I spent much of the day at home trying to do small tasks from the lengthy 'to do' list. Triskaidekaphobia may have something to do with it, too. <grin> I tend to lay the blame for this on an Irish grandmother, but it isn't all her fault. I broke my leg -- first break in my life -- at my friend's 10th birthday party. We were out skating and I got shoved from behind when leaving the shack where we changed into skates. I fell down with my foot caught under the door. It was unpleasant -- a spiral type fracture of the tibia. This party was on Friday 13th. So, that needs to be added to the mix, too.
When I went out to check the mail -- in a community box down on the corner -- I encountered my neighbour heading back to work after lunch. We noted that the grass seed had begun to sprout and was growing well in splotches across the front yards. She laughed and said that it looked like badly shaved legs. That made me laugh. She comes up with some great ones. <smile>
The song I chose for today came to mind as I was laughing at the visual metaphor. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today I went to an appointment and completed a few errands for bread, muffins and new test kits. The one I had left expired earlier this month, so I went to the local library to pick up a package for this next season. And, no; they weren't borrowed <grin>. I also continued the search for mask liners (or filters). I did find some, but they are much more costly than this time last year. I may need to just put up with this particular inflationary expense, as I've not found them anywhere else.
I have been wearing a mask and liner in public places for the past month or so.I have noticed several others in stores that are wearing masks while shopping and a couple of stores where staff members wear them, too. COVID case numberss have been increasing, though it is darn difficult to find the stats. I will get the newer vaccine into early December. I have to wait 6 months from the last dose. Until then, I hope to get a flu shot, if they can get the one without preservative for me. We tried last year, but somewhere along the way, someone dropped the ball. I will try to keep on top of this again and hope for the best. I need this version due to an allergy.
I chose a song for the first two lines, which speak to the comfort of wearing a mask for longer periods of time I have a couple of these in my collection thankfully. I have also found a disposable type that fits well and can be worn without making my ears hurt. <smile>. They are more expensive than the usual hospital variety, but I will continue to have a few on hand for days when I have to be among the masses for extended time, such as travelling. Keep safe. Enjoy!
It is definitely Autumn. The day began with sun that turned to cloud into the afternoon. Before the rain began, I did some grocery shopping and filled the car with gas. The highlight of the day was dinner out with a friend at our wonderful restaurant with a fantastic chef. We shared a great tuna two ways appetizer. I had a tasty pasta with chicken and a Jus with cream sauce. The wine was a lovely malbec. It had been a while since we were out together, so we had a lot to catch up on. We had great conversation. When we left the restaurant, it had gone from pouring rain to a lighter rain -- steady, but not soaking.
The restaurant had been very busy tonight. The front area had been closed to a larger group with a presentation of some sort. In the back area, we had our table of two and two larger tables for six and 10, respectively. These were tables of men who take fishing trips in the fall to go out with the tuna fleet from north of town. I wondered if our tuna came from the catch this week. (se don't see fresh locally caught tuna often as it is sold on the dock with lots going overseas). We have been out for dinner several times in the past when groups of tuna fishers were present. The noise level was loud but not as bad as I've experienced with smaller tables on other nights <smile>. We commented on how great it was to see a full dining room. Things have been tight over the late summer and early fall, so events like those tonight help keep places open.
The overhead music at the restaurant plays music for boomers and retro folks. I love being reminded of the memories that some songs bring. One group had a couple of songs playing while we were out today. I chose to share one of these, but then decided to use a cover instead of the original. I do like this version, too. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today was very quiet. I had a better appetite than yesterday, so I made some simple vegetable and noodle soup with packaged broth. It seemed to fit the coolness of the day. Drizzle made things feel even colder than the actual temperature. We did get some sunshine between clouds in the late afternoon, so there may be hope for a nicer day tomorrow.
Feeling cold in the house had me trying the new-to-me heating system. There are baseboard heaters, but the heat pump is the main cooling and heating device in the open concept area of the place. It did heat things nicely. The noise will take some getting used to -- just like moving to a new place out west where every forced air furnace sounded different. With time, I will be able to sleep through the noise of the current system, too.
The song chosen for today deals with the weather of the day. I love the harmonies by this group. This song has a peaceful sound with some sad feel to the lyrics. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Early today, I met the gardener on the front porch as he raked the topsoil in the trench destined for shrubs. I asked what might be planted and he listed many things that I've seen in front of other units in the complex. I said as long as there was something red or pink, I'd be happy. In the afternoon, I headed out for a longer walk. On my return six newly planted shrubs greeted me. There is a pontentilla, that reminds me of home as mom had one in the front yard of my childhood home. Others include a pinkish-red rose, a burning bush (in all its reddish pink glory), a pinkish hydrangea, and a deep red leaf bush (not sure what the plant is though). The sixth plant is a miniature Albert spruce -- a great nod to Western Canada for me.
Seeing the newly planted shrubs had me grinning like a fool. My reaction surprised me. There were even some tears -- happy tears. These will be stunning in the next growing season. I did not fail to notice that four of the six plants had reddish tones. <smile>
The lyrics of a song came to mind after experiencing the happiness with the latest landscaping. I chose a recent cover version of the song. The home movies contained in the video show part of the origin of the director part of the singer's career. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Shiny Happy People -- Micky Dolenz (from Dolenz sings R.E.M.)
Today I ran into a difficulty that originates with an algorithm and likely more AI. (Now I am from the prairies -- farm and ranch land -- where AI means something entirely different <smile). It seems that my new abode is in a postal code area that eliminates some coverage for water damage. If we could show an underwriter exactly where the dwelling lies, all would be reinstated. However, they must follow the algorithm that notes I am closer to the estuary than I had been. Yet, where I was was much closer to the brook and river that feed into the estuary. Also, the new place is much higher up a large hill from the estuary, so water damage is unlikely from that source. <sigh>
So, the insurance broker is looking into a new carrier that will consider all manner of water damage. Such a goofy thing. One more headache that I wasn't expecting. <grump> Now I do know that math including algorithms, can be a good thing. But when the simulated reality rules and human brains do not enter the equation, things have gone a bit berserk. -- IMHO. <sigh>
I chose to share a song about math that made me giggle. I needed to do that rather than scream. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Math is a Wonderful Thing -- Jack Black (from School of Rock)
The weather was sunny but felt cooler today. Prognosticators suggest that there will be a rain and wind event this weekend. It will likely be the remnants of tropical storm Philipe. The track the storm may take has been difficult to predict. It has taken a sharp turn to the north and my move further to the west than to the east. We are still a few days out, so more will become clearer as time passes.
I chose to share a song about weather forecasting. It is a bit dark. Perhaps watching the forecasts as a storm arrives can create excess anxiety and depressive feelings. I try to check a couple times a day when something is in the offing. Sitting with it all day long might warp my mind a bit. <smile> Keep safe. Enjoy!
Dizziness was the word of the day. I went for a nice walk in the warm sun, but felt a bit of vertigo if I looked up at the sky or turned my head too quickly. It happens. It wasn't very bad or constant, so when I got home, I sat down to work on a paper that needed further editing. Reading and work on the computer screen can create or worsen symptoms -- only some days. Today was one of those days. So, I took a medication that can help to reduce the feelings. The side-effect is tiredness. <sigh>
A song for the day came to mind for its title. Keep safe. Enjoy!
What a rain storm! We had heavy rain with high wind gusts that created sheets of rain on the window panes facing east. No raindrops could be seen, just solid water -- like a very thin waterfall. This went on for most of the night. My new bedroom had east facing window, so it was loud at times as I slept -- or woke -- not sure which is technically correct there. <smile> Happily, by afternoon the rain stopped and winds died down. Cloud cover thinned so one could see light through the patches. The storm tracked further west as it moved into the Maritimes. This meant that we had lesser rain amounts and wind gusts than what had be forecast even late last evening. This one was unpredictable all along its path up the Atlantic coasts. Even the most sophisticated computer modeling systems can't always fully determine just where a storm will travel.
The trip out to Thanksgiving supper at a friends went better than I'd expected early in the morning. With no rain, visibility was good. Dinner was amazing. There were eight of us -- my friend's family and two friends. Food tasted wonderful. The table conversations are always fun. I live alone, so mealtime chat is pretty minimal <smile>. We had great talks before dinner and between dinner and dessert, too. It was great to see people I hadn't seen for several months and, for some, years. The streets were fairly quiet for both the trip across town and back home again. That made driving even more pleasant.
I thought of many things for which I am thankful. Friends and family top the list and my furry friend fits into that category. That the power stayed on for the storm so that people gathering together today could have a hot meal together. It seems that little damage from this post-tropical system occurred. (The town is still reeling from the big one last year.) The local agriculture industry provides so many wonderful foods, so much of our meal came from local growers. While not perfect, I still am grateful for our healthcare system and federal pension plans. As a retiree, these have become more important. Living in the middle of the Acadian Forest, I enjoy seeing the hills change to golds, oranges and red. This doesn't happen in all parts of the country. There are many other things I could mention, but these are nearer the top of the list.
The song today deals with the loud part of the storm. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today was a busy day. An appointment in the morning was followed by a stop at the pharmacy. I had lunch with a good friend and a chat with another friend later in the afternoon. The highlight, though, was a visit from my friend from Saskatchewan over a lovely lunch. We haven't seen each other for a couple of years, so today was special. It was fun to be able to show someone my new place, too. -- despite the remaining boxes. I got to hear about her recent trip to Europe. That got me thinking of the places I'd like to visit.
At the end of the day, I've been thinking of Saskatchewan -- the Land of Living Skies. There are so many places I'd like to visit again and people that I'd like to see. There may be an event there next year, so that may be my opening for a larger visit. I chose a song by a singer-songwriter from close to home. In this one she notes the big skies as a view she misses elsewhere. I know that feeling. <sigh> Keep safe. Enjoy!
I did the usual Saturday laundry and cleaning. I also moved the patio plant pots up against the house in a partly sheltered corner. There was sun and some cloud during the day. A larger storm is expected overnight. I missed the effects of Lee and Ophelia while I was away. This will be the first remnants of a tropical system that I will experience in this new place. The forecast calls for major rain into tomorrow with strong winds overnight and into the morning. We will be on the right (easterly side) side of the storm which carries more wind than rain. Those west of us are expected to get a lot of rain.
I hear a song cover today that struck me as amazing. I will share that one here today as I await the onslaught. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Well -- today I did something that I tend to shy away from always. Grocery shopping should never be done on the Friday before a long weekend particularly Thanksgiving or Christmas. Heading to the grocery store on the day before a storm is also not recommended. So -- what did I do? I went for groceries today with a storm expected tomorrow and Thanksgiving on the weekend. It wasn't as crowded as I'd expected. The slow down was at the checkout where only three registers were open. Now I'm sure that these two rules aren't just mine. The stores should be well aware of the increased number of shoppers on these days. Why then do they not have more checkouts open? <sigh>
When I got home I found something that helped me to smile after the silliness at the store. Grass seed had been sprayed on the front lawn. This is a fast growing mixture. People up the street have had their lawns mowed twice after being seeded about a month ago. Luckily, we do have a longer growing season so there should be more growth for this lawn before we see wintry weather. The spaces between units and out behind our buildings will have to wait for spring, I guess. These areas still need fill and topsoil.
A line from a movie ran through my head when I realized I was shopping on a very busy day. A deep cut from a '60s band albums also used a similar phrase. So, I share this one with you. It is different than many songs from this group and carries a strong environmental message. Keep safe. Enjoy!
It was another sunny and warm day, which made my afternoon walk pleasant. This evening I watched the election returns from Manitoba. Their current premier, Heather Stefanson, held office for two years and was the first female premier to lead the province. Tonight, Manitoba history was made again, when Wab Kinew became premier-elect. He becomes the first indigenous premier in Canada. Kinew is from the Onigaming First Nation and grew up in Winnipeg. He holds degrees in economics and indigenous governance. Kinew's background includes several jobs in broadcasting. His musical talents led him to be part of two hip hop bands and an independent rapper. For the past six years he has served as leader of the opposition (as leader of the NDP (New Democratic Party)) in the Manitoba legislative assembly. His constituency is near where I lived while in grad school many years ago.
This exciting historical event had me thinking of several musical selections. One song seemed to have lines that fit the situation tonight and is by a well known indigenous female artist. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Sunshine and blue skies greeted me as I stepped outside for my daily walk. It was a short one, but got me out in the sun. The rest of the plans for the day went by the wayside. I felt so weary. I listened to the TV while trying to catch up with online messages. Not much got done.
I miss my old routines, my neighbours -- animals and people, my closeness to friends' homes. At times it feels like I've moved across the country, when I am only a 15 minute drive from the old 'hood. The key word there is "drive". Walking will be 45-60 minutes. Getting back is mainly uphill, so it would take longer. I will need to find a way to work around these feelings and to find new neighbours and routines. It just takes so much effort some days.
I hope that tomorrow will improve these feelings of physical and emotional weariness. We'll see. I chose a song for its title. This one had a distinct political undertone when it was released after the death of Martin Luther King. So, is very different from my situation. It did make me ponder a more social change for the broader world. Keep safe. Enjoy!
On my walk i the sun today, I pondered how the world changes around us. This week, my MD retires after 49 years of service to this community. Half of those years, I was his patient. I thought how lucky I have been to have a primary care physician who listened to me and someone who 'got' me. We had many laughs during visits. Knowing my penchant for evidence based decision making, he would pull out his phone and pull up slides from lectures he'd attended or research papers he'd read. We then discussed the statistical processes used and how far those figures would go to support a treatment modality. When test results came in, he'd call me with the report. He had a wonderful calming voice that helped a lot. An added bonus was that he was a musician. He plays drums in a local blues band.
So, now my mother's words come back to me -- "find a doctor younger than you are". I had little choice when I arrived 25 years ago. The clinic that would take new faculty members had three physicians of similar age -- several years older than me. The clinic has new MDs lined up to begin this fall along with a family practice RN and other allied health professionals. I will have to start over with someone new and try to get them up to speed on the past 25 years of health history in order to help with continuity of care.
I heard the first line of the chorus of a song in my head as I walked. The line with the request not the one with the diagnosis <smile>. The second song -- a bonus -- is from the band my MD plays with. The song chosen speaks to what I'd been thinking this afternoon. Take care. Enjoy!
The third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was observed today. On this statutory holiday, the painful history of the residential school system is remembered. It honours the children who did not return home and the survivors of these schools. Orange Shirt Day occurs on this day, too. This indigenous led initiative provides a visual way of recognizing the intergenerational effects of the residential school system.
Understanding the history provides a way of learning and acknowledging the truth. How we recognize the truth and find ways of coming to terms with it provides reconciliation. When speaking in public, I acknowledge the land on which I am standing and the lands where the work was completed. Beyond the land acknowledgement, I note how I have benefited from colonization. This weaves my history into the broader truths of the indigenous experience.
I chose a song from a local indigenous group. The leader is an amazing artist. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Signal Fire -- Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers w/ Symphony Nova Scotia
Last night was not great. I slept poorly. Weird dreams seemed to interrupt my restful sleep, waking me many times through the night. I dislike nights like this. Dreams can be obvious indicators of stress or anxiety or they can be just plain weird and not clearly point to anything -- unless the message is that I'm losing my mind. Last night was the latter.
I took some effort to get myself up and functioning. I did manage to unpack 11 medium sized boxes of books. They look great on the book ;shelves. There is one last box of books for the shelf unit. Others smaller boxes may have to go to the garage for storage with a few on the small shelves in the bedroom. I felt pleased to have the shelves fairly full again, but this was tempered by a feeling that the 11 missing boxes didn't make much of a dent in the pile in the front room. <sigh>. I should be able to rearrange the remaining boxes slightly and it might show more floor space. That remains to be seen. These boxes hold files for the filing cabinet and desk supplies that will go into a couple of drawers and a file drawer. But, all that will happen another day.
While pondering the non-sensical dreams, I thought of a song. It could serve as a lullaby for tonight. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Sun and a few puffy white clouds filled the skies today. Sadly, these were behind a haze of high level smoke from fires in Quebec. I went for a walk in the warm sunshine. The rest of the day included many errands and housework.
I realized in the early evening that my eyes had been feeling scratchy for a while. I have some drops that help with this. The reason today was clearly the smoke. My sinuses were getting stuffy, too. All of the physical symptoms brought a line or two of lyric to my head. I chose to share this song here. Hope you enjoy the relaxing melody. Keep safe. Enjoy!
More fill and topsoil was spread in the front yard today. I was out getting groceries for most of the heavy equipment work. The ground looks all ready for shrubs and grass. I am excited to see those next steps occur.
Two famous folks passed today. David McCallum acted in television series until the end of his life. He was 90 when he died. I remember him as Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., which my family watched weekly. More recently I've watch him on NCIS, where he played Donald "Ducky" Mallard for 20 years. He began his 77 year acting career as a teenager. I often pointed to McCallum as an example of older adults being productive.
Terry Kirkman, musician and songwriter, also died today. He was a founding member and vocalist of The Association, a '60s band. I chose to share one of their hits written by Kirkman. It is a light and somewhat silly song that reminds me of my youth. It is a bit upbeat -- something that was needed today <smile> Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today I channeled my inner warrior. The need to express my concerns to a large corporate entity came to a head today. I wrote two letters addressing my negative experiences as a customer of the company. In both cases, I was not the only person dealing with delays, cancelations and two egregious episodes of abysmal customer service. I needed to wait some time before I was calm enough to state the issues. I was frank and pointed out the larger implications of such poor service, which spill over to other businesses -- unintended consequences perhaps. <sigh>
Standing up for oneself can be difficult. What use will my small (or loud <grin>) voice be when addressing a large corporation? I've always believed in the power of one. If each of us stood our ground independently, the result could be major. Our actions have weight. Letters such as the two I wrote today may not provide anything other than a form letter response, but it may lead to a change in how the business functions. Complaining to friends and family about the service brings it to the attention of other potential customers, but it won't change anything if the company doesn't hear our concerns. So -- today I did my bit.
The song shared today has lyrics that fit the need to speak truth and constructively complain to a powerful entity. Keep safe. Enjoy!
I celebrated the arrival of autumn today with my usual laundry and vacuuming. Then, I took a short walk in the warm sun. It actually felt much warmer than the was expected for highs of 18-20C (64-69F). The sun still has some strong solar loading, so it can feel much warmer. The walk felt good. Fresh air and warmth reinvigorated me to head back inside and finish my weekend chores. <smile>
The autumnal equinox marked the change of seasons. Days will get shorter for a while and then begin to lengthen again. It is all part of the rhythms of life. I chose a song for its different rhythms -- well different from the usual fare on the blog. Keep safe. Enjoy!
A mix of sun and clouds followed me today. I headed home after a stop for breakfast at a great truck stop restaurant. It is always busy there and the food is good. The all day breakfast entices me. Today I had a Western sandwich as it was closer to lunch time than breakfast time. <smile>. Traffic was light for a Friday. I appreciated that, even with the 4-lane highway all the way home now. The final section opened this summer.
When I arrived in the driveway at the new place, caution tape across the front porch greeted me. Now there wasn't anything major involved. The two piles of fill that had been on the front yard had been spread and a trench had been dug along the front of the porch area. The tape was to ensure people didn't step off the porch into the trench. Topsoil should arrive soon, followed by shrubs along the porch and grass seed for the rest of the front yard. My neighbour made me laugh when she greeted me with "You've got a moat!"
I was happy to see the progress with the landscaping. The trench -- or potential mote depending on how much rain we get in the next few days -- was s major signal of change. I chose a song to share because of the band name of this Canadian group. Keep safe. Enjoy!
We woke early today to head back to the airport. I slept poorly knowing that there would be an early alarm. It makes little sense, but anxiety is involved. There is a fear that I may sleep through the alarm. <sigh> I have trouble on days like this. Saying goodbye has never been my strong suit. I dislike seeing a visit end. Emotions run high in these situations and tears appear at inopportune times. Crying in public feels wrong. <sigh> Check-in went smoothly -- for a change <smile>. We chatted for a bit before needing to enter the security zone. Again, things went smoothly until the connecting airport where there was a major issue getting from one plane to the next gate. Trust me, letters have been written <sigh>. The layover was long so there was no risk of missing the next flight.
I stayed at the destination airport overnight since arrival was after dark and I knew I'd be exhausted -- physically and emotionally. Sleep was welcomed far more than a 2+ hour drive. That trip will be tackled tomorrow.
A goodbye song is difficult to find. I chose one for the lyrics about time of day, mode of transport and the aspect that this is 'see you soon'. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Bright sunshine and warm temperatures filled the day. We ate breakfast and went for a walk on a trail through the forest. We took a longer route that used in the past. Halfway through, we took the loop that headed back to the beginning. Note for next time is to take water and food. We had packed a picnic but didn't take it on the hike. The heat and humidity of the day made the trek more strenuous than we'd expected. The trail was lovely. Again, the peacefulness of being in the great outdoors brought a sense of calm.
Once back to the parking area, we took our packed lunches to a picnic area. In the midst of pine trees, we ate our lunch. It was a pleasant time. Commensality brings us close together socially. Choosing to eat outdoors adds a layer of being close to nature, too. Our evening meal consisted of delectable Italian dishes. -- a fantastic caprese salad followed by amazing chicken oregenata served with roasted asparagus. Yum. A shot of Italian opera helped set the tone, too. <smile>
Lines from an older song came to mind today. The lyrics deal with sharing time together with food and beverage. It seemed to fit our day well.
It was another sunny and warm day. We decided to visit a local aviary to see what it offered. There was much walking involved between enclosures. Many water fowl and several other terrestrial types. It was interesting. We had planned to get a late lunch in the area, but only one restaurant existed -- a fast food facility. So, we headed back home and stopped along the way when a greater variety of food outlets was found. Instead of late lunch, we decided on early dinner. It was very tasty and filling. A light bedtime snack and a glass of wine was all that was needed later.
A silly song came to mind when viewing and reading about the birds. It was how my brain was working today <smile>. Rather than the original from 1963-ish, I am sharing a punk cover of the song from over 50 years later. Keep safe. Enjoy!
The day began with clouds that cleared to sun. A cool breeze blew until after noon, when the sun became stronger and warmer. We went for a walk down the trail along the river. Everything was so green and the trail well used. Many people were walking or running with a few biking. Even with the other travelers, the walkway felt peaceful. Research findings indicate that being surrounded by nature improves physical and mental health. Even with roadways just beyond the trees, the wooded areas dampened the sound of traffic. The calmness helped to reduce stress and anxiety. I love walks such as this one. Happily similar pathways exist in many urban and rural areas now, so one can escape urban sprawl for a brief time.
After a late lunch, I settled in to write some blogs. Instead, I fell asleep -- like a deep sleep not a light nap. My friend tried to wake me, but I was soundly gone. It lasted less than an hour, but I felt somewhat refreshed. My mother always said that time outside in the fresh air made you sleep better. I'm not so sure it was the air, but the activity level when outdoors that gave that sounder sleep. Either way, I tend to blame the fresh air if I fall asleep during a television show in the evening or for taking a nap like I did today. <smile>
A song title came to mind while walking today. It is from a favourite roots rock (and swamp rock) group. I like the lyrics that mention the need to re-centre by the water. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today we took a long drive with great scenery. As we left the beach area, clouds filled the sky. There were a few light showers on the trip, but nothing major. It was a quiet day with laundry, resting and a lovely home cooked supper.
It surprises me that I find the ocean beach to be so inviting. It just isn't what I thought a prairie girl could get into as much as I have. So, leaving that locale today was bittersweet. We did a last walk on the beach before heading back to home base. It helped a bit that the weather was turning towards the cloudy and rainy forecast -- but just a smidgeon. <smile>
A couple of lines from a song seemed to fit the day -- A bit upbeat and bit wistful. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Woke in time to watch an amazing sunrise. Colours moved from deep pink to orange to yellow as the sun rose on the horizon. It was lovely and very peaceful. Anyone who knows me will know that I generally choose sunsets over sunrises. I'm just not a morning person. Today my waking was unplanned. Once the spectacle was over, I headed back to bed for an hour or two. I did wake my friend so we could watch the sun rise together. Then, we both slept a while longer. During the day, we walked along the beach and visited an historical fort. I love history, so this one was interesting to do. The explanations of the fort and battles were well done.
While sitting and relaxing later in the day, we discussed music. I shared a song as an example of changing time signatures, tempos and melodies in that single complex song -- a conglomeration of three movements. I will share this song that was commissioned by the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) for Canada's Centennial in 1967. It seemed in keeping with the theme of history threaded through the day. Keep safe. Enjoy!
I spent my birthday with a dear friend doing fun things. We drove to a great lighthouse. As a prairie person, I find these beacons of hope and safety very interesting. They come in different shapes and colours and the views of bays, coves and straits from lighthouse locales are spectacular. We also headed to a local museum that explained the history of the city's port through the centuries. Supper was at a fantastic Thai restaurant that we have visited in the past. They moved to a new location since our last visit, but the food remained amazingly good and reminiscent of meals I had in Thailand a few decades ago. A plus of dinner was that there were leftovers that will provide a lovely lunch tomorrow.
While visiting the shoreline, my friend reminded me of a song that I will share here today. The lyrics note sun and sand in the last verse. Also, knowing the backstory of one other verse adds to the special nature of the lyrics. Keep safe. Enjoy!
I saw a new commercial for tourism in Halifax that struck me as very creative. The voiceover states that salt heals noting tears, sweat, and ocean waves and fog. The end line points out that one has to be willing to rub salt into one's wounds. Isn't that intriguing? I can vouch for the head-clearing and soul cleansing nature of waves and walking along the beach listening to the ocean. As a prairie person who grew up in a land-locked part of the nation, I was surprised by just how much better I felt after a visit to the beach or shoreline. Listening to surf can relax. It is like peace washing over you. At this time of year, the surf in Nova Scotia draws surfers to the province due to the warmer waters and the Atlantic storms pushing the waves.
The song today deals with the choice of Atlantic or Pacific beaches to visit. There are sandy beaches along the lengthy coastlines for both oceans, so lots of choice. Given my location, I lean towards the Atlantic coastal regions for the renewal and health giving aspects of the sea. Enjoy!
Heads Carolina, Tails California -- Jo Dee Messina
