When Plants Do Time

For many years I watched Sophie grow up in the shadow of her brother, who was a soccer player destined for great things, and actually did end up going to an American University on a full soccer scholarship. They practiced endlessly in the field at the end of the street or in their back yard right next to my patio. She is a very pretty, bright, and determined girl who also happens to be quite intelligent and personable. So it was quite a thrill to watch her and her team mates on the Canadian Olympic Women's Soccer team tie China in a match I was able to watch yesterday. After two games they are undefeated and did look very strong. Who would have thought, when she was a young girl, that it would be her that was destined for great things.

My only other connection to the Beijing Olympics is that I like Chinese food.

Hydrangea

The Hydrangeas are beautiful this year. It is unusual to see the blossoms blend from lime green, to pink, to mauve, to blue, all in one cluster because these are levels of maturity and indicators of differing soil conditions.


It turns out that I was right about the football game last night. It was great! The Air show is a bust for today because of the rain. And the Olympics? I made a concerted effort last night to watch the coverage from Beijing and came away with a few observations. Off and on, I watched for maybe two hours and saw maybe 15 minutes of actual competition. The commercials were coming thick and fast and repetitively. There was coverage of some background of a few of our Canadian Olympians, some snippets of the opening ceremonies, a painfully long review of the march of the Olympians into the 'Bird's Nest' stadium, some interesting Chinese cultural videos, and so much coverage of the heat, humidity, and bad air that I literally gagged. If last night was any indication of things to come, then sifting through all this peripheral nonsense to find some riveting sports battles featuring Canadian athletes will be an Olympian task.

Rose, Beautiful Rose.

No, this is not the same rose as yesterday. Can one have too many photos of roses? I think not. For those who are tired of the same old, same old, there is the Abbotsford Airshow this weekend. But just a minute. The Abbotsford Airshow is the same old, same old. I am not against it but I must say that I have not been in many years. It seems to me to be one of those things that when you've seen one, you've seen them all. It is too much to endure for a 20 minute thrill at the end to see the 'big boys' in all their glory doing everything but dropping bombs on the Blueberry fields.

So we will try the Olympics. They are fresh and new only because many of the athletes are there for the first time. I find them mildly interesting, however all the hoopla and blown money for the opening and closing ceremonies seems an incredible waste to me.

Last but not least is the BC Lions attempt tonight to redeem themselves against the Edmonton Eskimos. In my opinion, this is the best bet for getting away from the same old, same old this weekend.

The Rose

The Beijing Summer Olympics are on the verge of starting and I say it is about time. I forget from one time to the next how much hype surrounds the Olympics, but it seems to me that this time it is very much over the top. After listening to the coverage the last few months, I think we all know more about the torch run, the human rights issues, and the air quality concerns than we do about the athletes. The timing seems to be perfect for China as they are exploding on the world economic scene and now all eyes will be on them for the next few weeks to an even greater degree. This really was an ideal opportunity for the free democratic nations of the world to put pressure on China regarding human rights issues. But, in the end, it will be the Chinese people themselves that will initiate change as they are becoming more confident in their new found wealth and in the fact that the world seems to be watching closely what happens there.

Why Photograph?

I had coffee with an old friend and the conversation turned to photography. He said that as time progressed, he cared less about his photos and did not care if they were lost, stolen or destroyed. It got me thinking. Why do we even do it if it is unimportant, and it is true that in the end, we cannot take the photos with us and they may just end up in a recycle bin somewhere.

I think you would agree that there is a fascination with an old family photo, the older it being, the more intriguing it is. It is our history and as well, we look for family resemblances and are intrigued with the way the genetic pool plays itself out.

On the other hand, that picture we took of the waterfall in Montana in 1974 has absolutely no meaning today, unless it was a picture of superb quality in its composition and lighting. The difference is that then it is not just the recording of what we saw on a family trip, but it is a piece of art worth preserving. One of the reasons I take photos is because it is a creative outlet for me. I see beauty in nature and I want to record it and turn it into something that brings pleasure to all who see it. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as we have all discovered as we have wandered through art museums.

I would be disappointed, but not devastated, if all my photos were to be lost. Some are 'once in a lifetime' shots, but most can be reproduced at some future time. Even if they are never once looked at after I am gone, it will be OK. What they do for me now, as a creative hobby, and as a way to appreciate God's amazing handiwork, is worth it.

Dying

I saw this butterfly flutter up from the garden into the cedar hedge and ran for my camera. Not until I downloaded the image onto my computer did I see that it was in really rough shape and was dying. A little while later it was lying in the grass, gasping its last breath. I think that is what it was doing but probably butterflies cannot gasp.

I think of the national Liberal Party and how it has been trying to find an issue that resonates with Canadians so they can get enough of us on side to call an election. How sad when a political party thinks they can woo us with a new tax! When I was a kid, my father would give me an incentive to do a task, not punish me in advance so I would do it. But that is what these carbon taxes are. Tax freedom day in Canada is well into July these days and now Dion wants to push it into August. I predict he will not get any support for this idea and there will not be an election called on this issue in the fall. Of course, some other issue could arise, as often happens, but all things being equal, I believe that Canadians will be satisfied with the Conservatives for some time to come. In the interim, be careful how much you gasp as this only increases the amount of Carbon Dioxide you are spewing into the atmosphere and this is causing global warming. Yeah, right.

Changes

The technology in the automotive world has advanced tremendously since Henry Ford developed the assembly line for his Model T's. However, the internal combustion engine has been at the root of transportation for too long. Finally, there is an incentive great enough to drive inventors and engineers to create alternatives that will shake the automotive industry. I predict that in the next 5 to 10 years you will see vehicles on the roads that you would not recognize today, not only in style but in the way they are propelled. Fuel cell technology, solar power, rechargeable batteries, hybrids, and compressed air engines will take over. This will ensure that the vast oil reserves (yes, they are still vast) of the globe can be better prioritized and the air will also become healthier. Those if us who grew up in the 'muscle car' era will have a difficult time with this. Oh well, I am beginning to realise that as we age, our list of 'life's little pleasures' get shorter anyway.

Yellow Daisies

There are certain theories in science that have been declared closed, no more discussion. None have had such a devastating effect on humanity as has Darwinism. There is a growing body of scientists who, behind closed doors, are stating their views on Intelligent Design as the origin of the universe and all life here on earth. I predict, however, that evolution is so firmly entrenched that it will not be removed in my life time. The reason I believe this is not because the science is not there to disprove it, but at the root of it is a rebellion against God. This is an obstacle that can only be overcome on an individual basis and those in the world of science who have put their faith in God the Creator will continue to go underground with their beliefs. Their jobs and their love of science are at stake.

As in my photo above, the truth is clear but has been obscured in a framework of false religion, that of evolution.

Garden Bouquet

The number of scientists subscribing to anthropogenic (human caused) global warming is dwindling according to the author of the book "The Deniers". The numbers of those who are questioning or outright rejecting the idea is growing. Although a huge industry has grown around the issue and there is a lot of money at stake for those involved, I predict that good science will prevail and the idea will gradually fade away. It is very firmly entrenched, however, and the intelligentsia of the world do not eat crow very well. The evidence will prove to be so overwhelming that we will look back at these years as the 'Carbon Footprint' years and chuckle, as we did years later when the promised Ice Age did not materialise.

Some very good offshoots of this episode in mankind's history will be cleaner air and several alternative fuels for transportation and other energy needs.

In any event, the flowers will continue to grow and I will continue to photograph them.

Bad Hair Daisy

I usually have an opinion about most things and am not afraid to let people know. Someone once said that everyone was entitled to his opinion and it was a free service he offered. Oh, that was me. A bad habit of opinionated people is that they like to make predictions and I am no exception. Never mind that these prediction rarely come true. Because nobody really cares about my predictions, nobody keeps track so I get off the hook really easily. Because, therefore, I am not accountable for my predictions, and because it is my blog, I will make a few in the next several posts. If you perchance challenge me on one of them in the near future, my defence is that it is only my opinion. If I was right, you do not have to congratulate me as I will probably be gloating too much to hear you. That is what us opinionated people do.

My first prediction is regarding security at your local Greyhound bus depot. In light of the latest murder and decapitation on a bus near Brandon Manitoba, security there will soon resemble that of your local airport. A socialistic society bent on creating a utopia will jump at the chance to eliminate all risk at all times. It is happening all around us everyday. The problem is that elimination of risk is always done at the expense of freedom.

Tomorrow, my predictions on the Global Warming issue. Isn't this fun?!

A Lazy Day

I only call it a lazy day because I did not do any physical work. When having my vehicle serviced, I can count on killing at least a half day, so I just took the whole day off. I met some folks I have seen many times in church and visited with them for an hour over a cup of Tim Horton's and also got to meet some of their friends, including a woman who was having her 100th birthday today. Then it was off to do odds and ends that can never get done during the work day. I bought printer cartridges for my new printer for the first time and nearly fell over from the shock of paying $73.00 for one black and one colour cartridge! I then purchased a part so I could repair our stove. Yesterday my 3rd CPP cheque was deposited into my account and today it is all gone plus the tip I was so pleased to get yesterday. At this point the thought of retiring is a joke. Why am I not laughing. If one day off work is so expensive, how will I ever handle 7?

Three In One

Since going digital with my photography, and being able to manipulate the final product, my experience has been that it is rare when a photograph cannot be enhanced with cropping. The top photo was taken in the garden a few days ago and when I looked at it just now, I decided that there were three images I wanted to keep, the original and two cropped. Other than that, I did nothing to them.

A snapshot of my work today revealed two different pictures. My first impression was one of misgiving as I was asked for ID, for the first time ever, when I arrived at a job. It was a one day effort for two elderly widows living in a mobile home. I was viewed with suspicion and mistrust and felt uncomfortable. As the day progressed, I slowly won them over through friendly conversation and concern for one of them when she fell and hurt herself. By the end of the day they were overjoyed with the final result and when I handed them the invoice, they were shocked that it did not cost more. After a half-hearted attempt at turning it down, I walked out with a cheque and a $50.00 tip! We are now buddies and feeling very good about each other. I was not always able to accomplish this sort of outcome, but experience and a developing genuine interest in people has enable me to make the best of almost any situation. I am not boasting for I believe it is God working in my life that has given me much more patience than I had as a young man. Again, two different pictures, one then and one now, but the same original. You might say that I have been cropped.

Poppy

Why am I tested so? After the Tums took the pain away last night, I vowed I would not repeat such activity again. It would have been of great benefit to be in the wilderness somewhere, with only roots and berries to dine on for lunch. But, no, I happened to work for some very kind and generous folks today. Around 10 am the lady of the house slipped out the front door and returned shortly with a box laden with goodies from the gourmet bakeshop down the street. The wonderful coffee would have been plenty but the big cardboard box contained much more than liquid refreshment. There were two very large sticky buns with white cream cheese frosting, two rather enormous Danish with healthy dollops of tangy lemon in the centre, and two huge cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple Danish that were dripping with liquid brown goodness. As I poured the 18% cream into my coffee, I asked if one of those treats was for me. It was not as forward as it sounds because I thought I had heard her say, when she came in the door, that she brought me a little something. Anyway, her reply was that it was ALL for me! I almost broke into tears, first of gratitude, and then of remorse. I have a fatal weakness for pastries of any kind and now I was being given carte blanche on a whole box of ecstasy. But what saved my bacon was the fact that I had confessed to gross sins last night on my post, and I simply could not repeat those actions. Out of a feeling of obligation (that is a lie) I graciously accepted a Lemon Danish, thinking that although it would still be delicious, it would probably contain the least calories of the three choices. As I continued working after the coffee break, I was being continually tempted as the box was within sight and reach the whole time. After all was said and done, I am very pleased to announce that I restrained myself, but with hugely mixed emotions. What the pretty Poppy has to do with anything is beyond me.

The Challenge

I was challenged tonight and I must admit that I rose (rose .... get it.... a reference to the picture) to the challenge and came out on top, at least for now. I am not usually one to admit my shortcomings and I take pride in being a disciplined person, but tonight is confession time. The sweetness of my life and one of the better cooks I have been married to, made an amazing pie for dessert tonight and I relished every morsel of the good sized piece she allowed me to have. And then came the challenge. She stepped out for the evening and left me alone with 'the pie'. With little remorse or regret, even now, (ask me at midnight when the heartburn starts) I dove into the pie. As her digestive system does not take kindly to pie, she did not have a piece so there was only one piece missing, the one I had eaten only minutes earlier. I am proud (or ashamed) to admit that there is now only 1/2 a pie left. Before you cast stones, let me tell you what kind of pie it was. Butterscotch cream on a home made shell with whipped cream and sprinkled with toasted almonds and shaved chocolate. I would be posting a picture of it but I am afraid that if I take it out of the fridge one more time, there may be another challenge and there will only be crumbs to photograph. You would much rather see a photo of a rose, wouldn't you?

House Boat

I considered the pros and cons of living in a houseboat. Or is it on a house boat?
Pros: You could pack up and leave when the neighbourhood turned bad.
You would not have to mow or water your lawn.
You would have no need for a swimming pool in your back yard.
No worries of dry air in the house.
No settling or cracking of your foundation.
No ant problems.
You could fish for your supper while you were heating up your frying pan.

Cons: Possible 24/7 sea sickness in bad weather.
No more packing the groceries from the garage to the kitchen.
No backyard BBQ's.
No veggie garden.
Dampness ..... everywhere, all the time.
Like sleeping on a water bed even on your Sealy Posturepedic.
No place to put your ladder if you have to get on your roof.

There is a charm and a romantic appeal about living on/in one of these beauties but they remind me of mobile homes that have an aura of impermanence about them. Although built for limited mobility, they generally are not moved much, if ever. I think I prefer a solid footing and foundation to my home. But I must make friends with someone who owns one of these so I can come visit and then make a final decision.

Ice-cream Trucks

My ears have just been assaulted by the daily ice-cream truck that prowls the neighbourhood, rain or shine. The young lad across the street bought a treat a few weeks back and now our street has been deemed a gold mine in the mind of the ice-cream truck drivers. I have learned to hate "Music Box Dancer" and "Pop Goes the Weasel" almost as much Disneyland's "It's a Small World"! I have to take great care to disassociate those tunes from ice-cream lest I puke every time I see the cold creamy treat. I heard recently that in Britain, or maybe only parts of Britain, these annoying ice-cream trucks have been banned, or at least the music they play has been. I do not see how they could stay in business if they cannot advertise their whereabouts, but I am in favour of the banning in principle. Funny how the children salivate when they hear the sound and the adults just hang onto their money a little tighter, and plug their ears. Let me know if you disagree and if it is just the old codger in me rearing its ugly head, looking for cheap ice-cream and quiet place to eat it.

More Chemainus Murals

Looking at these photos, it is hard to believe that they are all outside walls of buildings. Note the cleverly disguised air vent in the wall just above the driver's head. I should have put a real person in the photo to show perspective. They were much larger than life size.
This may be a representation of the natives of Vancouver Island seeing the tall sailing ships for the first time. There was a Tall Ships Festival in the area this week.

Just up the road from Chemainus is the town of Duncan whose many charms include the world's largest hockey stick, a leftover from Expo '86. Perhaps this mural is a tribute to that landmark.

Chemainus Murals

I know I have built the suspense way beyond what it is worth, but here they finally are, the Chemainus Murals, or at least, some of them.


I was impressed to see how well maintained they were. They are detailed even up close and it amazes me how the artist can maintain perspective on such a large scale while working within an arm's length of his 'canvas'. More to come.

Fantasy Sailing

I had this rather dull photo of a sailboat that I did not know what to do with when I got a little creative last night and this is the result. Today, after reading a report on the AGORA Financial Symposium being held in Vancouver, I had an idea to link the picture to what is going on in North America these days. Consumerism has finally eaten the heart out of the economy in the U.S. and soon to follow in Canada. When did we as a society decide we could spend our way to wealth and security. Bigger houses, bigger vehicles, more debt, and more spending has not only put people in debt but also the nation. The USA is on the verge of bankruptcy. If you don't understand how this can work, watch the papers or wait for the movie coming out in August called I.O.U.S.A. It is predicted that soon we will all be poorer but wiser and then we get a second chance to get it right, that is to live within our means and actually spend less than we earn. It works for individuals and it works for nations. Meanwhile, we are still on a fantasy cruise on a boat we don't own.

And the pictures of those murals are still coming.

Chemainus Tour

Chemainus is well known for its murals and for its live theatre. Above is the beautiful structure which hosts the Theatre Festival and includes a gift shop and restaurant as well as the intimate setting for its live performances. We took in Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'South Pacific', an evening of song, dance, and drama. A stroll around town reveals many interesting sites and buildings, such as this old church, St Michael's and All Angels. The photos of some of the town's famous murals are still coming.