This political correctness thing is going a little too far don’t ya think?
Santa can’t say ho ho ho? What the ----. Ha ha ha could be construed as a Santa with a stutter trying to say Ha Ha Happy Hanukkah, that’s not politically correct, or religiously correct either.
Have a Happy Safe new Year folks.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Ramblings of a frozen mind.
There are a number of things that come to mind that could be worse than our frozen situation, much worse.
Why the western leadership keep getting away with this mindless no win effort to bring democracy to these places never ceases to amaze me. Well OK I do know, but that still does not make it right.
Pull out and let em have at it, like we do in places where there are no strategic importances.
Then we could be in for yet another snow storm [one would be nice], about the 6th this season I think.
Added to that the poor buggers in St. John’s have added burdens on the already overstretched decision making part of their brains.
Then there is this pore sod having his tranquil retirement disrupted by the unwashed masses who really only want to get wet and breath some fresh air for a short time, but I know where he is coming from, I have been one of unwashed myself.
Yep, things could be much worse than the just above -30 temperatures and clear sky’s we are experiencing. We are thankful that it is calm for sure, not so sure about the medium range forecast of more of the same.
Sure be nice to have snow up the ying yang.
Why the western leadership keep getting away with this mindless no win effort to bring democracy to these places never ceases to amaze me. Well OK I do know, but that still does not make it right.
Pull out and let em have at it, like we do in places where there are no strategic importances.
Then we could be in for yet another snow storm [one would be nice], about the 6th this season I think.
Added to that the poor buggers in St. John’s have added burdens on the already overstretched decision making part of their brains.
Then there is this pore sod having his tranquil retirement disrupted by the unwashed masses who really only want to get wet and breath some fresh air for a short time, but I know where he is coming from, I have been one of unwashed myself.
Yep, things could be much worse than the just above -30 temperatures and clear sky’s we are experiencing. We are thankful that it is calm for sure, not so sure about the medium range forecast of more of the same.
Sure be nice to have snow up the ying yang.
The brooks do not have much snow on them at moment, ice is starting to ‘core’ in many places, I noticed the dam is starting to ‘core’ as well.
These conditions remind me of what happened back some 15 years or so. It was just like this, not much snow on the ground, very low temperatures for an extended time. The springs along the back of the community started to ‘core’ [water flowing on surface and freezing]. We had several large ice walls along our road; our house was threatened by a mini glacier. It had to be constantly watched, and at least once a week we had to dig trenches in the ice to divert the water.
Worse was the community dam almost froze solid, that was something. Thanks to many volunteers and the town council workers a minimum amount of water was always in the dam, water restrictions applied, but the town got through it.
For the uninitiated; Crews had to cut holes in the ice of a pond at a higher elevation to the dam. Pumps were manned 24 hours a day; the water was pumped into a brook that ran down into the dam.
At the dam a huge hole was dug down through the ice down to the water level, this was almost to the bottom. The water coming in from above tended to ‘core’, especially at night, so other volunteers dug trenches to keep the water flowing into the hole. From memory the hole in the ice had to be dug several times as the water level dropped.
Eventually the temperatures rose and we had some snow fall.
The town’s infrastructure has improved since then. We have gabion walls and trenches along a good part of the town to divert the ground water. There is a series of pumps, valves and pipe underground from the same pond that runs down into the dam, this should be able to fill the dam when it gets low, unless the pond freezes, but lets not think like that eh?.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
From the archives.
Myself with wooden boat. Top right; Fran and her brother Boas. It was scanned from a Moravian Church post card titled; "two smiling Inuit children.
Lower right; is my father, nice curls eh?
Lower right; is my father, nice curls eh?
Then there is one of my sister Vicki and myself, taken on Cod Island- Mugford Tickle, August 1978.
May she rest in peace.
Another one down.
Well that was a pleasant two days of gormandizing, quphing and recovery.
There were nine of us for Christmas dinner; it went off without any hitches, nicely cooked roast turkey and potatoes, ham, other vegetables cooked in salt beef, stuffing.
Washed it down with pop for the kids and red and white from South Eastern Australia for us.
I had as a gift some stem less crystal wine glasses, nice feel to them, less likely to be knocked over, not that I would knock them over.
After some banter we had choice of four deserts, some sampled all, I chose just the plum pudding from down under, man oh man it was good.
The last guest left about 11.30pm, so it was a long day for me.
I’m sort of glad we still have the more traditional relaxing Boxing Day rather than the modern. On the one hand it would be nice to have access to all those bargains; on the other hand I feel we are not the losers. It was very quite around town all day and night, except for one or two dysfunctionals who speed around on their snowmobiles.
We took a walk down to see the grandkids presents, had to try out all the shooting games Matthew was given. The video paint ball, the more traditional duck shooting game. The marshmallow gun caused most of the havoc, good thing it can only shoot one marshmallow at a time before you have to pump it up.
Later Matthew, Grandma, Siutik and I took a walk up back, cold wind chills on the way out; helps eat up all those calories, but it was refreshing and peaceful.
While down looking at the grandkids presents [ GD had an expensive pair of flying glasses] I noticed GD looking up the weather, quite a bit different to what we are used to. I asked GD what that all meant, she rambled it off no trouble. The only thing I understood was ceiling and Zulu, she must be looking at going to Africa.
It was a freaking cold windy night and early morning, winds to 68 and chills down to -38. Not much relief in the forecast with all those yellow balls, we need snow, and soon, get it.
There were nine of us for Christmas dinner; it went off without any hitches, nicely cooked roast turkey and potatoes, ham, other vegetables cooked in salt beef, stuffing.
Washed it down with pop for the kids and red and white from South Eastern Australia for us.
I had as a gift some stem less crystal wine glasses, nice feel to them, less likely to be knocked over, not that I would knock them over.
After some banter we had choice of four deserts, some sampled all, I chose just the plum pudding from down under, man oh man it was good.
The last guest left about 11.30pm, so it was a long day for me.
I’m sort of glad we still have the more traditional relaxing Boxing Day rather than the modern. On the one hand it would be nice to have access to all those bargains; on the other hand I feel we are not the losers. It was very quite around town all day and night, except for one or two dysfunctionals who speed around on their snowmobiles.
We took a walk down to see the grandkids presents, had to try out all the shooting games Matthew was given. The video paint ball, the more traditional duck shooting game. The marshmallow gun caused most of the havoc, good thing it can only shoot one marshmallow at a time before you have to pump it up.
Later Matthew, Grandma, Siutik and I took a walk up back, cold wind chills on the way out; helps eat up all those calories, but it was refreshing and peaceful.
While down looking at the grandkids presents [ GD had an expensive pair of flying glasses] I noticed GD looking up the weather, quite a bit different to what we are used to. I asked GD what that all meant, she rambled it off no trouble. The only thing I understood was ceiling and Zulu, she must be looking at going to Africa.
It was a freaking cold windy night and early morning, winds to 68 and chills down to -38. Not much relief in the forecast with all those yellow balls, we need snow, and soon, get it.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Ho Ho
HO.
So here we are again. Nice and peaceful in the early morn, always maintain it’s the best time of day, Christmas or any other, but that Moravian Star adds something to the front porch IMO.Fran always has fun filling stockings, does it three times in the Moravian tradition, not that we go to church that much, just what she grew up with.
Also a tradition is; after the Christmas Eve church service you go home and open one present. In the absence of going to church you can listen to the Nain service on CKOK radio.
Fran was doing the eny meny miny moa thing as to what present to open, I gave some hints it should be one from me.
I took a gamble and opened on from Fran, low n behold, it was what I have been hinting at for several years, a new large non stick roasting pan with handles and a large pull out rack.
On opening hers Fran was taken-a-back; two framed photographs of her 40th nursing reunion gathering held this past July. And here she was thinking that I was ignoring all her hints at
printing some of the pictures off, ha ha got ya.
Update; the tranquility is ended, time for the quality time to begin.
Monday, December 24, 2007
1 more sleeps.
Thought it time I updated the pole.
So last night I wandered down and took three different angle shots, plus one from the bottom of the pole/tree.Please excuse the quality of the pictures, I did not have a tripod with me, and I did have 1 1/2 martinis in me.
I did have the smarts to turn off the flash mode, no easy task in the dark.
It be dipped down to -20 this morning, no sign of the promised flurries either.
While out last night I thought I spotted signs of the northern lights, on reflection I'm not sure, more like scattered clouds playing with the moon.
I had some dough over from bread making so for supper I rolled out two thin crusts [12 grain] and added some left over meats and stuff, I always have to separate pizza toppings, Fran does not like anchovies and olives. I used the cranberry relish I made up the other day for a base on these
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Couple of birds captured out the back hedge a few weeks ago.
Alas it was not our hedge; it was a fiends [GB] hedge down in South Burlington Vt.
We do have some pine grosbeaks hanging around, plus the usual gray gays, some sparrows and the ravens. Not spotted or heard of any unusual species as yet, still time though.
So I’m just filling in time waiting for the bread dough to proof, then I may make some more sweet stuff for Christmas, or go for a walk out on the harbor.
We do have some pine grosbeaks hanging around, plus the usual gray gays, some sparrows and the ravens. Not spotted or heard of any unusual species as yet, still time though.
So I’m just filling in time waiting for the bread dough to proof, then I may make some more sweet stuff for Christmas, or go for a walk out on the harbor.
2 more sleeps.
Knocked up a quick steak n mushrooms last night.
What with all the left over turkey n ham on the horizon it will be the last bit of red meat for awhile.
The portobello mushrooms were very good, lightly sauteed them in some fried onions and added some garlic butter just before serving.
These mini lights serve as a nice arrangement, they can be repositioned around the room at your whim, give a nice effect IMO.
Still below the -10 range, only a "possibility of snow" in the forecast before Tuesday now.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
3 more sleeps. Bits about this n that.
Mild again, -7, cloudy, wind WSW up to 45 Clicks.
Last night I was abandoned by all.
As is my want I retired reasonably early. At about 12.30AM I awoke, as is my want, only this time I felt a strangeness to the house.
Fran was not in bed as yet, [usually watches scary movies on weekends], but that was not it. It was the quietness that I felt. I new that grandson Matthew was sleeping over, still the quietness bothered me for some reason.
On arising I walk out into the hall, low and behold Matthew and Grandma are sound asleep cutting logs in the larger spare bedroom. Sound asleep on the floor next to Matthew is me dog, darn.
I whisper “what’s this then”. Only Siutik bothers to raise her head, gives me a look as if to say “oi, we be sleeping er mate”, and plops her head down again.
So all was well after all.
Harping on, and back to, to my posts on the ‘food by mail’ program; this here highlights what it is all about.
For those who don’t know, Nunavik is the Inuit region next to, or closest to Nunatsiavut.
It is encouraging that these studies were done there.
I am not aware [but there could be] of similar studies done in our region. The results could be quite startling if they were.
Labrador Inuit have had a longer relationship with outside cultures and influences than Inuit in Northern Quebec.
One thing that stands out in the study, and I see the effects of it here, is the fact that the traditional diet lacked enough calcium resulting in problems with bones, especially later in life.
On the other hand the traditional diet had many pluses in relation to the modern store bought foods easily available.
So quite a bit of work is yet to be done in making the healthier foods more accessible and cost effective. In the new year I will be picking up that ball again, I hope the powers that be in Nunatsiavut and the other players can see the short and long term benefits in changing some of the ‘rules’ and 'practises' and working towards a cheaper healthier food supply to the communities.
Last night I was abandoned by all.
As is my want I retired reasonably early. At about 12.30AM I awoke, as is my want, only this time I felt a strangeness to the house.
Fran was not in bed as yet, [usually watches scary movies on weekends], but that was not it. It was the quietness that I felt. I new that grandson Matthew was sleeping over, still the quietness bothered me for some reason.
On arising I walk out into the hall, low and behold Matthew and Grandma are sound asleep cutting logs in the larger spare bedroom. Sound asleep on the floor next to Matthew is me dog, darn.
I whisper “what’s this then”. Only Siutik bothers to raise her head, gives me a look as if to say “oi, we be sleeping er mate”, and plops her head down again.
So all was well after all.
Harping on, and back to, to my posts on the ‘food by mail’ program; this here highlights what it is all about.
For those who don’t know, Nunavik is the Inuit region next to, or closest to Nunatsiavut.
It is encouraging that these studies were done there.
I am not aware [but there could be] of similar studies done in our region. The results could be quite startling if they were.
Labrador Inuit have had a longer relationship with outside cultures and influences than Inuit in Northern Quebec.
One thing that stands out in the study, and I see the effects of it here, is the fact that the traditional diet lacked enough calcium resulting in problems with bones, especially later in life.
On the other hand the traditional diet had many pluses in relation to the modern store bought foods easily available.
So quite a bit of work is yet to be done in making the healthier foods more accessible and cost effective. In the new year I will be picking up that ball again, I hope the powers that be in Nunatsiavut and the other players can see the short and long term benefits in changing some of the ‘rules’ and 'practises' and working towards a cheaper healthier food supply to the communities.
Friday, December 21, 2007
4 more sleeps.
It is the third clear day in a row; temperatures are rising, up to about -14 this morning.
So I took a walk with the dog out on the ice, ice being the operative word. No snow on top to speak of, there is some slush that makes it walkable, for me at least. If I stick to where snowmobiles have chewed things up a bit I’m Ok, anything with sheen on it foregetaboutit.
On the way back I checked out the Northern store.
Some fresh supplies were in, the usual greens and salad stuff were in reasonable to good condition. There were a quite a few punnets of blackberries, some were floating in their own liquid, other punnets will be by tomorrow. Raspberries are a nice change as a rule; alas I have not tried them with mold all over them so gave those a miss. I also gave the strawberries a miss; their condition was such they would also be mush by tomorrow. No tomatoes for my salad.
No tomatoes for my salad at Big Land, nor the same variety of over ripe to liquid fruit as Northern either. The rest seemed to be in reasonable to good shape; nothing exciting…………..until I pulled down a lone carton from an upper shelf. Bingo, some fresh portabella mushrooms.,stuffed them all in a bag, cost me less than 2 bucks. Also scored 340 grams of fresh cranberries for $4.99. Not sure if that is a lot but what the heck, it’s Christmas.
Note: I’m not pointing fingers at the stores for the lousy quality of the fruits; it’s CANADA POST that does not inspect for quality before letting the stuff on the planes. There are solutions to this problem, no one with authority is willing to deal with it.
After leaving Big land I followed up on my visit to the LIDC office from yesterday. 40 bucks lighter in the pocket a walked out with a 5kg box of shrimp. This is an on going end of year ritual with LIDC. They bring in shrimp from off their boat; their staff gets first dibs then the public, works for me.
So I took a walk with the dog out on the ice, ice being the operative word. No snow on top to speak of, there is some slush that makes it walkable, for me at least. If I stick to where snowmobiles have chewed things up a bit I’m Ok, anything with sheen on it foregetaboutit.
On the way back I checked out the Northern store.
Some fresh supplies were in, the usual greens and salad stuff were in reasonable to good condition. There were a quite a few punnets of blackberries, some were floating in their own liquid, other punnets will be by tomorrow. Raspberries are a nice change as a rule; alas I have not tried them with mold all over them so gave those a miss. I also gave the strawberries a miss; their condition was such they would also be mush by tomorrow. No tomatoes for my salad.
No tomatoes for my salad at Big Land, nor the same variety of over ripe to liquid fruit as Northern either. The rest seemed to be in reasonable to good shape; nothing exciting…………..until I pulled down a lone carton from an upper shelf. Bingo, some fresh portabella mushrooms.,stuffed them all in a bag, cost me less than 2 bucks. Also scored 340 grams of fresh cranberries for $4.99. Not sure if that is a lot but what the heck, it’s Christmas.
Note: I’m not pointing fingers at the stores for the lousy quality of the fruits; it’s CANADA POST that does not inspect for quality before letting the stuff on the planes. There are solutions to this problem, no one with authority is willing to deal with it.
After leaving Big land I followed up on my visit to the LIDC office from yesterday. 40 bucks lighter in the pocket a walked out with a 5kg box of shrimp. This is an on going end of year ritual with LIDC. They bring in shrimp from off their boat; their staff gets first dibs then the public, works for me.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Zooming right along into the 20th century.
Pass the tequila Sheila. ["Pass the tequila, Sheila, lay down and love me again."– John Crosbie, minister for international trade, at a fundraising dinner in Victoria about Liberal Opposition MP Sheila Copps in February 1990].
CBC has just claimed a scoop. They are announcing that John Crosbie will be the next Lieutenant Governor of the Province of NL.
So much the much ballyhooed claims by the Williams Government that he is modernizing and moving forward with what passes for democracy.
Me thinks we all need a bloody drink after that lot.
CBC has just claimed a scoop. They are announcing that John Crosbie will be the next Lieutenant Governor of the Province of NL.
So much the much ballyhooed claims by the Williams Government that he is modernizing and moving forward with what passes for democracy.
Me thinks we all need a bloody drink after that lot.
Five more sleeps.
So the GD arrived home yesterday around 3.15 into the arms of a few happy relieved family.
Note: Not a good idea to be dressed for shopping in the big city when you step down from a twin otter into -35 wind chill.
Besides the sudden chill GD was “starving”, and not just for country food. She left Montreal at 6 in the morning. On arrival in GB it was straight into the terminal; grab her ticket and straight back out again, not much time for nourishment.
We are all grateful to Air Labrador and the people who put GD up in Montreal.
The forecast is for more of this chilly windy stuff for a few days yet. Monday is showing snow, lets all do the snow dance to bring that on, nothing like snow on Christmas eve or day, unless you count sand and salt in all the places sand and salt should not be.
Nothing to report on the NMC for awhile, the ‘industry’ shuts down over Christmas. Hydro did hook up a temporary power line yesterday; hopefully some minimum heat can be applied to the building today as the electrical contractor is supposed to work over the break[their words].
Note: Not a good idea to be dressed for shopping in the big city when you step down from a twin otter into -35 wind chill.
Besides the sudden chill GD was “starving”, and not just for country food. She left Montreal at 6 in the morning. On arrival in GB it was straight into the terminal; grab her ticket and straight back out again, not much time for nourishment.
We are all grateful to Air Labrador and the people who put GD up in Montreal.
The forecast is for more of this chilly windy stuff for a few days yet. Monday is showing snow, lets all do the snow dance to bring that on, nothing like snow on Christmas eve or day, unless you count sand and salt in all the places sand and salt should not be.
Nothing to report on the NMC for awhile, the ‘industry’ shuts down over Christmas. Hydro did hook up a temporary power line yesterday; hopefully some minimum heat can be applied to the building today as the electrical contractor is supposed to work over the break[their words].
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Respite.
A welcome warming, though brief, is upon us. We did not get hit with the big dumps and winds that hit south. About 4cm of snow, -6 yesterday, back into the deep freeze and wind by tomorrow it seems. Photo taken this morning.
I have been hearing of all sorts of sad stories of people stranded or ending up in out of way airports due to the storm. Having many decades of experience in a northern climate you would think by now the airlines would have figured out some way to deal with these situations with emphasis on customer convenience.
The daughter and GD had there own busy times yesterday too. GD was due to depart Toronto on Sunday, no cigar.
So being a some what experienced traveler, and bright girl, GD did not sit back and depend on Air Canada. GD booked a train from Bellville to Montreal. Her mom sought out a place to stay in Montreal for 2 nights and booked her on Air Labrador into Goose Bay. With luck and the spirits blessing GD may be home tomorrow, wait and see on that before the champers is popped.
The daughter and GD had there own busy times yesterday too. GD was due to depart Toronto on Sunday, no cigar.
So being a some what experienced traveler, and bright girl, GD did not sit back and depend on Air Canada. GD booked a train from Bellville to Montreal. Her mom sought out a place to stay in Montreal for 2 nights and booked her on Air Labrador into Goose Bay. With luck and the spirits blessing GD may be home tomorrow, wait and see on that before the champers is popped.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Pit stop.
Santa made a rest stop in town yesterday, so the community government decided to do a quick run through town with him, then to the old hall for a quick sit down with the kids and hand out some cheer.
I could not get down to see him so I gave my camera to grandma. Grandma being technically challenged gave the camera to the daughter who captured these shots.
Security was tight at the airport so daughter could not get a close up of Santa’s ride and deer power.
Closest was when Santa was driven through town in the Santa mobile, then some shots of the orderly assemblage at the hall.
Santa picked a good time for the stop over, -17 mean with wind chill of -20 was the best of the day.
Siutik and I took a walk up to the hills for an hour, she had plenty of fun running up and down the roads and plowing to a sudden stop into the soft off road snow. Walking into the wind was refreshing, still I had a sweat up after disrobing back at the house.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Best laid plans.
The GD plans to leave for home is on hold. The up side is she did not leave for the airport. The down side is GD has not fully inherited the Inuit trait of great patience as yet. One can imagine many angry phone calls, e mails and the like with naughty words interspersed.
On the local scene the harbor has frozen over again, looked almost ready for some skating yesterday, winds overnight may have changed that though. One year people were skating all the way out past northern point, hard on snowmobile parts though.
Lot of snowmobile traffic is going up into the ponds and brooks looking for partridge, wabbits, wooding, not heard if any fish is being caught yet.
After much hinting I got the tree out and put it up yesterday morning.
In the afternoon, Fran with help from daughter and grandson decorated it.
In the afternoon, Fran with help from daughter and grandson decorated it.
The repositioning of furniture does not seem to have impugned on the comfort zone of Siutik. With the colder nights she has been sleeping inside more often, been behaving very well too, not one tree bulb was missing this morning.
As a matter of fact her overall behavior has changed since we arrived home from our trip.
I put it down to having a house/dog sitter who has 14 dogs of their own, but there is a reluctance in taking credit.
I put it down to having a house/dog sitter who has 14 dogs of their own, but there is a reluctance in taking credit.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Worlds apart.
To say injustice is rampart and tolerated by the majority in this first world would be a gross understatment for sure.
There are two stories from either end of the world that highlight why democracy and capitalism as we know it do not work for all.
I sure hope the Aboriginals involved, who had their land and self respect taken from them, get their just rewards. At the same time I hope the perpetrators of these crimes against human decency get theirs.
As to the Muldoon “performance” in the House of Commons, well it was just that, a performance. Leagues of handlers and PR people, family in black and looking all bent out; is there no inkling of decency in these people.
Muldoon thinks he made a ‘serious error in judgment’. I wonder how do the millions of Canadians feel with their serious error in judgment in electing him to govern.
There are two stories from either end of the world that highlight why democracy and capitalism as we know it do not work for all.
I sure hope the Aboriginals involved, who had their land and self respect taken from them, get their just rewards. At the same time I hope the perpetrators of these crimes against human decency get theirs.
As to the Muldoon “performance” in the House of Commons, well it was just that, a performance. Leagues of handlers and PR people, family in black and looking all bent out; is there no inkling of decency in these people.
Muldoon thinks he made a ‘serious error in judgment’. I wonder how do the millions of Canadians feel with their serious error in judgment in electing him to govern.
Appreciation.
Thank you to the folks who expressed their condolences both here and by phone, much appreciated.
An extra thanks to Wayne for the poem and edit of the photo, very kind and thoughtful of you for sure. I have sent it along to the appropriate people, plus printed off a copy for 'Grandma'.
An extra thanks to Wayne for the poem and edit of the photo, very kind and thoughtful of you for sure. I have sent it along to the appropriate people, plus printed off a copy for 'Grandma'.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday blues.
It is really on the chilly side now, constant -19’ish with west’ish winds giving -34 wind chills, ugly boy. Not having much snow on the ground has the cold creeping up through the floors too, bring on the snow, alas non in the mediate forecast.
The GD has some photos of the happy face kind, taken after her passing the private pilot license tests, so it is not all blues.
If any one is of a mind to visit Labrador and need a comfortable place to stay in Happy Valley they could do a lot worse than stay at Davis’s B & B. Or as Marion entered it in her address, davisbandb, she got a chuckle out of doing that, new to the internet at the time. Nice clean rooms, lots of space in the dinning/kitchen area and amiable hosts who can give you some great insight into that part of the country, be sure to make time after breakfast for some great yarning. I will put a link at right side bar soon.
The December issue of Canadian Geographic has a good article on the food mail program I have occasion to mention on the blog. I like the heading on the cover “Tale Of The black Banana, how fresh food gets to the Arctic”. It is an accurate depiction of the woes and successes of efforts to get the food to its destinations all over the north. The article is centered mainly on Nunavik and the high arctic, with a small mention of Labrador. There is a very good map of the entry pints and communities served.
The GD has some photos of the happy face kind, taken after her passing the private pilot license tests, so it is not all blues.
If any one is of a mind to visit Labrador and need a comfortable place to stay in Happy Valley they could do a lot worse than stay at Davis’s B & B. Or as Marion entered it in her address, davisbandb, she got a chuckle out of doing that, new to the internet at the time. Nice clean rooms, lots of space in the dinning/kitchen area and amiable hosts who can give you some great insight into that part of the country, be sure to make time after breakfast for some great yarning. I will put a link at right side bar soon.
The December issue of Canadian Geographic has a good article on the food mail program I have occasion to mention on the blog. I like the heading on the cover “Tale Of The black Banana, how fresh food gets to the Arctic”. It is an accurate depiction of the woes and successes of efforts to get the food to its destinations all over the north. The article is centered mainly on Nunavik and the high arctic, with a small mention of Labrador. There is a very good map of the entry pints and communities served.
Canada Post does not come out in any good light, rightly so.
This little blog gets a mention too, ho hum. The magazine does not have a full on line version, you have to purchase the hard copy to get the full Monty.
Sad news of the times for us is that my sister Vicki passed away yesterday at about 10.30 AM. We are glad we got to be with her one last time for the days we did. Personally I am relieved she did not hang on any longer, only the drugs kept her comfortable, to a point.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Back and on the mawkish side.
Bloody hell, what an emotionally draining trip for both of us that was.
After visiting my sister in hospital for several hours a day it was a relief to go visit Fran’s mom in the long term acute care Paddon Home.
OK, Relief is not the word I am looking for, but with emotions swirling around the old gray matter it will have to do for now, it’s very hard to think straight for sure. Cancer sure is one ugly monster for some, this one does not give any indication how long it will be before it finely takes another life. Drugs for pain help and have their own effects; we can only hope that they are really making life minutely comfortable in the final stages.
There was some uplifting news while there; we were just exiting the hospital after our first visit Friday when the phone rang. It was granddaughter’s mom with news that GD had passed her Transport Canada exam. Later that evening GD rang too, along with the pass GD now has a private pilot’s license. More exams to do until Friday, then it is heading home for the Christmas break.
The weather while in Goose Bay was mainly clear with constant winds, except for the night we landed, man it was surreal.
We landed in light snow, a friend picked us up and down to the B&B we went, checked in, unpacked and took a walk down to the Valley for a meal.
The light snow and low ceiling created a cocoon of light effect, I felt very serine and at peace with the world [that did not last long people being what they are]. Any way, adding to natures affects were all the festive lights decorating many homes and front yards, I had never seen anything like it, I even started to sing carols, and this was on the way to the bar.
So I have some catching up to do on many fronts. While in GB CBC radio interviewed me on the Provincial changes to the food by mail subsidy. I did the interview without any information on the changes so it was a sort of mumbling repetitive thing, sort of like what politicians do on a regular basis. On the up side CBC did two follow up interviews with others, alas we still have not to gotten to the nitty gritty of the whole thing; that is who is actually benefiting the most from these programs.
Another uplifting incident accured at the GB airport as we were about to head for gate #1. Elizabeth Penashue walked up to say hi to Fran. Fran introduced me to Elizabeth and her husband.
It was quite an honor to finely meet this courage’s woman, after shaking my hand the lady asked Fran if I was a doctor. We had a good laugh at that and Fran answered in the negative.
After looking me up and down Elizabeth said “he looks like a doctor”.
Not sure what to make of that, for now will just put it down to me having a very ordinary egalitarian persona.
After visiting my sister in hospital for several hours a day it was a relief to go visit Fran’s mom in the long term acute care Paddon Home.
OK, Relief is not the word I am looking for, but with emotions swirling around the old gray matter it will have to do for now, it’s very hard to think straight for sure. Cancer sure is one ugly monster for some, this one does not give any indication how long it will be before it finely takes another life. Drugs for pain help and have their own effects; we can only hope that they are really making life minutely comfortable in the final stages.
There was some uplifting news while there; we were just exiting the hospital after our first visit Friday when the phone rang. It was granddaughter’s mom with news that GD had passed her Transport Canada exam. Later that evening GD rang too, along with the pass GD now has a private pilot’s license. More exams to do until Friday, then it is heading home for the Christmas break.
The weather while in Goose Bay was mainly clear with constant winds, except for the night we landed, man it was surreal.
We landed in light snow, a friend picked us up and down to the B&B we went, checked in, unpacked and took a walk down to the Valley for a meal.
The light snow and low ceiling created a cocoon of light effect, I felt very serine and at peace with the world [that did not last long people being what they are]. Any way, adding to natures affects were all the festive lights decorating many homes and front yards, I had never seen anything like it, I even started to sing carols, and this was on the way to the bar.
So I have some catching up to do on many fronts. While in GB CBC radio interviewed me on the Provincial changes to the food by mail subsidy. I did the interview without any information on the changes so it was a sort of mumbling repetitive thing, sort of like what politicians do on a regular basis. On the up side CBC did two follow up interviews with others, alas we still have not to gotten to the nitty gritty of the whole thing; that is who is actually benefiting the most from these programs.
Another uplifting incident accured at the GB airport as we were about to head for gate #1. Elizabeth Penashue walked up to say hi to Fran. Fran introduced me to Elizabeth and her husband.
It was quite an honor to finely meet this courage’s woman, after shaking my hand the lady asked Fran if I was a doctor. We had a good laugh at that and Fran answered in the negative.
After looking me up and down Elizabeth said “he looks like a doctor”.
Not sure what to make of that, for now will just put it down to me having a very ordinary egalitarian persona.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The fade to black is temporary
Or rather we are taking a short sebatical, heading out, change is as good as a holiday , look out Mulligans pub here we come, whatever. Be back middle next week all things being equal.
I'm feeling a little cogitative.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Clear n Cold.
Not as cold as north of here, or west for that matter, non the less cold enough. -20 overnight, up to -13 at moment.
The harbor is making ice in close, the mv Astron is at the dock on it's last trip, this time the crane has broken down delaying off loading of containers.
A new business has opened it's doors this morning, a coffee shop.
Will have to re check the name of it, [deteriorating gray matter] it's in the old house formally know as the Penny house, more recently Webb's boarding house for the initiated. I'm told they have some really great cookies for the opening, better get em quick.
I hear that the Christmas tree lighting will be on Friday night now.
Back to pressing issues it is for me.
The harbor is making ice in close, the mv Astron is at the dock on it's last trip, this time the crane has broken down delaying off loading of containers.
A new business has opened it's doors this morning, a coffee shop.
Will have to re check the name of it, [deteriorating gray matter] it's in the old house formally know as the Penny house, more recently Webb's boarding house for the initiated. I'm told they have some really great cookies for the opening, better get em quick.
I hear that the Christmas tree lighting will be on Friday night now.
Back to pressing issues it is for me.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Tarr darrh II
Thar she be with the siding, windows, no door.So one side and front completed should be finished the high side by weekend, then just the back.
Inside insulation and gyprock it going well upstairs, electrical goes along up there as well.
Updating a couple of items from yesterday.
CBC Here & Now had a short piece on the Innu people power story last night.
Not a lot of information, but enough so we know the person found not guilty was not Innu.
Anastasia Qupee, chief of the band council, said that there was no race issues in the protest, just people voicing there concern that justice was not done.
I have not come across any court reports of the case, could be a publication bane. What ever is going on it would be nice for people to be informed on issues like this. Is it a case of justice miscued or a case of over zealous people taking the law into their hands without warrant?
Silence just plays into the hands of the already damaging biases and miss information out there about native peoples and the communities they reside.
There are lessons learned by the friend in QC, the one who did not bother to search for the jigs dinner recipe until too late. Below is the response I received asking how it went.
pffffffffft
doughboys went flat!!!!!!! pork was good, nightmares all night trying to digest!
To put a cook’s spin on an old carpenter’s axiom, check recipe twice, cook once.
Not a lot of information, but enough so we know the person found not guilty was not Innu.
Anastasia Qupee, chief of the band council, said that there was no race issues in the protest, just people voicing there concern that justice was not done.
I have not come across any court reports of the case, could be a publication bane. What ever is going on it would be nice for people to be informed on issues like this. Is it a case of justice miscued or a case of over zealous people taking the law into their hands without warrant?
Silence just plays into the hands of the already damaging biases and miss information out there about native peoples and the communities they reside.
There are lessons learned by the friend in QC, the one who did not bother to search for the jigs dinner recipe until too late. Below is the response I received asking how it went.
pffffffffft
doughboys went flat!!!!!!! pork was good, nightmares all night trying to digest!
To put a cook’s spin on an old carpenter’s axiom, check recipe twice, cook once.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Quite Monday musings.
We missed the fury of the latest storm passing through the province, the east portion of the Island of Newfoundland and Labrador seemed to get the worst of it.
The northern section of the mainland part of the province called Labrador got about 10cm of snow but most of that was blown away. Any way enough of the smarmy wise cracks.
It is quite calm today, people are asking where is the “Astron”, hear of any caribou around, construction on different projects carries on, Nunatsiavut Government employees have a holiday for Nunatsiavut Day. Normality is kind of comforting.
I see from my stats that quite a few people down in the US of A are entering ‘Moravian Star’ in their search engines. One person entered ‘seal pie’ in Cochran Ontario. Some one in Greece entered ‘first minister Nunatsiavut’, what’s that about I wonder.
But the best for last, I had an e mail yesterday from a friend [and regular visitor to our town] that lives in Quebec City. Said visitor mentioned that they miss my Sunday cooking efforts, and could I please help out on the ingredients for Jigs Dinner. Said person mentioned some of the ingredients that were already on the boil but wanted to check if they had them all.
Well they had the vegetables down pat, alas pork was in there, no salt beef, so I suggested they had just invented a new dish. I’m waiting to hear how it turned out.
I do not know the details of this story; it is interesting if just that it highlights the community involvement in Innu communities of things that affect their daily lives.
While Innu politics may not be perfect, and who’s are, I have always admired the bottom up actions that the Innu take. They don’t need some overpaid elected officials or autocrat to tell them what action to take, it just happens.
The northern section of the mainland part of the province called Labrador got about 10cm of snow but most of that was blown away. Any way enough of the smarmy wise cracks.
It is quite calm today, people are asking where is the “Astron”, hear of any caribou around, construction on different projects carries on, Nunatsiavut Government employees have a holiday for Nunatsiavut Day. Normality is kind of comforting.
I see from my stats that quite a few people down in the US of A are entering ‘Moravian Star’ in their search engines. One person entered ‘seal pie’ in Cochran Ontario. Some one in Greece entered ‘first minister Nunatsiavut’, what’s that about I wonder.
But the best for last, I had an e mail yesterday from a friend [and regular visitor to our town] that lives in Quebec City. Said visitor mentioned that they miss my Sunday cooking efforts, and could I please help out on the ingredients for Jigs Dinner. Said person mentioned some of the ingredients that were already on the boil but wanted to check if they had them all.
Well they had the vegetables down pat, alas pork was in there, no salt beef, so I suggested they had just invented a new dish. I’m waiting to hear how it turned out.
I do not know the details of this story; it is interesting if just that it highlights the community involvement in Innu communities of things that affect their daily lives.
While Innu politics may not be perfect, and who’s are, I have always admired the bottom up actions that the Innu take. They don’t need some overpaid elected officials or autocrat to tell them what action to take, it just happens.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Tar Dar
the Nain Christmas tree.
Wots that then? that's not a tree you say?
Well no, its a pole in it.
Once the Christmas tree man rigs the lights in a Christmas tree layout it will look like a Christmas tree, in the nights, not quite so in the days.
With the winds gusting to about 70 at 1 pm when I took this photo I doubt if there will be any lighting tonight.
The lights used to be in a real tree further down the road. the tree was on private property and was not an ideal location, plus the lights on all night played havoc with the residents privacy.
So the location was moved several years ago, up to the lot that now has the NMC on it, necessitating another move.
Needles to say there is some fancy rigging needed, there is the right bloke here in town for it, he puts a lot of work into it every year.
I have just been informed that the tree lighting has been postponed.
Happy Advent.
We had snow and blowing snow all yesterday and into this morning, very mild at between -3 to -.03, forecasted to be with us all day with winds to 100 KPH.
It was busy around town yesterday afternoon, advent is a big deal up here, trees put up for some, decorations but not on the scale of Christmas. The stores are packed to the isles literally, hard to squeeze through some of the isles, one way traffic only, hard when you have to back up only to run into another cart up your rear.
I do not remember seeing the amount of goods available at one of the stores before. BigLand has supplies of all types stacked to the roof of its warehouse almost. Everything from food items to dry goods to hardware to furniture. Looks ugly in the store with stuff all over the place. It is good for the consumer though, those that don’t have the luxury of trips out to larger centers that is, they/we have to pay a little more but it is convenient.
The other stores are well stocked too, it’s just that for the last several years the BigLand always looked half empty at this time of year, it is the largest store and warehouse area in town.
Matthew the grandson was up hanging a bit yesterday. As usual he became bored quick, particularly if grandma is occupied and cant pay fullest attention.
So I suggest we take Siutik for a run with the ski doo. Matthew gives the head down eyes up look and takes off home.
Smart kid, he sensed a possible pending disaster. Not to be deterred I geared up, leashed the dog and revved up the Polaris.
There were a couple of false starts as Siutik wanted to run in front of the machine, which was sorted out with a couple of shouts and tugs on the leash.
We settled down quick and got to a steady 14 KPH, she was really enjoying this, snow and wind in the face, people gawking as we passed, she did want to take diversions when we approached places she new other dogs were, a slight tug on the leash and she straightened up.
After about 3 clicks we stopped, I gave her a rest then tried to get her to sit on the seat of the ski doo. Not happy with that idea at all but she did get up with some help from me.
We headed back towards town, but it was obvious this was not her cup of tea, so down she went and off we went for a run through town and back home.
She dived into the fresh snow belly down as soon as we pulled up, she loves to bury her head and lap up the fluffy stuff, she has not been able to do that for several weeks.
So no disaster, this time.
There is a tree lighting ceremony tonight at 7. The tree is out front of the Sportplex this year, I must remember to take a photo of the tree and post it.
It was busy around town yesterday afternoon, advent is a big deal up here, trees put up for some, decorations but not on the scale of Christmas. The stores are packed to the isles literally, hard to squeeze through some of the isles, one way traffic only, hard when you have to back up only to run into another cart up your rear.
I do not remember seeing the amount of goods available at one of the stores before. BigLand has supplies of all types stacked to the roof of its warehouse almost. Everything from food items to dry goods to hardware to furniture. Looks ugly in the store with stuff all over the place. It is good for the consumer though, those that don’t have the luxury of trips out to larger centers that is, they/we have to pay a little more but it is convenient.
The other stores are well stocked too, it’s just that for the last several years the BigLand always looked half empty at this time of year, it is the largest store and warehouse area in town.
Matthew the grandson was up hanging a bit yesterday. As usual he became bored quick, particularly if grandma is occupied and cant pay fullest attention.
So I suggest we take Siutik for a run with the ski doo. Matthew gives the head down eyes up look and takes off home.
Smart kid, he sensed a possible pending disaster. Not to be deterred I geared up, leashed the dog and revved up the Polaris.
There were a couple of false starts as Siutik wanted to run in front of the machine, which was sorted out with a couple of shouts and tugs on the leash.
We settled down quick and got to a steady 14 KPH, she was really enjoying this, snow and wind in the face, people gawking as we passed, she did want to take diversions when we approached places she new other dogs were, a slight tug on the leash and she straightened up.
After about 3 clicks we stopped, I gave her a rest then tried to get her to sit on the seat of the ski doo. Not happy with that idea at all but she did get up with some help from me.
We headed back towards town, but it was obvious this was not her cup of tea, so down she went and off we went for a run through town and back home.
She dived into the fresh snow belly down as soon as we pulled up, she loves to bury her head and lap up the fluffy stuff, she has not been able to do that for several weeks.
So no disaster, this time.
There is a tree lighting ceremony tonight at 7. The tree is out front of the Sportplex this year, I must remember to take a photo of the tree and post it.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Holy tropics batman!!!!!!
Ok, not quite tropics but its up to -1.3 c this morning, that, relatively speaking, is warm.
Light snow is falling, looks like a low is over us, periods of flurries and chance of snow with temps around 0 to -3 until Sunday night, we can take that.
The Astron is still in Cartwright loading ports to Nain, the warmer weather will help minimize any damage to freight, unless something is leaning against the container doors and smashes to the ground when opened that is.
I was reading this article with interest. Arguments can be made from both sides; too little deterrence in the sentence versus locking young people up does not help in rehabilitation. Not knowing the intricacies of the case it’s hard to come down one way or the other.
But I could not help but think about the recent cases in Labrador. One young offender who had no dealing with police until he was taken under the wing of the child youth and family services. He then proceeded to have dozens of charges laid against him.
Then there were the two cases involving woman charged under the mental health act and ended up being held in the Goose Bay lock up naked, for their own safety, for various periods of time.
In the case of the woman, I wonder if they had appeared before a judge, with a similar approach as above case, back when they first became involved with the justice system would it have turned out different for them.
I’m not pointing fingers at the front line workers, or at judges of today.
I guess you could claim times were different back then. There was a bigger shortage of recourses than today that is for sure. I watched several people with obvious mental health issues being put in local and regional lock ups due to no where else to put them. Time after time these people would be sent out for “evaluation’ and be back in town in short order with no support available.
Times are changing with some support available in this town now, I’m not sure of other communities. It is still no where near enough, but it is moving forward.
Having said that I have to ask myself, are times changing? Bugged if I know is the honest answer.
It is obvious to everybody that the facilities and resources are totally inadequate in Goose Bay; the minister of Justice is due to visit the area next week to have a look first hand. No disrespect to this minister, but how many times have statements like that been made over the years, and we are were we are.
I had a call from a local resident last night; he wanted to know if I knew the price of stove oil [heating fuel]. Too bloody much mate I responded, I did add that by happenstance I did have the price written down some place.
He went on to say he has been fuming for several weeks at all the whining and winging in the media from people on the Avalon. Seems people are really hitting the air waves demanding all sorts of relief and tax breaks and the like because heating oil has hit 90.00 cents a liter for furnace oil and 92.34 for stove oil on the Avalon. That includes 2 cents for burner service, it does not allow for the 15% harmonized tax to be added. Well it is high, but maybe not high enough according to some. OK that story is about gas, but it is relevant.
On the North and South Coast of Labrador we have to pay 109.85 for stove oil, no furnace oil available.
In southern Labrador it is tanker supplied, then plus taxes.
In Northern Labrador it is price at tank farm. That means there is a delivery charge, plus the taxes.
So who is getting rogered the most? Why dem folks up nort boy! Or some say down nort.
So any way the local resident said he is going to send a letter to the editor or something.
That will do it, but only if many many more do the same thing.
Actually what we need up here is government by VOCM like they do down on the Island of Newfoundlandlabrador.
I see that the spot price of crude has fallen 10% this week, if that continues then the Avalon may avail of lower prices soon. Not so for us as the price is frozen until spring.
Light snow is falling, looks like a low is over us, periods of flurries and chance of snow with temps around 0 to -3 until Sunday night, we can take that.
The Astron is still in Cartwright loading ports to Nain, the warmer weather will help minimize any damage to freight, unless something is leaning against the container doors and smashes to the ground when opened that is.
I was reading this article with interest. Arguments can be made from both sides; too little deterrence in the sentence versus locking young people up does not help in rehabilitation. Not knowing the intricacies of the case it’s hard to come down one way or the other.
But I could not help but think about the recent cases in Labrador. One young offender who had no dealing with police until he was taken under the wing of the child youth and family services. He then proceeded to have dozens of charges laid against him.
Then there were the two cases involving woman charged under the mental health act and ended up being held in the Goose Bay lock up naked, for their own safety, for various periods of time.
In the case of the woman, I wonder if they had appeared before a judge, with a similar approach as above case, back when they first became involved with the justice system would it have turned out different for them.
I’m not pointing fingers at the front line workers, or at judges of today.
I guess you could claim times were different back then. There was a bigger shortage of recourses than today that is for sure. I watched several people with obvious mental health issues being put in local and regional lock ups due to no where else to put them. Time after time these people would be sent out for “evaluation’ and be back in town in short order with no support available.
Times are changing with some support available in this town now, I’m not sure of other communities. It is still no where near enough, but it is moving forward.
Having said that I have to ask myself, are times changing? Bugged if I know is the honest answer.
It is obvious to everybody that the facilities and resources are totally inadequate in Goose Bay; the minister of Justice is due to visit the area next week to have a look first hand. No disrespect to this minister, but how many times have statements like that been made over the years, and we are were we are.
I had a call from a local resident last night; he wanted to know if I knew the price of stove oil [heating fuel]. Too bloody much mate I responded, I did add that by happenstance I did have the price written down some place.
He went on to say he has been fuming for several weeks at all the whining and winging in the media from people on the Avalon. Seems people are really hitting the air waves demanding all sorts of relief and tax breaks and the like because heating oil has hit 90.00 cents a liter for furnace oil and 92.34 for stove oil on the Avalon. That includes 2 cents for burner service, it does not allow for the 15% harmonized tax to be added. Well it is high, but maybe not high enough according to some. OK that story is about gas, but it is relevant.
On the North and South Coast of Labrador we have to pay 109.85 for stove oil, no furnace oil available.
In southern Labrador it is tanker supplied, then plus taxes.
In Northern Labrador it is price at tank farm. That means there is a delivery charge, plus the taxes.
So who is getting rogered the most? Why dem folks up nort boy! Or some say down nort.
So any way the local resident said he is going to send a letter to the editor or something.
That will do it, but only if many many more do the same thing.
Actually what we need up here is government by VOCM like they do down on the Island of Newfoundlandlabrador.
I see that the spot price of crude has fallen 10% this week, if that continues then the Avalon may avail of lower prices soon. Not so for us as the price is frozen until spring.
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