her classroom work and now she just has to finish her case study and she will finally have her Masters Degree in Education, that's cool, golf clap everyone, don't want to wake the baby. Speaking of the baby we have the ultrasound pic and it will be posted at the end of this note, let me know if you think it's a boy or girl and we're doing the name thing again.

We're looking forward to seeing our friends Patricia and Blair when we get to Montreal, and hopefully Kim and Mike if we can make it to Ottawa or they can make it to Montreal.

Anyways if there is no response from us by e-mail or whatever is done by computer for the next couple of weeks you can blame Futureshop warranty repair.




Please save the "and what a boy" comments it's only funny when Homer says it. But seriously I've seen these pictures and said wow I can't make out anything. We're pretty lucky that we got one where you can see bone ( the bright white lines) and facial features. Isn't this crazy?

Wind Gust Wal

It's never easy to cover a natural disaster, especially when it's in your own backyard.

Last night after coming home from a shopping trip for maternity clothes for Erin, we quickly realized that we were the victims of an uncaring and ruthless gust of wind.

" When I saw our Gazebo thrown into the trees my little heart just broke" was the exasperated lament from Erin. I too was left wondering what type of a world do we really live in anymore? When there are children starving, gangs revolting and a war in Afghanistan and Iraq, now you can add Johnston's River to the list of places in the World that just aren't safe.

And while PEI Provincial Treasurer Mitch Murphy is remaining non-commital on disaster relief for the plight of the Duffy's. Our local chapter of the HoGi's Missionary group, Josh Duffy rolled up his sleeves to get his hands dirty and help pull the gazebo from the trees. Risking the itchy scratches from the trees he bravely went to work.

With the clean-up nearly finished the only question left is where are these poor brave souls going to spend their summer now?

News unleashed...

Well I guess I can finally say why I'm not returning to school right now. Erin and I are going to be having a baby sometime in late November. I really didn't want to put an extra financial burden on us right now, so a raise and a promotion to Inventory Overlord will do for now. We are very excited and are taking any suggestions for names, cool Irish names are the ones that we are looking at, Marmaduke is not one of them.

It looks like I have to wait until around January to have the surgery on my shoulder, hopefully I can have enough recovery time to play at least one more year of baseball.

Well Detroit did not fare out to well, being eliminated in the first round was not what I expected. It looks like Manny Legace will be looking for a new team next year. which is too bad he did have a lot of potential, and I think he would be a great pick-up for the Philadelphia Flyers. Eh Josh. So it looks like I have to re do my Western Conference picks. I have decided to pick the team from Alberta to go to the cup to lose to New Jersey. The Edmonton Oilers will be the Western team to beat now.

In a couple of weeks I'll probably be making new picks but it is fun, I hope nobody put money down based on my advice, and if you did you're stupid.

It's Playoff Time

OK being a Penguins fan and not having a chance to cheer them on this postseason, I'm going to take a chance and try to predict the Western and Eastern Conference finals then the Stanley Cup Finals, so here goes.

The West to me is the hardest to predict since here on the East Coast we don't get to see them a lot, we just get to read up on them and that's not the same but in spite on San Jose playing as hot as they are I'm going with Calgary and Detroit in the Conference with Detroit going to the Finals. Calgary has the best goaltending but I think that Detroit's special teams will take them to play for Lord Stanley's Cup.

The East is no less complicated just better known to me, and being a former goaltender myself how can anyone bet against Marty Brodeur and the NJ Devils. It's strange but I'm going against the formula I used in the West to pick the East's Champions. I believe that Buffalo's special teams will get them to the Conference finals but NJ's goaltending will get them to the Stanley Cup. So it's Buffalo and New Jersey in the East.

Now onto the Stanley Cup Finals where I think that the Cup will go to the Detroit Redwings as Steve Yzerman will get the sendoff that pretty much everyone thinks that he deserves. Now all I need to make this come true is for Manny Legace to pull it all together this postseason.

Let me know what you think and who you are cheering for, personally I'm going for all my former Penguins in New York, how wrong is that?

You know it's spring when...

Oh yeah It's Spring when the Cincinnati Reds start to hit the ole cowhide outa the park and their pitchers serve up gopher balls like they're on a tee. Baseball is back and I'm excited. Of course I won't be taking part in any baseball this season as I have to wait approximatly 8 to 12 more months for surgery on my shoulder. I have a torn or seperated Labrum fun stuff. Although I do plan on going out and taking some pictures of the Senior League home here. If I can't play I might as well watch and document.

There's lot's of stuff that has been happening lately, I'm getting a promotion, I'm officially not going back to school at this time, reasons will be announced in about 3-4 weeks. We have a long lost relative coming to visit the family in May or June which is very cool, we all look forward to meeting them for the first time ever.

It's spring and I'm doing my best to keep My Bro' from going insane while he contemplates where he's off to next. Minor distractions like sports , wrestling and video games only go so far. Hopefully we can find some other stuff to do as it gets warmer.

After being cooped up for a very unusual winter what does everyone plan to do with their spring?

1978 Intermediate D Champions

In 1978 Pierre Elliot Trudeau was Prime Minister

Members of Jim Jones' People's Temple commit mass suicide in Guyana

Pope John Paul II becomes the first non-Italian pope in centuries

Ted Bundy is captured in Florida

The first computer bulletin board system is created

Garfield debuts in newspapers

Ashton Kutcher, Kobe Bryant, Usher, Clay Aiken, and Nelly Furtado are born

New York Yankees win the World Series

Dallas Cowboys win Superbowl XII

Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup

Saturday Night Fever and Grease are the top grossing films

"Night Fever" by the Bee Gees spends the most time at the top of the US charts

Diff'rent Strokes and Mork & Mindy premiere

Oh and I won my first baseball/softball championship. I love this picture, you can just barely see the stubby beer bottles that the guys in front are holding. Everyone including myself are either wearing jeans or shorts. This stuff is great. Jeff Bell, the one with the blue and white striped shirt, once told me a story about my father in '78 who isn't pictured. The Town teams always hated to play against the Murray Harbour team because there was no uniforms everyone was drinking, and it bugged them that there were hard to beat when they didn't try and impossible to beat if they did try. But they had the last straw with Dad, and his rubber boots.

You see come gametime the guys would leave from the wharf and go to the ballfield in a group or a pack partying the way to and from. Apparently Dad was late for one game during a tournament got off the boat arrived at the field just in time to start the game, a thirdbaseman. Well the Charlottetown team was pissed that this team from the Harbour could never organize itself well enough to come up with uniforms so when Dad got to third base in rubberboots they had enough. The week following the Tournament the league council held a meeting giving the guys short notice, hoping they wouldn't show up I guess, But Jeff and Mitch Weibel, back row blue shirt red and white stripes on sleeve, did make the meeting. There was many complaints against them and they managed to keep things pretty much they way they were, except they had to bend on one new rule change. Still known today as the Rubber Boot Rule and thanks to my Father no-one is allowed to wear rubber boots on the field during a game.
And here's Dad Mom and Myself at my wedding, no Rubber Boots here, I think... I would also like t o mention that as I got older I played Ball with all but two of these guys in either the Kings County Baseball League or the Central Kings Softball League.

Random I'll show you Random...

Well it's snowing, but that won't stop that tree from falling in the woods and knocking the barb wire off the roof. If that damn phone doesn't stop ringing then I don't know how we'll ever get that boat to fly. There's something about whiteout that makes your sock disappear in the dvd player. If it takes a day and a half for a chicken and a half to lay an egg and a half, how long does it take a three legged squirrel to kick a hole in a galvanized bucket?

there that's random. do your worst.

Capt Trevor Greene ( Afgan axe attack victim)

I've always heard about people saying that they don't want their friends and family sent to war, and how much they blame the government when something awful happens to them while they are fighthing for rights and freedoms. I have always thought how I would feel if a family member or friend of mine was involved in a situation like this.

Well, I don't have to wonder anymore, it sucks, really bad, you don't quite know what to do, how to show support, or anything like that. I find that I'm doing a lot of reminiscing though and hoping that Capt. Trevor Greene pulls through.

I won't claim to be best friends or even close friends, but we did hang out in the same circle of friends and we held a lot of mutual respect for each other.

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay's comments about how we have to show unwavering support and how any negativity will affect the performance of our troops is both disturbing and insulting. It is very George Bush like. I believe that the average Canadian is informed well enough that they can support their troops while not wanting to see them involved with a war that was started by faulty US international relations. I do, I have friends and family involved with the military, and while I understand that that's the life and risk that they choose to live, I don't have to support the war but I will always support the troops.

For those of you that have tried Daves insanity sauce that's unfortunate, I have. But a funny story about Trevor before I post out. For those of you that have never had Daves insanity sauce 1 drop in a huge pot of chili and it still makes your nose run.

Superbowl 34 St.Louis vs Tennessee, the chili was on the stove the wings were in the oven, we were a group of 12 to 15 getting ready for the big game. Jay Steve and I were getting teased again as the only people wearing wolly socks. It must be a maritime thing. Anyway Trevor shows up like clockwork, an hour late. We are by now accustomed to the one or two drops in the big pot so Trevor goes for the wings finding the hot sauce on the way and never trying it before, uses half the bottle on about a dozen wings, the cries of "Trevor no" went unheeded.

To our astonishment he ate them all "Holy cow Trevor's tough" was the main statement. The Beers kept flowing and to no-ones suspiscions Trevor went to the bathroom, came out, the game ended and we all went home. A week later we found out that while his bathroom trip wasn't suspicious it was unusual, as all the handcream was gone and there was a bite out of a hidden bar of soap. Apparently he didn't go to relieve himself he went to try to stop his mouth from burning without any of us knowing. He would of been successful too if he wouldn't of told anyone.

This is the website that has his bio and some info about the books that he has written, you can also send words of support to Trevor as well. Trevor's a great guy and will pull through this with a lot of support. Say a prayer for him if you so feel inclined.

http://www.closingbigger.com/page141.htm

Back From Halifax

Well I got good news bad news from the dr's appt. Good news is that I'll be as good if not better than new after they scope my shoulder. Depending if it's a tear 2-4 weeks recovery time that's a good thing if the Labrum is peeled off of the shoulder then the recovery time ends up being 20 weeks and my season is over before it begins, definetly a bad thing. What's cool is that the Doc mentioned that when they go into my shoulder with the camera he might be able to give me a copy of the procedure. So in another week I'll find out when the show will happen. Then hopefully I'll be able to figure out how to post the video here.

Off to Halifax

Yeah I'm off to Halifax to get a consultation on my shoulder, hopefully it won't be much long after before they decide to scope it and clean up all the frayed ligaments, so I can start training for the baseball season. It should be a good trip, do some shopping, see some friends, get some canned pop and beer. Oh yeah really long weekend, good for the soul not the wallet.


I don't know whose picture this one is but it's really cool, and I like it.

They finally made it!!!

They finally made it, the camera I was hoping that Canon would make for over a year now.
6 mp
12x zoom with Image Stabilizer
Movie mode that rivals a camcorder with stereo sound
and gun metal grey.
The Canon S3 IS.

Check out the website link on the right called camera stuff to see more of the specs and all the other new cameras that have just been released. Canon seems to be taking the most aggressive approach when it comes to camera volume and quality this year with Kodak making a very nice camera the Kodak Z612.
It will take a lot of convincing for me to be able to get this camera so I hope Erin is ready for,
can I have this one? Why? ah come on. yeah, I promise, Please, but it's the best one at a great price.
Grovelling is demeaning but it's well worth it on this one.

Team Canada??

Wow how weird is it to see a Canadian team play with no emotion and effort at all. I honestly think that the Canadian World Junior Team would put a better effort than any of these guys. It's so weird it almost like they are tired as soon as the puck drops. I guess that's what happens when you're off the sudafed. The US is playing the same uninspired play. It is making the Tournament interesting though who thought that the Swiss would contend for a medal. I think they have to find a way to get Spezza, Stahl and Boyle into the line-up somehow, and get some energy going early.

I don't know, I don't have the answers and it looks like the coaching staff doesn't either.

Oh well if Canada doesn't get a medal GO SWISS.

OK one last thing on Gretzky

I’m just wondering if it’s really the media that can’t let this thing go, as it has now come out that Wayne and Janet are not going to be charged with anything, that they have done nothing illegal at all. It’s disturbing that the media chooses to go and hound innocent people instead of falling for the “Bait and switch” of the NJ State police.

Only the Media has the choice to determine what they write and we read about.If sportswriters are so concerned that Beckie Scott and Sara Renner were going to be thrown to the wayside because of Gretzky arriving in Turino than I would suggest that that is their own fault, not Wayne’s.

It has become painfully obvious that the sports media wants to crucify someone big on this story, and the NJ State officer(s) involved just don’t fit the “big name in stars” profile. It’s unfortunate that things have turned out this way, and I’m really disappointed that no-one has written an article trying to vindicate the Gretzky’s for doing something that has turned out to be not illegal.

I’m tired of people trying to dig in a hole with no dirt.

That was hard for me to write because being a Lemieux fan sticking up for Gretzky is like a Leafs fan sticking up for the Canadiens.

Does this count as being postive since I'm sticking up for someone???

I don't work there anymore!!!!

Ok I was in photoclass, when two people started asking me about all the new photo printers and cameras that Futureshop has or will be getting. Well big fucking newsflash I don't know and I don't care, what those rip off artists have because I don't work there anymore biotch.

It is kinda cool though to hear a customer say that the quality of service and knowledge has gone way down since Marty and I left that pain in the ass circus. Nothing like hearing that people are going there to see if the camera they want is what they want and then going somewhere else to buy it, because the people working in that department don't know anything. It just brings a feeling of satisfaction to my soul.

Hey people I've worked there long enough to know that the crap they push like warranties and service usually covers stuff that never happens, and doesn't cover stuff that does happen. You want my advice find out if the manufacturer has a plan that will extend their warranty, I bet they will honor it and it'll be a lot cheaper.

What sucks big time is that there are lots of big box stores that have opened or are going to open here on the Island soon, so that means that the specialty stores that can serve every need of the photographer will be gone.

Sure we can go to Moncton or Halifax if there is something that we really need, but how many times are you going to make special out of province trips to fill in the needs that a big box store doesn't give a shit about.

I've got to stop bitching here and maybe write something a little more positive next time....

until then.

Finally got Some Pics up

Whew that took a bit but I finally figured out how to link up with flickr in order to post some pics. I love feed back on them so please feel free to check them out and tell me which one you like or don't like.

Gretzky

He's innocent enough is enough. The Media is trying their best to hang an innocent man. After criticizing Gretzky since "Operation Slapshot" was announced, there has been news that Gretzky's explanation has been confirmed as true. But where is the media outrage that he was falsely accused. Oh the deafening silence. I just love how American sportwriters are calling for him to stay home because he would bring disgrace to the Olympics.

Yeah... right... what about all the claims from almost every country that the Americans have knowingly cheated by using steroids and masking agents for who knows how long, yet they can look down at one of the most Internationally respected athletes of our time from their dirty little pedestals.

People will jump all over the one word that I wrote from the last paragraph "claims". Yet all we have on Gretzky are claims that he did this, that, or the other thing, what was it again? Oh yeah that's right, never placed a bet. Yes I'll probably hear about Ben Johnson and his steroid use but I'll match that with Ross Rebagliati and his weed use. They cancel each other out.

How would people have reacted if the situation was Jerome Bettis a few days before the Supercrap? The so called feel good story of the NFL season.

All I know is what comes out in the news, and so far they mentioned everone around Gretzky, without naming Gretzky. So that tells me that the NJ State Police are searching as hard as they can to find anything with Wayne's name on it so they don't have to field questions about how two of their very own have been caught up in this. Ahhh The old Bait and Switch, I love that gig, fools stupid people every time and the media have definetly been fooled.

Anyways Go Canada win one for the Great one.

SUPERCRAP

I'm pissed, the Superbowl is supposed to be a championship game played by the two best teams in each respected conference to determine the League champion. Instead what was played out before millions of peoples eyes was a third team judge the game like the celebrity judges of American Idol or whatever reality crap is out there. The Zebras called the game according to what public sentiment wanted to see, and got. Jerome Bettis "The Bus" finally won his SuperBowl. Big Whup. Bill Cowher finally won the SuperBowl. Who Cares.

The fact that these two feel good Steeler Stories are to be completed on the backs of a refereeing crew so utterly inept at performing against the fans wishes is a shame. Or should I say Sham. Seattle outplayed Pittsburgh but couldn't outplay the Refs. 7 points recalled from SEA and 7 points given to PIT during the game, even if those two plays were called correctly then Seattle wins 17-14.........

It's awful, just awful. SUPERCRAP is a bust again.

Before anyone says that I'm just sore because my team lost, my team has been losing for so many years I can't remember a good season, and it'll be awhile before there is a good season. But I still cheer on the Saints, but if they ever do meet the flavor of the day in the SUPERCRAP then they will fall victim just like the Seahawks did.

Great look at this crap!!

Look at this shit 2 cracks on my guitar, that sucks. Guess I'll play it til it's no good, then HonkyTonk Man someone. Moe if she's not careful.

Can't Sleep

Can't sleep, shoulder is way too sore for that. I slept well Friday night, oh well it evens out I guess. At least I can take comfort in the fact that after 1year and 7months I'm finally going over to Halifax to have surgery to repair my shoulder. Yea Haw. Lookin' to have a monster season on the ball diamond this summer. GO Georgetown Mariners, Hopefully I can throw the baseball all the way from 1st to 2nd this season. Dream big or don't dream.

Don't you find it funny that people used to get so pissed when someone read their diary, yet now they publish them on blogs hoping that everyone will read them? People are weird.

World Domination Plan's err I mean Hey What's up.

Just finished reading up on my bro's blog and noticed that I'm part of his friendlies. Well a warning to all who happen by his link. I am certifiable crazy. No wait I mean, don't expect the same kind of message that Josh speaks to come from here.

While I support all he does, I'm just doing this for amusement purposes. When I try to take over the world you'll know. Um yeah, ahh, crap that's out there now isn't it.

Oh well, the long and short of it is don't expect any deep revealing postings, just my skewed view of the world that we live in. And hopefully any neat pics that I happen to take.

So long for now thanks for the fish.

Mario 66

The first time Mario retired I was devastated, now I'm glad that he got to go out on his terms. Sure he was injured a lot over the past 2 years but he finished his career off the way it should of been. By giving some hope to the Pittsburgh faithful.

If not for Mario I would probably not be cheering for Kansas City, or Las Vegas. Thankfully that won't happen, if they go to Winnipeg I might be able to watch, might!

Anyways, thanks for the memories Mario, Hockey won't be the same for me without 66 in the line-up.

Shameless promotion

Well it's another day less a dollar, I just figured that I would promote my brothers Blog. He is doing a lot of great work around the globe, and I have to say that all of his posts are as interesting as they are thought provoking. Anyways check out HoGi at
http://missionaryjosh.blogspot.com

If he doesn't make you think maybe you'll say hey that's a cool pic, and don't forget to vote in his polls, hopefully I can figure out how that works and I'll put some polls on here.

I like days like this one.

1st one

Well it's snowing and cold out, what did a person expect from January anyways I guess? Makes me long for the good ole days of spring, or summer, or fall.