I cannot believe I still have squirrels in the attic. Kevin, the pest control guy, came yesterday and removed the oneway cage and put in a new roof vent and permanent cage. I hadn't heard a sound from the attic in over a week so we assumed the damn squirrels were gone.
This morning I heard that horrible scurrying overhead and just hoped so much the squirrels were on the roof and not in the attic. I hurried outside to look and couldn't believe my eyes. There were 2 squirrels inside the roof vent cage trying to get out. They could only have come up out of the attic and were now trapped between the roof vent and the permanent cage. I could have cried.
I phoned Kevin and left a message on his answering machine, feeling I wouldn't hear from him till Monday but he came right up and climbed onto the roof for a look. He reinstalled the oneway cage and then came down to talk to me. I wasn't angry with him but just frustrated with the situation and needed to know how those little buggers got back in. Kevin said he'd left a small opening for baby squirrels to exit or return (I don't understand the reasoning for this) and the larger squirrels must have been able to squeeze through it. The new oneway cage has no such opening so now we try again. He checked all around the house once more and could find no other openings for squirrels to get in my house so we'll have to wait and see what happens now.
I'd been told that getting squirrels out of your house was very, very difficult and now I know how true that is.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Kim Turned 50!
Could it really have been 50 years ago I gave birth to my first baby? I remember going into labor and my young husband taking me to the hospital where I was whisked away from him and settled into a room by myself. In those days they didn't allow family to stay during the birthing and I remember feeling so frightened and alone.
In due time my Kimmie made it into the world and began her long haul through a lifetime of happiness, hurts, and tragedies, just like everyone else on earth. She was a good child, a good teen and became a good woman. That's a successful life in anyone's books.
I took Kim out for dinner last night to our favorite pasta restaurant and then we met up with my other daughter, Cindy, and went to the casino. Hours later, and lots of dollars broker, we made our way home. I know reaching the age of 50 is traumatic but it's also a milestone that too many don't reach. Or, if they do reach it, have no-one to commiserate with.
Kim took a lot of jokes yesterday, the worst being her sister telling her that they have special rewards for seniors at the casino. I can't print Kim's response.
Anyway, I hope she gets to enjoy the next 50 years and appreciate her good fortune in still being around and still having fun.
In due time my Kimmie made it into the world and began her long haul through a lifetime of happiness, hurts, and tragedies, just like everyone else on earth. She was a good child, a good teen and became a good woman. That's a successful life in anyone's books.
I took Kim out for dinner last night to our favorite pasta restaurant and then we met up with my other daughter, Cindy, and went to the casino. Hours later, and lots of dollars broker, we made our way home. I know reaching the age of 50 is traumatic but it's also a milestone that too many don't reach. Or, if they do reach it, have no-one to commiserate with.
Kim took a lot of jokes yesterday, the worst being her sister telling her that they have special rewards for seniors at the casino. I can't print Kim's response.
Anyway, I hope she gets to enjoy the next 50 years and appreciate her good fortune in still being around and still having fun.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Death of a Friend
I've lost another friend from my Florida senior park. Oh, he's still living and breathing with the aid of life support equipment but his brain has ceased functioning and the family will soon decide when to turn the machines off.
This was a good man who lived and thoroughly enjoyed his 80 some odd years of life. His quiet gentlemanly behaviour belied the fact that he loved to host parties. My favorite memories of him are of when he and his wife hosted their many, many parties and he'd make me the best gin and tonic in the world.
When I was told he was "brain dead" and on life support my heart sank because that's such a precarious situation for his family. They have to kiss their beloved husband and father goodbye and then be ones who say the words that will take him away from them forever. They'll probably never get over it.
None of us want to be kept alive solely by life support machinery but there are times when the choice of whether or not to pull the plug might be impossible to make. In the case of an elderly man who had a very active and enjoyable life it would be very difficult but in the case of a child or young adult I think I couldn't allow myself to give up.
When my husband was dying and his body was being ravaged by cancer I felt there was a possiblity he might end up on life support. In his case I knew that by ending life support I'd be ending his suffering so I didn't worry about it too much. But when the ending comes as swiftly and as devastating as it has for my friend, there's no way to plan how you'd act.
I hope his family is strong enough to let him go and I know he'll always be remembered as a fine gentleman and good human being. What more can we ask?
This was a good man who lived and thoroughly enjoyed his 80 some odd years of life. His quiet gentlemanly behaviour belied the fact that he loved to host parties. My favorite memories of him are of when he and his wife hosted their many, many parties and he'd make me the best gin and tonic in the world.
When I was told he was "brain dead" and on life support my heart sank because that's such a precarious situation for his family. They have to kiss their beloved husband and father goodbye and then be ones who say the words that will take him away from them forever. They'll probably never get over it.
None of us want to be kept alive solely by life support machinery but there are times when the choice of whether or not to pull the plug might be impossible to make. In the case of an elderly man who had a very active and enjoyable life it would be very difficult but in the case of a child or young adult I think I couldn't allow myself to give up.
When my husband was dying and his body was being ravaged by cancer I felt there was a possiblity he might end up on life support. In his case I knew that by ending life support I'd be ending his suffering so I didn't worry about it too much. But when the ending comes as swiftly and as devastating as it has for my friend, there's no way to plan how you'd act.
I hope his family is strong enough to let him go and I know he'll always be remembered as a fine gentleman and good human being. What more can we ask?
My Baby's Coming Home
My baby, who ran away to live in the States when she was 22 years old, is coming home for 8 days. It's difficult to have your children live thousands of miles away because visits are never as often or as long as we'd like. Shelley also married a military man so they sometimes live abroad which makes the visiting even less frequent.
This visit will be a special one because she and her family will be leaving for a 2 year stint in Bolivia at the end of July and I know I won't see her for quite a while. It's silly but I can't look at her without feeling she's still my baby, even at the ripe old age of 44.
One of the greatest pleasures in my life is in knowing how much my three girls love each other. They are as close as any sisters on the face of the earth and that fills me with gratitude for some reason. It makes me cry. Silly.
I'm feeling pretty emotional these days because of all the stress I've been through lately and then I just got a phone call from a friend to inform me that another friend has suffered a heart attack and is brain dead. It powers home to you how fragile life is and how quickly it can end, sometimes with no warning at all. Maybe that's why I'm so happy my girls are close because a part of me will carry on after I'm gone.
Having Shelley here, even if only for the 8 days, will be wonderful. I'm already looking forward to seeing my three girls huddled together and laughing, enjoying their time with each other. How did I get so lucky?
This visit will be a special one because she and her family will be leaving for a 2 year stint in Bolivia at the end of July and I know I won't see her for quite a while. It's silly but I can't look at her without feeling she's still my baby, even at the ripe old age of 44.
One of the greatest pleasures in my life is in knowing how much my three girls love each other. They are as close as any sisters on the face of the earth and that fills me with gratitude for some reason. It makes me cry. Silly.
I'm feeling pretty emotional these days because of all the stress I've been through lately and then I just got a phone call from a friend to inform me that another friend has suffered a heart attack and is brain dead. It powers home to you how fragile life is and how quickly it can end, sometimes with no warning at all. Maybe that's why I'm so happy my girls are close because a part of me will carry on after I'm gone.
Having Shelley here, even if only for the 8 days, will be wonderful. I'm already looking forward to seeing my three girls huddled together and laughing, enjoying their time with each other. How did I get so lucky?
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Drug Bust
The local druggies were finally raided today after being in business for 3 or 4 years. The police knew they were there and what they were doing but laws prohibited them from acting until enough legal proof was available.
I'd been away for most of the day and just went out to water my flowers when one of my neighbors asked me if I'd seen the action. Apparently the SWAT team arrived about 15 minutes before and raided the house across the street. Half the neighborhood was out to watch because this is actually a sedate, working class neighborhood whose biggest problem, outside of these particular druggies, are a few yappy dogs.
We all stood around and watched as two very young girls were brought out in handcuffs and placed in a paddy wagon. A young man, not the renter of the house, was also brought out in handcuffs and placed in with them. All of the doors and windows were opened wide to let the fumes out (I'm assuming this because many of the police officers went in with face masks). My neighbor said that the Hydro company had already been there to turn off power to the house so I'm also guessing that meant there was a grow op over there. We always wondered about that because all windows were always covered with blinds so no-one could see inside. That's one of the dead giveaways because normal people don't live like that.
The neighbors began making bets about how long the druggies would be out of business and my bet was they'd be going strong by tonight. I don't much care about adults making the choice to use drugs but this house was noted for the number of high school kids who went there on their lunch hour. If an adult wants to destroy their brain cells they should be free to do it just as long as they don't use and drive. Children are another matter completely.
I hope the main culprits from the drug house have been caught and charged but we all know how money, connections, and unscrupulous lawyers set the bad guys free. In any case, if they don't come back that house is going to sit for months looking like an eyesore. I can only imagine what has been done to the inside and how much work it will take to renovate it. The owner who allowed these characters to rent his/her house will get what they deserve...a big reno bill.
I'd been away for most of the day and just went out to water my flowers when one of my neighbors asked me if I'd seen the action. Apparently the SWAT team arrived about 15 minutes before and raided the house across the street. Half the neighborhood was out to watch because this is actually a sedate, working class neighborhood whose biggest problem, outside of these particular druggies, are a few yappy dogs.
We all stood around and watched as two very young girls were brought out in handcuffs and placed in a paddy wagon. A young man, not the renter of the house, was also brought out in handcuffs and placed in with them. All of the doors and windows were opened wide to let the fumes out (I'm assuming this because many of the police officers went in with face masks). My neighbor said that the Hydro company had already been there to turn off power to the house so I'm also guessing that meant there was a grow op over there. We always wondered about that because all windows were always covered with blinds so no-one could see inside. That's one of the dead giveaways because normal people don't live like that.
The neighbors began making bets about how long the druggies would be out of business and my bet was they'd be going strong by tonight. I don't much care about adults making the choice to use drugs but this house was noted for the number of high school kids who went there on their lunch hour. If an adult wants to destroy their brain cells they should be free to do it just as long as they don't use and drive. Children are another matter completely.
I hope the main culprits from the drug house have been caught and charged but we all know how money, connections, and unscrupulous lawyers set the bad guys free. In any case, if they don't come back that house is going to sit for months looking like an eyesore. I can only imagine what has been done to the inside and how much work it will take to renovate it. The owner who allowed these characters to rent his/her house will get what they deserve...a big reno bill.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Helping Hands
My sister-in-law, Faye, is making livingroom and diningroom curtains and I'm helping her. The work is tedious and no real skill is required but everything takes time so an extra set of hands makes the whole job much easier.
We started out the project arguing which side of the fabric she should use and she was right as usual. I finally remembered that with expensive fabric the right side is usually on the inside but, in this case, either side would have worked. Faye preferred the inside and that's what we went by. That was our last difference of opinion and we sailed along for the rest of the day.
Faye and I work well together because we are able to express our differing, and sometimes strong, opinions without offending. We respect each other. I remember trying to work with my husband on one project or another and it always seemed to end up in a fight because he listened to no other opinion than his own. I guess we get our backs up when our opinions are tossed aside as immaterial.
Faye and I explain to each other why we want to do things a certain way and we listen to each other. That's the charm. In this way we worked through the day and completed one set of curtains. Today we'll make the second set and I know we'll have fun doing it.
We started out the project arguing which side of the fabric she should use and she was right as usual. I finally remembered that with expensive fabric the right side is usually on the inside but, in this case, either side would have worked. Faye preferred the inside and that's what we went by. That was our last difference of opinion and we sailed along for the rest of the day.
Faye and I work well together because we are able to express our differing, and sometimes strong, opinions without offending. We respect each other. I remember trying to work with my husband on one project or another and it always seemed to end up in a fight because he listened to no other opinion than his own. I guess we get our backs up when our opinions are tossed aside as immaterial.
Faye and I explain to each other why we want to do things a certain way and we listen to each other. That's the charm. In this way we worked through the day and completed one set of curtains. Today we'll make the second set and I know we'll have fun doing it.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
We Assume
We take a lot of things for granted in our everyday lives. We know the sun will rise in the morning and that's when most of us start our days. We can count on the newspaper to be dropped on our doorstep at dawn and that our morning coffee is only a plug-in away.
We know the T.V. will splay it's colors and news when turned on and our rooms will be brightly lit at the touch of a switch. We know there is food in the fridge and cupboards when we want to eat.
We also know that nearby grocery stores stock all and anything we might want and that the local gas station will readily supply any gas we need for the cars we drive. We assume all drivers and pedestrians will obey the red, yellow, and green traffic lights.
We're fairly certain we can venture out into the world and return safely to our homes when we're finished our travels.
But in war torn countries none of these things, other than sunrise, can be taken for granted. We are a fortunate people and we certainly do live in the land of milk and honey. We've been smart enough to lead civilized lives for the most part and it's difficult for us to imagine any other way.
In countries where bombings and killings are a common occurrence because of religious, ethnic, or political differences everyday life has been chaotic and dangerous for thousands of years. It is their norm and none of the so-called civilized countries will ever change them because the change has to come from within.
Canada and the U.S. are true melting pots of many religions and ethnic origins so maybe we're the promised land, the place where we learn to understand and accept our differences. It's important to celebrate our different cultures but it's also important to blend them. That's the way we become "one" people who can live together in peace. That's my hope for the future.
We know the T.V. will splay it's colors and news when turned on and our rooms will be brightly lit at the touch of a switch. We know there is food in the fridge and cupboards when we want to eat.
We also know that nearby grocery stores stock all and anything we might want and that the local gas station will readily supply any gas we need for the cars we drive. We assume all drivers and pedestrians will obey the red, yellow, and green traffic lights.
We're fairly certain we can venture out into the world and return safely to our homes when we're finished our travels.
But in war torn countries none of these things, other than sunrise, can be taken for granted. We are a fortunate people and we certainly do live in the land of milk and honey. We've been smart enough to lead civilized lives for the most part and it's difficult for us to imagine any other way.
In countries where bombings and killings are a common occurrence because of religious, ethnic, or political differences everyday life has been chaotic and dangerous for thousands of years. It is their norm and none of the so-called civilized countries will ever change them because the change has to come from within.
Canada and the U.S. are true melting pots of many religions and ethnic origins so maybe we're the promised land, the place where we learn to understand and accept our differences. It's important to celebrate our different cultures but it's also important to blend them. That's the way we become "one" people who can live together in peace. That's my hope for the future.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Getting Things Done
I'm keeping my fingers crossed but it looks like my attic squirrels might have moved on. Kevin, the pest control guy phoned me last night and said he'll be here on Monday to put in a new roof vent and permanent cage so I'll finally have no holes in the roof. That has been a major concern for me along with hearing critters in the attic.
My grandson, Matt, was going to stain the deck for me but I decided to get the top deck done myself yesterday. Once started, though, I couldn't stop and finished the whole thing. Because my knees are not in terrific shape I had to do the staining while bent over and I thought my back would break from the stress. Lo, and behold, my back didn't feel too bad even after 3 hours work so I guess I'm in better condition than first thought. The deck looks fabulous and no-one would ever guess that it's 24 years old. Of course it has been maintained well with regular staining which protects it.
I'd kept my daughter's dogs inside while I was staining and they stood side by side at the patio door barking incessantly at the neighbor's cat who came to watch. I threatened to put them back in their night cage if they didn't shut up but they didn't listen. I ended up just ignoring them and cursing quietly as I worked.
I picked up my other grandson, Tyson, at 6:30 P.M. (after first visiting the out-of-town nursery to get the extra red/white Impatiens I wanted) and we went out for his birthday dinner...a month late but we can't give up on our traditions, can we? We had a nice pasta dinner at a new restaurant (for me) and I got to hear all the things going on in his life. He's just finished his second year of university and is back home for the summer and working 6 day weeks to pay for his tuition. He's a fine young man who makes us all proud of him.
Before taking him home I brought him to my house to lift the heavy planters back onto the deck for me. Big, strong grandsons come in handy.
I let the dogs out for their last pee and barking session around 10 P.M. and then went to bed. The end of a fruitful and mostly satisfying day.
My grandson, Matt, was going to stain the deck for me but I decided to get the top deck done myself yesterday. Once started, though, I couldn't stop and finished the whole thing. Because my knees are not in terrific shape I had to do the staining while bent over and I thought my back would break from the stress. Lo, and behold, my back didn't feel too bad even after 3 hours work so I guess I'm in better condition than first thought. The deck looks fabulous and no-one would ever guess that it's 24 years old. Of course it has been maintained well with regular staining which protects it.
I'd kept my daughter's dogs inside while I was staining and they stood side by side at the patio door barking incessantly at the neighbor's cat who came to watch. I threatened to put them back in their night cage if they didn't shut up but they didn't listen. I ended up just ignoring them and cursing quietly as I worked.
I picked up my other grandson, Tyson, at 6:30 P.M. (after first visiting the out-of-town nursery to get the extra red/white Impatiens I wanted) and we went out for his birthday dinner...a month late but we can't give up on our traditions, can we? We had a nice pasta dinner at a new restaurant (for me) and I got to hear all the things going on in his life. He's just finished his second year of university and is back home for the summer and working 6 day weeks to pay for his tuition. He's a fine young man who makes us all proud of him.
Before taking him home I brought him to my house to lift the heavy planters back onto the deck for me. Big, strong grandsons come in handy.
I let the dogs out for their last pee and barking session around 10 P.M. and then went to bed. The end of a fruitful and mostly satisfying day.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tim Horton's vs Street People
A while back one of Tim Horton's employees lost her job for giving a free timbit to the child of a regular customer. Reason caused a terrific uproar over the unfairness of her dismissal and she was given her job back. The store manager had "gone by the book" which forbids giving away freebies. This was a case of a brain dead manager not being able to think outside the box.
Today Tim Horton's is in the news again because one of their managers ousted a street person after a real customer bought them breakfast. Tim Horton's has a rule against street people hanging around their stores. Now we might think that this particular street person had every right to be in the store since she'd been bought her meal but try thinking outside the box once more.
How many regular customers would this store lose if some dumb do-gooder decided to buy even a coffee for a few street people? I for one am not going to frequent a place where I have to sit near someone who hasn't bathed in a year, who might be seriously mentally ill, and who might attack me. I'm generalizing now but street people are often not safe to be around.
The Tim Horton's in question here is the same one my silly friends dragged me to last year at 11 P.M. on a Friday night. It's the same place where my silly friend decided we'd made a big mistake when we discovered a lineup of hookers at the washroom. We very quickly left...just as we'd very quickly leave if we had to sit next to a street bum that some yuppie had brought inside.
It is everyone's right to eat or drink at a public restaurant but what about our right to keep our distance from the inebriated and unbathed? If a company executive crawled into a Tim Horton's in that condition I wouldn't want him/her there either so it isn't the tax bracket I denounce but the lifestyle.
It may sound unfair but if you look and smell like a bum I think a store manager has every right to keep you off their premises. Otherwise they'll lose business and that isn't fair either.
There's an old saying, "your rights end where mine begins" so now we just have to determine whose rights are being infringed upon the most.
Today Tim Horton's is in the news again because one of their managers ousted a street person after a real customer bought them breakfast. Tim Horton's has a rule against street people hanging around their stores. Now we might think that this particular street person had every right to be in the store since she'd been bought her meal but try thinking outside the box once more.
How many regular customers would this store lose if some dumb do-gooder decided to buy even a coffee for a few street people? I for one am not going to frequent a place where I have to sit near someone who hasn't bathed in a year, who might be seriously mentally ill, and who might attack me. I'm generalizing now but street people are often not safe to be around.
The Tim Horton's in question here is the same one my silly friends dragged me to last year at 11 P.M. on a Friday night. It's the same place where my silly friend decided we'd made a big mistake when we discovered a lineup of hookers at the washroom. We very quickly left...just as we'd very quickly leave if we had to sit next to a street bum that some yuppie had brought inside.
It is everyone's right to eat or drink at a public restaurant but what about our right to keep our distance from the inebriated and unbathed? If a company executive crawled into a Tim Horton's in that condition I wouldn't want him/her there either so it isn't the tax bracket I denounce but the lifestyle.
It may sound unfair but if you look and smell like a bum I think a store manager has every right to keep you off their premises. Otherwise they'll lose business and that isn't fair either.
There's an old saying, "your rights end where mine begins" so now we just have to determine whose rights are being infringed upon the most.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Barking Dogs
I'm used to puttering around in my garden, planting, weeding, etc., in relative peace and quiet but right now I have my daughter's 2 Jack Russell Terriers. They bark at the neighbor's cats, at the neighbor's dogs, at sounds I hear and don't hear, at each other, and (God love them) at the squirrels. I can't concentrate on my puttering when I have to continuously yell at the dogs to stop barking. My neighbor's must just love the racket that comes from my yard these days. It's either barking or yelling.
I finally found the red/white Impatiens I wanted for the deck rail planters. In case anyone hasn't counted the number of boxes in a flat lately, it's gone from 18 to 12. The price is more than last year's. I have 14 planters on the deck rail so this left me short. I wasn't about to drive out of town (that's where I found the red/white Impatiens) again for a couple of boxes so I put plain white in 2 of them. I know this will keep bugging me so I'm going to look for the red/white on future trips to the nurseries and then I can transplant. Anyway, I've got lots more planting to do and will be scouring nurseries for weeks to come.
It's still terribly cold out, the dogs are barking, there are still squirrels in the attic, and I need to put in a new furnace. I'm not too happy right now.
I finally found the red/white Impatiens I wanted for the deck rail planters. In case anyone hasn't counted the number of boxes in a flat lately, it's gone from 18 to 12. The price is more than last year's. I have 14 planters on the deck rail so this left me short. I wasn't about to drive out of town (that's where I found the red/white Impatiens) again for a couple of boxes so I put plain white in 2 of them. I know this will keep bugging me so I'm going to look for the red/white on future trips to the nurseries and then I can transplant. Anyway, I've got lots more planting to do and will be scouring nurseries for weeks to come.
It's still terribly cold out, the dogs are barking, there are still squirrels in the attic, and I need to put in a new furnace. I'm not too happy right now.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Cold In Canada
I left Florida in early April and haven't been comfortably warm since. Even though we've had a few nice days it's been horribly cold for the most part. I've bought a few bedding plants but it's sad to see them all sitting there cold and frail wondering what happened to their nice warm nursery.
Faye and I visited a few nurseries today and was thrilled to find one where all the plants were still inside...that meant we could stay warm inside, too. The cold wind today was brutal.
I've looked all over for my flower of choice for the deck rail planters but with no luck so far. I want two-toned red/white impatiens which I've seen many times before but can't find now. If they don't show up soon I'll have to change my color choice and go with something else. This cold weather is interfering with my enjoyment in flower shopping but it's supposed to warm up in a few days.
Tonight I get to babysit my daughter's dogs, Baker and Bailey, while she goes on a wild weekend with her sister. They're cute little girls and it will be fun playing out in the yard with them. They might even scare the squirrels away.
Faye and I visited a few nurseries today and was thrilled to find one where all the plants were still inside...that meant we could stay warm inside, too. The cold wind today was brutal.
I've looked all over for my flower of choice for the deck rail planters but with no luck so far. I want two-toned red/white impatiens which I've seen many times before but can't find now. If they don't show up soon I'll have to change my color choice and go with something else. This cold weather is interfering with my enjoyment in flower shopping but it's supposed to warm up in a few days.
Tonight I get to babysit my daughter's dogs, Baker and Bailey, while she goes on a wild weekend with her sister. They're cute little girls and it will be fun playing out in the yard with them. They might even scare the squirrels away.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Issue of Squirrels
I know that anyone who reads my blog is probably sick to death of my squirrel adventure but I'm going to write about it anyway.
Kevin, the pest control guy, came today and assured me, guaranteed me, that he will rid my attic of squirrels within a matter of days. He's amazed that they're still in there. He has such an honest, earnest face that I truly want to believe him. He works 12 hour days so he must have enough experience. I need to trust him.
Don, my handyman, called this morning to see if the squirrels were gone yet. I'm humbled by the fact there are people who aren't even close to me who care enough to check. My own daughter thinks it's a laughing matter but she's never had them in her attic.
I had a talk with my neighbor who feeds the squirrels. I'm scared to death that he's inviting them to move into his house by feeding them. In my eyes there is nothing appealing about squirrels anymore. I can only see them as bushy tailed rodents.
I'm wondering when all this damned drama in my life will come to an end. I'm just a helpless little old lady who needs some peace.
Kevin, the pest control guy, came today and assured me, guaranteed me, that he will rid my attic of squirrels within a matter of days. He's amazed that they're still in there. He has such an honest, earnest face that I truly want to believe him. He works 12 hour days so he must have enough experience. I need to trust him.
Don, my handyman, called this morning to see if the squirrels were gone yet. I'm humbled by the fact there are people who aren't even close to me who care enough to check. My own daughter thinks it's a laughing matter but she's never had them in her attic.
I had a talk with my neighbor who feeds the squirrels. I'm scared to death that he's inviting them to move into his house by feeding them. In my eyes there is nothing appealing about squirrels anymore. I can only see them as bushy tailed rodents.
I'm wondering when all this damned drama in my life will come to an end. I'm just a helpless little old lady who needs some peace.
Monday, May 19, 2008
They're Back!
I really want to run away from this predicament I'm in. Yesterday it was lovely and quiet with no sounds of squirrels in the attic but this morning I woke up to a terrible racket overhead. I quickly dressed and went outside to see if there was a squirrel trying to get in but was shocked to see a squirrel on the inside of the one way cage peeking out of my roof. Now I don't know if he was one that hasn't left yet or if he's found a new way inside. Today's a holiday so I can't call the pest control guy and ask him to come by.
I think I've kept pretty good control of my emotions throughout this mess but I think I might have reached my limit. It's the most helpless feeling to look up on your roof and see a rodent appear through a hole he's chewed in the roof. It's now becoming a nightmare that doesn't seem to have any end.
One of my neighbors feeds the squirrels in the area and I now know he's just asking for trouble. I've read that even people with bird feeders attract squirrels who then move on into the house. It just seems so unbelievable that they're so difficult to get rid of. It's one thing to try the humane method but in the meantime those creatures are damaging my home.
I'm going to give my present pest control guy the rest of the week to do his magic but then I'll be looking for someone who will take tougher measures. I feel like I'm in over my head with this problem.
I think I've kept pretty good control of my emotions throughout this mess but I think I might have reached my limit. It's the most helpless feeling to look up on your roof and see a rodent appear through a hole he's chewed in the roof. It's now becoming a nightmare that doesn't seem to have any end.
One of my neighbors feeds the squirrels in the area and I now know he's just asking for trouble. I've read that even people with bird feeders attract squirrels who then move on into the house. It just seems so unbelievable that they're so difficult to get rid of. It's one thing to try the humane method but in the meantime those creatures are damaging my home.
I'm going to give my present pest control guy the rest of the week to do his magic but then I'll be looking for someone who will take tougher measures. I feel like I'm in over my head with this problem.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Squirrels are Gone
I'm afraid to say it but it looks as though the squirrels have been evicted from the attic. The one way cage which allowed them to leave but not re-enter seems to have worked. This morning I noticed a squirrel sitting next to the one way cage as though unsure why he couldn't get back in...he even sat there through a light rainfall. Kevin (pest guy) told me that a momma squirrel would go ballistic if she had babies still trapped inside the attic but this squirrel just appeared a little confused.
One strange thing also happened this morning. I heard a bit of noise from outside the back door and walked out to see what it was. A squirrel was hanging on to the brick wall and just took off running all along the the house, around the corner and up onto the kitchen window sill. These little buggers don't need overhanging tree limbs to gain access to the roof because they can run right up the brick wall.
This is the first day I haven't been subjected to the scramblings of squirrels in the attic and I'm a little afraid that this isn't the end of it. Everything I've read tells me that squirrels are territorial and my particular squirrels now believe this house is theirs so they will continue to try to get back in. As far as I can tell they won't be able to get through the cages covering the roof vents anymore but they might find another way in. Only time will tell.
One strange thing also happened this morning. I heard a bit of noise from outside the back door and walked out to see what it was. A squirrel was hanging on to the brick wall and just took off running all along the the house, around the corner and up onto the kitchen window sill. These little buggers don't need overhanging tree limbs to gain access to the roof because they can run right up the brick wall.
This is the first day I haven't been subjected to the scramblings of squirrels in the attic and I'm a little afraid that this isn't the end of it. Everything I've read tells me that squirrels are territorial and my particular squirrels now believe this house is theirs so they will continue to try to get back in. As far as I can tell they won't be able to get through the cages covering the roof vents anymore but they might find another way in. Only time will tell.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Spanking
I watched a debate on spanking children as a form of punishment for bad behaviour and thought how my opinion on that subject has changed incredibly since my own children were young. I was a very young parent and didn't have much experience to guide me so I really believed that if you didn't spank your children they'd turn out bad. That was in the late 1950's. Today I firmly believe that physical punishment of a child is terribly wrong and there's no logic in the world that can justify it.
All it takes is to step back and envision a full grown adult beating a helpless little child and anyone can see that this can't be right. It's wrong in all aspects. The child learns fear of his/her loving parent, disrespect for someone so big beating on someone so small, and that physical retaliation is acceptable when you don't get your own way.
Children can easily get on the nerves of an overworked, overtired parent but they simply have to deal with it in a fair and reasonable manner. After all, these children are their responsibility. Unruly children do need to be disciplined but in a calm and no-nonsense way that doesn't include hitting them.
I've accepted that a little whack on the butt isn't going to damage a child's psyche for life but even that isn't really necessary. "Time out" is the most wonderful and effective discipline for children. It gives them quiet time to contemplate their actions and also to understand that there are always consequences for our behaviour. "Time out" also gives the parents some breathing room before they have to have a good talk with the little brat. It's normal for even perfect children to act like brats at times.
One of my girls was a perfect child. Being a mother I wasn't able to brag about her to people the way I now shamelessly brag about my grandchildren but one day I made an exception. Shelley was out in the backyard playing with her cousin, Todd, while his parents visited. I no sooner got the words, "Shelley is such a perfect little girl", out of my mouth when Todd came inside crying that Shelley had just burnt his finger with a match. Fate can be funny, can't it?
I probably spanked her but I shouldn't have.
All it takes is to step back and envision a full grown adult beating a helpless little child and anyone can see that this can't be right. It's wrong in all aspects. The child learns fear of his/her loving parent, disrespect for someone so big beating on someone so small, and that physical retaliation is acceptable when you don't get your own way.
Children can easily get on the nerves of an overworked, overtired parent but they simply have to deal with it in a fair and reasonable manner. After all, these children are their responsibility. Unruly children do need to be disciplined but in a calm and no-nonsense way that doesn't include hitting them.
I've accepted that a little whack on the butt isn't going to damage a child's psyche for life but even that isn't really necessary. "Time out" is the most wonderful and effective discipline for children. It gives them quiet time to contemplate their actions and also to understand that there are always consequences for our behaviour. "Time out" also gives the parents some breathing room before they have to have a good talk with the little brat. It's normal for even perfect children to act like brats at times.
One of my girls was a perfect child. Being a mother I wasn't able to brag about her to people the way I now shamelessly brag about my grandchildren but one day I made an exception. Shelley was out in the backyard playing with her cousin, Todd, while his parents visited. I no sooner got the words, "Shelley is such a perfect little girl", out of my mouth when Todd came inside crying that Shelley had just burnt his finger with a match. Fate can be funny, can't it?
I probably spanked her but I shouldn't have.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Nearing the End of the Squirrels
It's been a long and harrowing haul but I think the end of my squirrel saga is near. Kevin (the environment friendly squirrel problem solver) came early this evening, looked at the footprints in the baking soda and declared I definitely had squirrels in the attic. He proceeded to examine my newly installed roof vents and found one already chewed to pieces and he thinks the squirrels might have gotten out today.
He covered all 4 vents with a metal cage, one of which has a way for any remaining squirrels to get out but not back in. I'll know if any babies remain in there if a momma squirrel goes squirrely on the roof in the next day or so. Kevin said he can't allow any babies to die so he'd open the vent up again to allow the momma to go in and get her babies. I tried to hide my callous unconcern as I looked at his sweet, honest face. I want them gone even if it means I have to go out and buy tiny little body bags for them.
If all goes well, Kevin will come back next week and replace the damaged roof vent with a new one and put a permanent cage around it. It all sounds so simple a solution when you finally get the right person for the job. My handyman tried his best but it's time to get in a professional when you've got squirrels in your attic. The cost wasn't too bad, either, so I would have been better off hiring Kevin at the very beginning. Too late we get wise.
Once I know the squirrels have moved out I can get on with my next headache...replacing the furnace. It's another thing I can't ignore so I may as well just deal with it. Life ain't easy but most of our daily problems aren't that earth shattering, either.
He covered all 4 vents with a metal cage, one of which has a way for any remaining squirrels to get out but not back in. I'll know if any babies remain in there if a momma squirrel goes squirrely on the roof in the next day or so. Kevin said he can't allow any babies to die so he'd open the vent up again to allow the momma to go in and get her babies. I tried to hide my callous unconcern as I looked at his sweet, honest face. I want them gone even if it means I have to go out and buy tiny little body bags for them.
If all goes well, Kevin will come back next week and replace the damaged roof vent with a new one and put a permanent cage around it. It all sounds so simple a solution when you finally get the right person for the job. My handyman tried his best but it's time to get in a professional when you've got squirrels in your attic. The cost wasn't too bad, either, so I would have been better off hiring Kevin at the very beginning. Too late we get wise.
Once I know the squirrels have moved out I can get on with my next headache...replacing the furnace. It's another thing I can't ignore so I may as well just deal with it. Life ain't easy but most of our daily problems aren't that earth shattering, either.
Not Mice...Now What??
The baking soda left in the attic to show critter footprints show that the critter is much bigger than mouse size so what the heck is it? My handyman is opening up a spot under the faschia board to allow them to exit if that's what they want to do and the pest control person is coming later today to install a one way opening for them. Once they've gotten out he'll cover the vents and opening with some special cageing he has so they can't get back in. I'm just going to sit back and let these guys do what they know how to do and then pay the bill.
I'm not happy about holes being put in my roof but what can one do? Some day this will be just one of those unhappy memories that's best forgotten.
I'm not happy about holes being put in my roof but what can one do? Some day this will be just one of those unhappy memories that's best forgotten.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
My New Garden
I need a break from worrying about critters in the attic so I think I'll write about something that makes me tremendously happy...my garden.
My front garden was destroyed last fall when I had to have the front wall of the house waterproofed. I saved most of the perennials from that garden but when it was dug up and the soil redeposited all the horrible mountain clay we have around here made up the back half of the garden. I had my handyman dig out quite a bit of it and then replace it with good garden soil I purchased in one of those huge bags that have to be delivered.
Yesterday my grandson came over and helped me scatter the huge (pretty) rocks I like to see in a garden. They're quite heavy and it helped a lot to have my grandson position them for me. I planted 2 new Alberta Spruce on either side of the front window and then planted some kind of dwarf spreading Juniper in the center.
Nick's job was now finished so I took him out for fish and chips...my payment for his help. He's my eldest grandson and the "apple of my eye". I absolutely adore him but then I absolutely adore all of my grandchilden. Nick and I yakked over our meal and then came back to the house to yak some more. He finally left to cook dinner for his wife who'd had to work that day (it was Nick's day off work). What a wonderful boy!
I decided to try to identify the perennials I'd saved from last fall and had little trouble. A couple hadn't survived the winter but the ones that did were about 10 of the Coral Bells, a couple of hostas, and the 2 Stella Doro lillies. I found the perfect spots in my new garden for all of them.
The garden looks pretty good even though it's not as full as the part it butts up against (not dug up to waterproof the wall). Once I plant the Portulaca in the bare spots it will be even better.
The soil will continue to compact over the winter so I'll probably need to add more next spring and reposition the things I just planted but that's okay. It's all a part of the nest building we gardeners go through every year. We plant, transplant, critique our work, and enjoy the whole process immensely.
It's cold again today and not at all like May weather but I stopped at my favorite garden shop and bought a flat of Impatiens. They're lilac/white and will brighten up one of the small gardens I have in the backyard. I usually buy my plants bit by bit because it's easier to do it that way. It also prolongs the enjoyment.
I hope I never get too old to enjoy this time of the year. It's the time of renewal, the time of growth, and the time of falling in love with the earth once more. I've already peeked out the window and the front door at my new garden dozens of times just to feast on the sight. It makes me very happy.
My front garden was destroyed last fall when I had to have the front wall of the house waterproofed. I saved most of the perennials from that garden but when it was dug up and the soil redeposited all the horrible mountain clay we have around here made up the back half of the garden. I had my handyman dig out quite a bit of it and then replace it with good garden soil I purchased in one of those huge bags that have to be delivered.
Yesterday my grandson came over and helped me scatter the huge (pretty) rocks I like to see in a garden. They're quite heavy and it helped a lot to have my grandson position them for me. I planted 2 new Alberta Spruce on either side of the front window and then planted some kind of dwarf spreading Juniper in the center.
Nick's job was now finished so I took him out for fish and chips...my payment for his help. He's my eldest grandson and the "apple of my eye". I absolutely adore him but then I absolutely adore all of my grandchilden. Nick and I yakked over our meal and then came back to the house to yak some more. He finally left to cook dinner for his wife who'd had to work that day (it was Nick's day off work). What a wonderful boy!
I decided to try to identify the perennials I'd saved from last fall and had little trouble. A couple hadn't survived the winter but the ones that did were about 10 of the Coral Bells, a couple of hostas, and the 2 Stella Doro lillies. I found the perfect spots in my new garden for all of them.
The garden looks pretty good even though it's not as full as the part it butts up against (not dug up to waterproof the wall). Once I plant the Portulaca in the bare spots it will be even better.
The soil will continue to compact over the winter so I'll probably need to add more next spring and reposition the things I just planted but that's okay. It's all a part of the nest building we gardeners go through every year. We plant, transplant, critique our work, and enjoy the whole process immensely.
It's cold again today and not at all like May weather but I stopped at my favorite garden shop and bought a flat of Impatiens. They're lilac/white and will brighten up one of the small gardens I have in the backyard. I usually buy my plants bit by bit because it's easier to do it that way. It also prolongs the enjoyment.
I hope I never get too old to enjoy this time of the year. It's the time of renewal, the time of growth, and the time of falling in love with the earth once more. I've already peeked out the window and the front door at my new garden dozens of times just to feast on the sight. It makes me very happy.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Squirrels or Mice???
I gave in today and called a pest control company to get rid of my attic neighbors. A very cute, very young man came to the door and a little too quickly decided it probably wasn't squirrels but possibly mice infiltration. I am in more shock than if he'd said a third world family had moved up there. About twenty years ago 2 mice came indoors and were quickly murdered by a well placed trap and that's the one and only time there have been mice in my house.
"Kevin" was very sweet but explained he doesn't do mice. A PEST CONTROL COMPANY THAT DOESN'T DO MICE!!! They have to be killed and he's into catch and release so that's why I have to find another pest control company.
I must have looked pretty pathetic because he suggested placing in the attic a large piece of cardboard with peanut butter in the center and flour all around. He said tiny footprints mean mice while large footprints mean squirrels. He added that I could have a look in the morning and call him with the results. "I'M NOT LOOKING AT ANYTHING INVOLVING MICE!" (or, to be honest, any other wild critter), I yelped. He tried very hard to contain his smile but I'd already realized he was a sucker for an old lady so I added nicely, "Could you come back tomorrow and look, please?". I had him from the word go. He's a nice boy and, yes, he'll drop over and do the looking.
He told me that when I hear the noise in the attic I should bang on the wall. If critters scatter then they're squirrels. If they freeze in their tracks only to start moving around a few minutes later, then they're mice. I don't think I'll do any wall banging tonight because it might be better on my nerves to do it in broad daylight.
Another interesting note for people who don't know me really well. "Kevin" asked me for flour to sprinkle around the peanut butter. I don't have flour in my house because I don't bake and rarely cook. I did have some baking soda because I put that in the fridge to absorb odors. So in my attic is a piece of cardboard with a glob of peanut butter surrounded by baking soda. Why not, eh??
And the saga goes on.
Postscript: While this honorable young man was telling me he doesn't kill critters I had to stifle the urge to ask him if he could make an exception in this case and just spray deadly gases into the attic until whatever was in there was kaput. But there's something about an earnest and righteous young face that makes you want to hide from them the fact that you're a murderous lunatic when it comes to critters in your attic. I'll save that kind of talk for the next pest control person, the one who does mice.
"Kevin" was very sweet but explained he doesn't do mice. A PEST CONTROL COMPANY THAT DOESN'T DO MICE!!! They have to be killed and he's into catch and release so that's why I have to find another pest control company.
I must have looked pretty pathetic because he suggested placing in the attic a large piece of cardboard with peanut butter in the center and flour all around. He said tiny footprints mean mice while large footprints mean squirrels. He added that I could have a look in the morning and call him with the results. "I'M NOT LOOKING AT ANYTHING INVOLVING MICE!" (or, to be honest, any other wild critter), I yelped. He tried very hard to contain his smile but I'd already realized he was a sucker for an old lady so I added nicely, "Could you come back tomorrow and look, please?". I had him from the word go. He's a nice boy and, yes, he'll drop over and do the looking.
He told me that when I hear the noise in the attic I should bang on the wall. If critters scatter then they're squirrels. If they freeze in their tracks only to start moving around a few minutes later, then they're mice. I don't think I'll do any wall banging tonight because it might be better on my nerves to do it in broad daylight.
Another interesting note for people who don't know me really well. "Kevin" asked me for flour to sprinkle around the peanut butter. I don't have flour in my house because I don't bake and rarely cook. I did have some baking soda because I put that in the fridge to absorb odors. So in my attic is a piece of cardboard with a glob of peanut butter surrounded by baking soda. Why not, eh??
And the saga goes on.
Postscript: While this honorable young man was telling me he doesn't kill critters I had to stifle the urge to ask him if he could make an exception in this case and just spray deadly gases into the attic until whatever was in there was kaput. But there's something about an earnest and righteous young face that makes you want to hide from them the fact that you're a murderous lunatic when it comes to critters in your attic. I'll save that kind of talk for the next pest control person, the one who does mice.
Monday, May 12, 2008
When To Refuse Chemo
This is a loaded question and one easier to answer when the patient is elderly than when he or she is a child. In the news the past few days has been a horribly sad story of an eleven year old boy with leukemia forced to undergo chemo for the second time in his young life. I can't for the life of me see any alternative at this point because he is so young and it seems that everything possible must be done to save his life even if the chances are slim.
He and his parents don't want the treatment. His parents want his last days to be peaceful and the child just isn't capable of understanding the consequences of refusing treatment. The doctors know there is a chance they can cure him so they are ethically forced to insist this little boy be given poisonous drugs which make him terribly sick.
There was a demonstration outside the hospital by the parents and their supporters and it's very hard to disagree with them...but...the treatment might work and he might die very soon without it. There's no easy way out.
Miracles do happen and even though this little boy is in essence being put through torture right now how can anyone take away his last chance to live out a normal lifespan? Like I said, it's easier to give in to the inevitable if you've already reached old age. My heart aches for the boy and his family. I believe their hearts are in the right place but they've obviously given up hope and that goes against the grain when you consider how young this child is. We have to believe in the amazing ability of the human body to renew itself and we have to believe in miracles.
My heart also hurts for the medical personnel who are treating the boy. They know the chemo will make him sick and miserable but they also know there's that slight chance it will work this time. It's impossible for them to turn their backs and walk away without trying once again.
I've seen the effects of chemo on the human body because my husband had it. It can be devastating but you do survive. That a young child has to endure it is hard to take but if it's his only chance then I feel it has to be done. If it fails and he passes away his parents will never forgive the doctors for what they put their child through but, if it gives them just a bit more time with their little boy, they'll understand why the choice was taken out of their hands.
I hope so much that this eleven year old boy sails through his chemo and lives long enough to play with his grandchildren. I hope what he is going through today will be worth it. We have to have hope and we have to believe in miracles.
He and his parents don't want the treatment. His parents want his last days to be peaceful and the child just isn't capable of understanding the consequences of refusing treatment. The doctors know there is a chance they can cure him so they are ethically forced to insist this little boy be given poisonous drugs which make him terribly sick.
There was a demonstration outside the hospital by the parents and their supporters and it's very hard to disagree with them...but...the treatment might work and he might die very soon without it. There's no easy way out.
Miracles do happen and even though this little boy is in essence being put through torture right now how can anyone take away his last chance to live out a normal lifespan? Like I said, it's easier to give in to the inevitable if you've already reached old age. My heart aches for the boy and his family. I believe their hearts are in the right place but they've obviously given up hope and that goes against the grain when you consider how young this child is. We have to believe in the amazing ability of the human body to renew itself and we have to believe in miracles.
My heart also hurts for the medical personnel who are treating the boy. They know the chemo will make him sick and miserable but they also know there's that slight chance it will work this time. It's impossible for them to turn their backs and walk away without trying once again.
I've seen the effects of chemo on the human body because my husband had it. It can be devastating but you do survive. That a young child has to endure it is hard to take but if it's his only chance then I feel it has to be done. If it fails and he passes away his parents will never forgive the doctors for what they put their child through but, if it gives them just a bit more time with their little boy, they'll understand why the choice was taken out of their hands.
I hope so much that this eleven year old boy sails through his chemo and lives long enough to play with his grandchildren. I hope what he is going through today will be worth it. We have to have hope and we have to believe in miracles.
Aunt Vida
Aunt Vida is my husband's aunt, his mother's sister. I've always loved Vida but haven't taken the time to help her out like my sister-in-law,Faye, has in recent years. Faye does Vida's laundry, takes her to her doctor's appointments, and brings her tupperware meals occasionally. Today we're supposed to be taking Vida to the Royal Botanical Gardens and then out for lunch but it rained last night and the ground is still wet so we'll have to see how the morning goes.
Throughout my life I've never needed much outside help because my husband was here to do the manual labor and kill the odd centipede. He also took me grocery shopping in the years I was a non driver. We begin to take these things for granted, thinking we can always get by on our own until one day when we get old and widowed. It's not as easy to do for yourself in your later years.
Aunt Vida is about 88 years old and almost as bright and alert as she was in her youth. Minor illnesses have dulled her somewhat but she's still nice to be around. She was always a homebody so running the roads doesn't set her heart on fire these days but I think she still enjoys the company of familiar family. We make her laugh and that's what it's all about.
Vida raised five children of her own and helped raise her sister's children, and vice versa. Back when both women were young they were very poor and even lived together for a while to help make ends meet. The cousins grew up as close as brothers and sisters and that's the way it remains today. And that's one of the reasons we love Vida so much.
I'm just a relative newcomer to this family, having married into it in 1957, but my husband and I lived in Vida's house for a few months when we first got married. Vida and I would many times sit over a cup of tea and talk about our lives. She was a fountain of advice without sounding as though she was lecturing me so we became good friends even though I was a teenager and she was an old woman in her late 30's...hmmm! It's true...I did consider her old at that time.
Vida has been through many upheavals in her life as one would expect. Her marriage failed, reignited, and failed again. She worked hard all her life and now lives in a little senior apartment where she whiles away her days doing jigsaw puzzles and smoking like a chimney. Shes not a sociable person with strangers so she doesn't frequent the rec hall in her building. Her one son is dead and the other children see her fairly regularly but it's Faye who mainly sees to her needs.
Until the day I die I'll always be grateful for the fates that led me into this family. They're something very special.
Throughout my life I've never needed much outside help because my husband was here to do the manual labor and kill the odd centipede. He also took me grocery shopping in the years I was a non driver. We begin to take these things for granted, thinking we can always get by on our own until one day when we get old and widowed. It's not as easy to do for yourself in your later years.
Aunt Vida is about 88 years old and almost as bright and alert as she was in her youth. Minor illnesses have dulled her somewhat but she's still nice to be around. She was always a homebody so running the roads doesn't set her heart on fire these days but I think she still enjoys the company of familiar family. We make her laugh and that's what it's all about.
Vida raised five children of her own and helped raise her sister's children, and vice versa. Back when both women were young they were very poor and even lived together for a while to help make ends meet. The cousins grew up as close as brothers and sisters and that's the way it remains today. And that's one of the reasons we love Vida so much.
I'm just a relative newcomer to this family, having married into it in 1957, but my husband and I lived in Vida's house for a few months when we first got married. Vida and I would many times sit over a cup of tea and talk about our lives. She was a fountain of advice without sounding as though she was lecturing me so we became good friends even though I was a teenager and she was an old woman in her late 30's...hmmm! It's true...I did consider her old at that time.
Vida has been through many upheavals in her life as one would expect. Her marriage failed, reignited, and failed again. She worked hard all her life and now lives in a little senior apartment where she whiles away her days doing jigsaw puzzles and smoking like a chimney. Shes not a sociable person with strangers so she doesn't frequent the rec hall in her building. Her one son is dead and the other children see her fairly regularly but it's Faye who mainly sees to her needs.
Until the day I die I'll always be grateful for the fates that led me into this family. They're something very special.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
First Nations Edition...Sunday Morning News
I discovered a native news program this morning that I'd never heard before. It was on the Canadian news channel at 6 A.M. and, at first, I thought it was a terrible waste of air time. The announcers lacked a polish that we're used to but then this is something new for the natives and they'll surely improve as time goes by.
I listened as they discussed the severe problems of alcoholism on the reserves and even admitted to a 70% unemployment rate. The honesty with which they spoke publicly about the things that have held natives back impressed me very much.
I've spent a lot of time blasting natives for their outrageous demands and still feel strongly about that but this news program allowed me an insight into their efforts to better the lives of their people. I'm beginning to see that the focus into native lives has been in the wrong place.
It began to make sense that natives really do live in terrible conditions even though it's mainly of their own making. The small band of well educated and well meaning natives should be concentrating on improving native conditions from the inside rather than wasting so much energy on infuriating their non native neighbors.
Government money pours into the reserves on an unending basis but so many of the natives are uneducated and they waste it on toys to liven up long, unproductive days. Tossing more money at them will not solve the problems on the reserves because there are not enough employment opportunities there. Natives will never succeed unless they step out into the general community and get jobs.
I think that most of them have developed a "welfare mentality" because they've produced generations of unemployed families. The children drop out of school much too early and empty days are filled with nothing to do but drink to forget their troubles. It's going to take a huge effort by the educated and motivated natives to improve their people's lives.
The news program this morning gave me hope that this could be accomplished. The Canadian government should have settled native land claims a long time ago because now it's gotten out of hand. We, the majority of Canadians, feel as though a small population of welfare recipients are demanding we hand over what we've worked for all our lives. We feel as though we're being robbed and I'm sure that's not what the sensible group of natives have in mind.
If our government would act rationally and fairly it would all be settled and we could get on with our lives but they seem hell bent on dragging the decisions out for another 200 years. I firmly believe that, with every native demonstration and roadblock, an ever widening wedge is driven between natives and the rest of us. They are further isolating themselves with every illegal protest.
One of the problems is that there are too many factions speaking for the natives as a whole. We hear the sane, reasonable arguments and then we hear craziness such as the group who threatened police officers and their families. It's difficult to tell who is in control of native demands. There has to be one truth about whether or not their ownership is accurate. Was the disputed land sold by their ancestors or not? Even if the land was bought at an unfair advantage, so be it. People take a loss on sales every day of the week but their descendents 200 years down the road don't raise hell and demand fair value.
I'm hoping there are a few wise leaders in our country who can make sense of all this and bring an end to the situation. I hope there are enough wise leaders in the native community who can motivate their people to improve their lives by being productive instead of accepting handouts. I'm hoping that some day soon there will be no such thing as a "reserve" which separates one people from another.
I listened as they discussed the severe problems of alcoholism on the reserves and even admitted to a 70% unemployment rate. The honesty with which they spoke publicly about the things that have held natives back impressed me very much.
I've spent a lot of time blasting natives for their outrageous demands and still feel strongly about that but this news program allowed me an insight into their efforts to better the lives of their people. I'm beginning to see that the focus into native lives has been in the wrong place.
It began to make sense that natives really do live in terrible conditions even though it's mainly of their own making. The small band of well educated and well meaning natives should be concentrating on improving native conditions from the inside rather than wasting so much energy on infuriating their non native neighbors.
Government money pours into the reserves on an unending basis but so many of the natives are uneducated and they waste it on toys to liven up long, unproductive days. Tossing more money at them will not solve the problems on the reserves because there are not enough employment opportunities there. Natives will never succeed unless they step out into the general community and get jobs.
I think that most of them have developed a "welfare mentality" because they've produced generations of unemployed families. The children drop out of school much too early and empty days are filled with nothing to do but drink to forget their troubles. It's going to take a huge effort by the educated and motivated natives to improve their people's lives.
The news program this morning gave me hope that this could be accomplished. The Canadian government should have settled native land claims a long time ago because now it's gotten out of hand. We, the majority of Canadians, feel as though a small population of welfare recipients are demanding we hand over what we've worked for all our lives. We feel as though we're being robbed and I'm sure that's not what the sensible group of natives have in mind.
If our government would act rationally and fairly it would all be settled and we could get on with our lives but they seem hell bent on dragging the decisions out for another 200 years. I firmly believe that, with every native demonstration and roadblock, an ever widening wedge is driven between natives and the rest of us. They are further isolating themselves with every illegal protest.
One of the problems is that there are too many factions speaking for the natives as a whole. We hear the sane, reasonable arguments and then we hear craziness such as the group who threatened police officers and their families. It's difficult to tell who is in control of native demands. There has to be one truth about whether or not their ownership is accurate. Was the disputed land sold by their ancestors or not? Even if the land was bought at an unfair advantage, so be it. People take a loss on sales every day of the week but their descendents 200 years down the road don't raise hell and demand fair value.
I'm hoping there are a few wise leaders in our country who can make sense of all this and bring an end to the situation. I hope there are enough wise leaders in the native community who can motivate their people to improve their lives by being productive instead of accepting handouts. I'm hoping that some day soon there will be no such thing as a "reserve" which separates one people from another.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Lack of Sleep and Obesity
Another one of those research programs, probably done and redone a million times, has come to the conclusion that sleep deprivation leads to obesity. Come on!!! I could have told you that without costing the tax payers umpteen thousands of dollars.
Depression causes sleep disturbances such as too much or too little. If you are depressed there's a good chance you'll overeat to compensate for what you lack in your personal life. I'm not a brain surgeon (or a research person) but I can tell you that sleepless nights, caused by depression, can produce a chubby sufferer.
I can't quite put together why a person who no longer is depressed still has sleep problems and is still chubby (I'm being kind to myself with that description). I haven't suffered from depression for more than eight years...with a brief period three years ago when my husband was dying. I'm still overweight and, though there are long periods when I sleep well, there are also too many nights when sleep is sporadic.
Regardless of how many hours sleep I get, I usually get up between 6 and 7 A.M. My days are always filled with things to do and I enjoy jumping from one project to another. On days when I haven't slept well I often nap for about an hour at 4 or 5 P.M. This, of course, upsets my sleep cycle for that night. It can become a vicious circle that's difficult to escape.
I know people who go to bed and are asleep within minutes and then sleep until morning. They don't seem to have much more energy than I do but they aren't as emotionally flexible when they don't get their 8 hours sleep, either. I, on the other hand, can draw 4 hours sleep and still function the next day with little consequences. Maybe that comes from 40 years practice.
It is still a pleasant feeling to get a good night's sleep and then wake refreshed in the morning. When it happens to me I don't take it for granted but relish the experience. For me, it's an all too rare occurrence.
Depression causes sleep disturbances such as too much or too little. If you are depressed there's a good chance you'll overeat to compensate for what you lack in your personal life. I'm not a brain surgeon (or a research person) but I can tell you that sleepless nights, caused by depression, can produce a chubby sufferer.
I can't quite put together why a person who no longer is depressed still has sleep problems and is still chubby (I'm being kind to myself with that description). I haven't suffered from depression for more than eight years...with a brief period three years ago when my husband was dying. I'm still overweight and, though there are long periods when I sleep well, there are also too many nights when sleep is sporadic.
Regardless of how many hours sleep I get, I usually get up between 6 and 7 A.M. My days are always filled with things to do and I enjoy jumping from one project to another. On days when I haven't slept well I often nap for about an hour at 4 or 5 P.M. This, of course, upsets my sleep cycle for that night. It can become a vicious circle that's difficult to escape.
I know people who go to bed and are asleep within minutes and then sleep until morning. They don't seem to have much more energy than I do but they aren't as emotionally flexible when they don't get their 8 hours sleep, either. I, on the other hand, can draw 4 hours sleep and still function the next day with little consequences. Maybe that comes from 40 years practice.
It is still a pleasant feeling to get a good night's sleep and then wake refreshed in the morning. When it happens to me I don't take it for granted but relish the experience. For me, it's an all too rare occurrence.
Friday, May 09, 2008
No Arguments
When my husband was alive and I suggested an improvement on the house I'd always get an argument. Of course, the labor needed to accomplish the improvement would most certainly be coming from him. Now that he's passed away and I have to hire help if I want to make improvements, I get no arguments.
My handyman was here the other day trying to extract the squirrels from my attic and, during a quiet spell, I asked if he'd mind replacing the rotten railway ties at the back of my yard. No argument, no problem. I asked if he would have the time to replace the rotten railway ties in my front garden with stone. No argument, no problem. I kind of like this.
Today the back of the yard looks lovely with it's new railway ties in place and the front garden looks fabulous with it's new stone wall. I haven't got the bill yet but it will be worth every penny.
No arguments, no problems. Just write a cheque.
By the way, the squirrels have still not been caught or evicted from the attic. My depression about their presence has lifted and I'm my old cheery self again just waiting to see what will happen next. It's like being in a T.V. soap opera. Will they be dragged out of their hidey hole shamefaced and irate in a trap or will they be carried out stone cold dead in a garbage bag? I don't give a damn which way as long as they get gone.
My handyman was here the other day trying to extract the squirrels from my attic and, during a quiet spell, I asked if he'd mind replacing the rotten railway ties at the back of my yard. No argument, no problem. I asked if he would have the time to replace the rotten railway ties in my front garden with stone. No argument, no problem. I kind of like this.
Today the back of the yard looks lovely with it's new railway ties in place and the front garden looks fabulous with it's new stone wall. I haven't got the bill yet but it will be worth every penny.
No arguments, no problems. Just write a cheque.
By the way, the squirrels have still not been caught or evicted from the attic. My depression about their presence has lifted and I'm my old cheery self again just waiting to see what will happen next. It's like being in a T.V. soap opera. Will they be dragged out of their hidey hole shamefaced and irate in a trap or will they be carried out stone cold dead in a garbage bag? I don't give a damn which way as long as they get gone.
Cops Threatened By Natives..Will They Act Now?
The cops are pretty upset and one even considered using his gun in self defence. Natives surrounded them and threatened to kill them and their families. Hmmm!! Is it possible the powers that be now recognize they've allowed rabid animals to rule our country?
Natives have been allowed to attack civilians, barricade roads, and destroy public property while OPP stood by and did nothing. But now some of their own have been threatened by these hoodlums so I'm wondering when the point comes when our laughable legal system will kick in and bring back law and order to the country.
The absurd arrogance of people surrounding a large contingent of police officers and threatening to kill them and their families and then being able to walk away with impunity is frightening. The natives were on ATV's and some had children as passengers. What are these children learning from the experience? I know what I'm learning...our laws don't apply to everyone.
I read with horror that our own government says the natives have every right to stage protests. Maybe the rest of us should stage our own protests and barricade the reservation. The OPP would haul us all away and toss us in jail. If we threatened the police and their families we'd face heavy time in prison. Our laws, our police, our government have become a joke.
Natives have been allowed to attack civilians, barricade roads, and destroy public property while OPP stood by and did nothing. But now some of their own have been threatened by these hoodlums so I'm wondering when the point comes when our laughable legal system will kick in and bring back law and order to the country.
The absurd arrogance of people surrounding a large contingent of police officers and threatening to kill them and their families and then being able to walk away with impunity is frightening. The natives were on ATV's and some had children as passengers. What are these children learning from the experience? I know what I'm learning...our laws don't apply to everyone.
I read with horror that our own government says the natives have every right to stage protests. Maybe the rest of us should stage our own protests and barricade the reservation. The OPP would haul us all away and toss us in jail. If we threatened the police and their families we'd face heavy time in prison. Our laws, our police, our government have become a joke.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Fighting Off Depression
Okay, I'm depressed. Anyone who has had her house torn up the way mine has been the last couple of years deserves to give in to a mild depression. The trick is to not let it get too deep.
My handyman's helper finally heard the squirrels in my attic (yes, there is more than one) and has moved the trap to a spot he hopes will catch them. I'm still upset by the fact a hole was cut into the bedroom wall and now it seems that's not where they are. I've never been in my attic so I'm not sure how it's laid out but apparently there are closed off areas, one of which is holding the damn squirrels.
Terry, Don's helper, has resorted to opening up the faschia (I don't know if that's the correct spelling or even the correct word) under the eavestrough with hopes the squirrels will exit there. If they do they'll come back again because that's the nature of the beast. I'm so sick of them that I'd agree to using rat poison at this point. The sound of them clawing at the walls is what's depressing me because I'm so afraid that sooner or later they'll get right into the house.
Faye got me out of the house this afternoon to help her buy curtain rods. It's lifted the depression somewhat because we had a good time. I think I'm just a little more vulnerable right now because I'm feeling helpless against the invading critters. If two grown men who know how to catch squirrels can't catch them then what can I do? They try to assure me the squirrels won't claw through the walls but my sister-in-law had a mouse come into her garage and find it's way into the space above her hallway ceiling and it managed to chew a hole right through it. If a mouse can get in I'm sure a frantic squirrel can get in.
Crap, now I'm depressed again.
My handyman's helper finally heard the squirrels in my attic (yes, there is more than one) and has moved the trap to a spot he hopes will catch them. I'm still upset by the fact a hole was cut into the bedroom wall and now it seems that's not where they are. I've never been in my attic so I'm not sure how it's laid out but apparently there are closed off areas, one of which is holding the damn squirrels.
Terry, Don's helper, has resorted to opening up the faschia (I don't know if that's the correct spelling or even the correct word) under the eavestrough with hopes the squirrels will exit there. If they do they'll come back again because that's the nature of the beast. I'm so sick of them that I'd agree to using rat poison at this point. The sound of them clawing at the walls is what's depressing me because I'm so afraid that sooner or later they'll get right into the house.
Faye got me out of the house this afternoon to help her buy curtain rods. It's lifted the depression somewhat because we had a good time. I think I'm just a little more vulnerable right now because I'm feeling helpless against the invading critters. If two grown men who know how to catch squirrels can't catch them then what can I do? They try to assure me the squirrels won't claw through the walls but my sister-in-law had a mouse come into her garage and find it's way into the space above her hallway ceiling and it managed to chew a hole right through it. If a mouse can get in I'm sure a frantic squirrel can get in.
Crap, now I'm depressed again.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Hole in the Wall
Don cut a damn big hole in the bedroom wall so he could get into the attic and place his squirrel cage. I'm still hearing scratching and scared to death it's not a squirrel. It could be worse!
My son-in-law brought me the name of a good furnace installer but I told him I have to wait until the squirrel problem is settled before I can jump into another endeavor. Every summer I say I'm going to make it a relaxing one but I haven't managed it yet. I'm starting to think that if I can just get the squirrel problem solved I'll be able to relax...even with a furnace replacement on the horizon.
That sweet little condo I went to see a few weeks ago is looking more enticing every day.
My son-in-law brought me the name of a good furnace installer but I told him I have to wait until the squirrel problem is settled before I can jump into another endeavor. Every summer I say I'm going to make it a relaxing one but I haven't managed it yet. I'm starting to think that if I can just get the squirrel problem solved I'll be able to relax...even with a furnace replacement on the horizon.
That sweet little condo I went to see a few weeks ago is looking more enticing every day.
My Great Grandson, Spencer the Dog
I'm babysitting my great grandson, Spencer. He's the only one I have and he happens to be a mixed breed dachsund. He's a cute little guy and very meek so he's been barking all night at the odd noises he hears from my attic. I can tell you I didn't sleep well but that's okay because he's in a strange place and trying to keep us safe.
For some reason I've always called this dog "Nelson". Neither name is suitable for a dog but "Nelson" seems to suit him better. He answers to anything, anyway.
His parents, my grandson and his wife, took a little holiday and that's why I have him. Apparently they allow him on the furniture so Spencer and I have had a few little talks about how his great Gramma doesn't allow that. He's so darned smart and seems to have caught on right away.
Don, the handyman, came this morning to saw through the small bedroom wall in search of errant squirrels so I've had to keep SpencerNelson in his wire cage. He's really good and doesn't seem to mind it at all. I have this vision of squirrels tearassing around the house with both Don and Spencer in pursuit and that's why I put poor old Spencer in the cage. Don will have to fend for himself.
For some reason I've always called this dog "Nelson". Neither name is suitable for a dog but "Nelson" seems to suit him better. He answers to anything, anyway.
His parents, my grandson and his wife, took a little holiday and that's why I have him. Apparently they allow him on the furniture so Spencer and I have had a few little talks about how his great Gramma doesn't allow that. He's so darned smart and seems to have caught on right away.
Don, the handyman, came this morning to saw through the small bedroom wall in search of errant squirrels so I've had to keep SpencerNelson in his wire cage. He's really good and doesn't seem to mind it at all. I have this vision of squirrels tearassing around the house with both Don and Spencer in pursuit and that's why I put poor old Spencer in the cage. Don will have to fend for himself.
Monday, May 05, 2008
News on the Squirrels
The squirrel (or squirrels) has been landlocked in the attic since late last week but hasn't entered the trap. The concern is that it's not in the area of the attic that houses the trap and, even worse, the section it might be in has no access from the inside of the house. Too many years ago to count, my husband panelled the small upstairs bedroom and I think he covered up the access point. My handyman said that if the darned squirrel doesn't find it's way to the trap he'll have to make an opening in the wall of the small bedroom. This stupid squirrel is costing me a fortune and causing untold mess.
Yesterday I heard some terrible scratching noises and was afraid the squirrel would claw it's way right through the wall into the house. When I told my handyman, he was very tactful about not telling me that couldn't happen. Now I'm more worried than ever.
He's coming back on Wednesday to open up the wall if necessary so there will be a further update then.
Yesterday I heard some terrible scratching noises and was afraid the squirrel would claw it's way right through the wall into the house. When I told my handyman, he was very tactful about not telling me that couldn't happen. Now I'm more worried than ever.
He's coming back on Wednesday to open up the wall if necessary so there will be a further update then.
Pretty Baby
I watched a movie on T.V. the other night called "Pretty Baby". It was made quite a few years ago because Brooke Shields is the young girl star and she's about 11 or 12 in the movie.
The story was about a young girl being raised in a brothel in New Orleans in the early 1900's. I remember hearing about this movie when it was made and heard all the rhetoric about whether or not it was a good idea to feature such a young child in the role. Because of my curiosity about the movie's history I watched it, but with a great deal of disgust.
Brooke Shields seems to have matured into a very nice lady today and we've never heard any nasty gossip about her but her parents should be chastised for allowing their child to act in a movie of this sort. Too many lines are crossed when you portray a little girl witnessing sexual activity, drinking alcohol, appearing naked, and then participating in sexual activity. What sort of adults allowed this to happen to this child? How can we know the psychological effects it had on her psyche?
The movie was well made and beautifully created an atmosphere most of us have no idea ever existed so I'm not questioning the quality of the film. My criticism is with their use of a very young child as the star.
The story was about a young girl being raised in a brothel in New Orleans in the early 1900's. I remember hearing about this movie when it was made and heard all the rhetoric about whether or not it was a good idea to feature such a young child in the role. Because of my curiosity about the movie's history I watched it, but with a great deal of disgust.
Brooke Shields seems to have matured into a very nice lady today and we've never heard any nasty gossip about her but her parents should be chastised for allowing their child to act in a movie of this sort. Too many lines are crossed when you portray a little girl witnessing sexual activity, drinking alcohol, appearing naked, and then participating in sexual activity. What sort of adults allowed this to happen to this child? How can we know the psychological effects it had on her psyche?
The movie was well made and beautifully created an atmosphere most of us have no idea ever existed so I'm not questioning the quality of the film. My criticism is with their use of a very young child as the star.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Sunday Morning in My House
This is a typical Sunday morning in my house. The first thing I do after visiting the bathroom is to plug in the coffee maker and then turn on the computer. The T.V. comes to life seconds later.
This morning I started a wash, too, because I needed to do bedding. I'm still getting a kick out of having my own washer instead of having to trudge over to the laundryroom at the park in Florida. Of course, it's still too cold here in Ontario to do any outdoor trudging and it would be lovely and warm in Florida but we can't have everything, can we?
The sun is shining brightly and belies the fact that, even though I don't need to turn on the heater, my feet are cold. I'm a bare foot person so I'll just suffer.
Coronation Street is on T.V. from 7:30 A.M. until 10 A.M. so, between playing on the computer, drinking coffee, and doing my washing, I'm all set for the morning. There has been no noise in the attic and that worry sits in the back of my mind.
I've already spoken to my sister and set up our coffee date for 2 P.M. so my Sunday plans are pretty well set. Sometime between now and then I'll do some housework but not much is needed. Just a typical Sunday morning at my house.
This morning I started a wash, too, because I needed to do bedding. I'm still getting a kick out of having my own washer instead of having to trudge over to the laundryroom at the park in Florida. Of course, it's still too cold here in Ontario to do any outdoor trudging and it would be lovely and warm in Florida but we can't have everything, can we?
The sun is shining brightly and belies the fact that, even though I don't need to turn on the heater, my feet are cold. I'm a bare foot person so I'll just suffer.
Coronation Street is on T.V. from 7:30 A.M. until 10 A.M. so, between playing on the computer, drinking coffee, and doing my washing, I'm all set for the morning. There has been no noise in the attic and that worry sits in the back of my mind.
I've already spoken to my sister and set up our coffee date for 2 P.M. so my Sunday plans are pretty well set. Sometime between now and then I'll do some housework but not much is needed. Just a typical Sunday morning at my house.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Just Sittin' Around Sippin' Brandy
My friend, Mary, and I came home from the musical last night and sat around for a few hours sipping the Brandy she'd brought us. Let me tell you that sipping Brandy for 4 (!) hours gives you plenty of time to discuss every problem in the world and come up with very logical solutions. Someone really should take the opportunity to listen in on conversations such as we had last night. If we ruled the world there would be no wars and everyone would behave themselves.
Mary had planned to stay overnight rather than drive home late but I'd neglected to tell her that the furnace wasn't working and her sleep might be interrupted by the noise of irate squirrels caught in the trap. She took it well and, after 4 hours of Brandy, slept through the night like a baby. So did I.
There are still the odd noises coming from the attic but not the wild scrabblings I'd been warned about so I think there just might be babies up there. My handyman will have to bring the little darlin's out and hope their mother will retrieve them from the yard. I'm trying not to think about them up there feeling hungry right now.
As I look out my patio doors into the yard I can see how everything is coming back to life from the long, hard winter. It drizzled all day so everything is wet but that's part of what helps begin the circle of life once more. The forsythia I planted many years ago casts a shock of yellow tendrils through the huge cedar it's growing under. The neighbor's cherry tree which overhangs my deck is full of white blossoms. It extends half way across the deck where it meets the brilliant 2 tone foliage of the Harlequin maple tree. The backyard grass which suffered badly from winter kill has regained most of it's territory. Even in the rain the yard is a wonderland of the beauty of nature.
I can look out into that yard and see the ghosts of my daughters when they were children. And there are newer ghosts of my grandchildren when they were younger. And then there's the ghost of my husband toiling away in the yard, shirtless, reluctantly but resolutely following my directions. I always had the ideas but he was usually the one who executed them.
In every yard, among every bush and tree, is a story of human struggle and satisfaction. Right now the view of my yard is filling me with happiness.
Mary had planned to stay overnight rather than drive home late but I'd neglected to tell her that the furnace wasn't working and her sleep might be interrupted by the noise of irate squirrels caught in the trap. She took it well and, after 4 hours of Brandy, slept through the night like a baby. So did I.
There are still the odd noises coming from the attic but not the wild scrabblings I'd been warned about so I think there just might be babies up there. My handyman will have to bring the little darlin's out and hope their mother will retrieve them from the yard. I'm trying not to think about them up there feeling hungry right now.
As I look out my patio doors into the yard I can see how everything is coming back to life from the long, hard winter. It drizzled all day so everything is wet but that's part of what helps begin the circle of life once more. The forsythia I planted many years ago casts a shock of yellow tendrils through the huge cedar it's growing under. The neighbor's cherry tree which overhangs my deck is full of white blossoms. It extends half way across the deck where it meets the brilliant 2 tone foliage of the Harlequin maple tree. The backyard grass which suffered badly from winter kill has regained most of it's territory. Even in the rain the yard is a wonderland of the beauty of nature.
I can look out into that yard and see the ghosts of my daughters when they were children. And there are newer ghosts of my grandchildren when they were younger. And then there's the ghost of my husband toiling away in the yard, shirtless, reluctantly but resolutely following my directions. I always had the ideas but he was usually the one who executed them.
In every yard, among every bush and tree, is a story of human struggle and satisfaction. Right now the view of my yard is filling me with happiness.
Divided Canadians in Caledonia
I went to see a really great musical show last night and heard a comment from the audience that should have been an eye opener for any Canadian politicians within hearing distance.
One of the performers came to the front of the stage and asked if anyone was visiting from another country. One rapid fire answer was "Caledonia". The audience laughed loudly but it struck me as so sad that a very small group of people has been given the power by our own government to make us feel this way. I pity the Caledonia citizens for what they're going through and I know, even though we laughed about it last night, that most of the people there sympathize with and support the good citizens in their lonely fight against native terrorism.
You cannot have different laws for different people in the same country. The reputation and respect of the OPP and associated politicians has already been undermined to a degree where there might not ever be any going back. On the other hand, Mayor Marie Trainer has been outstanding in her efforts to stop the disruptions to her city. She alone has stood up and denounced the actions of the natives who are directly responsible for damaging public property, blocking public highways, burning tires which pollute the environment, physically attacking innocent people, lowering property values, and making a mockery of the laws that govern our country. She is a hero to the ordinary citizens of Caledonia whether they know it or not.
For the most part, the rest of us Canadians sit snugly in our little houses in nice peaceful neighborhoods but try to imagine that just down the street there were ranting and chanting characters in bandana masks tearing down telephone poles to block your access to the rest of the town. And just imagine that the police whose salaries are paid by your hard earned tax money stood by protecting only the disrupters and not you.
How long will we stand for it?
One of the performers came to the front of the stage and asked if anyone was visiting from another country. One rapid fire answer was "Caledonia". The audience laughed loudly but it struck me as so sad that a very small group of people has been given the power by our own government to make us feel this way. I pity the Caledonia citizens for what they're going through and I know, even though we laughed about it last night, that most of the people there sympathize with and support the good citizens in their lonely fight against native terrorism.
You cannot have different laws for different people in the same country. The reputation and respect of the OPP and associated politicians has already been undermined to a degree where there might not ever be any going back. On the other hand, Mayor Marie Trainer has been outstanding in her efforts to stop the disruptions to her city. She alone has stood up and denounced the actions of the natives who are directly responsible for damaging public property, blocking public highways, burning tires which pollute the environment, physically attacking innocent people, lowering property values, and making a mockery of the laws that govern our country. She is a hero to the ordinary citizens of Caledonia whether they know it or not.
For the most part, the rest of us Canadians sit snugly in our little houses in nice peaceful neighborhoods but try to imagine that just down the street there were ranting and chanting characters in bandana masks tearing down telephone poles to block your access to the rest of the town. And just imagine that the police whose salaries are paid by your hard earned tax money stood by protecting only the disrupters and not you.
How long will we stand for it?
Thursday, May 01, 2008
The First of May
Today is the first of May and this day always brings to mind a wonderful lady I worked with many years ago.
Joan was one of the nicest and funniest people I ever knew. You were assured of having a terrific shift at work if she was working with you. I don't remember ever seeing her in a serious or bad mood so she lifted the spirits of everyone around her.
Joan loved May 1st and enjoyed coming up behind me when I was on the phone with a customer and whispering in my ear, "Hurray, hurray, the first of May. Outdoor screwing starts today". Then she'd stand back and grin as I tried to keep from laughing in the customer's ear.
Joan, like a lot of the people in my life, has passed away but she left such good memories. And also the guarantee that May 1st will always bring a smile to my face and a giggle in my soul.
Joan was one of the nicest and funniest people I ever knew. You were assured of having a terrific shift at work if she was working with you. I don't remember ever seeing her in a serious or bad mood so she lifted the spirits of everyone around her.
Joan loved May 1st and enjoyed coming up behind me when I was on the phone with a customer and whispering in my ear, "Hurray, hurray, the first of May. Outdoor screwing starts today". Then she'd stand back and grin as I tried to keep from laughing in the customer's ear.
Joan, like a lot of the people in my life, has passed away but she left such good memories. And also the guarantee that May 1st will always bring a smile to my face and a giggle in my soul.
Update on Squirrels
Not a peep or rustle out of the attic last night or this morning so I'm guessing the attic is empty. That means my squirrels will make every effort to return so the only answer to that is to have someone check the roof for damage occasionally. Judging by the tooth marks on the old aluminum vents those darned squirrels just might chew their way through the front door.
My husband used to chase them away with sticks, stones, and even a slingshot when he was alive. I'd be horrified and argue with him about the wrongness of hurting a living creature but I'm starting to change my mind. I still don't want to hurt them but they don't look so cute anymore. So far, the damage they've done has cost me a couple of hundred dollars.
Now it's just a matter of waiting to see what they do next.
Oops! I spoke too soon. I heard a few frantic scrabblings in the attic just a few moments ago. I don't know whether it's a squirrel in the trap or just trying to get out the old vent. It could also just be a squirrel on the roof. Whatever, we'll find out soon enough.
My husband used to chase them away with sticks, stones, and even a slingshot when he was alive. I'd be horrified and argue with him about the wrongness of hurting a living creature but I'm starting to change my mind. I still don't want to hurt them but they don't look so cute anymore. So far, the damage they've done has cost me a couple of hundred dollars.
Now it's just a matter of waiting to see what they do next.
Oops! I spoke too soon. I heard a few frantic scrabblings in the attic just a few moments ago. I don't know whether it's a squirrel in the trap or just trying to get out the old vent. It could also just be a squirrel on the roof. Whatever, we'll find out soon enough.
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