Month: October 2022

Calm Halloween

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Today was a very quiet Halloween. Nothing extraordinary happened. We decorated the front yard for the night and bought 150 candies to give away. We hardly had that many kids come down the hill to receive their treats.

My wife and I sat out front with the fire pit on and gave out the candy. I dressed as Johnny Depp’s character from Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas. The fire pit kept me warm as I was wearing shorts and summer shirts. My wife wore her Halloween leggings and kept warm beside me.

Our 18 year old and 16 year old had some friends over. They got dressed up and hit the streets for some candy of their own. When they returned- we had two batches of chili ready for them to enjoy after their walk around the neighborhood. All of our children’s friends are extremely polite and really kind. I enjoyed the conversations with them.

My wife and I wound down our night watching fireworks from our bedroom window. After almost two hours of explosions, my wife went to sleep and I decided to watch some Twilight Zone. Even as the show played- the fireworks continued throughout Surrey.

I love Halloween. Yet the vibe continues to change and evolve. I’m still having fun throughout the years- albeit a bit calmer allowing others to share and entertain. And yes, the fireworks are still going…

Weathering Halloween

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Looks like there is a possibility that rain will be here for Halloween night. It’s not the first time it has rained on October 31st. I do recall a few times having to take an umbrella out to keep the kids dry. But the excitement of free candy kept them going.

As a kid, I lived in Alberta and had to suffer a few snow filled Halloween evenings. Winter jacket and snow pants covered the costume, or you got a baggie costume and draped it over your outfit. It didn’t matter because you knew what you were pretending to be. And you still got candy!

I couldn’t imagine being an adult in my 20’s attending a Halloween party in Alberta like that. Especially since most people showed up at our parties in their “sexy” outfits. I imagine it would look like these.

Again, using your imagination and a Sexy Ghostbuster is pretty amazing. I’ve seen one.

Beetlejuice Carving 2022

Posted on by Josef Havelka

This year someone suggested I do a Beetlejuice theme on my pumpkin. Originally I was going to do him from the cartoon with Lydia and the title plate as well. In the end I opted to do the snake version from the original film.

After years of carving pumpkins, I have gotten faster at it. My first intricate pumpkin was a Jack Skellington one that took over 4 hours to complete. Every year I get faster. I am also able to visualize the finish product as I go.

My intensity in pumpkin carving has passed on to my two oldest children. They have also spent hours carving pumpkins. Our middle loves doing anime fandom style. They are busy working on theirs this afternoon as well.

Besides a picture- sometimes I wish there was another way to preserve these art pieces. But they are meant for one night and then they cut up and into breads, soups and pancakes. We don’t just toss them in the trash once Halloween is over.

Do you carve pumpkins? How much time do you invest in doing it? Show me some of your favorites please!

Beetlejuice.

Avoiding Chips

Posted on by Josef Havelka

My wife and I have always been potato chip eaters. Every weekend was a bag or two. When my wife and I first met- she always had a bag of regular Lay’s Potato Chips and Diet Grapefruit soda (Diete Pamplemousse).

Of course we have had other snacks over the years. From charcuterie boards to mozzarella sticks. But chips… man those are pure evil. A bag doesn’t stand a chance once it’s opened.

Today my wife made a snack plate for us. Goat cheese, avocado, pickled peppers, cream cheese, tomatoes in sliced baguette- much healthier choices for us. and very tasty!

I appreciate that my wife made us an afternoon snack. She put in more work than I would have- I mean last weekend I opened a bag of ripple chips and dip. That was the extent of my ability to bring a snack to the table. I think my wife wins in the snack department.

Memorize No More

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I read a quote today that made me realize the world has changed in order to make us lazier.

Growing up, I memorized numerous phone numbers and locations. I still remember my old phone numbers from the last four houses I have lived in. Most times people say their phone numbers in a singsong manner. 3-3-4 or 3-4. But our last home phone number, I used to mess around and caused a bit of chaos in telling people.

  • 533-4833
  • 888-1046
  • 533-8248
  • 8-5678-02

One phone number I remember clearly was the one my father had gotten for a side hustle that he had started in the early 90’s. The secondary line in our home was 882-8822. When his business was no more, I ended up adapting that number for myself as a teenager. I had my own phone and answering machine. Too cool for school.

Nowadays I know both my number and my wife’s number off by heart. I have no idea what my kid’s cellphone numbers are or any other family members. I don’t even know my work phone numbers. That’s because everything is saved under Contacts in my phone. I even add addresses which means I don’t need to care about how to get places. The same thing is in my navigation in my car.

I don’t need to think anymore. Just announce out loud, “Hey Siri- call…” and that’s it. No need to even scroll to find the name and number once it’s saved. Convenient and lazy. Just like automatic windows and locks in a car. And cameras, and heated seats… too many things we take for granted.

Heck, I could dictate a blog if I wanted one day. Maybe I’ll try that and see how it goes.

Memorize No More

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I read a quote today that made me realize the world has changed in order to make us lazier.

Growing up, I memorized numerous phone numbers and locations. I still remember my old phone numbers from the last four houses I have lived in. Most times people say their phone numbers in a singsong manner. 3-3-4 or 3-4. But our last home phone number, I used to mess around and caused a bit of chaos in telling people.

  • 533-4833
  • 888-1046
  • 533-8248
  • 8-5678-02

One phone number I remember clearly was the one my father had gotten for a side hustle that he had started in the early 90’s. The secondary line in our home was 882-8822. When his business was no more, I ended up adapting that number for myself as a teenager. I had my own phone and answering machine. Too cool for school.

Nowadays I know both my number and my wife’s number off by heart. I have no idea what my kid’s cellphone numbers are or any other family members. I don’t even know my work phone numbers. That’s because everything is saved under Contacts in my phone. I even add addresses which means I don’t need to care about how to get places. The same thing is in my navigation in my car.

I don’t need to think anymore. Just announce out loud, “Hey Siri- call…” and that’s it. No need to even scroll to find the name and number once it’s saved. Convenient and lazy. Just like automatic windows and locks in a car. And cameras, and heated seats… too many things we take for granted.

Heck, I could dictate a blog if I wanted one day. Maybe I’ll try that and see how it goes.

Life Cycling Loop

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Sometimes I don’t want to be at work. And at the same time, I don’t want to be at home. It’s not that I am having issues in either place- I just don’t feel like I am moving forward. Except towards my days off. Which is filled with tasks and chores. And during those days off, I am thinking about my next set of days at work.

It’s mentally exhausting and a vicious cycle. I know I’m not the only one who falls into this trap. Many of you out there also feel trapped and in an endless loop. I don’t have a solution to it, so I’m looking to you for advice. In all seriousness- how do you break the cycle of feeling this way?

Much Needed Rain

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Over the last few days, the Lower Mainland and Vancouver area has gotten some much needed rain. As much as I enjoyed the extended summer weather- rain was badly needed. And welcomed.

Even just the short amount we have gotten so far has brought back a bit of vegetation and vibrancy to our world. This will help with keeping wild fires down as well as give some life to the plants that have needed it most prior to going dormant for the year. I have also heard of people in our old neighborhood having their wells start to run low and even dry. That’s a tough situation to deal with. The rain can help fill those natural supplies once more.

Working or driving in this weather can be frustrating as well. Please just remember to take it a bit slower out there. No one wants to get in an accident or injured. Besides- rain and Vancouver go hand-in-hand according to other parts of the world. But only when it isn’t sunny and those folks are just jealous of the good weather we get most of the other time.

Happy Diwali

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I want to wish a very Happy Diwali to my friends and coworkers who celebrate today!

I had only briefly heard of Diwali in the past from the news and a few social media posts from friends. It wasn’t until last year that I truly got to enjoy the spectacle that emerges with the celebration.

The back of our home faces Central Surrey. There are numerous temples and large homesteads that celebrated last year. We watched fireworks going off all across the tree line in the distance for days. We spent every evening watching from the comfort of our home. It was spectacular. New Year’s Eve and Canada Day paled in comparison to the extravaganza that we witnessed.

Reading and educating myself about Diwali, I came across this information: One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, it symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. To me- that sounds beautiful.

Happy Diwali Friends! Thank you for sharing your celebration with the world.

Terror On Tubi

Posted on by Josef Havelka

This entire month, I have been enjoying some of the most ridiculously cringy horror films ever made. Besides one or two films, most of the movies I have been streaming from Tubi.

What I find amusing is that I had no idea Tubi existed or that they even promoted “Terror on Tubi” this time of year. I recently discovered the app/website when we bought a new Amazon Fire TV and was browsing for streaming apps.

This is the first year I have watched a horror movie a day for the month of October. I may make this a regular tradition every year. I have been amused and throughly entertained this month. I have even had family members join me periodically to watch these ridiculous films.

Anyways, on to the next movie!

With only 8 days remaining until Halloween, todays film is about spiders. I was originally looking for the movie, “Arachnophobia” but have been unable to find it. I also thought about putting on “Eight Legged Freaks”- both films I had seen in the movie theater years ago. Instead, I went with a film from 1975- “The Giant Spider Invasion”.

Do you enjoy bad movies? How about horror films? What are your Halloween traditions?

Family Kindness

Posted on by Josef Havelka

My mother surprised me this week. She called me last weekend and asked if she could come for a visit before the weather turns. She drives from Cambell River on Vancouver Island and it takes a while to get here. Normally if she comes, she brings her friend along for the ride. That friend of hers is the mother of my oldest friend William. This time around, my mother came down by herself. Along with Jodie- her puppy.

The visit was more of a surprise by what my mother did for me- not her time coming out. My mother reads my blogs on a daily basis and I wrote something that got her thinking. She kindly brought me a gift that prompted my memories.

My mother brought over the ruby and gold glasses I had mentioned in Dad’s Ruby And Gold blog. I was taken aback by the gesture from my mother. She told me she would rather that she gave them to me before her passing than after. That way I could enjoy the glasses for longer. It was really kind of her to do this.

I sometimes forget that my family reads my blogs. I also don’t realize that what I write can affect others in a positive manner. Which can positively impact me as well. I love sharing my memories and stories and my biggest hope with the majority of my blogs is to promote positivity. I guess it does.

Thanks Moira for the kind gift. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Shopping Woes

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Today my wife and I were looking forward to a day of shopping. We even went cross border into Washington State to try and find some deals, just like the old days pre-Covid.

The border wait was minimal. When we got to the Costco across the border, we saw numerous BC license plates in the parking lot. We assumed everyone was there saving money. Boy, were we wrong.

We had hoped to save some money on early Christmas shopping. But with the exchange rate being $1.37 CAD for each $1 USD- we really needed to do the math before buying anything. Some of the items said the same price as they do in Canada. Which meant we’d be paying more money and then have a possibility of paying duty coming home.

After Costco, we tried our luck at Fred Meyer and then Walmart. Same sort of results. No savings to be had. We did pick up a couple items that aren’t available in Canada, so at least we came away with those.

At the end of the day, I do not recommend wasting time and effort to travel southbound for my Canadian friends. But with the exchange rate the way it is- my American friends will find good savings coming up to Canada.

We Just Ended Summer

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Today, my wife and I cleaned up the backyard and prepared for winter. That meant bringing in outdoor cushions, wiping down the tables and chairs and then covering them for the end of season to protect it all. My wife also went through and trimmed the last of her large tomato plants (the ones that weren’t in the Greenhouse).

The one thing that really says “summer is over” is the fact that I put the winter cover on the pool. I gave it one final vacuum, cleaned out the filters, shut off the gas and set up the bypass water pipe. That way I can keep circulating that water over winter, but it doesn’t have to go through the heater.

Our yard looks barren now. All set for the rain, wind and potential snow that will come in the following weeks. I’m happy that we have more of our house back as well. We were able to utilize more storage space indoors this year. Over the next few weeks, my wife is wanting to set up her sewing area again. It’s perfect that we get to be indoors more often.

I may be done hanging outside, but I can still enjoy the views from the comfort of our living room and bedroom. It’s almost time to turn on the gas fireplaces to add warmth to our environment.

Are you ready for summer to officially end?

Calming Toner

Posted on by Josef Havelka

A few weeks ago I noticed I was breaking out more than I ever did before. I thought originally it was due to the swimming pool and the chlorinated water. That, it turns out, was just causing my skin to dry out. So I used more moisturizer to combat the dry skin. Naturally, I began to think maybe it was the moisturizer causing acne.

In actuality, it was work. We moved offices at job a couple months back. The vent above our desk seems to not do a great job of cleaning the air. Instead it seems to just circulate the dust from our environment. I discovered this one day after work, when I went home and washed my face before bed. Afterwards, my wife suggested I try using her Calming Toner.

I have now been using it after every shift. I come home, wash my hands and face, then use the toner with one of my wife’s make-up pads. Even after washing my face- dust and dirt remained on my skin. This toner has helped with my complexion and I am still disgusted at the amount of dirt that comes off every day.

This cleaning regiment is now an almost daily routine. I’m feeling good about it, but am also annoyed at my work for having this occur. It also can’t be good for my asthma if that sort of dust is on my skin after a day at work. Just imagine what we could be breathing in while in the office. Ugh.

Stink Bug

Posted on by Josef Havelka

It seems that with the abnormally warm October comes an infestation of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. (Here’s what the Canadian Government says about them: BMSB). A couple weeks ago, I saw a couple inside our home. Naturally, I got rid of them and thought nothing of it. Just a bug making its way inside somehow.

Last weekend, as we started to prepare our backyard for winter, an abundance of these critters were discovered. Under our gazebo, we have our deck furniture set up. As I lifted the cushions up, I began to notice hundreds of these little brown shielded insects conglomerating in groups. They were seeking warmth on the cool nights.

Aside from the initial “ugh, gross” moment- these bugs don’t bite. They are easy to scoop up, but they scuttle away like cockroaches when disturbed. The biggest tip- don’t squish them. That’s when they ooze and cause the stink. There’s not much you can do except vacuum them up and toss them out. I did hear that drowning them is a good way to get kill them. Unless of course you enjoy the smell they secrete when squashed.

If that’s the case, let me know- I’ll bag up a bunch for you to destroy.

Hotumn

Posted on by Josef Havelka

2021

Last year, we had already covered our pool for the winter. That was mostly because the weather was far cooler and wetter than it is this year.

This past weekend, my wife and I enjoyed the sun and an August-like heatwave. I saw someone use the term “Hotumn” and it described the local weather perfectly. My wife and I had a great time floating, splashing, and swimming for a few hours everyday this month.

Coming up on Friday, our weather patterns are subject to drop to last year’s similar cool and wet conditions. Our swimming pool shall be shut for the winter weather by the end of this week.

I’m a bit sad that our enjoyment of the outdoors is coming to and end. I’ve enjoyed the pool and the gardening tremendously this month. It has kept me happy and occupied. Soon, all of our activities will be indoors. Such as more movies, games, and food. I am looking forward to those activities as well.

Goodbye Hotumn. I’m glad you stayed a while longer.

BC Lions

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Last night I watched my first ever CFL football game in person. In fact, it was my first CFL game ever to watch. We went to BC Place to watch the Lions vs Blue Bombers. Even though I don’t follow sporting events- it was a great evening out with friends.

My wife and I parked about a ten minute walk away from the arena. As we made our way to the event, the sun was setting, creating a beautiful skyline. When we arrived, we ordered some beer and poutine. Our view of the game was right on the sideline, almost center field and in the second row.

The action was so close to us throughout the game that I found myself really getting into it. I cheered and stood up numerous times as I got excited by the plays on the field.

There is something to be said about the energy at a sports event. The crowd and the buzz that goes on. I thoroughly enjoyed our night out and would gladly do it again sometime. The last sports team I need to see play in BC is the soccer team- The Whitecaps. I have already watched hockey, baseball, basketball (when the Grizzlies were here), and now CFL.

Do you enjoy being at a game? Are you more of a hockey fan instead of football? Let me know in the comments.

Surrey Votes

Posted on by Josef Havelka

This is the first local election I have voted in for Surrey. Since I was 18- I was a part of Langley Township. Now I am choosing a party in a municipality that I have only been paying attention to for about a year. In this year, I have already seen some things I feel needs changes.

Voting was easy. I showed up at the nearby elementary school, showed my id and proceeded to fill out the ballot. In Surrey, there are coalition, teams, and groups that have banded together to garner votes. On the ballot, it shows which candidate is with each group. That made it so much easier to vote.

Voting is important in every election. From choosing a mayor to choosing the leader of the country and everyone who helps out. I’m hoping to see my voice heard and we shall see which way my municipal election goes.

DIY Oven Range Repair

Posted on by Josef Havelka

This is the second gas range I have repaired in my lifetime. The first one was about twenty years ago. In that time, not much has changed in the process. Except that I get overnight delivery at a fraction of the cost for the part I need. Having done this once before, I had my suspicions on what was wrong.

I shut off the power and pulled off the door. Then it was a matter of accessing the panel at the bottom of the range. At which point I removed the heat shield and saw the problem. Which is exactly what I thought it was going to be.

The igniter was on its last legs. When I touched it, the two metal parts crumbled. Time to pull it out and buy the part off Amazon. The part should arrive tonight by 10pm. If I’m feeling up to it, I’ll finish the repair tonight. Most likely I’ll do it first thing in the morning tomorrow.

If by chance I am wrong about the issue, I will have to go to the internet and scour some troubleshooting tips. But this part need replacement anyhow.

I love doing this sort of thing. Next is to figure out why my upstairs fridge isn’t making ice. I have a feeling it’s frozen solid. Which means I may have to thaw the fridge for a day or two. Thank goodness we have a second fridge in our basement. But that’s for another blog post.

Price Drop

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Today the unexpected occurred. Gas prices dropped about 40¢/L. I was out get blood work done when I saw my first sign. Then I headed into Langley to do some shopping and get an oil change. That was when I realized the price of gas was not a joke.

JoeyKenobi sharing the gas prices.

As I sat in the line to fill up (surprisingly I was only the second car) I went on the “Gas Buddy” app. I was checking out the prices everywhere else. It seemed no one was updating them. So I logged in and added the price of the location I was at. When I hit submit, the app actually asked if this was correct because it was such a large price difference.

I am astonished that we feel this is a good price for fuel as well. It’s still far too high in my opinion. Not like the gas and oil companies are making it obvious that the price can be manipulated at will.

Anyhow, that’s the news for the day. And it’s something everyone I have met is talking about.

Rolling Art

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I’m still a big fan of the art people put on the side of rail cars. Some days the art just speaks to me.

Seeing a comic dragon on the side of a grain car entertains me. It’s not scary, nor is it “fan art”. Yet somehow it seems familiar. It’s perfect for the Halloween vibe.

Then there is the poorly written grammatical phrases that show up. Not all of those are swears or derogatory words are great. Sometimes the Gruve is in the heart. The fact that our autumn has been exceptionally mild and warm is the appropriate sentiment.

Spreading these works of rolling art is something I enjoy doing. I hope you enjoy the artwork as much as I do. I wish I was as talented as these artists are.

Dad’s Ruby and Gold

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I always have an emotionally rough go from the end of September until the end of November. These months are the time I think of my father the most. This year specifically, since September 19th, I have been trying my best to find the good in the memories of my father. I know he wasn’t a bad person. I just felt wasn’t the dad I wanted or needed growing up.

Besides the occasional photo I have of my father, I don’t have much to remember him by. I kept a couple of golf clubs, some tools, a hat and an ashtray. I was given his wedding ring and his ruby ring when he passed away. So I have been wearing them around my neck for the past couple of weeks.

I always remember him wearing these rings on his ring finger. They never came off. That is something I have taken to in my life as well. My wedding ring has been on my finger since 2001. I have not taken it off for longer than a few minutes at a time. Mostly to clean it or check it’s shape.

Wearing them around my neck, I have held them periodically in my hand. I’m not quite sure what I’m looking for by having them. But I as I said, I am trying to focus on more positive thoughts. Perhaps there is a mystical power of the ruby or even the gold that I am trying to conjure.

I know that when I think of the ruby and gold, it reminds me of the bohemian glasses my grandfather brought from Czechoslovakia back in the 80’s for my father. Those are the only glasses I wish to have in my possession one day. Currently those are with my mother. I hope that she will gift them to me at some point. As I mentioned, I don’t have much from my father.

But his rings are important to me. This is the longest I have worn them and I really want to discovery the positivity of their symbolism.

Hang In There

Posted on by Josef Havelka

The past few days have been rather difficult. Mentally and emotionally very challenging for me. Some of it is from work. Some from family. But the majority of my hardship is coming from within.

At the beginning of October I decided I needed an escape that wasn’t harmful to my well being. So I began to watch bad “B” Horror films. So far I am ten days and ten films in. Each day I am astonished at the ridiculousness of the plots and the idea that somehow these films were financially backed.

These films have brought me a few giggles. I am also able to really let myself be taken in by the ideals of movie magic and special effects. My wife is astonished that I discovered Tubi and how many films of this caliber is out there. She chose tonight’s film- “Attack of the Killer Donuts”. Spectacular in all aspects and well worth shutting off your brain.

Each of the films I have watched are shorter than most major motion pictures nowadays. Long enough to make it longer than a tv series, but short enough to keep me alert. With all of these bombs, it is taking me away from my life. A well deserved mental break from the challenges I face.

I just have to keep telling myself: Hang in there. It gets worse…. And so do the movies.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Not going to spend too much time writing today’s blog entry. I was working all day and rushed home to be with my wife and kids for Thanksgiving Dinner. So I’m hastily writing a quick note to wish everyone some well deserved time with family and friends!

I’m looking forward to our dinner, and it’s almost time for me to carve the turkey. The table is set and we are about to engage in conversations.

Have a great Thanksgiving Weekend everybody! Be sure and enjoy your time with those you love and the food that will be served.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Not going to spend too much time writing today’s blog entry. I was working all day and rushed home to be with my wife and kids for Thanksgiving Dinner. So I’m hastily writing a quick note to wish everyone some well deserved time with family and friends!

I’m looking forward to our dinner, and it’s almost time for me to carve the turkey. The table is set and we are about to engage in conversations.

Have a great Thanksgiving Weekend everybody! Be sure and enjoy your time with those you love and the food that will be served.