It has been five and a half months since I last wrote on my blog. I may have to change it's title to something more appropriate that reflects the whimsical way in which I ply this hobby. How about "Jim's Stories - Don't Hold Your Breath Waiting"; or maybe "Tales So Private that I Didn't Write Them". Maybe I'll just stick to the title I already have. After all, it's what my readers have grown to know and appreciate. By the way, thanks so much for the surprising number of inquiries as to where my stories had gone and when I'd get back to pounding the computer keys. I'm humbled. Imagine how I'd feel if four people had asked!
I should update you on a few of the important things that have happened during these months of my hibernation.
My last story was about my dog, Jasper, and how we suspected he had gone off to die. We last saw Jasper on December 23rd. Well, about a month ago, Jasper's skeletal remains were found in the woods very close to our house. It was comforting to know he was nearby during his last hours and minutes and that he could probably see and hear those who loved him most. I buried him not far from where he was found. His grave is adorned with many of the very same rocks that we used to play fetch with him. Of all of the pets we've owned, Jasper is the only one buried on our property (unless you count the many goldfish that are somewhere in our septic field). We have Ruby now. She actually came to us from the pound last September. She's a wonderful dog and has fit into our family quite nicely. We have discovered that Avery is very often distracted by Ruby's cuteness. Sure Ruby is great, but I will always have a soft spot for Jasper, the big guy.
In February I started working, actually working where I get a pay check. It's June and I'm still there! As many of you know, my track record for sustained employment hasn't been very sterling since leaving the RCMP in October, 2010. I had 10 days at Costco and 4 weeks at a provincial government job before I decided that neither of these jobs was for me. Coaching hockey, basketball, chess and most recently, baseball, are great but always result in a net loss to the bank account. Cod fishing is unbelievable and I can't do that often enough. Catching 5 fish a day for 3 or 4 weeks isn't about to make anyone rich. It's probably illegal to sell them anyway, as it's a "recreational" fishery. I also think I enjoy giving the fresh fillets, tongues and cheeks away as much as catching them. I can't wait to surprise Mrs. Roche with a feed or two of fish in a couple of weeks. Oh yeah.......I began to tell you about my job. I'm working with the engineering company where my two brothers have worked for years. I guess maybe I had an in to this job but I'm well suited to what they have me doing too. My boss is actually my long time friend, builder of my house, the one who have me my first wedgie and introduced me to bingo at The Star and A. Frank Willis. There's a lot more to add about Bud, but that's a story for another day. So far, so good at Acuren. I like when my hands are busy, as it keeps my mind from wandering off to places where it shouldn't go. As a cop, on several occasions I had to pick narcotics out of human faeces. So far, nothing I've experienced at Acuren has been nearly as crappy. I guess I'll stick around there for a while longer.
My family is my priority in life. My kids are my passion. Kendall will be a teenager next month. I know she is ready, I'm just not sure I am! She continues to be in love with her competitive swimming. As I'm waking her three times a week at 4:45 a.m., I often give her the choice of staying in bed or getting up for practice. She never misses. Last weekend, at a provincial meet, she won 5 individual gold medals and 2 silvers, as well as 2 more golds in the team relay. In addition to being proud of her, I'm learning first hand what true dedication and hard work can accomplish. Avery will be 11 next month. She is so smart, funny and well rounded. She's my Gilligan and fishing buddy. This year I'm hoping she'll learn to gut the cod fry up a feed of tongues for Grammie. Avery can best the entire Nixon clan in any computer gaming challenge and she's great at getting the #1 answer for any question on Family Feud. I'm off now to coach Avery's team in our second game of baseball. During yesterday's game, Avery was doubled off of first base when she ran on a pop fly. She asked me why she was out and I explained the rule. She listened intently and understood, never to make that mistake again, I'm sure. She did say that it was my fault as I hadn't told her that rule. I may not have taught her all of the rules of baseball, but it seems I've done a fairly good job of teaching her to speak up for herself. Did I already tell you that she's only 11! I'm surrounded at home by women - from kids to Grammie and Lynda somewhere in between. Perhaps having picked dope from poo won't seem so bad after all a few years from now.
Stay tuned for more intrigue and adventure. I'm just not sure when that will be.
Jim - The Not So Private I
