Now with three boys in the family, we need more space. Maybe not yet, but soon each kid will want his own room - and of course we need an office. So our small bungalow was not big enough. Option #1 - move to a bigger home. This we didn't want to do, because we love our neighbourhood (in the forest with the lake near by), the school Jakub just started to attend, the neighbours. Option #2: Build an extension. That is what we chose - building up our house - a second floor. There will be three extra bedrooms upstairs plus a washroom. A few more weeks, and we'll have our wish. Here are the pictures of the progress of the build.

Jakub and Robert are very much into magic now. Although sometimes they don't really understand the concept of magic, but they try their very hardest. It's so so cute.

We went to Sherbrooke to visit our friends (Beata and her daughter Karolina). We took our other friends along (Asia, Jurek, Amelka, Natalka). It was supposed to rain, but the weather changed, and it turned out to be a great day. Here are some pictures from the trip, a little hike we did, and then a swim in their ultra clean pool. I love to go visit Beata - there's always so much to do.

Finally the weather is nice. Spring is here. We decide to go to the library by walking, about 4K round trip. Jakub wants to take his bike. If he succeeds, this will be by far the furthest distance he will have crossed by bike.

We start off with Robert on the bike, because he insisted. His feet scarcely touch the pedals and he doesn't quite get the steering, but he has a good time being pull by his balloon string.

Then comes Jakub. He still remembers how to ride, but not at 100% efficiency. He especially doesn't remember how to stop and there was one scare when he kept on rolling almost into the street. Luckily he bailed into someone's lawn.

Jakub proved that he had the stamina, if not pride enough to keep a short spell of whining inside.

I would suggest that everyone do the Niagara Fall Marathon!

Two weeks ago I tried another marathon to get to Boston, and the lucky one was Niagara Falls. It starts in Buffalo, we cross the bridge into Canada, run up to Lake Erie and then run down the Niagara river finishing right at the Falls. It was spectacular.

The run itself was quite good. I had some Mitch Hedberg comedy on my MP3 player and ran well for the first 10k or so, then running up to the mouth of Niagara river very near the turnaround I felt a sharp pain in my achilles. During my last long run before this race I had injured it, but I had taken good care of it for the week prior and hoped it would last.

I immediately changed my gait to more of a Terry-Fox style to avoid using my calf and heel. The pain went away after just a couple of minutes and I was running well again.

Everything was great for another 12 or so k when the heel came back. This time it stayed for about an hour. My pace went down to around 5:30 or 5:45 or a minute + slower than I needed it to be. It is a good thing Bogusia didn't come watch me during that time because I would have gone off with her.

An hour later and the heel was numb, which allowed me to go faster again and I hit under 5:00 for the last almost 10k. I had enough energy to rocket through the last 500M at a flat out sprint which I paid for.

Final time: 3:27 Personal best, under 3:30, improvement of almost 8 minutes from a month ago and only 17 minutes off my goal. The race was a pleasure with great weather and scenery. I'm happy with my time and I think I ran close to the best I could have.

So I ran the Montreal Marathon.  My excuses, in advance, are:  I had a cold, it rained and there were puddles so my shoes were wet the whole time.  Also my aerobics instructor targeted my quads on the Thursday class, compromising my delicate muscular tuning.

My goal was 3:10, Boston Qualifying Time.  I achieved 3:34:23.

Positives are:

• The time was decent.  It was very close to my all-time best of 3:31:45, which was achieved in Vancouver after training at altitude (700M in Edmonton).  It was at least 15 minutes better than last year's time, which was done at the peak of health and during which I felt like I had run a strong race.
  • Analysing the results I see that this was a tougher marathon than Vancouver.
  • In Vancouver I was in the top 17.6% of all men and 24.2% of those in my age group.
  • In Montreal I was in the top 12.6% of all men and 15.5% of those in my age group.
  • Median time in Vancouver was 4:15, median time in Montreal was 4:17.  The winner in Montreal also ran 2 minutes slower.  Not sure what that means, but doesn't seem like much.
• The route was great.  We ran through some classic Montreal locales
  from the Formula One track, to the Old Port, various historic
  neighbourhoods, and finishing with a 3/4 loop around Olympic Stadium.
• My 10K and half-marathon split were perfectly paced for achieving the 3:10.  I had never been able to control my pace in a marathon before.
• I did beat the Running Room's 3:30 pace bunny.  I think.  I saw him only at the starting gate.

Negatives are:

• I should have been able to hit between 3:05 and 3:20 I thought.
• I may have "wasted" a year of training because I'll have to it all again when I try next year.

Anyway, it was great overall.  The training was great for my body and I continue my tradition of running a marathon a year.  Thanks so much to Bogusia for letting me spend the time to do those runs, and for cheering me on during the race.

A little late, but here are the pictures and stories from our camping trip to La Vérendrye Reserve. You can click on the slide-show to get a full-screen version.

The Réserve Faunique La Vérendrye is huge, covering over 12,000 square km with 4,000+ lakes in it and 800km of defined and maintained canoe camping circuits. We started at the serviced entry point, Le Domain on Saturday of the Labour Day weekend. Out intent was to spend two days and one night, avoiding the traffic of the entire North Western quadrant of Quebec being serviced by a two lane highway running through many small towns.

Saturday

We arrive shortly before noon, purchase our park entry ($7/night) and fishing license ($12/day inside the reserve), and pack the canoe.  Everything fits.  Put-in and take-out are on a great sandy beach where the kids played until we left.

Last year we found an excellent campsite and we hoped to get the same one again.  It was the sole site on a very small island with a great view; very successful for our family and the Altons with the dog and kid entourage.  Unfortunately we deduced that our target campsite was taken because we saw two canoes charging full steam to the island it was on. Our idea was stolen by a quicker Quebecer.

Campsites are marked on the map as a number, and on the shore with bright yellow diamond signs visible from a distance.  The number tells you how many tents fit on a site.  We wanted one with only 1 or 2 so we wouldn't have to share and could the dogs and kids run free.  Our new target became a "2" site on the point of a moon-shaped island about 4 kms away.  The nearest other site was completely on the other side of the island.  We chose our side because it was close to other islands, which we thought would provide good swimming, fishing and viewing opportunities.

Success:  The site was vacant and it was gorgeous.  We covered the sign with a lifejacket indicating that we were there.  Canoe unloading and tent set-up followed.

It was late afternoon by this point and I wanted to get a swim in before evening.  Jakub and I, along with the dogs, swam about 100m to a tiny island.  The water was chilly but we had no problems, not even Jakub since he was wearing a lifejacket.  He is turning out to be a champion swimmer.  I decided to take Robert as well by towing his lifejacket.  Fantastic fun at first until a couple of waves wet his face and he started to fuss.  Of course the fussing meant that Robert turned over, got more water on his head, swallowed some, and generally thought that he was going to die.  No danger of course since he was completely secured in his life jacket, but he stopped having fun.  We got to the island and decided to come back because Mommy was the cure for near-death anguish caused by Daddy  Back we went.

Then came dinner:  A yummy pasta, fire-browned marshmallows for desert and tea. One of the great things about this park is that you can harvest wood from the forest, which means big fires for us.  We burned a tree and a half -- don't worry, they were deadfall and not that huge.

At dusk, between dinner and desert, we did a little fishing.  It was very exciting because, although we ultimately got nothing, we saw fish coming to take our bait at least five times.  Bogusia even got a full bite, but it got off before she brought it in.  Jakub lost his fishing rod in the water but cried like it was a leg he'd lost.

Sunday

On Sunday the view from the campsite was breathtaking.  Perfectly calm water upon which floated a slight mist puncuated by the sound of loons exactly like in those Canadian nature commercials I remember.  I did a little more fishing before breakfast, again with no luck.  We caught a leech and sentenced it to be bait this time instead of the fake grubs.

Breakfast was ichiban au eggs and maple sausage.  Delicious and filling.

We headed off fairly early so that we could see something interesting around the lake.  Our tour took us up a little stream to another lake, and past some of the scenery and other islands, until we finally reach a beautiful shallow beach where we ate lunch and played for over an hour.  Since it was close to the take out, maybe 2 km, we decided the dogs could wade that far or chase us on shore.  It worked great except when it got deep and the dogs tried to swim several hundred metres. They were no Phelps doggies and we had to send them back to shore.

That's it.  Take-out, jump in the car and head home.  We did hit some traffic, but it was due to construction not Labour Day jams.  Have a look at the slide show. You can click on it to get a full-screen version.

Our friend Dave gave us notice, quite some time ago, that he was getting married and that we were invited to the wedding. How exciting, since we had rarely seen or heard from Dave after his move to California a number of years ago. Multiplying the excitement: His wedding would be in Florida at Walt Disney World!

We stayed at the "All-Star Movies Resort", a basic on-site hotel. There are three "All-Star" resorts situated together and each is a set of three storey, motel-style buildings decorated in Disney themes. Our room was in the Mighty Ducks section.

Day 1
We arrived and settled in. The Disney Magical Express took us and our luggage from the airport. Bogusia was on a different flight so Daddy and the kids checked in and waited the few hours for her to arrive. Then we headed to the excellent pool to start taking advantage of the Disney experience.

The on-site gastronomy consisted of a food court. Bleh. Cafeteria food for dinner. Afterwards we took a walk around the area. We found a few playgrounds, lots of Disney theming, and a McDonald's for a milkshake.

Day 2 - Animal Kingdom
Our Internet advice was to get an early start. Get to the parks just as they open. This is good advice. We got to the Animal Kingdom before the gates opened. There is a store at the gate where you can get last minute essentials. $30 gets you sunscreen and 4 batteries at this bargain-hunters paradise.

The first ride was the 3D Bug's Life movie, which scared Jakub and Robert witless. We immediately went to the African Safari afterwards, which was a great success. The day consisted of the Dinosaur Bones Digging Park, The Dinosaur Ride, White Water ride, The Yeti Rollercoaster, Petting Zoo, Train Ride, Excellent Thai Restaurant. Highlight: Alex got a picture with Pocahontas. We had a great time here and were able to get on many rides with hardly any waiting. The kids loved the late afternoon parade.

When we came back to the hotel, we didn't even have a chance to go to the pool, since the kids were over tired and fell asleep instantly. The Animal Kingdom is awesome for little children.

Day 3 - Magic Kingdom
Arrived early again. This time a greater volume of the horde arrived with us. You must ride Dumbo first if you want to ride it at all. Even making a beeline we still had to wait 20 minutes. Jakub had a bit of malhumour and had to sit out. When he was cured we hit Winnie the Pooh, Teacups, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, and Stitch.

The rest of the day was a bit of an ordeal. Lots of lines, many rides that our kids could not ride, heat, and crowds. We eventually gave up on the rides and stuck to exploring the park on the trains and boats.

We wanted to go to somewhere nice for lunch, perhaps the Crystal Palace. Apparently you have to reserve four months in advance. We were lucky enough to just show up and wait 30 minutes for a place. It was worth it because Winnie the Pooh and his friends were hanging out in there.

Sunset brought the Spectro-Magic Parade in which all the floats and characters are lit up in the darkness. Immediately following that were the famous fireworks overtop the castle. By the time these were finished so were we. The kids didn't even make it home before passing out.

Day 4 - The Beach

We rented a car and GPS and got out of Disney. We started off to Atlantic and stopped for breakfast just outside of Disney in the real world. The waitress told us that the Atlantic had rip currents so perhaps we should go to the Gulf. Since both were the same distance we took her advice.

Clearwater Beach was EXCELLENT! The kids and adults loved it. White sand, warm water, not too many people. The weather threatened but never followed through. Dinner was at some seafood place, not that great, and then we headed home at night.

Day 5 - The Wedding
Dave's Wedding was like none I'd been to. The ceremony itself was in a chapel overlooking a lake with the stage backed by a window framing the Magic Kingdom Castle. We passed under the Disney monorail to get there, and upon entering we received Mickey shaped fans printed with a guest list.

The procession began with the priest laying down the rules, followed shortly by the handsome groom. I've never even seen Dave in a tie before so he looked very top drawer in his tuxedo. Dave's wife-to-be followed. The priest said all the things that priests say at weddings and the two were quickly married. Then there were pictures, executed with Disney precision and speed. It took at most 30 minutes to snap every possible combination before transportation beckoned. We blew bubbles over the bride and groom on the way out before hopping on a bus to the reception.

Passing through a back-door VIP entrance we ended up in a room with one wall that was a giant aquarium. The newlyweds entered to much fanfare, included a scuba diving Mickey Mouse. The food was great and, although there was no alcohol, the DJ got us all dancing. He was so good that Mickey and Minnie joined the party. By 4pm it was over and we were let loose.

One of the wedding guests was a long-lost friend named Juraj, who came with his girlfriend. We spent the afternoon and evening at the pool and in "downtown" Disney looking at Lego stores and taking free rides on the water taxi.

Day 6 - The Return
Uneventful at Disney. We got the bill; it was huge. We boarded the Magic Express bus and off to the airport. Bogusia took one an hour earlier for her flight whilst the kids and I played at the playground one last time. The flights left on time, but unfortunately they did not arrive on time. Mine was diverted to Toronto due to "weather" over Washington, making us about 2 hrs late. Bogusia's was diverted to Philadelphia and she was perhaps 7 hours late.

I'll make it public so that maybe I have a chance at achieving it. My friend Joel and I have agreed to a "six-pack by summer" challenge. We are both reasonably muscular, reasonably athletic people but have never had a six pack. I've always had a nice layer of insulation although, maybe like everyone, I can feel my hidden six-pack. We've decided to help each other achieve this goal with a formal challenge.

Here are the rules: On or before July 1 2008 we both need to have a visible six-pack. By visible we mean that we need to clearly and undeniably see at least the vertical and one horizontal cut. If we achieve this then our two families will go on a reward weekend to NYC. If only one achieves this then the reward is gone but the one who did not achieve has to pay a penalty to the other, which has yet to be decided. The goal is for BOTH OF US to make it.

We started about two weeks ago. My stats at that time were as follows:

• Weight: 192 lbs
• Cuts: 0
• Pants: Tight after Christmas. Cannot slip a piece of paper between tummy and pants.

Approximately 14 days later am at:

• Weight: 185lbs
• Cuts: 0
• Pants: Loose.

Approximately 1 month later am at:

• Weight: 179 lbs
• Cuts: Am starting to see the top two of the pack!
• Pants: Belt at smallest notch and still loose.

 Approximately 6 weeks later am at:

• Weight: 179 lbs, about the same as before, but I think some of it is net gain of muscle.
• Cuts: They're not mythical anymore.  You can definitely see them starting to come.  Top 4 are or can be made visible under most lighting conditions.
• Pants: Belt at smallest notch and very loose.
• Energy:  High, have increased the excercise.

My strategy has been to restructure the diet. Eliminate simple carbs and reduce volume of food, substituting protein and fibre mostly. Increase excercise (although I haven't scheduled this much yet). So far these results have come almost entirely from the intake side of the house.  I expect to strongly increase the excercise over the next month as the weather starts to allow safer running.

I'm off from work for a week and staying at home alone with the kids. Weather outside is very cold and Bogusia has the car so we're pretty much housebound. Here are some of the super fun games we play. Includes the Dangerous Snake, the Fiery Crash, the Moron Game, the Scaring Game and the Victim Game.