Bear Attacks

During the last few weeks there have been an unusually high number of bear attacks on people. As we are invading the territory of the wildlife in general and bear territory in particular, we can expect more of this to take place. People are searching for new adventure and pushing the outer limits of seeking for that special thrill of being only one of a few to penetrate back country. There is a great feeling of being alone in this environment, but with this comes dangers. Wary travellers with knowledge have low risk but casual visitors to these regions are at a very high risk for problems.

I have spent years in the wilderness of the Arctic where weather is the greatest danger - more than bears. There were rules to follow and failing to follow them could cause grave results. While living in Ikaluktutiak, Nunavut I received a call one day on my radio phone from travellers who were in a difficult situation on the Back River, south and more east of us. Eight men in canoes were moving from an inland drop off point and travelling to the coast to be picked up again before returning home.

Their problem was bears; many bears. The Back River is a wonderful river to canoe but there are shallow stretches with rock and sandbars making travel a little challenging. Portaging is necessary and most people decide to walk their canoe through this stretch of the river. The water is cold and swift and footing is very bad. At this place in the river, these men were confronted with a family of barron grizzly bears. These bears were feeding on dead caribou that perished during the migration. There was an abundance of food for these bears and they were not likely to move any time soon.

The solution was to backtrack and try to move around the bear family or try to paddle through and escape down river. These bears are known as mean bears and will attack without warning if bothered or with cubs. Our advice was to back up a safe distance and wait. A Otter twin engine with tundra tires was to be dispatched and safely pick up the travellers. Tundra tires are huge soft tires which make it possible to land on very rough terrain.

The pilot and myself left and, after the hour and a half flight, were at the scene. We could now see eight bears - and more coming - and the men in the canoes about a mile upstream. The pilot chose a landing area which was acceptable and waited for the people to come to the plane. We were able to take all the men, their gear and two of the six canoes, as there was fear of damage on landing or takeoff.

These men had fear and used good sense and made their trip have a happy ending. Less experienced folk would have chanced the walk through the bears with grave results. I knew these men as they were from down south where I used to live. Their trip was shortened by a day but they came to our town and took advantage of resting up and meeting the Inuit from our hamlet.

Around the campfire that night (really day as the sun did not set) they heard firsthand from the Inuit of the encounters with these bears and were thankful for the choice they made. Bears are powerful animals and deserve the respect shown by these safe and not sorry adventurers.

Pear Invasion

Our pear tree was planted six years ago in our back yard. It was one of those end of the year sales and I paid $7 for this crumpled, awful looking fruit tree. Devoid of leaves in October and guaranteed for a replacement if it did not flourish, I loaded it our van and brought it to our tree family. After planting I was to be disappointed because the location was unsuitable. In late spring I moved it closer to the house on the fence line. It grew and grew in one year to become quite a tree.

The second year it had so many blossoms and later fruit I had to prop it up. The fruit are large and heavy. The tree is now in it's fifth year of bearing an incredible number of fruit. I have to prop up every branch as the weight brings the branches to the ground.

Last fall I clipped seven or eight feet off the top and reduced the length of all limbs by five feet. After the slaughter of the poor tree it was a manageable size but I thought it would have a long recovery time. When we arrived home from Florida we were surprised to see this giant tree once more taking up a large portion of our side yard.

The fruit are flawless and provide all in the area with beautiful Anjou pears. The squirrels and raccoons have first dibs on the fruit and squirrels with fruit, heavier than themselves, are seen climbing to safety with their prize.

We make pear marmalade and other treats with the bounty but I like just biting into the sweet, ripe fruit for my daily snack.

Expectations

With the summer half over we are taking a long look at the prospects of a good vacation trip in the coming weeks ahead. Our mother in law is having her yearly trip to New Brunswick for a visit to her family and friends. As she is almost 93, all of her siblings have passed away but she has long term friends in extended family and one sister in law with whom she will stay. Flying alone unassisted at her age is a little challenging, but she manages well.

While she is away we will have some time to ourselves and plan small trips for golf in our geographic area for a week. After this we begin our Maritime tour with a visit to friends in Cape Breton. This year we intend to visit the White Mountains on the way down and have a few days of golf. We love the countryside along Route 2 through Vermont, New Hampshire and running into Maine.

Our class reunion this year is a little special as it is our 55Th and is getting smaller each year. I believe we are the only class that has had a reunion every year since graduation. This year we are adding two extra days to be together before the formal reunion. The little town of Parsboro will be our host and on the dock there is a sign that tells of the highest tides in the world with regular tide of 58 feet. In the spring and fall on the full moon it often reaches 66 feet. It is a wonder of the world and it a fitting venue for we to hold our get-togethers as we like the tide rise up to the occasion of re-uniting with our friends.

Planning your free time is almost as good as the actual journey, but this year we feel our journey will meet all our expectations.

Get Together

Another family get-together and it was a party for Theresa but really it was great to have everyone in the same room again. We had old friends from Sudbury join us and they enjoyed the kids. A few were missing but the ones there made up for it by constant chatter.

Our family is maturing and when the grand children are in their twenties, it tells a story. We don't feel much older but numbers don't lie so we are maturing (gracefully). I love to watch and listen to the interaction and hear words spoken that reflect my values and assumptions. This is especially true when it comes to politics, and most have a liberal view. Actually most are socially conscious and vote not for the party, but the issue.

Theresa loves birthdays and all that goes with it. She has immersed herself in the family and coming from a single child family it must have been quite a conversion. With the grandchildren entering into relationships we feel blessed, as the new kids on the block are so great. I have always said that when your children are growing up and joining the world out there, know their friends. Good friends make for happiness and growth; bad friends make for a crappy future.

There was plenty of good food and more laughter than you could stand but it was the look on Theresa's face that told it all. I should not report this but I was so involved with the arrangements that I forgot the gift for Theresa. How could this happen? We planned to go away for a few days golfing on her actual birthday but it was cancelled. For all the planning I did I missed a little thing. I pleaded a senior moment when told of the inappropriate act but I am not sure Theresa bought it. I will make up the difference in the future but for now I will have to make sure I know which way the wind is blowing.

Get-togethers are wonderful and I truly love the fact that all our family feel the same way.

The CFL Today

After More than ten years of not going to the CFL games I was given a chance to see one with a friend. John won a pair of tickets for the Toronto - BC game and asked if I would accompany him . I gladly agreed and for the first time in a long while I drove to Toronto and parked under the Dome. When we walked up the three flights of stairs we were immediately at the front door of the Dome. Everyone in the vicinity were in a party mood as Toronto was on a winning streak.

The roof was open and the 30 plus temperature made us feel we were back in Florida. We had front row seats and as we made our way down the music, cheerleaders and the booming voice of the announcer gave us that noisy welcome I had forgotten about. I lost interest in the football league when the Ottawa Roughriders were bounced from the CFL.

I tried to get in the mood and it was not until a few plays were completed directly in front of us that I did. Being at field level did not get us the best view so we decided to move up to seats higher to gain views of the whole field. The game was ok but not too lively until the last few minutes when the home team made good plays to finally win in the last minute.

There was something exciting about the game but I lost that desire to pay the hundred dollars to watch. Television gave me a better view of every play and although I had a good experience it will probably be ten more years before I return. John and I had an opportunity to converse and talk of the older days and how football was played on outdood fields in all weather and we did agree that you cannot bring back that special feeling from old time football.

Happy Birthday

Theresa celebrated her birthday yesterday and it turned out perfectly. With best wishes from her mom and myself the day became a flurry of activity. Theresa's close friend came over with a beautiful rose and an invite to lunch. With a little spare time they shared a small glass of white wine and some good conversation. They were off to their favourite lunch restaurant.

We had planned to do something active and chose to go for a bike ride along part of the Cross Canada Trail along our lakefront. The weather was hot but a nice breeze cooled us as we stopped many times to see the large areas of wild flowers. Of course we took a few pictures. Arriving back at the car we decided to have fish and chips at a Bronte, family owned business and were not disappointed.

Before leaving for home we went to the Oakville Marina and walked out on the pier. There were hundreds of people there fishing, watching the International Boat races, just sitting and enjoying a wonderful evening. I suggested ice cream to complete a great day but Theresa suggested we stop and buy a large box so were could enjoy at home. We did just that and arrived home to find out we missed a visit from daughter number three and her two sons. They left a beautiful bouquet of flowers. So Theresa began the day with flowers and ended it the same way,with flowers. In between all this activity she read E mails and took calls from the family and friends. Daughter number two and family completed the day with calls from Ottawa.

Birthdays are important to us and I was so happy to see another one begin and end on a high note.

Birthdays

Everyone has a birthday each year and in our family we celebrate each one in the same manner. It is cause for us to get together and to rekindle the family spirit. Good food, great talks, picture taking and the focus on the one celebrating the special day. We never seem to get tired of the ritual and this weekend Theresa is going to bask in that spotlight.

Our family and friends live all over the place and it is rare that all can assemble for every event. Those missing are noted and talked about so in a way they are present. When we have an opportunity to have a family gathering for any reason there is that little extra excitement to look forward to. We as a family like to group as often as possible and when there is no special reason we simply call it a family day and have our fun.

Theresa and I are separated from the kids when we go to Florida so we are specially aware of the importance of these occasions. When we look through our family pictures most are taken during these celebrations. This weekend we will gather here and have a great visit with the folks and plan the next one even before this birthday celebration is over.

Times Have Changed

My friend Doug often forwards interesting items to us to stimulate our minds and often to make us laugh or at least smile. The other day he sent a copy of the Woolworth's lunch counter menu from 1950 and it had the prices of the day.Since this was in my era and I well remember the cost of items I smiled as I often Tell my kids and grand children the cost of items from the past.

I never go to movies and sometimes tell the kids that the Saturday matinee used to cost a nickel and the evening show was a dime. When I ask them how much it costs now they say twelve dollars or something like that. They must get tired of me comparing then and now when it comes to costs.

Every once in a while there are publishing's from the past carried in newspapers. These writings give young people a perspective about the past. We used to invite older people from the community to come to our classrooms to interact with the students and the value was evident for both as the exchange gave each an understanding of the other. It is not always useful to live in the past but it is important to look behind on occasion to see where you came from. This helps in planning your future. I liken it to a walk in a forest where you had not been before, you should look behind every so often to make sure you will find your way out when you wish.

Personally I love history and family history in particular. I find it interesting to know about your roots and to take advantage of the strength you received from your ancestors. Today it is useful to know the medical history of your past relatives as doctors are able to use this information for determining conditions that are gene driven.

I don't know what this has to do with the five and ten lunch counter menu but it triggered me to ramble about the past as I find myself doing more often than I wish.

Homework

For the past few weeks we have sort of neglected our homestead and it looks like it. Because I was busy elsewhere weeds have crept int our garden, grass looks shabby and whipper snipping needs to be done. It only takes a little neglect to make lots of work. This week I must attend to home business.

Strawberries have to be thinned out for next year and ones for my friend have to be carefully culled to rid them of old plants so new, fresh runners are cultivated. Our cucumbers are climbing the neighbours hedge and our pole beans are invading one of our young apple trees. The Boston ivy and Virginia climber is out of control on our gazebo so we have some work there as well.

We are expecting guests for the weekend and are celebrating an important birthday so this task is mandatory. After a fast start our garden continues to produce great crops and the tomatoes are the earliest for some years. This time of the year makes living in Ontario a special treat as nature brings forth it's bounty. There is nothing like Ontario sweet corn, peaches and tomatoes. We take full advantage of the local treats and follow the produce and fill up on the freshness for the remaining months of summer and fall.

Living in a four season climate has it's rewards and people here realize the great benefits from good, inexpensive, wholesome products grown close to home. It is during this time that people on the whole realize the value of our farmers. They are the backbone of our country and we can help keep them on their farms if we support our local economy and buy their products. I personally have a huge connection to the land and my life is better for this bond.

Falcon Attack

This weekend Theresa and I went up to my daughter's cottage to help with a few chores and to relax a little. Little did we know that a Peregrine falcon made a nest about fifty feet from the front door of the cottage. This falcon was beautiful in flight and had a shrill whistle to show it's disapproval of us being in it's territory.

I was familiar with falcons of this type as there were a pair on Pelly Mountain in Nunavut when I lived there. Every time I approached the nesting area they would dive on us and tell us to leave them to their own territory. Little did I expect this act to be repeated in Ontario.

I was standing on the deck of the cottage with three other people when it , without warning and at high speed swooped down and with talons at the ready came within inches of my face. So close in fact that the wing feathers hit my face and forehead. It was such a shock I was completely confused. What I saw at the last moment was a open beak, a slick aerodynamic body with yellow talons inches from my face. We were all shocked but during the weekend over twelve swoops or attacks took place.

Every time we walked in the open space we carried a broom or some object over our heads. We saw the object of their worry as a young falcon was leaving the nest and they were contesting their territory. Let us say we loved the weekend and the area but Mr falcon ruled the roost. We were the intruders and all they wwere doing was natural and expected.

Off To McKellar Lake

My daughter and her husband bought a cottage on McKellar Lake just a few hours from our town. I saw pictures of the place and it looked truly beautiful. As a young teacher beginning his career in Ontario I am familiar with the lay of the land but am excited to actually visit this area once more. Yesterday I worked the best part of the day building a wooden bed for the cottage. After we loaded it in the van, added some tools and two bikes there is hardly room for Theresa and I.

I must make sure that I take some fishing gear as this lake has some good fish because it has been stocked over the past few years. It seems like it was yesterday when we as a young family used to love our time at our own cottage. It was a great place for the kids young and old and even today the children talk of the good times at the lake.

I am sure that my daughter will have many experiences up there away from the busy life here at home. There is something therapeutic about being alone with nature and hearing the birds sing and the water lapping against the rocks without the sound of traffic and noise. It is a long drive to the cottage but the time to and from the lake gives people an opportunity to talk and communicate without the interruptions of daily living.

I must get going but I have to water the garden and a hundred other things before actually leaving. We have being looking forward to this weekend and will take full advantage of our few days up there on McKellar Lake.

Home From Africa

What a great welcome from daughter no 1 when she burst through the door to announce that she was home from Africa. If you know my daughter you will understand that for the next hour Theresa and I just sat and listened to the most wonderful saga. She had this dream for years that one day she would go to Africa and take pictures of the elephants. Well she did.

Every word that she uttered was a verification that the money spent and the time away was well worth it. I wanted to go as well but knowing the demands were a little beyond my ability to perform I stayed home. I lived through her dream and every word she spoke was a true reflection of my own desire to be with her and my grand daughter. I loved the vitality and the deep love for Africa she experienced and it was similar to her feelings during her visits to the true north in Nunavut.

Many of her thoughts expressed a similar culture for people who live off the land. She brought me a very symbolic gift as she was given an elders stick for me as I was considered to be an elder in my own country. It is a piece of art with tiny beaded work around a stick which is given to people who are elders in their own right.

I shall treasure this gift and will no doubt be reminded many times about the symbolic significance of this gift. I am so happy to have my loved ones back in Canada safe and richer for their experience in that great continent of mystery and beauty Africa.

Help From The Old Man

Our home in Pembroke was set on an oversize lot but had one fault. There was a long driveway but no garage.This was not a problem until we converted our oil burning furnace to wood/oil.I needed a place to store the 8 cords of wood we needed to supply fuel for two fireplaces and a Welcom furnace.

I drew up some plans for a large garage measuring 24 by 30 with a loft. I was not planning to put a proper foundation but rather a pad. It was a large project for busy me and I phoned my dad. Charlie Brown was a carpenter as well as many other things but when I approached him it was for a visit.

My Mom had passed away and Dad was alone and needed a break so he said he would come if I would drive him back home.He arrived and after a day I brought up the idea of a garage. He knew I needed help and when he looked at my plans promptly made changes and offered constructive input into the layout for wood and cars,It became his project.

We went to a local mill where dry lumber was available and he picked out the heavy sills with care and all the 2/4 had to be straight. I was going to buy pre-fab rafters but Dad wanted us to build our own. The lumber was delivered and my curious neighbours came by and met dad and became involved.My friend Chuck showed up with his work belt and hammer as did others. Dad was in his glory.

I was Mayor of Pembroke at the time and had many commitments so I was called away frequently. The structure was beginning to take shape under Dad's supervision and the help from the friends. I shall always remember getting out of my car after a meeting at city hall feeling guilty but Dad reassured me not to worry as they were getting along just fine.

After one week the main structure was completed and the windows set when we had a meeting. Dad was not satisfied with the roof and the snow loads we could anticipate.This was good thinking as the next year our area had heavy snow and many structures fell to the snow loads. He thought that we should install a weight bearing post every four feet down one part of the garage. We agreed and it was done. Putting on the shingles of the roof had neighbours, kids and nearly a dozen people helping. It was completed in less than a day.

I thought that we should take a break as Dad was not a young man but he insisted we go on.Siding was completed and doors installed but Dad wanted to build a door directly to the loft above the main garage doors. He had a plan and said he would complete it next day. Our family were returning home together in our car and as we enter the driveway there was Dad up on a latter balancing this heavy door above his head. He was on the top rung of the ladder and was struggling twelve feet in the air.

I stopped the car and jumped out to help, too late. Dad dropped the door and as the latter slid down the side of the garage he gently landed on his feet and reached for a match to lite his pipe still between his lips. Just thought I would come down for a break he said not changing his expression. We laughed but were silently happy with the result. After supper that night we put up that door and I wrote on the inside, job completed and well done by Charlie Brown my Dad.

That evening Dad said he wanted to go home soon but first he had a little job out on the farm of my sister. A few days later we all got together to say goodbye and Dad and I were off to Cape Breton.It was a two day trip as I took him home through the USA and I had days of uninterrupted conversation. We spoke of many things both personal and helpful in understanding this complex man. I always will remember the special visit when the old man built our garage and he built friendships with the neighbours as well.

Fishing Trout Brook

Trout Brook is a small river or brook that flows into Lake Ainslie. As a young person I had the privilege of travelling there with my father for fly fishing for trout and salmon. The fish came there in numbers to spawn and provide entertainment for the local fishermen. This small area had special rules for fishing. Being set aside for fly fishing no live bait or even worms were permitted.

My father was a good fly fisherman and tied his own flies and provided some for friends and family. Dad taught us to cast our lines in the back yard and showed us how to land the fly precisely where it was supposed to go.We used split bamboo rods, ten feet long and as light as a cork. The line we used in those days was a hollow, floating material and slipped easily through the Ferrel's of the rod. The fly was attached to the line at the end of a five or six foot transparent leader.

At Trout Brook the fishermen would stand shoulder to shoulder with very little room for error when casting. As a young person trying to impress dad and catch a fish we were considered a nuisance as we made many errant casts. On one occasion I let my line and fly sink below the surface and the warden standing on the bridge yelled at me. He was not too kind as his job was to enforce the rules. With fifty or more fishermen close together it became a circus when a fish would be hooked.

The proper thing to do was to pull in lines close to the Lucky person until he landed his fish. I was not quick enough and soon lines were tangled and tempers flared as this chap had a large trout running about and tangling more and more lines. As he finally dragged his fish ashore he had half a dozen lines as well. Everyone was anxious to get back into the business of fishing but try to untangle six fine lines. The man drew his knife and cut the lines and threw the mess on to the shore. I tried to retrieve my line but five sets of hands were doing the same thing.

With patience running out I was left with the whole pile of tangles and retired to the bridge to clear up the mess. I did and ended up with five beautiful flies and a bunch of leaders. Dad put my gear in order and managed to keep a nice fly which he used to catch a trout. In the evenings fishing was halted by a shout from the warden and we went to our camps.

Fires were lit and music played into the late night.It was a memory I will always cherish. Dad took us fishing as often as possible and taught us respect for the art of fly fishing. I never learned to tie flies but used dad's with some success. Times have changed and the Trout Brook ere is but a memory but the beauty of that part of the Island is firmly fixed in my mind. I endeavour to pass on such memories to my children and grand children.

Old Friend-Computer Friend

Theresa and I have friends who keep in touch via the computer network. There was one who never took the plunge to get involved and she missed out. Her hubby John was playing with the electronic magic of the computer for years but never engaged his wife. After some motivating from Theresa she dove into the fray and purchased a computer.

We always say that the computer opens up windows to the world. Life is so much better because of the freedom we get from the knowledge contained on the net. This friend will have an opportunity to enjoy what so many of we computer people have been enjoying for years. So welcome Doreen and have fun, don't get frustrated with the mechanics and explore, explore and explore again.

I am sure your hubby will help you get started but after that fly on your own and discover the JOY of surfing. WELCOME.

July 12th Tomatoes

Ever since I started to grow tomatoes I strived to have a red one, a ripe one for the Orange Day celebrations. Orangeman's day is not celebrated anymore but that date was my ground zero for tomatoes. Over the years nature has been good to me and I actually did get that red one on or before the 12Th a few times including this year.

This year is a year like no other, with great weather, lots of rain and hot days. I planted my tomatoes on May 9th and it said they were 65 day tomatoes. A new hybrid with average size fruit but early ripening. The plants have achieved a height of over six feet and are actually covered with blossoms and our crop will be getting red as I write. This will be very satisfying as the last three years I had no such luck. I plant my tomatoes in well drained soil along the sunny side of the garage. I plant 18 along a 24 foot long, 3 feet wide patch which over the years has received so much compost that the soil is compost. Water every day along the roots and keep all the weeds at bay and you will be rewarded with a bountiful crop. Dr. Oz says that you should have tomatoes in your diet in some form every day. I prefer fresh tomatoes on bread but sliced tomatoes with olive oil and basil is not too shabby.

We feed all our neighbours and family during the summer here and in Florida in the winter.

Coincidents

In 1960 I had just been registered in a Phys-Ed program at Western University and was attending the summer program.I had made friends with some of the students in the program and one in particular became a long time friend. Fred Plato was his name and he played all the games I did and as he lived in Niagara Falls he was closer to home than I was. I was living in Fort William at the time. After registration and a week into the course Fred invited me to go home for a day to visit his family.He lived down town near the falls and next to the fire hall.I was anxious to meet his family and see around the city as I only saw the falls once before.

We had assignments at university so we decided to go home on Friday and return early Sunday morning. As we drove from London on Friday evening Fred was pointing out the places of interest and decided to drive down past the falls on the way home. We were listening to the radio and a bulletin was blasted over top of the news saying a young boy had been seen going over the falls but he had a life jacket on.

Fred gave his old Hudson car a little gas and as we pulled up to the wall surrounding the falls another bulletin said that the boy had been sighted and pulled from the water by the crew of Maid Of The Mist. He was alive and well and the life jacket he wore stayed on and kept him safe. I told that story many times in years past but as I read the Toronto Star Newspaper the other morning, there were the pictures of the young man then and now.It was fifty years ago and I wondered how half a century could go by so quickly. He was with his sister today as he was that fateful day when he beat all the odds and survived the fall of a lifetime.

I was going to call Fred as a reminder but realized that he had passed away. Coincidences occur in our lifetimes but our timing that day at the Falls was one I shall never forget.

Project Heatwave.

I promised my grand daughter that with my sons help we would lay down a new wood floor in the first floor of her condo. The condo does not have an elevator so everything had to be carried up three flights of stairs.With her very good help we pulled up the carpet and underlay and carried it away to the dumpster. We worked to remove some of the rubber underlay with a shovel and after bagging it too was carried to the dumpster. The thirty boxes of flooring were then trucked up those same stairs. With the help of my wife, daughter and grand daughter we managed it despite the high temperatures.

The days for my son to come to help were the hottest days on record with humidex readings in the middle forties. Our thermometer read 101 for a time. With a portable air conditioner we started the job and what could have been a hard job turned out to be a pleasure. The rooms were square and the cutting was minimum and the floor looks beautiful. New baseboards completed the job for us but my grand daughter will cover the nail marks and cracks and paint again. Her home looks beautiful and she was such a good help.

We like doing little projects for the family and look forward to the next one which is a new shingles on part of my roof. Hope the weather is cooler.

Pride Week in Toronto

During the past ten days in Toronto there was a gathering of over a million people celebrating the acceptance of diversity in sexual orientation. There were people of many stripes, feeling that they could associate without being bombarded by comments and restrictive laws.The ten days end with parades down Younge Street with crowds of over a million people. Gays, lesbians, politicians, dignitaries, entertainers and onlookers alike participated in a peaceful way. There were no nasty police and riot groups causing problems and during the whole ten days there were no real problems reported. This is the Toronto that the world needs to see.

This Pride week celebration has been held here for over twenty years and is the largest in North America. It is also one of the biggest tourist attractions along with Cabana and bolsters the tourist dollar. Years ago a gay lad was a happy fellow but during the seventies and eighties there was a homophobic attitude in many countries and gay bashing was a form of entertainment for the ignorant.

As a small time politician in a small city I had many people ask me during elections why I had associations with gay people.I had some friends who were gay and they were and still are my friends.I became aware of the pain people inflict on the gay community and tried to make myself a better , more understanding person. I like many more laughed and accepted jokes directed at gays during those days but not any more.

People who had gay members of their family or extended family sat and listened to hurtful remarks about gay people.Parents and friends eventually accepted the alternate sexual orientation of their loved ones and the gay population came out of the closet.Thousand of people in all walks of life openly declared themselves gay and the government of Canada reacted. Under Trudeau's leadership legislation was enacted to protect and enshrine rights for all people. Further social legislation was enacted so common privileges were put into law.Canada became a leader in the world for protecting minority rights.

Today slurs against the gay members of our society are fewer and people uttering such slurs paint themselves up as narrow minded, ignorant bigots.

I think pride week had much to do with this metamorphosis and although we may not agree with all the antics during the parade the good outweighs the bad. So to all my gay friends over the years I extend a congratulations for being one small part of our divergent Canadian society.

Off to Africa

After months of planning and excitement mother and daughter are finally off to Africa. Lyn and Darcy have been in a stage of euphoria because this was a dream for years and finally the opportunity arrived. They are taking advantage of a Free the Children program which permits people to go to Africa and participate in the building of facilities in Kenya. It will be a chance to experience a few days out on safari to photograph and observe the wildlife. Elephants will be the focus but all will be appreciated.

This will be the second adventure for Darcy as she and her schoolmates went to Costa Rica to experience a similar project.There were last minute things to do as the timing was at a time of graduations and school events. Bags were packed with necessary items {no extra shoes for the ladies} and could weigh no more than thirty pounds. For ladies this is a challenge.

We shall be watching for texting from Africa to see how things are going. We are proud of all the folks who do similar adventures to make life better in other countries. We are very proud that members of our family are meeting the challenge. We trust they will make a difference and return home safely.

July 1 Celebrations

All across Canada people celebrated our 143 rd birthday in as many ways as there are people. Our national celebrations were of course mainly in Ottawa where our Queen was the special guest. Queen Elizabeth is 84 years old but is very spry and her workload is long and strenuous. She will be the longest serving head of state in a few years.

We as a family celebrate in our own way by making the evening music and fireworks a special time as we gather at the waterfront and watch the festivities from John's beautiful boat. We listen to the music blaring from the stand but it is only background as were are all enjoying each others company. Everyone trying to make points during the conversations over the sound of music make one almost shout. We however differ in our points of view while appreciating the diversity of thoughts much the same way as we do in accepting the diversity of our country.

This evening the weather is perfect and John takes people out for a spin on his new dingy. It is actually quite the small boat with a 40 hp motor and a speed to spare. Food is served by the host and suddenly everyone shares the bounty contained in the bags taken aboard and we are faced with lamb chops, hot and cold smoked salmon, sausage and all the chips and high calorie junk food sold to make us fat. Of coarse some tasty drinks help all this food go down smoothly.

We have a baby springer spaniel on board and she is the center of attention. Finally the highlight becomes apparent as the loud boom from the fireworks dominate the scene. For half and hour there are the expressions of delight from the huge crowd which never seems to tire of this elaborate ritual. As suddenly as it begun there is silence, then clapping, horn blowing and many expressions of satisfaction for a job well done.

We pile into our cars and make our way home in the heavy traffic and discuss the day and ponder if next year it will be as good. It always is and we look forward to Canada's 144rd birthday next July 1.

O CANADA

A recent world poll reveals that Canada is one of the most envied countries of the world. In fact people of the world think more highly of us that we do ourselves. We remain the standard bearer for freedom , diversity and tolerance. We as a country are 143 years old which is young by world standards.We possess much of the fresh water in the world, natural resources in every area and natural beauty everywhere you care to see.

On our 143 birthday it would be good to take a moment and observe or take stock of our land. In the survey among 24,000 people of the world we were viewed favourably by a vast percentage as a place they would like to live. In spite of this we have some challenges. We have an abundance of food and clean water but many of our Canadian people are living in poverty and have no clean water.

We are not always good Stewart's of our environment but more and more individuals are becoming bullish about their personal green contribution. We have so much to be thankful for and as Canadians we will accept our responsibilities in making our country even better. One of our main characteristics is our embracing the concept of diversity. Toronto as an example is home to the world. Every nationality is represented in the social fabric and live together ,not just tolerating but accepting and enjoying the diversity. People say that if you get on a Toronto street car you view a large portion of the world.

For me personally Canada cannot be described by our beauty, achievements or a multitude of things but rather it is a feeling deep in my body that cries out Canada when I hear our national anthem or see news which singles out our country. Tears flood when I see our people on the world stage like during the Olympics and world events. This emotional response had been instilled in my being because I am a proud Canadian.