Erbsville World Reunion

Okay, you've seen [Erbsville Fan Club] but what about that Garage Sale? I'm glad you asked.

It's 'Garage Sale' day and the phone rings. Squiddy patters down the stairs and makes an announcement: 'Melbah, your dear sister, has ordered that we be ready for the Garage Sale at 9:52am. I have a look of shock and horror on my face. I'm doing important things here. It's Saturday; I have blogs to write. I don't have time for 'GARAGE SALES'. "Well, you can write your sister about it if you like" mom says. (Which translates into: 'Don't even bother to try to get out of it. Be ready." )
So I haul my sorry butt into Squiddy's car and off we go. We take a country drive down Erbsville Road and Mom announces: 'Stevie, it's just over that rise. When we get there, I am counting on you to do the talking." I have no idea what I am going to do.
But then I see a woman frantically waving cars into the parking lot. "Oh My God, that's her.

That's the accordion player." Melissa parks the car a discreet distance from the event and we get out. At first I'm thinking I will just look around before saying hello but then I see those arms waving and realize there is only one way to proceed. I head straight for the crazy woman with the flailing arms. As Elaine sees me, I start to say: "Hi Elaine. Remember me? We met the other day at Home Depot." I got as far as: "Helloooo..." and suddenly she shrieks.
"Steeeeeeeeeeeeeeve! Hey everybody, it's Steve! This is the guy I was talking about from the other day" and suddenly it seems that the whole parking lot of people stop what they are doing to witness this event. I come up to her and we hug like long lost friends. Elaine starts introducing me to everyone and telling them: "He just got back from India and Thailand" and he showed the movie of us playing the accordion, all over the World" (which is technically true).

"Hey Steve, you need to meet my brother. He plays the guitar." So off we go
The next thing I know, Elaine is introducing me to her brother, Elmer, and Olaf Olson; Pastor of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church here in Erbsville. Then a guitar comes out and a crowd is forming. I didn't dare look around but my sister and Mom both have their cameras out and this is suddenly turning into a World Event. Elaine (who I think should be running the Home Shopping Network) is ready for her cue. I point to her and say: "We're rolling Elaine" and here's what happens.

Elaine cracks me up. She starts by saying: "Steve is here at the Garage Sale as he is every year" even though I only met her for the first time the other day. She has single-handedly made this visit into an anual event. She's a wonderful promoter. I think CTV is missing out.

After the round of applause, Elmer starts showing us his Car. He tells me he has been restoring it for twenty years and it is a beaut'.

Everything is so surrealistic and these people make us feel welcome as if we're part of the family.We walk around the tables looking at the stuff for sale and find Elmer with a purchase in his hands.This is a quilt that Elaine made for the raffle here at the Church Sale. My sister and Mom bought tickets for it. (In case you're interested Elaine, my sister has a website showing the work she does in this area. See here site [Quilts And Handiwork]

As we're leaving, I ask Elaine to take her photo and she grabs Kelsey (far right) to Squiddy and Melbah in the picture. I hope I hear from my new friends in Erbsville. You guys are a blast and you make me feel very welcome here in Ontario.And for my friends in Alberta, I just want you to see the fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror on Elmer's Classic Car. When I first moved to Alberta in the late 'Seventies, I saw these all over the place in Calgary and Medicine Hat. So now I really feel at home here in Ontario too.

Thanks Elaine and Rudy for leading us to this incredible Erbsville World Reunion.

Monkey Wow!

Sonkhla, Thailand, February 2, 2006

I have become friends with the Major of the Military base between Malaysia and Thailand in the South. He takes me for a tour of the Sonkhla Zoo. This is so different from what I'm used to in Canada. There are not glass enclosures or security walls. You can just walk right up to the animals and touch them.

The Thais here have been feeding this camel bananas right over the fence. I keep thinking someone is going to get his head bitten off, but it's no problem.

This elephant is leisurely scratching his butt on that post. He's like everyone else here; relaxed and just doing his thing.

This zoo is well laid out and I love look of the lush vegetation and sculptures together. My favorite is the monkeys though. They are just a great photo subjects as you'll see here. The question is: What happens when you try to film a monkey through a chain link fence?

Mom's Favorite Child

The storm has been brewing for a long time. The question that keeps raising it's ugly head is: 'Who truly IS Mom's favorite Child?' I hope this innocent video sets this matter to rest once and for all for those out there who seem to have a doubt (you know who you are...Melbah Toasty)

So here is my humble offering. You be the judge.

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Still not convinced? Visit my [Erbsville Fan Club].

Sproing!

It's Christmas morning. Scott is sitting on the couch getting ready to open a big gift. I turn on my camera and start filming. He pulls himself up to get a more comfortable position. But when he sits back down...Sproing! A spring breaks inside the couch and a five inch razor sharp spike comes shooting up right into his butt.

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This is the kind of event you carry a camera for. I can't believe I got this movie. See the story in my blog:

Timeline Journey

This is the exact moment of realization. Scott has just put his full weight on the spring. Christmas just doesn't get any more fun than this...

Timeline Video Clips

These are the Video Clips from my Travel Blog. Enjoy!

Click To Play

Finally the answer to the age old question: 'Who is Mom's Favorite Child?'

Click To Play

Some wonderful school girls I met on the beach in Songkhla, Thailand.

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The story is on my travel Blog: Nirvanah Negotiation

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What happens when you try to film a monkey through a chain link fence?See the story in my story from Thailand Monkey Wow

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Read the story [Erbsville Fan Club]

Click To Play
I say to her: "Isn't that the couple who played the accordian for me last year?" [Read the story

here]

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Sexy Songkran Girls

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How to say 'Happy Songkran!'

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Home From Britain

I decided to stay here in Waterloo and leave the Queen to carry on with her visit to Saskatchewan's Canada. Sorry Liz but my Mom needs me more.

Queen Elizabeth II, followed by Chief Alphonse Bird, walks past a group of young natives as she visits the First Nation University in Regina. Canada has given the Queen the Bird while Ottawa sorts out who will govern the country.

Meanwhile back in Waterloo, I made a delicious breakfast as I awaited the return of my faithful companions. Mmm. Have you ever seen a meal like this?

As I was eating, I glanced out my window just in time to see a mourning dove enjoying our back yard. The cast iron image happens to also be a mourning dove. Just a coincidence? I think not.

The flowers are just starting to bloom here in Mom's front garden.

Finally, at about 4pm Wednesday, I heard a the frantic ringing of the doorbell as the weary travelers arrived. Squiddy and Melbatoasty were up since 1am this morning so they could catch their plane.

I took Melbah to her home, a few blocks away.
I rushed up to her door just as her daughter answered. Welcome back from England you two! It's great to be united again. They told me the beauty of London was overwhelming. I look forward to reading their blogs.

We Have Arrived In England

We arrived safe and sound at our Hotel, The Kensington Close Hotel.

The first thing I noticed when we arrived is how fast-paced everything is. If I were going to use one word to describe it here I would say it's 'nuts'.

The Kensington Close, or the 'Ken' as I call it, is quite a respectable place, and it should be at these prices!

This is my room. It's very comfortable but I really didn't need such a big bed. I'm not expecting company. I ordered some tea to help me sleep but I found I was too wound up, so I went for a quick tour.

This is Kimbersari who I met when I went to see how the pool was. The water felt fine but I decided to wait before swimming.

This is Vicky. I asked her why she was dressed this way but she seemed intent on her phone call so I just left her alone. Now I'm just taking in the ambiance of London as I use this Internet cafe. The keyboard is strange and it is very expensive so I can't stay online long. I just hope Melissa stops napping and starts working on her blog. I'll give a better report tomorrow when we start our tour. This is Stevie with the Reel story on London. Pip pip.

On Our Way To Britain

You may have noticed some silly antics in (Melbah Toasty's Blog) lately regarding my adventures in Thailand.

Melissa and I have been having a slight disagreement but we decided to be more mature and shook hands in good faith as we promised to stop these shenanigans and get down to some serious Blogging.

We developed this mature attitude from Mom, who showed us the benefits of acting our age.Now that Melissa has finally come to her senses, I think that our readers can rest assured that that what you read on our Blogs will be the truth and nothing but the truth.

So it's off to England for the three of us. I was surprised to find myself invited on this trip so soon after arriving home from Thailand but I decided, what the heck! Pip pip, cheerio. Let's cross the pond!

Mel and Gary had a last goodbye hug before we headed off.

Don't argue Mike! We're all going to England, now just drive! When we arrive, I'll be sure to give you full reports of our adventures.

Sibling Rivalry Gone Too Far

I am usually a positive person but there is a matter I feel I need to address. Melissa is a dear (friend), and yes I admit she is my sister, but she has been making some discouraging accusations about me in her Blog. Melbah Toasty has made the outrageous allegation that I have been faking my travel stories. Is she jealous of the wonderful adventures I am obviously having? Does she just not love her inner child enough? It's not for me to speculate. All I can say is I am authentic. I have always told you; my faithful readers; my life as it is. I simply leave it to you now to decide who is the truthful one here. Personally, I think she is just exhibiting some petty sibling rivalry now that she is going to England for a week. I'm happy for her and I want you to know that I am not jealous of her trip, in any way.

And just to show you there are no hard feeling Melissa, I posed for this picture just today. I'm willing to stand and be counted. How about you?

Buddhist Celebration

Kohn Kaen, Thailand, March 23, 2005

Every day seems like a miracle here in Thailand but this day was the most touching.

When we left our heroes they had just polished off 4 bottles of whiskey and gone to bed at 1:30am Sunday night.

It's 6am and the house is suddenly alive. I get up and have a shower and suddenly I am being whisked into Uncle's Police Pickup Truck to parts unknown. I know we're not going to Khon Kaen because they don't want me to bring my knapsack.

We drive for two hours and I have no way to ask where we are going so I just enjoy the ride over bumpy country roads, dodging buffalo and chickens.

Suddenly we arrive at a small village where Thai music is blaring out of loudspeakers and a hundred or more people are sitting at round tables full of food.

Everyone seems to know everyone and Sit and Nu introduce me to several people. Then out comes the whiskey and Chang beer and a smiling young woman who introduces herself to me as 'Jenny' attends to our table. This is Jenny's Aunt I think, and 18 year old Jenny.

I am the only white person at this gathering so I am looked at as somewhat of a celebrity. Everyone seems to want to meet me and I smile and say: "Sawadee cup" and put my hands in prayer position as I do. As I do this the various people smile and return the greeting and nod, saying how nice I am and how happy they are that I could join them (all in Thai, of course).

Jenny is the only one in the whole gathering who knows any English and she keeps coming to our table to talk with me. I took a picture with Jenny and someone I think is her Aunt.

Our hosts insist I start eating and as I fill my plate I realize what these foods are. Dennis: remember when I thought we were eating liver in Kho Samet? It was chicken blood in cubes. (I owed you that one for calling me ugly).

I love the green Currie, and the pig heart chunks are chewy but tasty. I'm really not that hungry since it is only 8 am but I make a good show of enjoying the meal (which was very good actually) and I keep drinking my Chang Beer.

The music coming out of the speakers is a Thai dance song and I start moving my hands in the gestures that Sit taught me the night before and I hear a collective gasp of astonishment from the crowd and suddenly I'm being hauled up to dance.

A group of elderly ladies from the village begin to laugh and clap and encourage me.

Then the most senior of the ladies invites me to dance which Nu indicates to be a great honour. So away we go. Everyone is giving the thumb's up and one man with very big teeth is smiling his toothy grin and laughing at the enjoyment of the dance.

Children scurry around me and laugh as I pull out my camera and take their pictures.

When I finally get back to my table, Jenny asks me to join her as her honored guest at a Buddhist ceremony that is about to begin but Nu motions to me that we have to be going. I thank her very much and my party whisks me into the back of the club cab pickup truck. Before they can close the door, the man with the toothy grin throws a hand in for me to shake and tells me in a very excited tone how wonderful it was to meet me.

Just before the door closes, Jenny reaches in with both hands and grasps my arm and says in a very sweet tone: "You are always welcome in our village, Steve. My mother died yesterday and you made our celebration very special."
See the other adventures [Kohn Kaen Massage] [Kohn Kaen Karaoke 2] [Kohn Kaen Massage]

Koh Tao (Turtle Island)

*WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE CONTAINS IDYLLIC IMAGES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF PARADISE THAT MIGHT BE OFFENSIVE TO SOME SNOW-BOUND READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.*


What I enjoy most as I snorkel in the coral reef surrounding this beautiful Island, is how the current carries the marine life and myself, by the same sway of the current, back and forth, like an effortless dance of nature. The buoyancy of the salt water holds my body on the surface as I watch the pastel of fishes swim past.

I am in awe of the pastel colors that swim quietly before me. The coral reef looks like some archaeological ruins beneath the waves. I glide over a shallow reef to a deep section that drops off to twelve feet beneath me with a bright white sanding bottom to it. Suddenly a large rainbow colored fish swims out from it's hiding place.

The just as suddenly, a school of a thousand minnows flash before me, all swimming in perfect harmony, never touching, suddenly reversing direction; the color of quick silver. I swim into them but they miraculously swim all around me, never touching me; like the amplitude of a symphony, secretly played out in this eternal Sea.

Dennis wanted you to see what a day at the office looks like today from his point of view.

And remember what I've been saying about dogs hanging around us all the time?

We were sitting having breakfast when we suddenly noticed this little guy with us. I asked Dennis to take this picture and he said: "this should be good to get the dog in it too. I didn't even know he was under my hammock til that moment. I feel so protected where ever I go. Meliss, is that you in a new disguise?