Thursday, July 31, 2014

Weeds and Flowers and weeds and Vegetables.

With all the rain we have been treated to there is no stopping the fast growth of all vegetation. My garden looks like a jungle as there is no empty space Every inch is covered with something I planted or something which decided was home for now. My pole beans usually grow to the top of  my eight foot pole teepee. This year they are several feet over the top and the whole stand looks like it might topple. Tomatoes are the same with many of the plants growing to over six feet. I have cut them at that level. With so much greenery the fruit sometimes id smaller and inferior so I have taken off many frons and it looks OK.

I don't know where to star when it comes to the Morning Glories as they are really beautiful and have climbed to great height on my house and other plants. I always marvel at natures manner in showing gratitude for fresh water and this year Mother Nature is doing a great job in filling up the lakes and ponds that for a few years were in drought conditions.

Usually at this time of the year our city is issuing warnings about water conservation...not this year. I am thankful that we live in a climate where we are basically spared the extremes in weather. We should be aware however this situation will change during the next ten years and we will experience what many have for years....extremes in our weather.







Wet Rec Room

The other night we were greeted with a rain and thunder storm that was as powerful as we ever experienced. We received about 5 inches of rain in two hours and the eve troughs were unable to cope with the volume. The worst came between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning. I was concerned but not enough to get up and check the house. Big Mistake.

In the morning when I went to my rec room I felt a wet carpet and a squeaky walk throughout the room. Theresa and I quickly placed everything on top of the pool table bur anything on the floor was damaged. Our printer took the direct hit and our political pictures which I had on the wall were soaked. I hate water at anytime when it is where it is not wanted but this time I was really concerned.

I phoned my Insurance agent and was happily informed that I had coverage with only $100 deductible. Help came swiftly and now we live with 4 huge fans going full blast and a humid smell down stairs. I was surprised at the help we did get as the men moved everything that was heavy.

The adjuster came and decided that the carpet would be replaced and the walls to be painted as some gyprock was damaged. We are now just waiting for the men to come and get the job done. I suppose it will take a week or so. Nobody likes to have difficulties but if you do and have the careful people helping you as we have it makes it easier.


Sunday, July 27, 2014

Family Support

Adam is entered in the Ironman race at Whistler in British Columbia and our whole family is following on TV,I  pad and those new phones that do everything. He did well in the swim and we all cheered as his girl friend took a picture of him coming out of the surf. He kind of disappeared during the 180 km bike ride but the race officials posted a time every 30 or so kms.

It was so exciting to see him in place800 out of 1900. He is a good swimmer. The road race was up and down hills in the mountains of Whistler and he lost time. The phone lines were busy as we phoned and talked about the information we already had but it was nervous energy.

Adam is now running a 42 km race which is a marathon and we all pray he will have the energy to finish. We are all into this to the point that you would think we were running and doing the hard stuff. We will not know the final results for three or four hours but we will not rest until we see he is OK and finished the great challenge of becoming an IRONMAN.

The Ironman Adam

My grandson Adam has had an idea to become a real Ironman. Whistler is the home of one of the worlds greatest tests of skill and endurance. Adam has been preparing himself for the contest and has taken serious steps to ensure a good result. At this stage of his training just completing the course would be a major step in his development.

The course requires a competitor to swim 4 km, bike 180 km and run 42 kms. The time allotted for the completion will be from 8 o'clock am to midnight . If you are not completed within the 16 hour limit you must leave the course. Adam has set a goal of 11 hours.

We wish Adam well and will be watching the race on the computer as it will be carried on Google all day. Good luck Adam ,we are all proud of you and your effort to reach your goal.


Friday, July 25, 2014

Frustration Causes Wars

This terrible slaughter of innocent men, women and children in Palestine is a perfect example of a small nation being denied its opportunity for a peaceful life by a strong Israeli government who refuses to give Palestine a place in the sun.

I know nearly every superpower sides in with Israel. Canada especially riles against Palestine even after the slaughter of innocent children and women. The Palestine people living in Gaza are completely surrounded by Israel and the sea. Israel blockaded the country and does not give any freedom to move in and out of its borders. Every few years there is one cause or another giving the Jews an excuse to destroy Palestine's infra-structure. To make things worse they then deny Palestine the means to bring in steel and cement to rebuild its shattered buildings.

There is blame on both parties but this fight is so uneven and unfair that the world should be shouting about the outrageous behavior of Israel. Thirty Israel soldiers killed while invading and destroying Palestine...over 700 civilians killed and thousands wounded and on it goes. Yesterday many killed while taking refuge in a UN building designated as a safe haven. When will it end?

Canada could speak with a reasonable voice to stop the bloodshed but last evening when asked if the Israel forces were right in blowing up the UN structure and killing more than 20 civilians the government representative said Israel had the right to defend itself. Overpowering Israeli are far into Palestine territory in an aggressive military action killing, destroying and completely ruining the country using weapons and military machinery provided mainly by the United States. In fact the USA gave 5 billion dollars last year and every year to prop up this rogue state.

The Canadian representative also compared Israel as a country being the same as Canada. Not my Canada and I hope everyone in Canada realizes that this is the ugly concept coming from this Conservative government. God help us.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Theresa's Big Birthday

It is unfair to discuss age when you are talking about a lady. In this case Theresa and I have a combined age of 147 years. I am 77. With that settled we can imagine the excitement when our family gathered at our home to give Theresa an exciting special day.

My daughters number one and three were here to assist me in the preparations for the food and decorations. Special guest was Doris ,Theresa's mother who is ninety seven and loves these parties because of the food and excitement. Some of the family were away travelling and sent their best wishes but those who were present engaged in the fun of a birthday.

As we grow older I feel we cherish these events even more as it recognizes the depth of a family unit. We are able to look out at the gathering and see the different generations growing and making their mark on the world and it gives us a feeling of confidence that the family is strong and bonded.

This day closed out with the traditional gift exchanges and this time was no different. Beautiful flowers and thoughtful gifts gave Theresa that warm feeling when kindness is shared. We






love these gatherings and look forward to the next on not too far away.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Ottawa Roughriders [Red/Black]

It was great to see Ottawa back in the CFL and with a fresh start winning their first game at home before 24'000 fans. When living in the Valley it was part of our yearly duty to trip off to Ottawa to watch exciting  football. Russ Jackson and little Ron Stewart were the class of the league and we made our pilgrimage to add our voice to the Ottawa fans.

There was an old tired stadium and poor financial support for the club and it folded. Last week I was in Ottawa and saw the new stadium and the sold out crowd making for a new revival of the old team. There is still the huge problem with very limited parking but it did not keep the fans away. I watched the game on TV and with a exciting finish to the home team everyone went home happy.

Professional teams add much to a municipality in the way of recognition and Ottawa just came up with a winner. Maybe now they can come up with a proper name to take advantage of that national recognition

Troubled World

For years Canada was viewed by the world as a country where sober thought was given to world troubled situations and with balanced judgments brokered solutions without taking iron clad sides. Today we have absolutely changed our policies and have made stands that will cause us grave problems in the future.

Our PM and foreign affairs minister have during the past few days cemented their support for Israel to such an extent that it will be difficult to retreat to a more balanced policy. Here where one Israeli soldier has been killed and the Palestine death count has risen to hundreds there is world admonishment for the actions of Israel. Considering that the vast number of those slaughtered were civilians it is ridiculous for our leaders to rile against one side while giving total support to the other.

The language used by our leaders should be more in the manner of stopping the conflict and not giving moral and verbal support to the aggressor. Everyone agrees that both parties have been at fault over the years because the land deal has not reached a satisfactory level for the Palestine population who are cut off from the world by the Israeli powers who are surrounding their territory.

We should be a strong voice for justice and work to bring this 66 year old conflict to a peaceful settlement. The women and children who are being killed every day should bring such a humanitarian outcry that finally their cries will be heard and justice served.

Pemboke's Waterfront

Pembroke City is situated on the south side of the Ottawa River. It was once a huge lumbering center with lumber mills taking up most of the waterfront. The river itself was filled with logs that were floated down from region west of the city. The CPR railroad followed the river and effectively cut the people from the river.

Within a ten year span in the sixties and early seventies logs were carried to mills on trucks and the river was cleared of logs after nearly a hundred years. The railway had been discontinued and the once barrier was removed. The land along the river was obtained by the city and now the waterfront was ready to be developed.

Long range planning was developed and a beautiful park like setting replaces vacant land. The city was able to have access to over a mile of it's shoreline and the people are presented with a walkway and area for entertainment. Theresa and I were able to experience first hand the beauty of the new well used property.

While on City Council I was able to share the opportunity of making sure the land was for the citizens of Pembroke rather than private development. It would have to be the most proud accomplishment during my years to see the beginning of Pembroke's future use of its geographic beauty for the present and future citizens.

The development presently blends historical history with present recreational needs. It is truly a place where everyone is able to use and be proud to show all who live or visit the friendly city.



Monday, July 14, 2014

Israel"s Cheerleeders

Stephen Harper and Mr. Baird line up like the most inept foreign policy makers to ever grace the Canadian Parliament. With the Middle East in a stage of confusion and Israel and Palestine trading rockets we find our Canadian leaders shouting out to the world that the Jewish nation has a right to defend itself and offer 100% support for their cause.

A grade eight student would say that this was stupid as Canada has now lost all sense of fairness and lost any equity in being able to help to solve problems in that region for years to come. Most people agree that Israel has a right to exist as a free nation. It is also true that most people agree that Palestine also has a right to have a homeland free from the horrible destruction brought on their land and people every time that some frustrated rebels in Palestine commit crimes against Israel.

The people of Palestine have been attempting to gain a homeland since 1948 when Britain arbitrarily divided up the land in the middle east to give the Jews a homeland. It was not fairly divided then and it is not fair now.

Israel has the USA on its side or it would not exist for a month. This great power provides military might and Israel feels content to use overwhelming military to keep Palestine in a captive situation.

Canada has always been a neutral nation when it came to foreign policy. This government has caused the relationship between Canada and middle east countries to become toxic. There are millions of people living in the area and our policies as of late push them farther away from us .Other world leaders are away more guarded than Canada when it comes to Israel. There has to be a final solution to this ongoing crisis but Canada will not be a stakeholder in the process because we already showed our hand. How sad and how stupid.

In the meantime numerous innocent children and adults die because of the actions of the Jewish military might.  

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Wildlife In The City

We live in the middle of a large city. Our city is particularly unique as it is bordered on one side by Lake Ontario and the other sides by sister cities. What makes it unique is that several main throughways run the complete way north to south through our city. The highways divide the city in areas bounded by roads and rivers and deep valleys divide the city north and south. These river valleys caused conservation areas to be established and became home to numerous animals.

Deer used to be present in many areas only years ago but have been driven away by development. Coyotes, possums and raccoons abound in these treed and undeveloped stripes of land. Trails abound throughout the conservation lands and people use these places for walking and bike riding. Because we have so much open space wildlife abound. Canada geese, ducks and swans as well as other water based life birds make Oakville their home.

  • Our own yards are well treed and birds seem to be everywhere. In our yard alone we were home to new families of sparrows, robins and blue jays and our feeders had cardinals and orioles as frequent guests. So we live in a city but have plenty of life all around us. Squirrels, and chipmunks have their homes in our trees and become very tame. We have the best of two worlds. City comfort with  country wildlife. 

Restless and Inattentive

I have listened to Theresa when she suggested that title for my new book be just that. This week I received a shipment of books from the publisher and was excited to see the book finally in print. It is a short book which records some of my memories of my educational career over a period of thirty five years plus.

I wrote this book as a welcome diversion from my many years of attempting to complete a book about life as I saw it from a life as the son of a coal miner in Cape Breton to a retired educator in Upper Canada. The struggle to include the many aspects of my life took much longer than I realized so I decided to take a break and focus on one aspect of my life and charge my writing batteries.

This short story was fun to write and I did so in a short period of time. I stayed focused and personal with the idea of staying away from the main thrust of my other work. It was a happy but emotional journey as I relived many moments that were beforehand kept in the dark recesses of my mind. My daughter Lynda was the one who encouraged me to begin writing and I began to blog. I have continued to blog and the joy I received motivated me to try a bigger project so here I am.

I have hand written many of my experiences over the years and attempted to write notes for children's books which will be the focus when I complete the editing of my next book. I expect to complete my next book by Xmas this year. Lynda has been my chief editing person and I could never have continued on without her help. Theresa has also been an encouraging force as she accepts the hours of my time writing when there are often more pressing needs around the home.

Writing was the last thing on my mind when I started to make hand written notes about events I experienced. These notes express thoughts and impressions which are my memories and not intended to be factual in every sense. My stories are written for the expressed audience of family and friends.