Raven's View

A friend recently asked the question to her fans - why do you blog?

I answered her in a comment that seemed to go on and on - so will re-post here.
I had a web page for a few years, mostly to publish my graffiti photos. Other than adding pics from time to time, it was fairly static.
I read about about blogging (online of course), read a few, and liked the concept. After trying a few free ones, I settled on using Typepad.
I like to read other people's blogs as yet another way to experience the world and some of the people in it. I have an inquisitive mind and like to explore and learn. I have some regulars I check thru RSS (via Bloglines) and often wander thru links on them down various paths.
And I have a blog myself because I like to get my ideas and pictures out there, to expand the world a tiny bit for someone else. And maybe get a comment here and there, maybe even make some friends. I find that even without feedback, just collecting my thoughts on a topic and doing a bit or research is a worthwhile exercise for myself and helps me develop myself even further. I know some people show a very limited persona, or perhaps a different side of themselves on their blog, but for me it's WYSIWYG. I've even used it as a reference in singles contacts - telling someone if they want to know more about me, read what I have to say.

The challenge is trying to post regularly - but my contract is not being renewed so I may really be retired - with all the accompanying spare time.  Ha!

"It's beginning to look a lot like Wal-Mart Christmas."

Nothings says Christmas in Canada like three inflatable moose, all in festive garb.

I also saw this in three snowmen, a little more traditional. Might be nice to do the same with inflatable dolls, three lovely ladies grouped together, Santa hats perched cockily on their heads, a bit of garland tastefully arranged, mouths open with a Christmas song.

Haven't been here in a while - too busy busy busy.

I've been on contract the last year and a half - back at the same major telecommunications company I worked at for 24 years. I do Quality Assurance - Operations Readiness tests and deployment plans. But my contract finishes Dec 24th so I'm been busy as hell cleaning up all I can on my various projects. Will be nice to re-retire again for a while. Plus, I'm in the midst of getting my kitchen renovated - cabinets, floor, plumbing, lights - a makeover. Lots of fun, lots of interruptions. I've several pics to sort through - will post one for now. Gives me a nice view out the patio doors of the back yard. Still need the exhaust hood and light installed there.

More to come on Quality Assurance musings (via a separate blog) and renovations. If anyone is looking for renovations contacts in the Ottawa area, or even a new house design, I'll include some recommendations, great contractor, lovely flooring from Embrun, awesome cabinets from Casselman. And a fab designer. Is it all expensive? It's relative - depends what you want, then it's whether you feel you're getting value for your money.

Check out the album so far.