Health And Safety

Every month I read  the health and safety newsletter written by my daughter. Every letter has some new information for me and I take away some ideas to help me to live more safely. This last letter outlined some concerns for young or first time workers who are often thrust into the workforce without proper training. What hit home was a news item on our local TV  station describing the tragic accident of a young man critically injured. It was his first day on the job and he was required to help take a ferris wheel down without supervision or training. Moments after he began work he was injured and will be an invalid for the rest of his life.

All too often the young people who wish to please the boss fail to ask questions related to the work for fear of being let go. They are in harms way as a result and if they survive the first few days or weeks they probably will be ok. The problem is that a high percentage of injuries occur on the first day or early in their duties.

I was unaware that the first of May was a day set aside to mourn the loss of life due to workplace accidents. I will be consious of this fact in the future and will be more sensitive to the problems facing our first time workers, young or old.

Lynda Dianne

On the 29th of March, 1960 I left home after being reassured that Roma was OK and the baby would be at least another day before entering this world. Besides being a special day for Roma and I having our first child, it was the evening I was to be promoted to 1st Lt. in the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment. I was dressed in my kilt and battle dress at the Port Arthur armories when I was called front and centre by Colonel Burke. I expected him to give me my second pip to make me a real Lt but instead he quietly said to me,"Get yourself out of here and get to McKeller Hospital, you just became the father of a baby girl".

Many visions raced through my mind as I raced the 8 miles to the hospital. Our daughter was not available immediately and I worried that something might have gone wrong. However I was eventually greeted with a beautiful daughter and was very happy. I had a name picked out and it was Dianne (the goddess of love) and Roma always said if she had a daughter it would be named after her best friend Lynda who was killed in a car accident. So Lynda entered the world with great expectations on our part and a whole life to live up to them.

As an only child before her sister was born, she was a little spoiled. But it was impossible to not spoil her because she was so cute and everyone gave her a lot of attention. I was a busy father but her mother was always by her side ad for a few years she made our life joyful and interesting. When we knew we were expecting again we discussed it with Lynda and asked if she would like a baby boy or girl. She kind of twisted up her face and said a baby brother would be OK but she really wanted a pony. That did not go over well with Roma.

Over the following years Lynda was our pride and joy and, along with the added family, took her place as a born leader and wonderful member of our family.I will not describe all of her characteristics but over the last 51 years she has been a source of energy and strength during all of our activities. A scholar, not a great athlete, but a good musician (not singer), store manager at 12 years when she looked after the cash register when her mom took a break, a sponge when it came to absorbing what it meant to be a family member and learning from her mother, and a sister to her siblings.

Later in life she became a friend and shared quiet moments with family and close friends which are still close, and communicate regularly to nurture her need for the memories of the past. Her greatest achievement was the love she showed for her mother who needed a caregiver while awaiting a lung transplant. She gave up her successful career in communications and devoted her life to her task. It was not a burden but an opportunity for her to be close to her mom, and all of our family admired her courage and devotion. Any of our family would have done the same, but she was the one who was able to have the time and will to get the job done.

While I was living and working in the High Arctic as part of our plan for Roma, she kept me in the loop and I never felt I was away. One little thing she did was send me a grow light so I might have real flowers in my home. Throughout the years since her Mom's death she, along with her siblings, have remained close and strong. She became the one to go to and our family get-togethers are the result of that magical thread that holds us together. For the past years life has been a constant series of significant adventures with children, grandchildren, and friends joining our ever expanding circle of extended family, and Lynda has been one of the constants in that circle.

So at 51, she will be embarking on other plans and other adventures, and that is what sets her apart from so many people. She has a social conscience and a drive to show it and make a difference. For all this we are proud and love our daughter, Lynda Dianne.

Gold Crested Night Herons

You don't have to be a bird watcher to appreciate natures wonders when it comes to these feathery creatures.Birds are one of the wonders of nature and have captured our imagination since time began. On a recent travel adventure Theresa and I had a new experience with birds that were unfamiliar to us. Close to where we were staying there was a rookery of Gold Crested Night Herons. These birds are large and very colourful. You would expect to see them wading in shallow water looking for food.

We came along at nesting time and watched, fascinated at the ritual of these birds building their nests in a huge Australian Pine. In this tree were at least 15 pairs of these birds each with a area staked out and in the process of building a fragile nest. With their bills ,more appropriate for scooping good than building they walked along thin branches picking these 10 long pine needles. They brought them back to what would become a nest and together put some semblance of order to what I saw as a messy  bunch of needles.

The only bird which made a poorer nest is the dove who are the worlds poorest home builders.After we watched this rookery taking shape I left with a greater appreciation for these birds and only prayed that the eggs and young would survive the ordeal of spending time up there among the pine needles.

Careful What You Wish For

Since the end of November we have not had much rain. In fact from Xmas to now there is less than an inch of recorded rain. Grass fires are popping up and some forest fires grew in size to thousands of acres. Theresa and I heard that there was a possibility of some rain this week so we wished for a full rainfall to get things back on tract. In light of the good news that rain was on the way I laid the weed and feed down, covered my front and back yard with ant poison and cut the grass short along with whipper snipping.

At 10pm last eve Theresa and I decided to sit out as the temperature was 80. You could feel the humidity but there was not a cloud in the sky nor a breath of wind. Move ahead to 2 am and with a crash and bang, followed by thunderous rain on the roof and a light show so intense that one lightening strike was intermingled with another. Thunder roared for hours and we got up and I sat outside to see the show.

Our pool was getting low from the heat and I planned to fill it but mother nature did the job. The rain filled our pool to the very top. Five inches for sure and a clear sigh of the amount of rain was the swales or ditches along our streets were quickly filled.This out burst by the great provider was just what we needed but for some it was a terrifying night. By 8am it was still dark as night but almost as quickly as it started the sun came out and by 10am it was 80, clear and sunny. That is Florida. Be careful what you wish for as you might get it, I am thankful we did.

Canadian Election

With the failed budget and contempt of parliament issue hanging over the Conservative Government, the Canadian people are called upon once more to choose a new government. The last few years were ones which were laced with scandal, acrimony and a minority which depended upon the opposition to keep power. It would appear we may be in for another few years of the same thing. I would hate to see this government with a clear majority as the framework or Canadian social fabric would be torn to shreds.

As in America there has been a tremendous growth in ultra right wing sentiment and that movement leaves little room for the current social structure to remain were there a clear majority. The warm feeling we felt as Canadians when we bragged about our medical system and social safety nets for our people cannot be supported as many of the structures are vanishing. Women's rights are being attacked and any group which depends upon the government for funding had better be prepared to stand the party line or suffer the consequences.

This is a pivotal election and the results will determine whether we remain as a democratic nation with power in the house of commons or in the hands of a few making decisions for the many. Clarity of purpose, transparency in actions and the will of the people is what we expect and hope to receive after this election.  There is plenty of meat in the issues to be debated and the people have a free press to help with information required to make good ,sound and educated decisions. The months of April and May could well be some of our most interesting and important political times in recent history. We pray for the good people who choose to offer themselves for public service but after the election we might be better to pray for the people.

Rocking Chair By Our Pool

Most of us think of a rocking chair in front of a fireplace or other quiet and comfortable place. Here in Florida we have two rocking chairs beside our pool but under the lanai roof for shade. From this location I am able to survey the world around us and what a world it is.

Our vegetable garden is easy to see and strikes up a conversation when we pick our produce and sort it on the table beside our chair. The many trees give us a perfect platform to observe birds and little creatures like geckos. Our favourite bird is the yellow bellied sapsucker which farms our white bird of paradise. First they peck a number of holes in the soft trunk of the tree. Following this job they return frequently to feast on the sweet sap which flows from the holes they dig. They are truly beautiful but resourceful as well. The only problem is their call or voice. It is a harsh whistle and not too melodious. Today three eagles entertained us as the mother and two young ones soared, dove and seemed to play for us in the clear sky above.

Of course the fa rel cats come to visit and to be fed several times a day. Theresa and Doris talk to them and they react kindly to the food they receive.. Our bird feeder provides a diversion for us in the early morning and evening but the crackles have taken over ownership and scare our cardinals and timid birds away.

Every day around 4 pm we have happy hour on these chairs but a small table has to be added for goodies which always seem to appear to help the cool wine go down better.In the late evening and early night I use my rocking chair to watch sports on our small outdoor TV. I miss my lazy boy chair in front of the TV at home but would not trade my rocking chair by the pool here in paradise.

Crazy Over Birds

Our friends , with whom we visited the last couple of days gave us a great perspective about people who are crazy about birds. We love birds as well but my friend Rolph has a dedication that only a person who donates to Audubon could have.

We played golf and the birds on the course were the stars. We had a walk around his condo and the birds were the stars. We drove to lunch and stopped several times to see the Gold Crested Herons and a mile down the road we drove into a community where Peacocks roam freely and are a part of the environment.

When we arrived at the restaurant for lunch I was sure we would have chicken but instead we had a Cuban menu and avoided a perfect score of birds on every stop or destination. The alternative to this tour was a hair raising bike ride through traffic that can only be described as brutal. We had a wonderful time at the lunch but Rolph's wife was a Conservative and had to be learned up. After our discussion and a heated one as well I thought I might have to pick up the bill but her husband Rolph quickly snatched the bill as he was happy to see his wife challenged .

It was all in  fun but we have been friends for years and share a friendship which is built on mutual respect.We also love nature with a passion so our visits are partly social and mostly sharing our knowledge about the birds and bees in the area in which we live. Theresa and I have to prepare our next visit with them next year and give them the wonderful experience we had this time.

Old Friends

We exchange visits with old friends from Oakville every year. This enables us to see new bike trails and talk over important gossip and political issues. They have a condo on Anna Marie Island , off the coast near Sarasota. A beautiful but crowded little part of Paradise which is home to many snowbirds.

Every visit is basically the same whereby we have a game of golf and dinner at their home and the next day a early breakfast and bike ride followed by lunch at a special little diner. Our friends are older than we but when they say a little bike ride get ready for a 20 mile fast paced ordeal. Along the way points of interest are observed and as he is a bird watcher and photographer so stops are frequent.

Each year he gives us a calendar which illustrates his ability as a photographer. This year he outlined his interest in cathedrals of the world. He has hundreds of pictures from dozens of countries they visited and his work is beautiful. Birds are his hobby and it is OK except when he plays golf and interrupts the game while waiting for some bird to smile for his camera.

This year Theresa and I are going to take the Tamiami Trail which is longer and slower but takes you through all the small , old and historic Florida  villages. We will use our camera to have a full account of our stay and share with family.

Who Knows Best ?

With all the turmoil in the world one begins to wonder how we can sort out all the problems. Even thought the global community is a second away with the communication capability, having boots on the ground is another matter. Since the United Nations is the logical body to sort out our messes from time to time  the super powers always get involved to protect their vital interests ( oil ).

The powers vested in the world organization could solve many of the current hot spots if its members would take their oath to support the charter with conviction and vigor. On one hand countries look to get involved when monetary considerations are at the forefront. In places like Liberia or the Sudan little major effort is made to stabilize the area and make it safe for the citizens who must live in fear.

When the U.N. was set up it was to be the world government for matters of security, health and a variety of other considerations and would be overseen by a democratic body representing the countries of the world. Countries had to live up to certain standards to become members and then were eligible to participate in the numerous committees to make life better for everyone.

Because the U.N. has committees which has a few countries with veto power , it often is faced with a stalemate and its power to act is stymied because of invested interests of the countries with veto power. The USA has accepted the role of policemen for the world because of their ability to act quickly and with lethal power because it has the resources.

I wonder what the world would look like if we let every country settle its problems without intervention. Not good I would expect but by trying to solve every ones issues we have a world where resources are used for good causes by caring nations only to be gobbled up by bad and dishonest leaders.

One solution would be to divide the world into areas which have similar and solvable issues which would make for a grouping which had a chance for success. Often the reason for lack of success is there is not enough common ground among the participants. The Commonwealth of nations is an example whereby numerous countries meet on a regular basis as free and equal members to meet common goals. The common ground often is through cultural, athletic and educational exchanges.When there is a economic or Territorial difference the countries get together and have a history of success in solving their problems.

I know there is no easy way to suddenly make the world operate in a friendly, equal and co-operative manner but there has to be a better way than what we have now. One way of making the world a better place would be to empower more women as leaders. Free the women in countries where they live in fear and servitude and permit them to stand shoulder to shoulder with men in all matters that effect them. The world would be a better place if women were given a chance to strut their ability to participate and lead. I can only say we men have not done a very good up to now and I would welcome a feminine touch in world leadership.

Return To Paradise

Southwest Florida promotes itself by calling this area Paradise. With five years without a hurricane and weather that can only be described as perfect it deserves this title. Looking at the seven day forecast and every day the temperature is above 85 and reaching the 90 mark helps to satisfy the thousands of people coming here for spring break.

For a few years with falling the  economy and devastation caused by damaging storms the beaches looked like anything like Paradise.Our roads are crowded, lineups for seating at restaurants and baseball fever is all good for the business of tourism. Some locals complain about the people who flock to our shores and attractions but I hear the tinkling of cash registers and happy faces on business owners.

Years ago when I used to visit here for a week or two the population of Florida was about 5 million and Cape Coral was less than 10,000. Florida is now the fourth largest state by population coming in at 18,500,000 people. Our little city is now about 175,000. These changes can be seen all over the sun belt from California to Florida. The baby boomers are coming in droves to seek a warm refuge to retire. This does not come without problems.

The environment is being attacked by development in the once pristine everglades, wetlands are being drained for housing and wildlife is fighting for it's place in the sun. Big decisions are being sought to make sure that we are getting it right the first time but I can see mistakes being overlooked in the name of progress.

My mind always goes back to the Arctic where a few years ago there was a pristine wilderness and places that man left untouched. With global and climate change there will be impacts to our true north and I hope we get it right.

For now I love my place here in the sunny south and will always call home here Paradise.

First Day Of Spring

This morning like all days here in paradise began with a beautiful sunrise and 70 degree weather. What was special was it welcomed the first day of spring. After a quick cup of tea Theresa and I decided to have our bike ride in the early morning. Being Sunday the roads were clear of traffic and we took the liberty of roaming down the road rather than in the bicycle path . Our conversation was about how wonderful everything looked. The trees all in blossom and fields of wild flowers assured that indeed it was spring.

We travelled for quite a few miles wondering how the first day was in Oakville. We keep a close watch on the weather back home and saw a warming trend. My friend Doug said he saw smoke coming from a maple sugar camp in the Valley so that is a sure sign along with the trickling sounds of water running under the snow and ending up in the lakes and large rivers still covered with ice.

There is always a new vitality in nature when spring brings the warm days and bright sun, coaxing the buds to open and the daffodils to break through the snow. We miss spring in Canada because it offers such a change in a short time. People who are sort of shut in during the dull winter months get a opportunity to join the community again and like the flowers spring forth with renewed energy. We love spring and since today is the first day we will use it to enjoy all that nature will offer. Last eve as we prepared to go to bed we walked out on our pool deck and marvelled at the perfect moon in a cloudless sky and and though what a wonderful world we live in.

Lesson In Humility

Japan and it's people are facing an unimaginable tragedy with the double natural happening. All the world watched while the earth shook and destroyed the hopes and dreams of millions. This was followed by a wall of powerful water which rushed on land and washed away what was left and forced it's way inland crushing, drowning and eradicating mans work and structures,  like a wave washing up on a beach destroying a child's sand castle.

What amazed, surprised and stupefied me was the manner in which the people reacted. Yes they were crushed and shed tears, screeched in anguish at the sight or thought of their loved ones swept away, never to be seen again. They did not scream at the government, they never rioted, looted or acted in a manner like the people in other lands where tragedy struck. They, the Japanese lined up for water, food and medical help with a stoic expression and when called upon worked to search and clean up the mess. It will be years before things are back to normal , if it ever will be but there is a sense that they have seen this before and are not pointing fingers to blame.

The third blow came when their power source was damaged and could become one of the worlds worst nuclear disasters. The hundreds of workers there on site stayed to help as explosions and killing radioactive dust clogged their lungs and put them in harms way. They did not run, they did not blame but accepted their responsibilities and stayed to fix the problem and save their fellow man from sickness or even death. Some calls from the stations to family clearly stated that they would work and possibly die but they were prepared to accept as their duty and fate.

What a lesson to be seen. A lesson in HUMILITY .

Amarylis

Every year at Xmas this beautiful flower suddenly appears in box form in box stores across America and Canada.They sell for about $6 and give you your moneys worth when they bloom. Here in Florida I was taking my daily bike ride and saw one of these plants thrown out by the side of the road with the garbage. The flower was past its prime and the leaves turning brown in 2005.

I rescued this plant and dug a hole in the back yard and with compost and water put it to bed for the summer. In the fall when I returned I looked for the plant and there among the weeds and vines which grow on our fence were two tall green leaves. Quickly I dug the plant up and replanted it in a clay pot. The bulb had grown twice as large and looked healthy. I cut the leaves and watched the miracle of nature take its course.

After Xmas that we were rewarded with a beautiful flower. Now in 2011 the rescued plant is again performing magic but today there are seven stems and we will get 28 to 30 blooms. We like our orphan plant and plan to keep it in the family for years to come.The saying is really true." Ones mans garbage is another mans treasure."

Neighbours Meeting Neighbours

We have some interesting friends here in Florida. There is however a certain distance between neighbours. Because the area we live in is new and fairly transient people do not have the opportunity to get to know their neighbours. We know all the people who live immediately around us  but others do not. We have had a friendly relationship with the folks living on each side of our house.They do not know each other so Theresa and I are planning a dinner tomorrow evening and inviting them to come and mingle.

Both of these neighbours are in real estate and have some things in common. I am sure we will have a great evening.We have a neighbourhood watch program and it works well and I am sure we will get to know all of our small block community well. People here are very friendly but because we are a bedroom community people drive to work and by the time they get home there is little time to socialize.

We hope that our visit tomorrow turns out to be the first of more get togethers with our neighbours and we get to share our many interesting backgrounds. Our wish is this is just a move in the right direction.

How many Fishing Poles Are Too Many

On a routine bike ride Theresa and I were travelling down a street which we rarely travel and saw  man cleaning out his garage.As we drove by we engaged him in a conversation. He said his wife told him to clean up the garage and get rid of all the junk. A couple of the junk items caught my eye. One was hip waders which I intended to purchase for flat fishing. They were like new and he was glad to see them gone. Another was a fishing rod and reel. Hardly used and Shakespeare by name forced me to take that item as well.

I have 18 rods and reels but this one was light and unlike any I already possess. Theresa knows how many fishing poles I own and sort of asked the question,"how many fishing rods do you need?". I thought for a while and explained that I had to have a few extras because we might have company who like to fish. She kind of smiled and resigned to the fact that fishermen can never have too many fishing rods.

Empty Nest

Theresa and I always get a little anxious when our Eagles are prepared to take their maiden flight. Every day we watch the ritual played out in Eagle culture whereas the babies are slowly prepared to get out on their own. We knew the time was near when we saw a baby half way up the tree clinging to a too small branch which barely held the weight of this huge bird. Mother stood guard and the babies were denied access to their nest .

This morning was a typical Florida morning , warm (68) and no wind. I convinced Theresa that we should have a bike ride before breakfast. We were fortunate because we saw the show we waited for during the last few days. There was mama eagle perching on the branch that had become her throne for the incubation period without the care for her babies ,they were gone.

Nearby on an open perch, 50 feet up in the air were the two coal black babies. They looked proud to have taken the plunge and flew to the closest safety haven. From now on they will be free but not from mother as she begins the task of making them self sufficient. She will teach them to fish as that is their only food in these parts and there is plenty for all.

We waited for a while and took picture after picture of the antics performed by these new free kids. They put on quite a show, flapping their wings and gaining confidence. One flew away but the other after several nervous attempts remained on the branch. These were our 15Th and !6th young ones we followed over seven years..

And now mother Eagle has a short break before nesting time again. She will have the freedom to get strong and gain weight and soar for the sheer joy of being ruler of the skies. As we took the last picture of mother perched above her nest I know she felt as we did when we realized we were empty nesters as well.

Focus Change

The news media of the world are the ones who decide what the news of the day will be. It is interesting that the focus will change dramatically when dramatic conditions flare up to become today's news. Last few weeks it was Egypt, Libya and then the earthquake and tsunami in Japan filled the TV screens and  newspapers the day after. People can not get enough of the sensational.

The media make their money by advertising and big stories will sell papers and add people to their TV audience. Suddenly we will tend to forget Libya and the terrible struggle that is taking place there. The world stood by and watched the struggle for democracy being played out in front of our eyes on TV and all we saw and heard was rhetoric. For days and days people were being slaughtered. Much could have been done to help these people by the world community. Little was done.

Japan, overnight became the new story and we could not help but be moved by Mother Natures outburst. Immediate TV coverage showed the carnage and even though it was almost surreal we were glued to the screen and hung on every word as the worst and most dramatic scenes were repeated over and over again. The world raced to help. The USA , through the presidents office immediately re-configured the naval assets to get to Japan asap. This was a marvellous response.

Will the people of Libya and the surrounding area be put on the back burner? Absolutely. Will there be more death and destruction in that area than Japan. Probably not but there will be more needless death. What occurred in Japan was unavoidable but what is happening in Libya is clearly in mans hands.

I am not trying to make a judgment but it looks like money talks in a significant manner when decisions are made on a world scale. It looks a lot like Katrina all over again but Japan will be the winner in this case. When these natural disasters occur on a regular basis surely the U.N. should have a plan. The USA has FEMA and in most cases it works well. Most poor countries cannot feed and look after its citizens let alone have resources to cope with large natural disasters.

With Japan being one of the leaders in the world in planning for just such disasters, the magnitude of this one was just too huge. The great team of American relief workers and extraction forces were on their way within hours to help. I watched while the planes were loaded with 150 trained men, with their dogs up and ready to go. They took along heavy lifting equipment as well. I know every country will help and Canada has a marvellous record in this field as well and will be there asap.

This disaster will be news for a while like Haiti but unlike Haiti Japan has the resources to carry on after the world community leaves.Haiti is almost as bad off now as it was at the time of the disaster because it has no leadership and resources to carry on. How sad. Hegel believed in the dialectic whereby a set of circumstances cause  people to carry forward. There would then be a regrouping and another surge and so on as people improved their way of life. This cyclic growth cannot occur without leadership and resources.

The media could be a great force for good if they focused on needs rather than sensationalism.

Discovery

What a story,Discovery lead the way to the space station 39 times without a problem we know about. Yesterday at 11.50am Discovery passed over our home and we heard the sonic double boom as it travelled to it's base at Cape Canaverol. We would have been able to see it but for the first time in days we had some cloud cover.

What a wonderful tribute to the brilliant minds and precise computers to see this spaceship make 39 round trips to the space station without a mishap. Travelling through space for over a year and making so many trips around the world puts this craft in a class by itself. I only saw one launch of a craft from this program and it was at night. It might have been the Discovery but the name was not important. I watched it from a rise in the land about 8 miles from the craft but it was close enough.

The sound was deaffening, the light so intense and the excitement of the on lookers so electric,  it left a pernament impression on my mind. This type of program although expensive , generates the type of motivation required to spur on our young minds to even greater heights. In a way this is the end of a chapter in space research and I can only marvel at the next stage.

Probably the station on the moon followed by a manned voyage to Mars would be a reasonable guess. In any case it was a special day for me to see the folks arrive home unharmed and technology taking a well deserved bow for the wonders it performed.

When Will The Crowning Begin

It would be funny or pathetic if it were not true. During the last weeks, official letters came from the Prime Ministers Office declaring that from now on people referring to the Government of Canada will refrain from that official name and instead call it the Harper Government. This means all departments and agencies of our government will now begin using this title. For those who think this is a prank just phone your member of parliament and seek the truth. This label gives free advertising for the party in power. How ridiculous.

There has been a steady but calculated move on the part of this government to stiffle the press and stage all information that comes from the PMO. Never in Canadian history has there been such attacks on the fifth estate and the Canadian people. A systematic clearing and axing of nearly every agency which disagrees with the PM has caused many to feel frustrated and angry.

Our country is doing quite well in the economic sphere because we, like the oil rich countries, suddenly realize that oil is power.With the oil coming from the west there has been a move to ursurp the influence from the engine of economic wealth in central Canada and move it to Alberta.This government has broken faith with the world in so far as environment issues and the latest is the scandel about asbestos again.

When the Canadian Government cut or eleminated agencies to try to balance the budget it increased the lobbying agencys budget to protect the asbestos industry in Quebec. Against all odds in the world and the Canadian Cancer Societies objections, backed by world science experts, this PM insists that there is no danger in the use of asbestos..I feel that living in one of the most enlightened countries in the world I am embarrassed and angered over such ridiculous policies.

Clearly the normal citizen does not realize what is going on but our representatives surely do. They should be speaking up to protect our integry in the eyes of the world or are they simply going to play dead and wait for the crowning of King Harper.

Empty Space

Our backyard is pretty well filled with garden and trees. There was, however, a small vacant piece of territory left after the frost killed several of our papaya trees. One tree survived and is doing well as new growth exploded from the nearly dead stock. A local told me to leave it alone and it might come back and it did.
My friend from Pine Island is a gardener and he exchanged star fruit for tomatoes. We liked the star fruit so thought about planting one.

At the market today I saw one for sale and it fitted the need to a tee. Seven feet tall and straight. After getting the lowdown on planting I packed it into the van and to no surprise Theresa agreed to the deal. This will complete the orchard and I hope we will have a good harvest next year. They grow quickly and bear fruit almost immedately. The good thing is that they bear fruit between Xmas and Easter when we are here. They have a taste not unlike Granny Smith Apples. We will watch it for a few weeks to give it a good start and then leave it on it's own for the summer when we are back in Ontario.

Spirituality

I was shocked to see a picture in our local paper and on national TV showing an extreme branch of the Baptist Church demonstrating at the funeral of a fallen veteran. Suddenly I realized what I believed all along ,that churches when out of control are part of the problem and not part of the solution. This group feel that the deaths of our troops are caused by God punishing them for their homosexual policies etc.

My belief is that every church or religious group have a doctrine which in print sounds quite good. All religions have some value and meet some criteria to be considered worthy of having universal currency. Most have a supernatural event which establishes it's right to be the one and only  in their direct contact with a supreme being. Some even have a direct link with God through human linage.Most feel that all the other beliefs are inferior to theirs and some will go far as to say that believe what we believe or you will go to hell.

Facts and more logical thinking has put that to rest by declaring that there is no physical hell but some who have returned from Haiti after serving for a time there might doubt that fact. In earlier times when the universe was small and extended as far as you could see and without the benefit of modern science it is practical for people to formulate some semblance of a religion to satisfy that need for assurance that there was some sort of a universal force controlling natural happenings.

Our Aboriginal Nations had a form of spirituality which met their needs and had many elements of universal religions. Some of them have met the trial of time and still exist. The Number of formalized religions which exist in America today are numerous and because they have not grown with the times do not meet the needs of many people. Some have made great strides and have become a powerful force. Many even delve into politics and get their hands burnt.

There are many people like me who have a spirituality which does not need the walls or creeds of an institutionalized organization to feel the great universal power which exists not only here on earth but beyond. Moral and social norms come from within and are taught through relationships in the home and community. Spirituality is not judgemental and does not exclude divergent thoughts and ideas. People who feel this power realize that man is a small part of the whole and understands that many secrets of the universe are still undiscovered. The beauty is in the journey of a short life where we just get a small slice of the total reality.

If only we could realize the beauty of all natural phenominum and seek to establish a life in harmony with the universe and their fellow man, the world would be a better place in which to live. Give me spirituality and less religion if you please.

Reluctant Reward

On a quiet Sunday I was hoping to achieve a degree of freedom to complete tasks I have been avoiding for some time. Theresa was in the mood for a look see at the huge gated community close by. We were given an invitation to look through the complex and have an opportunity to receive special gifts just for attending. I was not very motivated but finally said I would go.

We were greeted as usual bu an over enthusiastic corp of greeters who shuffled on and off buses to see what they had to offer. I was beautiful in every respect and I did enjoy the hour. Before we left we signed a card for the big draw. I looked over the prizes and was impressed with the goodies.

We left not giving it a thought but come yesterday we received a call saying we won the big one. We drove up to the office and Theresa went in to receive her gift. As she came out of the office she struggled to carry this large basket filled with Boar's Head goodies. Fifteen items valued at $150. were there in the gift basket and a ladies golf hat to boot.I suppose I should be grateful for Theresa pushing me to go. I had a good time and a bonus as well.

Little Sister

When you think of a little sister you rarely think in terms of a 68 year old grandmother. However my little sister is all the above and much more. Although we are six years apart in age we were very close in the latter part of our lives. As a child I remember the battles my Mom had in trying to get her to eat properly. I am sure she grew up on bread and molasses, without the crusts. She was sneeky that one in eating her home made bread and seperating the crusts and placing them on a ledge under the table. Mom probably knew but she being the baby was a little protected and spolied.

She sat in the fornt of our old Model A Ford truck while we suffered the dust in the open back and this little one was carried by Dad when we went for walks down to the big pond. Yes she was special and that was because she was the last of eight children. All this came to a close when Mom surprised us with a baby  boy years later.

I don't remember much about Carol as a youngster except she had great friends and was always happy. She and her sister were joined at the hip until later in life and shares many of the same friends.After high school Carol became a tearher and taught in Montreal with her brother and later a fellow who became her husband.

I was happy when Carol moved to Pembroke and lived close to me. She was the only member of my family to share a common area to live. During these years we became close friends and our family and hers blended together and created a happy situation for many years. During these times I realized what I missed about leaving home at a young age and never returning to become part of our family.

Carol moved away back home and has lived there ever since. The only time I shared time with her after that was in Florida where we had many happy times and again we talked of past happiness and planned future get togethers when we visited  Cape Breton.

Today is her birthday and I wish her all the happiness and I know I will have embarrassed her by writing this blog. I tried to phone her early this am and she was away looking after her grandson so this is the result. To the baby girl in our family I wish her all the best.

Leaving the Nest

Every day Theresa and I visit our Eagle families and this week the babies who are as large as their parents  are about to leave the nest. Every year we watch with interest this procedure whereby the adults feed and nurture the young until they are tired of the work and make a change. After feeding, cleaning and protecting the babies , Eagles show their tough love and shove the young ones out of the nest. Sometimes they fly within a few days but sometimes it takes a whole lot longer. In any case the babies are forced to go out on their own and face the world.

At this time of the year we observe the same ritual whereby young adults are preparing to complete their secondary school and move on to other things. Like the eagles some youngsters are prepared to move on to post secondary education  in one form or another. Like the eagles some youngsters are not so well prepared and are reluctant to fly on their own. They hang on to the safety of the family and parental support.

Facing the future is such a big step and parents have such a critical role in helping their children to gain the knowledge necessary to be successful. Giving your children the opportunity to forge ahead and make mistakes and learn consequences that will make them independent. Being there for your children no matter what and giving unconditional love and and support will give your children the confidence to be creative and productive.

We see the eagles year after year raising their young ones against difficult environment problems but they never give in. Parents who are having their children leave the nest must be strong and confident they did what had to be done to help their kids fly high and far to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.