Installing new window blinds sounds simple enough that just about anyone could do it without a problem. I began by trying to start with a fresh start and a clean window free of old mechanical devices. The old metal queer magiggers were painted over a dozen times and there was no screw driver made that could make them move. With hammer and large nail I opened a little of the opening that would accept a screw driver but no success. I pounded it with the hammer and finally pried off the metal with a large metal pry and when I did I took huge chunks of drywall off as well. This made it difficult to put new devices in place.
I required a blind that was 60 inches but the window was three inches wider. Blocks had to be installed and then the new hardware but the screw nails were so small and the openings for the screw driver made it impossible to see so it was by feel alone.
Every measurement was different and I was getting frustrated as I thought the three windows were the same, two were but the third was not so another trip to the box store to correct my error. When all was done I had a few spare parts. I think it is about time I let my kids and grandchildren do this complicated work and I will just supervise.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Conservative Ideology
Canada is sponsoring a world conference on the international aid to women and children in third world countries. Everyone would agree that Canada makes a great contribution of millions of dollars the aid the women who have babies. The Canadian aid does not come without conditions. Because of the ideology of the PM and his party the contribution we make cannot be used for family planning or abortions.
WHO, the world health organization realizes that helping the women and girls who have babies is a noble cause but they also realize that birth control, family planning and abortions in sanitary conditions by professional Doctors would save thousands of lives as well. In countries where rape is a weapon of war abortions for children would save lives and huge amount of resources taking care of unwanted babies. Condoms have been given to the people of Africa and have been used as birth methods with some countries and have greatly aided the women of those regions.
Canada has been a world leader in the field of family planning and aiding children who have suffered from rape or abuse at the hands of uncaring people. Canada as a whole would give our money to the world organization and help producing programs resulting in fewer unwanted births and saving money because there would be fewer children to service. Our PM and Foreign Secretory will pound their chests and brag about what a great job they are doing not realizing the world needs a total program and not a short sighted feeding of a never ending number of needy babies.
Get the program right and start with the education leading to family planning and birth control to stem the tide of millions of children Forget the PM's ideology for once and do the right thing.
WHO, the world health organization realizes that helping the women and girls who have babies is a noble cause but they also realize that birth control, family planning and abortions in sanitary conditions by professional Doctors would save thousands of lives as well. In countries where rape is a weapon of war abortions for children would save lives and huge amount of resources taking care of unwanted babies. Condoms have been given to the people of Africa and have been used as birth methods with some countries and have greatly aided the women of those regions.
Canada has been a world leader in the field of family planning and aiding children who have suffered from rape or abuse at the hands of uncaring people. Canada as a whole would give our money to the world organization and help producing programs resulting in fewer unwanted births and saving money because there would be fewer children to service. Our PM and Foreign Secretory will pound their chests and brag about what a great job they are doing not realizing the world needs a total program and not a short sighted feeding of a never ending number of needy babies.
Get the program right and start with the education leading to family planning and birth control to stem the tide of millions of children Forget the PM's ideology for once and do the right thing.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
PSPS....1970
It hardly seems possible that 45 years ago almost to the day I was meeting with my superintendent Mr. Bill Burgoyne to prepare our final report to the Renfrew County Public School Board in preparation for the opening of Pembroke Senior Public School. This project was nearly a year ir the making and came about as the board built a new secondary school and the old historic Pembroke Collegiate became available. With enrollments dropping and consolidation on everyones mind the board appointed me to develop a plan for a new senior public of some 800 plus students and the closure of a number of local elementary schools.
My superintendent gave me great support and short guidelines. Keep him informed at all times and do nothing to cause embarrassment to either he or the board.I had one support staff, Mrs McIntosh who worked with me throughout the adventure. An adventure it was and later Mr. Fraser came on board and the team came up with a total plan for the September opening of PSPS.
We developed a program that sought to provide a social, academic,physical and cultural experience for every student. We hired staff from within the system but some third were drafted from all over the educational community. I was so proud of the staff and students of that educational body who from the very beginning provided excellent motivation to strive for excellence. Our motto was learn with pride and learn we did with so much activity in every aspect of the curriculum.
After 45 years of memories my experience at PSPS still remains as my most rewarding adventure in my 37 year career.I would love to see just how that school influenced the lives of the young people that made PSPS two years of reaching for their educational goals.
My superintendent gave me great support and short guidelines. Keep him informed at all times and do nothing to cause embarrassment to either he or the board.I had one support staff, Mrs McIntosh who worked with me throughout the adventure. An adventure it was and later Mr. Fraser came on board and the team came up with a total plan for the September opening of PSPS.
We developed a program that sought to provide a social, academic,physical and cultural experience for every student. We hired staff from within the system but some third were drafted from all over the educational community. I was so proud of the staff and students of that educational body who from the very beginning provided excellent motivation to strive for excellence. Our motto was learn with pride and learn we did with so much activity in every aspect of the curriculum.
After 45 years of memories my experience at PSPS still remains as my most rewarding adventure in my 37 year career.I would love to see just how that school influenced the lives of the young people that made PSPS two years of reaching for their educational goals.
Hungry Robins
This year the robin from our yard decided to build her nest on our living room window sill. She never has to leave the yard because we have plenty of her favourite food...worms.We watch her effort to keep her nest safe from the Blue Jays and Black Birds. Robins are a scrappy bird and can fend even squirrels if the have to.
Three eggs were laid and all hatched in about 18 days. The little ones grew so fast that they now have pin feathers and their bodies are catching up to their beaks. They are fun to watch and they give us a certain amount of pleasure. It will not be long before they are off on their own and mother will either start a new family or take a short vacation.
Three eggs were laid and all hatched in about 18 days. The little ones grew so fast that they now have pin feathers and their bodies are catching up to their beaks. They are fun to watch and they give us a certain amount of pleasure. It will not be long before they are off on their own and mother will either start a new family or take a short vacation.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Political Jungle
These days here in Ontario we have so many political events that it must seem like a jungle to the folks who are interested. A provincial election called by the NDP who withdrew support for a budget written for them and rejected by their leader is causing a fuss, even a rebellion among the rank and file members of the party.
A active election mode in the city of Toronto where the candidates are trying to get traction to rid the city of its notorious wounded Mayor Ford who is in rehab somewhere in Muskoka for his alcohol and drug addiction. Maybe he should seek help with his ability to tell the truth as well.
In the middle of this we have a new riding here in West Oakville and Burlington and the Tories are having difficulty in having a successful nomination meeting because of the mess with mischief among the potential candidates .The meeting had to be called off for a cooling off time. The real problem is that the party leadership wish to rid themselves of a Mrs., Adams . Sounds like fun.
The government of the day had a difficult day trying to appoint a supreme court judge from Quebec and now has twice the problem as they have to find two judges from Quebec with the retiring of one of the sitting judges from Quebec. Just maybe Harper will read the rules and get it right this time.
On top of all this activity we in Canada have been in a state of active political fallout from scandals and Senate wrong doings. Perhaps we will be able to get over this interesting time after the electorate has an opportunity to clear the air and elect people who really care about Canada and not their own ideology.
A active election mode in the city of Toronto where the candidates are trying to get traction to rid the city of its notorious wounded Mayor Ford who is in rehab somewhere in Muskoka for his alcohol and drug addiction. Maybe he should seek help with his ability to tell the truth as well.
In the middle of this we have a new riding here in West Oakville and Burlington and the Tories are having difficulty in having a successful nomination meeting because of the mess with mischief among the potential candidates .The meeting had to be called off for a cooling off time. The real problem is that the party leadership wish to rid themselves of a Mrs., Adams . Sounds like fun.
The government of the day had a difficult day trying to appoint a supreme court judge from Quebec and now has twice the problem as they have to find two judges from Quebec with the retiring of one of the sitting judges from Quebec. Just maybe Harper will read the rules and get it right this time.
On top of all this activity we in Canada have been in a state of active political fallout from scandals and Senate wrong doings. Perhaps we will be able to get over this interesting time after the electorate has an opportunity to clear the air and elect people who really care about Canada and not their own ideology.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Visit From Friends From The Valley
Theresa and I were host to two of our long time friends from the Ottawa Valley.They were just passing through but an overnighter is often long enough to catch up on the gossip and play a game of hand and foot.It was pleasant to see our friends after a two year lapse and to realize that time is not important among real friends as we carried on our conversation from our last visit without missing a word.
We get a little older and more forgetful as we age but our talk was about mutual friends and special things within our families since we last met. New grandchildren, graduates, engagements and yes even deaths that occurred during the time away. It is funny when you think just how devoted we are about our kids and their accomplishments. Clearly most of the time was about them and that is the way it should be. We had our time when it was all about me and us but now as we age it is about the future and our families.
John and Joan are part of the mainstream of life in Pembroke so they bring us detailed info about how the area is doing.Visits like this have enriched my life as it gives meaning to the word bonding. As friends in the Valley we did bond over a long period of time and we cherish those memories from the past but it is the talk of the future which excites me and I realize there is a great future for those who choose to participate in the years of change and growth in The Ottawa Valley.
We get a little older and more forgetful as we age but our talk was about mutual friends and special things within our families since we last met. New grandchildren, graduates, engagements and yes even deaths that occurred during the time away. It is funny when you think just how devoted we are about our kids and their accomplishments. Clearly most of the time was about them and that is the way it should be. We had our time when it was all about me and us but now as we age it is about the future and our families.
John and Joan are part of the mainstream of life in Pembroke so they bring us detailed info about how the area is doing.Visits like this have enriched my life as it gives meaning to the word bonding. As friends in the Valley we did bond over a long period of time and we cherish those memories from the past but it is the talk of the future which excites me and I realize there is a great future for those who choose to participate in the years of change and growth in The Ottawa Valley.
The Supreme Court Of Canada
The Supreme Court of Canada is a vital institution guaranteed under the constitution to have supreme power in matters pertaining to rights of individuals and organizations within the constitution. It has always being the custom that this group of appointed magistrates be held in high esteem and respect.Matters before the court and decided on with a decision have been accepted as law.
Interference from any elected body was never considered until our present PM decided to complain about a decision on the appointment of a judge to sit on the supreme court was rejected on constitutional grounds. This matter has caused much concern and an embarrassment to the supreme court. Numerous groups have suggested that the PM apologize to the court and accept the decision without acrimony
The PM is very stubborn on this issue and the matter is not really settled .To have a good relationship with the Supreme Court is essential for the proper perception to be espoused by the House of Commons and the renewal of confidence on our highest Court. This is just another indicator of the lack of respect shown by our PM for any group which differs in his opinion on important Canadian issues
It is interesting that five of the Supreme Courts Judges were appointed by no other than our Pm.As a matter of fact the last four actions which have gone to the court by the PM have been turned down. Canadians respect the court and realize that they are the great guardian of our rights and protect us from unlawful or illegal attacks on our freedoms.
Interference from any elected body was never considered until our present PM decided to complain about a decision on the appointment of a judge to sit on the supreme court was rejected on constitutional grounds. This matter has caused much concern and an embarrassment to the supreme court. Numerous groups have suggested that the PM apologize to the court and accept the decision without acrimony
The PM is very stubborn on this issue and the matter is not really settled .To have a good relationship with the Supreme Court is essential for the proper perception to be espoused by the House of Commons and the renewal of confidence on our highest Court. This is just another indicator of the lack of respect shown by our PM for any group which differs in his opinion on important Canadian issues
It is interesting that five of the Supreme Courts Judges were appointed by no other than our Pm.As a matter of fact the last four actions which have gone to the court by the PM have been turned down. Canadians respect the court and realize that they are the great guardian of our rights and protect us from unlawful or illegal attacks on our freedoms.
Spring Growth
This spring was like no other. Slow in coming after a harsh winter but welcome as the week enabled us to see huge changes in our neighbourhood. Trees budded and brought forth welcome greenery. Rhubarb that hid under the snow burst out and grew at a fast pace and the tulips and daffodils finally bloomed but not in the expected numbers.
Our strawberries were ravaged by our rabbit population and ate some plants right to ground level.All in all the winter will be forgotten with the spectacular show put on by Mother Nature. The winter took its tole on our apple trees with few if any blooms but the pear tree and cherry trees made up for loss.
Coming late this year may be a sign for the future with unpredictable seasons. At any rate we all feel better when the earth puts on its beautiful show.
Our strawberries were ravaged by our rabbit population and ate some plants right to ground level.All in all the winter will be forgotten with the spectacular show put on by Mother Nature. The winter took its tole on our apple trees with few if any blooms but the pear tree and cherry trees made up for loss.
Coming late this year may be a sign for the future with unpredictable seasons. At any rate we all feel better when the earth puts on its beautiful show.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Glenda"s Battle To Grasp Her Educational Prize
People in education realize that the way to success is more education. Daughter Glenda has been in a senior position with a school board for many years but never received her economic reward because she needed to get her Masters. Glenda was not in a position where she could just go back to University full time and forget about her position.
Glenda planned to get her Masters and keep her job as well. To do this she had to maintain a 16 to 18 hour day , seven days a week for 24 months.This was deemed impossible for most people but guts, determination and a will to succeed caused her to tackle the adventure. To say the least it was an awesome task but Glenda was driven through some rough times with little health issues, an overload of work related issues and educational assignments that could have overwhelmed nearly anyone.
Week after week and month after month even through the holiday season Glenda pursued her dream.Success with her written assignments gave her a sense of pride that she really deserved to be in the big league of education challenges. Her school work came first and her studies were accomplished at the expense of sleep and free time. There was no time for rest for either as the job had to be completed on schedule.
After the allotted time Theresa and I had the wonderful news delivered in person that she had passed and managed to make the dean's list.It was news for sure but I had confidence this would be the outcome as Glenda had that drive required to reach high goals.
I am proud of all my family but Glenda receiving her prize made me even prouder that she did this on her own and showed exceptional strength in her dedication to Education.
Glenda planned to get her Masters and keep her job as well. To do this she had to maintain a 16 to 18 hour day , seven days a week for 24 months.This was deemed impossible for most people but guts, determination and a will to succeed caused her to tackle the adventure. To say the least it was an awesome task but Glenda was driven through some rough times with little health issues, an overload of work related issues and educational assignments that could have overwhelmed nearly anyone.
Week after week and month after month even through the holiday season Glenda pursued her dream.Success with her written assignments gave her a sense of pride that she really deserved to be in the big league of education challenges. Her school work came first and her studies were accomplished at the expense of sleep and free time. There was no time for rest for either as the job had to be completed on schedule.
After the allotted time Theresa and I had the wonderful news delivered in person that she had passed and managed to make the dean's list.It was news for sure but I had confidence this would be the outcome as Glenda had that drive required to reach high goals.
I am proud of all my family but Glenda receiving her prize made me even prouder that she did this on her own and showed exceptional strength in her dedication to Education.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Jump Start
A week ago I thought that spring would never come. Today I feel that Mother Nature jumped right over spring and gave us summer. The trees were dormant and all of a sudden we had leave and the fruit trees flowered in a matter of a few days. It was the quickest turnover I ever experienced.
It is difficult to predict the ways of nature but you can always count on the natural order being the correct one. In the changing ways we will see during the global warming and climate change expect many world difficulties to occur and areas which are at present productive could be impacted in a catastrophic manner. California is experiencing a drought situation which has already turned the green fields into a literal desert. Because they depend on certain rainfalls and irrigation to produce their product , both are missing this year.
This situation is being repeated all over the globe where there is either too much water or not enough. We must plan and make huge adjustments to meet the challenges of the future. One tremendous challenge will be the allocation, conservation and sharing of our water resources. Canada stands strong with plenty of fresh water but even we will have difficulties because of the climate changes. In the west when the snow cap is changed as it did this year we are faced with problems this year in the interior of BC and the McKenzie River collection area.
We must adjust to our natural environmental issues and plan for the future.
It is difficult to predict the ways of nature but you can always count on the natural order being the correct one. In the changing ways we will see during the global warming and climate change expect many world difficulties to occur and areas which are at present productive could be impacted in a catastrophic manner. California is experiencing a drought situation which has already turned the green fields into a literal desert. Because they depend on certain rainfalls and irrigation to produce their product , both are missing this year.
This situation is being repeated all over the globe where there is either too much water or not enough. We must plan and make huge adjustments to meet the challenges of the future. One tremendous challenge will be the allocation, conservation and sharing of our water resources. Canada stands strong with plenty of fresh water but even we will have difficulties because of the climate changes. In the west when the snow cap is changed as it did this year we are faced with problems this year in the interior of BC and the McKenzie River collection area.
We must adjust to our natural environmental issues and plan for the future.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Mothers Day
Mothers Day brings clear images of days gone bye when my Mother was alive and we as a family celebrated this special time to honour Mother. This year I have a sick feeling in my stomach with the ugly thoughts of how the world has not addressed the issue of respect for the mothers of the world. We are miles behind when it comes to female rights.
Twelve hundred [ 1200] aboriginal women murdered or missing with little thought to have a proper inquiry because the government says that there are enough studies done and we don't need more information. In many, many countries women are used as weapons of war and suffer rape, dis-membrane and torture just because little is done about this tragedy.
The majority of people on this planet are female and it is a fact that countries where there is fairer representation of women in positions of responsibility the country is better off. Women in Africa who become active and goal driven make a huge impact in the social and economic well being of their community. It is a pity that we are able to do so much in time of crisis and yet we stand bye and watch a world crisis in the rights of women until social media shame people to act.
Women of the world have to become outraged and the male population must join in the restructuring of the social orders that condemn women to third rate status. I can just hear my Mothers words if she were here today and witnessing such tragic events.
Happy Mothers Day to all the women who are free to celebrate and receive the recognition they deserve while living in a country like Canada and wishing for a better lot for those who are not.
Twelve hundred [ 1200] aboriginal women murdered or missing with little thought to have a proper inquiry because the government says that there are enough studies done and we don't need more information. In many, many countries women are used as weapons of war and suffer rape, dis-membrane and torture just because little is done about this tragedy.
The majority of people on this planet are female and it is a fact that countries where there is fairer representation of women in positions of responsibility the country is better off. Women in Africa who become active and goal driven make a huge impact in the social and economic well being of their community. It is a pity that we are able to do so much in time of crisis and yet we stand bye and watch a world crisis in the rights of women until social media shame people to act.
Women of the world have to become outraged and the male population must join in the restructuring of the social orders that condemn women to third rate status. I can just hear my Mothers words if she were here today and witnessing such tragic events.
Happy Mothers Day to all the women who are free to celebrate and receive the recognition they deserve while living in a country like Canada and wishing for a better lot for those who are not.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
And The World Should Cry
Rape, pillage and total disrespect for womanhood in Nigeria and some other countries in Africa should cause such outrage as the world has never seen.In a world where western technology could kill enemies with drones guided by people thousands of miles away and capable of putting a man on the moon stood back for weeks while school children were sold in a market place as sex slaves or child brides.
Thank social media for causing a fuss large enough the cause the super powers to finally move into some sort of action. It is probably too late for many of these young girls whose only action was to try to get an education but there is still hope for some. Our Canadian foreign minister answering to a question in the House as to what Canada was doing to help find these girls told the astonished members that Canada was contributing $500,000 to aid the Nigerian country to set up sophisticated systems for communications. He also said that Canada would send tracking equipment to Nigeria with Canadian personnel to help the Army in their search for the children.
We gave money to Nigeria, a country whose leader and wife denied that the kidnapping did not even happen until the mothers all gave the names of their daughters to the press.This is a country where civil rights and women's status is called into question and we should be demanding more than a shrug of the shoulder. The president and his wife knew of this matter when it happened but was too busy to send his soldiers to capture the villain and release these girls to their parents.
The world is now awake and we can look forward to some real action but it is too little too late. This would be the type of mission our Canadian military would have undertaken when we were a peacekeeping military but we became a far different force and paid a high price for our active involvement in war zones.
Let us hope that this horrible incident opens up the eyes of the world that evil of this nature will not be tolerated and women will feel safe to take their place in the free world and contribute their many talents to make the world a safer and more humane place to live.
Thank social media for causing a fuss large enough the cause the super powers to finally move into some sort of action. It is probably too late for many of these young girls whose only action was to try to get an education but there is still hope for some. Our Canadian foreign minister answering to a question in the House as to what Canada was doing to help find these girls told the astonished members that Canada was contributing $500,000 to aid the Nigerian country to set up sophisticated systems for communications. He also said that Canada would send tracking equipment to Nigeria with Canadian personnel to help the Army in their search for the children.
We gave money to Nigeria, a country whose leader and wife denied that the kidnapping did not even happen until the mothers all gave the names of their daughters to the press.This is a country where civil rights and women's status is called into question and we should be demanding more than a shrug of the shoulder. The president and his wife knew of this matter when it happened but was too busy to send his soldiers to capture the villain and release these girls to their parents.
The world is now awake and we can look forward to some real action but it is too little too late. This would be the type of mission our Canadian military would have undertaken when we were a peacekeeping military but we became a far different force and paid a high price for our active involvement in war zones.
Let us hope that this horrible incident opens up the eyes of the world that evil of this nature will not be tolerated and women will feel safe to take their place in the free world and contribute their many talents to make the world a safer and more humane place to live.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Canada And The Ukraine
Canada has made a strong case for supporting the new government of the Ukraine. Sending a small token force to Poland and NATO has just been that...a token force. However we all know the slippery slope when we get involved in foreign disputes. The leaders of our country do not go to war but send our military away in harms way.
We were involved in countries around the world as peacekeepers and lost few of our military and were recognized for our efforts. We turned our military into a fighting force and the result was the destruction of thousands of lives. Some killed in the line of duty but so many wounded physically and even more stress related casualties
We are not going to go to war with Russia over the Ukraine so use our little voice of reason in the diplomatic arena and stop the politically motivated posturing which makes us look stupid on the world scene. Get Baird home before he does more damage to our already tarnished reputation..
We were involved in countries around the world as peacekeepers and lost few of our military and were recognized for our efforts. We turned our military into a fighting force and the result was the destruction of thousands of lives. Some killed in the line of duty but so many wounded physically and even more stress related casualties
We are not going to go to war with Russia over the Ukraine so use our little voice of reason in the diplomatic arena and stop the politically motivated posturing which makes us look stupid on the world scene. Get Baird home before he does more damage to our already tarnished reputation..
Ontario Election
The recent budget has brought down the Liberal minority government. It appeared to make perfect sense that the NDP would support this budget because it could have been written by them. The Tory leader and party are a clone of Mike Harris and Steven Harper so everyone knows what to expect from them. All parties have been gearing up for this event over the past months.
This election is too close to predict but that is what the people who make the prediction did. They made their first poll and it predicts another Liberal minority. The Conservatives have a lead in the poll but it does not translate into seats as their strength is in the rural areas but show weakness in the populous urban areas.
People of Ontario will have 41 days to decide and as usual we will be bombarded with signs, TV adds and radio announcements. My wish is that all parties stay with the issues because there is a clear difference in the proposed agendas and our future is at stake. With all the budget cuts in recent years there has been a destructive toxic result for the environment and social needs which has always propped up our moral and social fabric for the needy of our province.
From what I see we will have many great candidates from all parties and when the election is over we could have a group of good citizens working together for the exercising of the will of the people. Wouldn't that be a change for the better.
This election is too close to predict but that is what the people who make the prediction did. They made their first poll and it predicts another Liberal minority. The Conservatives have a lead in the poll but it does not translate into seats as their strength is in the rural areas but show weakness in the populous urban areas.
People of Ontario will have 41 days to decide and as usual we will be bombarded with signs, TV adds and radio announcements. My wish is that all parties stay with the issues because there is a clear difference in the proposed agendas and our future is at stake. With all the budget cuts in recent years there has been a destructive toxic result for the environment and social needs which has always propped up our moral and social fabric for the needy of our province.
From what I see we will have many great candidates from all parties and when the election is over we could have a group of good citizens working together for the exercising of the will of the people. Wouldn't that be a change for the better.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Pen And Ink 1944
I was so happy to leave the Red Brick School and it's really scary principal Mrs. Hollett.I was in her class for a year in grade three and it was one of my bad experiences in my education. Advancing to grade four in the Gray School and having Mrs. Robinson was like winning the lottery. She was one of the most wonderful teachers I ever had. She was tall and had a very distinct hair style. She like my grade one teacher wore suits and always had a handkerchief in the upper pocket.
Mrs Robinson also smelled great and when she called you up to correct your work you enjoyed the time shared with her. I knew she liked me as I always stood by her for pictures and when we went anywhere she always held my hand and kept me close to her. She was an artist and gave us time to draw good pictures and study paintings.
One of the real reasons I wanted to go to grade four was that we could use pen and ink and write on smooth paper. Up to this year we always used rough paper and wrote with a pencil. If you had to erase something often you would rub right through the next page.
During the first week we were told to bring our pen holder and three nibs to start our cursive writing using pen and ink. There were no ball point pens at this time.Our desks had a ink well on the right side of our desk and it was filled when needed by ink made from water and ink material.You could also bring ink bought from the co-op with names like Carters or Quink. Your pen holder was a long wooden object with a metal end designed to hold nibs. Nibs were sold at some stores and cost three for five cents. They were tiny steel objects split in the middle to transfer ink from bottle to paper.
Since the ink was wet we were given ink blotters donated by the Bank of Nova Scotia to dry the excess. As a child this skill was not easy and accidents happened. Girls were endangered if they wore braids as some boys would drip the ends of their braids in the ink well. I had one accident at the beginning of the class when Mrs Robinson assigned me to fill the ink wells for the class. When pouring the ink I overextended the rather large bottle of ink and spilled it all over the desk of a girl and it drained down to her dress. I was embarrassed but continued my task
Our writing lessons were carried out in double lined writing scribblers and we had to complete exercises within the lines. I always felt this was a ridiculous exercise because I could do a few circles OK but as I crossed the page they became worse and worse. The learning exercise was continued throughout the year and we mostly mastered writing with pen and nib.
Mrs Robinson also smelled great and when she called you up to correct your work you enjoyed the time shared with her. I knew she liked me as I always stood by her for pictures and when we went anywhere she always held my hand and kept me close to her. She was an artist and gave us time to draw good pictures and study paintings.
One of the real reasons I wanted to go to grade four was that we could use pen and ink and write on smooth paper. Up to this year we always used rough paper and wrote with a pencil. If you had to erase something often you would rub right through the next page.
During the first week we were told to bring our pen holder and three nibs to start our cursive writing using pen and ink. There were no ball point pens at this time.Our desks had a ink well on the right side of our desk and it was filled when needed by ink made from water and ink material.You could also bring ink bought from the co-op with names like Carters or Quink. Your pen holder was a long wooden object with a metal end designed to hold nibs. Nibs were sold at some stores and cost three for five cents. They were tiny steel objects split in the middle to transfer ink from bottle to paper.
Since the ink was wet we were given ink blotters donated by the Bank of Nova Scotia to dry the excess. As a child this skill was not easy and accidents happened. Girls were endangered if they wore braids as some boys would drip the ends of their braids in the ink well. I had one accident at the beginning of the class when Mrs Robinson assigned me to fill the ink wells for the class. When pouring the ink I overextended the rather large bottle of ink and spilled it all over the desk of a girl and it drained down to her dress. I was embarrassed but continued my task
Our writing lessons were carried out in double lined writing scribblers and we had to complete exercises within the lines. I always felt this was a ridiculous exercise because I could do a few circles OK but as I crossed the page they became worse and worse. The learning exercise was continued throughout the year and we mostly mastered writing with pen and nib.
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