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.

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.

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.

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.

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