It is difficult to think of spring with this Arctic like weather. During the past week or so I have seen some early signs that spring may be right around the corner. Flocks of robins have visited our area feeders and stayed for a bit. They looked ready to stay but with the extreme cold they just disappeared. A skunk was seen running up our street the other morning and the temperature was minus 30 below with the wind chill factor.
While living in the Arctic the people always took two symbols that spring was coming.The first was the arrival of the snowbirds. These little birds came north to claim their nesting area when it was full winter in the end of April and early May.They would stay close to the settlements and feed off scraps and what little food was available.They were a welcome sight.
The next warning was the return of the swans which took residence on a lake near our community and called appropriately Swan Lake. They would come in great numbers and sit on the ice near a small patch of open water for days and even weeks. When the first warm day came the swans paired off and flew to their own lake where they had their own space to raise two or three baby swan. Incidentally they were the last to leave the north in the fall. This was because it took longer to teach the young ones to fly. They left when their lake froze over.
I suppose we can take heart in the fact that the days are longer and the sun comes up earlier. The snow which had been with us for so long this year is being slowly eroded and come mid February we will see real signs that spring is on the way.In the meantime Mother Nature is showing us her power so there must be a good reason for our coldest winter for a long time.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Time For A Change
At this last day of February rolls us into some better weather we can only hope that there will be a change in the climate in Ottawa. We are witnessing a huge battle in Canada. The sides are drawn and we can see clearly that with the majority government there are no words to describe the pathetic desire of this group of right wing conservatives to shape Canada into a world which corresponds to their beliefs. With 38% of the popular vote they have taken their power to new heights of anti-democratic actions with their dangerous legislation which is molding Canada into a nation which looks horribly different than the one they found when they came to power.
With little concerns for the wishes of the majority of the people they have trampled democratic practice in the House of Commons, made committee structures[ impotent], ignored common practice of respect for the opposition parties and have become robots for big oil interests and extreme conservatives in matters of crime and punishment. Social issues are skewed far right and environmental concerns are shoved to the back burner to enable the continued rape of our natural resources for financial gains rather than protecting our or future.
Our foreign policy has become the policy of the Conservative party rather than the Government and people of Canada. Blatant disregard for the feelings and rights of parliament have lead to partisan decisions and we seem to be helpless to make an impact on the inner group of arrogant cabinet ministers who take their orders from the PM and read his bidding's at every turn while the Conservative caucus sit like dummies and obey the master.
Lets hope people get out and vote this regime out of office before it is too late as much damage has already been enacted and our nation suffers from a sick political climate in beautiful Ottawa.
With little concerns for the wishes of the majority of the people they have trampled democratic practice in the House of Commons, made committee structures[ impotent], ignored common practice of respect for the opposition parties and have become robots for big oil interests and extreme conservatives in matters of crime and punishment. Social issues are skewed far right and environmental concerns are shoved to the back burner to enable the continued rape of our natural resources for financial gains rather than protecting our or future.
Our foreign policy has become the policy of the Conservative party rather than the Government and people of Canada. Blatant disregard for the feelings and rights of parliament have lead to partisan decisions and we seem to be helpless to make an impact on the inner group of arrogant cabinet ministers who take their orders from the PM and read his bidding's at every turn while the Conservative caucus sit like dummies and obey the master.
Lets hope people get out and vote this regime out of office before it is too late as much damage has already been enacted and our nation suffers from a sick political climate in beautiful Ottawa.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Bad Politics
Politics within a country's boundaries are one thing but when it comes to international policy there has to be a united front. Any time that Canada is front and foremost in an international crisis there has to be 100% assurance that the policy stated is from all Canadians and not just the party in power. In the past few months the Conservatives have been involved with foreign countries and have neglected to include the other parties which make up a majority of the voters in Canada.
Our ultra right conservative prime minister is so controlling that he will do everything in his power to negate the democratic process when it comes to big issues.His visit to Israel included conservatives from the government and 200 others. Jews who were not elected, businessmen who were not elected and rich friends of the party who came along at the expense of the tax payers. Why were the elected Liberals and NDP members not along? Now with the issue in Ukraine there is a party of eight going over to observe and report.We all agree that this might be a good idea. However there will be four Conservatives and four non elected Ukrainas but no other representatives of the house of commons.
All parties have a similar love for democracy and all Canadians should be represented at any meeting to show the fledgling party trying to bring sense and stability to the country that democracy is able to bring all people of different political stripes together for the better good. Our PM is without a doubt the worst possible person to represent our country. He is an embarrassment on the world stage and a person who has brought democracy in Canada to a new low.
I and many others wish our intervention into the affairs of a free country fair well. I only hope that there is better judgement shown by our leaders on this trip than they exhibited on their visit to Israel.
During the last elections the Conservatives received 37% of the votes in Canada. What does that mean?
Our ultra right conservative prime minister is so controlling that he will do everything in his power to negate the democratic process when it comes to big issues.His visit to Israel included conservatives from the government and 200 others. Jews who were not elected, businessmen who were not elected and rich friends of the party who came along at the expense of the tax payers. Why were the elected Liberals and NDP members not along? Now with the issue in Ukraine there is a party of eight going over to observe and report.We all agree that this might be a good idea. However there will be four Conservatives and four non elected Ukrainas but no other representatives of the house of commons.
All parties have a similar love for democracy and all Canadians should be represented at any meeting to show the fledgling party trying to bring sense and stability to the country that democracy is able to bring all people of different political stripes together for the better good. Our PM is without a doubt the worst possible person to represent our country. He is an embarrassment on the world stage and a person who has brought democracy in Canada to a new low.
I and many others wish our intervention into the affairs of a free country fair well. I only hope that there is better judgement shown by our leaders on this trip than they exhibited on their visit to Israel.
During the last elections the Conservatives received 37% of the votes in Canada. What does that mean?
Monday, February 24, 2014
So Much Free Time
The Olympics were such a high motivational product to turn most of us into TV attics that it is good that they are over. Even people who rarely watch sports on TV were riveted to their sets during the electric events of the last 17 days. Today as we woke up to the regular routine we were amazed with all the free time we encountered .
We are able to catch up on all that we missed and feel free to fill the new found time with worthwhile activities.I think that most people were happy or even amazed at the Russian Olympics. All the fears of a terrorist attack and facilities not being completed were basically washed away when the games were opened and we were treated with spectacular visual images in a high technical manner and the response was immediate and positive.
All the facilities for the athletes were first class and at the closing ceremony we were again filled with awe with the marvelous display of Russian culture ans were left with a different view of Mother Russia. We all know this was a 50 billion show put on for the world to try to soften our attitudes to the Russian image. It did accomplish much and even the beautiful scenery around the host city made us believe that Russia was much like our country Canada.
The fact is that our two countries are very similar in a geographic sense but are worlds apart in the makeup of their leadership roles and political system. If these Olympics have done even a small bit in helping our nations to understand each other they will have served their purpose and I feel they have done that with their investment in physical and financial resources.These were a good world class games.
We are able to catch up on all that we missed and feel free to fill the new found time with worthwhile activities.I think that most people were happy or even amazed at the Russian Olympics. All the fears of a terrorist attack and facilities not being completed were basically washed away when the games were opened and we were treated with spectacular visual images in a high technical manner and the response was immediate and positive.
All the facilities for the athletes were first class and at the closing ceremony we were again filled with awe with the marvelous display of Russian culture ans were left with a different view of Mother Russia. We all know this was a 50 billion show put on for the world to try to soften our attitudes to the Russian image. It did accomplish much and even the beautiful scenery around the host city made us believe that Russia was much like our country Canada.
The fact is that our two countries are very similar in a geographic sense but are worlds apart in the makeup of their leadership roles and political system. If these Olympics have done even a small bit in helping our nations to understand each other they will have served their purpose and I feel they have done that with their investment in physical and financial resources.These were a good world class games.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
1100
I have just completed 1100 blogs and I checked over the body of writing and realized that as you get older you often repeat yourself. I have not only repeated some stories like birthdays that occur every year but pictures as well.
I am going to try to be more original in the future and pick topics that I have neglected to comment on because I did not wish to offend too many people. I shall write from my heart and enjoy the opportunity of free expression on many subjects. There has to be a greater discussion on the environment, climate change. democracy and the great divide between the very rich and the poor. Where is our middle class?
Thank you for reading and commentating and I shall endeavor to do better.
I am going to try to be more original in the future and pick topics that I have neglected to comment on because I did not wish to offend too many people. I shall write from my heart and enjoy the opportunity of free expression on many subjects. There has to be a greater discussion on the environment, climate change. democracy and the great divide between the very rich and the poor. Where is our middle class?
Thank you for reading and commentating and I shall endeavor to do better.
National Pride
I believe it would be very difficult to represent your country in the Olympics with all the pressure to win. I always felt that you were a winner just to make it to the games let alone win. Our Canadians have once again represented themselves and their country in fine style. With over twenty medals all telling the world that we are on the very top of our craft and another score or two with personal bests and need I say more.
It seems that we as Canadians and perhaps all countries come together during the Olympics. It is interesting that during the past few Olympics the ladies have won more often than did the gentlemen. This year the ladies swept the nation with pride when in 24 hours they won Gold in bobsled, curling, hockey and skiing. Everyone was filled with joy and we all bathed in reflected glory. The world seems to stand still for a while during these contests.
Sheer sadness came over our rivals the Americans during the ladies hockey and again after the mans game. Expectations were built so high that the fall was so far and hard that the faces told a story that is not meant to be part of the Olympic spirit.Many felt that they lost if they did not win gold instead of proclaiming that they won silver.
Russia paid a great price to show the world another face of their country and they won a gold medal in that respect. Every comment about the games came out positive as did the drug testing except for one competitor. Tomorrow morning the churches may be close to empty as most Canadians will be watching the Canada-Sweden hockey game. It should be a great one and we should be proud of our team regardless of the score. Four-Two would be a nice outcome for our lads who played so well so far. Maybe our captain will score a winning goal to satisfy the people who are not happy with his play.
National Pride is at it's highest and I hope it remains so up until our next election so we will have more to be proud of with a new leader.
It seems that we as Canadians and perhaps all countries come together during the Olympics. It is interesting that during the past few Olympics the ladies have won more often than did the gentlemen. This year the ladies swept the nation with pride when in 24 hours they won Gold in bobsled, curling, hockey and skiing. Everyone was filled with joy and we all bathed in reflected glory. The world seems to stand still for a while during these contests.
Sheer sadness came over our rivals the Americans during the ladies hockey and again after the mans game. Expectations were built so high that the fall was so far and hard that the faces told a story that is not meant to be part of the Olympic spirit.Many felt that they lost if they did not win gold instead of proclaiming that they won silver.
Russia paid a great price to show the world another face of their country and they won a gold medal in that respect. Every comment about the games came out positive as did the drug testing except for one competitor. Tomorrow morning the churches may be close to empty as most Canadians will be watching the Canada-Sweden hockey game. It should be a great one and we should be proud of our team regardless of the score. Four-Two would be a nice outcome for our lads who played so well so far. Maybe our captain will score a winning goal to satisfy the people who are not happy with his play.
National Pride is at it's highest and I hope it remains so up until our next election so we will have more to be proud of with a new leader.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Yoga 2
Having a rather interesting adventure with my first yoga lesson I decided to be prepared for the next one. I was at the health club for my regular workout but with twenty minutes until the class started I began my preparations. I had my mat [ blue ] not pink like the borrowed one and my water as I approached the door to the class. Again as I entered the room was dark and very hot. I took off my shoes and put them away in the cupboard and looked for an empty place.
The kind lady with the baby voice appeared silently and said I could come early to relax before the class. Everyone seemed to be asleep on their mats but I told her it was still 15 minutes before class was to begin. She did not directly answer but directed me to a spot at the back of the room. I tried to find the bricks and large block which has a name but I forget it and tried to settle in.
The mat Theresa gave me had not been used for a long time so it did not want to lie down. I placed a brick at each end and it seemed to work. I tried to wrap the block with the large towel and get in the same position as the rest of the class. No sooner when I got down the sweet lady told everyone to get in the cat position and do something with my arm and oposite leg. I searched for a model and the nearest lady was as baffled as I was.She wispered it was her first day and hopedI could help her.
We began a series of manoevours which I thought were helpful for me and really got interested. For 75 minutes we worked out doing things like the cat, the dog, and yes the cow. Sounds funny but after a short time I was in tune with the program. I was exhausted after the time was up and there was not a fast movement but a series of positions which had to be held for some time.
All through the program the soft voice of the lady gave directions to instruct you as to how to breathe, move and hold positions.Now that I am a believer I shall quietly attend, listen and learn. The interesting thing about this program is the control over everything that the lady with the quiet, baby voice has and the utter complete following of directions by the people doing all those positions and moves. As I left the dark,warm room the lady said I did better this week so come back again.
The kind lady with the baby voice appeared silently and said I could come early to relax before the class. Everyone seemed to be asleep on their mats but I told her it was still 15 minutes before class was to begin. She did not directly answer but directed me to a spot at the back of the room. I tried to find the bricks and large block which has a name but I forget it and tried to settle in.
The mat Theresa gave me had not been used for a long time so it did not want to lie down. I placed a brick at each end and it seemed to work. I tried to wrap the block with the large towel and get in the same position as the rest of the class. No sooner when I got down the sweet lady told everyone to get in the cat position and do something with my arm and oposite leg. I searched for a model and the nearest lady was as baffled as I was.She wispered it was her first day and hopedI could help her.
We began a series of manoevours which I thought were helpful for me and really got interested. For 75 minutes we worked out doing things like the cat, the dog, and yes the cow. Sounds funny but after a short time I was in tune with the program. I was exhausted after the time was up and there was not a fast movement but a series of positions which had to be held for some time.
All through the program the soft voice of the lady gave directions to instruct you as to how to breathe, move and hold positions.Now that I am a believer I shall quietly attend, listen and learn. The interesting thing about this program is the control over everything that the lady with the quiet, baby voice has and the utter complete following of directions by the people doing all those positions and moves. As I left the dark,warm room the lady said I did better this week so come back again.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Nature Needs Our Help
With this being one of the harshest winters on record it is not only we who are having a hard time.I have observed the birds and small animals taking special efforts to support themselves. Mother Nature usually makes sure that there is a food source for all members of her domain. This year with the heavy snow cover, the ice storm and bitter cold weather some of our little friends need our help.
It is important that if you feed the birds that you feed proper food for their needs.Feeding stations are excellent but if you feed you should do so an a regular basis as they depend on you for a food source. The rabbits are deprived of much of their normal food and are now causing damage to shrubs and small fruit bushes. Take care to protect them if you can.
Our family of sparrows still nest in our birdhouse and every day they sun themselves on the small porch of the house. They have several feeders to get their food and seem to be having a good winter.I trust that our birds and small animals make it through the rest of the winter and any help that we may give them will be appreciated by Mother Nature.
It is important that if you feed the birds that you feed proper food for their needs.Feeding stations are excellent but if you feed you should do so an a regular basis as they depend on you for a food source. The rabbits are deprived of much of their normal food and are now causing damage to shrubs and small fruit bushes. Take care to protect them if you can.
Our family of sparrows still nest in our birdhouse and every day they sun themselves on the small porch of the house. They have several feeders to get their food and seem to be having a good winter.I trust that our birds and small animals make it through the rest of the winter and any help that we may give them will be appreciated by Mother Nature.
Family Day
Everyday should be family day but it sometimes takes a special reminder to bring it to our attention.With the Olympics on TV, the weather being ideal for outside sports like skiing and everyone needing a little break the day will be welcome. Designating this day family day makes it imperative that members of families take note and at least get in contact with members to keep the bond strong.
Because federal employees are not given this day as a holiday in their contract many families will be sharing time without one or both parents.Studies have been made to show the relationship between strong families and ones with less support make it clear that a strong family with caring parents or one good parent is the greatest gift you can give to your children.
Many people think that only children benefit from strong families but in reality every member receives the positive benefit. Parents are happier and more responsive to the needs of their children and partners when the family unit share common goals and expectations.There is such a healthy sharing among families that do things together and during the aging process strong bonds enhance the level of support needed in times of poor health or other difficulties.
I doubt that the people who designated this day as family day went so far as I have but when you look at the great things we are able to extract from being a member of a positive family it is worthy of a special day to celebrate its greatness.
Because federal employees are not given this day as a holiday in their contract many families will be sharing time without one or both parents.Studies have been made to show the relationship between strong families and ones with less support make it clear that a strong family with caring parents or one good parent is the greatest gift you can give to your children.
Many people think that only children benefit from strong families but in reality every member receives the positive benefit. Parents are happier and more responsive to the needs of their children and partners when the family unit share common goals and expectations.There is such a healthy sharing among families that do things together and during the aging process strong bonds enhance the level of support needed in times of poor health or other difficulties.
I doubt that the people who designated this day as family day went so far as I have but when you look at the great things we are able to extract from being a member of a positive family it is worthy of a special day to celebrate its greatness.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Olympic Spirit
Over in Russia we are seeing over 3,000 athletes coming together for games. Already we have seen great examples of the real spirit of the games when athletes crossed lines to come to the aid of an athlete from another country. A Canadian Giving his place to skate to a fellow that he thought would do better than himself. A Canadian running out to give a competitor a ski pole when his broke and another time a broken ski was replaced from a person in the crowd.
These examples shows the need and response people have for world unity through sports. Much can be learned by there acts and governments could take a lesson and work for world peace and unity. All the fuss about Russian instability and the danger in the Olympic area seems to be cooled as everything has so far being perfect.Our Canadian athletes have become the favourites of foreign attention and it augers well for our reputation.
Let us hope that all continues in a like fashion and everyone involved is kept safe from any act of aggression.
.
These examples shows the need and response people have for world unity through sports. Much can be learned by there acts and governments could take a lesson and work for world peace and unity. All the fuss about Russian instability and the danger in the Olympic area seems to be cooled as everything has so far being perfect.Our Canadian athletes have become the favourites of foreign attention and it augers well for our reputation.
Let us hope that all continues in a like fashion and everyone involved is kept safe from any act of aggression.
.
Election Budget
There was some hope that the government of the day would have addressed some of the real needed issues facing Canadians today but it did not happen.Unfortunately the Conservatives have brought in a document which is a pre- election budget to set the table for a balance budget next year.
Most Canadians welcome the idea of a balanced budget as they had ones with Paul Martin for years. In fact when the conservatives gained power there was a healthy surplus. We now have a large debt load which has to be attended to but not on the backs of programs that are needed for the middle class.
There are so many problems with this document that it would take pages just to list them. There are some initiatives that are worthy and should be debated but this government with a majority will push through the legislation without enough debate.A do nothing budget will in the long run only put off needed programs required for our 300,000 unemployed youth and real programs for our veterans who are in great need of care.
I am frustrated with the way parliament is treating the elected members and the small rat pack that control every move on behalf of our Country. WE need a realistic plan for a foreign policy and not a love in with one middle east country. We burned more world bridges during the past few years that it will take years to restore our standing in the world in matters of aid, environment, foreign agreements and honesty when dealing with Canada's stand on world issues.
I will watch and write and hope that our nation will rid this Ultra Right Wing Conservative Group who weld power as if it were their personal right and not the will of the Canadian People.
Most Canadians welcome the idea of a balanced budget as they had ones with Paul Martin for years. In fact when the conservatives gained power there was a healthy surplus. We now have a large debt load which has to be attended to but not on the backs of programs that are needed for the middle class.
There are so many problems with this document that it would take pages just to list them. There are some initiatives that are worthy and should be debated but this government with a majority will push through the legislation without enough debate.A do nothing budget will in the long run only put off needed programs required for our 300,000 unemployed youth and real programs for our veterans who are in great need of care.
I am frustrated with the way parliament is treating the elected members and the small rat pack that control every move on behalf of our Country. WE need a realistic plan for a foreign policy and not a love in with one middle east country. We burned more world bridges during the past few years that it will take years to restore our standing in the world in matters of aid, environment, foreign agreements and honesty when dealing with Canada's stand on world issues.
I will watch and write and hope that our nation will rid this Ultra Right Wing Conservative Group who weld power as if it were their personal right and not the will of the Canadian People.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
YOGA
I have been attempting to improve my physical self during the time since I had surgery. I had lost much of my balance, agility and overall well being. I signed up with the health club and attended regularly five or six days a week. I became much stronger and felt more energy but my agility has not made nearly the progress I expected. I was helped by receiving a leg brace and this was a great device for keeping my leg stable while walking on unstable surfaces like sand or grass.
My children thought that yoga would help me so I decided to sign up. This morning I attended my first class. I just finished my one hour fifteen minute workout and had to hurry to the yoga room. I borrowed a mat, had a towel and a liter of water. I arrived at the yoga door but it was shut. I opened the door and peeked in. The room was dark and very hot. I stepped in and saw people all laid out on mats and not moving.
A lady { the teacher } quickly moved to my side and in a small baby voice told me to take off my shoes and put them in the cupboard. It was dark so I put them on the floor near the door. She then directed me to a empty space between a lady and man. They were quiet and as I tried to spread the mat it flung open and I retrieved it and was told that I was to wrap a small pillow with my towel and get settled. I have a problem with getting to the floor gracefully and on my attempt to do so I over rotated and nearly landed on the little lady next to me.
By now I wanted to get out of there but the teacher came and straightened everything out. I no sooner got settled when she changed the positions. Take the dogie position she whispered and I looked through the darkness and watched as everyone took the position. I followed and the rest of the 75 minutes went like that. I was tired after the session and though I would return to be learned up on this new exercise plan and become a better physical specimen. I have no long range plans to stay with this program if I feel embarrassed as I did today. The only saving grace was that the lights were low and I remained incognito.
My children thought that yoga would help me so I decided to sign up. This morning I attended my first class. I just finished my one hour fifteen minute workout and had to hurry to the yoga room. I borrowed a mat, had a towel and a liter of water. I arrived at the yoga door but it was shut. I opened the door and peeked in. The room was dark and very hot. I stepped in and saw people all laid out on mats and not moving.
A lady { the teacher } quickly moved to my side and in a small baby voice told me to take off my shoes and put them in the cupboard. It was dark so I put them on the floor near the door. She then directed me to a empty space between a lady and man. They were quiet and as I tried to spread the mat it flung open and I retrieved it and was told that I was to wrap a small pillow with my towel and get settled. I have a problem with getting to the floor gracefully and on my attempt to do so I over rotated and nearly landed on the little lady next to me.
By now I wanted to get out of there but the teacher came and straightened everything out. I no sooner got settled when she changed the positions. Take the dogie position she whispered and I looked through the darkness and watched as everyone took the position. I followed and the rest of the 75 minutes went like that. I was tired after the session and though I would return to be learned up on this new exercise plan and become a better physical specimen. I have no long range plans to stay with this program if I feel embarrassed as I did today. The only saving grace was that the lights were low and I remained incognito.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Olympics 2014
Theresa and I watched the opening ceremony of the Russian Olympics and were so happy to see everything went off as it should. It was a beautiful story of Russian history minus the bad stuff and we were treated to some excellent cultural events and talent. Our Canadian team was represented by the pride of our youthful athletes and how could you not be proud to see the group walk past with their red coats led by our famous female hockey player carrying our flag.
The people of the world is showing that they are making a human rights statement with the games and countries and individuals are telling the Russian leadership that there is no place for the Russian prejudice against people of diverse sexual orientation. These games will do much to show the world how far we have come in a few years to correct a terrible situation and free people who still live in countries where human rights have denied people the opportunity of living free from ignorant prejudice.
Olympics are really about athletes and games of skill in an open forum which are fair and bring people together. We all wish that these games have a positive affect on the world and nations will learn the lessons that athletic endeavours can teach. Canada will do its best to compete and win or lose come away with a experience that will stay with them forever. Olympics are great for world unity.
The people of the world is showing that they are making a human rights statement with the games and countries and individuals are telling the Russian leadership that there is no place for the Russian prejudice against people of diverse sexual orientation. These games will do much to show the world how far we have come in a few years to correct a terrible situation and free people who still live in countries where human rights have denied people the opportunity of living free from ignorant prejudice.
Olympics are really about athletes and games of skill in an open forum which are fair and bring people together. We all wish that these games have a positive affect on the world and nations will learn the lessons that athletic endeavours can teach. Canada will do its best to compete and win or lose come away with a experience that will stay with them forever. Olympics are great for world unity.
Winter Wonderland
Arriving home Theresa and I were faced with a frozen driveway and snow packed solid. I was able to clear the mess with some help however we were not prepared for the 35 extra Cm's the next day. I was able to keep the driveway clear by cleaning it several times during the day. By evening the snow stopped and everyone on our street came out and cleaned up the added white stuff. We all said that this was the most snow we remember at this time of the year. My neighbour has a snow blower and he cleared our sidewalk and trimmed up the banks of our driveway.
I really love the winter and the snow but find it difficult to keep up with the snow this year. The positive side is the way it makes our neighbourhood look. I call it a winter wonderland as everything looks so clean and bright. The snow must be softer than usual as not a bunny track was to be seen for several days when our yard looks like a regular trail on normal times...The little birds who took sanctuary in our bird house is seen every day poking its head out the opening and looks cosy. The normal bird population seems to have disappeared as few are seen even at the feeder.
This has been a much colder winter so far and perhaps it is taking a toll on our bird population.The only birds I see are the misguided Canada Geese who fly over our house every day.We can do little to change the weather so keep a positive view and try to enjoy the beauty when Mother Nature covers our land with a fresh blanket of snow.
I really love the winter and the snow but find it difficult to keep up with the snow this year. The positive side is the way it makes our neighbourhood look. I call it a winter wonderland as everything looks so clean and bright. The snow must be softer than usual as not a bunny track was to be seen for several days when our yard looks like a regular trail on normal times...The little birds who took sanctuary in our bird house is seen every day poking its head out the opening and looks cosy. The normal bird population seems to have disappeared as few are seen even at the feeder.
This has been a much colder winter so far and perhaps it is taking a toll on our bird population.The only birds I see are the misguided Canada Geese who fly over our house every day.We can do little to change the weather so keep a positive view and try to enjoy the beauty when Mother Nature covers our land with a fresh blanket of snow.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Travelling South
Planning and executing a holiday trip is more complicated than you think. Theresa and I planned to go to Jamaica for a week and after the visit to the travel agency the fun just began.Packing for all of the thousands of things that could happen takes up most of my space in the suitcase. Medications, band aids, clothes for all occasions and cancelling the paper, turning down the hot water and more little things we do before every trip.
Getting to the airport three hours before takeoff means leaving at 4.30am. A $70 cab trip gets us to the cattle corral where you line up with hundreds of other people leaving for fun in the south. The line could take up to an hour or more and that is just to get rid of your checked baggage and a boarding pass.
I am looking tired in the line and a lady brings me a wheel chair and I accept the offer and off we go. Through and past the line with Theresa walking along right to the security where we are taken to the special line and fifteen minutes later we are on our way to the boarding gate area.
We have time to kill so we read a book and watch the planes taking off and wishing we were on one of them. The time comes to board and again a rush to the line when your turn comes and pass down the chute and wait again as the people on board try to hurry the folks getting their oversize luggage in the overhead compartments.We finally get to seats 28 B&C and I try to put Theresa's carry on under the seat and we manage. Mine ,a backpack is full of good things like a book, food and a bottle of water has to be placed up above.
Now the hard part is to try to wedge my body into a space made for a undersized person. My boots won"t fit under the seat in front of us and I sit on my set belt and can't reach it and I began to question my choice of holidays. Being a patient person I settle down in my seat and plan to suffer every time the person in front of me moves. My knees are wedged into the seat and I cannot get room for the food tray to open.
I try to sleep, read and get
up to walk but none help with my misery.Four hours later we arrive and again the reverse of boarding begins.Finally we escape the airport and I look at Theresa and say...I am glad we came to Jamaica...feel the heat and all is forgotten for a week.
Getting to the airport three hours before takeoff means leaving at 4.30am. A $70 cab trip gets us to the cattle corral where you line up with hundreds of other people leaving for fun in the south. The line could take up to an hour or more and that is just to get rid of your checked baggage and a boarding pass.
I am looking tired in the line and a lady brings me a wheel chair and I accept the offer and off we go. Through and past the line with Theresa walking along right to the security where we are taken to the special line and fifteen minutes later we are on our way to the boarding gate area.
We have time to kill so we read a book and watch the planes taking off and wishing we were on one of them. The time comes to board and again a rush to the line when your turn comes and pass down the chute and wait again as the people on board try to hurry the folks getting their oversize luggage in the overhead compartments.We finally get to seats 28 B&C and I try to put Theresa's carry on under the seat and we manage. Mine ,a backpack is full of good things like a book, food and a bottle of water has to be placed up above.
Now the hard part is to try to wedge my body into a space made for a undersized person. My boots won"t fit under the seat in front of us and I sit on my set belt and can't reach it and I began to question my choice of holidays. Being a patient person I settle down in my seat and plan to suffer every time the person in front of me moves. My knees are wedged into the seat and I cannot get room for the food tray to open.
I try to sleep, read and get
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Jamaica
Having shared a week in the tropical sun in Jamaica I returned to sunny Oakville and a driveway full of ice and snow.The days and nights Theresa and i shared down there gave me new meaning to the idea of a perfect vacation. The weather , accommodations and food all were excellent.Every person we encountered while there had a smile and a kind word.
The Island surprised me as my idea of Jamaica was totally different than I had envisioned. Lush and beautiful with clear ever changing water colors made one think that this was a little like paradise. It was however the people that made the visit so special and I used many times to engage the locals in conversation about their country. They were proud of their land and the life it offers but realized that great strides had to be made to achieve a better standard of living.I never heard a negative word from the people who made our visit so great an experience.
Our resort was built along the lines of a Greek estate and was over the top in beauty and structure.It was the evening shows at the auditorium that made you wonder at the ability the dancers possessed that gave them the ability to move their bodies in ways that defy nature.Every night we were treated to performances that helped us to understand the culture and vitality of Jamaica.
The Island surprised me as my idea of Jamaica was totally different than I had envisioned. Lush and beautiful with clear ever changing water colors made one think that this was a little like paradise. It was however the people that made the visit so special and I used many times to engage the locals in conversation about their country. They were proud of their land and the life it offers but realized that great strides had to be made to achieve a better standard of living.I never heard a negative word from the people who made our visit so great an experience.
Our resort was built along the lines of a Greek estate and was over the top in beauty and structure.It was the evening shows at the auditorium that made you wonder at the ability the dancers possessed that gave them the ability to move their bodies in ways that defy nature.Every night we were treated to performances that helped us to understand the culture and vitality of Jamaica.
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