09/30/2009
09/29/2009
I Wish I Had Thought Of This
Tags: Plagiarism Has Its Value
This advice arrived in the nick of time. Thanks, Normie.
'MARIJUANA FILLED FIREWOOD IN SASKATCHEWAN
'Hello, is this the Police Office?'
'Yes. What can I do for you?'
'I'm calling to report 'bout my neighbor Jack Murphy...He's hidin' marijuana inside his firewood! Don't quite know how he gets it inside them logs, but he's hidin' it there..'
'Thank you very much for the call, sir.'
The next day, twelve RCMP Officers descend on Jack's house. They search the shed where the firewood is kept. Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneer at Jack and leave.
Shortly after, the phone rings at Jack's house. 'Hey, Jack! This here's Floyd....Did the Police come?'
'Yeah!'
'Did they chop your firewood?'
'Yep!'
'Happy Birthday, buddy!'
Saskatchewan people know how to Git 'er Done!
This advice arrived in the nick of time. Thanks, Normie.
'MARIJUANA FILLED FIREWOOD IN SASKATCHEWAN
'Hello, is this the Police Office?'
'Yes. What can I do for you?'
'I'm calling to report 'bout my neighbor Jack Murphy...He's hidin' marijuana inside his firewood! Don't quite know how he gets it inside them logs, but he's hidin' it there..'
'Thank you very much for the call, sir.'
The next day, twelve RCMP Officers descend on Jack's house. They search the shed where the firewood is kept. Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneer at Jack and leave.
Shortly after, the phone rings at Jack's house. 'Hey, Jack! This here's Floyd....Did the Police come?'
'Yeah!'
'Did they chop your firewood?'
'Yep!'
'Happy Birthday, buddy!'
Saskatchewan people know how to Git 'er Done!
09/29/2009
Thanks To The Folks Who Provide Feedback And Make Entries
Tags: Technology
To the person who let us know of the typo in the scheduling for Darts in the new calendar - Thank you! It's fixed now. Everyone is welcome to make entries in the database and share the typos
.
To the person who let us know of the typo in the scheduling for Darts in the new calendar - Thank you! It's fixed now. Everyone is welcome to make entries in the database and share the typos
.
09/29/2009
Woodpile At The Road Is Being Whittled Away
Tags: Winter Comfort
That big pile of wood at the road over the line from the well is being cut into manageable lengths this week. Once that is finished, we'll enlist some other guys to do the splitting and stacking. When it's cold and raw outside, our home will be warm & toasty inside. I love my Jotul woodstove and big piles of firewood.
If you need a recommendation for someone to cut wood, this guy is reliable and hard-working.
That big pile of wood at the road over the line from the well is being cut into manageable lengths this week. Once that is finished, we'll enlist some other guys to do the splitting and stacking. When it's cold and raw outside, our home will be warm & toasty inside. I love my Jotul woodstove and big piles of firewood.
If you need a recommendation for someone to cut wood, this guy is reliable and hard-working.
09/28/2009
I'm In The St. Peter's Office Today 9-5
09/28/2009
Pete Seeger Nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize
Tags: Rightly Deserved
I have just signed the petition entitled Pete Seeger Nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize and thought you would be interested in adding your support.
To read about the petition and to sign it just visit http://www.petitionthem.com/default.asp?sect=detail&pet=3774
There is also a forum where you can talk about this petition and of course many other worthy petitions that need your support.
Overview of this petition: - Pete Seeger has been an ambassador for Peace and Social Justice over the course of his lifetime; he will be 90 years old on May 3, 2009. As a prominent musician his songs, messages and performance style have worked to engage other people, particularly the youth, in causes to end the Vietnam war, ban nuclear weapons, work for international solidarity, and ecological responsibility.
It is time that a cultural worker receives the recognition that this work has great influence and global reach, that it is not only a medium of entertainment but of education, compassion and action.
I have just signed the petition entitled Pete Seeger Nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize and thought you would be interested in adding your support.
To read about the petition and to sign it just visit http://www.petitionthem.com/default.asp?sect=detail&pet=3774
There is also a forum where you can talk about this petition and of course many other worthy petitions that need your support.
Overview of this petition: - Pete Seeger has been an ambassador for Peace and Social Justice over the course of his lifetime; he will be 90 years old on May 3, 2009. As a prominent musician his songs, messages and performance style have worked to engage other people, particularly the youth, in causes to end the Vietnam war, ban nuclear weapons, work for international solidarity, and ecological responsibility.
It is time that a cultural worker receives the recognition that this work has great influence and global reach, that it is not only a medium of entertainment but of education, compassion and action.
Download File default.asp?sect=detail&pet=3774
09/27/2009
October 17 at the Dump 2:00 Company's Coming! Put On The Kettle And Set Out The Tables
Tags: News In Marble Mountain
Forget tea, let's have wine!
A bus of 30 - 50 people will be showing up for a visit on Saturday, October 17. They plan to enjoy the view and drink wine. They wanted to know if it is ok with us to drink wine there. Let's roll out the welcome mat.
Forget tea, let's have wine!
A bus of 30 - 50 people will be showing up for a visit on Saturday, October 17. They plan to enjoy the view and drink wine. They wanted to know if it is ok with us to drink wine there. Let's roll out the welcome mat.
09/27/2009
We Have Water. Yay! It Flows.
Tags: Life
The water is running from our taps once more at 35 pounds of pressure. You don't get much water flow at 5 pounds of pressure. We can shower again!
The problem was air trapped in the elbow in the line at the well, so much air that there wasn't room for more than a faint trickle of water to get through. Fixing the flow required someone to put on tall boots and get down in there. That required the well be treated with chlorine bleach. Now my water tastes of boots and bleach but it's flowing! I think I'll do lots of laundry today, whites first.
The water is running from our taps once more at 35 pounds of pressure. You don't get much water flow at 5 pounds of pressure. We can shower again!
The problem was air trapped in the elbow in the line at the well, so much air that there wasn't room for more than a faint trickle of water to get through. Fixing the flow required someone to put on tall boots and get down in there. That required the well be treated with chlorine bleach. Now my water tastes of boots and bleach but it's flowing! I think I'll do lots of laundry today, whites first.
09/26/2009
Oidhche nam Bòcan / Night of the Spooks Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 22, 23 & 24
Tags: Local News
Come and celebrate Halloween with a special evening tour of the Highland Village by lamp light, complete with storytelling, skits and special effects.
The tour is followed by a storytelling session in "The Tuning Room" with fourag, oatcakes and more. This is a family activity enjoyed by all.
Prepaid reservations are required. No refunds or discounts. Cost $12 per adult, $28 per family, or $5 per student. Call (902) 725-2272 for tickets. (7-9 pm each evening).
Note: A few of us went to this last year and we had a very good time. Won't you join us? We plan to go on Friday, September 23. So far the headcount is seven revelers. Remember to call and purchase your ticket quickly as this event tends to sell out. I'll be calling for mine today.
Come and celebrate Halloween with a special evening tour of the Highland Village by lamp light, complete with storytelling, skits and special effects.
The tour is followed by a storytelling session in "The Tuning Room" with fourag, oatcakes and more. This is a family activity enjoyed by all.
Prepaid reservations are required. No refunds or discounts. Cost $12 per adult, $28 per family, or $5 per student. Call (902) 725-2272 for tickets. (7-9 pm each evening).
Note: A few of us went to this last year and we had a very good time. Won't you join us? We plan to go on Friday, September 23. So far the headcount is seven revelers. Remember to call and purchase your ticket quickly as this event tends to sell out. I'll be calling for mine today.
09/26/2009
Farm Market Today & Tomorrow At The Lookoff 2-4
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
Farm Market today at the lookoff 2-4, if it's not too breezy.
Selection includes turnips, green beans, squash, handcrafted goods, cookbooks, herbs & flowers, depending on what's in the garden today. If the hens are productive, there will be eggs, fresh and maybe still warm from the hens. Fall temperatures have moved in so bring a warm - or warming - drink.
See you there!
Farm Market today at the lookoff 2-4, if it's not too breezy.
Selection includes turnips, green beans, squash, handcrafted goods, cookbooks, herbs & flowers, depending on what's in the garden today. If the hens are productive, there will be eggs, fresh and maybe still warm from the hens. Fall temperatures have moved in so bring a warm - or warming - drink.
See you there!
09/25/2009
New For You! Regional Events Calendar
Tags: Technology New Ways Of Working In The New Millennium
There is a new calendar on the Marble Mountain website for everyone in the region to use. If you click on the link, you will see the calendar showing the activities in Marble Mountain and the nearby neighborhoods that have halls, e.g. Valley Mills, West Bay, St. George's Channel, Dundee, River Denys and West Bay Road. Any other nearby communities are welcome to be included, they need to just ask to be listed.
Copy/paste this link www.marblemountainvillage.com
If you know of an event that should be included, please enter it by clicking on the Add Event button on the upper left part of the calendar, just do it. The event will require approval before it gets posted, to prevent the calendar from being overwhelmed with spam.
Just for fun, I entered the info for tonight's Nia class. You should see it listed. If you will be attending Nia, I will see you there!
There is a new calendar on the Marble Mountain website for everyone in the region to use. If you click on the link, you will see the calendar showing the activities in Marble Mountain and the nearby neighborhoods that have halls, e.g. Valley Mills, West Bay, St. George's Channel, Dundee, River Denys and West Bay Road. Any other nearby communities are welcome to be included, they need to just ask to be listed.
Copy/paste this link www.marblemountainvillage.com
If you know of an event that should be included, please enter it by clicking on the Add Event button on the upper left part of the calendar, just do it. The event will require approval before it gets posted, to prevent the calendar from being overwhelmed with spam.
Just for fun, I entered the info for tonight's Nia class. You should see it listed. If you will be attending Nia, I will see you there!
Download File calendar
09/24/2009
Flu Shots and Sore Arms
Tags: News
If you will be getting a flu shot, massage the spot for a few minutes immediately afterward to help minimize the soreness at the shot site. That helps disperse the flu vaccine so your arm shouldn't hurt as much.
If you will be getting a flu shot, massage the spot for a few minutes immediately afterward to help minimize the soreness at the shot site. That helps disperse the flu vaccine so your arm shouldn't hurt as much.
09/24/2009
Another Warm Morning, Perhaps The Last For '09?
Tags: Life In General
The temperature is currently 63F / 17C and it's late September. Wow, this is warm for this time of year.
According to Accuweather, whose accuracy record can be dubious, tomorrow night the temperature will dip to 30F / -1C and then back up again with no more frosts in the foreseeable future, all the way to October 8 but that forecast could change with the click of a mouse. It looks like I'll be out in the garden putting on row covers tomorrow evening. If the row covers work, I should be able to squeeze a few more weeks of production out of the garden and get some more summer squash.
This will be a good time to catch up on any outdoor activities like washing the car, painting, etc. The good news about the frost is that it will kill off or significantly diminish the insects. No more skeeters! I can live with that. Shall we schedule a hike up the mountain now? It has been a long time since the last one and we are overdue. (Tom is exempt due to his balky knee.)
The temperature is currently 63F / 17C and it's late September. Wow, this is warm for this time of year.
According to Accuweather, whose accuracy record can be dubious, tomorrow night the temperature will dip to 30F / -1C and then back up again with no more frosts in the foreseeable future, all the way to October 8 but that forecast could change with the click of a mouse. It looks like I'll be out in the garden putting on row covers tomorrow evening. If the row covers work, I should be able to squeeze a few more weeks of production out of the garden and get some more summer squash.
This will be a good time to catch up on any outdoor activities like washing the car, painting, etc. The good news about the frost is that it will kill off or significantly diminish the insects. No more skeeters! I can live with that. Shall we schedule a hike up the mountain now? It has been a long time since the last one and we are overdue. (Tom is exempt due to his balky knee.)
09/23/2009
What A Warm Morning We Are Having
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
This morning is too nice to miss by staying in the house. I am going out for my walk shortly.
This morning is too nice to miss by staying in the house. I am going out for my walk shortly.
09/23/2009
Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Tags: Food & Health News
Mushrooms are one of those foods that is really good for you. Maybe they can help stave off the upcoming season's flu. Enjoy!
Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Makes 26 to 28 servings
• 26-28 white mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
• 1½ tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
• 1½ to 2 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (other substitutes include Romano or Asiago cheese)
• ½ cup dried breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (an additional tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil will be used to drizzle the baking sheet with)
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. While the oven preheats, stem all of the mushrooms.
2. Chop the basil cloves and Italian parsley and peal and mince the garlic cloves. Put these herbs in a mixing bowl.
3. Grate the Parmesan cheese and add it to the mixing bowl.
4. Mix in the dried breadcrumbs and the extra-virgin olive oil by stirring the ingredients together with your hands.
5. Stuff the caps with the breadcrumb mixture until there is a slight dome above the mushroom. Place the stuffed mushroom caps on the baking sheet and pop them into the oven for roughly 25 to 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb mixture is golden brown.
Mushrooms are one of those foods that is really good for you. Maybe they can help stave off the upcoming season's flu. Enjoy!
Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Makes 26 to 28 servings
• 26-28 white mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
• 1½ tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
• 1½ to 2 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (other substitutes include Romano or Asiago cheese)
• ½ cup dried breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (an additional tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil will be used to drizzle the baking sheet with)
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. While the oven preheats, stem all of the mushrooms.
2. Chop the basil cloves and Italian parsley and peal and mince the garlic cloves. Put these herbs in a mixing bowl.
3. Grate the Parmesan cheese and add it to the mixing bowl.
4. Mix in the dried breadcrumbs and the extra-virgin olive oil by stirring the ingredients together with your hands.
5. Stuff the caps with the breadcrumb mixture until there is a slight dome above the mushroom. Place the stuffed mushroom caps on the baking sheet and pop them into the oven for roughly 25 to 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb mixture is golden brown.
09/22/2009
I am in the Port Hawkesbury office until lunch today. If you want to reach me, please call 625-0302 or 625-1518.
Tags: Big News Local Business
You can also reach me via my various email addresses and through Facebook. I'll be out in the field this afternoon. I hope you are enjoying this picture-perfect day.
You can also reach me via my various email addresses and through Facebook. I'll be out in the field this afternoon. I hope you are enjoying this picture-perfect day.
09/22/2009
West Bay Hall Fall Schedule
Tags: Local News
Hi everyone,
Here is the fall schedule. Any questions or concerns, please call me at 345-2244 or 838-4318(PEI). I am leaving today for PEI and should be back by the 24th of August.
Thanks
Laurie
Monday
Coffee Club- Drop in and enjoy coffee, tea and activities. Sponsored by the Head of the Bay Senior's Club.
Time-10:00am
When- 1st Monday of every Month, starting in Oct v Hip Hop Dance- Learn the latest moves and grooves to dance. Instructor: Ashley Ryan
When:Sept 28-Nov 23, 8 weeks
Time:5:00pm-6:00pm
Ages-8-15 Min. Reg- 6 children
Cost:$45.00
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Step Dancing- Beginner Step Dancing. Instructor: Ashley Ryan
When:Sept 28-Nov 23, 8 weeks
Time:6:15pm-7:15pm v Ages-8-15 Min. Reg- 6 children
Cost:$45.00
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244 v Tuesday
Children's Playgroup-Drop by with your children for fun, learning, games and activities.
When:Every Tuesday
Time:9:30am-12:00pm
Sponsored by: Family Resource Centre
Yoga- Stretching and moves for your core. Instructor: Marion Sauer
When:Sept 29-Nov 3
Time: 5:15-6:30pm
Cost- $36.00, 6 weeks Min. Reg-8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Dart's- Join our dart league for fun and excitement.
When: starts Oct 6th, every tuesday
Time:7:00pm
Contact to register: Calder MacInnis 345-2753, Murray MacPhie 345-2988
Wednesday
45' Cards-Join us for 45' card play
When: Every Wednesday
Time:8:00pm
Contact: Mitchell Leonard 345-2062
Thursday
Head of the Bay Senior's Meeting-Monthly meeting of the Senior's Club. Please join us for a meeting, lunch, and guest speakers
When: 1st Thursday of every month
Time:11:30am
Contact: Murray MacPhie 345-2988
Friday
Nia for Parent & Child- Parent & Child together enjoy dance and movements. Instructor:Simone Jacobsen
When:Sept 25-Oct 30th
Time:9:00-10:00am
Cost: $36.00, 6 weeks Min reg: 8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Nia for Senior's- Movement and stretching for improved flexibility thru dance. Instructor:Simone Jacobsen
When:Sept 25-Oct 30th
Time:10:30-11:30am
Cost: $48.00, 6 weeks Min reg: 8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Nia for Young People- Fun and movements thru dance. Instructor:Simone Jacobsen
When:Sept 25-Oct 30th
Time:5:00-6:00pm
Cost: $36.00, 6 weeks Min reg: 8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Nia for Adults- Stretching and movements thru dance. Instructor:Simone Jacobsen
When:Sept 25-Oct 30th
Time:6:30-7:30pm
Cost: $48.00, 6 weeks Min reg: 8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Saturday
45' Card Play- Join us for card play. Sponsored by the Head of the Bay Senior's Club.
When: Sept 26th, last Saturday of every month
Time:8:00pm
Contact: Murray MacPhie 345-2988
Sunday
County Line 4-H Club Meeting- Learn new actives and challenges with your peers.
When- 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month
Time:6:00pm
Contact: Adrian Smith 345-2247
Hi everyone,
Here is the fall schedule. Any questions or concerns, please call me at 345-2244 or 838-4318(PEI). I am leaving today for PEI and should be back by the 24th of August.
Thanks
Laurie
Monday
Coffee Club- Drop in and enjoy coffee, tea and activities. Sponsored by the Head of the Bay Senior's Club.
Time-10:00am
When- 1st Monday of every Month, starting in Oct v Hip Hop Dance- Learn the latest moves and grooves to dance. Instructor: Ashley Ryan
When:Sept 28-Nov 23, 8 weeks
Time:5:00pm-6:00pm
Ages-8-15 Min. Reg- 6 children
Cost:$45.00
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Step Dancing- Beginner Step Dancing. Instructor: Ashley Ryan
When:Sept 28-Nov 23, 8 weeks
Time:6:15pm-7:15pm v Ages-8-15 Min. Reg- 6 children
Cost:$45.00
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244 v Tuesday
Children's Playgroup-Drop by with your children for fun, learning, games and activities.
When:Every Tuesday
Time:9:30am-12:00pm
Sponsored by: Family Resource Centre
Yoga- Stretching and moves for your core. Instructor: Marion Sauer
When:Sept 29-Nov 3
Time: 5:15-6:30pm
Cost- $36.00, 6 weeks Min. Reg-8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Dart's- Join our dart league for fun and excitement.
When: starts Oct 6th, every tuesday
Time:7:00pm
Contact to register: Calder MacInnis 345-2753, Murray MacPhie 345-2988
Wednesday
45' Cards-Join us for 45' card play
When: Every Wednesday
Time:8:00pm
Contact: Mitchell Leonard 345-2062
Thursday
Head of the Bay Senior's Meeting-Monthly meeting of the Senior's Club. Please join us for a meeting, lunch, and guest speakers
When: 1st Thursday of every month
Time:11:30am
Contact: Murray MacPhie 345-2988
Friday
Nia for Parent & Child- Parent & Child together enjoy dance and movements. Instructor:Simone Jacobsen
When:Sept 25-Oct 30th
Time:9:00-10:00am
Cost: $36.00, 6 weeks Min reg: 8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Nia for Senior's- Movement and stretching for improved flexibility thru dance. Instructor:Simone Jacobsen
When:Sept 25-Oct 30th
Time:10:30-11:30am
Cost: $48.00, 6 weeks Min reg: 8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Nia for Young People- Fun and movements thru dance. Instructor:Simone Jacobsen
When:Sept 25-Oct 30th
Time:5:00-6:00pm
Cost: $36.00, 6 weeks Min reg: 8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Nia for Adults- Stretching and movements thru dance. Instructor:Simone Jacobsen
When:Sept 25-Oct 30th
Time:6:30-7:30pm
Cost: $48.00, 6 weeks Min reg: 8 people
Contact to register:Laurie McAulay-Urquhart 345-2244
Saturday
45' Card Play- Join us for card play. Sponsored by the Head of the Bay Senior's Club.
When: Sept 26th, last Saturday of every month
Time:8:00pm
Contact: Murray MacPhie 345-2988
Sunday
County Line 4-H Club Meeting- Learn new actives and challenges with your peers.
When- 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month
Time:6:00pm
Contact: Adrian Smith 345-2247
09/21/2009
The Full Hunter's Moon, According To The Farmer's Almanac
Tags: Seasons
The Hunter's Moon (also known as Blood Moon or Sanguine Moon) is the first full moon after the harvest moon, which is the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox (September - now!).
October's full moon is often referred to as the Full Hunter's Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon.
Many moons ago, Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons. The leaves are falling from trees, the deer are fattened, and it's time to begin storing up meat for the long winter ahead. Because the fields were traditionally reaped in late September or early October, hunters could easily see fox and other animals that come out to glean the fallen grains.
Probably because of the threat of winter looming close, the Hunter's Moon is generally accorded special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both Western Europe and among many Native American tribes.
Read more about it in Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter%27s_moon
The Hunter's Moon (also known as Blood Moon or Sanguine Moon) is the first full moon after the harvest moon, which is the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox (September - now!).
October's full moon is often referred to as the Full Hunter's Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon.
Many moons ago, Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons. The leaves are falling from trees, the deer are fattened, and it's time to begin storing up meat for the long winter ahead. Because the fields were traditionally reaped in late September or early October, hunters could easily see fox and other animals that come out to glean the fallen grains.
Probably because of the threat of winter looming close, the Hunter's Moon is generally accorded special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both Western Europe and among many Native American tribes.
Read more about it in Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter%27s_moon
09/21/2009
A Good, New Wine
Tags: Food & Wine
We just had an enthusiastic wine recommendation for Fuzion wine. I don't know what the varietal is or where it's produced but it's all the rage in Ontario. This hearty recommendation comes from wine connoisseur Bill Legge. @$7.45 per bottle (Toronto), it's one of the best bargains you'll ever find. You can be certain it will cost more here but it should still be relatively affordable.
Before it catches on here, pick up a case and store it away. You'll impress your friends and colleagues this coming holiday season when you bestow a bottle upon them as a thoughtful gift. It never hurts to be prepared. Maybe you should taste it first, just in case. You know that other people may have a different sensibility when it comes to the flavor of wines.
We just had an enthusiastic wine recommendation for Fuzion wine. I don't know what the varietal is or where it's produced but it's all the rage in Ontario. This hearty recommendation comes from wine connoisseur Bill Legge. @$7.45 per bottle (Toronto), it's one of the best bargains you'll ever find. You can be certain it will cost more here but it should still be relatively affordable.
Before it catches on here, pick up a case and store it away. You'll impress your friends and colleagues this coming holiday season when you bestow a bottle upon them as a thoughtful gift. It never hurts to be prepared. Maybe you should taste it first, just in case. You know that other people may have a different sensibility when it comes to the flavor of wines.
09/21/2009
A Dearth Of Water
Tags: Life In General
We are slowly losing our water. It has been gradually diminishing since last month, I believe, when a load of logs for firewood was deposited at the side of the road where the water line runs from the well down to the house. Our well produces a prodigious amount of water so it's not the supply that is the issue.
We are slowly losing our water. It has been gradually diminishing since last month, I believe, when a load of logs for firewood was deposited at the side of the road where the water line runs from the well down to the house. Our well produces a prodigious amount of water so it's not the supply that is the issue.
09/20/2009
Cougar Sighting
Tags: Big News Local News
Kit spotted a cougar as it disappeared into the woods just this side of West Bay. It is dark and has a long tail. I was looking the other direction.
Kit spotted a cougar as it disappeared into the woods just this side of West Bay. It is dark and has a long tail. I was looking the other direction.
09/20/2009
The Hens Say Thank You!
Tags: Food & Entertainment
This morning we gave the hens all the table scraps from yesterday's party. They are 10 happy hens right now. The dogs also are enjoying all the steaks that Kit managed to pull away from the hens. Did you know that hens enjoy good steak? You should be here to see them chow down on it. The hens also are enjoying something that looks like pasta. Was there a pasta dish?
Expect some very good eggs for the next day or so. Steak and eggs for breakfast, in a roundabout way.
This morning we gave the hens all the table scraps from yesterday's party. They are 10 happy hens right now. The dogs also are enjoying all the steaks that Kit managed to pull away from the hens. Did you know that hens enjoy good steak? You should be here to see them chow down on it. The hens also are enjoying something that looks like pasta. Was there a pasta dish?
Expect some very good eggs for the next day or so. Steak and eggs for breakfast, in a roundabout way.
09/20/2009
Another Potluck Dinner, Another Episode Of Intestinal Distress
Tags: Food & Health News
The Volunteer Thank You party at Russell's yesterday was fun. There was plenty of food and "adult beverages" to fuel the partyers, myself included. Unfortunately, Kit ate a dessert with artificial sweetener in it. This morning he woke up to intestinal distress - again. Will he never learn to not eat desserts made by other folks in the neighborhood? Inevitably desserts are brought to potlucks with artificial sweeteners and Kit always has some and pays the price. Unfortunately, you can't tell by looking and sometimes you can't tell by tasting which ones are tainted with the stuff. Those artificial sweeteners must have some questionable chemicals in them to do this to a person. The sugar substitutes also give my daughter migraines. Is real sugar really worse than this? REALLY? Think about it for a minute.
The Volunteer Thank You party at Russell's yesterday was fun. There was plenty of food and "adult beverages" to fuel the partyers, myself included. Unfortunately, Kit ate a dessert with artificial sweetener in it. This morning he woke up to intestinal distress - again. Will he never learn to not eat desserts made by other folks in the neighborhood? Inevitably desserts are brought to potlucks with artificial sweeteners and Kit always has some and pays the price. Unfortunately, you can't tell by looking and sometimes you can't tell by tasting which ones are tainted with the stuff. Those artificial sweeteners must have some questionable chemicals in them to do this to a person. The sugar substitutes also give my daughter migraines. Is real sugar really worse than this? REALLY? Think about it for a minute.
09/18/2009
No Farm Market Tomorrow, See You Sunday @ 2:00, Weather Permitting
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
Sunday's selection: yellow summer squash, zucchini, herbs, purple-top turnips, flowers, etc.
Tomorrow I will be at Russell's party 4-7. Perhaps I'll see you there. I am tasked with bringing a salad and I have decided to make a grilled vegetable salad for the event.
Sunday's selection: yellow summer squash, zucchini, herbs, purple-top turnips, flowers, etc.
Tomorrow I will be at Russell's party 4-7. Perhaps I'll see you there. I am tasked with bringing a salad and I have decided to make a grilled vegetable salad for the event.
09/18/2009
St. George's Hall Breakfast Sunday Sept 20th 9 AM to Noon
Tags: Food And Entertainment Local News
Country Breakfast - Sunday Sept 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Noon.
From their website: Every third Sunday of each month - our breakfast includes omelets, pancakes. sausages, homemade beans, home fries, toast, tea, coffee, juice and fresh fruit. We do not want anyone to leave hungry so you are welcome to get another plate full.
Country Breakfast - Sunday Sept 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Noon.
From their website: Every third Sunday of each month - our breakfast includes omelets, pancakes. sausages, homemade beans, home fries, toast, tea, coffee, juice and fresh fruit. We do not want anyone to leave hungry so you are welcome to get another plate full.
09/18/2009
Tomorrow, September 19, is Talk Like a Pirate Day
Tags: Humor
What once was a goofy idea celebrated by a handful of friends has turned into an international phenomenon that shows no sign of letting up.
Omigoodness, what ever shall I wear?! What is appropriate attire for Talk Like A Pirate Day 2009? I have nothing appropriate to wear. Aarrgh!
What once was a goofy idea celebrated by a handful of friends has turned into an international phenomenon that shows no sign of letting up.
Omigoodness, what ever shall I wear?! What is appropriate attire for Talk Like A Pirate Day 2009? I have nothing appropriate to wear. Aarrgh!
Download File piratehome.html
09/17/2009
Fall Wine and Food Pairing in Bras d'Or Lakes Inn
Tags: Food and Wine and Entertainment
Fall Wine and Food Pairing in Bras d'Or Lakes Inn
Host: Rhoda Gillet
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Bras d'Or Lakes Inn
Chef: Jean Pierre Gillet
Fall Wine and Food Pairing in Bras d'Or Lakes Inn
Host: Rhoda Gillet
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Bras d'Or Lakes Inn
Chef: Jean Pierre Gillet
09/16/2009
Notes From Last Night's Communications Committee Meeting
09/15/2009
Looking At Some Low Temps Overnight
Tags: Gardening Alert!
We are looking at some low overnight temps over the next week. That means I'll be putting row covers on the delicate plants each evening until next Monday.
"The strong cold front will likely stall just off the Martimes this weekend as a storm forms along the front. This coastal storm could end up as a significant rainmaker from Nova Scotia/PEI up through Newfoundland during the weekend. " - Brett Anderson, Accuweather
We are looking at some low overnight temps over the next week. That means I'll be putting row covers on the delicate plants each evening until next Monday.
"The strong cold front will likely stall just off the Martimes this weekend as a storm forms along the front. This coastal storm could end up as a significant rainmaker from Nova Scotia/PEI up through Newfoundland during the weekend. " - Brett Anderson, Accuweather
09/15/2009
Communications Committee Meeting Tonight In The Hall 7:00
Tags: Local News
A meeting of the Communication Committee will be held this evening in the hall. If you are on this committee, please be there. I humbly request that we keep the meeting on point and moving along so we don't linger in there longer than necessary. Thank you.
A meeting of the Communication Committee will be held this evening in the hall. If you are on this committee, please be there. I humbly request that we keep the meeting on point and moving along so we don't linger in there longer than necessary. Thank you.
09/14/2009
Sharing
Tags: Life
Sitting here drinking wine and getting inspired, it occurred to me that I have a mess of old jewelry that I do not wear any longer. If you are interested, come on by and let me know if you'd like any of the pieces. I'll be happy to re-home them.
Sitting here drinking wine and getting inspired, it occurred to me that I have a mess of old jewelry that I do not wear any longer. If you are interested, come on by and let me know if you'd like any of the pieces. I'll be happy to re-home them.
09/14/2009
What The Raccoon Ate
Tags: Food and Entertainment
The raccoon ate the Canary melon. Lily scared the raccoon away before it could get to the clementines, apples, peaches and bananas.
The raccoon ate the Canary melon. Lily scared the raccoon away before it could get to the clementines, apples, peaches and bananas.
09/14/2009
Next Full Moon: October 3 - 6, The First Weekend Of The Month
Tags: Astronomy
I hope the weather will afford clear skies so we will be able to see the moon reflected across the lake. There is nothing more beautiful than that. Fortunately it will be on a weekend so we can stay up late to watch its light fall across the lake. We never sleep well to a full moon anyway so we might as well stay up and enjoy it. It may even be a full harvest moonrise!
I hope the weather will afford clear skies so we will be able to see the moon reflected across the lake. There is nothing more beautiful than that. Fortunately it will be on a weekend so we can stay up late to watch its light fall across the lake. We never sleep well to a full moon anyway so we might as well stay up and enjoy it. It may even be a full harvest moonrise!
09/14/2009
Goodbye, Heinz
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
We have once again reached that time of year when the seasonal folks must do like the hummies and fly away. Seasonal residents are so much a part of our community that it is easy to forget that they will leave us during fall's migration.
Heinz will be flying out on Wednesday. I think it is safe to say that all of us will miss his pleasant company. Not to worry, he said he will be back next summer, only 10 months away, with Gerlinde. It will be very nice to see her again, too.
Last night we had a lovely visit with Heinz in the screen room. We sat, talked, ate, drank wine and cinnamon ouzo, told stories and had a lovely time. The weather was perfect.
As Roy Rogers used to sing from astride his horse, Happy trails to you, until we meet again, Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then ... Safe trip, Heinz!
We have once again reached that time of year when the seasonal folks must do like the hummies and fly away. Seasonal residents are so much a part of our community that it is easy to forget that they will leave us during fall's migration.
Heinz will be flying out on Wednesday. I think it is safe to say that all of us will miss his pleasant company. Not to worry, he said he will be back next summer, only 10 months away, with Gerlinde. It will be very nice to see her again, too.
Last night we had a lovely visit with Heinz in the screen room. We sat, talked, ate, drank wine and cinnamon ouzo, told stories and had a lovely time. The weather was perfect.
As Roy Rogers used to sing from astride his horse, Happy trails to you, until we meet again, Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then ... Safe trip, Heinz!
09/14/2009
Food For Raccoon, Bears and Who Knows What Else
Tags: Nature
Whatever critter ate the big hive also dug out a nest of ground bees that Kit had torched in the orchard. Last night we had a raccoon visit the patio in the wee hours, presumably dipping into a dish of apples that we had left on the patio. Would that be the fearless yellow jacket muncher? The raccoon was a little on the small side. I don't know what I would have done had I looked out the bedroom window and found a bear on the patio!
Whatever critter ate the big hive also dug out a nest of ground bees that Kit had torched in the orchard. Last night we had a raccoon visit the patio in the wee hours, presumably dipping into a dish of apples that we had left on the patio. Would that be the fearless yellow jacket muncher? The raccoon was a little on the small side. I don't know what I would have done had I looked out the bedroom window and found a bear on the patio!
09/13/2009
Huge Hive Half Eaten
Tags: Honey
Eats, Woods and Eaves: Lately there have been a couple of huge hives discovered in the neighborhood, one of them in the woods in our yard. This morning we discovered that one of them was half eaten overnight. What would eat a hive of yellow jackets or hornets? Bear? Raccoon? Fox? Is the animal capable of getting the hive without getting stung? Those yellow jackets deliver one nasty sting and the hornets probably do as well.
Eats, Woods and Eaves: Lately there have been a couple of huge hives discovered in the neighborhood, one of them in the woods in our yard. This morning we discovered that one of them was half eaten overnight. What would eat a hive of yellow jackets or hornets? Bear? Raccoon? Fox? Is the animal capable of getting the hive without getting stung? Those yellow jackets deliver one nasty sting and the hornets probably do as well.
09/13/2009
Forecast: Rain. No Farm Market Today
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
No one comes to the lookoff when the weather's not good so there's no point in having a Farm Market today.
No one comes to the lookoff when the weather's not good so there's no point in having a Farm Market today.
09/13/2009
Farm Market Growing Fast
Tags: Local News
New Glasgow operation has twice as many vendors in its second year. If the decibel level of the chatter in the New Glasgow Farmers Market is any indication, business is booming.
It’s true, market manager Alanna Murray said Saturday. Now in its second season, the market has about doubled the number of vendors and seen an increase in shoppers.
The market opened experimentally at Glasgow Square last summer with 15 to 20 vendors.
This year, when it opened in a new downtown location with a board of directors and Ms. Murray as manager, there were at least 27 vendors during regular Saturday morning hours of operation.
"It’s building. Everybody seems to be doing well," she said as she surveyed the busy floor of a former store on Provost Street.
More than 30 per cent of the vendors are farmers selling their fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat, eggs and wool. The remaining booths sell baked goods, fudge, jams and jellies, hand crafted items, soap, photographs and similar items.
"Our goal would be to double the number of growers," she said, adding that the market was established to offer a sales venue for local food producers and to promote the local food movement. In the friendly setting, vendors can talk to customers about their products and offer recipes and other advice, she said.
Most of the market’s producers run small farm operations with few resources, so it’s a good opportunity for them, she said.
"It’s huge encouragement for younger people to get into farming," she said.
The biggest challenge for any entrepreneur or new enterprise is marketing.
"It’s no good to do all the work if no one knows you’re here," she said.
Four farmers and an artisan serve on the volunteer board of directors. Because of the connection between good nutrition and good health, the group made a pitch to Pictou County Council to include the farmers market in a regional wellness centre that is yet to be constructed.
The proposal was well received, said Ms. Murray, noting that the current location may not be available next year if the space is rented to a year-round business. The market will stay open this fall until Oct. 31, and re-open in May.
There has been no opposition to the market. Its one weekend morning of operation likely doesn’t present a threat to big grocery chains or other food businesses, she said.
The market has also turned into the place to be on Saturday mornings in New Glasgow, with shoppers stopping over tea or coffee and homemade cookies to chat with friends.
Experienced farmers market shoppers know they have to get there early for the best selection, Ms. Murray said.
"It gets people out on Saturday mornings."
By MONICA GRAHAM 2009-09-13 mgraham@herald.ca http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1142222.html
New Glasgow operation has twice as many vendors in its second year. If the decibel level of the chatter in the New Glasgow Farmers Market is any indication, business is booming.
It’s true, market manager Alanna Murray said Saturday. Now in its second season, the market has about doubled the number of vendors and seen an increase in shoppers.
The market opened experimentally at Glasgow Square last summer with 15 to 20 vendors.
This year, when it opened in a new downtown location with a board of directors and Ms. Murray as manager, there were at least 27 vendors during regular Saturday morning hours of operation.
"It’s building. Everybody seems to be doing well," she said as she surveyed the busy floor of a former store on Provost Street.
More than 30 per cent of the vendors are farmers selling their fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat, eggs and wool. The remaining booths sell baked goods, fudge, jams and jellies, hand crafted items, soap, photographs and similar items.
"Our goal would be to double the number of growers," she said, adding that the market was established to offer a sales venue for local food producers and to promote the local food movement. In the friendly setting, vendors can talk to customers about their products and offer recipes and other advice, she said.
Most of the market’s producers run small farm operations with few resources, so it’s a good opportunity for them, she said.
"It’s huge encouragement for younger people to get into farming," she said.
The biggest challenge for any entrepreneur or new enterprise is marketing.
"It’s no good to do all the work if no one knows you’re here," she said.
Four farmers and an artisan serve on the volunteer board of directors. Because of the connection between good nutrition and good health, the group made a pitch to Pictou County Council to include the farmers market in a regional wellness centre that is yet to be constructed.
The proposal was well received, said Ms. Murray, noting that the current location may not be available next year if the space is rented to a year-round business. The market will stay open this fall until Oct. 31, and re-open in May.
There has been no opposition to the market. Its one weekend morning of operation likely doesn’t present a threat to big grocery chains or other food businesses, she said.
The market has also turned into the place to be on Saturday mornings in New Glasgow, with shoppers stopping over tea or coffee and homemade cookies to chat with friends.
Experienced farmers market shoppers know they have to get there early for the best selection, Ms. Murray said.
"It gets people out on Saturday mornings."
By MONICA GRAHAM 2009-09-13 mgraham@herald.ca http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1142222.html
09/12/2009
CELTIC COLOURS artwork and crafts October 15, St.Georges Channel Community Hall
Tags: Local News
"October 15, St.Georges Channel Community Hall CELTIC COLOURS artwork and crafts....come and see my Artknitting... Yvonne"
That's a Thursday, I'll try to get to it.
"October 15, St.Georges Channel Community Hall CELTIC COLOURS artwork and crafts....come and see my Artknitting... Yvonne"
That's a Thursday, I'll try to get to it.
09/11/2009
English Second Language Class In The Strait Area
Tags: Local News
Hello everyone,
I hope you all enjoyed your summer!
I am contacting everyone to see if they are interested in participating in an English Second Language class in the Strait Area.
Through the Teach Immigrants English (TIE) Program, we are hoping to be able to provide an English class to students within a driving distance of Port Hawkesbury.
If you think this class would be beneficial or if you know someone in the Inverness and Richmond area that may like to attend please contact me by responding to this email so I can add you to the list.
If I have enough students by the third week in September, we should be able to provide this service to you.
If you are a Permanent Resident this program would be free of charge, if you are here in Canada on a permit it may be possible for you to attend for a small fee for instruction.
Finally, if I do not have enough for a class, it is possible to provide individual language instruction in your home.
If you would like additional information on what the program is about, you can contact the instructor Patricia Cloutier at 902-387-2639 or 902-533-4252.
I hope to hear back from you soon
Best wishes,
Tanya
Tanya Felix
Regional Immigration Navigator
Strait Highlands Regional Development Agency
Nova Scotia- Canada
Ph:902-625-3929 ex 6
Fax:902-625-1559
Email:tanya.felix@immigrationnavigator.ns.ca
Guysborough Co RDA (Community Identified)
Antigonish RDA (Community Identified)
Strait Highlands RDA (Community Identified/ Settlement)
Hello everyone,
I hope you all enjoyed your summer!
I am contacting everyone to see if they are interested in participating in an English Second Language class in the Strait Area.
Through the Teach Immigrants English (TIE) Program, we are hoping to be able to provide an English class to students within a driving distance of Port Hawkesbury.
If you think this class would be beneficial or if you know someone in the Inverness and Richmond area that may like to attend please contact me by responding to this email so I can add you to the list.
If I have enough students by the third week in September, we should be able to provide this service to you.
If you are a Permanent Resident this program would be free of charge, if you are here in Canada on a permit it may be possible for you to attend for a small fee for instruction.
Finally, if I do not have enough for a class, it is possible to provide individual language instruction in your home.
If you would like additional information on what the program is about, you can contact the instructor Patricia Cloutier at 902-387-2639 or 902-533-4252.
I hope to hear back from you soon
Best wishes,
Tanya
Tanya Felix
Regional Immigration Navigator
Strait Highlands Regional Development Agency
Nova Scotia- Canada
Ph:902-625-3929 ex 6
Fax:902-625-1559
Email:tanya.felix@immigrationnavigator.ns.ca
Guysborough Co RDA (Community Identified)
Antigonish RDA (Community Identified)
Strait Highlands RDA (Community Identified/ Settlement)
09/11/2009
Needed: Apartments and House Rentals
Tags: Life
There is a need for a variety of house and apartment rentals in this area. Please let me know if you have or know of any places that are available, short or long-term. Many thanks!
There is a need for a variety of house and apartment rentals in this area. Please let me know if you have or know of any places that are available, short or long-term. Many thanks!
09/11/2009
5 Reasons to Befriend Your Local Beekeeper
Tags: Nature Food & Health News
September is National Honey Month, which means that there's more of an excuse than ever to find something to spread it on. But to fully appreciate honey, it helps to know about all that honey and honeybees contribute to your daily diet.
Honeybees are responsible for $15 billion in added crop value to large farms, and Albert Einstein once quipped that one out of every three bites an American takes is pollinated by honeybees—which is why colony collapse disorder is so distressing. Scientists still don't know what's causing the ailment, which first struck in 2006 and killed up to 90 percent of some beekeepers' hives. But small-scale organic beekeeping operations didn't see the same drastic declines in bee populations, and haven't reported as many collapses as large-scale commercial beekeepers have. So when the dust settles, the disorder may leave us with nothing but locally produced honey.
Here are five more reasons you should support local organic beekeepers:
#1: They take a hands-on approach. Commercial beekeepers use antibiotics on their hives to combat a bacterial disease called American foul brood, says Ross Conrad, author of Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture (Chelsea Green, 2007). "It's a very deadly, very contagious disease," he says, that can spread quickly to other hives as bees in those hives eat honey from the affected hive. But, while antibiotics are good a wiping it out, they also kill the "good" bacteria that bees need. "Bees are like humans," Conrad says. "They need beneficial bacteria to help their digestive processes, and they also need it to process pollen, which provides nutrients and protein." Some tests have found traces of antibiotics in honey imported from abroad, so buy honey from local beekeepers who use mechanical methods, such as thoroughly cleaning out hives and removing infected honeycombs, rather than antibiotics, to kill diseases.
#2: Honey can heal. Honey is often touted as a cure-all for everything from burns (put raw honey on a burn as soon as possible to speed healing) to cuts and scrapes (honey's natural antiseptic properties allow it to work a bit like hydrogen peroxide). It's soothing for sore thoughts. And it may be good for your heart, too. Research by food scientists at the University of Illinois found that honey, especially dark honey, slowed the action of LDL "bad" cholesterol in test-tube studies. Buckwheat honey seemed to have the biggest effect. Honey is also full of health-protective antioxidants, though the clover honey that's ubiquitous in supermarkets has the least. Try buckwheat, sunflower, tupelo, and acacia types.
#3: They feed their bees well. "Bees collect honey all summer and store it away to eat all winter," says Conrad. "It adds back a lot of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that are found in the nectar from plants." In organic beekeeping, farmers are pretty responsible about leaving enough honey behind for the bees and harvesting just enough so bees don't get hungry. However, he says, if the bees don't produce enough, or if they eat up all their honey in the first few months of winter, beekeepers have to feed them something to keep them going. "Typically, an organic beekeeper feeds them organic sugar syrup," he says, but commercial and large-scale beekeeping operations may feed them corn syrup or even high-fructose corn syrup, which Conrad says contains sugars that are mildly toxic to bees. And a study just published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry proves him right. Those researchers found that that high-fructose corn syrup produces a toxic chemical that kills honeybees when it's heated, as it often is before it's fed to the bees.
#4: Honeybees are peacemakers. Reports of killer bees attacking and killing animals crop up every now and then, but those are Africanized bees, a hybrid specimen imported to South America in 1956 to breed with local bees to form a new breed better able withstand the temperature of the tropics. Their European counterparts that are used by American beekeepers, however, are pacifists that won't harm you unless under duress. As Conrad rights in his book, "Unless it feels threatened or is forced to defend itself or its hive, the bee is the only creature in the animal kingdom, that I am aware of, that does not kill or injure any other being as it goes through its regular lifecycle."
#5: Honey might improve your sex life. Apparently the word "honeymoon" was coined in ancient Europe as a reference to the practice of newlyweds using honeyed wine to build up their sexual stamina; honey is an easily digested, easily absorbed energy source. Herbalists have claimed that the bee pollen in raw honey is good for sexual performance; you can also buy bee pollen in pellet form. RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—
September is National Honey Month, which means that there's more of an excuse than ever to find something to spread it on. But to fully appreciate honey, it helps to know about all that honey and honeybees contribute to your daily diet.
Honeybees are responsible for $15 billion in added crop value to large farms, and Albert Einstein once quipped that one out of every three bites an American takes is pollinated by honeybees—which is why colony collapse disorder is so distressing. Scientists still don't know what's causing the ailment, which first struck in 2006 and killed up to 90 percent of some beekeepers' hives. But small-scale organic beekeeping operations didn't see the same drastic declines in bee populations, and haven't reported as many collapses as large-scale commercial beekeepers have. So when the dust settles, the disorder may leave us with nothing but locally produced honey.
Here are five more reasons you should support local organic beekeepers:
#1: They take a hands-on approach. Commercial beekeepers use antibiotics on their hives to combat a bacterial disease called American foul brood, says Ross Conrad, author of Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture (Chelsea Green, 2007). "It's a very deadly, very contagious disease," he says, that can spread quickly to other hives as bees in those hives eat honey from the affected hive. But, while antibiotics are good a wiping it out, they also kill the "good" bacteria that bees need. "Bees are like humans," Conrad says. "They need beneficial bacteria to help their digestive processes, and they also need it to process pollen, which provides nutrients and protein." Some tests have found traces of antibiotics in honey imported from abroad, so buy honey from local beekeepers who use mechanical methods, such as thoroughly cleaning out hives and removing infected honeycombs, rather than antibiotics, to kill diseases.
#2: Honey can heal. Honey is often touted as a cure-all for everything from burns (put raw honey on a burn as soon as possible to speed healing) to cuts and scrapes (honey's natural antiseptic properties allow it to work a bit like hydrogen peroxide). It's soothing for sore thoughts. And it may be good for your heart, too. Research by food scientists at the University of Illinois found that honey, especially dark honey, slowed the action of LDL "bad" cholesterol in test-tube studies. Buckwheat honey seemed to have the biggest effect. Honey is also full of health-protective antioxidants, though the clover honey that's ubiquitous in supermarkets has the least. Try buckwheat, sunflower, tupelo, and acacia types.
#3: They feed their bees well. "Bees collect honey all summer and store it away to eat all winter," says Conrad. "It adds back a lot of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that are found in the nectar from plants." In organic beekeeping, farmers are pretty responsible about leaving enough honey behind for the bees and harvesting just enough so bees don't get hungry. However, he says, if the bees don't produce enough, or if they eat up all their honey in the first few months of winter, beekeepers have to feed them something to keep them going. "Typically, an organic beekeeper feeds them organic sugar syrup," he says, but commercial and large-scale beekeeping operations may feed them corn syrup or even high-fructose corn syrup, which Conrad says contains sugars that are mildly toxic to bees. And a study just published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry proves him right. Those researchers found that that high-fructose corn syrup produces a toxic chemical that kills honeybees when it's heated, as it often is before it's fed to the bees.
#4: Honeybees are peacemakers. Reports of killer bees attacking and killing animals crop up every now and then, but those are Africanized bees, a hybrid specimen imported to South America in 1956 to breed with local bees to form a new breed better able withstand the temperature of the tropics. Their European counterparts that are used by American beekeepers, however, are pacifists that won't harm you unless under duress. As Conrad rights in his book, "Unless it feels threatened or is forced to defend itself or its hive, the bee is the only creature in the animal kingdom, that I am aware of, that does not kill or injure any other being as it goes through its regular lifecycle."
#5: Honey might improve your sex life. Apparently the word "honeymoon" was coined in ancient Europe as a reference to the practice of newlyweds using honeyed wine to build up their sexual stamina; honey is an easily digested, easily absorbed energy source. Herbalists have claimed that the bee pollen in raw honey is good for sexual performance; you can also buy bee pollen in pellet form. RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—
09/11/2009
Hummie Sightings
09/11/2009
Farmers Market Tomorrow & Sunday 2-4
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
I'll be in the office tomorrow 9 - noon, then to the garden to harvest what's up there and sell what's ready. Offerings will include beautifully handcrafted knitted and sewn items, turnips, squash, herbs and maybe flowers, depending on what's up there. Then off to see Berle and Art.
Tomorrow is looking rather full, I might go harvest later today instead. If only we had rain, there would be more coming from the garden.
See you at the lookoff!
I'll be in the office tomorrow 9 - noon, then to the garden to harvest what's up there and sell what's ready. Offerings will include beautifully handcrafted knitted and sewn items, turnips, squash, herbs and maybe flowers, depending on what's up there. Then off to see Berle and Art.
Tomorrow is looking rather full, I might go harvest later today instead. If only we had rain, there would be more coming from the garden.
See you at the lookoff!
09/10/2009
Berle and Art Robertson's Golden Wedding Anniversary Open House 2-5 Saturday, September 12, In Orangedale Station
Tags: Local News
You are cordially invited to join all of us in Orangedale Station to celebrate with Art and Berle upon the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. The event is being held from 2:00 to 5:00 Saturday, September 12.
In lieu of gifts, please bring a canned good to donate to the food bank in their honor.
You are cordially invited to join all of us in Orangedale Station to celebrate with Art and Berle upon the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. The event is being held from 2:00 to 5:00 Saturday, September 12.
In lieu of gifts, please bring a canned good to donate to the food bank in their honor.
09/10/2009
Susan Boyle will appear on the "America's Got Talent" finale on Sept. 16
Tags: Entertainment
You know I am a big Susan Boyle fan so I'm excited to see that she will be performing next Wednesday on America's Got Talent. She will be singing a Madonna song "You'll See" and here are the lyrics.
You think that I cant live without your love
Youll see,
You think I cant go on another day.
You think I have nothing
Without you by my side,
Youll see
Somehow, some way
You think that I can never laugh again
Youll see,
You think that you destroyed my faith in love.
You think after all youve done
Ill never find my way back home,
Youll see
Somehow, someday
Chorus:
All by myself
I dont need anyone at all
I know Ill survive
I know Ill stay alive,
All on my own
I dont need anyone this time
It will be mine
No one can take it from me
Youll see
You think that you are strong, but you are weak
Youll see,
It takes more strength to cry, admit defeat.
I have truth on my side,
You only have deceit
Youll see, somehow, someday
Chorus2:
All by myself
I dont need anyone at all
I know Ill survive
I know Ill stay alive,
Ill stand on my own
I wont need anyone this time
It will be mine
No one can take it from me
Youll see
Youll see, youll see
Youll see, mmmm, mmmm
You know I am a big Susan Boyle fan so I'm excited to see that she will be performing next Wednesday on America's Got Talent. She will be singing a Madonna song "You'll See" and here are the lyrics.
You think that I cant live without your love
Youll see,
You think I cant go on another day.
You think I have nothing
Without you by my side,
Youll see
Somehow, some way
You think that I can never laugh again
Youll see,
You think that you destroyed my faith in love.
You think after all youve done
Ill never find my way back home,
Youll see
Somehow, someday
Chorus:
All by myself
I dont need anyone at all
I know Ill survive
I know Ill stay alive,
All on my own
I dont need anyone this time
It will be mine
No one can take it from me
Youll see
You think that you are strong, but you are weak
Youll see,
It takes more strength to cry, admit defeat.
I have truth on my side,
You only have deceit
Youll see, somehow, someday
Chorus2:
All by myself
I dont need anyone at all
I know Ill survive
I know Ill stay alive,
Ill stand on my own
I wont need anyone this time
It will be mine
No one can take it from me
Youll see
Youll see, youll see
Youll see, mmmm, mmmm
09/09/2009
HAPPY 09/09/09 or Nine-Nine-OhNine!
09/09/2009
Too Dry
Tags: Gardening
No rain. The garden is dry. The plants aren't so dry that they are in danger of expiring but they won't produce much without enough water. The lettuce is still tiny and the root crops will grow exponentially once there's a good rain. I don't want to sell them so tiny but if the rain doesn't come we won't have much choice. There are a few tiny pumpkins coming along nicely. There was one marvelous Delicata squash but it seems to have disappeared. The animals know a good thing when they see it. The dill is heading up but the seeds have not yet matured. Basil is still growing slowly, maybe it would benefit from more organic matter in the soil in the way of manure, seaweed and compost. If you have manure, seaweed or compost to donate to the cause, let me know and I'll come get it.
No rain. The garden is dry. The plants aren't so dry that they are in danger of expiring but they won't produce much without enough water. The lettuce is still tiny and the root crops will grow exponentially once there's a good rain. I don't want to sell them so tiny but if the rain doesn't come we won't have much choice. There are a few tiny pumpkins coming along nicely. There was one marvelous Delicata squash but it seems to have disappeared. The animals know a good thing when they see it. The dill is heading up but the seeds have not yet matured. Basil is still growing slowly, maybe it would benefit from more organic matter in the soil in the way of manure, seaweed and compost. If you have manure, seaweed or compost to donate to the cause, let me know and I'll come get it.
09/08/2009
Supper: Potatoes.
09/08/2009
Today Is The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life
Tags: An American Proverb?
A new beginning starts every second one is breathing. With this awareness of inspiration and imagination filled with possibilities, you can feel positively buoyant. While you do not know what you will create the next second, you can examine all the potential opportunities that lay before you to determine what suits you best. When you choose to direct your energy toward the opportunities that are best for you, the universe supports you, while also contributing to the collective unconscious wisdom.
Today Is The First Day Of The Rest Of My Life - And I've screwed it up already. Another second, another breath, start over again.
A new beginning starts every second one is breathing. With this awareness of inspiration and imagination filled with possibilities, you can feel positively buoyant. While you do not know what you will create the next second, you can examine all the potential opportunities that lay before you to determine what suits you best. When you choose to direct your energy toward the opportunities that are best for you, the universe supports you, while also contributing to the collective unconscious wisdom.
Today Is The First Day Of The Rest Of My Life - And I've screwed it up already. Another second, another breath, start over again.
09/07/2009
The Hummingbirds Have Departed
Tags: Birds
The hummingbirds have become scarce at the feeders. There is no more bickering outdside the windows. Only the occasional, transient female hummie shows up to fuel at the feeders, no doubt en route to Brazil from points farther away. It's Labor Day weekend and the diminutive birdies are right on schedule. They are hard-wired to migrate and no amount of fresh nectar will hold them here. Come Mother's Day we'll hang the feeders once again.
The hummingbirds have become scarce at the feeders. There is no more bickering outdside the windows. Only the occasional, transient female hummie shows up to fuel at the feeders, no doubt en route to Brazil from points farther away. It's Labor Day weekend and the diminutive birdies are right on schedule. They are hard-wired to migrate and no amount of fresh nectar will hold them here. Come Mother's Day we'll hang the feeders once again.
09/07/2009
Boy, Am I Ever Glad I Moved To Canada! Half of American Citizens Are Either Nuts Or Numb Stupid
Tags: Quality Of Life In The U.S.A.
President Barack Obama is planning an address to the children tomorrow. I think it's a great idea from two involved, caring parents. The speech will be a call to the children to stay in school, do well and succeed. There will be no politics in it but a huge, irrational, uninformed faction is making it political. For some crazy reason, half the country is calling it brainwashing or some other nonsense. As I recall, the Bushes did this kind of thing on both a large and a small scale but it did not raise the hackles of this noisy faction that is so irate now.
I, for one, intend to catch this speech. My daughter worked in the schools in Snohomish, WA, and is now working in a school in CO and she tells horror stories of incompetent teachers, school programs and parents. Too many children have no guidance or bad guidance on every level. If Barack and Michelle Obama can effect an improvement of life for these children, I say the Obama's should go for it. The children and the country need it.
The US needs to do something to change the quantity of undereducated and willfully ignorant people in the country. After all, these people all vote so why not teach them to vote intelligently, starting with informed, engaged children?
President Barack Obama is planning an address to the children tomorrow. I think it's a great idea from two involved, caring parents. The speech will be a call to the children to stay in school, do well and succeed. There will be no politics in it but a huge, irrational, uninformed faction is making it political. For some crazy reason, half the country is calling it brainwashing or some other nonsense. As I recall, the Bushes did this kind of thing on both a large and a small scale but it did not raise the hackles of this noisy faction that is so irate now.
I, for one, intend to catch this speech. My daughter worked in the schools in Snohomish, WA, and is now working in a school in CO and she tells horror stories of incompetent teachers, school programs and parents. Too many children have no guidance or bad guidance on every level. If Barack and Michelle Obama can effect an improvement of life for these children, I say the Obama's should go for it. The children and the country need it.
The US needs to do something to change the quantity of undereducated and willfully ignorant people in the country. After all, these people all vote so why not teach them to vote intelligently, starting with informed, engaged children?
09/06/2009
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
It has been one of the loveliest Labor Day Weekends ever. The weather has been glorious and the only rain we've gotten so far was early this morning. You can't ask for better than that.
Over the last 2 days I spent half the afternoons at the lookoff. If you want to meet people, that's the place. I have seen early everyone I know there! Some of them twice!!
The moon that was full last night is still quite bright. Who has the equipment to set up horshoes? Wouldn't it be great to go to the lookoff and play horseshoes after supper, while the moon is still bright and the weather is pleasant? Got beer?
It has been one of the loveliest Labor Day Weekends ever. The weather has been glorious and the only rain we've gotten so far was early this morning. You can't ask for better than that.
Over the last 2 days I spent half the afternoons at the lookoff. If you want to meet people, that's the place. I have seen early everyone I know there! Some of them twice!!
The moon that was full last night is still quite bright. Who has the equipment to set up horshoes? Wouldn't it be great to go to the lookoff and play horseshoes after supper, while the moon is still bright and the weather is pleasant? Got beer?
09/05/2009
Marble Mountain Farmer's Market This Weekend - Saturday & Sunday 2-4 At The Lookoff
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
This week's offerings: fresh eggs, herbs, flowers, turnip, squash and whatever else I can find up at the garden. Also, hand-made knitted and sewn items.
If you have anything to sell, come join me there. Competition is encouraged. It's a nice place for a visit and you never now who will show up besides me. I hope you can make it.
This week's offerings: fresh eggs, herbs, flowers, turnip, squash and whatever else I can find up at the garden. Also, hand-made knitted and sewn items.
If you have anything to sell, come join me there. Competition is encouraged. It's a nice place for a visit and you never now who will show up besides me. I hope you can make it.
09/04/2009
Tomorrow Night's Chilly Forecast
Tags: Chill Alert!
Warning: If you have basil growing outside, you might want to bring it in before tomorrow night. The temperature is forecast to dip to some of the chilliest temperatures in months and you know what that means - miserable basil with black leaves. You know where you'll be able to find me tomorrow afternoon, after 4:00, I'll be on my hands and knees in the garden, wielding a trowel.
The Farmer's Market will be 2-4 tomorrow and Sunday. Offerings: squash, herbs, flowers. Do come and visit or bring goods to sell. I welcome the competition and the company. Hopefully there won't be smokers out there to despoil the atmosphere.
Warning: If you have basil growing outside, you might want to bring it in before tomorrow night. The temperature is forecast to dip to some of the chilliest temperatures in months and you know what that means - miserable basil with black leaves. You know where you'll be able to find me tomorrow afternoon, after 4:00, I'll be on my hands and knees in the garden, wielding a trowel.
The Farmer's Market will be 2-4 tomorrow and Sunday. Offerings: squash, herbs, flowers. Do come and visit or bring goods to sell. I welcome the competition and the company. Hopefully there won't be smokers out there to despoil the atmosphere.
09/04/2009
Is Your Well Water Every Funky?
Tags: Home & Health News
A story was recently told to me, by a person who prefers to remain anonymous, about water from the spigot that smelled bad. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the source of the nasty well odor was the carcasses of 2 squirrels. Oh yuck and gack and euwww.
Moral of the story: If your water evers gets a questionable odor, look in the well first.
A story was recently told to me, by a person who prefers to remain anonymous, about water from the spigot that smelled bad. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the source of the nasty well odor was the carcasses of 2 squirrels. Oh yuck and gack and euwww.
Moral of the story: If your water evers gets a questionable odor, look in the well first.
09/04/2009
Last Night's Brainstorming Meeting For The New Hall
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
Jeff called a meeting to see if any new ideas could be brought out for the new hall. He called it his Dream And Vision Session. I wasn't there so this info is second hand.
Attendance was good and there were some new faces that hadn't shown up at previous similar meetings, which is encouraging. I don't know what new ideas came up but it was mentioned by Russell that the hall shouldn't be designed to be used by outsiders, that we should design it only to use it as we've been using the old hall. How that affects the design as we've done it so far isn't clear. What would be removed or changed with that concept in mind? Isn't part of the goal of having a new hall so that we can use it in ways we can't use the old hall? I'm afraid I find this confusing. So if we aren't going to do anything we aren't already doing, then why build a new hall, other than that those of us who get sick from exposure to the old hall would be able to attend games night year round? So that means a new hall would be built only to accommodate those of us with sensitive lungs? We are honored and pleased!
Jeff said he will have an architect draw up a design. Whether he will show the architect the existing design wasn't mentioned to me. I think it would be helpful for the architect to see our drawing for the new hall if only because it sheds light on our needs and uses for the new hall.
Please let me know of any additional details pertaining to last night's meeting and I will post the info here.
Jeff called a meeting to see if any new ideas could be brought out for the new hall. He called it his Dream And Vision Session. I wasn't there so this info is second hand.
Attendance was good and there were some new faces that hadn't shown up at previous similar meetings, which is encouraging. I don't know what new ideas came up but it was mentioned by Russell that the hall shouldn't be designed to be used by outsiders, that we should design it only to use it as we've been using the old hall. How that affects the design as we've done it so far isn't clear. What would be removed or changed with that concept in mind? Isn't part of the goal of having a new hall so that we can use it in ways we can't use the old hall? I'm afraid I find this confusing. So if we aren't going to do anything we aren't already doing, then why build a new hall, other than that those of us who get sick from exposure to the old hall would be able to attend games night year round? So that means a new hall would be built only to accommodate those of us with sensitive lungs? We are honored and pleased!
Jeff said he will have an architect draw up a design. Whether he will show the architect the existing design wasn't mentioned to me. I think it would be helpful for the architect to see our drawing for the new hall if only because it sheds light on our needs and uses for the new hall.
Please let me know of any additional details pertaining to last night's meeting and I will post the info here.
09/03/2009
We Need Recycled CD Covers
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
Another item needed for our weekly crafting session in Orangedale is cd covers. Most of use have some laying around that we never did get around to tossing in the recycle bin. Instead of throwing them out, please recycle them for the Orangedale UCW Tea And Sale. If you have any to donate, please let us know. We'll be happy to come pick them up. Thank you!
Another item needed for our weekly crafting session in Orangedale is cd covers. Most of use have some laying around that we never did get around to tossing in the recycle bin. Instead of throwing them out, please recycle them for the Orangedale UCW Tea And Sale. If you have any to donate, please let us know. We'll be happy to come pick them up. Thank you!
09/03/2009
We Need Pine Cones
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
As in past years, a group of us will be getting together weekly in Orangedale throughout fall to craft items for the Orangedale UCW Tea and Sale that's always held in late November. One of the crafts requires an abundance of pine cones, any kind will do. If you have any to donate, please let us know. We'll be happy to come pick them up. Thank you!
As in past years, a group of us will be getting together weekly in Orangedale throughout fall to craft items for the Orangedale UCW Tea and Sale that's always held in late November. One of the crafts requires an abundance of pine cones, any kind will do. If you have any to donate, please let us know. We'll be happy to come pick them up. Thank you!
09/03/2009
The Ladies Who Garden Monthly Meeting
Tags: Gardening
We met for supper at the Bayside Restaurant (it's open until 8:00 p.m. daily) and filled two long tables. Everyone was happy with their food. Following our meal, we grabbed our chairs and went next door into the now-empty greenhouse, where we met Marilyn.
Marilyn proceeded to explain to us the seasons of gardening and what should be planted when. She asked us our favorite plants and we are a good group for consensus because there wasn't much variety in our answers. She then opened the floor to questions, of which there were many. Regarding my heart's desire of having a hellebore, she said they aren't sold here because the climate is too marginal for them. I still think they'll survive in MM, if not in Whycocomagh.
Marilyn has placed an order for fall materials to sell at the garden center and she expects the plants to arrive approximately September 21, you know how that goes. This is the first time she is doing a fall offering so please support her if you like what she is doing.
In the realm of gardening, fall planting is best for quite a few perennial plants. I've been busy digging up mine, splitting them and giving them to friends so let me know if you want some.
Marilyn is also planning to do a Christmas offering for decorating our homes in & out over the holiday season.
Look for her on Facebook, where she will be setting up a site for her greenhouse store.
All in all, Marilyn did a fabulous presentation and we all learned something from it. She is tremendously knowledgeable.
We must have been enjoying ourselves because the sun went down on us and we got home after 9:00 p.m.
We met for supper at the Bayside Restaurant (it's open until 8:00 p.m. daily) and filled two long tables. Everyone was happy with their food. Following our meal, we grabbed our chairs and went next door into the now-empty greenhouse, where we met Marilyn.
Marilyn proceeded to explain to us the seasons of gardening and what should be planted when. She asked us our favorite plants and we are a good group for consensus because there wasn't much variety in our answers. She then opened the floor to questions, of which there were many. Regarding my heart's desire of having a hellebore, she said they aren't sold here because the climate is too marginal for them. I still think they'll survive in MM, if not in Whycocomagh.
Marilyn has placed an order for fall materials to sell at the garden center and she expects the plants to arrive approximately September 21, you know how that goes. This is the first time she is doing a fall offering so please support her if you like what she is doing.
In the realm of gardening, fall planting is best for quite a few perennial plants. I've been busy digging up mine, splitting them and giving them to friends so let me know if you want some.
Marilyn is also planning to do a Christmas offering for decorating our homes in & out over the holiday season.
Look for her on Facebook, where she will be setting up a site for her greenhouse store.
All in all, Marilyn did a fabulous presentation and we all learned something from it. She is tremendously knowledgeable.
We must have been enjoying ourselves because the sun went down on us and we got home after 9:00 p.m.
09/02/2009
The Animals Of North Mountain
Tags: Life on Marble Mountain
From Man-on-the-Mountain: Golden eagle sighted several times in the last week in the MM area.
From Hughie: Fishermen who stay at the old place saw moose tracks up on the mountain yesterday…it is a cow and calf … I suppose it is the same family Martin & Gabi saw near Kenneth’s a few months ago.
From The Kernel: Flyn willingly got back in the car this afternoon after his visit to the garden. I parked at the bottom, walked up to the garden, then back down. Instead of jumping back into the car, Flyn & Lily took off across the road and down to the water for a swim. After their dip he was much more enthusiastic about jumping into he car. I guess he was on strike until he got his swim. Did I ever mention that Border Collies can be opinionated?
From Man-on-the-Mountain: Golden eagle sighted several times in the last week in the MM area.
From Hughie: Fishermen who stay at the old place saw moose tracks up on the mountain yesterday…it is a cow and calf … I suppose it is the same family Martin & Gabi saw near Kenneth’s a few months ago.
From The Kernel: Flyn willingly got back in the car this afternoon after his visit to the garden. I parked at the bottom, walked up to the garden, then back down. Instead of jumping back into the car, Flyn & Lily took off across the road and down to the water for a swim. After their dip he was much more enthusiastic about jumping into he car. I guess he was on strike until he got his swim. Did I ever mention that Border Collies can be opinionated?
09/01/2009
Seemed Like A Good Idea... There Goes The Basil, Too
Tags: Gardening Alert!
We finally started letting our hens be genuinely free range during the day. The border collies look after them so we still have 10 hens at the end of the day and Flyn helps round them up and herds them into their coop each evening. It all sounds idyllic, right?
Those hens have pecked holes in my ripe tomatoes, uprooted the basil and uncovered the new potatoes. They have also eaten the lettuce, they love greens, but that's ok, it has gone bitter from the heat. Sigh. The hens have even managed to get around the fencing we put up. They really do lay good eggs.
We finally started letting our hens be genuinely free range during the day. The border collies look after them so we still have 10 hens at the end of the day and Flyn helps round them up and herds them into their coop each evening. It all sounds idyllic, right?
Those hens have pecked holes in my ripe tomatoes, uprooted the basil and uncovered the new potatoes. They have also eaten the lettuce, they love greens, but that's ok, it has gone bitter from the heat. Sigh. The hens have even managed to get around the fencing we put up. They really do lay good eggs.
09/01/2009
The Recalcitrant Border Collie
Tags: Border Collies
Yesterday, late afternoon, I decided to take advantage of the windy weather and went up the hill to weed. The wind tends to keep the biting insects away. As usual, I took the dogs with me. When I decided it was time to go home, I put Lily in the car, then I tried to get Flyn in. No way. He absolutely, stubbornly refused to get in the back of the car. I thought maybe he was having trouble jumping, now that he's 8 and somewhat gimpy, so I opened the car door to let him ride on the seat instead. Still no go. I walked that dog down the hill to the road and back up. Then I got in the car and drove down to the road, with him trailing slowly behind. At the bottom, Flyn started to walk across the street, presumably in search of a swim, but I called him back. Eventually he got in the car but he was still reluctant. Then again, maybe he heard people and wanted to visit. He is a social animal.
Yesterday, late afternoon, I decided to take advantage of the windy weather and went up the hill to weed. The wind tends to keep the biting insects away. As usual, I took the dogs with me. When I decided it was time to go home, I put Lily in the car, then I tried to get Flyn in. No way. He absolutely, stubbornly refused to get in the back of the car. I thought maybe he was having trouble jumping, now that he's 8 and somewhat gimpy, so I opened the car door to let him ride on the seat instead. Still no go. I walked that dog down the hill to the road and back up. Then I got in the car and drove down to the road, with him trailing slowly behind. At the bottom, Flyn started to walk across the street, presumably in search of a swim, but I called him back. Eventually he got in the car but he was still reluctant. Then again, maybe he heard people and wanted to visit. He is a social animal.
09/01/2009
Health Care Accessibility US v. Canada
Tags: Quality Of Life In The U.S.A.
".. health care is not a privilege, reserved for those who can afford it, but a right that should be available to all."... "... (the) test of our character that matters is how we look after the least fortunate among us. How we look after each other, not how we look after ourselves," from this morning's WP.
Jack Bauer's Health-Care Reform
Would Rush Limbaugh support Canadian-style, government-run universal health care, if he knew Jack Bauer thought it was "damn well worth fighting for'? Of if he knew that the man who brought universal health care to Canada was Bauer's (a.k.a. Kiefer Sutherland's) grandfather, Tommy Douglas, a Baptist minister who was voted "The Greatest Canadian" in 2004?
Probably not, but it's an interesting side note to the current U.S. health-care reform discussion/debate/Jerry Springer show, especially now that the Canadian Council of Churches has joined the fray.
"Medical needs are too fundamental to be responded to solely on the basis of market forces and for reasons of profit," Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, the CCC's general secretary, wrote in a letter this week to three organizations that represent most major denominations and churches in the U.S -- the U.S. National Council of Churches, the National Evangelical Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Hamilton said the CCC isn't trying to interfere with U.S. policymaking; it's merely offering it's considerable perspective and experience on the issue from a nation that decided in the 1960s to provide 'Medicare' to all its citizens -- with strong support from the Church.
"Before 1966," Hamilton wrote, "Canada had a health care system that failed to provide over 30% of the population with medical insurance. This created enormous human suffering and ethical problems for those who believed with Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:26, 'If one member suffers, all suffer together with it . . .' With varying degrees of fervour, Canadian churches publicly began to advocate for the establishment of Medicare. Canadian churches wanted health care for all."
U.S. churches seem to want health care for all, but the Christian consensus seems to end there. Who gets what, who pays for what, who is entitled to what -- as your pastor will tell you, the devil is in the deails -- in this case, the widely (and loudly) disputed details of President Obama's proposals for health-care reform, especially as they relate to abortions and end-of-life decisions as well as the degree of government involvement in general.
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: As The New York Times reported Friday, a growing number of Catholic bishops are speaking out forcefully against some details in Obama's proposals, despite the fact that conference itself "has been lobbying for decades for the federal government to provide universal health insurance, especially for the poor."
Bishop R. Walker Nickless of Sioux City, Iowa, expressed the misgivings of his fellow bishops in a recent pastoral letter: "The Church will not accept any legislation that mandates coverage, public or private, for abortion, euthanasia, or embryonic stem-cell research . . . No health care reform is better than the wrong sort of health care reform."
The National Association of Evangelicals: The NAE is just as concerned as Catholic bishops about health-care reform's impact on abortion and end-of-life issues. "Abortion is not health care. Any health care plan which inc1udes coverage for elective abortion should be rejected," the NEA declared in its Aug. 19 statement. But the NEA is equally concerned about government involvement: "We also call on the President and members of Congress to diligently seek to make health care accessible to all . . . to establish health care provisions that will maximize the creativity of the private sector while minimizing governmental control."
The National Council of Churches: The more liberal side of the Church doesn't seem to be sweating the details at all. In fact, it's Aug. 14 letter urging members to support health-care reform doens't mention abortion, end-of-life counseling, or any other legislative details.
"Christians believe that all human beings are infinitely valued children of God, created in God's image. Adequate health care, therefore, is a matter of preserving what our gracious God has made," NCC officials wrote. "People of faith recognize that health care is not a privilege, reserved for those who can afford it, but a right that should be available to all."
Tommy Douglas would agree with that. "We are all in this world together and the only test of our character that matters is how we look after the least fortunate among us. How we look after each other, not how we look after ourselves," he once said.
If the American followers of Jesus can't agree on how we are to look after each other, what chance to the followers of Limbaugh or Obama have of reaching an agreement?
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2009/08/jack_bauers_health-care_reform.html
".. health care is not a privilege, reserved for those who can afford it, but a right that should be available to all."... "... (the) test of our character that matters is how we look after the least fortunate among us. How we look after each other, not how we look after ourselves," from this morning's WP.
Jack Bauer's Health-Care Reform
Would Rush Limbaugh support Canadian-style, government-run universal health care, if he knew Jack Bauer thought it was "damn well worth fighting for'? Of if he knew that the man who brought universal health care to Canada was Bauer's (a.k.a. Kiefer Sutherland's) grandfather, Tommy Douglas, a Baptist minister who was voted "The Greatest Canadian" in 2004?
Probably not, but it's an interesting side note to the current U.S. health-care reform discussion/debate/Jerry Springer show, especially now that the Canadian Council of Churches has joined the fray.
"Medical needs are too fundamental to be responded to solely on the basis of market forces and for reasons of profit," Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, the CCC's general secretary, wrote in a letter this week to three organizations that represent most major denominations and churches in the U.S -- the U.S. National Council of Churches, the National Evangelical Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Hamilton said the CCC isn't trying to interfere with U.S. policymaking; it's merely offering it's considerable perspective and experience on the issue from a nation that decided in the 1960s to provide 'Medicare' to all its citizens -- with strong support from the Church.
"Before 1966," Hamilton wrote, "Canada had a health care system that failed to provide over 30% of the population with medical insurance. This created enormous human suffering and ethical problems for those who believed with Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:26, 'If one member suffers, all suffer together with it . . .' With varying degrees of fervour, Canadian churches publicly began to advocate for the establishment of Medicare. Canadian churches wanted health care for all."
U.S. churches seem to want health care for all, but the Christian consensus seems to end there. Who gets what, who pays for what, who is entitled to what -- as your pastor will tell you, the devil is in the deails -- in this case, the widely (and loudly) disputed details of President Obama's proposals for health-care reform, especially as they relate to abortions and end-of-life decisions as well as the degree of government involvement in general.
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: As The New York Times reported Friday, a growing number of Catholic bishops are speaking out forcefully against some details in Obama's proposals, despite the fact that conference itself "has been lobbying for decades for the federal government to provide universal health insurance, especially for the poor."
Bishop R. Walker Nickless of Sioux City, Iowa, expressed the misgivings of his fellow bishops in a recent pastoral letter: "The Church will not accept any legislation that mandates coverage, public or private, for abortion, euthanasia, or embryonic stem-cell research . . . No health care reform is better than the wrong sort of health care reform."
The National Association of Evangelicals: The NAE is just as concerned as Catholic bishops about health-care reform's impact on abortion and end-of-life issues. "Abortion is not health care. Any health care plan which inc1udes coverage for elective abortion should be rejected," the NEA declared in its Aug. 19 statement. But the NEA is equally concerned about government involvement: "We also call on the President and members of Congress to diligently seek to make health care accessible to all . . . to establish health care provisions that will maximize the creativity of the private sector while minimizing governmental control."
The National Council of Churches: The more liberal side of the Church doesn't seem to be sweating the details at all. In fact, it's Aug. 14 letter urging members to support health-care reform doens't mention abortion, end-of-life counseling, or any other legislative details.
"Christians believe that all human beings are infinitely valued children of God, created in God's image. Adequate health care, therefore, is a matter of preserving what our gracious God has made," NCC officials wrote. "People of faith recognize that health care is not a privilege, reserved for those who can afford it, but a right that should be available to all."
Tommy Douglas would agree with that. "We are all in this world together and the only test of our character that matters is how we look after the least fortunate among us. How we look after each other, not how we look after ourselves," he once said.
If the American followers of Jesus can't agree on how we are to look after each other, what chance to the followers of Limbaugh or Obama have of reaching an agreement?
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2009/08/jack_bauers_health-care_reform.html