Mysterious?

I am not one for making New Year's resolutions. They are difficult to keep and gives one permission to avoid resolutions the rest of the year. "I resolve to do" should be an on going process throughout the year. I do make goals and plans, but always keeping in mind that we know not what the future holds and our plans and schemes can be dashed in an instant.

What we can do quite safely is to assess the year that has just passed. It is history, it was played out, and it will never change, therefore, let us learn from it. Those things or ideas that worked should be repeated and those mistakes we made are not so bad, in retrospect, but are lessons on what not to do again.

Looking back, I can say that I have neither great successes, nor do I have great failures to ponder. In many ways, 2011 was a status quo year. However, there were some issues that will have to be resolved this year. There always are. I am optimistic about the future more than I am pessimistic. There is reason for both takes. If I were to make a resolution, it would be to go into these unresolved situations with confidence and preparation. I must be less passionate and more understanding of both sides of an issue, something that has always been a challenge for me.

I like to keep my posts as brief as possible so just before I hit the "Publish" button, I re-read what I have just written. After having done that, what this post sounds like to me is an elongated Chinese Fortune Cookie. Long on vagueness and completely open to interpretation. I guess I am also trying to be more mysterious this year.  Like how does the moon get to that position behind Mt. Baker at this time of the year?   

Hot and Cold

Eastern moon rise. Dec. 2011

On Monday, busylizzy and I were walking in the park. It was a cold and windy afternoon and we were dressed in our warmest jackets and wearing gloves and hats. We noticed, off to our right, some mini whirlwinds that were swirling leaves and other debris into the air. They were getting closer and were soon upon us. We both exclaimed at the same time that the air in those little air funnels was like a blast from a hot air furnace. We were near a parking lot and my first thought was that a big truck was sitting there, idling, and a quirky breeze blew the hot exhaust our way. But, then it happened again, a few feet further down the trail. Soon it was warm everywhere with only a few pockets of cool air remaining in the most sheltered spots. I had never experienced anything like it. It was a warm moist weather front pushing back the cold dry air. The humidity increased along with the temperature and I was soon unzipping my jacket and taking my gloves off. Moments later, a light rain came down.

I was once in Alberta and experienced the wild temperature fluctuations of a Chinook wind. It was even more dramatic than this, the leading edge of what is known as 'the pineapple express'. We got a little wet, but certainly warmed up a lot too. We arrived at home and checked the thermometer and saw that the temperature had risen about 6 degrees in the short time we had been walking.   

Gas Up

This is where I gas up. It is about 1 Km. from my house.

This is where I do not gas up. It is about 1/2 Km. from my house. Why? Glad you asked. Husky is big on Ethanol content in the fuel. Ethanol is all about reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Excuse me! Do they not realise that growing the corn, from which ethanol is derived, and then processing the corn into ethanol,  a bigger 'carbon footprint' is produced than if you just burn straight petroleum? And why on earth are we burning our food?  

Impossible!

I wanted to see at least one movie during the holidays and I would say "Mission Accomplished", just like Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) said after his big adventure stopping the world from engaging in a nuclear war. If you have a milquetoast life but still like 'near death' experiences, and lots of them, then this is your movie. The plot and the antics are improbable, unlikely, impossible, outlandish, unbelievable, extravagant, hair brained, and highly technological which makes all things possible. If you like suspense, intrigue, action, eye candy, and lots of hi-tech gadgetry, you will enjoy this movie. I did.  

Some Favourites From 2011

Here are a few of my favourite photos from 2011. There are few things I enjoy more than getting out for a 'photo shoot'. Sometimes I will deliberately leave many photos on my memory card without looking at them because then I get a double surprise when I finally open them on the computer. Once, when I actually shot the photo, and then again when I open it in 'Photoshop' and try to discover the best qualities in the image. We are created in God's image and there is no doubt that God is the author of beauty, especially as we see it in nature. That part of God's image in me, a desire to create something artistic and lovely, is merely an attempt to reflect God's created beauty in a lasting form. His natural beauty is indeed 'new every morning' and I feel it a privilege to capture that beauty in a moment in time.  

October Frost

Star burst

Low Glow

Maple Delight

Palm Desert

Autumn Rays

Hanging Basket

Flaming Sumac

Forbidden Berries

Morning Glow

Morning Glory

Deep Purple

Sun in a Flower

Upside Down Reflection

View From The Top

It was a sunny afternoon and the air was very clear. I was on the east end of town so decided to take a little detour and head up to Eagle Mountain.

The view is only as good as the air is pure. I noticed the air quality deteriorating the farther west I pointed my camera.

Mount Baker, as usual, was magnificent.

The late afternoon colours were warming up.

I always get a chuckle out of the fact that Mount Baker is on American soil, yet we Canadians get the best view of it, by far. It is not much to look at from the south, in Washington State.

And with the frosty roofs all lined up and the sun setting on the Sumas Prairie, I bid you adieu, 2011. You have been a good year but I am hoping your little offspring will outshine you.

And to all my readers, Happy New Year.  

I've Been Kindled

No, it's not anything to do with fire starting. It is an e reader for those of you who have been hiding under a rock during the unprecedented advancements in hand held electronic devices.

For the first time in many years, I could actually think of something other than a Corvette when my kids asked me if I wanted anything for Christmas. I am an avid reader and my eyesight is deteriorating so I thought one of these devices might kill two birds with one stone.

I have to say that it meets my expectations. The font is adjustable and the script is very clear and well defined. Because it is on a flat screen, my eyes are not doing the minute adjustment for distance like they do in a book with a curved surface as it sits in the hands. It is not back lit like a computer screen so there is no eye strain.

It can hold more books than I will read in the rest of my life and I can load them directly onto the Kindle because it is wi-fi. Imagine bringing a half dozen good books on a vacation all wrapped up in a wafer thin device with incredible re-chargeable battery life. I completed my first book, read from my Kindle, (The Hunger Games) and I am already convinced that I will not miss holding an actual book in my hands.

And the Corvette? They tell me I would have received one already had they been able to get it under the Christmas Tree. I believe them because I taught my children not to lie.    

Couldn't Put it Down

Some things stay green for Christmas. The trick is finding a bit of sunlight to illuminate them.

My spare time in the last few days has been taken up with a book I had a difficult time putting down. It is a fictional novel written for teens but anyone will enjoy this read. It is about a totalitarian government in the far distant future who rules twelve districts in the land and holds annual games where two young people from each district are chosen by lottery to compete in the 'Hunger Games'. It is a battle fought in a contrived and very large outdoor arena, with huge rewards going to the victor. The game: survival. It does not take many days for the last person standing to be crowned.

This is a page turner for sure.

Swimmin' in the Rain

Mr. Mallard

Mrs. Mallard

Ms. Mud Hen

Exactly one year ago, we were spending every evening in the hot tub in Palm Desert. Last night we re-lived that wonderful memory when Keith and Rachel invited us to have a soak in their hot tub. I remember very well helping them move the beast from their old house to their new one just this last spring. It was not a priority project for him, but he finally, just recently, got it placed and hooked up. The setup is great. It was raining, but being submerged under the hot bubbling water is all the better then. I thought of these ducks who go in the water no matter what the weather brings, and was glad I was not one of them when it was time to get out. I had a towel and warm dry clothes.

Mistake!

We all have a space within which we are most comfortable. When someone 'gets in our face' we get uncomfortable, but for each one of us it is a bit different. Those who love crowds, for example, do not need much space. I like to keep a bit of distance.

My little trip to the Seven Oaks Mall on Boxing Day was a case in point. As I drove by the Alliance Church parking lot I was wondering what was going on there as the parking lot was full. Nothing, as it turned out, but it had become an overflow parking space for Boxing Day shoppers. The Mall parking lot holds thousands of cars so this was an indication of just how many people were there. I am not a mall shopper at the best of times. I found the masses of people were making me somewhat claustrophobic. It is the various smells of humanity that assault the senses that I find most delightful and most disturbing. As the sensual fragrance of a young ladies perfume makes me take a look around, I am suddenly brought back to reality with a whiff of curry and body odour, a bad combination even in the cold fresh air of a short December day. And there is the stale smell of tobacco on some one's breath, while his buddy counteracts that smell with the aroma of hot coffee wafting from the cup he is carrying. The overall atmosphere is humid and not really fresh as the air conditioning in the mall strains to keep up with all the exhaling. 

"Let me out!" It is the silent scream within me about to burst forth upon the surrounding ear drums. 

And then I remember my mission. I would not have come here without a purpose. I try to walk just a bit faster than the flow, but with there being no passing lane, all I accomplish is a harsh word from the weary shopper ahead of me as I step on his heel and his shoe comes right off. I mutter a not so Christian "Sorry" and rush on toward the avenue that will take me to "The Source", my destination. I notice on the way that some stores are letting customers in only a few at a time. These crowds encourage shop-lifting, probably a direct result of poor customer service and the confusion of too many bodies in a small space. 

"The Source" is full of people and I need to make an enquiry of someone knowledgeable. All staff are manning the cash registers ... except for one lone individual who looks like he taking a breather from irritated and demanding shoppers. I take a direct route to him, nearly knocking over a display of cell phone covers. I see another customer with equal determination, heading his way from the other direction. I pick up the pace and head the other guy off, just soon enough to avoid a tackle. Yes. He seems to know the technical answer to my question and reaches down inside a shelf and pulls out the $30.00 solution to my problem. I then pull out something similar from my pocket, something I thought to bring from home, and ask if this would work as well. Yes, it will work just fine, says he and with a heartfelt "thank you", I turn around and head back up stream feeling much like a salmon at spawning time. 

Mission accomplished. But at what price? I saved $30.00 and in the process endured my first ever Boxing Day at the mall. 

There are some things in life that you only need to do once, like getting married and going to the mall on Boxing Day. Why would anybody in their right mind do that again?     

Christmas Fun

We always have a great time when we get together.

And, yes, we are a little bit crazy! Or, this is what too many chocolates and nuts will do.

Angels on My Tree

We have many angels of various shapes and sizes on our Christmas Tree. They are very significant in the Christmas story. It actually started when the angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her what was going to happen. Later, when the Christ Child was born, it was a host of Angels who announced to the shepherds in the surrounding hills that a very special child, a saviour, was born.

In both cases, the angels had to calm the fears of the mere mortals who were receiving a direct message from God. Today, we see the pretty and innocuos representations hanging on our trees or sitting on our mantles, and we forget that these are awesome beings, God's holy messengers. We do them a disservice by reducing them to crystal figurines, and plastic dolls with protruding lights. If we were to see one tonight, we too, like the shepherds, would be falling on our faces, frightened half to death, perhaps feeling for a certainty that we were about to die.

Our God, who is beyond words, created these beings, and so we must only imagine what he himself must be like. And, to think that He came as a helpless new born baby, lying in a bed of straw, should humble us to the core. By coming as a harmless baby at that point in time, He was telling us, like the angels told Mary and the shepherds, "Do not be afraid". It was not an act of intimidation, but one of pure love.  

Cold Duck

Click on this photo for some good detail.

We sleep under a goose down* duvet so I fully understand the insulating qualities of the feathers on this duck's body. The feathers  also repel water and when one is warm and dry, even the frigid waters of Mill Lake in December are not a problem. But here are two mysteries I do not understand. That leg dangling in the water has to be cold! He should be tucking it up under his body where it is warm and dry. But, the biggest mystery of all is why this bird has not flown south for the winter. Most of them do. Why would a healthy, sane duck stay here when he could be basking in the warm southern sun? It must have something to do with Homeland Security at the border.

* How do you get down off a horse? You don't. You get down off a goose.

It's Greek To Me

Our business this year was down substantially, but being the President and Chief Executive Officer of my company, I decided that the down turn would not prevent me from treating those near and dear to me to a company dinner. Being a democratic boss, I let the underlings decide the venue and "spare no cost", said I.

It was a local popular Greek restaurant that was thusly graced with our appearance last evening.

Surrounded by Greek ambiance and excellent culinary fare, we did due diligence in regards to the Income Tax Act that states that an entertainment tax write off must concern business. To meet the requirements, there was much talk of business matters, both past, present and future, and the guests at the table were treated to a few speeches, regarding business, of course.

I, as president and CEO, gave an annual report on trends, goals, and some motivational pep talk. The chief financial officer (me) then gave a report which amounted to an excuse why nobody was getting a raise and that they should be grateful they got lamb chops. The chief estimator (me) then gave a report as to why he was not able to wrestle more business in tough economic times, which amounted to telling the audience why he is not inclined to excessive aggressiveness. The chief purchasing agent (me) then gave a litany of price increases on supplies and urged the CEO to build these into his prices so they could be passed on to the customers, to which the CEO replied that he could not do that in order to stay competitive. "Suck it up and just be more efficient" was becoming a theme. The bookkeeper (me) gave a detailed breakdown on where the money was going, and it became evident that the government was getting most of it, leaving very little for such things as Tim Horton's coffee and utility bills.  

When the journeyman lead hand asked if he could procure a new paint brush, the Chief Financial officer handed him a roll of Duct Tape and told him to make it last one more year.

All in all, it was an exercise in 'belt tightening', until the President bought everyone a round of desert, whereupon we reached under our over sized bellies and actually loosened our belts. We left the restaurant feeling a little confused.     

Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas

More forbidden berries, but they suit Christmas.

Phase two is completely finished as of 3pm yesterday. We are doing a complete home makeover and in spite of the fact that some of the subs were late in coming, we finished our end of things in time for Christmas. Next spring or summer we will be back to complete the the third and final stage. Finished business feels good at the end of the year. I do not like loose ends.

I came home to wonderful smells of baking and cooking. busylizzy has been busy preparing all sorts of goodies for the festive season ahead, in spite of the fact that three of her kitchen appliances broke down in one day. They were no match for her enthusiasm and energy levels. She is a tough boss in the kitchen. ("Take that, you 20 year old Kitchen Aid. What, you don't like a 20 pound lump of sticky dough all at once?" Followed by popping, banging, wheezing, grinding, moaning and sighing as the machine died of sheer exhaustion in a vain attempt to keep up with its task master's impossibe demands.)

We decided to take an evening walk to the town square where there is a lovely creche and where there was supposed to be a time of Christmas Carol singing. It was all beautiful except the singing. Oh, and guy trying to play the saxaphone sounded exactly like the expiring Kitchen Aid. In a word, it was lame, so we kept on walking, trying to stay warm in the cold night breezes. We did walk for an hour and got our metabolisms revved up. It was not a lost cause after all. It gave me a legitimate excuse to have another cookie when I walked in the door, all rosie cheeked and ravishingly hungry.     

How Much is too Much?

Forbidden berries.

With the world wide 'Occupy Movement' still showing signs of life, you would think the ultra wealthy would lie low to shift some of the negative attention away from themselves. A recent survey shows American CEOs enjoyed pay hikes of up to 40% this last year, with one chief executive earning (sic) $145m. This comes as the latest government figures show that wages for the majority of Americans are failing to keep up with inflation.

Three of this year's top ten earners came from the American Health care system. And, losing your job in health is not too shabby either. Omnicare's Joel Gemunder retired last August and received cash severance of $16m, part of a final year pay package worth $98.28m.

I am a free enterpriser to the core, and absolutely believe that someone should be paid what they are worth, but nobody or their talents are worth that much money.

Is This The Way It Works?

Fish skeletons, feathers, or grass?

Our members of parliament were pressed for time and could no longer change their own light bulbs. After much debate in the House of Commons, it was decided to form a parliamentary committee to look into the matter. A report was written a few months later and as a result of a private member's bill, a person was hired to actually change the light bulbs in each of the offices of all of the MPs. This man's salary was determined by fair wage policies put forth in previous legislation and was set at $56,000.00 per annum. The time of the parliamentarians was now freed up to do the work of government. The LBC (light bulb changer) was required to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees and then was required to be protected from job hazards, yet to be determined.

A safety committee was struck to look into such things as ladder heights, the toxicity of various types of light bulbs and the danger of light glare in the eyes. A permanent position was created to oversee the LBC's tasks in terms of safety because every situation was different and the LBC was not technically qualified to assess each situation. Because there was now a payroll for this job, an accountant was hired as well as a supervisor to oversee the LBC, the safety technician, and the accountant. The LCB was allowed, under his contract, three weeks paid vacation so a replacement had to be hired, but had to be trained first. The LCB then received a salary bonus as a specialty trainer. Together with a newly acquired secretary, the LCB drew up a draft for a training manual, and had it published in both official languages, after having had it edited for political correctness and gender bias. Of course, it stated quite clearly that the assistant LBC had to be a female of colour to meet the requirements of equal opportunity. With this many employees in the newly created LBC department, an oversight committee was formed, who were directly responsible to the under secretary of  the assistant to the deputy minister in charge of maintenance of the Parliament Buildings. 

And then came the downturn in the economy.
Every ministry and every department was required to cut costs in order to meet new budget requirements. Each and every department was required to report on exactly what they had done to keep expenses down, and indeed actually cut costs. The deputy minister in charge of Parliamentary building maintenance was absolutely proud as he announced that they had reduced their direct expenses by $56,000.00 for the fiscal year. They had fired the LBC. 

The LBC department remained intact in order to lessen the impact on the job figures, but the MPs now change their own light bulbs. After all, they should suffer in a downturn like the rest of us Canadians.    

Controversy

This is what folks in New Zealand saw on a billboard recently. It is Mary, the future mother of Jesus, being aghast while holding a pregnancy tester in her hand. It has brought both controversy and condemnation, and praise. For those who are devout and venerate Mary, this would be blasphemous. For those who recognise that it is obviously meant to stir the pot on our attitudes towards unwed pregnancy, it is mildly amusing. I see it as misinformation, apart from the obvious fact that Mary did not have access to a pregnancy tester.

What it most certainly portrays, is that Mary was surprised, and that far away look in her eyes tells us that she is pondering her most uncertain future when she finds out she is with child. But, hold on just a moment. The fact that Mary was pregnant was no surprise to her.

An angel came to her and told her she was most honoured among women and that the Spirit of God would descend upon her and she would be with child. She knew in advance, and the Bible said that she pondered these things in her heart. When it was confirmed that she was pregnant, it was no surprise, but rather a confirmation that it was indeed as the Angel had said. She even knew that the baby's name would be Jesus and that he would be the son of the God most high!  

That is vastly different than a woman being surprised after the fact.

Are these people not reading their Bibles?

Quotes

The glory days of Fall just before the heavy frosts hit.

I do a lot of reading and here are few choice quotes from the last few days.

1. In reading some great minds in the midst of their search for solutions for solving the world's economic woes, the word 'laissez-faire' comes up quite a bit these days. It originated in 1860 when then French finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert asked a merchant named M.Le Gendre what the state could do to promote industry. His reply, and the translation: "let it be". Good advice, I think.     

2. "Bankrupt entities tend to go bankrupt. Greece will default, eventually"  Eric Fry

3. Justin Trudeau in the House of Commons addressing our Minister of the Environment Peter Kent, "You are a piece of s**t"

Apparently, the acorn has not fallen far from the tree. I recall his father, then Prime Minister of Canada, travelling through Salmon Arm BC in his luxury coach giving some protesters the middle finger salute. Family traditions die hard.*More on this if you like, below.

4. Bill Bonner of the Daily Reckoning has a good definition of government: "Government is just a way for the insiders to take advantage of the outsiders."

5. My Grandson Liam (3) after losing the guitar pick inside the guitar, "Just forget about it"   

*I'm not sure about you, but I have been amused watching the events unfold at the Durban climate change meetings - they are talking about global warming again, and what bad people we are as Canadians. The fallout from this reached into the House of Commons yesterday with an outburst from the Liberal's next great hope, Justin Trudeau, calling the federal Environment Minister a "piece of shit." You can read an article about that by clicking here.

To be clear, there is no doubt that Peter Kent could have been somewhat more eloquent in addressing this matter instead of sticking to talking points. Having said that, he is totally correct in my view to say that Kyoto is over and that Canada needs to move on.

I recently spoke to a group of University of Windsor law students. During the question and answer period, which lasted an hour (the future of this country will be very bright if all university students are this engaged with their thoughtful questions and rebuttals!), I was asked about Kyoto. When I responded that Canada emits 2% of the world's greenhouse gases they were surprised to hear that it is that low. When I told them that Alberta's oil sands contribute just 5% of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions they were again surprised as they expected it would be a lot more.

Where is most of the media on this? Crickets. They want you to believe the sky is falling and that Canada's Conservative government are a bunch of red-neck dinosaurs when it comes to dealing with the environment. China gets a free pass even though they contribute over 20% of the world's greenhouse gases. The US never signed on to Kyoto and guess who was Vice President at that time - Al Gore, the 'do as I say, not as I do' hypocrite.

So, why are the Justin Trudeau's of the political left complaining so loudly when they did ZERO while they were in power? The Liberals know their own record on this file - they were all talk and no action as usual. They signed Kyoto and reaped the PR benefits of doing so without ever following through.

The federal Conservative party has rightly called their bluff, and have now said 'good riddance' to an expensive agreement that did nothing. That is the reality as to why the Liberals are so mad - they have been hoisted on their own petards and do not like the view.

Peter Coleman of the National Citizen's Coalition

 

Rewards

I love my customers! When I work for someone for the first time, there is a period of time where I feel they are testing me, or at least trying to get to know me. I was recommended to them by a friend or neighbour, but they have to verify what was told them according to the way they see things. I tread lightly too and slowly discover what they are about, what their expectations are, and just how friendly they want to be. 

One year ago, we did a large job for Dr. X and it went well. The previous painters had done an atrocious job so we knew they would be pleased with our work, but did not know if they would like us. This last week, we spent another three days in their home and it was like we were long lost friends. I love this about my job.

Today I went to get supplies for the next project and was told at the store that a customer of mine was in and wanting to know if I would be available in the New Year. The manager did not remember her name (he is my age, how can you tell?) but he did comment that she told him that we had become friends. I expect a call very soon from my "friend" whoever that may be.    

Snowman Humour, or Not

The missing snowman was eventually found. He was at Safeway in the produce department, picking his nose.

One snowman to another, "You are right, it does smell like carrots!"

When Mr. Snowman put his entire paycheck in the snow bank, Mrs. Snowman gave him the cold shoulder.

Enough already. I can hear your groans from here!