TubaOrNotTuba

Today, the dog and I went for a ride  (our first ride) in the new car. Not far, but I can no longer claim that I “haven’t been a passenger”. For the record, the difference between the older and the newer came down to tiny details. At least, according to the dog.

Call it Karma. This week, the government of Alberta had to acknowledge their new status in the federation, as a “have not” province. With generous gifts to one industry, and then a turn down in the need for oily mud, the available cash went negative. Going forward, the influx of funds from the “rest of us” will be important. Yep, only one word applies.

Note to self: the next time we decide to surround the house with sugar-water dispensers (the hummingbirds get first dibs on sweets, here), try to find a feeder that is easy to fill. Right now, we have four disparate models. I’d like to move to one, multiplied by our largesse to the hover community. Seems like a plan, to me. Something tells me that teacups would do the job; no need for pretend flowers.

Try to sort this announcement out, please: today, the PM notified the Canadian population that there will be changes to the restrictions on cross-border travel. Effective midnight (next) persons that have immediate family members in Canada will be able to enter from outside the country. The definition of “immediate” is curious…

Obviously, this is not the first time we have (collectively) shone a light on the dark corners of our society. However, if enough people are watching, when that light come on, it could make a difference. Right now, all across the continent (and off across the oceans), people are on the march. All to underline that we can’t continue to kill people just because of their skin colour. Forget the noise (over how riots aren’t the answer). Finally, some of you have taken notice. That’s a start.

As an educator, you learn that “I have no idea” is acceptable only when coupled with “but I’ll find out”. This afternoon, as a result of a photo forwarded to a family member, I had to learn about the why behind our regional fields of tulips. It has nothing to do with the colourful display, nor do we grow the flowers for food. Rather, I’ve learned, the local farms harvest the bulbs, for sale to gardeners here and there (yes, here; my front yard serves as an example). I learned, and I passed the information along to my correspondent, in full magisterial form. It’s what teachers do.

Give me a few minutes, until I figure out who you are. It’s a game, locally, and I’m late to the game. I have to sort out social identities based on trite remarks about siblings made by others. Locally, everyone else seems to know everyone else, and I get to see if I can match the pieces in the puzzle. Great mental exercise.

Trying to decide what looks so different outside. Could it be; yes. Our abundance of pretty yellow flowers is gone. Apparently letting someone drive the GM (green machine) around in circles for several hours not only makes the grass “uniform”, but it removes the fun food for the hares. I had campaigned for a delayed start to summer, on behalf of the bees. Managed to get the month of May.

Help me to understand.

 I belong to a couple of hobby groups that are regulated but various government ages. SCUBA diving: had to spend a whole winter to train for that. Passed written and practical tests. Proved I could swim for about a half kilometer in the pool. And then, I had to dive to a minimum depth of  ten meters. Yes, it really is cold and dark down there. I received my cards; without them, I cannot refill my air cylinder. Literally, I cannot buy air.

Today’s unexpected question (or maybe it was yesterday). Did I have a secret cache of fish hooks, in case the urge to tease a trout became overpowering. Now, here’s the thing: I do have a fishing rod with a reel. Been in my “life’s cargo” for many years. In fact, when I showed the kit to my nephew, last summer, he wondered aloud from what museum I had taken my prisoner. Elder abuse!