Rolf Devinci

Decided to switch up my deck planting this season by using companion planting strategies. It will be interesting to see the results, specifically in regards to my vegetable plants and edible herbs. Not only does companion planting offer insect predation protection while increasing visits from pollinators but also helps keep the soil rich in nutrients. It is an ideal strategy when you are limited by space but want to have a diversity of plants and beneficial insect visitors. Located six stories above the ground my deck is Southwest facing so receives sunlight from around 2pm until dusk. As a result I am limited to plants that tolerate full sun and I must be diligent when to comes to watering as it gets hot and my plants are all in pots. The advantage of pots is the fact I can always move them around for shade and bring them inside on particularly hot days for a little respite. Started quite simply using marigolds as companion for my tomatoes. Marigolds come well recommended for being co...

 Finally found a Canadian made bone broth that is competitively priced, organic and available online or in select local stores. It is in powder form so not as convenient as liquid but the price and shelf life is better. I know from reading the reviews that some complain about the mixability but that is a lame issue that involves nothing more than a few seconds of stirring. I have made my own own broth broth in the past and it is takes some time so I am happy to discover the Organika brand. In terms of flavor it is a broth so understand it will not make your taste buds dance as broths tend to be on the bland side unless they are filled with artificial flavors and/or sodium. The chicken broth is quite good but I add some of my favorite spices to a mug; oregano, basil and summer savory along with a touch of sea salt and pepper. Makes an amazing cup of broth or as a base for soups, gravies or noodles.  Using two tablespoons you get fifteen grams of high quality protein and only 60...

 Added a replica of a Greek Xiphos to my armory collection in 2022. An iconic blade from antiquity it was one that was on my radar for some time but I was never able to source an affordable sword or one that appealed to me esthetically in terms of build quality and construction. I have recently began searching Etsy as well as the usual mainstream companies that deal in historical collectables and decided to purchase a xiphos from a Nepalese forge. The reviews for Everestforge were very promising and the pictures of the blade upon Etsy were very nice. The original price was very competitive but at the time of purchase was listed on sale at 25% off with free shipping. Total cost was just over $200 CDN. This xiphos has a straight 21 inch blade of carbon steel with an overall length of 27 inches. Weighs in at a respectable 1.5 pounds give or take a few ounces. It possesses a double edged subtle leaf shape with a diamond cross section. Looking down the blade you can see some grind and f...

 Prior to my accident I remained an active senior. I often quipped that my body was old but my brain was still 20 something. I still cycled most days, albeit solo as I eventually ceased club riding after my accident in 2011, even commuting to work during the winter on appropriate weather permitting days. I attended the gym several days a week to strength train, practiced traditional archery and continued to play ball hockey primarily as a goalie but occasionally as a runner. That changed after being struck by a vehicle in 2021 and my subsequent neurosurgery to repair a chronic subdural hematoma. Released from the hospital in early January 2022 I was sidelined until my reassessment in late March. Those three months were the hardest, dealing with fear and anxiety about my condition, financials, recovery and finding myself in a sedentary situation where walking for a little was my only exercise. Coping with my physical limitations and cognitive issues the result of two brain injuries ...

 A year today I was in the initial throes of a medical crisis. At some point on December 26,2021 a chronic subdural hematoma became critical, and I began a descent into a dark place. I have no recollections of the events leading up to my neurosurgery on the morning of December 28th. To date I still have no memories of what happened during those lost hours. Perhaps that is a blessing? I am just thankful that on boxing day evening and the following Monday my impaired cognitive functioning did not lead to bad decisions that could have placed others at harm. It still haunts me what could have happened had I attempted to drive that day. At some point I think I just went to bed where my spouse found me after getting off work. Suspecting something was wrong she attempted to wake me only to realize I was in crisis. Subsequently rushed to the emergency room on the night of the 27th with neurosurgery in the wee hours of December 28 I was fortunate that I avoided a stroke and permanent disabi...

 Today wrapped up the first half of my ball hockey season as I will miss the final Sunday because I am working a rum tasting on December18th. I am quite happy how the first half of the season played out considering I was away from the game for almost a year recovering from my accident and surgery. I will admit I feared my participation may cease due to my injuries and age but my paramedical providers got me back close to my pre accident condition. There were some dark days early in my recovery but my physiotherapist, chiropractor and masseuse told me to be patient and that soft tissue damage sometimes took time to improve. I had fears that my right ankle/calf and knees would be problematic when dealing with the up and downs and side to sides of playing goal. I was concerned my damaged glutes would hamper my endurance and conditioning to play for an extended period of time. I was worried my right wrist and shoulder would become cranky as that is my blocker/stick hand. To address tho...

 To (mis) quote Mark Twain the rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated. I am indeed still among the living but have not visited, nor posted to this blog in quite some time. It has been a chaotic couple years with the whole covid pandemic, the unexpected death of my mother in 2021 and my subsequent accident of last year. The world tried to end me twice but I managed to survive both the auto/bike collision in October and neurosurgery in December.  No need to dwell upon covid as everyone is familiar with the uncertainty, anxiety and frustrations of the pandemic. Despite the signs of aging the death of my mother in August 2021 was a shock. I had spent my birthday (July 31) with her doing my usual Saturday yard work on the farm and she seemed so good that day. Needless to say the call the following morning that she suffered a massive stroke was surreal. As the executor dealing with her estate during covid was frustrating at best. The process took far too long to be resolved, es...