And snow fell, again. Not going to take this personally, but I’m ready for a change of seasons that lasts for more than a weekend equivalency. The wildlife, including those digging on the front “where the lawn should be” are also at wit’s end. That rabbit, with the colour change only partially completed seems particularly attentive. Eagles…
posted in history | Comments Off on Tracking the school diaspora | 259 words
Another day where my only concern was getting a roast “done”. No big deal, anymore, but I did get to use a new proper pan, purchased in the hope that I’ll be less apt to spatter the oven…
posted in economy, history | Comments Off on Time to record the passage | 266 words
My days aren’t always in lockstep with the rest of the family. I didn’t go to work today (and drive a forklift, although I have). I didn’t wander through a long idyllic visit to a sugar maple shack, or the workshop of a luthier. I didn’t even chase a squirrel that chose to sit next to me on the step (a true story; our dog has to accept that I’ll mention his more careless moments).
posted in history | Comments Off on I have zoom, and search | 272 words
In the absence of a functional (and dependable) time machine, I’ve settled for second best. Over the last hour or so, I have been immersed in the industrial history of the town where I went to high school. And, of course, cut my teeth in the workforce.
posted in history | Comments Off on Time travel | 258 words
A question of perspective, I guess. After heading out for a quick milk and bread run earlier, I learned that I’d accomplished all of my errands away from the house for the day (meaning the next day or two). Either I’m getting off easy, or my tasks have taken on new levels of difficulty, in the eyes of others.
posted in history | Comments Off on Back when the steam trains still ran | 255 words
Started watching a historical documentary, this afternoon. The seeds of what would become the familiar music of my life; I hesitate to use the term “popular”, only because musical tastes are far from universal. And there’s the question…
posted in history, music | Comments Off on Familiar is not always popular | 264 words
For all those who wish that politicians would keep their promises: be careful what you wish for. The Supreme Court has agreed that the long gun registry data (which we were told, over and over, cost AT LEAST a billion dollars) will be erased. Completely. Maybe today. The king prime minister promised his friends and followers that he would get rid of the hated symbol of oppression. One province appealed that there might still be something of use in the files, but the leader doesn’t agree. Now, that province will have to recollect the data. You see, the registry isn’t a bad thing. However, a promise is a promise. (Facepalm inserted here).
posted in history, politics | Comments Off on He kept his promise | 268 words
Another day in the life of a MOOC student. It actually feels comfortable, this donning a virtual hoodie and hanging in the back of a virtual classroom, listening to lectures by a real prof. At least, I can see his face, even though the other students remain imaginary. Working through a unit in music history, studying the classics from a half century ago. The Stones rocked!
posted in history, music | Comments Off on You can’t always get what you want | 251 words
After watching the new spy/saboteur pilot (X Company) on CBC last evening, I realize that we just don’t “do” war movies the way we used to. Too much attention to the uniforms; too little to the technology.
posted in history | Comments Off on We don’t do war movies the way we used to | 251 words
How large is your circle? Does it go beyond your personal horizon?
One of the neat things about getting (gradually) older is that you start to drag a long cord of “personal history” around. After all, you had to live somewhere, and there had to be other people in your orbit. Start trying to make a connected list of the people that sat behind you in math class, or caught your school bus. Then, play with that whole “Where are they now?” reality show script.
posted in history | Comments Off on Dragging a cord behind me | 254 words
