If you want to read the facts about rural Ontario’s predicament, here’s an editorial by a local newsman:
Wind Turbine Religion Ignores Rural People
Then maybe watch this movie if your stomach will stand it:
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Clearing out the basement in preparation for brother’s visit next week, came across my old Dutch oven.
Last time it was in use, I believe, was over a camp fire in North Carolina. My dear friend and cookbook author, the late Frances MacIlquham, had it heating over our fire. Forget what she was cooking but I bet it was something exotic.
Her books included Canadian Game Cooking and North American Fish Cookery; it wasn’t unusual for her to be sautéing moose or bear meat for a stew. She kept a smoker in her back yard to preserve whatever game came in from the field.
Brought back fond memories of days when we were members of Outdoor Writers of America as well as members of Outdoor Writers of Canada. She introduced me to writing for the outdoors and I enjoyed several years doing just that.
I must remind our old editor of Globe and Mail Outdoor Section, Bob Rife. He is still around, typing with two fingers. He’s a computer nerd these days, he tells me on LinkedIn.
Decided to give the old cast iron pot one more go around the kitchen; cleaned and re-seasoned it then made spaghetti sauce. If only camp fires were allowed in Owen Sound somewhere.
I think I’ll keep it awhile longer just for old times sake.
This is message from my friend and Producer Director of Awaiting Atwood, a movie project in which I have a cameo part: Margaret Atwood is a national icon: a fiercely intelligent, creative and compassionate Canadian. Although she signifies this untouchable hero symbol in our film- in real life she has been boldly sticking her neck out for the Canada she loves, the Toronto she loves, the values and institutions she feels humanize and enrich us. And through making this film- in the research stage and also in filming- I have learned a great deal more about someone who once was a symbol but now is a flesh and blood, bold and brave woman who speaks out on behalf of others, is NOT afraid to organize, and will not let herself be bullied or demeaned in the process. My admiration for her art, her bravery, and her legacy on Canadian society has deepened tenfold over the past year. It has been a real privilege to work on an artistic project which revolves around her. To meet her in person has been a real charge for Betty Ann and me! Ms. Atwood is among the one in ten writers who is able to make a living full time writing- no doubt due to her brilliance- yet she seems to never forget the legions of OTHER artists who struggle- and so her unfailing support for Awaiting Atwood and willingness to lend her celebrity to help others- has struck me deeply and been consistent. This week’s uproar in Toronto involving Ms. Atwood’s defence of public libraries- has created a movement for Atwood to run as Mayor. Okay. But I hope and pray that Ms. Atwood can continue to write and instead serve her entire country as our next Governor General. I have posted a clip of BA and I slamming into her on the street and YES- we recognize her! We almost lose our donuts! Here’s to our hero. ONLY 12 DAYS TO RAISE $3300!!* This funding campaign on IndieGoGo has been very successful because of your support in sharing your hard earned dollars to help us with production costs, talking up this film with your friends and family, and sharing it with your Facebook and Twitter community. We simply cannot make it over the top, without YOU backing us! Please give us a little extra push over the next 10 days if you can. Thanks so much, Beth Mairs Dear Readers; I’m adding my plea for funds for this project. I am sufficiently vain enough to want to see myself on the silver screen once more…… My heartfelt thanks to family and friends who shared in my 82nd birthday celebrations over the weekend of July 9 and 10. I would like to write a personal note to all of you but I find my stamina is not as robust as in my younger days. My youngest grandson, Avery, gets the picture of just how old I feel sometimes; he asked if there were any birds around when dinosaurs roamed!! I appreciate all of you who made a donation in my name to your favourite Food Bank – and to those who shared strawberry shortcake with IODE members at Oliphant contributing to our support of those in need, especially children, in Canada and around the world. Be sure all your donations will be used by this Canadian women’s charitable organization to continue a century of traditional service by IODE. Thanks to those who came to a jazz fun night at Rocky Raccoon’s Café on Saturday night – great time – great food – great music! And thanks also to the many messages by mail, phone and email. I will try to respond to each of you and trust we may continue our association in whatever way is possible.
I take this opportunity to invite all those who care to assist me in bringing to public attention the work of many not-for-profit groups so often overlooked in our busy lives. Please share in my efforts through writing blogs and articles on line and other media to support the work of not-for-profit organizations.
Blessings to you and yours.
Much love from Doreen
I had mixed feelings today watching the last shuttle liftoff from Kennedy Space Centre – something I saw often while a Florida snowbird with my husband, Larry. I wish the crew a safe journey. Unfortunately, I saw a tragic disaster while standing in front of my trailer and looking up at the sky as the shuttle cleared the horizon so near and yet several miles away. It seems so many years ago now but the image is seared in my memory. Watching in horror as the explosion happened clearly, we knew something was not right. We rushed indoors to see and hear the tragic report on television. I will never forget those smiling faces before the launch; so full of anticipation and hope. We cried when we realized they will not return. But we learned from their sacrifice just as we learn from explorations everywhere. I, for one, will always be grateful to those who put their lives on the line for the good of others. A peek into some influences in my past – CKCO Kitchener station manager Don Wilcox approved production in 1984 of The Camping Show The 26 episode series aired first in 1985 syndicated across CTV network and won an award for Best in It’s Class. Conceived by Doreen Fawcett, produced and directed by Peter Kent, starring Jeff Hutcheson and Kelly Crowe. Jeff and Kelly are broadcasters in June 2011. Not sure where the rest of the crew is now. Happy memories of an exciting part of my life. Early TV Broadcasting in Canada  My Dad I’ll Never Forget You, Dad Riding tea tray down with bro Nicknames you gave me Born too soon to avoid Hoisted up to see Counting pounds on eiderdown You are here when music airs Territorials first to go Scared to death huddled in shelter Unexpected leave, a sharp reproof Borrowed chariot a rescue I’ll Never Forget You, Dad Your Squibbs Dear Relatives and Friends, The skies cleared as Glenda made a heartfelt and moving eulogy to her beloved Poppa, recalling many things that will remind us all of the kind dear man who was the last of his siblings to leave us. Judy and Leon, Adele (Leon’s sister), Glenda’s daughter Sara, Janine and myself completed the gathering. We exchanged our precious memories, recalling Gordon’s love of sports, horse racing, his continuing interest in local farm matters, crops successes and changes he avidly watched around the township. He was always in on the latest gossip enjoying frequent visits with his cousin Margaret (Fawcett) Radbourne as well as the many friends he had after living in the area for 88 years. Carefully placing the burial container into the ground prepared for it and covering with dirt, Judy then planted perennials in the plot surrounded by predeceased family members. She told me later she had reserved some ashes and intended to sprinkle them at the farm on 10th Concession, where successive members of the family had farmed. The property has now passed to other relatives, Tim and Pearl Sweiger, who always welcomed Gordon back to visit at any time. Indeed, a similar invitation has been extended to me to drop by with other relatives wishing to see our Century Farm. Gordon’s wide range of friends in Tara was evident later at the local diner where he had been a regular patron. We recieved several nods from those eating who knew who we were. The proprietors also greeted us knowing somehow that we had been at the cemetery. Such is the grapevine in a small village. I relish the warm welcome I get myself when I stop in there for a quick lunch when in the neighbourhood. Gordon was a caring father, father in law, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, great uncle, cousin, brother in law and good friend to many. Salt of the earth, he will be deeply missed. Please pass this on to others who do not have email. Sorry if I have missed anyone. Please let me know of anyone wishing to be placed on my Relatives & Friends mailing list. Blessings to you and yours, As I read this letter from a newly minted MP, I felt encouraged that parliament is going to be more democratic – eventually. I have a feeling you will hold some toes to the fire that belong to Mr Stephen (I’m running the show, don’t tell ‘em anything)Harper and others who need it. Thanks, Elizabeth – I’m glad I voted Green! Here’s the letter from Elizabeth May, MP: Dear Doreen, As of May 30th at 1:16 pm, Canada has its first elected (and sworn in) Member of Parliament! The ceremony was brief and efficient with the Clerk of the House, the impressive Audrey O’Brien, presiding. Gathered with me were some dear friends and family. My father, brother and sister-in-law in Margaree Harbour, Cape Breton Island were unable to make the trip, but my kids (three out of four!) made it and my nephew and family who live in Ottawa and many who have supported me for decades were in the room. Parliament Hill feels like home to me. It has for a long time due to my work when I was in government. And I am especially fond of the rooms occupied by the Speaker of the House—so it was meaningful to give my oath in one of them. In the struggle to save South Moresby, former Speaker of the House John Fraser played a significant role. In those long gone days, when Parliamentary conduct was more respectful and when non-partisan cooperation was the norm, Fraser would host gatherings of British Columbia environmentalists who were in town to lobby for the protection of the incredible ancient forests of the southern third of Haida Gwaii. And routinely, Fraser would invite my boss, Progressive Conservative Environment Minister Tom McMillan, to confer with the NDP Environment Critic Jim Fulton and the Liberal former Environment Minister Charles Caccia in his office. The Speaker has the use of a series of rooms along the rear north corridor of Centre Block. So I recall dinner meetings in the small dining room, more formal gatherings in the larger salon, and intense strategy sessions in the speaker’s office under the large photo of Winston Churchill, one taken by Yousuf Karsh in that same office. On Monday, I was in the middle of the media scrum in the room where MPs are sworn in trying to describe to reporters how I intend to go forward—how I believe that one Green MP can change Parliament—when I remembered an event in that very room. It was when a number of environmentalists and Haida leaders were in Ottawa in 1987. The reception was more formal and John Fraser made his remarks in welcome. He said of our non-partisan collaboration: “We are part of the conspiracy to save the planet.” And so that is my goal. The voices of the past, of greater people in public life, of Churchill’s and of Pearson’s; of Fraser’s and of Caccia’s, of men like Jim Fulton who turned his office into a beehive of green activism, these voices still echo for those with keen ears to hear. We still see their vision, those of us with eyes open and aware to the world of possibilities and not shuttered by the blinkers of fear, greed and self-interest. One Green MP is the beginning of a new era in Canadian political life. Without your help and support this would not have been possible. Thank you. Sincerely, Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P. Saanich Gulf Islands, Leader GPC |
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Copyright © 2012 Doreen Sez - All Rights Reserved |
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And PLEASE share this campaign- we are in the 11th hour. Love you!!
Jack Layton
I’ll bet more than one political party leader would give their eye teeth for the support from a caucus that Jack Layton received recently.
CBC News reported how each caucus member lined up to speak directly to their leader – via Skype – to assure him of their commitment to the NDP party.
And support for Jack personally in his battle against a resurgent disease that has a frightening reputation for striking a human being more than once.
If I had been a betting person, which I am not, I would lay odds on this political party weathering this and many more storms to come. In the words of my professional forbears “Watch this space for more developments!”