10th
June
2020
With all the enthusiasm spring can muster, I removed a couple of things from my list of things to do before it no longer matters. The RV is now ready to visit somewhere. Yes, the range of possible destinations is limited, but I wanted to get rid of my plumbing antifreeze. Hence, time spent rediscovering the various valves and spitcocks that hide behind things.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in ham radio, technology |
9th
June
2020
An unexpected power bump, this afternoon, had an unexpected effect. We have covered most of our bases, in a world where the electrical system is open to glitches: stand-alone generator, buried cables, whole house surge suppression. The only thing that remains without remediation is the reset of clocks. Even there, I can handle most of the inconvenience.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in food |
8th
June
2020
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…
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in politics |
7th
June
2020
Today, I learned that I could build my next dog. To be fair, I like the one I have. However, the idea that I can take a checklist, order some parts online, and end up with a “companion” has some points of interest.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in computing, technology |
6th
June
2020
While so much of the stuff we buy seems to last for months before ending up in the broken pile, we need to remember that there was a time when we built things to last. I’ve lived in homes that were older than me, and I’ve driven cars that were not. I have traveled on trains that were older than me, and rode on city buses that were not. There seems to be a point, probably ruled by budgets, that says certain things will be maintained.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in technology |
5th
June
2020
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.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in education, politics |
4th
June
2020
For the record, our home is turning into a syrup dispensary. Hummingbirds… I won’t take the blame, nor claim the fame. At last count there were three feeders already in place, with a fourth one in reserve. The intensity of the aerial battles is increasing; the tiny flying siphons are territorial. Oh, and a trapeze, suspended from one of my antennas; the birds haven’t discovered it, yet.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in environment |
3rd
June
2020
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.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in environment, politics, technology |
2nd
June
2020
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.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in genealogy, politics |
1st
June
2020
More and more, I am taking the time to see if there is a back-story to the front-story. On CBC, shock that a bank would want a woman to pay $30K for abruptly breaking her mortgage. Now, one of my kids would love to be a landowner, so I tend to check stories involving the dreaded costs of ownership.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted in economy, technology |
