The Canadian government seems to have a problem with the returning military men and women from their combat mission in the far east. Already our minister of defense and the prime minister are talking of creative ways to utilize these seasoned military personnel on their return to Canada. So far they collectively think that we, Canada, should send these assets to countries in Central and - more particularly - South America to aid in the fight in the drug wars and help stabilize matters in Columbia and other countries that we recently signed trade agreements with.
It is interesting that these countries are not asking for help and in fact Mexico and other southern countries are considering making drugs legal and thus solving the crisis they are having with the drug lords. It is also significant that all the countries being considered have huge mining developments with huge Canadian interests. Could we be following the American policy of having troops in countries where they say they have interests of national security?
Large international companies always look to have the support of their military to protect their monetary or financial interests. The Canadian Government has a policy of making our future well being on huge development of our mineral and oil resources by international or foreign capital. Many of these mining ventures have a short life and when the minerals are mined we are left with an environmental mess and the profits are safely in foreign hands.
The USA has always had the policy of protecting their big business by the use of it's military and has led to terrible and destructive wars. Case in point would be Iraq where a whole country was destroyed with huge loss of life and info-structure. However the oil resources were protected and were in production shortly after the war ended.
I might be a good plan to have the military return and retrain for peaceful missions in our far north and in countries where natural disasters occur. We would once again be seen in the world as the wonderful country we really are. Our status on the world stage could be recovered and once again we could be leaders in the free world in matters of the environment, peace keeping and independent of the American influence which seems to control Ottawa politics at this time.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Golf With The Alligators
Alligators are a common sight on most golf courses in southern Florida. One course that Theresa and I played frequently had gators on 17 of the 18 holes. On this course there was a particularly large gator {12 ft or more} who loved to sun himself on the tee box of the first hole.
He was on that course for years and no one payed any attention to this big fellow. Theresa and I drove up to the tee box and there he was. Theresa stayed on the cart but I went up and set my ball carefully about 12 feet from this sleeping fellow. I took little time in taking a practise swing but hit the ball right away in the water. I was glad to be off that tee box but to my surprise there were gators on nearly every hole. Some holes had several gators but they were all small by comparison to this big fellow. There was an unwritten rule that the golf courses would have any gator over five feet taken away.
We got used to these beasts and actually enjoy seeing them but we always recognize that they are wild animals and care must be taken and respect shown for their ability to attack.
During the colder weather during the winter you hardly see any gators as they hide and sleep in holes in the banks of the water.
We got used to these beasts and actually enjoy seeing them but we always recognize that they are wild animals and care must be taken and respect shown for their ability to attack.
During the colder weather during the winter you hardly see any gators as they hide and sleep in holes in the banks of the water.
Christmas Snow
Our Christmas snow came a day late and did it come! We had 9 or 10 inches in our driveway and it was heavy. Late or not it was welcome as we miss the white stuff. Weather people said we had more snow today than all last winter.
I began ridding my driveway of snow when my neighbour Amazing Grace [80] came over to give me a hand. She was up much earlier and already cleared her large driveway. Grace is a great neighbour.
Our back yard was covered and there was a track of a rabbit trying to make it's way to some cedar branches for breakfast. He had a hard time but finally made the trip pay as he was treated to green cedar bows.
After the busy Christmas rush it is nice to be able to sit back and enjoy a day without any obligations. Our travelling family all got home before the snow storm and that was good as we had no cause to worry. There were so many fender benders as it was the first significant snow for some time.
The snow turns our world into a fairy land, covering the cruel winter ground with a beautiful blanket of pure white snow. I love snow at Christmas and this year we got our wish. This helps to make this year even more perfect.
I began ridding my driveway of snow when my neighbour Amazing Grace [80] came over to give me a hand. She was up much earlier and already cleared her large driveway. Grace is a great neighbour.
Our back yard was covered and there was a track of a rabbit trying to make it's way to some cedar branches for breakfast. He had a hard time but finally made the trip pay as he was treated to green cedar bows.
After the busy Christmas rush it is nice to be able to sit back and enjoy a day without any obligations. Our travelling family all got home before the snow storm and that was good as we had no cause to worry. There were so many fender benders as it was the first significant snow for some time.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Family Christmas Gathering
This year we were able to look around the room and see every member of our family. We got together at Lynda and Peter's place and from the first minute to the time we departed we heard nothing but laughter and joyful conversation.
The turkey dinner and all the celebration results in much effort on the part of the host but they have been doing this for a while so it now has become a tradition. We communicate on a regular basis but being in the same room is really special. Our 8 grandchildren are growing up and can no longer be thought of as children. They have noisy and earnest debates about everything and I love to see that each has a mind of their own and have no difficulty expressing it.
Christmas is such a wonderful season and day that we look forward to this gathering for months ahead.This year it was so great to have all together that picture taking was a major event. It is always a good idea to document these celebrations as you never know when we will all be together again.
As the celebration ends we all go off our separate ways talking of the wonderful Christmas of 2012 and planning next year's get together.
Christmas is such a wonderful season and day that we look forward to this gathering for months ahead.This year it was so great to have all together that picture taking was a major event. It is always a good idea to document these celebrations as you never know when we will all be together again.
As the celebration ends we all go off our separate ways talking of the wonderful Christmas of 2012 and planning next year's get together.
Coal Miners
Rita McNeil had her yearly Xmas concert the other evening but it turned out to be a visit with the Men From The Deeps. It was a moving musical treat for those who have a connection with the coal mines in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton in particular.
My Father and grand parents before him all worked the coal mines of Cape Breton. What makes these coal mines distinct is the fact that many were submarine mines meaning they were digging the coal which was out under the ocean. Princess Number 1 was the largest coal mine which took coal for a hundred years from under the Atlantic Ocean.
Dad would get up at 5.am and catch the man car to the mine. He had to travel down hundreds of feet in a elevator like cage where he mounted a box mounted on tracks to travel many miles to his work. This was called a man rake and held up to several hundred men.
Beyond this he had to walk to the long wall where the coal was mined. As a loader two men had to cut, shoot and load coal from a solid wall 40 feet by four feet and 6 feet high. All this was during a 8 to 10 hour shift. After work the reverse travel took more than an hour and then shower and take the man car home. This was really a 11 or 12 hour shift.
The men were hearty and strong and suffered working conditions that by today's standards would be brutal.Dad never complained but made sure none of his 4 sons became coal miners. Dad was a person who loved the pit ponies and I still remember him talking about one pony in particular named Samson. This pony was so strong and was worked in an manner that was brutal and even though some of the miners were caring the ponies were an expendable commodity.
I loved the Men of the Deeps rendition of a song so dear to Cape Bretoners called A working Man I Am. Everywhere this choir travels this song gets the greatest applause.Rita McNeil sings with this miners choir every chance she gets and is always very popular
My Father and grand parents before him all worked the coal mines of Cape Breton. What makes these coal mines distinct is the fact that many were submarine mines meaning they were digging the coal which was out under the ocean. Princess Number 1 was the largest coal mine which took coal for a hundred years from under the Atlantic Ocean.
Dad would get up at 5.am and catch the man car to the mine. He had to travel down hundreds of feet in a elevator like cage where he mounted a box mounted on tracks to travel many miles to his work. This was called a man rake and held up to several hundred men.
Beyond this he had to walk to the long wall where the coal was mined. As a loader two men had to cut, shoot and load coal from a solid wall 40 feet by four feet and 6 feet high. All this was during a 8 to 10 hour shift. After work the reverse travel took more than an hour and then shower and take the man car home. This was really a 11 or 12 hour shift.
The men were hearty and strong and suffered working conditions that by today's standards would be brutal.Dad never complained but made sure none of his 4 sons became coal miners. Dad was a person who loved the pit ponies and I still remember him talking about one pony in particular named Samson. This pony was so strong and was worked in an manner that was brutal and even though some of the miners were caring the ponies were an expendable commodity.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Paul Watson Green Hero
Paul Watson may be a name you have heard over the last 30 years in connection with sea life. Paul was the 007 member of Greenpeace. This group have disowned their founding member because he is a renegade.
Paul had a mission brought before him as a young person when he saw the slaughter of sea life as murder and he began his mission to help save the lives of animals that lived in the sea . He saw the slaughter of whales, seals, dolphins and any mammal that was killed as a crime against humanity.
He was a Greenpeace leader but he was not satisfied with the progress they were making so he set out on his own to change the system. He acquired a ship called Sea Shepherd and began his fight against international looting of the whale population . He rammed, disrupted and actually caused some countries to cease whale companies to continue operation.
Paul has been arrested, brutalized and made into a horrible disruptor of sea trade in the slaughter of sea life. He has been personally responsible for the Japanese slaughter of whales in the south Pacific and put his life in danger numerous times. He rammed and kept close contact with international fleets who were involved with the trade in endangered sea life. He is a hero and a person who puts his mission before his life.
People like Paul will one day be counted as a true hero but it is easy to see that Canadians feel a little apart from him as he used every method to keep his cause alive.
He was born in St. Andrews by the sea in New Brunswick and gained a love of the sea and its creatures. He now lives in the Islands in the area off the coast of B.C. and will continue his fight for the freedom of the mammals of the sea. Check Google for more about a green peace hero.
Arctic Christmas Tree
During the years I lived in the High Arctic I was amazed at the creativity of the Inuit when it came to Christmas trees. In recent years the artificial tree has become an institution but in years gone by the people made do with what they had.
My best memory of a special Christmas tree was in 1999. This was the year when Nunavut was just about prepared to celebrate it's status as a Territory of Canada. An area the size of one fifth of Canada's land and a population of less than 25 thousand people scattered in twenty six hamlets seemed like a impossible task to make a workable union.
That year at Xmas there were exciting things happening for the people and in our hamlet the decision was to have a hamlet tree like they do down south. A local airline, Adler Air surprised everyone by bringing in some real spruce trees. The children were seeing a real tree for the first time and felt and smelt the spruce trees.
One tree in particular was picked for the hamlet tree and it was placed in the community hall. Children and adults were invited to bring a decoration to place on the tree. The Hamlet Council declared a Hamlet Feast and it seemed like the whole population came to the hall for traditional food and to see this huge tree.
As the people came they placed the decorations on the tree. Nearly all were made by the people and within a half an hour the tree was so covered with decorations there was little room for even one more. The lights were not put on until the official time when an elder prayed and made a toast to our first Hamlet Tree for Nunavut. The lights were lit and everyone clapped and shouted and rejoiced in the fact that they had their own territory and the beginning a a new tradition. It was a beautiful tree and after the Xmas season was over the elders packed away all the decorations to be kept for the next year.
A local teacher led the community in Christmas Carols sung in the Inuit language. It sounded so beautiful with true spirit of community coming forward through song. I shall never forget that special day back in Akaluktutiak, Nunavut.
My best memory of a special Christmas tree was in 1999. This was the year when Nunavut was just about prepared to celebrate it's status as a Territory of Canada. An area the size of one fifth of Canada's land and a population of less than 25 thousand people scattered in twenty six hamlets seemed like a impossible task to make a workable union.
That year at Xmas there were exciting things happening for the people and in our hamlet the decision was to have a hamlet tree like they do down south. A local airline, Adler Air surprised everyone by bringing in some real spruce trees. The children were seeing a real tree for the first time and felt and smelt the spruce trees.
One tree in particular was picked for the hamlet tree and it was placed in the community hall. Children and adults were invited to bring a decoration to place on the tree. The Hamlet Council declared a Hamlet Feast and it seemed like the whole population came to the hall for traditional food and to see this huge tree.
As the people came they placed the decorations on the tree. Nearly all were made by the people and within a half an hour the tree was so covered with decorations there was little room for even one more. The lights were not put on until the official time when an elder prayed and made a toast to our first Hamlet Tree for Nunavut. The lights were lit and everyone clapped and shouted and rejoiced in the fact that they had their own territory and the beginning a a new tradition. It was a beautiful tree and after the Xmas season was over the elders packed away all the decorations to be kept for the next year.
A local teacher led the community in Christmas Carols sung in the Inuit language. It sounded so beautiful with true spirit of community coming forward through song. I shall never forget that special day back in Akaluktutiak, Nunavut.
Family Gathering At Christmas
Large families often say that the only time they ever get together is at a wedding or a funeral. I would like to add another day to that list and say Christmas.Our family with the immediate and extended members now number about 20. They range from Great Grandma Doris to our youngest grandson Troy who is 16. This Christmas we all plan to share our special gathering and dinner at our oldest daughter's home. Lynda and Peter have been our hosts for the past few years and it has become a tradition.
With family scattered all over the province and the network of families involved with obligations it becomes important to have a plan so we may get together at least every two years. Many families have long standing traditions that must be respected so you have to be sensitive to make sure everyone is accommodated.
Canadians were always sure of having a white Christmas but in recent years a green Christmas has been the norm. We all talk about this and hope for even a few white flakes will come down to make the scene perfect for our gathering.
With only a couple of days left before Christmas we are excited to once again share happy time with our family and friends.
With family scattered all over the province and the network of families involved with obligations it becomes important to have a plan so we may get together at least every two years. Many families have long standing traditions that must be respected so you have to be sensitive to make sure everyone is accommodated.
Canadians were always sure of having a white Christmas but in recent years a green Christmas has been the norm. We all talk about this and hope for even a few white flakes will come down to make the scene perfect for our gathering.
With only a couple of days left before Christmas we are excited to once again share happy time with our family and friends.
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| Doris dreaming of a white Xmas |
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Pre Christmas Fun
The days leading up to Christmas are usually filled up with chores like cleaning, travelling, shopping and baking. One of the pre-Christmas joys can be felt with gift wrapping.
At this time you have a opportunity to make sure that you have picked out the perfect gift for all the ones you care about. Theresa is a professional gift wrapper. She practically measures every piece of paper to make sure it matches. These days her job is made easier as bags have become popular and so much better as they could be used many times over the years.
Preparing for Christmas is a happy chore as your efforts are intended to make the friends and family feel better when they come to visit. We get excited about Christmas right after American Thanksgiving and the happiness builds until Christmas day. The expectations of the day and the season is half the joy so we hope everyone is happy and joyful because of the true meaning of Christmas.
At this time you have a opportunity to make sure that you have picked out the perfect gift for all the ones you care about. Theresa is a professional gift wrapper. She practically measures every piece of paper to make sure it matches. These days her job is made easier as bags have become popular and so much better as they could be used many times over the years.
Preparing for Christmas is a happy chore as your efforts are intended to make the friends and family feel better when they come to visit. We get excited about Christmas right after American Thanksgiving and the happiness builds until Christmas day. The expectations of the day and the season is half the joy so we hope everyone is happy and joyful because of the true meaning of Christmas.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Scared Happy
At this time of year I often look through old pictures and day books to remind me of all the happiness from the past. This year I came across a short memo in my book about one of the most challenging of my adventures.
Fifty six years ago I was living in Temiskaming, Quebec, I was principal of a private school owned by International Pulp and Paper Co. The small isolated town had a population of people from many countries but the most active skiing folk were from Norway and Sweden. One of my teachers was married to a ski jumping champion who took it on to himself to get me in the winter sport of flying as they called it.
The town had a jumping area with three hills. One was a teaching hill, the second was a 40 meter hill and the largest of the three was a 60 meter hill. These hills are small in comparison to the hills of today but seemed quite big to me at the time.
Ollie outfitted me with a set of jumping boards and took me to the learning hill. We went through the ground training and just how I was to hold my head, arms and feet at the beginning of the jump right through to the landing. After closing my eyes and visualizing the jump I found myself at the top of the learning hill. There is nothing to it Henry, just do as we practised.
I looked down the run which was two narrow indentations in the snow to the end of a ramp and then nothing but a drop to the snow below. I was scared but confident I would be OK. Down I went and as planned I ended at the bottom in a few seconds. I was amazed that I did not fall or somehow mess up my first jump. That day I repeated the effort several times and fell a few times but it was fun. Ollie said the second lesson was tomorrow.
Sunday morning I was off to the ski hill again and Ollie gave me similar instructions as the first day except I was jumping off the 40 meter hill. Ollie pointed to a series of steps to take me to the top of the hill and accompanied me. The climb was scary enough because there were no handrails an it became an open platform. The wind was cold and strong and I was weak and nervous.
Ollie tied my skiis to my boots and helped me up. Look down he said and close your eyes and think of what you have to do. I did and all seemed well. But I had to open my eyes and what a shock. The ramp looked huge and the drop at the end was scary. Ready Henry..go...I was off and all I could think of was his instructions. Before I could think I was at the end of the ramp and flying into open space. What a thrill, what an experience, I was really flying but before I knew it I was hitting the snow and tumbling over and over to the great joy of all watching.
Great first jump one person said and get up and go again. I did and I was hooked on ski jumping or flying as Ollie used to say. After that I was on the hill every chance I got and graduated to the 60 meter hill where the thrill was even greater. I never became a great jumper and never won a contest but I competed and eventually became confident enough to tackle larger hills.
I broke my right leg a short time after and a second time after that in freak accidents. I was married to a wife and job and could not afford to be injured again. I retired after about 50 jumps but realized that Ollie gave me the opportunity to face my fears and do something new and challenging. I have been afraid of several things in my life but my experience ski jumping made these fears seem small in comparison to standing at the top of a ski hill , ready to plunge down and fly free as a bird. I learned to be scared happy.
Fifty six years ago I was living in Temiskaming, Quebec, I was principal of a private school owned by International Pulp and Paper Co. The small isolated town had a population of people from many countries but the most active skiing folk were from Norway and Sweden. One of my teachers was married to a ski jumping champion who took it on to himself to get me in the winter sport of flying as they called it.
The town had a jumping area with three hills. One was a teaching hill, the second was a 40 meter hill and the largest of the three was a 60 meter hill. These hills are small in comparison to the hills of today but seemed quite big to me at the time.
Ollie outfitted me with a set of jumping boards and took me to the learning hill. We went through the ground training and just how I was to hold my head, arms and feet at the beginning of the jump right through to the landing. After closing my eyes and visualizing the jump I found myself at the top of the learning hill. There is nothing to it Henry, just do as we practised.
I looked down the run which was two narrow indentations in the snow to the end of a ramp and then nothing but a drop to the snow below. I was scared but confident I would be OK. Down I went and as planned I ended at the bottom in a few seconds. I was amazed that I did not fall or somehow mess up my first jump. That day I repeated the effort several times and fell a few times but it was fun. Ollie said the second lesson was tomorrow.
Sunday morning I was off to the ski hill again and Ollie gave me similar instructions as the first day except I was jumping off the 40 meter hill. Ollie pointed to a series of steps to take me to the top of the hill and accompanied me. The climb was scary enough because there were no handrails an it became an open platform. The wind was cold and strong and I was weak and nervous.
Ollie tied my skiis to my boots and helped me up. Look down he said and close your eyes and think of what you have to do. I did and all seemed well. But I had to open my eyes and what a shock. The ramp looked huge and the drop at the end was scary. Ready Henry..go...I was off and all I could think of was his instructions. Before I could think I was at the end of the ramp and flying into open space. What a thrill, what an experience, I was really flying but before I knew it I was hitting the snow and tumbling over and over to the great joy of all watching.
Great first jump one person said and get up and go again. I did and I was hooked on ski jumping or flying as Ollie used to say. After that I was on the hill every chance I got and graduated to the 60 meter hill where the thrill was even greater. I never became a great jumper and never won a contest but I competed and eventually became confident enough to tackle larger hills.
I broke my right leg a short time after and a second time after that in freak accidents. I was married to a wife and job and could not afford to be injured again. I retired after about 50 jumps but realized that Ollie gave me the opportunity to face my fears and do something new and challenging. I have been afraid of several things in my life but my experience ski jumping made these fears seem small in comparison to standing at the top of a ski hill , ready to plunge down and fly free as a bird. I learned to be scared happy.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Henry, Henry and Henry
Today was one of those days I really look forward to. I had a visit from my son and his son for the day .When they come for a visit I usually have a list of problems to solve. These issues are usually associated with the computer but physical work is also on the agenda,
They arrived right when I was going to the basement to take out the Xmas trees and decorations. In a few minutes this task was completed and the tree set up ready for us to decorate. Next the computer problems which were a piece of cake to both of them but a impossible task for Theresa and I was solved.
We did have time for a good visit and talk of politics came to the forefront. Henry told us of a chance meeting with Justin Trudeau in Barrie yesterday and had a picture to back up his facts. I cherished my times when I met Trudeau Senior and now here several generations along my grandson met our next Prime Minister.
The other issue was our commitment to my daughter's cottage and the plans for the building of a huge deck and stairs to the lake front. After several ideas we arrived at a plan that will get the job done.
I cooked a stew for the occasion and after dinner we just had family time with Theresa and Doris who is home for the weekend. Life is great when you have family to share your time with and bask in the reflected glory of their success.
They arrived right when I was going to the basement to take out the Xmas trees and decorations. In a few minutes this task was completed and the tree set up ready for us to decorate. Next the computer problems which were a piece of cake to both of them but a impossible task for Theresa and I was solved.
We did have time for a good visit and talk of politics came to the forefront. Henry told us of a chance meeting with Justin Trudeau in Barrie yesterday and had a picture to back up his facts. I cherished my times when I met Trudeau Senior and now here several generations along my grandson met our next Prime Minister.
I cooked a stew for the occasion and after dinner we just had family time with Theresa and Doris who is home for the weekend. Life is great when you have family to share your time with and bask in the reflected glory of their success.
Sadness and Disbelief
Theresa and I just arrived home from Florida the night before and the next morning we were standing in our driveway talking to some neighbours. Grace our amazing neighbour arrived home from her work at the local school as a crossing guard. She crossed the street and as she approached us I could see she was clearly upset. We gave her a hug and she looked us in the eye and asked if we heard of the terrible tragic event in the states. We said no and she blurted out the sad and tragic news of the pillage in the elementary school where 20 young, Innocent children were butchered.
Her eyes were filled with tears as she is a mother to nearly 700 kids at her school and the thought that this crime could be committed against Innocent kids was unspeakable. She turned and left expressing what justice would be for the man who committed this act.
Theresa and I were in shock and emotion welled up in my body and I was absolutely wordless. For the whole day I had these re occurring feelings and I was unable to write a blog to express my feelings. There are no words to express one's emotional response to such a tragic event. There are no answers to make you feel better. There is no way you can expect justice to be done as the man killed himself.
A nation weeps for the children, the families and everyone in the community will be in shock for years and the world has witnesed another tragic event which will leave so many unanswered questions. People will cry out to ban guns but the guns did not kill by themselves, it was the man who killed. The USA has a problem with it's constitution and the National Rifle Association in regard to its right to bear arms. Guns are so available it is easy to carry out these mass killings almost at will.
These mass killings have become so regular both here and in Canada and the USA that we wonder why. In Canada we used to have a program for treating people with mental issues. Today in Canada the majority of homeless people suffer from treatable medical conditions. We closed nearly all our facilities which used to care for these sick people but a number of years ago we turned them out on the street. The treatment now is for these people to report every so often to receive their drugs and goodbye.
Until we are able to identify, treat and care for people with mental issues which make them dangerous to themselves and the public, these tragic events will be a regular news item.
Her eyes were filled with tears as she is a mother to nearly 700 kids at her school and the thought that this crime could be committed against Innocent kids was unspeakable. She turned and left expressing what justice would be for the man who committed this act.
Theresa and I were in shock and emotion welled up in my body and I was absolutely wordless. For the whole day I had these re occurring feelings and I was unable to write a blog to express my feelings. There are no words to express one's emotional response to such a tragic event. There are no answers to make you feel better. There is no way you can expect justice to be done as the man killed himself.
A nation weeps for the children, the families and everyone in the community will be in shock for years and the world has witnesed another tragic event which will leave so many unanswered questions. People will cry out to ban guns but the guns did not kill by themselves, it was the man who killed. The USA has a problem with it's constitution and the National Rifle Association in regard to its right to bear arms. Guns are so available it is easy to carry out these mass killings almost at will.
These mass killings have become so regular both here and in Canada and the USA that we wonder why. In Canada we used to have a program for treating people with mental issues. Today in Canada the majority of homeless people suffer from treatable medical conditions. We closed nearly all our facilities which used to care for these sick people but a number of years ago we turned them out on the street. The treatment now is for these people to report every so often to receive their drugs and goodbye.
Until we are able to identify, treat and care for people with mental issues which make them dangerous to themselves and the public, these tragic events will be a regular news item.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Missing My Garden
When we come to Florida we rush to get the garden planted so we can reap the benefits of fresh vegetables. This year we planted the garden around the last week of October and everything grew very well because of the perfect weather. Cool nights with hot days is a good combination for growth.
We were going to settle for a pot garden but as usual I couldn't see a empty space in the back yard.We planted three kinds of tomatoes, cantaloupe, carrots, two kinds of beans, two kinds of lettuce, Swiss chard and beets. Everything will do well while we are away but the beans will be ready next week and we are eating the lettuce.
Because we have a watering system the garden should survive the drought like conditions during December, January and February. In spite of that I will worry the whole time I am home.
We were going to settle for a pot garden but as usual I couldn't see a empty space in the back yard.We planted three kinds of tomatoes, cantaloupe, carrots, two kinds of beans, two kinds of lettuce, Swiss chard and beets. Everything will do well while we are away but the beans will be ready next week and we are eating the lettuce.
Because we have a watering system the garden should survive the drought like conditions during December, January and February. In spite of that I will worry the whole time I am home.
Bismark Gets A Haircut
Our Bismark tree has to get a trim every few months. It is amazing that it grows so quickly. Theresa and I decided to give it a good trim before we left for Xmas holidays.This tree has fronds that are very large and the stems are hard as a rock.
The tree will soon be too tall for me to do the trimming and I will have to get a professional to do the work. We planted this tree from a five gallon seedling and stood back. We love the color and the strength that the tree portrays and the neighbors love it as well.
My helper Theresa works along with me and we drag the fronds to the road for pickup. Every week we have a load for the city truck and they do an excellent job of cleaning up. We are half finished the job and will complete the work after Xmas.
Our Bismarker tree stands tall on the corner of our lot and is a good monument when giving directions to visitors.
The tree will soon be too tall for me to do the trimming and I will have to get a professional to do the work. We planted this tree from a five gallon seedling and stood back. We love the color and the strength that the tree portrays and the neighbors love it as well.
My helper Theresa works along with me and we drag the fronds to the road for pickup. Every week we have a load for the city truck and they do an excellent job of cleaning up. We are half finished the job and will complete the work after Xmas.
Our Bismarker tree stands tall on the corner of our lot and is a good monument when giving directions to visitors.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Uncle Russell
I received a call last evening from my sister Carol Ann and I knew the message before I returned the call. Uncle Russell passed away.This summer I missed the opportunity of a visit but he was resting when I arrived at his house and I did not wish to disturb him. It was perhaps better in the long run as I remember Uncle Russell as a younger, active and influential person in my life.
I was fortunate in having half a dozen uncles and four of them lived within a stones throw from my home. I had the benefit of four men who shared every minute of spare time actively engaging their extended family in healthy activities. Ma Vickers' boys used the spacious yard as a compound with their homes built around the family house.
The yard became a sports arena where horse shoe pits were built and used nearly every day. Ball gloves were in the outer porch and there was always an uncle to play catch and in winter a family size rink was built right in the middle of the yard.
All of my uncles nurtured us and made sure we played by the rules. Uncle Russell was probably the quietest of all my uncles but had a positive impact on our lives. He would listen to us and had this habit of looking at us and saying really when we spoke questionable statements. He would then not criticize us but give his patented grin and chuckle. He had a impish manner and expressive eyes that indicated to us his acceptance or rejection of our conduct.
Just after WWII when two of our uncles returned home there was a celebration at the family home. Uncle Matt and Buster arrived home and we as children were caught up in all the excitement. My cousin Adrian was in the kitchen and picked up a pack of Camel cigarettes. He motioned to Harry and I to follow him outside. We retreated to the old apple tree and each took a cigarette. These were not cork tipped but strong tasting tobacco. We had trouble lighting them but managed to send up a cloud of smoke. Our fun ended when this figure looked down on us with a big grin. He encouraged us to finish the smoke. I never smokes another cigarette in my life. I was sick, Russell never ratted on us but we paid the price.
The best experiences with uncle Russell came during the hot days of summer when he took all of us swimming at the back shore. It was a two mile walk down past the big pond and we always stopped by a small creek which oozed coppers water. He explained it was from the abandoned coal mine. That was the first time I was introduced to the word pollution.. At the back shore was a huge sandy beach in the shadow of the tailing's of the closed steel mill. We never ever saw anyone there except us. Russel had us running races and getting in the freezing water and just having fun laughing and making noise in a place that was otherwise silent except from the crashing waves from the ocean. He always said to point east and over there was England. We loved these times.
I got in a little trouble once when I disobeyed my Grandmother. There was a small crop pit beside the house and we were told to stay away. One evening after dark I saw uncle Russell removed the frame over the pit and placed a winch in it's place. He disappeared down a latter with his carbide lamp lit.. I saw this and tried to follow but the latter was tricky. Russel heard me and chased me up the latter. He was angry and told me never to do this again. I knew I was in trouble but he never told Grandma or Mom. That was the kind of uncle he was.
Uncle Russel was 90 years old and lived a quiet life with his wife and daughter. He will be in the memory of his nephews for years to come. He made a difference in our lives.
I was fortunate in having half a dozen uncles and four of them lived within a stones throw from my home. I had the benefit of four men who shared every minute of spare time actively engaging their extended family in healthy activities. Ma Vickers' boys used the spacious yard as a compound with their homes built around the family house.
All of my uncles nurtured us and made sure we played by the rules. Uncle Russell was probably the quietest of all my uncles but had a positive impact on our lives. He would listen to us and had this habit of looking at us and saying really when we spoke questionable statements. He would then not criticize us but give his patented grin and chuckle. He had a impish manner and expressive eyes that indicated to us his acceptance or rejection of our conduct.
Just after WWII when two of our uncles returned home there was a celebration at the family home. Uncle Matt and Buster arrived home and we as children were caught up in all the excitement. My cousin Adrian was in the kitchen and picked up a pack of Camel cigarettes. He motioned to Harry and I to follow him outside. We retreated to the old apple tree and each took a cigarette. These were not cork tipped but strong tasting tobacco. We had trouble lighting them but managed to send up a cloud of smoke. Our fun ended when this figure looked down on us with a big grin. He encouraged us to finish the smoke. I never smokes another cigarette in my life. I was sick, Russell never ratted on us but we paid the price.
The best experiences with uncle Russell came during the hot days of summer when he took all of us swimming at the back shore. It was a two mile walk down past the big pond and we always stopped by a small creek which oozed coppers water. He explained it was from the abandoned coal mine. That was the first time I was introduced to the word pollution.. At the back shore was a huge sandy beach in the shadow of the tailing's of the closed steel mill. We never ever saw anyone there except us. Russel had us running races and getting in the freezing water and just having fun laughing and making noise in a place that was otherwise silent except from the crashing waves from the ocean. He always said to point east and over there was England. We loved these times.
I got in a little trouble once when I disobeyed my Grandmother. There was a small crop pit beside the house and we were told to stay away. One evening after dark I saw uncle Russell removed the frame over the pit and placed a winch in it's place. He disappeared down a latter with his carbide lamp lit.. I saw this and tried to follow but the latter was tricky. Russel heard me and chased me up the latter. He was angry and told me never to do this again. I knew I was in trouble but he never told Grandma or Mom. That was the kind of uncle he was.
Uncle Russel was 90 years old and lived a quiet life with his wife and daughter. He will be in the memory of his nephews for years to come. He made a difference in our lives.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Mocking Birds
The Mocking Bird is the Florida State bird and is such a vocal on you cannot miss it early in the morning with it's many greetings. We have not seen a Mocking Bird here at our home since we came down in October. This is unnatural as we usually have two nesting couples in our trees.
This morning as I lay awake at 6am I heard the distinct call of not one but several Mocking Birds. I hurried outside with my camera and discovered what all the fuss was about.The birds traditionally used our light pole as their morning perch. This morning a squirrel was sitting there and causing trouble. The squirrel made a move to leave but IT on the wire was no place to fight off an attack from an angry Mocking Bird.
I watched for a while and took a few pictures but all the time I was so happy to see the return of our nesting couples. They have already scouted the close by trees for a nesting location. We will have the pleasure of waking up to their call for the next months ahead.
This morning as I lay awake at 6am I heard the distinct call of not one but several Mocking Birds. I hurried outside with my camera and discovered what all the fuss was about.The birds traditionally used our light pole as their morning perch. This morning a squirrel was sitting there and causing trouble. The squirrel made a move to leave but IT on the wire was no place to fight off an attack from an angry Mocking Bird.
I watched for a while and took a few pictures but all the time I was so happy to see the return of our nesting couples. They have already scouted the close by trees for a nesting location. We will have the pleasure of waking up to their call for the next months ahead.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Saving a $100.
Theresa opened the door below our sink yesterday only to be greeted by a flood of water. The ten year old garburator rusted out and was making a mess. We decided to go to home depot and get another one a have them install it. I find the room beneath the sink slightly small for my frame and besides I have to watch my back.
We went to the nearest Home Depot as they had the same make as ours and we were very satisfied with the service it provided. First we were surprised that no one knew what a garburator was so we explained. The man then learned me up on the proper name when he said I wished to purchase a kitchen food disposal unit. I was satisfied with my language lesson but take me to the whatever you call that thing I needed.
We were presented with a wall of these disposal units and found the exact one we have. Half hp and maybe all the plumbing will be the same. I saw the price was$105. with tax and wondered how much they charge for installation. $100. he said without embarrassment. A few minutes ago he was saying how easy it was to do it ourselves. We took the machine and drove home discussing how easy it was to save $100.
I took out the old unit and began to get the new unit ready. Wiring was needed so I used to wire off the old one. The new model had a different piping system and there were a couple of items I had to go get as they were not included.I discovered also that one of the pipes was a slightly different size. Back to Home Depot. This was now the third trip. I wasn't too pleased and Theresa's calm nature kept me focused.
Lying on my back, one shoulder inside the lower cabinet and the other reaching around the division between the two doors I suffered every minute. I finally got all the little stuff done and now had to join the motor and the pump to the sink. I tried everything but I could not hold the unit and get it situated so it could be turned and joined. Theresa had the idea of using phone books to hold the device so I could match the connectors. Three large phone books two small ones and 6 Oprah magazines did the trick.. Theresa holding the largest screwdriver as a pry maneuvered the unit in place.In three minutes we were trying the project out. Everything worked to perfection and not a leak.
Theresa is becoming a better helper all the time as she can read directions and shows patience which adds some civility to the job. It was a heck of a way to save $100.
We went to the nearest Home Depot as they had the same make as ours and we were very satisfied with the service it provided. First we were surprised that no one knew what a garburator was so we explained. The man then learned me up on the proper name when he said I wished to purchase a kitchen food disposal unit. I was satisfied with my language lesson but take me to the whatever you call that thing I needed.
We were presented with a wall of these disposal units and found the exact one we have. Half hp and maybe all the plumbing will be the same. I saw the price was$105. with tax and wondered how much they charge for installation. $100. he said without embarrassment. A few minutes ago he was saying how easy it was to do it ourselves. We took the machine and drove home discussing how easy it was to save $100.
I took out the old unit and began to get the new unit ready. Wiring was needed so I used to wire off the old one. The new model had a different piping system and there were a couple of items I had to go get as they were not included.I discovered also that one of the pipes was a slightly different size. Back to Home Depot. This was now the third trip. I wasn't too pleased and Theresa's calm nature kept me focused.
Lying on my back, one shoulder inside the lower cabinet and the other reaching around the division between the two doors I suffered every minute. I finally got all the little stuff done and now had to join the motor and the pump to the sink. I tried everything but I could not hold the unit and get it situated so it could be turned and joined. Theresa had the idea of using phone books to hold the device so I could match the connectors. Three large phone books two small ones and 6 Oprah magazines did the trick.. Theresa holding the largest screwdriver as a pry maneuvered the unit in place.In three minutes we were trying the project out. Everything worked to perfection and not a leak.
Theresa is becoming a better helper all the time as she can read directions and shows patience which adds some civility to the job. It was a heck of a way to save $100.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Camera Trouble
Theresa and I were going to take advantage of a evening without too many things to do.We decided to share some time at the gym. As we were leaving to go I asked Theresa to bring the camera. I never explained why but the reason was to take some pictures of the Xmas decorations in our area.
On the way to the gym which is about five minutes from home we drove to some of the more colorful displays and took some pictures. I cannot believe the effort some people put into their decorations. I believe many of the more elaborate ones are professionally developed.
After viewing many beautiful displays we moved on to the gym. Theresa was taking a Zumba class and I was going through my regular routine. I always begin with a 10 minute warm up on the tread mill. I saw a flash and there was Theresa taking pictures. Picture taking in the gym is a no no and quickly she was surrounded by members of the gym explaining to her that pictures were not permitted. They explained it was because of their liability. In any case Theresa put away her camera and went to her class. I am sure she was a little embarrassed but the people were very nice and I am sure it will not happen again.
I thought I told Theresa that pictures were not permitted within the gym but we got our wires crossed and our hands slapped.
On the way to the gym which is about five minutes from home we drove to some of the more colorful displays and took some pictures. I cannot believe the effort some people put into their decorations. I believe many of the more elaborate ones are professionally developed.
I thought I told Theresa that pictures were not permitted within the gym but we got our wires crossed and our hands slapped.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Bananas
It never ceases to amaze me how bananas grow. They are a fast growing plant which grows from a tiny little two leaf plant to a ten foot beautiful, leafy tree in about 12 to 14 months. I have about a dozen trees at present and ten of them should have fruit within the month.
Almost like a miracle this tree shows no sign of producing other than it is healthy when overnight this very large and dense branch crops out of the center of the tree. Within two days a purple enlarged flower is produced and tiny bananas show from beneath each purple leaf. This process may take several days or two weeks but the result is a bunch of bananas held by the center stock hanging upside down. The bananas grow in hands. From under each purple leaf there is a hand of small fruit. These bunches are called hands and may have as many as twenty bananas in each hand.
Some stocks hold up to 25 hands so you end up with several hundred bananas in each stock. These bananas are called by many names but the ones we have are called apple bananas. These bananas are less than half the size of regular bananas but are twice as sweet. To take full advantage of the fruit you may pick a few hands at a time. Last year when my son was here they all appeared and ripened at the same time. You then share with friends and neighbors.
Banana trees have a cruel fate. After they produce bunch of bananas they die but not before sprouts appear at the base of the mature tree.I look forward to eating some of this sweet fruit by April and seeing the new trees beginning to show a new generation of the best bananas in the world.
Today was a good garden day as our butter lettuce was ready for eating and our yellow beans and tomatoes began to flower. Growing in Florida is a pleasure.
Almost like a miracle this tree shows no sign of producing other than it is healthy when overnight this very large and dense branch crops out of the center of the tree. Within two days a purple enlarged flower is produced and tiny bananas show from beneath each purple leaf. This process may take several days or two weeks but the result is a bunch of bananas held by the center stock hanging upside down. The bananas grow in hands. From under each purple leaf there is a hand of small fruit. These bunches are called hands and may have as many as twenty bananas in each hand.
Some stocks hold up to 25 hands so you end up with several hundred bananas in each stock. These bananas are called by many names but the ones we have are called apple bananas. These bananas are less than half the size of regular bananas but are twice as sweet. To take full advantage of the fruit you may pick a few hands at a time. Last year when my son was here they all appeared and ripened at the same time. You then share with friends and neighbors.
Banana trees have a cruel fate. After they produce bunch of bananas they die but not before sprouts appear at the base of the mature tree.I look forward to eating some of this sweet fruit by April and seeing the new trees beginning to show a new generation of the best bananas in the world.
Today was a good garden day as our butter lettuce was ready for eating and our yellow beans and tomatoes began to flower. Growing in Florida is a pleasure.
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